It is the policy of Washington s community and technical colleges to provide equal opportunity in education and employment regardless of race,

Transcription

1 It is the policy of Washington s community and technical colleges to provide equal opportunity in education and employment regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, religion, genetic information, gender identity, veteran status or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability.

2 1600 Chester Ave Bremerton, WA Humanities & Student Services Building, Room 208 Phone: or ext Fax: Website: Running Start Serving students at Bremerton, Poulsbo, and Shelton campuses. 1.) Submit a general OC Application for Admission online at List Running Start as your intended major area of interest. You will receive an OC student identification number (SID) from the admissions office. 2.) Take the ACCUPLACER, the college assessment for reading, writing and math skills. Schedule an appointment online at A $20 assessment fee will be due. Bring a photo ID, your SID number and confirmation to your appointment. 3.) Submit the following to the Running Start Office to Apply to the Running Start Program: Running Start Application Form (enclosed) Copy of your high school transcript ACCUPLACER scores Running Start Student and Parent Agreement (enclosed) Once your eligibility has been established, the Introduction to Running Start online tutorial will be ed to you to complete before your next steps. Students may appeal the required 2.5 cumulative GPA by submitting an appeal letter with their Running Start application addressing their academic performance and describing traits, skills and habits that demonstrate readiness for college classes. (see GPA Appeal Process on our website for more information). Priority Application Due Dates: Fall Quarter: May 1st Winter Quarter: November 1st Spring Quarter: February 1st Late applications will be accepted up to the Wednesday before classes begin *4.) Meet with high school counselor. Select classes that meet high school graduation requirements. Together complete and sign the Running Start Enrollment Verification Form. Parent and counselor signatures are required, (even if you are 18 years of age). Ask for a transfer guide listing OC classes that meet high school requirements. *5.) Use the Class Schedule Planner to create a schedule. Indicate the item numbers of the course section days/times you are interested in on your paperwork. *6.) Meet with a Running Start advisor. Bring the completed Running Start Enrollment Verification Form and class schedule plan for college advising and approval. The Running Start advisor will give you a quarterly PIN and review your time to register through the Online Access to Student Information Systems (OASIS). *7.) Register for classes at or after your scheduled time to register. Log onto to OASIS using your SID and your quarterly PIN. *8.) Pay Fees, buy books and attend class. Tuition and Fees are due within five business days of registering (except Fall quarter, which is due at the end of August.) 9.) Complete Running Start Orientation prior to the start of classes. You will be required to complete an in-person orientation where you will learn about college resources, procedures, faculty expectations and receive a tour of the campus. *Students repeat steps 4 through 8 every quarter. Steps to Apply Running Start regulations are subject to change by the Washington state legislature and Olympic College. Revised 3/15

3 Running Start The Running Start program is an opportunity for qualified high school juniors and seniors to take college-level classes tuition-free. Running Start is part of the Washington State Choice Legislation created in 1990 to expand educational options for public high school students. The Running Start program will cover the tuition up to 15 credits per quarter as long as the combined course load between the college and high school does not exceed 1.2 FTE. Students may enroll in a combination of classes at Olympic College and the high school or take classes only at the college. Students who have a combined high school and college schedule that exceed 1.2 FTE during any college quarter must pay college tuition on the additional credits. Students earn both high school and college credits, which may be applied toward high school graduation and toward an associates degree, certificate or transfer credits. Five college quarter credits equal one high school credit. Application of college classes toward meeting specific high school graduation requirements and credit awarded is determined by the high school. High school counseling for selection of college classes and parental permission are required prior to college registration. Students must enroll in academic or vocational classes at the college level - classes numbered 100 or above. Running Start does not fund summer session, but eligible students may enroll in summer classes at their own expense. Eligibility Requirements Students who want to enroll in Running Start MUST: be under the age of 21 at the beginning of the school year be classified as a junior or senior in Washington not, as of the beginning of the school year, have received a high school diploma or earned the credits for a diploma (excluding a GED) have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 or above (Students may appeal the required 2.5 cumulative GPA by submitting an appeal letter with their Running Start application addressing their academic performance and describing traits, skills and habits that demonstrate readiness for college classes) qualify for college level classes in writing, reading and/or mathematics on ACCUPLACER, the college assessment Home school and private school students Home school and private school students must enroll in a public high school/school district to participate in Running Start. Students may have dual enrollment in home school/private school and public school but do not have to take classes at the public high school. Each district determines the process for home school/private school students to access Running Start. Families should contact the local school district where parents reside to determine how to access Running Start. When applying to Running Start, home school students may submit a letter of recommendation instead of a high school transcript. Every quarter the student is enrolled, a new Running Start Enrollment Verification Form must be signed by a school official, documenting the student s grade level and any public high school FTE. Assessment and Course Placement Applicants should apply to OC and take the college assessment a quarter before they want to start classes. Olympic College uses Accuplacer to determine appropriate course placement in writing, reading, and mathematics classes. Accuplacer is an un-timed individual computerized assessment test. Olympic College will also accept placement scores/placements administeredat other two-year colleges. Scores for Accuplacer, COMPASS or ASSET taken at another college must be faxed directly by the college to the OC Running Start Office at Students may take each section of the Accuplacer twice in one calendar year. Placement scores are valid for two years. There is a $20 fee to take or retake the assessment. Students must place into English 101, Composition or Math 107/141 or above to enroll in Running Start College level math placement is not required for Running Start admission. Students qualifying for both English and mathematics at the college level may enroll in any college class. Preparation for the college assessment: Test preparation guide links are available on the OC website under Getting Started, Take Assessments, Practice & Prepare For sample questions access: To concentrate better, get plenty of rest and eat properly before the assessment Arrive early to find appropriate parking, obtain parking pass, and locate the assessment center (HSS 222) Students with disabilities are advised to contact Access Services at or ext for information about assessment accommodations before the assessment appointment is scheduled. Students who do not place into college-level English and/or math, who want to experience a collegiate environment while continuing to develop their computation and reading/writing skills outside of Running Start, may enroll in a limited selection of Olympic College courses identified below: Classes designated as Skills Performance (H/SP) : Specific ART, DRMA, MUSC courses Physical Education Department Classes: Any PE-FSP, or PE-RD General Studies Department Classes: Any GEN-S

4 The Running Start Choice The decision to start college early or stay in high school is an important one. Frequently a student may be academically prepared for college-level classes but may find the emotional or social demands overwhelming. The most successful college students are highly motivated individuals who work independently, take initiative, have good study skills, are self-disciplined and are able to complete a variety of assignments with little direction from instructors. Students and parents should consider carefully whether Running Start appropriately meets the student s needs. Benefits Tuition for Running Start classes is free for a maximum of up to 15 credits or a maximum 1.2 FTE combined course load between the high school and college. Students and parents have the potential so save up to two years of college tuition costs. Limitations Students have the opportunity to take a wide variety of classes that may not be offered at their high school. Students can earn up to two years of college credit during high school to get a running start on their college education. Students can plan a program of study that will transfer to baccalaureate institutions or apply to professional technical education. Students have an opportunity to experience college classes 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 may continue to participate in high school sports and activities. Academically qualified students have the opportunity to take more challenging or advanced courses. Highly motivated, mature students may thrive in the college environment. A diverse college student population provides for a rich classroom learning environment. Students may participate in college clubs, music and drama activities, intramural sports and programs and may use campus services; however, Running Start students are not eligible to participate on college sports teams and are not eligible for financial aid. Students have an opportunity to enroll in both academic transfer and professional technical skills classes with outstanding college faculty. Students have access to instruction using state-of-the-art technology. Students, parents, and counselors should carefully consider the student s maturity level when discussing the possibility of participating in Running Start. Some students who are academically ready may find the required independence and speed of college classes overwhelming. Socialization may be an issue with some students. High schools provide a social network and experiences geared toward teenagers. The average age of Olympic College students is twenty-five and such experiences are not as readily available at the college. Full-time Running Start students may particularly feel a loss of social connection with peers. Transportation arrangements and costs, book purchases, and class fees are the responsibility of the student. However the Running Start office offers a Tuition and Fee Waiver for low income students, which allows them access to the Running Start Textbook Loan Library. The scheduling of college classes may conflict with high school classes or extracurricular activities. The college operates on the quarter system and most high schools operate on the semester system. Transition to college or back to high school winter or spring quarter may be difficult because of the difference in academic calendars. Holiday and vacation periods may also be different. Students may be exposed to alternative view points and materials of an adult nature in college classes. Students are not guaranteed enrollment in classes they want. Students may encounter limitations with regard to class availability for the first quarters of enrollment and must be flexible when scheduling classes. Grades in college courses are recorded on the high school transcript and become a part of the student s permanent record at Olympic College. Low grades or failure to complete courses may jeopardize high school graduation, admission to another college or other future educational plans. Once enrolled, Running Start students are considered regular college students, and their education records are subject to protection under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Despite students age or status as a minor, under FERPA, release of information (e.g. grades, schedules, etc.) to a third party (including parents/guardians) is prohibited without the students explicit written consent.

5 Running Start Application Form Humanities and Student Services, Room Chester Ave, Bremerton, WA Tel: Fax: Attach: High school transcript Assessment scores Student/Parent Agreement Name (Last, First, M.I.) Home phone SID Cell phone (OC Student Identification Number) Address (Mailing Address) (City, State, Zip Code) High school Graduation year High school counselor Quarter entering Running Start Campus Planning to Attend: Bremerton, Poulsbo, Shelton Answer Questions Front and Back How long have you lived continuously in Washington State? years mo(s) Are you an active duty military dependent? Yes No (optional) Are you a US citizen? Yes No If not, what is your status? Permanent Resident (holds green card) Refugee Do you have a diagnosed disability? Yes No What is your reason for attending OC? Check one A Associate [academic degree not transferring to university] B Associate [academic degree transfer to university] F Vocational-technical arts associate degree/certificate; Program G Nursing applicant or taking prerequisites; Program: L Leisure/personal enrichment X Undecided Y Other What is your long-term educational goal? 11 Take courses related to current/future work 12 Two year degree and then transfer to 4-year school 14 Explore career direction 15 Personal enrichment 90 Other For RS Office Use Only Date received sent Notes

6 Emergency Contact Information Phone Name Gender Male Female Are you of Spanish/Hispanic/Latino ethnicity? No Yes, Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano (722) Yes, Cuban Yes, Other Spanish/Hispanic/Latino (Please Specify) Please mark one or more boxes to indicate what race you consider yourself to be. African American (872) Alaska Native (015) American Indian (597) Chinese (605) Filipino (608) Japanese (611) Korean (612) Native Hawaiian (653) Other Pacific Islander (681) Other Asian (621) Other Race (Please Specify) Vietnamese (619) White (800) How long do you plan to attend? Check one. 11 One quarter 12 Two quarters 13 One Year 14 Up to two years 15 Long enough to complete a degree 16 Do not know 90 Other What is your current work status? Check one. 11 Full-time homemaker 12 Full-time employment 13 Part-time off campus 14 Part-time on campus 15 Unemployed, but seeking employment 16 Unemployed, not seeking employment 90 Other What is your highest level of education? Check one. 11 Less than high school graduate 83 Tech Prep Credits 12 GED 13 High School graduate 14 Some post high school, no degree/ certificate 15 Certificate (less than 2 yrs) 16 Associate degree 17 Bachelor degree or above 90 Other What is your family status? Check one. 11 I am a single parent with children/dependents 12 Couple with children/dependents 13 I don t have any children/dependents 90 Other Highest level of education completed by your parent or parents: Mother: A. Less than high school D. 4 yr college or more B. High school E. Unknown C. 2 yr college F. Other Father: G. Less than high school J. 4 yr college or more H. High schooi K. Unknown I. 2 yr college L. Other Do you qualify for the free or reduced priced meals through the National School Lunch Program at your high school? Yes No Unsure Students that meet the income guidelines for the National School Lunch Program may be eligible for the Running Start Tuition and Fee Waiver and Textbook Loan Library.

7 Running Start Student and Parent/Guardian Agreement HSS, Room Chester Ave Bremerton, WA Phone: Fax: Attention Parents/Guardians and RS Student: Please read carefully and complete below. Communication: The main form of communication the Running Start office uses is . It is an Olympic College policy that students use their OC student account for ALL communication with professors and Olympic College services. Students must check for and read/ comply with all s in a timely manner. Privacy: Olympic College follows the Federal Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) concerning access to student grades and records for college students. Parental access is authorized only with written permission from the student. FERPA does not allow college faculty and staff to discuss academic progress with anyone other than the student. Instructors are not allowed to speak with parents concerning their child. Student Responsibilities: Select college classes that satisfy your high school graduation requirements Arrange your class schedule each quarter so it does not conflict with your high school schedule/activities Understand college courses include mature subject matter as well as potentially controversial perspectives Contact your high school counselor and Running Start Advisor before you make any changes to your class schedule Meet all Olympic College deadlines, including adding/dropping of classes Create an educational plan and have it approved by a faculty advisor before reaching 45 credits on your transcript Verify courses needed for a degree, major, or transfer to a four-year institution Follow admission policies/deadlines when applying to a four-year institution Student Financial Obligations: Each quarter students are responsible for the following: All mandatory college fees Tuition for courses numbered below 100; credits in excess of 15 or exceeding the combined 1.2 FTE Textbooks, supplies and transportation Running Start Enrollment Verification Form: Each quarter you must complete a new Running Start Enrollment Verification Form If you make any schedule changes at either the high school or the college a new form must be completed Form must be filled out in its entirety Student s contact information filled in High school / district information Signatures from: high school counselor; parent/guardian (even if you re 18 years of age.); Running Start Representative STUDENT AGREEMENT I,, a student at the Olympic College Running Start Program have read and agree to the above. Print Name Student Signature: Date: PARENT/GUARDIAN AGREEMENT I,, parent/guardian of, Print Name Student Name have read and agree to the above, furthermore, I allow my Running Start student to fully participate in course and college activities and events, including labs and field trips. Parent Initials Parent/Guardian Signature: Date White: Running Start Office Yellow: Student & Parent/Guardian Updated 02/14