RUNNING
START
PROGRAM
STUDENT
HANDBOOK
BELLEVUE COLLEGE 2014/2015
CONTACT INFORMATION
RUNNING START TELEPHONE NUMBER:
425-564-2026
RUNNING START EMAIL:
CHPROGRAMS@BELLEVUECOLLEGE.EDU
RUNNING START WEBSITE:
WWW.BELLEVUECOLLEGE.EDU/RUNNINGSTART
BELLEVUE COLLEGE WEBSITE:
WWW.BELLEVUECOLLEGE.EDU
RUNNING START OFFICE LOCATION:
CENTER FOR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS,
2ND FLOOR OF THE B BUILDING
3000 LANDERHOLM CIRCLE SE, BELLEVUE, WA 98007
TELEPHONE NUMBER: 425-564-2026
FAX NUMBER: 425-564-6029
STAFF
JANE BARRY
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
EMAIL: JANE.BARRY@BELLEVUECOLLEGE.EDU
TELEPHONE NUMBER: 425-564-3054
OFFICE LOCATION: B233G
ESTHER BOGUSLAVSKY
ENROLLMENT COORDINATOR
EMAIL: ESTHER.BOGUSLAVSKY@BELLEVUECOLLEGE.EDU
TELEPHONE NUMBER: 425-564-3150
OFFICE LOCATION: B233G
LINDA KEPLER
PROGRAM SPECIALIST
EMAIL: LINDA.KEPLER@BELLEVUECOLLEGE.EDU
TELEPHONE NUMBER: 425-564-4154
OFFICE LOCATION: B233E
GLENN JACKSON
DIRECTOR OF HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS
EMAIL: GLENN.JACKSON@BELLEVUECOLLEGE.EDU
TELEPHONE NUMBER: 425-564-4035
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contact Information
2
Bellevue College Running Start
4 - 10
Academic Policy
10 -11
Family Educational Rights
and Privacy Act (FERPA)
12 - 13
Student Resources and Services
14 - 15
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HOW RUNNING START WORKS AT BELLEVUE COLLEGE
The credits you earn at Bellevue College can, with careful planning, apply to your high
school graduation and college degree or certificate.
Your college tuition is covered through Running Start. The maximum credit eligible through
Running Start is based on your combined high school and college enrollment. See the
Running Start Enrollment Verification form for credit eligibility. You can take more credits
than your approved amount and self-pay the tuition.
Bellevue College follows federal guidelines under the Family Education Rights and Privacy
Act (FERPA) which means that only students have access to their college grades and
records. Information Release forms are provided to students in the Orientation Folder.
The grades and credits earned through Running Start at Bellevue College are part of your
permanent college and high school transcripts.
WHAT RUNNING START OFFERS
Free college tuition. The maximum credit eligible through Running Start is based on your
combined high school and college enrollment. See the Running Start Enrollment Verification
Form for credit eligibility.
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College instruction taught by faculty who care about your success
A wide variety of classes that may not be offered at your high school
Small class size ̶ averaging 30 students per class
Class schedule flexibility ̶ classes are offered during the day, evening, weekend and
online.
Opportunity to participate in all college activities, clubs and leaderships programs
except for intercollegiate athletics
New opportunities to grow and build meaningful relationships
Opportunity to simultaneously earn your high school diploma and college degree
HOW MANY QUARTERS CAN I BE IN RUNNING START?
Eligible students can participate for a maximum of 6 quarters (fall, winter, and spring
quarters of the junior and senior years). In accordance with state rules, there is no Running
Start in the summer quarter. If you want to attend Summer Quarter, you must pay
your own tuition.
ENROLLMENT VERIFICATION FORM
Running Start students are required to turn in an Enrollment Verification Form
every quarter before they are allowed to register online. Students should make
an appointment to meet with his or her high school counselor before
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registration begins every quarter. Together the student and counselor will fill out
the Running Start Enrollment Verification form which requires your high school
counselor’s signatures and your parent/guardian signature.
CAN I ATTEND BELLEVUE COLLEGE FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME?
Yes, you can take all of your classes at Bellevue College, or some at Bellevue College and
some at your high school. The average credit load for Running Start students is 12-15
credits per quarter (approximately 3 classes). The maximum number of credits for which
Running Start will cover tuition is 15 credits per quarter, providing you do not exceed the
combined enrollment limit which is detailed on your Running Start Enrollment Verification
Form.
CHALLENGES TO CONSIDER
Parents should take into consideration the maturity level of their student when considering
Running Start. Some students who are academically ready may find the independence and
fast pace of college classes overwhelming and would benefit from remaining in the high
school. The material covered in an 11-week quarter at the college is the equivalent to that
which is covered in a year of high school.
Socialization may be an issue for some students. The high school provides a social network
and social experiences for teenagers, some of which may not be available at the college.
There is great age diversity on the college campus. Students will be attending classes with
adult students their parent’s age. Some may find this uncomfortable; most find it an
enriching experience.
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Transportation is the responsibility of the student. Dependable transportation is a
must and student should take into consideration travel time and parking time when
planning their class schedule.
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The college operates on the quarter system while high schools operate on a semester
system causing time conflict with holidays and vacation periods. Students who
attend the college full time will be in school when their friends at the high school are
on vacation and vice versa. Students who attend both the college and the high
school will always be in school except for an extended vacation period during
December.
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The scheduling of college classes may conflict with high school classes or
extracurricular activities.
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The high school is the final authority on what is required for high school graduation.
Care must be given to work closely with the high school counselor to insure
graduation requirements will be met.
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As in the case with all BC students there is no guarantee that a RS student will be
able to register for a particular class at the preferred time or quarter.
PAYMENT PLAN
The Tuition Payment Plan at Bellevue College allows for a convenient automatic payment of
your tuition and class fees in monthly installments each quarter. The plan is available through
Nelnet Business Solutions. Enrollment in the plan is quarterly. More information can be found
at http://www.bellevuecollege.edu/enrollment/financial/pplan/
FEE WAIVER PROGRAM
Running Start does offer a fee waiver program for low-income students. Students who qualify
for free or reduced lunch at their high school, or other state aid and foster youth may qualify
for the fee waiver program. Students must complete and sign a fee waiver application,
available at the Running Start office or on the Running Start website
(http://www.bellevuecollege.edu/runningstart/forms/), and turn in all necessary supporting
documentation by the 10th day of the quarter in order to be considered for the fee waiver
program for that quarter. Once a student has turned in the fee waiver application and
supplemental paperwork, the Running Start office will notify them via mail within a week
stating if they qualify or not. The fee waiver covers all quarterly fees and most class fees;
however it is the student’s responsibility to pay for his or her bus pass.
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Payment for Fees and Tuition are due immediately upon registration.
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Fee Waiver, you may be eligible to receive assistance with the cost of tuition and
fees. Please check the High School Programs website for information regarding
Running Start Fee Waiver Eligibility.
CAN I TAKE ONLINE CLASSES AND EVENING CLASSES?
Yes, Running Start students can attend day or evening classes. It is the opinion of the
Attorney General's office that Running Start students will be treated as regular college
students and enrolled in regular college classes. Online and evening classes are considered
to be within the normal delivery of the college curriculum.
Are Online Courses Right For Me? While online (eLearning) classes give more scheduling
flexibility, they can be challenging for certain students. Before enrolling in an eLearning
class you may want to ask yourself how well the following statements describe you:
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I feel comfortable using reading and writing as my primary means of communication
and learning
I feel I can learn in an environment where oral lectures are not the primary means of
learning
I am self-motivated and can work independently
I have no problem communicating with my instructor and other classmates through
electronic means such as email and discussion boards
I have no problem asking questions when I don’t understand something or need
clarification
I have or will have access to a computer on a regular basis
I feel comfortable in my keyboarding abilities
I feel comfortable with basic computer skills such as email, creating and saving files,
and downloading files
I can dedicate approximately 3 hours of work per credit hour to my eLearning class.
If you’ve answered yes to most of these questions, eLearning could be a good option
for you
WHAT DOES RUNNING START COST?
The Running Start program covers up to 15 credits of tuition for college level courses
(courses numbered 100+), depending on the number of classes taken at the high school.
However, there are associated costs with participating in the program, as outlined below.
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COMPASS assessment test fee
Books and transportation costs
Quarterly fees associated with tuition: Facilities fee, Technology fee, Student
Center fee, and Special Services fee. Costs vary per quarter according to enrollment
(see Quarterly Class Schedule for details)
Application for graduation fee
Running Start students may choose to enroll in classes that are below college level (any
course that begins with the number ‘0') or development classes (English 100 or Read 104).
Enrollment in these courses is separate from the Running Start program and as such,
students are responsible for full tuition for those courses. For example, if a student enrolls
in Math 097, the student will be charged tuition for the class according to their residency
and the per-credit rate applied for credits between 1 and 10 (See Tuition and Fees).
Additionally, Running Start students who enroll in more than their quarterly approved
credits will be charged tuition for the credits beyond.
Note: All tuition and fees are subject to change.
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HOW DO I KNOW WHICH CLASSES AT BC APPLY TOWARD
MY HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS?
Your high school counselor can answer this question when you meet with him/her to
“forecast” for your Running Start classes. Different schools accept different courses from
Bellevue College to meet specific requirements. It is critical that you work with your high
school counselor to make sure that you are meeting your high school graduation
requirements. You need to meet with your high school counselor every quarter that you are
in Running Start to complete an Enrollment Verification Form, even if you are homeschooled. On this form, the high school counselor will indicate what specific graduation
requirement each course meets, even if it is an elective.
The ratio is 5:1
a 5 credit class at BC
(e.g., Math or Sociology)
= 1 high school credit
a 1 credit class at BC
(e.g., P.E.)
= 0.2 high school credit
Thus, a Running Start student attending Bellevue College full-time (15 credits per quarter)
would earn 3 high school credits per quarter x 3 quarters = 9 high school credits in a school
year. Students should always check with their high school counselor to discuss high school
graduation requirements. Some high schools may require that specific content be covered,
so in some cases, students may need to take more than one class to meet a high school
graduation requirement.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO OBTAIN BOTH A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
AND A COLLEGE ASSOCIATE DEGREE AFTER COMPLETING
TWO YEARS IN THE RUNNING START PROGRAM?
Yes, it is possible to graduate from high school with an Associate in Arts (A.A.) Degree at
the same time. Typically about 150 Running Start students graduate from Bellevue College
every year with an A.A. degree at the same time they graduate from high school. This takes
careful planning, so be sure to ask the Bellevue College Advising office for advising help
toward an A.A. degree. If you do not plan to graduate from a public high school, you have
the option of asking the college to issue a State of Washington high school diploma upon
completion of an associate degree.
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SHOULD I TAKE EITHER THE SAT OR ACT TEST IF I AM IN
RUNNING START?
Yes. Some universities will require either SAT or ACT scores, even if you earn an Associate
Degree from a community college
COLLEGE LIFE, WHAT TO EXPECT AS A BELLEVUE COLLEGE STUDENT
Running Start students are “regular” college students in every sense of the word with the
same privileges and responsibilities as any other college student.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
Students are expected to meet class deadlines, be prepared for class, ask questions and
conduct themselves in a manner that contributes to their own learning and that of the other
students in the class. If students are having difficulty or want additional information it is
their responsibility to seek out the instructor. Instructors have posted office hours when
students can come to see them for help or discussion. Appointments can often be made
outside of office hours.
WAIT LIST
If you place yourself on the waitlist you must check the wait list daily through the third
official day of the quarter. If you decide you no longer want to take the chance with the
waitlist you must remove yourself from the waitlist. You may only be on 1 waitlist at a
time per quarter. This means if you add yourself to more than one waitlist regardless of
the subject you will be removed from every waitlist except the first waitlist you registered
for. If on the first day of the quarter you are still on the waitlist for a class you need or
want, attend class and talk to the instructor about the options for getting into the class.
Be aware, in some classes the instructor never allows students into the class from the
waitlist. The waitlist should really only ever be used if there are no other sections offered
for the class you need or want to take.
CLASS PACE
Course subjects are taught and material is covered at a much faster pace in college than in
high school. For example, the same amount of subject matter in one course that is taught in
one year of high school is taught in one eleven week quarter at the college. There is little
time for instructors to stop and review lessons for students who do not understand the
material or were absent from class. However, instructors encourage students to come to
their offices for help.
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HOMEWORK
College classes demand an average of at least two (2) hours of homework for each hour of
class. A five credit class will have approximately ten (10) hours of homework each week and
five (5) hours of in-class instruction, so the total time commitment will be approximately
fifteen (15) hours a week, with no classroom time for homework. The time commitment for
15 credits will be similar to that of a 45-hour job.
ATTENDANCE
The instructor may or may not take attendance. It is the students’ responsibility to be
prepared each day for class and to meet all deadlines. Some instructors give pop (surprise)
quizzes. They expect all papers to be turned in on time and some offer no make-up
opportunities.
CLASS PARTICIPATION
This is an important and integral part of being a college student. Most instructors require
students to participate in class discussions; some even include class participation as a factor
in the student’s grade. The students in the classes can range in age from 16 to 80 and
students need to be prepared for a variety of opinions.
GRADE REPORTS
Grades are available on the Kiosk in the Student Services Center or through Online Services
on the BC website approximately one week following final exams. A hard copy of grades will
not automatically be mailed to students. However, a Running Start student’s quarterly
grades will be sent to his or her high school. Students are NOT allowed to audit classes.
ACADEMIC RECORDS
Students successfully completing classes under the Running Start Program will receive both
high school and college credit. Grades reported are part of the student’s permanent college
transcript. An unofficial transcript is available through Online Services, but if students wish
to apply to another college they must list Bellevue College as a college attended and
request an official transcript be sent to that college to verify previous college course work.
RUNNING START ACADEMIC POLICY
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All Bellevue College courses will become part of the student’s permanent record. Only students
have access to their own college grades and records. To obtain student’s grades or records,
parents/guardians must have a student-signed release form completed by the student (available at
the High School Programs office).
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As an institution of higher education, Bellevue College welcomes the expression of diverse and
opposing views that foster learning in a collegiate setting. This adult environment includes
potentially uncomfortable viewpoints that challenge closely held beliefs. Instructors are not
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required to substitute assignments if the student chooses not to complete them. Students should
review course syllabi in the division offices before deciding to enroll in a course.
Students are responsible for meeting all high school graduation requirements and for determining
how high school and BC courses meet two-year and four-year college requirements. Students
should see both their high school counselor and the BC educational planners for academic advising.
Running Start Students are responsible for the following at Bellevue College:
1. All non-tuition costs; books and fees not covered by RS (fee waiver petitions are available)
2. Tuition for credits in excess of 15 per qtr., or the students allotted credits received from the
high school, and courses below 100 level (math courses)
3. Transportation and parking fees (fee waiver petitions are available)
4. Attaining a minimum GPA of 2.0. Students who achieve less than a 2.0 quarterly GPA will
be placed on academic probation. A student achieving less than a 2.0 GPA in any second
quarter will no longer be eligible to participate in Running Start at BC.
5. Reading all email and snail mail correspondence sent by the BC High School Programs
office.
6. Notifying us of all changes in the student contact information or change in high school.
Students are responsible for arranging their college schedule so it does not conflict with their high
school schedule, including finals during spring quarter. Finals will not be rescheduled and cannot be
missed. College courses are offered in three 11-week quarters beginning in September, January
and March/April.
Before changing your schedule you should consult with your high school counselor on whether the
change may impact credit(s) earned and fees. Running Start students are not permitted to
“Audit” a class. If a student wants to drop a class, s/he is responsible for officially withdrawing by
the deadline posted in the quarterly schedule and informing their high school counselor. If a
student withdraws after the second week of the quarter a “W” grade will appear on the student’s
college transcript and no credit will be earned. If a student does not officially withdraw before the
deadline for a “W”, s/he will receive a failing grade on his/her permanent college transcript.
A student may participate in Running Start for a maximum of 6 quarters (3 qtrs. 11th, 3 qtrs. 12th),
his/her eligibility terminating in the end of the 12th grade academic year. If the student starts their
12th grade year, they will be permitted 3 eligible quarters only.
It is required to communicate with the Director for High School Programs regarding any issues or
concerns with classes and/or instructors. This is to ensure your rights as a student are protected
and the proper protocol is followed.
We understand that information regarding my academic record at Bellevue College will be made
available to the appropriate school district and/or college officials.
CLASS SIZE
Classes vary in size from 10 to 55 students with the average class size about 30 students.
This class size makes it possible for instructors to give individual attention to students who
request assistance.
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MAIN CAMPUS DAILY PARKING
Daily parking is provided on the main campus (see our parking map online) through pay
and display pay meters. Daily parking lots are reserved Monday through Friday 6am to 3pm
for daily parking permits only. Daily permits allow you to park in any student parking lot.
Contact the office or employee you are meeting with for special circumstances.
On Saturday and Sunday, parking is available in all lots (except reserved parking) without a
permit or sticker. This is subject to change.
FERPA RIGHTS REGARDING EDUCATIONAL RECORDS
Students at Bellevue College have certain rights regarding their educational records. These
rights are part of the federal legislation known as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Act (FERPA).
PARENT’S ACCESS TO STUDENTS RECORDS
BC follows federal guidelines under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
concerning access to student records. No information will be released without the student’s
written consent. With an Information Release on file, only the High School Programs office
will give out student information to parents. We offer this in hopes of keeping
communication lines open between HSP staff and parents.
PARENT’S ACCESS TO FACULTY
In accordance with the guidelines stated in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
(FERPA), faculty will not discuss the student’s progress with a parent. It is the student’s
responsibility to communicate with the instructor regarding progress and/or any other
issues.
STUDENTS HAVE THE RIGHT TO:
Inspect and review their educational records within 45 days of the day that the
College receives a request for access.
Students should submit a written request to the office of the Vice President for Student
Services (Bldg. 6, room 218) that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The
Executive Assistant to the Vice President will make arrangements for access and notify the
student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
Request an amendment of the student education record(s) that the student
believes are inaccurate or misleading.
Students may ask the College to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or
misleading. They should write the Vice President, clearly identify the part of the record they
want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.
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NOTE: Students who wish to request a change of grade from an instructor that has been
recorded correctly must follow separate complaint procedures. Information about how to
challenge a properly recorded grade is available from faculty, advisors, and deans.
If the College decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the Bellevue
College Registrar will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her
right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding
the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a
hearing.
Consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the
student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure
without consent.
One exception permits disclosures without consent to school officials with legitimate
education interests. A school official is a person employed or contracted by the College in an
administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including
campus security personnel); a person, company or agency with whom the College has
contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, collection agency, public service agency, education
agency or school); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; a student serving on an
official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another
school official in performing his or her tasks. Volunteers and interns serving in any of these
capacities are also considered school officials. A school official has a legitimate educational
interest if the official needs to review an education record to fulfill his or her professional
responsibility.
Upon request, the College discloses education records without consent to officials of another
school in which a student is concurrently enrolled, or seeks or intends to enroll.
The College also may publish or provide the following directory information to any person
who requests it: Student name, major field of study, participation in officially recognized
activities or sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance or
degrees and awards received. In addition, the College provides to military recruiters the
following additional directory information: address, telephone listing, date and place of
birth, level of education, academic major, and the educational institution in which the
student most recently was enrolled.
Students who do not wish the College to release their directory information must notify the
Registrar in writing.
File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures
by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
Department of Education
600 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605
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STUDENT RESOURCES AND SERVICES
Academic Advising
Location - B Building, second floor
Website - http://depts.bellevuecollege.edu/advising/
Running Start students should make an appointment to meet with an academic
advisor after they have finished at least one quarter of classes at Bellevue
College. Students can make an appointment at the Advising Front Desk or over
the phone at (425) 564-2212.
Academic Success Center
Location - D204
Website - https://www.bellevuecollege.edu/asc/
The Academic Success Center offers three types of free tutoring to enrolled
students at Bellevue College in a friendly, supportive atmosphere: drop-in
tutoring, individual tutoring, and eTutoring. We have a Writing Lab, Math Lab
and academic tutoring available to students who need extra help. There is also a
Reading Lab, a 1 or 2 credit class you sign up for like you do other classes.
Bookstore
Location - B Building, First Floor
Website - http://bcc.collegestoreonline.com/
The college bookstore has textbooks, school supplies, and other items.
Center for Career Connections
Location – B building, second floor
Website – http://depts.bellevuecollege.edu/careers/
The Center for Career Connections provides comprehensive career resources
for all stages of your academic and professional career.
Counseling and Resource Center
Location - B Building, second floor
Website - http://depts.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/
Counseling services are provided by faculty counselors who provide short-term personal,
career, and academic counseling to enrolled students at Bellevue College. We also provide
informational sessions to prospective students who want to know more about educational
opportunities at Bellevue College.
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Disability Resource Center
Location - D125
Website - https://www.bellevuecollege.edu/drc/
The DRC provides accommodations and services tailored to the individual
need(s) of each student with verified eligibility. When appropriate, reasonable
accommodations can include the following:
 Accessible Media and Course Materials
 Accommodation Counseling and Advocacy Services
 Alternative Testing
 Assistive Technology and Classroom Aids
 Classroom & Building Access
 Computer Aided Real-Time Transcription (CART)
 Interpreters for the Deaf
 Referrals to Campus and Community Services
 Registration Assistance
 Scribe Services for class and/or testing
 Volunteer Note-Taking Services
Library Media Center
Location - D Building
Website - www.bellevuecollege.edu/lmc
The Library Media Center is a great resource for students. Come rent books, multi-media, read
journals, or get research help.
Public Safety
Location - K Building
Website - https://www.bellevuecollege.edu/publicsafety/
The Bellevue College Public Safety Department’s staff is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per
week. They provides general patrol of the campus, investigates collisions and manage traffic
safety and parking. The staff is trained in basic CPR and emergency response for major
incidents, such as medical emergencies, severe weather conditions and natural disasters.
Student Programs
Location - C212
Website - http://www.bellevuecollege.edu/stupro/
By enriching student life through leadership opportunities, personal learning and cultural
experiences, Student Programs is committed to building a pluralistic and diverse campus
community that fosters creativity, innovation and student success. We empower our students
to contribute to our community as better world citizens. Stop by C212 in the Student Union
Building, call (425) 564-6150, or visit our website for more information.
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