Bellevue College

THE RUNNING START PROGRAM GENERAL INFORMATION

WHAT IS THE RUNNING START PROGRAM? The Running Start Program was created by the Washington State Legislature. It provides an opportunity for eligible juniors and seniors who are affiliated with a public high school to enroll in college courses at Community and Technical Colleges. The program provides academically qualified students an opportunity to take college courses as part of their high school program.

Students may enroll simultaneously in classes at the high school and classes at the college classes or solely in classes at the college. They earn both high school and college credit for college level classes taken at the college. Classes taken at the college as part of the Running start Program are limited to “college level courses” (most classes numbered 100 or above qualify). Tuition is paid for by the school district; books, class related fees and transportation are the responsibility of the student.

HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE CREDIT EQUIVALENCY: Successfully completed classes receive both high school and college credit. One five (5) credit class at the college earns one (1) high school credit. The school district allocates the amount of required credit to be granted (versus elective) on a course-by-course basis. Graduation requirements are established by each high school, and students must consult with their high school counselor regarding these requirements.

TRANSFER OF CREDITS: Credits from the college are transferable to all other Washington State public colleges and universities and most Washington State private colleges, according to the guidelines of the receiving institution. Students are encouraged to contact out of state colleges re their transfer policies.

CREDIT LOAD: Students may enroll for a maximum of 18 quarter credits at the college as part of the Running Start Program. Additional credits beyond 18 must be paid by the student at the rate of full college tuition. However, students who are registered for 15-18 credits at the college are discouraged from taking additional credits either at the college or the high school, as this is a time commitment similar to that of a 45 hr. a week job.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Students considering participation in Running Start at Bellevue Community College must:

Be registered in a Washington State public high school or school district with junior or senior status
Meet application quarterly deadlines
Take a combined English and Math assessment at BC
PLACE INTO COLLEGE LEVEL WRITING, ENGLISH 101 AND COLLEGE LEVEL READING, ENGLISH 106 OR ABOVE

IS RUNNING START RIGHT FOR YOU?

Parents and students should give careful consideration to the appropriateness of this program before enrolling. This is one of several options students have for the completion of high school. All options should be considered.

ADVANTAGES

Students can earn up to two years of tuition-free college credit while finishing high school. The high school district pays the tuition. A maximum of 18 credits are funded per quarter.
Students have the opportunity to take advanced courses and a greater variety of courses than those available at their local high schools.
Students have an opportunity to experience post-secondary education while in high school. This experience can be helpful in making the transition from home to college away from home, and in making future educational plans.
Students who find the traditional high school is not fitting their needs often flourish in a different educational setting.
College classes are offered from 6:30am until 10:00pm. Weekend classes, online and telecourses are also available providing considerable flexibility in scheduling classes.
The independence of students on the college campus affords the opportunity to develop personal responsibility.

CHALLLENGES 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 adults their parent’s age. Some may find this uncomfortable; most find it an enriching experience.
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 class schedule.
Books and class fees are expensive! Books range from $40 to $125 each. Some used books are available. Class fees range from $2.00 to $75.00 per class; fees include a comprehensive fee which is a non-refundable registration fee charged at a rate of $3.50 per credit hour up to 10 credits.
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.
The scheduling of college classes may conflict with high school classes or extracurricular activities.
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.
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.

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 of 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.

Class Pace: Course subjects are taught and material is covered at a much faster pace in the college than in the 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.

Homework: College classes demand an average of at least two (2) hours of homework for each hour of class. A five (5) credit class will have approximately ten (10) hours of homework each week. Total time commitment for a five (5) credit class 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 on the Internet approximately one week following final exams. A hard copy of grades will not automatically be mailed to students. However, a record of a Running Start student’s quarterly grades will be sent to the high schools. Students are NOT allowed to audit classes. If students choose to not earn credit, full tuition will be charged.

Academic Records: Students successfully completing classes under the Running Start Program will receive both high school and college credit. The grade reported is part of the permanent college transcript. If students wish to apply to another college, they must list Bellevue Community College as a college attended and request an official transcript be sent to verify previous college course work.

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.

Cost: Tuition costs will be paid by the public school district for up to 15 credits per quarter. The college covers the tuition for credits 16-18. Students are responsible for tuition for below college level Math courses. Students need to purchase their own books and supplies. Some courses have attached lab fees, which range from $3.50 to $50.00 per class. There is also a Comprehensive Fee, which is a non-refundable registration fee of $2.00 per credit up to 10 credits. Books range from $40 to $210. Used books may be available.

Parking: A parking sticker is needed to park a car on campus. It is available to all registered students, free of additional charge, and can be obtained from the Cashiers Office. To avoid a ticket, pick up your parking sticker!

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 parent’s. 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.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RUNNING START - CALL (425) 564-2026