Ch. 5 Student Services

Chapter 5 Student Services

Policy

This chapter guides the college in the areas of student access to the college, navigating college services, and officially exiting the college. The policies in this chapter also address student privacy protection, student conduct, rights, responsibilities, and judicial due process.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

Admission entitles students to enroll in instructional programs if the student follows the rules and procedures established for enrollment in specific programs.

  1. General Admission.
    Consistent with state statute, the college will admit an applicant when the vice president of student services or designee determines the applicant:
    1. Is competent to benefit from the college’s curricular offerings.
    2. Would not, by their presence or conduct, create a disruptive or unsafe atmosphere within the college inconsistent with the college’s purposes.
    3. Demonstrates the ability to participate in an adult learning environment.
      The applicant must also:
    4. Be at least 18, or
    5. Have a high school diploma or equivalent, or
    6. Have applied for admission under the provisions of a student enrollment options program such as Running Start or a successor program, or other local student enrollment options program.
  2. Basic Education for Adults Admission.
    Students 16 and over who meet the "Title III Adult Education Programs" provisions may enroll in certain adult basic education classes. People admitted into such classes may continue as long as they demonstrate, through measurable academic progress, an ability to benefit.
  3. High School Programs Admission.
    Students wishing to enter one of the high school program options must follow separate, additional admission procedures.
  4. International Programs Admission.
    Students wishing to enter the college as international students using an F1 or M1 visa must follow separate, additional admission procedures.
  5. Selective Admission.
    Admission entitles students to enroll in college classes. However, some instructional programs have selective application procedures and requirements that students must meet before they can enroll in such programs. In these cases, the college may deny admission to applicants to a specific program of study even after general admission to the college is approved.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents
5.A.02.1 General Admission
  1. Students must apply online or on paper prior to enrollment in classes. Admission to Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) is open on a first come, first served basis (unless that principle is superseded by special admissions requirements) to anyone who:
    1. Has a high school diploma or equivalent
      OR
    2. Is at least 18 years old and is able to benefit from the college’s curriculum
  2. Students are encouraged to submit official copies of transcripts from any post-secondary institutions attended at the time of admission.
  3. The Enrollment Services Office informs the student of any supplemental documentation, applications, or other information needed for specific programs to complete the application file.
  4. All admissions forms and transcripts filed with the college become its property and will not be returned to the applicant or forwarded to another institution or individual.
  5. Questions regarding the student’s application status should be referred to the Enrollment Services Office.
  6. Some programs of study and admission categories require a special admissions application and/or have special requirements in addition to the general procedures above (see 5.A.02.5.1 below).
  7. Students are expected to provide complete and accurate information on their application of admission. The college may require students to provide evidence of information provided in the application (including but not limited to, citizenship, residency status, and high school completion) if contradictory information is provided or there is evidence of false information.
  8. Student photographs are not used in college decision-making including but not limited to admission, student hiring, and scholarships.
5.A.02.1.1 College Account User Name

Generally, the college requires students to use their legal name for enrollment purposes, college email, and CANVAS accounts. In some circumstances, this may impose a hardship. If they want to use an alternate name, they should follow these steps:

  1. Notify the vice president of student services of the reason for the name change. Legitimate requests include, but may not be limited to:
    1. Non legal name change due to gender identity
    2. Confidential needs based on court documents like no contact or protection orders.

If approved, the vice president of student services will contact the Information Technology Services department and eLearning to request a name change. The reason for the request will not be shared with those departments.

Students can use online services to self-update their preferred name for rosters that go directly to faculty. Please note only the use of alpha characters are permitted with the exception of periods, apostrophes and hyphens. Students setting a preferred name that wish their middle name to appear should include the middle name in the preferred first name field. Names containing foul or obscene language or those used for the purpose of academic misconduct or fraud will be removed at the discretion of the Vice President of Student Services and reverted to the legal name.

5.A.02.1.2 Student Email

When admitted to LWTech students receive a free email account to use for academic and personal needs, including digital storage for class assignments. College issued email addresses are considered the only official means of electronic communication at the college including important college notices:

  1. Clery Act notices (required safety information)
  2. FERPA notices (required privacy information)
  3. Required student conduct notices
  4. Financial aid information
  5. Registration information
  6. Registered sex offender notices

Assistance for students regarding college email is provided by the Information Technology Services help desk.

5.A.02.1.3 Student Identification and Social Security Numbers

The Student Identification Number (SID) is a college-assigned number unrelated to a Social Security Number (SSN). To comply with federal laws, LWTech must ask for the SSN or Individual Tax Identification Number (TIN) of all students. LWTech uses the SSN/TIN to report Hope Scholarship/Life Time tax credits; to administer state/federal financial aid; to verify enrollment, degree, and transcript records; and to conduct institutional research. If a SSN/TIN is not submitted, students will not be denied access to the college but may be subject to civil penalties; refer to the Internal Revenue Service Treasury Regulation 1.6050S-1 e4 for more information. Pursuant to State law RCW 28B.10.042 and federal FERPA laws, the college will protect a SSN from unauthorized use and/or disclosure. A SSN will never be used as an SID.

5.A.02.1.4 Students without Social Security Numbers

Social Security numbers are not required for admission or registration. LWTech welcomes all students to pursue their educational goals at our campus, regardless of immigration or citizenship status. While we must ask students about their Social Security Numbers and citizenship status to meet certain state requirements, their information is not shared outside of LWTech; except when required by a lawfully issued subpoena or court order. Student records, including information about immigration status, are protected by federal privacy laws.

5.A.02.1.5 Release of Information to Health Department

For the well-being of the community and as a legal obligation, the college cooperates with local health departments in infectious disease investigations. The college will assist in notifying students who may have come in contact with an individual who has tested positive for a communicable illness, including sexually transmitted infections. Staff may be asked for directory information about a student. This will be provided, as appropriate, to the health department. The college has identified its vice president of student services as the primary contact with the health department for the purpose of communicable disease contact notification. Inquiries about students are directed to the vice president of student services whenever possible. Information will be supplied in a manner which provides for the mental and physical health of the students while their rights to strict confidentiality are protected. Strict confidentiality is maintained regarding information about sexually transmitted infections.

5.A.02.2 Basic Education for Adults Admission

The Basic Education for Adults Department maintains all procedures related to the admission process for this population of students.

5.A.02.3 High School Programs Admission

Documentation is submitted to Lake Washington Technical Academy, which evaluates admission to the high school separate from admission to the college or a program. To be admitted to the program, the student must meet all of the following criteria in addition to general admission requirements above:

  1. Be at least age 16 as of September 1 and under the age of 21.
  2. Not have earned a high school diploma.
  3. Student has completed the 10th grade and is considered a junior from the home school district of the student.
  4. The student’s district of residence must have executed an inter-district cooperative agreement with Lake Washington Institute of Technology, and the student’s home high school releasing officer must sign and submit a valid student variance/attendance release form.
  5. Home schooling students, private school students, or those new to the area must obtain a referral or variance/attendance release from their high school of residence prior to enrolling in technical and basic education courses.
  6. Have a valid and current immunization record.
  7. Satisfy ability to benefit requirements, for example, by placing into the following courses on the Guided Placement:
    1. English 093
    2. Math 087
5.A.02.3.1 High School Programs Admission – Running Start

The college participates in the Running Start program as part of the “Choices” program adopted by the Washington State Legislature. Students may apply for admission if they meet these criteria, in addition to meeting general admissions requirements above:

  1. Must be under 21 years of age.
  2. Must not have earned a high school diploma, or the equivalent (excluding GED) or the credits required to earn their high school diploma or equivalent at the beginning of the school year in which they seek to enroll under Running Start.
  3. Must have at least junior standing in a public high school at the beginning of the school year in which admission is sought.
  4. Student enrollment must be less than 25 hours per week at the sending district high school.
  5. Students may not remain re-enrolled at their sending district high school to be eligible for full-time enrollment, except when an interlocal agreement has been adopted by both the sending district and Lake Washington Institute of Technology, specifying the amount of the student’s full time equivalent to be retained by the sending district.
  6. Combined enrollment at the district high school and Lake Washington Institute of Technology may exceed 25 hours per week; however, apportionment claims to the sending school district and the Superintendent of Public Instruction may not exceed 25 hours per week.
  7. Tuition for enrollment beyond the two 180-day school years will be payable by the student.
  8. Seniors may enroll for up to one 180-day school year. Tuition for enrollment beyond the 180-day school year will be payable by the student.
  9. Students who complete the requirements for a diploma, or reach their 21st. birthday during a 180-day school year, may remain enrolled under Running Start until the end of that school year.
  10. In order to remain enrolled under Running Start, students must adhere to all Lake Washington Institute of Technology policies, including but not limited to enrollment, attendance, academic progress, and conduct rules.
  11. Students must have confirmation from their sending district of the credit to be awarded for all Lake Washington enrollment prior to their registration. Confirmation must be provided by the sending district superintendent or designee.
  12. Students may enroll in full-time or part-time status. Enrollment will only be allowed in college-level courses. Continuing education, developmental education and adult basic education courses are not eligible for Running Start enrollment.
  13. Students must submit a “Running Start Referral” form, signed by parents/guardian and the sending school district.
  14. Lake Washington Technical Academy basic education courses are not eligible for enrollment under Running Start.
  15. Running Start students are subject to all applicable Lake Washington Institute of Technology admission procedures and policies.
5.A.02.3.2 High School Programs Admission - Underage Enrollment for Credit Classes

General policy: Students must be 18 or have a high school diploma or GED™ to enroll at LWTech. Students who are high school juniors or seniors and who have not earned a high school diploma are referred to the Lake Washington Technical Academy or Running Start to explore eligibility through those programs.

Underage procedure: If a student is not participating in these programs and wishes to register for a course at the college, and this course is not specifically designed for a younger student, they may be considered for enrollment in this course. Such students must be (1) at least 14 and (2) at least in the 9th grade at the time the course starts. The applicant must be not eligible for college admission, or be enrolled through special entry programs (see above). Courses that are specifically designed for underage students do not require an exception. Students who are enrolled in summer courses through the WANIC Skill Center are exempt from the underage procedure. Regular tuition rates and fees apply. Students must purchase required textbook and materials.

Approval is granted on a quarterly basis: Enrolling as an underage student on exception does not constitute admission to the college or a program of study, and does not assure future quarters’ registration. An application must be completed for each course, each quarter, until the student meets regular enrollment requirements. Students must earn a minimum of 2.0 in any course taken via the underage enrollment option to be allowed to register as an underage student in any future quarter.

What the underage student needs to do:

  1. Take the College Guided Self-Placement assessments in English and Math and achieve, at a minimum, qualifying scores for placement into English 093 and Math 087. In addition, the student must achieve qualifying scores for the specific courses the student wishes to take.
  2. Bring the placement scores to the Dean of High School Programs in West 210.
  3. If student qualifies, an Underage Course Enrollment Form will be provided.
  4. Complete all sections of the form. Please note that school counselor permission is required so take care to complete this before the end of the school year, typically mid-June in most school districts. Students who are participating in Summer classes through WANIC or who are enrolled in courses specifically designed for young students are exempt from counselor signature.
  5. Return completed form to the High School Programs office where the Dean of High School Programs or the Vice President of Student Services will review and make final decision as to enrollment.
  6. Make a registration appointment with Dean of High School programs to complete the registration form by calling 425-739-8107.
  7. Submit registration form to Enrollment Services and pay tuition.

All steps of the process must be completed a minimum of 5 days from the start of the quarter for which the student seeks to register.

Additional tips for underage enrollment will be provided to the student.

Special classes and programs specifically designed for students younger than 18 are exempt from the special enrollment policy for underage students. Students wishing to take a non-credit course should pick up an Underage Non-Credit Course Enrollment Form from Enrollment Services.

All the terms and conditions listed above reflect procedures that are subject to change. The college reserves the right to deny requests for exceptions to the standard enrollment policy and age requirements, and to require additional information.

Revised October 2019

5.A.02.3.3 High School Programs Admission - Underage Enrollment for Non-Credit Classes

General policy: Students must be 18 or have a high school diploma or GED. Students who are high school juniors or seniors are referred to the Lake Washington Technical Academy or Running Start to explore eligibility through those programs.

Underage procedure: Students who are not eligible under the general policy may request an exception. Such students must be (1) at least 14 and (2) at least in the 9th grade when the quarter begins. (Courses that are specifically designed for underage students do not require an exception.)

Approval is granted on a “one time” basis: Enrolling as an underage student on exception does not constitute admission to the college or a program of study, and does not assure future quarters’ registration. This application must be completed for each course, each quarter, until the student meets regular enrollment requirements.

What the underage student needs to do:

  1. Submit a completed Underage Course Enrollment Request with attachments (see front of form for instructions).
  2. Submit a completed registration form for approved classes. These forms can be found at the Registration office (W201).

Note: Students wishing to take a credit course should contact the High School Programs Office.

High School Programs Office
West Building, W210
(425) 739-8107

All the terms and conditions listed above reflect procedures that are subject to change. The college reserves the right to deny requests for exceptions to the standard enrollment policy and age requirements, and to require additional information.

Revised October 2019

5.A.02.4 International Programs Admission

Admission procedures for international students are handled by the Office of International Programs and Global Education (IPGE).

  1. The application process for international students takes up to two business days to process once all application materials have been received. Students are encouraged to apply early. The application deadline is one month prior to the quarter of enrollment. Late applicants are accepted depending on space availability. International students applying for an or “F1” visa must:
    1. Meet all general admission requirements and/or qualifications for participation in their program of enrollment (Intensive English, academic degree and or International High School Completion Program; and
    2. Agree to comply with all college regulations for students; and
    3. Agree to attend all quarters on a full-time basis as prescribed by Lake Washington Institute of Technology and the U.S. Immigration Services; and
    4. Maintain grade point average requirements necessary for graduation and maintain good academic standing; and
    5. Agree to file a yearly tax return with the United States Internal Revenue Service.

Additionally, the following must be submitted to the International Office of Student Life:

  1. An international student application; and
  2. Provide proof of financial independence or sponsor support (the amount required for this document is subject to change. Federal and State financial aid in the form of loans, waivers, and grants are not available to international students); and
  3. Official transcripts, translated into English, if transferring from other Higher Education institutions or current high school transcripts translated into English for students applying to the International High School Completion Program; and
  4. International student application fee; and
  5. Other information as required by the specific program of Study the student is requesting.
  6. An I-20 form will be issued to the student when accepted to the College by the International Programs Office.
  7. To apply for employment authorization, students must be recommended by their instructor and approved by the international student advisor.
  8. Certain programs have specific admissions requirements, such as minimum test scores, satisfactory performance in prerequisite courses, and other screening criteria. The enrollment services office, the international programs office, and the instructional divisions have current program admissions requirements.
    1. Applicants pursuing an associate’s degree, certificate, or plan to transfer to a bachelor’s program or full time English Language training must apply for an “F-1” visa.
5.A.02.4.1 International Programs Admission - International High School Completion

The intent of Lake Washington Institute of Technology’s International High School (IHS) Completion program is to allow international students to complete the requirements for receiving a Washington State adult high school diploma while earning credits toward a college degree. Students take the same classes as other LWTech students, and the credit they receive is used for two purposes; to satisfy requirements for a high school diploma and to earn college credit towards a certificate and degree.

Students in the International High School Completion Program may be taking courses offered by the International Intensive English Program (IEP), academic and technical courses offered by Lake Washington Institute of Technology.

High school graduation requirements are established by the state of Washington and include specific coursework, state exams and other non-credit requirements such as a culminating project. Graduation requirements are subject to change and are assigned by Graduating lass. Graduating Class is determined by the year the student starts the equivalent of 9th grade. For example, a student who starts 9th grade (or equivalent).

To be considered for admission to the International High School Completion Program. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  1. Be considered to be going into the equivalent of 11th grade. This is typically status conferred by completion of the second year of postsecondary education. Student must be at least 16 by the beginning of the quarter they wish to begin.
  2. 9th grade, for purposes of determining graduating Class will be determined to be the year the student turns 14.
  3. Have not yet earned any high school diploma; and
  4. International students are required to maintain good immigration status and remain in good academic standing; and
  5. Must be willing to live with a local homestay family or with a personal relative and provide evidence of housing arrangement.
  6. Must provide official transcripts translated into English.
5.A.02.4.2 International Programs Admission - International Student Tuition/Fees

The tuition/fee for international students is established by the State of Washington and the college administration and is charged to all visa holders except A, E3, G, H1, I, K, and L, and spouses or dependents of E3, H1, and L.

Documentation of visa status is established International Programs and Global Education office. Refer to current tuition schedule for actual tuition costs.

The college may enter into contract training with other organizations and establish a different rate of tuition or fees.

Revised September 2019

5.A.02.5 Selective Admission

Select programs maintain criteria in addition to what is necessary for general admission to the college. Students must follow all posted directions carefully, because failure to comply with the process described in individual application packets may result in disqualification from the admissions pool for that program.

5.A.02.5.1 Selective Admission - Impacted Programs

The programs that use a selective admission process at LWTech include:

  1. Nursing
  2. Physical Therapist Assisting
  3. All Bachelor level programs
5.A.02.5.2 Selective Admission – Criteria

The selective admission process includes review of prior education, test scores, personal statements, pre-requisite course grades, recommendations, and/or portfolios depending on the program. Specific criteria for each program, including point values of admission requirements, is posted on individual program webpages.

5.A.02.5.2.1 Selective Admission – Criteria – Conditional Admission Ranking

Criteria for admission in priority order:

  • (Dark Green) Tier 1 – by the time admission is offered, 100% of requirements are complete
  • (Light green) Tier 2 – by the time BAS classes start, 100% of requirements are complete
  • (Yellow) Tier 3 – by end of the first quarter of BAS classes, 100% of requirements complete
  • (Light Orange) Tier 4 – by end of first year of BAS classes, 100% of requirements complete
  • (Dark Orange) Tier 5 – by graduation from BAS program, 100% of requirements complete
  • (Red) Tier 6 – Incomplete

If more students apply than space available first the college looks to the tiers above. Next if there are more students in a given tier for spaces available:

  • Early Action Letters
  • GPA of prerequisite classes
  • Date of application
5.A.02.5.3 Selective Admission - Deadlines

All selective admission deadlines are set in advance and published on the individual program webpages.

5.A.02.5.4 Selective Admission - Appeals

LWTech reserves the right to rescind a student's offer of admission wherever:

  1. the student's final academic record has lowered significantly,
  2. the student's application materials are found to contain misrepresentations,
  3. misconduct occurs or is brought to the attention of LWTech after an offer of admission is made, or
  4. an error led to the offer of admission.

The determination to revisit an application and rescind an offer of admission based upon the above factors rests solely with the Enrollment Services Office. Appeals are heard by the Vice President of Student Services.

Students who disagree with selective admission decisions should follow the grievances and appeals procedures as published online: lwtech.edu/appeals.

5.A.02.5.5 Selective Admission - Non-Matriculated Status

Non-matriculated status is designed for students who want to take upper division courses for credit:

  1. Without earning a degree or certificate.
  2. Before deciding whether or not to apply to the program in the future.

When enrolled under a non-matriculated status:

  1. Students cannot earn a degree or certificate.
  2. A grade is earned and full credit awarded and recorded on the LWTech transcript.
  3. Earned credits may transfer to other institutions.

If non-matriculated students decide to seek regular admission to the program, they must complete all steps in the admission process and will be evaluated and ranked equally with all other applicants. Non-matriculated status does not guarantee future admission to the program.

5.A.02.5.5.1 Selective Admission - Non-Matriculated Status - How to enroll

The student is responsible for:

  1. Receiving written permission (either via email or a signature on a registration form) from both the program dean or associate dean and the faculty member for the class.
  2. Bringing the signed registration form (or attaching the email to a registration form) to the Enrollment Services Office in West 201 between the first and fifth business day of the quarter (If the dean and faculty member grant permission to add the class earlier than the first day of the quarter, they will have both specified this in writing via email and this will be honored by the Enrollment Services Office).
  3. Paying all tuition and fees before the fifth business day of the quarter.
5.A.02.5.5.2 Selective Admission - Non-Matriculated Status - Limits on non-matriculated enrollment

Requests for non-matriculated enrollment are considered on a space-available basis after all on-time and complete matriculated applicants have been reviewed.

Non-matriculated students cannot register until the first day of classes. Consequently, class selection may be limited.

If a student is then accepted into a matriculated status at LWTech, up to 15 credits earned as a non-matriculated student may be applied to degree or certificate requirements.

5.A.02.5.5.3 Selective Admission - Non-Matriculated Status - Exception to GPA requirements for non-matriculated students

Students who take the maximum 15 credits of classes in non-matriculated status that can be counted towards degree or certificate requirements AND earn a cumulative GPA of 3.5 across those 15 credits may be exempted from the minimum 2.5 GPA requirement to be eligible to apply to a baccalaureate program. Please contact the Enrollment Services Office for more information.

Policy

Registration is the process by which a student enrolls in specific classes. LWTech maintains published procedures that specify:

  1. Registration Definitions
  2. Prioritization of Registration
  3. Special Registration Conditions
  4. General Registration Procedures
  5. Change of Schedule and Late Registration
  6. Changing Programs
  7. Withdrawal from College
  8. Student Toolbox
  9. Transcripts and Grades
Procedures, Forms, and Documents
5.A.03.1 Registration - Definitions
  1. Registration and Enrollment
    1. Registering for one or more classes and either (a) paying tuition and fees to the cashier or (b) obtaining a valid funding contract that is accepted by the appropriate office and coded into the student database. Students accept personal liability for any charges not covered by the funding agency for any reason. Registration may also be referred to as enrollment.
  2. Unofficial Registration/Dropping for Non-Payment
    1. If tuition and charges are not paid to the cashier, or alternate arrangements for funding are not made, the registration is unofficial and the student may be dropped from classes by the Enrollment Services Office without notice.
  3. Full-Time Student
    1. Students registered in 12 or more credits in a quarter are considered full-time for that quarter. Some programs may require higher quarterly credit loads to complete requirements in a specific period. External agencies may define full-time differently. The Financial Aid Office defines credit levels for full-time for financial aid purposes.
    2. Prior to Summer 2003, 15 credits was considered full-time.
  4. Part-Time Student
    1. Students registered in less than 12 credits for a quarter are considered part-time. The Financial Aid Office defines credit levels for three-quarter time, half-time, and less than half-time for financial aid purposes.
  5. New Student
    1. A student admitted to a degree or certificate granting program, and never attended the college before.
    2. For the purposes of advising services, a new student is also defined as a student returning to the college after a year or longer absence.
  6. Continuing Student
    1. A student admitted to a degree or certificate program and is attending or enrolling in the second or subsequent quarter of that program.
  7. Returning/Readmitted Student
    1. A student who has applied for and gained approval from the Enrollment Services Office to return to the college and/or program for a specified year and quarter.
  8. Adding Classes
    1. Choosing an additional class(es) after initial enrollment.
    2. If a student adds a class after initial registration, changes must be made in accordance with the official school calendar.
  9. Dropping Classes
    1. Removing a class(es) after initial enrollment.
    2. If a student drops a class after initial registration, changes must be made in accordance with the official school calendar.
  10. Withdrawal
    1. Formal withdrawal: dropping classes for a given quarter (classes dropped after the second week of the quarter are graded “W”) by submitting appropriate paperwork to the enrollment services office within permitted timelines
    2. Administrative withdrawal: a withdrawal initiated by the vice president of student services, the vice president of instruction, or their designees.
  11. Matriculation Date
    1. The “date of matriculation” is the date of the first day of instruction in the quarter in which enrollment first occurs and continues through the completion of at least one college credit course. Enrollment in non-credit courses, which are not state-funded, shall not be used in determining “date of matriculation” for evaluation of residency requirement. The enrollment services office keeps this information with the student’s enrollment materials.
  12. Space Available Basis
    1. The availability of an enrollment into a course or program after all other prioritized students have enrolled. It is generally used to re-enter after an absence from a program or in seeking a tuition waiver.
5.A.03.2 Registration - Prioritization of Registration

Students register based on a priority system that reflects their admission and enrollment status relative to published application deadline dates. The prioritization ranking may be modified at any time without notice.

  1. Continuing students with special institutional commitments:
    1. Students registered with the Disability Support Services office.
    2. Students registered with the Worker Retraining or WorkFirst office.
    3. Military Veterans and Active Duty Personnel.
    4. Students graduating in the next quarter.
  2. Other continuing students
  3. Readmitted students
  4. New students with special institutional commitments:
    1. Students registered with the Disability Support Services office.
    2. Students registered with the Worker Retraining or WorkFirst office.
    3. Military Veterans and Active Duty Personnel.
  5. Other new students
  6. All other students
5.A.03.3 Registration - Special Registration Conditions
  1. Placement or a waiver of the Placement Test, based on approved alternative placement options, is required for students registering in English, math, or other courses requiring minimum math and/or English scores.
  2. Class capacity overloads must be approved by the instructor of the class, the supervising dean, or the vice president of instruction.
  3. Students who add one or more classes but do not pay tuition and other fees have not completed the registration process and may be dropped from their classes without advance notice.
  4. Students adding classes after instruction begins in a class and no later than the 10th day of instruction (whichever is later) must obtain prior instructor approval to register.
  5. Registration after the 10th day requires a special “After 10th Day” registration form.
  6. Students may be administratively withdrawn from classes due to non-attendance.
5.A.03.4 Registration - General Registration Procedures

Registration dates and times are announced on the website. Students may register during or after the scheduled time period, but not before. The methods of registration may include but are not limited to in person, email, and web registration.

  1. LWTech registration procedure allows students to register for one section of a course. If they register for more than one section of a course, the college will drop them from all sections except the most recent registration transaction. The college will notify them via their LWTech issued emailed address after making schedule changes.

Registration procedures for students using tuition waivers differ and do not follow the dates and times for students as posted online. Some classes, courses, or programs of study may not permit the use of certain tuition waivers.

  1. Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver
    1. Senior citizens using the tuition waiver must wait until the fourth day of the quarter to see if there is space available. Classes that start later in the quarter may have different registration deadlines.
    2. Students who register prior to the fourth day of the quarter forfeit their ability to use the waiver and must pay the regular per credit rate.
  2. State Employee Tuition Waiver
    1. State Employees at other agencies:
      1. State employees using the tuition waiver must wait until the fourth day of the quarter to see if there is space available. Classes that start later in the quarter may have different registration deadlines.
      2. Students who register prior to the fourth day of the quarter forfeit their ability to use the waiver and must pay the regular per credit rate.
    2. LWTech Employees:
      1. At any time in the registration cycle, employee emails request to register to human.resources@lwtech.edu including name of class and item number.
        1. If you need permission from a faculty member to override pre-requisites, that documentation must be attached
    3. Human resources forwards email to the registrar verifying eligibility of employee to use fee waiver.
    4. The registrar will enroll employees into classes on or before the first day of the quarter pending a) academic eligibility, b) employment, and c) available space within the class.
      1. If space is not available within the class or space becomes unavailable at a later time due to late registrants, the registrar will communicate with the employee as soon as possible so the employee may decide to stay in the class and pay tuition or be dropped and not charged.
    5. The registrar will notify the cashier to cover all class fees not covered by the waiver.

In accordance with policies of the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, LWTech only permits students to attempt enrollment in a class three times. Future registration attempts for the same class will be blocked.

In exceptional circumstances, LWTech will permit an additional enrollment attempt. Qualifying circumstances include one or a combination of the following:

  1. Medical, bereavement, recall to active duty, or other situations beyond the control of the student that led to multiple failing grades or course withdrawal.
  2. Five or more years have elapsed since the last attempt.
  3. The course is the final class required for graduation from a degree or certificate.

If approved, the student may be charged the full cost of instruction and the class may not be eligible for funding via financial aid or other funding programs on campus.

In all cases, the request for this exception will be made using the General Petition form.

5.A.03.5 Registration - Change of Schedule and Late Registration

Students change their class schedule by adding or dropping classes using official college channels such as add/drop forms or requests to the registration office using the student’s LWTech issued email address.

  1. To complete registration for newly added classes, the student must pay all charges or make appropriate arrangements.
  2. For dropped classes, a refund, if any, is made in accordance with the college policy on refunds.
  3. Classes that are dropped by the end of the eighth week of the quarter, but after the end of the second week are assigned a “W” grade on the transcript. Classes dropped on or before the end of the second week are removed from the transcript. Classes which begin on, before, or after the regular quarter start, or which do not run the full length of the quarter, are subject to different deadlines for adding, dropping, and refunds.
  4. Classes may not be dropped by the student after the end of the eighth week of the quarter (exception: certain late-starting classes may be dropped).
  5. If a student who is being held in classes without being paid pending an approved funding source payment of tuition drops one or more classes, the student is still liable for payment of any charges due in accord with the refund schedule should the funding agency not cover those charges.
  6. Classes added after the first day of the quarter require instructor approval. Adding courses after the 10th day of the quarter requires payment of a $50 late registration fee and may require special petitions.

Changes to a student’s schedule that are initiated by the college (such as a class cancellation) will be communicated to a student’s LWTech issued email account.

5.A.03.6 Registration - Changing Programs

A student may change from one program of study to another. To do this the student should:

  1. Submit a change of program form online or at the enrollment services office.
  2. Notify and work with any other departments at the college and outside funding agencies involved in the student’s admission to and registration in the college (e.g., Lake Washington Technical Academy, workforce, financial aid office, etc.).
  3. Meet any admissions requirements.
  4. The college reserves the right to change a student’s official program of study to match enrollment patterns.
5.A.03.7 Registration - Withdrawal from College
  1. Official withdrawal: A student officially withdraws from all classes by using online services or contacting the enrollment services office.
    1. The classes are either removed from the transcript, or coded with a W grade depending on the week of the quarter.
    2. Formal withdrawal must be completed by the end of the eighth week of the quarter.
    3. Students are encouraged to consult with advisors if they are considering withdrawing.
    4. Students who have withdrawn from the college and have not attended for more than one year must reapply for admission when they are ready to return. Some programs may have additional requirements for re-entry.
  2. Administrative Withdrawal (Single/Multiple Class Drop): Students may be administratively withdrawn from an individual class or all classes in a particular quarter for the following reasons. In all cases, tuition refunds will follow LWTech's posted refund policy.
    1. Conduct Sanctions: When a student is found in violation of one or more of the student conduct codes published in the student handbook, administrative withdrawal may be selected as an appropriate sanction. You may also refer to the LWTech Student Code of Conduct for more information.
    2. Non-Attendance: In order to maximize enrollment opportunities for all students, instructors may request the Enrollment Services office to administratively withdraw students who:
      1. Do not attend the first and/or any subsequent class meetings AND
      2. Do not notify the instructor in advance of the absence.
5.A.03.8 Registration - Use of Student Information Systems

LWTech currently uses LionsLink powered by ctcLink as its Student Information System. Accessing LionsLink requires using the ctcLink student identification number (SID) and password created by the student during account activation. This tool allows students to manage multiple aspects of their accounts, including but not limited to:

  1. Registering for classes
  2. Monitoring waitlist status
  3. Checking their schedule
  4. Changing their address/chosen name information
  5. Accessing their unofficial transcript
  6. Checking their financial aid application status
  7. Viewing and paying account balances
5.A.03.9 Registration - Access to Transcripts and Grades

A transcript is the official record of all classes and received grades. Students may request official transcripts by:

  1. Ordering them online through National Student Clearinghouse.
  2. Ordering transcripts from the LWTech Enrollment Services Office in person or via email using a records request form.

Students may use LionsLink to access unofficial transcripts.

Adopted September 18, 2000

Policy

Admission to the college does not guarantee applicants the unrestricted right to enroll in any specific program, course, or class if, in the judgment of the president or designee:

  1. The college reached enrollment limits for any particular program, course, or class, or
  2. Applicants did not meet reasonable prerequisites for such enrollment, or
  3. Student conduct sanctions would prevent enrollment.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents
5.A.04 Enrollment in Instructional Programs
  1. Enrollment limits and waiting lists: In the event a class is full at the time of registration students may work with their advisor(s) to select a new class and/or enroll in the waitlist for the original class.
    1. Before the quarter starts:
      1. Students on the waitlist are automatically added to openings as they occur prior to the first day of each quarter.
      2. Students should check their schedule online via LionsLink, with Enrollment Services, or with the class instructor during the first week of classes to see if they are enrolled in the class.
      3. Students should remove themselves from the waitlist if they decide not to enroll in the class.
      4. Students may not register for a class (example: ENGL& 101 class number #XXXXA) and hold a place on the waitlist for another section of the same course (ENGL& 101 class number #XXXXB).
    2. After the quarter starts:
      1. Students who have not already been enrolled in the class off the waitlist may meet with the class instructor for seek permission to be added to the class.
  2. Course Prerequisites: Lake Washington Institute of Technology requires that persons seeking admission to a degree or certificate program of study demonstrate their ability to perform entry-level reading, writing and math skills before enrolling in a technical training program. Exceptions to the published requisite scores for enrollment into specific courses may be determined by appropriate deans or faculty. In extraordinary cases, exceptions to programs of study are made by the Dean(s) of the area of study or designee. Students may demonstrate their math and English level by:
    1. Completing a placement assessment. At LWTech, faculty have developed a Guided Self Placement assessment for placing into math and English classes. Students receive a recommended placement for English and math. Students have a choice of taking the recommended course or they may select one level up or one level down.
      1. Placement assessment tests are administered regularly at no charge. Drop in and scheduled times are posted at the assessment center or on the assessment center web page.
      2. Students who test at BEdA levels must be referred for testing in the Academic Support Center and may not “place up”.
    2. Completing additional testing in math, reading, writing, and listening skills for Basic Education for Adults (BEdA) and English as a Second Language (ESL) placement administered by the Academic Support Center using a different assessment tool.
      1. Students who place into Basic Education for Adults (BEdA) or English as Second Language (ESL) classes must satisfactorily complete those courses at an appropriate level before enrolling in a technical program or college level course that has basic skill minimum requirements. Students who have not completed courses or placement tests in all subject areas (math, English) need to be tested or have placement scores in those areas for appropriate placement into courses.
    3. Providing an official college transcript indicating satisfactory completion with a 2.0 or better in English and/or math from an accredited college as described in 5.A.06.
    4. Provide Smarter Balance results in English and math with an appropriate score
    5. Provide recent SAT or ACT results with an appropriate score
    6. Providing a high school transcript documenting minimum grades in math and/or English classes (time limits may apply).
    7. Provide AP, IB, or CLEP test results with an appropriate score.
    8. Provide placement test results from another college with an appropriate score and fill out the placement reciprocity form.

Revised March 2008

Policy

Lake Washington Institute of Technology supports students in completing their educational goals as efficiently as possible. The college follows applicable state and federal laws related to the transfer and award of credits.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents
5.A.05 Transfer and Award of Credit
  1. Transcript Evaluation for Academic Credit: Transfer credit from accredited post-secondary institutions from one of the agencies listed below will ordinarily apply toward the degree or certificate if it is equivalent to college credit that would satisfy the same degree or certificate requirements at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. Accepted accrediting bodies are:
    1. Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC)
    2. Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    3. Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)
    4. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
    5. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
    6. Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
    7. New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
    8. WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
  2. Transcript Evaluation for Technical Credit: Technical coursework from other institutions may be accepted based on individual faculty review. Students may be required to provide course syllabi and/or pass a demonstration of skill assessment in order to receive credit for classes. In all cases, transferring in technical coursework must be accompanied by a Substitution Form.
  3. Students are responsible for providing official sealed or electronic transcripts from other colleges to the Enrollment Services office. Students will be responsible for submitting appropriate documentation of course content upon request.
  4. Transcripts from institutions outside of the United States must be evaluated by an international transcript evaluation agency.
  5. Credits and hours transferred from other schools and colleges will be accepted at values in accordance with nationally recognized conversions as determined by the Enrollment Services office.
  6. Transcript evaluation may result in a waiver of placement testing, satisfaction of prerequisite coursework, or satisfaction of general education or technical requirements for a certificate or degree. Other staff and faculty may evaluate unofficial transcripts for technical course transfer and advising. Please note:
    1. The Enrollment Services office makes the final determination.
    2. All official transcripts will be filed and kept in the Enrollment Services office.
    3. Time limitations on course credit are specified in the college catalog.
  7. If a student disagrees with the result of transcript evaluation, they may submit a written appeal to the Enrollment Services office for follow up and re-evaluation as needed.
  8. Course Waivers: A student who has had training or experience equivalent to the instruction given in a specific required course may request a waiver of the course. If a waiver is granted, the student is still required to complete the appropriate residency credit requirement for the program of study and earn the total number of credits required for graduation. Waiver of institutional degree or certificate requirements requires the approval of the appropriate instructional dean or designee.
  9. Alternative Credit:
    1. College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
      1. Lake Washington Institute of Technology accepts the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and awards credit for some CLEP examinations. The vice president of instruction or designee approves alternative credits on recommendation from an appropriate instructor.
      2. Lake Washington Institute of Technology awards 5 credits for each CLEP test passed with a score of 50 or better in most categories. Updated lists are maintained online.
    2. Advanced Placement Program (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Program
      1. Students who complete college-level work in high school may receive credit or placement at LWTECH on the basis of performance on the Advanced Placement examinations administered by the College Board or International Baccalaureate exams.
      2. Scores on AP examinations range from a high of 5 to a low of l. In most subject areas, credit and/or placement is awarded for scores of 3 or higher. For IB, in most subject areas, credit is awarded for scores of 5 or higher. Updated lists are maintained online.
    3. Credit for Non-Traditional Learning – Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
      1. Prior learning is the knowledge and skills gained through: work and life experience; military training and experience; and formal and informal education and training from in-state and out-of-state institutions, including foreign institutions.
      2. LWTech recognizes that students may come to the college with skills and knowledge acquired through prior learning, some of which could meet regular credit course requirements. Identifying credit for prior learning can be accomplished by an assessment process conducted by qualified faculty and may result in a course or several courses being posted to your transcript.
      3. No more than 25% of the credits earned through the PLA process may be applied toward degrees or certificates.
  10. Course Substitutions.
    1. Students unable to complete a course listed as a program requirement, or who have already taken a course which was similar in content, may apply for a substitution through the division dean.
    2. Restrictions:
      1. The student is not granted any additional credit but is allowed to substitute a course that is not listed as a requirement for the program.
      2. The student must fulfill the college’s residency requirement.
    3. Student Responsibilities:
      1. The student submits the request to the appropriate division dean for approval or denial.
      2. The request then goes to the Enrollment Services office who has final approval authority.
  11. For selective admission healthcare programs, LWTech does not accept transfer credits from colleges that do not provide a decimal or letter grade for completed classes. Classes from any college that are graded only as a “pass” or “satisfactory” or credits earned via CLEP or other testing process will be converted to a 2.0 in the admission process which may make you ineligible for admission. Please contact an advisor if you have questions about this procedure.

Policy

Graduation is the process which formally recognizes a student has met all requirements for a program of study as set forth in the college Catalog. LWTech maintains published procedures that specify:

  1. General Requirements
  2. Deadlines and Timelines
  3. Eligibility
  4. Transcripts
Procedures, Forms, and Documents
5.A.06.1 Graduation – General Requirements

General requirements for degrees and certificates are provided in Chapter 6 of this manual. In addition, the following regulations pertain to completion of degrees and certificates at Lake Washington Institute of Technology:

  1. Non-credit classes are generally considered to be non-graded and receive a notation of NG (not graded) in lieu of a decimal or other grade.
  2. A course counts only once for credit toward a degree.
  3. In no case may students use catalog requirements that are more than seven (7) years old at the time of graduation.
  4. A student cannot use a catalog in effect before the quarter in which they first pass a credit class or a catalog in effect after they have ceased attendance.
  5. Students transferring credits completed at other institutions toward their Lake Washington Institute of Technology degree or certificate should have their transcripts evaluated prior to applying for graduation.
  6. A student who fails to meet graduation requirements in a given quarter must file a new application with the enrollment services office for a subsequent quarter unless arrangements are made with the enrollment services office to move the first application forward.
  7. Students earning two degrees or certificates simultaneously must satisfy the following dual degree requirements:
    1. Complete a separate application for each degree or certificate.
    2. Complete the curricular requirements for each degree and certificate.
  8. Time Limits: Time limits for completion of degrees, certificates, awards, and for coursework are specified in Chapter 6.
5.A.06.2 Graduation – Deadlines and Timelines
  1. Students should file an application for graduation with the Enrollment Services office by the fourth week of the quarter preceding the quarter in which they intend to graduate.
  2. The student may learn of missing requirements in one of the following ways:
    1. The Enrollment Services office may notify the student of any missing or incomplete information before the start of the student’s final quarter if the student has met the deadline for graduation application; or
    2. The student may determine any missing requirements by using automated, online degree audit checks; or
    3. The student’s advisor can provide information on missing requirements.
  3. Certificates and diplomas are normally available within six weeks after the quarter of graduation if all grades are submitted. In the case of any missing grades or other information, certificates and diplomas will be delayed.
  4. Transcripts showing the certificate(s) or degree(s) earned are available when all grades are recorded after the quarter of graduation, after the final evaluation has been made, and approval of graduation has been granted.
  5. The timelines above do not apply to students who apply late or do not apply for graduation; such students will receive degrees or diplomas later if they are eligible.
5.A.06.3 Graduation – Eligibility
  1. Grades on transcripts are updated as needed. “I” (incomplete) grades are considered as “0.0” grades for graduation if no other grade can be determined.
  2. Transfer credit evaluations, waivers or course substitution, and any other documentation of exceptions are reviewed. Course waivers will be allowed for students who can document training or experience equivalent to a specific required course. Also, see guidelines in policy 5.P.07, “Reasonable Accommodation for Students with Disabilities." The vice president of instruction, or designee, will determine whether to grant waivers, based upon the recommendations of the divisional dean and faculty.
  3. College credit may be granted toward a degree or certificate for other than Lake Washington Institute of Technology coursework, including:
    1. Previous college or university courses
    2. Technical education training
    3. Military technical training
    4. Credit by examination
  4. The Enrollment Services office confirms the acceptability of the transfer credit, the number of credits allowed, and appropriate accreditation of the source institution.
  5. If the student is applying before the end of the final quarter, the final enrollment is taken into account to project whether the student will be able to graduate if all work in progress or planned for the final quarter is completed satisfactorily.
  6. Once all required work has been completed satisfactorily and all other published requirements have been met and the student has applied for graduation, the student is awarded a degree or certificate, which is recorded on the student transcript.
  7. If a student fails to meet all requirements, the degree or certificate is denied, and the student is notified of the requirements yet to be completed.
  8. The Enrollment Services office assists students denied graduation by referrals to advisors or educational planners, or through clarification of the student record as appropriate.
  9. The Enrollment Services office will also post honors to transcripts as applicable.
5.A.06.4 Graduation – Transcripts

A copy of all official course work is maintained in the Enrollment Services office. Official and unofficial transcripts are available to students and former students upon request. All requests for official transcripts must be in writing. Requests are normally processed in less than two weeks after receipt of the request. There is no charge for official transcripts when requested in person. Transcripts relating to work done under previous records systems may take significantly more time to prepare.

A transcript record may not be kept for basic education for adults, non-credit, or special customized training classes.

Policy

The college will not exclude, deny the benefits of, or otherwise subject students to discrimination under any college program or activity, on the basis of disability. The college commits to giving qualified students with a documented disability equal opportunity to access the benefits, rights, and privileges of college services, programs, and activities, in the most integrated setting appropriate to the student's needs, consistent with federal and state law.

The college commits to giving reasonable accommodations and auxiliary aids and services to qualified students with disabilities. To receive reasonable accommodations and auxiliary aids and services students must:

  1. Document the nature and extent of the disability.
  2. Request accommodations in a timely manner following documented college procedure.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents
5.A.07.1 Reasonable Accommodation for Students with Disabilities

The college commits to giving reasonable accommodations and auxiliary aids and services, to qualified students with disabilities. This procedure identifies the rights and responsibilities of students under federal and state law and establishes clear guidelines to seek and receive reasonable accommodations.

To receive reasonable accommodations and auxiliary aids and services, students must:

  1. Document the nature and extent of the disability.
  2. Request accommodations in a timely manner following documented college procedure.
5.A.07.2 Scope of Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations under this policy include, but are not limited to:

  1. academic accommodations, such as modification of academic requirements and flexibility in test-taking arrangements;
  2. adjustments in nonacademic services and other rules; and
  3. auxiliary aids and services.

The college will make those modifications to its academic requirements that:

  1. are necessary to ensure that those requirements do not discriminate, or have the effect of discriminating, against an otherwise qualified student with a disability based on that disability and
  2. do not impose an undue hardship on the college or require alteration of essential program requirements.

Appropriate academic and occupational training adjustments/reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified students with disabilities for recruitment, the application process, enrollment, registration, financial aid, course work, academic counseling, and college programs and services.

Section 202 of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act states:

No qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from the participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs or activities of any public entity, or be subject to discrimination by any such entity.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act states:

No otherwise qualified, handicapped individual in the United States shall solely, by reasons of his or her handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

5.A.07.3 Definitions
  1. "Academic Accommodations" in college programs and services are modifications of those programs, policies, practices, and procedures that enable qualified students with a disability to have an equal opportunity to benefit from and have access to college programs and services and providing auxiliary aids and services.
  2. "Student" is a person enrolled at the college.
  3. An "otherwise qualified student with a disability" is one who, with or without reasonable accommodations, meets the academic and technical standards required for admission to, participation in, and/or fulfilling the essential requirements of college programs or activities.
  4. A "student with a disability" is a student who
    1. has a physical, mental or sensory impairment that substantially limits one or more of his or her major life activities; and
    2. has a record of such an impairment, or a student who has an abnormal condition that is medically recognizable or diagnosable.
  5. "Undue hardship" is any excessively costly, extensive, substantial, or disruptive modification or one that would substantially alter the nature or operation of the institution or any of its programs or services or threaten the health or safety of the college community.
  6. "Program accessibility" means that all programs and services, when viewed in their entirety, are accessible to persons with a disability.
  7. "Core services" are those services listed in State of Washington Laws of 1994, Chapter 105 (RCW 28B.10.910 - .914), that are necessary to ensure students with disabilities are reasonably accommodated at the college.
  8. "Course substitution" is the replacement of a specific course required for a degree or certificate program with another course that measures the same learning objectives/skills as the required course.
  9. "Due Diligence" is the good faith effort by the student to provide information requested by the college within established guidelines.
5.A.07.4 Obligations of the College

The college shall:

  1. Comply with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and State of Washington Laws of 1994, Chapter 105 (RCW 28B.10.910 - .914), as amended.
  2. Notify students of the college's policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of disability and of steps the student may take if he or she believes discrimination has taken place. This notice shall be included in all formal correspondence that communicates decisions or policies adversely affecting the student's status or rights with the institution of higher education. This notice shall include the telephone numbers of the United States Department of Education, United States Office of Civil Rights, and the Washington State Human Rights Commission.
  3. Make available to all students' information on the services available to disabled students, including the name and location of the student services office, which provides disability support services, and the process for accessing those services.
  4. Work with the student, faculty, and staff on a case-by-case basis, to select and provide those accommodations and core services appropriate for each qualified student with a disability.
  5. Develop procedures to protect the confidentiality of information regarding the nature and extent of the documented disability.
  6. Maintain the academic integrity of its programs.
  7. Not make pre-admission inquiry as to whether the applicant has a disability, except as provided by law.
  8. Work collaboratively with eligible students to determine what accommodations are reasonable and appropriate. To identify the accommodations that are reasonable based on the nature and extent of a student's disability, the college may require specific documentation from the student's physician.
5.A.07.5 Disability Support Services Office

The disability support services office is responsible for the coordination of services to otherwise qualified students with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodations. A disability support services office staff member will work with each student with a disability that has requested reasonable accommodations.

The college is committed to a reasonable approach in the identification of students with disabilities, including contacting all students who voluntarily self-identify during the college admission orientation or registration process. Information regarding a disability will be kept confidential unless the student signs a release of information form. A parent or legal guardian must sign the form for a student under the age of 18.

The disability support services office staff will assist and advise each otherwise qualified student with a disability who requests accommodations under this policy in developing an instructional plan, identifying those reasonable accommodations appropriate for the student, and ensuring that the agreed-upon accommodations are provided.

5.A.07.6 Academic Accommodations-Examples by Categories

The process of selecting reasonable accommodations for each qualified student with a disability shall be made on a case-by-case basis, appropriate to the nature and extent of the student's disability.

  1. Academic Accommodations - Academic accommodations may include, but are not limited to:
    1. Flexibility in timelines for completion of courses, certification, and degree requirements;
    2. Substitution of specific courses required for the completion of degrees with courses that measure the same learning objectives/skills as the required courses;
    3. Adaptation of the manner in which specific courses are conducted;
    4. Flexibility in teaching methods and test-taking arrangements; and
    5. Flexibility in credits required to satisfy institutional eligibility for financial aid within federal and state financial aid guidelines.
  2. Auxiliary Aids and Services
    1. Flexible procedures in the admissions process (early registration);
    2. Qualified sign language, oral and tactile interpreters, or other technological alternatives;
    3. Access to adaptive equipment including, but not limited to: Telecommunication Device for the Deaf, FM communicators, closed caption devices, amplified telephone receivers, closed circuit televisions, low-vision reading aids, player/recorders for 15/16 4-track tapes, photocopy machine able to use eleven-by-seventeen-inch paper, Braille devices and computer enhancements;
    4. Textbooks and other educational materials in alternative media, including, but not limited to large print, Braille, electronic format, and audio tape;
    5. Provision of readers, note takers, and/or proofreaders; and
    6. Release of syllabi, study guides, and other appropriate instructor-produced materials in advance of general distribution and access beyond the regular classroom session to slides, films, overheads, and other media, and taping of lectures.
  3. Access
    1. Ongoing review and coordination of efforts to ensure campus accessibility, including barrier-free design, signage, identification of hazards, of mobility barriers, maintenance of access during construction, snow and ice clearance, and adequate disability parking for all facilities;
    2. Facilitating physical access to programs and services including relocating classes, activities, and services to accessible facilities;
    3. Referral to appropriate on-campus and off-campus resources, services and agencies; and
    4. Accessibility to tutoring, mentoring, counseling, and academic advising, if available on campus, for students with disabilities.
  4. Course Substitutions and Waivers
    1. The college recognizes that certain disabilities may preclude a student from successfully completing a specific course requirement for a degree even with appropriate accommodations. The college recognizes its obligation to accommodate disabled students without compromising the integrity of the academic program.
    2. Under the American Disabilities Act, the college is not required to waive essential requirements of a student's program of instruction. Therefore, every student enrolled in a degree program at the college is required to meet the essential requirements of a degree program.
    3. The college recognizes that altered methods of course delivery and/or providing core services will enable most disabled students to successfully complete course requirements, except in unusual circumstances. Therefore, the disabled student will attempt to successfully complete the required courses with accommodations.
    4. If the student is unsuccessful in completing the course, the student may request course substitution under this policy. Waivers of degree program requirements will be rarely given, and then only after the student has attempted, with appropriate reasonable accommodations, to meet those requirements. If a waiver of a course is granted, the student must still attain the required number of credits for the program.
  5. Service Animals
    1. The college adheres to the policy outlined by the Disability Rights Section of the US Department of Justice for service animals.
    2. No student shall, on the basis of his or her disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subject to discrimination under any college program or activity. The college is committed to providing qualified students with a documented disability an equal opportunity to access the benefits, rights, and privileges of college services, programs, and activities, in the most integrated setting appropriate to the student's needs, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and state of Washington Laws of 1994, Chapter 105 (RCW 28B.10.910 - .914).

Policy

LWTech is committed to ensuring that students with faith- or conscience-based beliefs have equal opportunity to access and benefit from the college’s educational offerings and services. To this end, and in compliance with, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Washington’s Law Against Discrimination, LWTech has adopted procedures for reasonably accommodating and allowing for absences and accommodations based upon the faith or conscience based beliefs, observances, and practices of its students.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents
5.A.08.1 Accommodations for Reasons of Faith or Conscience

LWTech students are entitled to reasonable accommodations for reasons of faith or conscience. Students, regardless of their faith-or conscience-based beliefs, have an equal opportunity to access and benefit from curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular offerings and activities. When college policy conflicts with student faith- and conscience-based beliefs and practices, the College will work with students to identify and implement reasonable accommodations.

  1. To receive an accommodation, a student must fill out and submit a request for accommodation form to the Vice President of Student Services (VPSS) or designee at least two-weeks prior to the desired start of the curricular, co-curricular, or extracurricular offering or as soon the student becomes aware of a conflict with College policy. All requests for accommodation must be submitted in writing and contain a concise explanation of how the requested accommodation is related to the student’s faith- or conscience-based belief.
    1. The request form can be completed online: cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?LakeWashingtonIT&layout_id=6
    2. LWTech will not charge additional fees for requests.
  2. Upon receiving a request for accommodation form, the VPSS or designee will work with instruction and the student to identify a reasonable accommodation. Accommodations granted under this policy must be approved by the Office of the Vice President of Student Services or designee in advance of implementation.
  3. The VPSS or designee may deny a request for accommodation if the proposed accommodation would:
    1. pose a legitimate threat to health, safety or well-being of members of the college community,
    2. fundamentally change the nature of the course or activity, or
    3. result in an undue hardship to the college.
  4. The VPSS or designee will provide the student with a document identifying the approved accommodation. The student is solely responsible for providing a copy of this document to each instructor or staff member overseeing a class or activity requiring reasonable accommodation.
  5. Upon receiving a copy of the letter approving an accommodation, the instructor or staff will determine what adjustments, if any, are necessary to activities, coursework, testing, and/or assignments. The instructor or staff member will inform the student of these adjustments in a timely manner. Regardless of an instructor’s or staff member’s expectations or grading policies, reasonable accommodations granted under this policy shall not adversely impact a student's grade or evaluation.
  6. Instructors and staff members are not required to honor a request for accommodation that has not been reviewed, approved, and communicated in compliance with the foregoing procedures.

Appeals must follow the college’s current “Grievances, Appeals and Complaints” procedure: lwtech.edu/about/policies-procedures/grievances-appeals.

5.A.08.2 Absence Due to Faith or Conscience

LWTech students may request excused absences for reasons of faith or conscience or for organized activities conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or religious organization. Students' grades may not be adversely impacted by absences authorized under this policy. All course syllabi will reference this policy and procedure.

  1. Students must request the absence through Office of Instruction within the first two weeks of the quarter, unless the purpose of the absence was not known until later. Requests for absences in classes with a clinical component must be received before the first day of the quarter. All requests for authorized absences under this policy must be in writing and contain a concise explanation of how the requested holiday is related to a reason of faith or conscience or an organized activity conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or religious organization.
    1. The request form can be completed online: Student Request for Accommodation or Absence Due to Faith or Conscience
    2. LWTech will not charge additional fees for requests.
  2. All absences under this policy must be approved by the Office of Instruction in advance of the absence. LWTech will not authorize an absence for a student after the absence occurs without compelling circumstances.
  3. The Office of Instruction will provide the student with a document verifying the date of the approved absence and further instructions. To protect the student’s privacy, this letter will not provide details about the student description of the absence. In order to ensure that their absence does not negatively affect their grades, the student must comply with directions for notifying their instructors of their upcoming authorized absence. The student is solely responsible for ensuring the documentation authorizing the absence is provided to each of the instructors whose classes or assignments will be affected by the absence.
  4. After an instructor is notified by the student of an upcoming absence, the instructor will determine what adjustments, if any, will need to be made to the student's scheduled classwork or assignments. The instructor will inform the student of these adjustments within two days of receiving the student's notification.
  5. If the student's desired absence date is on a day when a test was scheduled or an assignment was due, the instructor may require that the student take the test or submit the assignment before or after the regularly assigned date.
  6. Regardless of an instructor’s class expectations or grading policies, absences authorized under this procedure will not adversely impact a student’s grade.
  7. If a student fails to notify any of their instructors of an authorized absence (as directed by the Office of Instruction), the instructor is not obligated to make any accommodations for the student's absence or treat the absence as authorized under this policy or the law.

Appeals must follow the college’s current “Grievances, Appeals and Complaints” procedure: lwtech.edu/about/policies-procedures/grievances-appeals.

Policy

Lake Washington Institute of Technology will offer a comprehensive financial aid program for students who use college, state, and federal financial aid resources and/or appropriate Foundation resources. The financial aid office will:

  1. Provide financial aid information in college publications.
  2. Help students obtain financial aid information.
  3. Determine student eligibility for financial aid.
  4. Manage the college’s financial aid programs.
  5. Manage the college’s work study programs
Procedures, Forms, and Documents
5.A.09.1 Financial Aid: Provide financial aid information in college publications.

Financial aid applications and information are maintained on the college website. This webpage is broadly published in printed college materials including viewbooks, brochures, and flyers.

5.A.09.2 Financial Aid: Help students obtain financial aid information.

Financial aid applications and information may be obtained at the following address:

Financial Aid Office
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
11605 132nd Avenue Northeast
Kirkland, Washington 98034-5608
(425) 739-8106

The Financial Aid office will regularly offer workshops to assist students with the application process.

5.A.09.3 Financial Aid: Determine student eligibility for financial aid.

Award of federal and state aid will be made in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

Upon receipt of all necessary forms and if determined eligible, the financial aid office will prepare an award package for the student and send notice of the award to the student.

  1. Students applying for financial assistance should complete the following steps:
    1. Submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at fafsa.gov or a Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) online at https://wsac.wa.gov/wasfa
    2. Submit a financial aid datasheet and any additional documentation needed. Data Sheets and other financial aid forms are available in the Financial Aid office or online at https://www.lwtech.edu/admissions/financial-aid/forms/. (Note: applications will still be processed if the Data Sheet is not received; however, additional documents may still be required by the Department of Education or by the Financial Aid office to process and application. If so, the student will be notified by email or regular mail.)
  2. Program Eligibility: Lake Washington Institute of Technology offers financial aid programs for students enrolled in eligible certificate or degree granting programs.
  3. Student Eligibility: Students admitted to Lake Washington Institute of Technology on or after July 1, 1991 must satisfy one of the following criteria in order to be eligible for Title IV financial assistance (federal Pell grant, federal supplemental educational opportunity grant (SEOG), Federal Family Education Loans, federal and state family education loans, federal work study and for the Washington College Grant (formerly Washington State Need Grant):
    1. Be a high school graduate and submit proof of graduation when requested, or
    2. Have successfully passed the GED exam and submit proof when requested, or
    3. Have successfully completed a two-year program that is acceptable for full credit toward a bachelor's degree; or
    4. Meet other Ability to Benefit criteria: A student enrolled in a program recognized as an eligible career pathway may fulfill Ability to Benefit requirements by meeting the minimum score established for a federally approved Ability to Benefit test or by satisfactorily completing 6 or more regular (non-remedial) credits required for their program.
5.A.09.4 Financial Aid: Manage the college’s financial aid programs.
  1. Financial Aid Warning: A student who fails to maintain the 2.0 satisfactory academic progress requirement or the minimum credit completion requirement for one quarter will be placed on financial aid warning.
  2. Suspension of Financial Aid Eligibility: Aid eligibility will be suspended if a student fails to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements for 2 consecutive quarters, or fails to meet minimum credit completion requirements.
  3. Financial Aid Repayments: Aid eligibility for students who withdraw early, either officially or unofficially, must be recalculated according to federal and state guidelines. In some cases, students may owe a repayment of financial aid to the college or federal or state governments as a result.
  4. Reinstatement of Eligibility for Financial Aid: To regain eligibility for financial aid, students must either successfully appeal the extenuating circumstances of their suspension or complete one quarter at the minimum number of credits for their enrollment level attempted of the quarter of suspension at their own expense, meeting all applicable satisfactory academic progress requirements at the end of that quarter. Credits completed from the quarter of suspension of financial aid to the date of financial aid reinstatement will not be eligible for financial aid. Per federal regulations, students whose eligibility has been reinstated by an appeal must be placed on financial aid probation or a financial aid academic plan that lists all satisfactory progress requirements.
  5. College Work-Study Program: Information on the college’s student work-study program is found in procedure 5.A.9.5 in this chapter

Adopted February 28, 1996

Revised April 30, 1996

Revised August 6, 1997

Revised September 18, 2000

Revised July 1, 2004

5.A.09.5 Financial Aid: Work Study Programs

Lake Washington Institute of Technology participates in state and federal work-study programs designed to assist students who demonstrate financial need and to give them work experience tied to their academic goals.

Work-study is a form of financial aid that enables students to earn income to help meet educational costs. Work-study positions should relate to the student's program of study. Work-study is part-time employment either on or off campus. There are State and Federal work-study funds available each year. Priority is given to students meeting the financial aid funds priority date. When completing the FAFSA, students interested in work-study should answer "yes" to the question, “Are you interested in being considered for Work-Study?”

Eligibility requirements:

  1. Students must apply for financial aid, demonstrate financial need, and meet any other applicable requirements.
  2. Students must be eligible to work in the United States.
  3. Students must be enrolled at least half time at an eligible institution in the state of Washington.
  4. Students may not be in pursuit of a degree in theology.
  5. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress.
  6. How many hours a week can an employee getting Work-Study actually work?
  7. Employees in Work-Study can work up to 19 hours per week while classes are in session. During quarterly breaks however, students may work up to 40 hours per week (if requested by their supervisor) as long as they have a Work-Study award remaining from the previous quarter.
  8. Notification of a financial aid work-study award:
  9. Students are notified in their financial aid award letter. Financial aid work-study is awarded on a "funds available" basis.

Finding financial aid work-study jobs:

  1. Students looking for financial aid work-study jobs at LWTech must apply for financial aid through the FAFSA and have received a Work-Study award letter from the Financial Aid office. The following steps are needed before employment begins:
  2. Attend a Work-Study Employment Orientation. Days and times are announced with a letter from the Financial Aid office.
  3. During the Work Study orientation, students will sign all necessary hiring forms and provide acceptable documents that establish identity and employment eligibility.
  4. Students interested in finding a job on the LWTech campus should register for a Career Services Online account on our Career Services page. Stop by the Career Services (West building, W207) if you need help accessing the site or if you need interviewing techniques and resume development tips.
  5. After looking for financial aid work-study jobs online, the student employee shall write down the employer contact information and call or email the financial aid work-study supervisor to arrange an interview appointment. Financial aid work-study students should tell the employer that they are a financial aid work-study applicant at Lake Washington Institute of Technology and that they found the job listed at the Career Services.
  6. At the interview, students must bring their "Work-Study Job Referral Form." This form is provided to the student during the Work-Study Employment Orientation. If hired, the employer or supervisor will sign the referral form, and the student will return the form to the Financial Aid office in the West building, W209.
  7. The Financial Aid office will send the student and supervisor written notification of hire and start date. Students should allow up to 48 hours for processing after they have returned the Work-Study Job Referral Form to the Financial Aid office.

Work-study expectations:

  1. Students are not allowed to work during scheduled class hours.
  2. Because students must be enrolled at least half-time to receive aid, any student who withdraws or drops below half-time enrollment (6 credits) is no longer eligible for work study funds.
  3. Students must have satisfactory academic progress to continue in or qualify for work-study aid.
  4. The supervisor may evaluate work-study students based on their work performance.
  5. It is the supervisor’s responsibility to discuss with students their work performance, tardiness, and/or work absences. Supervisors have the option to terminate work study students for valid reasons, as documented on a Status Change Form on file in Human Resources. The financial aid office should be informed if such action is warranted and students should be referred to the financial aid office.
  6. Students are entitled to a 15-minute break in each four-hour period and must take at least a 30-minute lunch break if working five or more consecutive hours.
  7. Students get paid for breaks, but do not get paid for a lunch break.
  8. Students may not work more than 19 hours per week while classes are in session.
  9. Any injury to a work-study student while working should be reported to the financial aid office, the supervisor, and Campus Public Safety. An incident report will be completed by the student and the supervisor, and held on file at the Campus Public Safety office.

Adopted February 28, 1996

Revised September 18, 2000

Policy

The financial aid office keeps detailed information about the criteria, eligibility, procedures for application, and other information on scholarships offered by Lake Washington Institute of Technology, or administered by the financial aid office. Detailed information concerning the Lake Washington Foundation Scholarships is located in the Foundation office at the college.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents
5.A.11 Scholarships

The Financial Aid office maintains a comprehensive listing of scholarships and links to reputable scholarship databases on the webpage.

LWTech Foundation Scholarships: In partnership with the LWTech Foundation, the financial aid office manages the disbursement of these scholarships to students once selected.

Scholarship Listings: Staff regularly update and review scholarships listed on the financial aid webpage. The financial aid office reserves the right to refuse to list scholarships offered by any agency.

Policy

The college is committed to supporting the education, social, and support needs of our veterans and manages these services via the financial aid office.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents
5.A.12 Veteran Services

LWTech is approved to participate in the education training program for veterans. The veterans program is supervised by the director of financial aid and veteran services.

The state approving agency has approved courses offered at LWTech for students entitled to benefits under chapters 33 (Post 9-11 GI Bill®), 31, 30 (Montgomery GI Bill®), the Vocational Rehabilitation Act, 35 (Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance), 1606 (Montgomery GI Bill®-Selected Reserve) and 1607 (Reserve Educational Assistance Program) sections of the United States Code, Veterans Benefits, Title 38.

The veteran is responsible for completing the application for education benefits and including any documentation required. The veteran must attend the Veteran Benefit Orientation and complete all required paperwork before enrollment can be verified with the Veterans Administration office.

The veteran is responsible for maintaining satisfactory progress as outlined in the financial aid policy.

LWTech also maintains a veteran center (Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success) to provide additional support to prospective and enrolled veteran students.

Adopted February 28, 1996

Revised September 18, 2000

Revised August 22, 2006

Policy

The college may place a hold on a students’ records if they have financial obligation to the college due to tuition or financial aid. Until the student clears the financial obligation, the college will deny a student the ability to register for future classes.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents
5.A.13 Student Financial Obligation

Until a student clears financial obligations that arise from tuition or financial aid, the college may deny registration for a future quarter. Financial obligations from other areas such as unpaid library fines, failure to return equipment, etc., may be sent to collections but will not impact registration abilities.

Policy

LWTech is committed to supporting the education, social, and support needs of students by offering federal and state funded programs through Workforce Development that may provide assistance with tuition, books, supplies, advising, and other individualized support services, depending on qualifications.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents
5.A.15.1 Workforce Development: WorkFirst

WorkFirst is a federally funded program designed to help eligible TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) parents become self-sufficient. Students may be eligible if they are receiving cash assistance (TANF) from Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and are referred from DSHS. In addition to their cash assistance, WorkFirst students may receive financial assistance to cover tuition, fees, and books. The WorkFirst program at LWTech is under the Workforce Development Department within Student Services. Students receive individualized support and advising in order to identify their educational and career goals, navigate through college, access financial aid, overcome barriers to success, and connect with internal and external resources in order to obtain a livable wage job and become self-sufficient.

Policy and Procedures that apply to the WorkFirst program are available in the Workforce Development office in West 207.

5.A.15.2 Workforce Development: Basic Food, Employment & Training

The Washington State Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) program provides employment readiness opportunities to Basic Food (SNAP) recipients who are not participating in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) WorkFirst program. The Basic Food, Employment, & Training (BFET) program at Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) is a federally funded program designed to support students who are receiving federal food assistance in reaching their educational and career goals so that they no longer require assistance from DSHS in meeting basic needs.

  1. Through participation in BFET at LWTech, students may be eligible for:
  2. Tuition and/or book & supply assistance
  3. Childcare assistance through Working Connections Childcare (DSHS)
  4. Eligibility for food assistance if previously denied and continuation of food assistance while in school
  5. Career and educational advising and planning
  6. Referrals to community partners

Policy and Procedures that apply to the BFET program are available in the Workforce Development office in West 207.

5.A.15.3 Workforce Development: Opportunity Grant

The Opportunity Grant Scholarship supports low-income Washington state residents with no previous degree. Students must be enrolled in approved programs of study. Students in the Opportunity Grant Scholarship program may receive the following support services:

  1. Tuition and fees for up to 45 credits or three years from initial receipt of grant.
  2. A maximum of $1,000 per academic year for books and related supplies.
  3. Advising and educational, career, and personal support.

Policy and Procedures that apply to the Opportunity Grant program are available in the Workforce Development office in West 207.

5.A.15.4 Workforce Development: Worker Retraining

The mission of the Worker Retraining Program at LWTech is “to change lives by providing guidance and resources that empower individuals in career transition”. To help fulfill this mission, funding is provided to Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) from the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges to:

  1. Help pay for training expenses for individuals who lost their jobs due to economic changes, those receiving Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits, Veterans, Displaced Homemakers, and individuals vulnerable to lay-off.
  2. Help improve programs that prepare people for work. Based on input from local leaders in business, government, and community, these funds are used to update equipment, revise curriculum, and develop work experience opportunities. Colleges also hire staff to advise WRT students and coordinate Worker Retraining programs.

Policy and Procedures that apply to the Worker Retraining program are available in the Workforce Development office in West 207.

Policy

The college is committed to supporting the employment needs of prospective and enrolled students, alumni, and community members. The college assists with career discernment, job search, and career planning by means of individual appointments, regular workshops, training, and events.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents
5.A.16 Employment Services

The role of the Career Services is to assist students, graduates and community members (job seekers) in determining their career direction and in finding employment. Career Services also assists employers in connecting with LWTech students by providing a job/internship postings system and hosting employer events on campus. In addition, the Career Services assist faculty in educating students on job search strategies.

  1. Services provided – to students, alumni, and job seekers:
    1. Career Services offers career exploration and job search assistance to students, alumni, and job seekers. Whether students are exploring their career options, looking for a first job, needing a part time job while attending school, or are ready to start a career after graduation, the Career Services is focused on providing tools needed to successfully reach employment goals. Services include:
      1. Career Services Online (CSO) – an online job board with current job postings
        1. Students access CSO through the Career Services webpage, create an account, and search for jobs or forward jobs by program of study directly to their email.
      2. Facilitation of weekly and quarterly workshops related to job search and career exploration (workshop schedules are available on the website or in the Career Services)
      3. Providing in class training on job search skills in college classes
      4. Job search information and resources in print, online and by individual appointment
      5. Career exploration workshops, resources and assistance by individual appointment
      6. On-campus employment events such as employer recruiting tables, speaker panels, job fairs
      7. Labor market information
      8. Information about local job fairs and hiring events
      9. Worksource Connections Site – online access to Worksource services and referrals to Worksource partners
      10. Referrals to other community based partners that can assist in job search; some partners available on campus
      11. Computer, fax, copy machine and phone may be available to assist students in their job search
    2. Career Services is not a placement office, does not place people in jobs, and does not guarantee jobs for students\
  2. Services provided to Employers:
    1. Employer job posting
      1. Employers may post jobs or internships on the campus Career Services Online (CSO) job posting system provided the opportunities meet the following guidelines:
        1. Job must pay at least the current minimum wage
        2. An organization must have a business license to post a job on the website
        3. We do not accept the following jobs:
          1. Multi-level marketing opportunities
          2. Commission-only jobs
          3. Opportunities that require fees for training or start-up, or that require the prospective employee to purchase products or equipment prior to earning a minimum wage
      2. Some positions will be posted only on the bulletin boards on campus, not on the CSO system:
        1. In-home temporary jobs
        2. independent contractor positions (Vendor or 1099)
      3. Career Services reserves the right to turn down any job posting for valid reasons
      4. Organizations recruiting through the LWTech Career Services agree to contact the Career Services when their position is filled by any LWTech student or graduate.
      5. We will make every effort to approve jobs for posting within 24 hours of receipt from the employer
      6. Positions posted must comply with all federal and state affirmative action and equal employment opportunity regulations
  3. Employer Recruiting and Information Events
    1. Career Services assists in managing employer engagement on campus and encourages employer partnership with LWTech
    2. Employer Recruiting Tables - Employers can host recruiting tables on campus by contacting the Career Services. Career Services will coordinate the logistics with the Office of Student Life. Employers must allow reasonable lead-time for the college to plan for their visit. Only employers that have jobs related to LWTech programs of study and/or appropriate for our student population will be allowed to host recruiting tables. Policies around recruiting tables are the same as those for posting jobs. Career Services reserves the right to turn down a request for a recruiting table for valid reasons. Organizations wishing to market their products to students will be referred to the Office of Student Life.
    3. Job Fairs and Employer Panels – Career Services partners with faculty and community organizations to offer employment events on campus. These events range from large scale job fairs to targeted/program focused employer panels.
  4. Career Services services provided to the college/faculty:
    1. Career Services provides support to faculty as they help to prepare students for employment. Support may be in the form of classroom presentations, overview of the Career Services, partnering on employer events, guidance on job search/labor market trends, assisting internship/externship students in preparing their application materials (coordination and supervision of experiential learning opportunities is managed through the faculty), and sending related job postings

Career Services manages internal work-study/student employment job postings to ensure students are aware of available opportunities.

Policy

The college maintains an Outreach and Recruitment Office focused on ensuring access to the college for prospective students and serving the higher education needs of Washington State.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents
5.A.17 Outreach and Recruitment

LWTech maintains an outreach and recruitment department focused on ensuring access to the college for prospective students.

  1. Staffing: Staffing is concentrated in two primary student services areas, Student Development and Workforce Development, and these offices focus on two broad populations, prospective students and employers (both for access to prospective students and connections that may lead to employment for graduates).
  2. Guiding Principles: Outreach and Recruitment approaches student and employer recruitment from multiple perspectives geographic area, targeted student populations, specific industry sectors, and communication method.
    1. Geographic area priority order:
      1. Local communities of Kirkland, Redmond, Bellevue, Kenmore, Mercer Island, Bothell, Woodinville, Carnation, Duvall, North Bend, Fall City, Sammamish, Issaquah, Snoqualmie, Skykomish, Clyde Hill, and Medina.
      2. Communities within a 50-mile radius of the college.
      3. State of Washington.
      4. Some national outreach for programs with limited national presence such as Funeral Services.
  3. Targeted student populations and industry sectors: Staff specifically focus on different student populations and industry sectors based on college enrollment goals. Populations and employers are split between different staff:
    1. High Schools and Middle Schools
    2. LWTech alumni
    3. LWTech current students in feeder programs for BAS
    4. CTC transfer students for BAS
    5. Employees in BAS related industries
    6. Events targeting traditionally marginalized populations, non-traditional gender enrollment, and veterans
    7. WANIC students
    8. TECH prep students and Running Start
    9. Employers in industries that match with low enrolled programs
    10. Employers with jobs that match LWTech programs
    11. WFD eligible populations (internal and external)
    12. CBOs that serve WFD populations
    13. Events targeting traditionally marginalized populations, non-traditional gender enrollment, and Veterans
  4. Collaboration Methods: Outreach and Recruitment recognizes the vital need to involve other areas of the college in this work. As such the following activities are designed to ensure consistent communication out to the college and opportunities for the college to provide input into outreach and recruitment activities:
    1. Annual plan shared with Student Achievement Committee (SAC).
    2. Outreach and staff participation in SAC throughout the year.
    3. Outreach and staff lead the Open House Planning Committee (subcommittee of SAC) and ensure cross campus committee representation.
    4. Quarterly meetings with Marketing and Communications to ensure consistency of messaging and branding, quality of outreach materials, and coordination of media buys with college events.

Policy

The college maintains comprehensive academic advising services focused on ensuring students can successfully navigate the college environment.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents
5.A.18 Academic Advising

Academic Advising staff help students make academic decisions related to program choice, registration requirements and success strategies while enrolled at LWTech. Students are encouraged to see an advisor regarding the following:

  1. New Student Advising
  2. Academic planning (completed before or during the first quarter)
  3. Health Science pre-requisite advising
  4. Registration process; entry codes for academic courses
  5. Interpretation of placement assessment results
  6. General information about programs and classes
  7. Transferring to another college or university
  8. Student grievance and due process
  9. Study skills
  10. Standards of Academic Progress
  11. Referral to other campus resources

Advising services for international students are provided by the International Programs staff. Advising services for dual enrollment high school students are provided by High School Programs staff.

5.A.18.1 Academic Advising - New Student Orientation

This mandatory session for all new students will explain:

  1. How to begin classes at LWTech
  2. Services that will help you succeed in college
  3. How to choose and register for classes
  4. How to access online services
5.A.18.2 Academic Advising - Program Faculty as an Advisor

After students are enrolled in a technical program, the assigned faculty advisor will assist them with academic advising, quarterly registration and academic planning.

5.A.18.3 Academic Advising - Academic Early Alert

The Student Development Office provides support to students who have received an Academic Early Alert. Academic alerts connect students to services and resources designed to foster academic success. The alert is not a discipline action or violation of the student code of conduct. After the fourth week of the quarter the college sends academic alerts. The alert is delivered via email or letter and informs students about class progress. It also includes helpful information about support services such as tutoring, counseling, and advising. Students served by special population programs such as High School Programs or TRIO may receive multiple alerts during the quarter.

5.A.18.4 Academic Advising - Legend Software

Legend is a software system that connects students, faculty, and staff at LWTech. As students meet with both Faculty Advisors and Academic Advisors (Navigators), notes and academic plans can be shared. Students are able to take ownership of their education, see all services available, and raise a hand if they need help.

  1. Legend provides you with a central location to connect to the people and services at LWTech that are available to help you. You will find contact information as well as links and online appointment scheduling - all accessible from your Legend homepage.
  2. Your Dashboard displays any upcoming appointments, kudos, referrals, and suggested action items.
  3. Once you log into Legend, you can update your profile with a picture. Be sure to review and update your email address and phone number to ensure your instructors and academic advisors can contact you.
  4. Your profile picture in college systems such as Legend can be used by college faculty, staff and administrators to identify you. Both systems are internal and cannot be accessed by the public to maintain your privacy rights as a student. In general, photos should be professional, well lit, and recognizable.
    1. The college reserves the right to create, update, alter, overwrite, and delete existing profile pictures, whether they originated from users or from the college
    2. LWTech prohibits the use of images containing nudity, sexually graphic material, or material that is otherwise deemed inappropriate. LWTech reserves the right to remove any image deemed inappropriate and reserves the right to remove any profile picture that violates any campus policies or procedures, and take appropriate actions as outlined by the student code of conduct and/or employee and faculty handbooks.
    3. Profile pictures must be in appropriate attire in a manner conducive to an educational and professional environment.
    4. Personal pictures should be “headshots” (taken from the shoulders up) and not include other individuals.
    5. Images and/or backgrounds and foregrounds of profile pictures should be neutral and non-distracting (no symbols, images or clip art that interferes with or disrupts the educational and professional environment).
    6. Users should be cautious; do not post pictures on the site you are not comfortable having others see or copy.

Policy

In the event of a student death, the vice president of student services ensures employees and, in some cases, students are informed, student records are closed, and other tools associated with the student’s campus life are closed or managed.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents
5.A.19 Student Death

In the event of a current or former student death, the Vice President of Student Services or designee will complete and document each task below. Generally, task completion is expected within one business day. Depending on the nature of the death and how recently the student was enrolled, not all tasks will be applicable:

  1. Inform the College President
    1. The president may request additional steps based on the nature of the incident.
  2. Inform all of Executive Cabinet
    1. The Vice President of Student Services will: Take lead on completing checklist, transparently but confidentially manage the administration of this procedure
    2. The Vice President of Instruction will: Inform appropriate faculty and deans to ensure transparent communication and preparation for after care of faculty and students
    3. The Vice President of Administrative Services will: Coordinate necessary responses with campus safety
    4. The Public Information Officer will: Ensure marketing content like webpages, social media postings, or print advertisements do not include the student and monitor external communications for news of the student death
    5. The Chief Information Officer will: Lock email accounts, disable email forwarding, discontinue membership on distribution lists
  3. Inform manager of campus public safety
    1. Campus Public Safety will be in communication with Kirkland Police Department and emergency services as needed.
  4. Verification of death with the Funeral Services Education Associate Dean or designee who have access to the Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS). Until this task is complete, remaining tasks cannot be started.
    1. FSE Associate Dean will provide a copy of the EDRS report to the VPSS
  5. Inform college counselors
    1. College counselors will provide immediate or crises counseling services as needed.
  6. Inform dean of high school programs
    1. The dean of high school programs will verify the student’s enrollment status within high school programs offered and implement protocols as necessary.
  7. Inform the college’s CARE team.
    1. The CARE team will ensure any after care plans for the campus, faculty, students or other person are appropriately identified and implemented. The CARE team may also identify other students impacted by the loss who may need CARE team intervention.
  8. Ensure impacted employees are aware that employee assistance program services are available.
    1. Referral should come from a direct supervisor when possible.
  9. Notification of WANIC administrator
    1. VPSS or designee ensures WANIC administrator is aware in case of student connection to this program.
  10. Identify in person classes (if any) that may need counseling assistance
    1. VPSS or student services designee can identify current classes and previous course history. How far back to go for notification is made on a case by case basis.
  11. Assign staff, preferably a counselor and cabinet level administrator, to address class of deceased student
    1. The administrator will make the formal announcement, followed by the counselor describing the stages of grief.
    2. Prepare email notice for students as follow up to in person session if needed. This should generally be sent by the Dean or Lead Faculty for the program.
  12. Request registrar to close enrollment record; send EDRS record for file.
    1. Procedures for closing student records are in the A&R user manual.
  13. Request director of financial aid to close financial aid record; send EDRS record for file
    1. Procedures for closing student records are in the financial aid procedures manual.
  14. Condolence card sent to family from president’s office on behalf of the college.
    1. VPSS keeps a supply of blank cards in the office for this occasion.
  15. Memorials and Funerals: The VPSS will follow the family’s wishes regarding sharing of memorial or funerary arrangements. The VPSS will send information to appropriate people if the family wants to share that information.
  16. On Campus Announcements: Executive Cabinet will work with the family to identify whether or not an announcement should be made to the larger student body.
  17. Posthumous Degrees or Certificates: Following college policy and procedure, the VPSS and VPI will determine if a posthumous degree or certificate will be awarded to the deceased and delivered to the family.
  18. Student Work: The VPI, with applicable instructional administrators, will determine if and how student work (assignments either physical or electronic) will be included in any kind of appropriate college sponsored materials like: Lion’s Pride publication, websites, classroom, or orientation demonstrations, etc. The VPI and faculty lead will determine how and when to return student work, assignments, paper, etc. in the faculty’s possession, to the family.
  19. Student’s Property: Campus Public Safety will work with the VPSS to determine if the student owned a locker and stored any materials there. This information may or may not be known but every effort should be made to determine if possessions are on campus and if they can be returned to the family.
  20. Student Named Scholarships: The Lake Washington Foundation will work with family members and/or faculty, if they request the opportunity, on the establishment of any immemorial scholarships.

Policy

Student programs creates a student oriented learning experience through the management and implementation of:

  1. student leadership development,
  2. campus life activity implementation,
  3. annual or quarterly new student welcome orientations,
  4. advising the associated student government,
  5. management of student chartered clubs, and
  6. annual commencement ceremony.

Student Programs is authorized to create meaningful on or off campus co-curricular or general activities which include, but are not limited to:

  1. College sponsored trips, activities, or off-campus events which support community building, personal development, and/or academic learning.
  2. Events sponsored by: the Associated Student Government (ASG), Registered Student Clubs, Student Programs, and other college departments focused on developing and implementing out-of-class learning experiences while using college facilities and resources.
  3. Structured student involvement in college governance activities where those activities benefit the student body.

Ensuring effective and appropriate use of college facilities and resources, the college follows applicable statutes related to the current ASG Constitution, collection and distribution of student activities fees, and collection and distribution of student technology fees.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents
5.A.20 Office of Student Life

Office of Student Life is a department organized under the Student Services division. Office of Student Life performs work aligned with the college’s core themes and strategic plan to create a student oriented learning experience through the management and implementation of: student leadership development, campus life activity implementation, annual or quarterly new student welcome orientations, advising the associated student government, management of student chartered clubs, coordination of the RISE center, management of the meditation room, coordination of the colleges posting procedures, open public facility management, and annual commencement ceremony.

  1. Student Leadership Development will occur to assist with the on-boarding and continued training support of associated student government officers and associated student leaders.
  2. Campus life activities will be developed for the student body that represent a spectrum of ideas.
  3. The annual commencement ceremony will be collaboratively implemented through a management team assigned to Office of Student Life, and adhere to all applicable college polices.
  4. Associated Student Government (ASG)
    1. The associated student government shall be the administrative body assigned to represent the LWTech student body to the college’s leadership and board of trustees. Its responsibilities include:
      1. The appropriate and responsible implementation of the ASG constitution including managing any amendment processes and voting.
      2. Chartering student clubs.
      3. Reporting monthly to the board of trustees on the affairs of the students and accomplishments of the ASG Executive Board.
      4. Assigning eligible students to open and available faculty tenure committees.
      5. Responsibly implementing the annual services and activities fee and the technology fee budget development processes to create fiscal year budgets for both fees; adhering to the ASG Financial Code and applicable policies.
      6. Managing implementation of motions made and passed by the ASG Executive Board; as outlined in the ASG constitution.
      7. Being a responsible reporter of student issues or concerns to applicable full-time staff or department heads.
      8. Shepherding of student suggestions and concerns through college governance process.
  5. Student Chartered Clubs
    1. Student chartered clubs exist for the purpose of bringing students and an employee advisor together in community to enhance the out-of-classroom learning experience. To exist as a club, students must have a group of 6 currently enrolled students interested in a similar topic, a college employee advisor, and a constitution or social contract. This information becomes the club’s charter.
    2. The charter is brought before the associated student government executive board and voted upon. The ASG executive board may vote as necessary to charter or not charter the student club.
    3. Once chartered, student club officers and advisors will work with Office of Student Life staff on the management of club activities, club funds, and leadership development.
      1. Club funds are managed in accordance of the ASG financial code. No clubs accounts will be held in any off campus accounts..
      2. The student chartered club program will be reviewed by Office of Student Life staff and the ASG Executive Board every three years to ensure the program is viable and meeting student needs.
      3. Club funds are not to be used to support any instructional programs, supplies, or contracts.
  6. Services & Activities Fee
    1. The ASG and the college Board of Trustees annually approve a services and activities fee based budget. Among other things, these fees make up the student government budget.
  7. Technology Fee
    1. The ASG, Student Body and Board of Trustees approved a technology fee for use by students to fund technology improvements. This fee is managed by the college and expended by students through annual proposals.
  8. Commencement and Honor Cords
    1. The commencement ceremony will occur annually, as directed by the President
    2. Honor cords will be provided to students upon approval to graduate from an LWTech approved program.
    3. Honor cords denote achievement of grade point average standards as follows:
    4. All grades achieved must be college level and awarded by LWTech
      1. 4.0 Summa Cum Laude (with highest honor, gold and silver cords)
      2. 3.89 Magna Cum Laude (with great honor, gold cord)
      3. 3.74 Cum Laude (with praise, silver cord)
  9. Posting Procedure
    All posters must be approved and hung up by the Campus Life Posting Agent. Any posters hung up without approval will be removed. Limits on the number of posters that can be hung up are based on the number of available spaces on campus. We enforce this policy in order to ensure that all advertisements are evenly marketed and up-to-date.
    1. Poster Requirements
      1. Posters must have:
        1. Date (if for on-going campus service, must have date poster was last updated)
        2. All LWTech posters must include TDD contact info (TDD: Call 711 for WA State Relay)
        3. English translation of text (if not written in English)
      2. Posters cannot have:
        1. Advertising of alcohol, weapons, drugs, marijuana and/or tobacco products
        2. Information that could compromise the safety of the college’s staff or students. Illegal activity or encouragement of illegal activity;
    2. Poster Limits
      1. Campus services (on-going, non-dated): 14
      2. Other campus advertisements (for events, courses, etc., dated): 17
      3. Non-LWTech posters (for sale, jobs, community events, etc.): 3
    3. Posting Process
      1. Bring posters to Office of Student Life Front Desk (E128)
      2. Provide proof of employee or student status to determine allowable poster limits (see above).
      3. Staff will review poster to ensure they adhere to guidelines and approve them for posting or identify corrections to be made.
      4. Posters will be hung up by the student Posting Agent within 3 days of being received.
      5. If posters are dated, they will be removed after the date of event/application closes. Classified postings will be kept up for duration of current quarter. Events are advertised for 2 weeks only. If poster is received earlier than 2 weeks before event, posters will be hung up at 2 weeks prior to the event.

Policy

The college complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. § 1232g) and its implementing regulation (34 C.F.R. § 99). Briefly, the college:

  1. Gives students access to their own education records.
  2. Allows students to challenge their records on the grounds they are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise violate the student's privacy or other rights.
  3. Obtains written consent before releasing certain information.
  4. Notifies students of these rights.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents
5.A.21 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act—General Procedure

LWTech has adopted procedures to comply with Public Law 93-380, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).

  1. Directory Information under FERPA for Postsecondary Institutions - The law permits the college to make available to the public directory information:
    1. Student name
    2. Dates of enrollment
    3. Degrees or Certificates earned
    4. Program of study
    5. Honors awards received
    6. Full or part-time enrollment status
    7. Eligibility for participation in official activities and organizations
    8. College assigned email address

      Students who choose to be excluded from the student directory as defined in Public Law 93-380 are requested to file a petition with Enrollment Services, West Building, W201.
  2. Notification of Rights under FERPA for Postsecondary Institutions - The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:
    1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day LWTech receives a request for access.
      1. A student should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The LWTech official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the LWTech official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
    2. The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy rights under FERPA.
      1. A student who wishes to ask LWTech to amend a record should write the official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed.
      2. If LWTech decides not to amend the record as requested, LWTech will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student's 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.
    3. The right to provide written consent before LWTech discloses personally identifiable information from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
      1. LWTech discloses education records without a student's prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is:
        1. a person employed by LWTech in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff);
        2. a person or company with whom LWTech has contracted as its agent to provide a service instead of using University employees or officials (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or
        3. 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.
    4. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for LWTech.
    5. Upon request, LWTech also discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
  3. A student may provide a written release to share their FERPA protected information with another party or parties by filling out a Release of Information form with the applicable office.
    1. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

      Family Policy Compliance Office
      U.S. Department of Education
      400 Maryland Avenue, SW
      Washington, DC 20202-5901

Policy

For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

  1. Student: any individual who attends, or previously attended, the college and for whom the college maintains education records. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act continues to cover the education records of students no longer attending the college.
  2. Education records: those records, per 20 U.S.C. 1232g(a)(4):
    1. Directly related to a student.
    2. Maintained by an educational agency or institution or by a party acting for the agency or institution. Education records do not include records:
      1. Kept in the sole possession of the maker, used only as a personal memory aid, and not accessible or revealed to any other person except a temporary substitute for the maker of the record.
    3. Of the law enforcement unit of an educational agency or institution, subject to the provisions of §99.8.
    4. Related to a person employed by an educational agency or institution, that:
      1. Are made and maintained in the normal course of business.
      2. Relate exclusively to the individual in that individual's capacity as an employee.
      3. Are not available for use for any other purpose.
    5. Related to a person in attendance at the agency or institution who is employed as a result of their status as a student. Such are education records and not excepted under paragraph (C)(1) of this definition.
    6. On a student who is 18 or older, or who attends an institution of postsecondary education, or records that are:
      1. Made or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other recognized professional or paraprofessional acting in their professional capacity or assisting in a paraprofessional capacity.
    7. Made, maintained, or used only in connection with treatment of the student.
    8. Disclosed only to people who provide the treatment. For the purpose of this definition, “treatment” does not include remedial educational activities or activities that are part of the program of instruction at the agency or institution.
    9. Created or received by an educational agency or institution after a person is no longer a student in attendance and that are not directly related to the person’s attendance as a student.
    10. Of grades on peer-graded papers before they are collected and recorded by a teacher. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1232g(a)(4))
  3. Personally identifiable: the following information about students or family members:
    1. Student information:
      1. Name.
      2. Address.
      3. Telephone numbers.
      4. Personal and college-issued email addresses.
      5. Date and place of birth.
      6. Education level.
      7. Academic major.
      8. Degrees, certificates, and awards received.
      9. Eligibility for and participation in officially recognized college activities and organizations.
      10. Dates of attendance
      11. Educational institution in which the student most recently was enrolled.
      12. Full- or part-time status.
      13. Grades.
      14. Test scores.
      15. Medical records.
      16. Specific dates and places of classes in which enrolled.
      17. Personal identifiers such as social security number or college student identification numbers.
      18. Other personally identifying characteristics which would make the student’s identity easily traceable.
      19. Photograph.
      20. Other information that, alone or in combination, is linked or linkable to a specific student that would allow a reasonable person in the college community, who does not have personal knowledge of the relevant circumstances, to identify the student with reasonable certainty; or
      21. Information requested by a person who the college reasonably believes knows the identity of the student to whom the education record relates.
    2. Family information:
      1. Names of parents or other family members.
      2. Parents or other family members’ addresses.
  4. Directory information: includes this student information:
    1. Student Name.
    2. Major field of study.
    3. Degrees or certificates earned.
    4. Term degree or certificate awarded
    5. Eligibility for and participation in official activities and organizations.
    6. Dates of attendance.
    7. Enrollment status (full- or part-time status).
    8. Honors awards received.
  5. Solomon Amendment information: student information the college gives to military recruiters for recruitment purposes consistent with federal statute. Information includes:
    1. Name.
    2. Address.
    3. Telephone numbers.
    4. Date and place of birth.
    5. Education level.
    6. Academic major.
    7. Degrees, certificates, and awards received.
    8. Educational institution in which the student most recently was enrolled.
  6. Written consent: a written authorization for disclosing student educational records that the student (or parent for students under 18 and attending Lake Washington Technical Academy) signs, dates, specifies the purpose and records to be disclosed, and specifies to whom disclosure is authorized. (34 C.F.R. 99.30)
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

Policy

The college will notify students of their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 by publishing them in the college catalog and quarterly class schedule. The college will make available, on request, a copy of the policy that governs release of student records. The college will also post at conspicuous places on campus information about the existence of this policy and of the availability of copies.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

  1. Students may inspect and review their education records on request to the appropriate college official as designated in state statute.

  2. Students must submit to the appropriate college official a written request that identifies as precisely as possible the record or records they want to inspect.

  3. The appropriate college official will make the needed arrangements for access as promptly as possible and notify the student where and when they can inspect the records. The college must give access within 45 days of the request.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents

Policy

  1. The college may, at its discretion, make disclosures from education records of students to these parties:
    1. College officials, including college administrative and clerical staff, faculty, and students officially elected or appointed to the college’s Associated Student Government or employed by the college, including contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the college has outsourced institutional services or functions when those parties perform an institutional service or function for which the college would otherwise use employees, under the direct control of the college, and where such information will not be further disclosed except as provided by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
    2. To officials of another school in which the student seeks or intends to enroll.
    3. To authorized federal, state, or local officials as required by law.
    4. In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or received.
    5. To appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency.
    6. To accrediting organizations to carry out their functions.
    7. To parents, as defined in Section 99.3, of a dependent student, as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
    8. To comply with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena.
    9. To military recruiters authorized to receive specific information under the Solomon Amendment.
    10. To a victim of an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense.
  2. The college will not allow access to or the release of education records or personally identifiable information in the records, other than "directory information," without the student’s written consent, to any party other than those listed in section one above.
  3. The college may release “directory information” at its discretion and without the student’s consent, unless they elects to stop disclosure. Students who want to stop disclosure must file a written request with the registrar. The request continues in effect according to its terms unless the student revokes it in writing.
  4. The college may release “Solomon Amendment” information, as defined in 5.P.23, to military recruiters authorized to get specific information for recruitment purposes. Release of this information applies to students 17 years and older and does not apply to students with previous military experience or to students who filed a request to prevent disclosure of directory information.
  5. The college does not release “personally identifiable” information, other than that defined as “releasable”, “directory information”, or “Solomon Amendment” information, except as the student specifically requests (or parents in the case of Lake Washington Technical Academy students under 18).
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

Policy

  1. When a record contains information about more than one student, the student may inspect and review only the records that relate to them.
  2. The college reserves the right to refuse to permit a student to inspect the following records:.
    1. The financial statement of the student's parents.
    2. Letters and statements of recommendation placed in file before January 1, 1975, or for which the student waived their right of access.
    3. Records connected with an application to attend the college if the college denied that application.
    4. Those records excluded from the FERPA definition of education records and not otherwise available for inspection under state statute.
  3. The college reserves the right to deny transcripts or copies of records not required to be made available by the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act if there is an unresolved disciplinary action against the student.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

Policy

  1. The college will maintain a record of requests for and disclosures of personally identifiable information in each student’s education records. The college will make the record maintained under this section available for inspection and review as provided in WAC 495D-280-050.
  2. The college will maintain the record of requests with the student’s education records as long as it maintains the education records.
  3. The record must include the:
    1. Names of parties who received personally identifiable information.
    2. Interest the parties had in requesting or obtaining the information.
    3. Names and interests of additional parties to which the reviewing educational agency or institution may disclose or re-disclose the information.
  4. These parties may inspect the record of requests and disclosures that relate to a student:
    1. The student.
    2. The college officials who are responsible for the custody of the records.
    3. Persons authorized to audit the college’s record keeping procedures.
  5. The college does not have to maintain a record if the request was from, or the disclosure was to:
    1. The student.
    2. A school official.
    3. A party with written consent from the student or a party seeking directory information.
    4. A school official or an entity that qualifies as an employee of the college (e.g. National Student Clearinghouse).
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

Policy

Students have the right to request to have records corrected they believe are inaccurate, misleading, or that violate their privacy rights.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents

Policy

The college will make copies of student records at the expense of the requesting party at the appropriate cost, as determined by college procedure.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents

Policy

Students may waive any of their rights under this chapter by submitting a written, signed, and dated waiver to Enrollment Services. This waiver must specify the records and persons or institutions covered. A waiver continues in effect according to its terms unless the student revokes it in writing, with a signature and the date.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents

Policy

Types

Location

Custodian

Admission, Testing Records

Admissions Office

Registrar

Cumulative Academic and Registration Records

Registration Office

Registrar

Payment of Tuition Records

Accounting Office

Director of Accounting Services

Student Government Participation Records

Associated Student Government Office

Director of Student Programs

Financial aid

Financial Aid Office

Director of Financial Aid

Student Employment Records

Human Resources

Human Resources Officer

Student Conduct Records

Student Services

Director of Student Development

Procedures, Forms, and Documents

Policy

Students may file a written complaint with the U.S. Department of Education regarding an alleged Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act violation. The address is:

Family Policy and Compliance Office
United States Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202-4605

Procedures, Forms, and Documents

Policy

  1. The State of Washington operates Lake Washington Institute of Technology to provide programs of instruction in higher education and related community services. Like any other institution that has its own special purposes, the college must maintain conditions conducive to the effective performance of its functions. Consequently, the college has special expectations regarding the conduct of the participants in the college community.
  2. Admission to the college carries the expectation that students will conduct themselves as responsible college community members. This includes an expectation that students will:
    1. Obey appropriate laws.
    2. Follow college and department rules.
    3. Maintain a high standard of integrity and honesty.
  3. The college will deal with violations of college rules or conduct that interferes with the operation of college affairs. The college may impose sanctions independently of any action taken by civil or criminal authorities. Provisions of this code are subject to change. The college may report misconduct of students enrolled through the high school programs office to the student’s parents. The college may report misconduct to any parent who claims the student as a dependent or as otherwise provided by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1972, as amended.
  4. These definitions and policies apply, except in Title IX proceedings. Supplemental policies for Title IX proceedings begin in Policy 5.P.120 (WAC 495D-121-680).
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

  1. The student conduct code shall apply to student conduct that occurs:
    1. On college premises.
    2. At or in connection with college sponsored activities.
    3. Off-campus when, in the judgment of the college, it adversely affects the college community or the pursuit of its objectives.
  2. Jurisdiction extends to, but is not limited to, locations in which students engage in official college activities including, but not limited to:
    1. Foreign or domestic travel
    2. Activities funded by the associated students
    3. Athletic events
    4. Training internships
    5. Cooperative and distance education
    6. Online education
    7. Practicums
    8. Supervised work experiences
    9. Any other college-sanctioned social or club activities
  3. Students are responsible for their conduct from the time of application for admission through the actual receipt of a degree, even though conduct may occur before classes begin or after classes end, as well as during the academic year and during periods between terms of actual enrollment.
  4. These standards shall apply to a student's conduct even if the student withdraws from college while a disciplinary matter is pending. The college has sole discretion, on a case by case basis, to determine whether the student conduct code will be applied to conduct that occurs off-campus.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

The following definitions apply for purpose of this student conduct code:

  1. "Business day" means a weekday, excluding weekends and official college holidays.
  2. "College premises" shall include all campuses of the college, wherever located, and includes all land, buildings, facilities, vehicles, equipment, and other property the college owns, uses, or controls.
  3. “Complainant” means an alleged victim of sexual misconduct.
  4. "Conduct review officer" means the vice-president of student services or other college administrator the president designates to have responsibility to receive and review or refer appeals of student disciplinary actions consistent with the procedures of this code. The president can reassign any and all of the conduct review officer's duties or responsibilities as set forth in this chapter as reasonably necessary.
  5. "Disciplinary action" means the process by which the student conduct officer imposes discipline against a student for a violation of the student conduct code.
  6. "Disciplinary appeal" means the process by which an aggrieved student can appeal the discipline imposed by the student conduct officer. The student conduct committee hears disciplinary appeals for a suspension in excess of ten (10) instructional days or a dismissal. The college will review appeals of all other appealable disciplinary action through brief adjudicative proceedings.
  7. "Filing" means the process by which a document is officially delivered to a college official responsible to facilitate a disciplinary review. Unless otherwise provided, filing shall be accomplished by:
    1. Hand delivery of the document to the specified college official or college official's assistant; or
    2. Sending the document by e-mail or first class mail to the specified college official's office and college e-mail address.

      Papers required for filing are considered filed when the specified college official actually receives the papers during office hours.
  8. "President" means the president of the college. The president is authorized to:
    1. Delegate any of their responsibilities as set forth in this chapter as may be reasonably necessary; and
    2. Reassign any and all duties and responsibilities as set forth in this chapter as may be reasonably necessary.
  9. "Respondent" means the student against whom the college initiates disciplinary action.
  10. "Service" means the process by which a document is officially delivered to a party. Unless otherwise provided, service upon a party shall be accomplished by:
    1. Hand delivery of the document to the party; or
    2. Sending the document by e-mail or by certified mail or first class mail to the party's last known address.

      Service is deemed complete upon hand delivery of the document or upon the date the document is e-mailed and deposited in the mail.
  11. “Sexual misconduct” has the meaning ascribed to this term in WAC 495D-121-590(18).
  12. "Student" includes all persons who take classes at or through the college, whether on a full-time or part-time basis, and whether such classes are credit courses, noncredit courses, online courses, or otherwise. People who withdraw after allegedly violating the code, who are not officially enrolled for a particular term but who have a continuing relationship with the college, or who were notified of their acceptance for admission are considered students for purposes of this chapter.
  13. “Student conduct committee” means a college committee as described in WAC 495D-121-400.
  14. "Student conduct officer" means a college administrator to whom the president or vice-president of student services designates responsibility to implement and enforce the student conduct code. The president or vice-president can reassign any and all of the student conduct officer's duties or responsibilities as set forth in this chapter as reasonably necessary.
  15. “Title IX Coordinator” means a college administrator to whom the president designates responsibility to implement and enforce the guidelines of federal Title IX legislation.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

Policy

  1. The student conduct officer initiates all disciplinary actions. If that officer is the subject of a complaint the respondent initiates, the president will, upon request and when feasible, designate another person to fulfill any such disciplinary responsibilities that relate to the complainant.
  2. The student conduct officer initiates disciplinary action by personally informing the student of the allegations or serving the respondent with written notice directing them to attend a disciplinary meeting. The notice will briefly describe the:
    1. Factual allegations.
    2. Provision(s) of the conduct code the respondent allegedly violated.
    3. Range of possible sanctions for the alleged violation(s).
    4. Time and location of the meeting.

      At the meeting, the student conduct officer will present the allegations to the respondent and the respondent will be afforded an opportunity to explain what took place. If the respondent fails or refuses to attend the meeting after proper service of notice, the student conduct officer may take disciplinary action based upon the available information.
  3. The student conduct officer, prior to taking disciplinary action in a case involving allegations of sexual misconduct, will make a reasonable effort to contact the complainant to discuss the results of the investigation and possible disciplinary sanctions and/or conditions (if any) that may be imposed upon the respondent if the allegations of sexual misconduct are found to have merit.
  4. Within ten (10) calendar days of the initial disciplinary meeting, and after considering the evidence in the case, including any facts or argument presented by the respondent, the student conduct officer will give the respondent a written decision that states:
    1. The facts and conclusions that supports the decision.
    2. The specific student conduct code provisions that were violated.
    3. The discipline imposed, if any.
    4. A notice of any appeal rights with an explanation of the consequences of not filing a timely appeal.
  5. The student conduct officer may take any of the following disciplinary actions:
    1. Exonerate the respondent and terminate the proceedings.
    2. Impose a disciplinary sanction(s), as described in (WAC 495D-121-290)
    3. Refer the matter directly to the student conduct committee for such disciplinary action as the committee deems appropriate. The student conduct officer will make this referral in writing, to the attention of the student conduct committee’s chair with a copy served on the respondent.
  6. In cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct, the student conduct officer, on the same date that a disciplinary decision is served on the respondent, will serve a written notice informing the complainant whether the allegations of sexual misconduct were found to have merit and describing any disciplinary sanctions and/or conditions imposed upon the respondent for the complainant’s protection, including disciplinary suspension or dismissal of the respondent. The notice will also inform the complainant of their appeal rights. If protective sanctions and/or conditions are imposed, the student conduct officer shall make a reasonable effort to contact the complainant to ensure that prompt notice of the protective disciplinary sanctions and/or conditions.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

Policy

  1. The respondent may appeal a disciplinary action by filing a written notice of appeal with the conduct review officer within ten (10) days of service of the student conduct officer’s decision. Failure to timely file a notice of appeal constitutes a waiver of the right to appeal and the student conduct officer’s decision shall be deemed final.
  2. The notice of appeal must include a brief statement explaining why the respondent is seeking review.
  3. The parties to an appeal shall be the respondent and the conduct review officer.
  4. A respondent, who timely appeals a disciplinary action or whose case is referred to the student conduct committee, has a right to a prompt, fair, and impartial hearing as provided for in these procedures.
  5. On appeal, the college bears the burden of establishing the evidentiary facts underlying the imposition of a disciplinary sanction by a preponderance of the evidence.
  6. Imposition of disciplinary action for violation of the student conduct code shall be stayed pending appeal, unless respondent has been summarily suspended.
  7. The student conduct committee shall hear appeals from:
    1. the imposition of disciplinary suspensions in excess of ten (10) instructional days;
    2. dismissals; and
    3. discipline cases referred to the committee by the student conduct officer, the conduct review officer, or the president.
  8. Student conduct appeals from the imposition of the following disciplinary sanctions shall be reviewed through a brief adjudicative proceeding:
    1. suspensions of ten instructional days or less;
    2. disciplinary probation;
    3. written reprimands; and
    4. any conditions or terms imposed in conjunction with one of the foregoing disciplinary actions.
  9. Except as provided elsewhere in these rules, disciplinary warnings and dismissals of disciplinary actions are final action and are not subject to appeal.
  10. In cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct, the complainant has the right to appeal the following actions by the student conduct officer following the same procedures as set forth above for the respondent:
    1. the dismissal of a sexual misconduct complaint; or
    2. any disciplinary sanction(s) and conditions imposed against a respondent for a sexual misconduct violation, including a disciplinary warning.
  11. If the respondent timely appeals a decision imposing discipline for a sexual misconduct violation, the college shall notify the complainant of the appeal and provide the complainant an opportunity to intervene as a party to the appeal.
  12. Except as otherwise specified in this Chapter, a complainant who timely appeals a disciplinary decision or who intervenes as a party to respondent’s appeal of a disciplinary decision shall be afforded the same procedural rights as are afforded the respondent.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

This rule is adopted in accordance with RCW 34.05.482 through 34.05.494. Brief adjudicative proceedings shall be used, unless provided otherwise by another rule or determined otherwise in a particular case by the president, or a designee, in regard to:

  1. Parking violations.
  2. Outstanding debts owed by students or employees.
  3. Use of college facilities.
  4. Residency determinations.
  5. Use of library—Fines.
  6. Challenges to contents of education records.
  7. Loss of eligibility for participation in institution sponsored athletic events.
  8. Denials of requests for public records.
  9. Student conduct appeals involving the following disciplinary actions:
    1. suspensions of ten (10) instructional days or less;
    2. disciplinary probation;
    3. written reprimands;
    4. any conditions or terms imposed in conjunction with one of the foregoing disciplinary actions; and
    5. appeals by a complainant in student disciplinary proceedings involving allegations of sexual misconduct in which the student conduct officer:
      1. dismisses disciplinary proceedings based upon a finding that the allegations of sexual misconduct have no merit; or
      2. issues a verbal warning to respondent.
  10. Appeals of decisions regarding mandatory tuition and fee waivers.
    Brief adjudicative proceedings are informal hearings and shall be conducted in a manner which will bring about a prompt fair resolution of the matter.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

Policy

The agency record for brief adjudicative proceedings shall consist of any documents regarding the matter that were considered or prepared by the presiding officer for the brief adjudicative proceeding or by the reviewing officer for any review. These records shall be maintained as the official record of the proceedings.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

  1. Brief adjudicative proceedings shall be conducted by a conduct review officer. The conduct review officer shall not participate in any case in which they are a complainant or witness, or in which they have direct or personal interest, prejudice, or bias, or in which they have acted previously in an advisory capacity.
  2. Before taking action, the conduct review officer shall conduct an informal hearing and provide each party (a) an opportunity to be informed of the agency's view of the matter and (b) an opportunity to explain the party's view of the matter.
  3. The conduct review officer shall serve an initial decision upon both the parties within ten (10) days of consideration of the appeal. The initial decision shall contain a brief written statement of the reasons for the decision and information about how to seek administrative review of the initial decision. If no request for review is filed within ten (10) days of service of the initial decision, the initial decision shall be deemed the final decision.
  4. In cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct, the conduct review officer, on the same date as the initial decision is served on the respondent, will serve a written notice upon the complainant informing the complainant whether the allegations of sexual misconduct were found to have merit and describing any disciplinary sanctions and/or conditions imposed upon the respondent for the complainant’s protection. The notice will also inform the complainant of their appeal rights.
  5. If the conduct review officer upon review determines that the respondent’s conduct may warrant imposition of a disciplinary suspension of more than ten (10) instructional days or dismissal, the matter shall be referred to the student conduct committee for a disciplinary hearing.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

  1. An initial decision is subject to review by the president, provided a party files a written request for review with the conduct review officer within ten (10) days of service of the initial decision.
  2. The president shall not participate in any case in which they are a complainant or witness, or in which they have direct or personal interest, prejudice, or bias, or in which they have acted previously in an advisory capacity.
  3. During the review, the president shall give all parties an opportunity to file written responses explaining their view of the matter and shall make any inquiries necessary to ascertain whether the sanctions should be modified or whether the proceedings should be referred to the student conduct committee for a formal adjudicative hearing.
  4. The decision on review must be in writing and must include a brief statement of the reasons for the decision and must be served on the parties within twenty (20) days of the initial decision or of the request for review, whichever is later. The decision on review will contain a notice that judicial review may be available. A request for review may be deemed to have been denied if the president does not make a disposition of the matter within twenty (20) days after the request is submitted.
  5. If the president upon review determines that the respondent’s conduct may warrant imposition of a disciplinary suspension of more than ten (10) instructional days or dismissal, the matter shall be referred to the student conduct committee for a disciplinary hearing.
  6. In cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct, the president, on the same date as the final decision is served on the respondent, will serve a written notice upon the complainant informing the complainant whether the allegations of sexual misconduct were found to have merit and describing any disciplinary sanctions and/or conditions imposed upon the respondent for the complainant’s protection, including suspension or dismissal of the respondent. The notice will also inform the complainant of their appeal rights.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

  1. The student conduct committee shall consist of five members:
    1. Two full-time students appointed by the student government;
    2. Two faculty members appointed by the president;
    3. One administrative staff member (other than an administrator serving as a student conduct or conduct review officer) appointed by the president at the beginning of the academic year.
  2. The administrative staff member shall serve as the chair of the committee and may take action on preliminary hearing matters prior to convening the committee. The chair shall receive annual training on protecting victims and promoting accountability in cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct.
  3. Hearings may be heard by a quorum of three members of the committee so long as one faculty member and one student are included on the hearing panel. Committee action may be taken upon a majority vote of all committee members attending the hearing.
  4. Members of the student conduct committee shall not participate in any case in which they are a party, complainant, or witness, in which they have direct or personal interest, prejudice, or bias, or in which they have acted previously in an advisory capacity. Any party may petition for disqualification of a committee member pursuant to RCW 34.05.425(4).
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

Policy

  1. Proceedings of the student conduct committee shall be governed by the Administrative Procedures Act, Chapter 34.05 RCW.
  2. The student conduct committee chair shall serve all parties with written notice of the hearing not less than seven (7) days in advance of the hearing date. The chair may shorten this notice period if both parties agree, and also may continue the hearing to a later time for good cause shown.
  3. The committee chair is authorized to conduct pre-hearing conferences and/or to make pre-hearing decisions concerning the extent and form of any discovery, issuance of protective decisions, and similar procedural matters.
  4. Upon request filed at least five (5) days before the hearing by any party or at the direction of the committee chair, the parties shall exchange, no later than the third (3rd) day prior to the hearing, lists of potential witnesses and copies of potential exhibits that they reasonably expect to present to the committee. Failure to participate in good faith in such a requested exchange may be cause for exclusion from the hearing of any witness or exhibit not disclosed, absent a showing of good cause for such failure.
  5. The committee chair may provide to the committee members in advance of the hearing copies of (a) the student conduct officer’s notification of imposition of discipline (or referral to the committee) and (b) the notice of appeal (or any response to referral) by the respondent. If doing so, however, the chair should remind the members that these "pleadings" are not evidence of any facts they may allege.
  6. The parties may agree before the hearing to designate specific exhibits as admissible without objection and, if they do so, whether the committee chair may provide copies of these admissible exhibits to the committee members before the hearing.
  7. The student conduct officer, upon request, shall provide reasonable assistance to the respondent and complainant in obtaining relevant and admissible evidence that is within the college's control.
  8. Communications between committee members and other hearing participants regarding any issue in the proceeding, other than procedural communications that are necessary to maintain an orderly process, are generally prohibited without notice and opportunity for all parties to participate, and any improper "epartete" communication shall be placed on the record, as further provided in RCW 34.05.455.
  9. In cases heard by the committee, each party may be accompanied at the hearing by a non-attorney assistant of their choice. The respondent in all appeals before the committee, or a complainant in an appeal involving allegations of sexual misconduct before the committee, may elect to be represented by an attorney at their own cost, but will be deemed to have waived that right unless, at least four (4) business days before the hearing, written notice of the attorney's identity and participation is filed with the committee chair with a copy to the student conduct officer. The committee will ordinarily be advised by an assistant attorney general. If the respondent and/or the complainant is represented by an attorney, the student conduct officer may also be represented by a second, appropriately screened assistant attorney general.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

Policy

  1. Upon the failure of any party to attend or participate in a hearing, the student conduct committee may either
    1. proceed with the hearing and issuance of its decision or
    2. serve a decision of default in accordance with RCW 34.05.440.
  2. The hearing will ordinarily be closed to the public. However, if all parties agree on the record that some or all of the proceedings be open, the chair shall determine any extent to which the hearing will be open. If any person disrupts the proceedings, the chair may exclude that person from the hearing room.
  3. The chair shall cause the hearing to be recorded by a method that they select, in accordance with RCW 34.05.440. That recording, or a copy, shall be made available to any party upon request. The chair shall assure maintenance of the record of the proceeding that is required by RCW 34.05.476, which shall also be available upon request for inspection and copying by any party. Other recording shall also be permitted, in accordance with WAC 10-08-190.
  4. The chair shall preside at the hearing and decide procedural questions that arise during the hearing, except as overridden by majority vote of the committee.
  5. The student conduct officer (unless represented by an assistant attorney general) shall present the case for imposing disciplinary sanctions.
  6. All testimony shall be given under oath or affirmation. Evidence shall be admitted or excluded in accordance with RCW 34.05.452.
  7. In cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct, no party shall directly question or cross examine one another. Attorneys for the parties are also prohibited from questioning the opposing party absent express permission from the committee chair. Subject to this exception, all cross-examination questions shall be directed to the committee chair, who in their discretion shall pose the questions on the party’s behalf.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

Policy

  1. At the conclusion of the hearing, the student conduct committee shall permit the parties to make closing arguments in whatever form it wishes to receive them. The committee also may permit each party to propose findings, conclusions, and/or a proposed decision for its consideration.
  2. Within twenty (20) days following the later of the conclusion of the hearing or the committee's receipt of closing arguments, the committee shall issue an initial decision in accordance with RCW 34.05.461and WAC 10-08-210. The initial decision shall include findings on all material issues of fact and conclusions on all material issues of law, including which, if any, provisions of the student conduct code were violated. Any findings based substantially on the credibility of evidence or the demeanor of witnesses shall be so identified.
  3. The committee's initial order shall also include a determination on appropriate discipline, if any. If the matter was referred to the committee by the student conduct officer, the committee shall identify and impose disciplinary sanction(s) or conditions (if any) as authorized in the student code. If the matter is an appeal by a party, the committee may affirm, reverse, or modify the disciplinary sanction and/or conditions imposed by the student conduct officer and/or impose additional disciplinary sanction(s) or conditions as authorized herein.
  4. The committee chair shall cause copies of the initial decision to be served on the parties and their legal counsel of record. The committee chair shall also promptly transmit a copy of the decision and the record of the committee's proceedings to the president.
  5. In cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct, the chair of the student conduct committee, on the same date as the initial decision is served on the respondent, will serve a written notice upon the complainant informing the complainant whether the allegations of sexual misconduct were found to have merit and describing any disciplinary sanctions and/or conditions imposed upon the respondent for the complainant’s protection, including suspension or dismissal of the respondent. Complainant may appeal the student conduct committee’s initial decision to the president subject to the same procedures and deadlines applicable to other parties. The notice will also inform the complainant of their appeal rights.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

Policy

  1. A respondent who is aggrieved by the findings or conclusions issued by the student conduct committee may appeal the committee’s initial decision to the president by filing a notice of appeal with the president’s office within ten (10) days of service of the committee's initial decision. Failure to file a timely appeal constitutes a waiver of the right and the initial decision shall be deemed final.
  2. The notice of appeal must identify the specific findings of fact and/or conclusions of law in the initial decision that are challenged and must contain argument why the appeal should be granted. The president’s review shall be restricted to the hearing record made before the student conduct committee and will normally be limited to a review of those issues and arguments raised in the notice of appeal.
  3. The president shall provide a written decision to all parties within twenty (20) days after receipt of the notice of appeal. The president's decision shall be final and shall include a notice of any rights to request reconsideration and/or judicial review.
  4. In cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct, the president, on the same date that the final decision is served upon the respondent, shall serve a written notice informing the complainant of the final decision. This notice shall inform the complainant whether the sexual misconduct allegation was found to have merit and describe any disciplinary sanctions and/or conditions imposed upon the respondent for the complainant’s protection, including suspension or dismissal of the respondent.
  5. The president shall not engage in an epartete communication with any of the parties regarding an appeal.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

  1. Summary suspension is a temporary exclusion from specified college premises or denial of access to all activities or privileges for which a respondent might otherwise be eligible, while an investigation and/or formal disciplinary procedures are pending.
  2. The student conduct officer may impose a summary suspension if there is probable cause to believe that the respondent:
    1. Has violated any provision of the code of conduct; and
    2. Presents an immediate danger to the health, safety or welfare of members of the college community; or
    3. Poses an ongoing threat of substantial disruption of, or interference with, the operations of the college.
  3. Any respondent who has been summarily suspended shall be served with oral or written notice of the summary suspension. If oral notice is given, a written notification shall be served on the respondent within two (2) business days of the oral notice.
  4. The written notification shall be entitled “Notice of Summary Suspension” and shall include:
    1. The reasons for imposing the summary suspension, including a description of the conduct giving rise to the summary suspension and reference to the provisions of the student conduct code or the law allegedly violated;
    2. The date, time, and location when the respondent must appear before the conduct review officer for a hearing on the summary suspension; and
    3. The conditions, if any, under which the respondent may physically access the campus or communicate with members of the campus community. If the respondent has been trespassed from the campus, a notice against trespass shall be included that warns the student that their privilege to enter into or remain on college premises has been withdrawn, that the respondent shall be considered trespassing and subject to arrest for criminal trespass if the respondent enters the college campus other than to meet with the student conduct officer or conduct review officer, or to attend a disciplinary hearing.
  5. Hearing procedures:
    1. The conduct review officer shall conduct a hearing on the summary suspension as soon as practicable after imposition of the summary suspension.
    2. During the summary suspension hearing, the issue before the conduct review officer is whether there is probable cause to believe that the summary suspension should be continued pending the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings and/or whether the summary suspension should be less restrictive in scope.
    3. The respondent shall be afforded an opportunity to explain why summary suspension should not be continued while disciplinary proceedings are pending or why the summary suspension should be less restrictive in scope.
    4. If the student fails to appear at the designated hearing time, the conduct review officer may order that the summary suspension remain in place pending the conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings.
    5. As soon as practicable following the hearing, the conduct review officer shall issue a written decision which shall include a brief explanation for any decision continuing and/or modifying the summary suspension and notice of any right to appeal.
    6. To the extent permissible under applicable law, the conduct review officer shall provide a copy of the decision to all persons or offices who may be bound or protected by it.
  6. In cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct, the complainant shall be notified that a summary suspension has been imposed on the same day that the summary suspension notice is served on the respondent. The college will also provide the complainant with timely notice of any subsequent changes to the summary suspension order.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available

Policy

Both the respondent and the complainant in cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct shall be provided the same procedural rights to participate in student discipline matters, including the right to participate in the initial disciplinary decision-making process and to appeal any disciplinary decision.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

The president or designee is authorized in the instance of any event that they deems impedes the movement of persons or vehicles or which they deems to disrupt the ingress or egress of persons from the college facilities, to prohibit the entry of, or withdraw the license of, or privileges of a person or persons or any group of persons to enter onto or remain upon any portion of the college facility.

The president may act through the vice president of administrative services or any other person they may designate.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

To determine if probable cause exists to apply any section of this code to any behavior by any person on a college facility, any college employee or other authorized personnel may demand that anyone on college facilities produce identification and/or evidence of student enrollment at the college by any of the following:

  1. Student identification card.
  2. Registration schedule.
  3. Receipt for payment of fees for a current course.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

In accordance with provisions contained in RCW 28B.10.571 and RCW 28B.10.572:

  1. It shall be unlawful for any person, singly or in concert with others, to interfere by force or violence with any administrator, faculty, staff member, or student of the college who is in the peaceful discharge or conduct of their duties or studies.
  2. It shall be unlawful for any person, singly or in concert with others, to intimidate by threat of force or violence any administrator, faculty, staff member or student of the college who is in the peaceful discharge of their duties or studies.
  3. The crimes described in RCW 28B.10.571 and 28B.10.572 shall not apply to any administrator, faculty, or staff member who is engaged in the reasonable exercise of their disciplinary authority.
  4. Any person or persons who violate the provisions of subparagraphs 1. and 2. above will be subject to disciplinary action and referred to the authorities for prosecution.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

Policy

  1. Individuals who are not students or members of the faculty or staff and who violate Lake Washington Institute of Technology’s rules, or whose conduct threatens the safety or security of its students, staff, or faculty will be advised of the specific nature of the violation, and if they persist in the violation, they will be requested by the campus president, or their designee, to leave the college property. Such a request will be deemed to prohibit the entry of, withdraw the license or privilege to enter onto or remain upon any portion of the college property by the person or group of persons requested to leave, and subject such individuals to arrest under the provisions of chapter 9A.5 RCW.
  2. Members of the college community (students, faculty, and staff) who do not comply with these regulations will be reported to the appropriate college office or agency for action in accord with established college policies.
  3. When the college revokes the license or privilege of any person to be on college property, temporarily or for a stated period of time, that person may file a request for review of the decision with the vice-president of administrative services or designee within ten (10) days of receipt of the trespass notice. The request must contain the reasons why the individual disagrees with the trespass notice. The trespass notice will remain in effect during the pendency of any review period. The decision of the vice-president of administrative services or designee will be the final decision of the college and should be issued within five (5) business days.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

  1. Honest assessment of student performance is of crucial importance to all members of the academic community. The college views acts of dishonesty as serious breaches of honor and will deal with them using the following:
    1. College administration and faculty will provide reasonable and prudent security measures designed to minimize opportunities for acts of academic dishonesty.
    2. Any student who, for the purpose of fulfilling any assignment or task required by a faculty member as part of the student's program of instruction, shall knowingly tender any work product that the student fraudulently represents to the faculty member as the student's work product, shall be deemed to have committed an act of academic dishonesty. Acts of academic dishonesty are cause for disciplinary action.
    3. Any student who aids or abets an act of academic dishonesty, as described in B of this subsection, may be subject to disciplinary action.
    4. Faculty may adjust the student's grade on a particular project, paper, test, or class for academic dishonesty. This section shall not be construed as preventing a faculty from taking immediate disciplinary action when they must act upon such breach of academic dishonesty to preserve order and prevent disruptive conduct in the classroom.
  2. Instructors have the authority to take whatever summary actions necessary to maintain order and proper conduct in the classroom and to maintain the effective cooperation of the class in fulfilling the course objectives.
    1. Any student who, by any act of misconduct, substantially disrupts a class by engaging in conduct that renders it difficult or impossible to maintain the decorum of the faculty's class is subject to disciplinary action.
    2. The faculty of each course, or the managing authority of distance learning courses, can take steps as necessary to preserve order and to maintain the effective cooperation of the class in fulfilling the course objectives, given that a student shall have the right to appeal the disciplinary action to the faculty’s supervisor.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

  1. The college strictly bans hazing.
  2. Hazing: any method of initiation into a student organization or living group or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization or living group that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious mental or emotional harm, to any student or other person who attends any institution of higher education or post-secondary institution.
  3. Penalties
    1. Any student organization, association or club that knowingly permits hazing is:
      1. Liable for harm caused to people or property that result from hazing.
      2. Denied recognition by the college as an official organization, association, or club on campus. If the organization, association, or club is a corporation (for profit or non-profit), the college may hold individual directors of the corporation individually liable for damages.
    2. A person who takes part in hazing another gives up any entitlement to state-funded grants, scholarships, or awards for a period of one year.
    3. Forfeiture of state-funded grants, scholarships, or awards may include permanent forfeiture, based upon the seriousness of the violations.
    4. The student conduct code may apply to hazing violations.
    5. Hazing violations are also misdemeanors punishable under state criminal law according to RCW 9A.20.021.
  4. Sanctions for Impermissible Conduct not amounting to Hazing.
    1. Impermissible conduct associated with initiation into a student organization or club or any pastime or amusement engaged in, with respect to the organization or club, will not be tolerated.
    2. Impermissible conduct, which does not amount to hazing, may include conduct that causes embarrassment, sleep deprivation or personal humiliation, or may include ridicule or unprotected speech amounting to verbal abuse.
    3. Impermissible conduct not amounting to hazing is subject to any sanctions available under the student conduct code, depending upon the seriousness of the violation.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

Policy

The board of trustees, acting pursuant to RCW 28B.50.140(13), delegates to the president of the college the authority to administer disciplinary action. Administration of the disciplinary procedures is the responsibility of the vice-president of student services or designee. The student conduct officer shall serve as the principal investigator and administrator for alleged violations of this code.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents

Policy

As members of the academic community, students are encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment and to engage in an independent search for truth. Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The freedom to learn depends upon appropriate opportunities and conditions in the classroom, on the campus, and in the larger community. Students should exercise their freedom with responsibility. The responsibility to secure and to respect general conditions conducive to the freedom to learn is shared by all members of the college community.

The following enumerated rights are guaranteed to each student within the limitations of statutory law and college policy which are deemed necessary to achieve the educational goals of the college:

  1. Academic freedom.
    1. Students are guaranteed the rights of free inquiry, expression, and assembly upon and within college facilities that are generally open and available to the public.
    2. Students are free to pursue appropriate educational objectives from among the college's curricula, programs, and services, subject to the limitations of RCW 50.090 (3)(b).
    3. Students shall be protected from academic evaluation which is arbitrary, prejudiced, or capricious, but are responsible for meeting the standards of academic performance established by each of their instructors.
    4. Students have the right to a learning environment which is free from unlawful discrimination, inappropriate and disrespectful conduct, and any and all harassment, including sexual harassment.
  2. Due process.
    1. The rights of students to be secure in their persons, quarters, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures is guaranteed.
    2. No disciplinary sanction may be imposed on any student without notice to the accused of the nature of the charges.
    3. A student accused of violating this code of student conduct is entitled, upon request, to procedural due process as set forth in this chapter.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

Policy

The college may impose disciplinary sanctions against a student who commits, or aids, abets, incites, encourages, or assists another person to commit, an act(s) of misconduct, which include, but are not limited to the following:

  1. Academic Dishonesty: Any act of academic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating, plagiarism, and fabrication.
    1. Cheating includes any attempt to give or obtain unauthorized assistance relating to the completion of an academic assignment.
    2. Plagiarism includes taking and using as one’s own, without proper attribution, the ideas, writings, or work of another person in completing an academic assignment. Prohibited conduct may also include the unauthorized submission for credit of academic work that has been submitted for credit in another course.
    3. Fabrication includes falsifying data, information, or citations in completing an academic assignment and also includes providing false or deceptive information to an instructor concerning the completion of an assignment.
    4. Academic consequences for academic dishonesty or abetting in academic dishonesty may be imposed at the discretion of a faculty member up to and including a failing grade for the course. Students should refer to each of their faculty's course syllabus. Further academic consequences may follow consistent with the provisions in any program handbook. Incidents of academic dishonesty may also be referred to the Student Conduct Officer for disciplinary action consistent with this chapter in addition to the academic consequences identified above.
  2. Other Dishonesty: Any other acts of dishonesty. Such acts include, but are not limited to:
    1. Forgery, alteration, submission of falsified documents or misuse of any college document, record, or instrument of identification;
    2. Tampering with an election conducted by or for college students; or
    3. Furnishing false information, or failing to furnish correct information, in response to the request or requirement of a college officer or employee.
  3. Obstructive or Disruptive Conduct: Conduct, not otherwise protected by law, that interferes with, impedes, or otherwise unreasonably hinders:
    1. Any instruction, research, administration, disciplinary proceeding, or other college activity;
    2. The free flow of pedestrian or vehicular movement on college property or at a college activity;
    3. Any student’s ability to profit from the instructional program; or
    4. Any activity that is authorized to occur on college property, whether or not actually conducted or sponsored by the college.
  4. Assault, Intimidation, and/or Harassment: Unwanted touching, physical abuse, verbal abuse, threat(s), intimidation, harassment, bullying, or other conduct which harms, threatens, or is reasonably perceived as threatening the health or safety of another person or another person’s property. For purposes of this code, “bullying” is defined as repeated or aggressive unwanted behavior, not otherwise protected by law that intentionally humiliates, harms, or intimidates the victim.
  5. Imminent Danger: Where the student presents an imminent danger to college property, or to themselves, or other students or persons in college facilities on or off campus, or to the education processes of the college.
  6. Cyber misconduct, cyber-stalking, cyber-bullying or online harassment. Use of electronic communications, including, but not limited to, electronic mail, instant messaging, electronic bulletin boards, and social media sites, to harass, abuse, bully or engage in other conduct which harms, threatens, or is reasonably perceived as threatening the health or safety of another person. Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to, unauthorized monitoring of another’s email communications directly or through spyware, sending threatening emails, disrupting electronic communications with spam or by sending a computer virus, sending false messages to third parties using another’s email identity, non-consensual recording of sexual activity, and non-consensual distribution of a recording of sexual activity.
  7. Property Violation: Damage to, misappropriation of, unauthorized use or possession of, vandalism, or other non-accidental damaging or destruction of college property or the property of another person. Property for purposes of this subsection includes computer passwords, access codes, identification cards, personal financial account numbers, other confidential personal information, intellectual property, and college trademarks.
  8. Noncompliance: Failure to comply with:
    1. The direction of a college officer or employee who is acting in the legitimate performance of their duties, including failure to properly identify oneself to such a person when requested to do so;
    2. A college rule or policy as set forth in the Lake Washington Institute of Technology Policies and Procedures Manual which may be found in the library or online.
  9. Weapons: Possession, holding, wearing, transporting, storage or presence of any firearm, dagger, sword, knife or other cutting or stabbing instrument, club, martial arts weapons, explosive device, dangerous chemicals, or any other weapon apparently capable of producing bodily harm is prohibited on the college campus, subject to the following exceptions:
    1. Commissioned law enforcement personnel or legally- authorized military personnel while in performance of their duties; or
    2. A student with a valid concealed weapons permit may store a firearm in their vehicle parked on campus in accordance with RCW 9.41.050, provided the vehicle is locked and the weapon is concealed from view; or
    3. The president or designee may authorize possession of a weapon on campus upon a showing that the weapon is reasonably related to a legitimate pedagogical purpose. Such permission shall be in advance to bringing weapons to the college, in writing, and shall be subject to such terms or conditions incorporated therein.
  10. Hazing: Hazing includes, but is not limited to, any initiation into a student organization or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious mental or emotional harm, to any student.
  11. Tobacco, Electronic Cigarettes, and Related Products: The use of tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and related products in any building owned, leased, or operated by the college or in any location where such use is prohibited, including twenty-five (25) feet from entrances, exits, windows that open, and ventilation intakes of any building owned, leased or operated by the college. “Related products” include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, pipes, clove cigarettes, water pipes, hookahs, chewing tobacco, and snuff.
  12. Alcohol: Being observably under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, or otherwise using, possessing, selling, or delivering any alcoholic beverage, except as permitted by law and authorized by the college president.
  13. Marijuana: The use, possession, delivery, sale, or being observably under the influence of marijuana or the psychoactive compounds found in marijuana and intended for human consumption, regardless of form. While state law permits the recreational use of marijuana, federal law prohibits such use on college premises or in connection with college activities.
  14. Drugs: The use, possession, delivery, sale, or being observably under the influence of any legend drug, including anabolic steroids, androgens or human growth hormones as defined by RCW 69.41, or any other controlled substance under RCW 69.50, except as prescribed for a student’s use by a licensed practitioner. Being observably under the influence of any lawfully prescribed drug when enrolled in classes that require operation of heavy equipment or other dangerous equipment.
  15. Disorderly Conduct: Conduct which is disorderly, lewd, obscene, or a breach of peace on college premises or at college sponsored activities that is not otherwise protected under the law.
  16. Discriminatory Conduct: Conduct which harms or adversely affects any member of the college community because of her/his race; color; national origin; sensory, mental or physical disability; use of a service animal; gender, including pregnancy; marital status; age ; religion; creed; sexual orientation; gender identity; veteran’s status; or any other legally protected classification.
  17. Sexual Misconduct. The term “sexual misconduct” includes sexual harassment, sexual intimidation, and sexual violence. Sexual harassment prohibited by Title IX is defined in the Supplemental Procedures to this Code. See WAC 495D-121-680 (Supplemental Title IX Student Conduct Procedures).
    1. Sexual Harassment. The term “sexual harassment” means unwelcome sexual or gender based conduct, including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, quid pro quo harassment, and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual or a gendered nature that is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive as to:
      1. deny or limit the ability of a student to participate in or benefit from the college’s educational program;
      2. alter the terms or conditions of employment for a college employee(s); and/or
      3. create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for other campus community members.
    2. Sexual Intimidation. The term “sexual intimidation” incorporates the definition of “sexual harassment” and means threatening or emotionally distressing conduct based on sex, including, but not limited to nonconsensual recording of sexual activity or the distribution of such recording.
    3. Sexual Violence. “Sexual Violence” is a type of sexual discrimination and harassment. Nonconsensual sexual intercourse, nonconsensual sexual contact, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking are all types of sexual violence.
    4. Nonconsensual sexual intercourse. Any actual or attempted sexual intercourse (anal, oral, or vaginal), however slight, with any object or body part, by a person upon another person, that is without Consent and/or by force. Sexual intercourse includes anal or vaginal penetration by a penis, tongue, finger, or object, or oral copulation by mouth to genital contact or genital to mouth contact.
    5. Nonconsensual sexual contact. Any actual or attempted sexual touching, however slight, with any body part or object, by a person upon another person that is without Consent and/or by force. Sexual touching includes any bodily contact with the breasts, groin, mouth, or other bodily orifice of another individual, or any other bodily contact in a sexual manner.
    6. Incest. Sexual intercourse or sexual contact with a person known to be related to them, either legitimately or illegitimately, as an ancestor, descendant, brother, or sister of either wholly or half related. Descendant includes stepchildren, and adopted children under the age of eighteen (18).
    7. Statutory Rape. Consensual intercourse between a person who is eighteen (18) years of age or older, and a person who is under the age of sixteen (16).
    8. Domestic violence. Physical violence, bodily injury, assault, the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, sexual assault, or stalking committed by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or cohabitated with the victim as a spouse, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of State of Washington, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the State of Washington RCW 26.50.010.
    9. Dating violence is physical violence, bodily injury, assault, the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, sexual assault, or stalking committed by a person
      1. who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and
      2. where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors:
        1. The length of the relationship;
        2. The type of relationship; and
        3. The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship
    10. Stalking. Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to:
      1. fear for their safety or the safety of others; or
      2. suffer substantial emotional distress.
    11. For purposes of this code, “consent” means knowing, voluntary, and clear permission by word or action, to engage in mutually agreed upon sexual activity. Each party has the responsibility to make certain that the other has consented before engaging in the activity. For consent to be valid, there must be at the time of the act of sexual intercourse or sexual contact actual words or conduct indicating freely given agreement to have sexual intercourse or sexual contact. A person cannot consent if they are unable to understand what is happening or are disoriented, helpless, asleep, or unconscious for any reason, including due to alcohol or other drugs. An individual who engages in sexual activity when the individual knows, or should know, that the other person is physically or mentally incapacitated has engaged in nonconsensual conduct. Intoxication is not a defense against allegations that an individual has engaged in nonconsensual sexual conduct
  18. Harassment: Unwelcome and offensive conduct, including verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct, that is directed at a person because of such person’s protected status and that is sufficiently serious as to deny or limit, and that does deny or limit, the ability of a student to participate in or benefit from the college’s educational program or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for other campus community members. Protected status includes a person’s race; color; national origin; sensory, mental, or physical disability; age; religion; creed; genetic information; sexual orientation; gender identity; veteran’s status; or any other legally protected classification. See “Sexual Misconduct” for the definition of “sexual harassment.” Harassing conduct may include, but is not limited to, physical conduct, verbal, written, social media and electronic communications.
  19. Retaliation: Harming, threatening, intimidating, coercing, or taking adverse action of any kind against a person because such person reported an alleged violation of this code or college policy, provided information about an alleged violation, or participated as a witness or in any other capacity in a college investigation or disciplinary proceeding.
  20. Misuse of Information Resources: Theft or other misuse of computer time or other electronic information resources of the college. Such misuse includes but is not limited to:
    1. Unauthorized use of such resources or opening of a file, message, or other item.
    2. Unauthorized duplication, transfer, or distribution of a computer program, file, message, or other item.
    3. Unauthorized use or distribution of someone else's password or other identification.
    4. Use of such time or resources to interfere with someone else's work.
    5. Use of such time or resources to send, display, or print an obscene or abusive message, text, or image.
    6. Use of such time or resources to interfere with normal operation of the college's computing system or other electronic information resources.
    7. Use of such time or resources in violation of applicable copyright or other law.
    8. Adding to or otherwise altering the infrastructure of the college's electronic information resources without authorization.
    9. Failure to comply with the college's acceptable use policy.
  21. Breach of Campus Safety: Safety violation includes any non-accidental conduct that interferes with or otherwise compromises any college policy, equipment, or procedure relating to the safety and security of the campus community. Breaching campus safety or security, includes but is not limited to:
    1. Unauthorized access to college facilities; intentionally damaging door locks; unauthorized possession of college keys or access cards; duplicating college keys or access cards; propping open of exterior doors; or unauthorized entry onto or into college property.
    2. Tampering with fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, alarm pull stations or emergency exits or triggering false alarms or other emergency response systems.
    3. Placement of equipment or vehicles including bicycles so as to obstruct the means of access to/from college buildings.
    4. Entering or remaining in any closed college facility or entering after the closing time of the college facility without permission of a college official.
    5. Operation of any motor vehicle on college property in an unsafe manner or in a manner which is reasonably perceived as threatening the health or safety of another person.
  22. Abuse of Procedures: Abuse or misuse of any of the procedures relating to student complaints or misconduct, including but not limited to:
    1. Failure to obey a subpoena.
    2. Falsification or misrepresentation of information.
    3. Disruption, or interference with the orderly conduct of a proceeding.
    4. Interfering with someone else's proper participation in a proceeding.
    5. Destroying or altering potential evidence, or attempting to intimidate or otherwise improperly pressure a witness or potential witness.
    6. Attempting to influence the impartiality of, or harassing or intimidating, a student conduct committee member.
    7. Failure to comply with any disciplinary sanction(s) imposed under this student conduct code.
  23. Violation of Other Laws of Policies: Violation of any federal, state, or local law, rule, or regulation or other college rules or policies, including college traffic and parking rules.
  24. Ethical Violation: The breach of any generally recognized and published code of ethics or standards of professional practice that governs the conduct of a particular profession for which the student is taking a course or is pursuing as an educational goal or major.

    In addition to initiating discipline proceedings for violation of the student conduct code, the college may refer any violations of federal, state or local laws to civil and criminal authorities for disposition. The college reserves the right to pursue student disciplinary proceedings regardless of whether the underlying conduct is subject to civil or criminal prosecution.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

Policy

  1. The following primary disciplinary sanctions may be imposed upon students found to have violated the student conduct code.
    1. Disciplinary Warning: A verbal statement to a student that there is a violation and that continued violation may be cause for further disciplinary action.
    2. Written Reprimand: Notice in writing that the student has violated one or more terms of this code of conduct and that continuation of the same or similar behavior may result in more severe disciplinary action.
    3. Disciplinary Probation: Formal action placing specific conditions and restrictions upon the student's continued attendance depending upon the seriousness of the violation and which may include a deferred disciplinary sanction. If the student subject to a deferred disciplinary sanction is found in violation of any college rule during the time of disciplinary probation, the deferred disciplinary sanction, which may include, but is not limited to, a suspension or a dismissal from the college, shall take effect immediately without further review. Any such sanction shall be in addition to any sanction or conditions arising from the new violation. Probation may be for a limited period of time or may be for the duration of the student's attendance at the college.
    4. Disciplinary Suspension: Dismissal from the college and from the student status for a stated period of time. There will be no refund of tuition or fees for the quarter in which the action is taken. The student is not guaranteed readmission at the end of such period of time, but is guaranteed a review of the case and a decision regarding eligibility for readmission.
    5. Dismissal: The revocation of all rights and privileges of membership in the college community and exclusion from the campus and college-owned or controlled facilities without any possibility of return. There will be no refund of tuition or fees for the quarter in which the action is taken.
  2. Disciplinary terms and conditions that may be imposed in conjunction with the imposition of a disciplinary sanction include, but are not limited to, the following:
    1. Restitution: Reimbursement for damage to or misappropriation of property, or for injury to persons, or for reasonable costs incurred by the college in pursuing an investigation or disciplinary proceeding. This may take the form of monetary reimbursement, appropriate service, or other compensation.
    2. Professional Evaluation: Referral for drug, alcohol, psychological, or medical evaluation by an appropriately certified or licensed professional may be required. The student may choose the professional within the scope of practice and with the professional credentials as defined by the college. The student will sign all necessary releases to allow the college access to any such evaluation. The student’s return to college may be conditioned upon compliance with recommendations set forth in such a professional evaluation including but not limited to drug and alcohol education, anger management coursework, or ongoing treatment. If the evaluation indicates that the student is not capable of functioning within the college community, the student will remain suspended until future evaluation recommends that the student is capable of reentering the college and complying with the rules of conduct.
    3. Not in Good Standing: A student may be deemed “not in good standing” with the college. If so the student shall be subject to the following restrictions:
      1. Ineligible to hold an office in any student organization recognized by the college or to hold any elected or appointed office of the college.
      2. Ineligible to represent the college to anyone outside the college community in any way, including representing the college at any official function, or any forms of intercollegiate competition or representation
    4. No Contact Orders and Other Summary Relief: The college may require a student to refrain from any form of contact with another student or college employee. Other forms or relief include, but are not limited to: switching to alternate sections of individual classes or programs, delaying admission to an instructional program, assigned seating during a class, or behavioral contracts.
  3. No order of severity is established for secondary sanctions:
    1. Community/College Service: A student may be offered an opportunity to complete a specified number of hours of Community/College Service in lieu of other sanctions. The type of Community/College Service must be approved by the hearing officer.
    2. Educational Requirements: A provision to complete a specific educational requirement directly related to the violation committed. The provision will be clearly defined. Such educational requirements may include, but are not limited to, completion of an alcohol education workshop, a diversity awareness workshop, an anger management class, essays, or reports.
    3. Restrictions: The withdrawal of specified privileges for a definite period of time, but without the additional stipulations contained in the imposition of conduct probation. The restrictions involved will be clearly defined.
    4. Loss of Parking Privileges on Campus: Revocation of parking privileges.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

Policy

Any student found to have violated Chapter 69.50 RCW, the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, or Chapter 69.41 RCW, legend drugs, by virtue of a criminal conviction or by final decision of the college president or designee shall, in lieu of or in addition to any other disciplinary action which may be imposed, be disqualified from participation in any school-sponsored student events or activities.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents

Policy

  1. The college’s refund policy covers refund of fees for the quarter in which disciplinary action occurs.
  2. The college may deny a student access to all or any part of the campus or other facility if they was suspended on the basis of conduct, which disrupted the orderly operation of the campus or any facility of the district, may be denied.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

The college will normally readmit any student suspended from the college for academic or disciplinary reasons on a space available basis in the students’ program of study, when the suspension ends.

The college may readmit a student after receiving approval of a written petition submitted to the vice president, or other designated administrator, who imposed such suspension if:

  1. A student who was suspended believes that circumstances merit reconsideration of the suspension before it ends.
  2. The student was suspended with conditions imposed for readmission.

This petition must state reasons that support a reconsideration of the matter. The vice president’s or designee’s decision, after reviewing the petition, is final.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

Students who were dismissed or suspended consistent with disciplinary procedures set forth in WAC 495D-121-340 and WAC 495D-121-600 and whose dismissal, or suspension upon appeal is found unwarranted will have the opportunity to reestablish their academic and student standing to the extent possible within the college’s abilities, including an opportunity to retake exams or otherwise complete course offerings missed because of such action.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

  1. Student organizations officially recognized by the college may invite speakers to the campus to address their own membership and other interested students and faculty if:
    1. Suitable space is available.
    2. It does not interfere with the college’s regularly scheduled programs.

      Although allowed by the college, having such speakers on the campus does not imply the college’s approval or disapproval of them or their viewpoints. For speakers who are candidates for political office, the college will make equal opportunities available to opposing candidates if they desire.
  2. To ensure an atmosphere of open exchange and to not obscure the college’s educational objectives, the president or designee, in a case with strong emotional feeling, may set conditions for conducting the meeting, such as requiring:
    1. A designated member of the college community as chair, or
    2. Permission for comments and questions from the floor.

      The president or designee may encourage the appearance of one or more additional speakers at any meeting or at following meetings so people can express other points of view. The president may designate representatives to recommend conditions such as time, manner, and place for conducting particular meetings.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

  1. Students and members of recognized student organizations, or college employees, may sell or distribute handbills, leaflets, newspapers, and similar materials free of charge on or in college facilities at locations specifically designated by the appropriate administrator, as long as the distribution or sale:
    1. Does not interfere with people’s the ingress or egress;
    2. Does not impede the free flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic;
    3. Is not obscene; or
    4. Does not incite imminent violence.
  2. All non-students must contact the director of student programs or designee and get directions on where, when, and the manner of distribution before distributing any handbill, leaflet, newspaper, or related matter. This ensures that such distribution or sale does not interfere with the free flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
  3. Anyone who violates provisions of subsections one and two of this section is subject to disciplinary action. Anyone who violates provisions of subsection two is subject to removal from the college campus.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

  1. No one can use college facilities for commercial solicitation, advertising, or promotional activities except when these activities:
    1. Clearly serve educational objectives including, but not limited to, display of books of interest to the academic community or the display or demonstration of technical or research equipment.
    2. Are conducted under the sponsorship or at the request of the college or official college organizations if the solicitation does not interfere with or operate to the detriment of the conduct of college affairs or the free flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
  2. Students cannot use college facilities, equipment, and supplies for personal commercial gain.
  3. For the purpose of this regulation, the term "commercial activities" does not include handbills, leaflets, newspapers, and similarly related materials as regulated in WAC 495D-121-660.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

This supplemental procedure applies to allegations of Sexual Harassment subject to Title IX jurisdiction pursuant to regulations promulgated by the United States Department of Education. See 34 C.F.R. § 106. To the extent these supplemental hearing procedures conflict with Lake Washington Institute of Technology’s standard disciplinary procedures, WAC 495D-121-320 through -670, these supplemental procedures shall take precedence. The college may, at its discretion, contract with an administrative law judge or other person to act as presiding officer and assign such presiding officer to exercise any or all of the duties in lieu of the student conduct committee and committee chair.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

Pursuant to RCW 28B.50.140(13) and Title IX of the Education Act Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §1681, Lake Washington Institute of Technology may impose disciplinary sanctions against a student who commits, attempts to commit, or aids, abets, incites, encourages, or assists another person to commit, an act(s) of “sexual harassment.”

For purposes of this supplemental procedure, “sexual harassment” encompasses the following conduct:

  1. Quid Pro Quo Harassment. A Lake Washington Institute of Technology employee conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of Lake Washington Institute of Technology on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.
  2. Hostile Environment. Unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would find to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to Lake Washington Institute of Technology’s educational programs or activities, or employment.
  3. Sexual Assault. Sexual assault includes the following conduct:
    1. Nonconsensual sexual intercourse. Any actual or attempted sexual intercourse (anal, oral, or vaginal), however slight, with any object or body part, by a person upon another person, that is without consent and/or by force. Sexual intercourse includes anal or vaginal penetration by a penis, tongue, finger, or object, or oral copulation by mouth to genital contact or genital to mouth contact.
    2. Nonconsensual sexual contact. Any actual or attempted sexual touching, however slight, with any body part or object, by a person upon another person that is without consent and/or by force. Sexual touching includes any bodily contact with the breasts, groin, mouth, or other bodily orifice of another individual, or any other bodily contact in a sexual manner.
    3. Sexual intercourse or sexual contact with a person known to be related to them, either legitimately or illegitimately, as an ancestor, descendant, brother, or sister of either wholly or half related. Descendant includes stepchildren and adopted children under the age of eighteen (18).
    4. Statutory Rape. Consensual sexual intercourse between someone who is eighteen (18) years of age or older and someone who is under the age of sixteen (16).
  4. Domestic violence. Physical violence, bodily injury, assault, the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, sexual assault, or stalking committed by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or cohabitated with the victim as a spouse, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of State of Washington, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the State of Washington RCW 26.50.010.
  5. Dating violence. Physical violence, bodily injury, assault, the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, sexual assault, or stalking committed by a person (i) who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and (ii) where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors:
    1. The length of the relationship;
    2. The type of relationship; and
    3. The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
  6. Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others, or suffer substantial emotional distress.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

  1. This supplemental procedure applies only if the alleged misconduct:
    1. Occurred in the United States;
    2. Occurred during a Lake Washington Institute of Technology educational program or activity; and
    3. Meets the definition of Sexual Harassment as that term is defined in this supplemental procedure.
  2. For purposes of this supplemental procedure, an “educational program or activity” is defined as locations, events, or circumstances over which Lake Washington Institute of Technology exercised substantial control over both the respondent and the context in which the alleged sexual harassment occurred. This definition includes any building owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by Lake Washington Institute of Technology.
  3. Proceedings under this supplemental procedure must be dismissed if the decision maker determines that one or all of the requirements of Section 1(a)-(c) have not been met. Dismissal under this supplemental procedure does not prohibit Lake Washington Institute of Technology from pursuing other disciplinary action based on allegations that the Respondent violated other provisions of Lake Washington Institute of Technology’s student conduct code, WAC 495D-121-320 through -670.
  4. If the Student Conduct Officer determines the facts in the investigation report are not sufficient to support Title IX jurisdiction and/or pursuit of a Title IX violation, the Student Conduct Officer will issue a notice of dismissal in whole or part to both parties explaining why some or all of the Title IX claims have been dismissed.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

  1. Upon receiving the Title IX investigation report from the Title IX Coordinator, the Student Conduct Officer will independently review the report to determine whether there are sufficient grounds to pursue a disciplinary action against the Respondent for engaging in prohibited conduct under Title IX.
  2. If the Student Conduct Officer determines that there are sufficient grounds to proceed under these supplement procedures, the Student Conduct Officer will initiate a Title IX disciplinary proceeding by filing a written disciplinary notice with either the Chair of the Student Conduct Committee or the college’s appointed Title IX Hearing Officer and serving the notice on the Respondent and the Complainant, and their respective advisors. The notice must:
    1. Set forth the basis for Title IX jurisdiction;
    2. Identify the alleged Title IX violation(s);
    3. Set forth the facts underlying the allegation(s);
    4. Identify the range of possible sanctions that may be imposed if the Respondent is found responsible for the alleged violation(s);
    5. Explain that the parties are entitled to be accompanied by their chosen advisors during the hearing and that:
      1. The advisors will be responsible for questioning all witnesses on the party’s behalf;
      2. An advisor may be an attorney; and
      3. Lake Washington Institute of Technology will appoint the party an advisor of Lake Washington Institute of Technology’s choosing at no cost to the party, if the party fails to do so; and
  3. Explain that if a party fails to appear at the hearing, a decision of responsibility may be made in their absence.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

  1. Upon receiving the disciplinary notice, the Chair of the Student Conduct Committee or the college’s appointed Title IX Hearing Officer will send a hearing notice to all parties, in compliance with WAC 495D-121-410. In no event will the hearing date be set less than ten (10) days after the Title IX Coordinator provided the Final Investigation Report to the parties.
  2. A party may choose to have an attorney serve as their advisor at the party’s own expense. This right will be waived unless, at least five (5) days before the hearing, the attorney files a notice of appearance with the committee chair with copies to all parties and the student conduct officer.
  3. In preparation for the hearing, the parties will have equal access to all evidence gathered by the investigator during the investigation, regardless of whether Lake Washington Institute of Technology intends to offer the evidence at the hearing.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

  1. Lake Washington Institute of Technology’s Student Conduct Procedures, WAC 495D-121-320 through -670, and this supplemental procedure shall apply equally to all parties.
  2. The Lake Washington Institute of Technology bears the burden of offering and presenting sufficient testimony and evidence to establish that the Respondent is responsible for a Title IX violation by a preponderance of the evidence.
  3. The Respondent will be presumed not responsible until such time as the disciplinary process has been finally resolved.
  4. During the hearing, each party shall be represented by an advisor. The parties are entitled to an advisor of their own choosing and the advisor may be an attorney. If a party does not choose an advisor, then the Title IX Coordinator will appoint an advisor of Lake Washington Institute of Technology’s choosing on the party’s behalf at no expense to the party.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

The introduction and consideration of evidence during the hearing is subject to the following procedures and restrictions:

  1. Relevance: The Committee Chair or the college’s appointed Title IX Hearing Officer shall review all questions for relevance and shall explain on the record their reasons for excluding any question based on lack of relevance.
  2. Relevance means that information elicited by the question makes facts in dispute more or less likely to be true.
  3. Questions or evidence about a Complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior are not relevant and must be excluded, unless such question or evidence:
    1. Is asked or offered to prove someone other than the Respondent committed the alleged misconduct; or
    2. Concerns specific incidents of prior sexual behavior between the Complainant and the Respondent, which are asked or offered on the issue of consent.
  4. Cross-examination required: If a party or witness does not submit to cross-examination during the live hearing, the Committee or the college’s appointed Title IX Hearing Officer must not rely on any statement by that party or witness in reaching a determination of responsibility.
  5. No negative inference: The Committee or the college’s appointed Title IX Hearing Officer may not make an inference regarding responsibility solely on a witness’s or party’s absence from the hearing or refusal to answer questions.
  6. Privileged evidence: The Committee or the college’s appointed Title IX Hearing Officer shall not consider legally privileged information unless the holder has effectively waived the privilege. Privileged information includes, but is not limited to, information protected by the following:
    1. Spousal/domestic partner privilege;
    2. Attorney-Client and attorney work product privileges;
    3. Privileges applicable to members of the clergy and priests;
    4. Privileges applicable to medical providers, mental health therapists, and counselors;
    5. Privileges applicable to sexual assault and domestic violence advocates; and
    6. Other legal privileges identified in RCW 5.60.060.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

In addition to complying with WAC 495D-121-430, the Student Conduct Committee or the college’s appointed Title IX Hearing Officer will be responsible for conferring and drafting an Initial Order that:

  1. Identifies the allegations of sexual harassment;
  2. Describes the grievance and disciplinary procedures, starting with filing of the formal complaint through the determination of responsibility, including notices to parties, interviews with witnesses and parties, site visits, methods used to gather evidence, and hearings held;
  3. Makes findings of fact supporting the determination of responsibility;
  4. Reaches conclusions as to whether the facts establish whether the Respondent is responsible for engaging in Sexual Harassment in violation of Title IX;
  5. Contains a statement of, and rationale for, the Committee’s or the college’s appointed Title IX Hearing Officer’s determination of responsibility for each allegation;
  6. Describes any disciplinary sanction or conditions imposed against the Respondent, if any;
  7. Describes to what extent, if any, Complainant is entitled to remedies designed to restore or preserve Complainant’s equal access to Lake Washington Institute of Technology’s education programs or activities; and
  8. Describes the process for appealing the Initial Order to the Lake Washington Institute of Technology President.
  9. The Committee Chair or the college’s appointed Title IX Hearing Officer will serve the Initial Order on the Parties simultaneously.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Policy

  1. The Parties shall have the right to appeal from the Initial Order’s determination of responsibility and/or dismissal of an allegation(s) of sexual harassment in a formal complaint. The right to appeal will be subject to the same procedures and timeframes set forth in WAC 495D-121-440.
  2. The President or their delegate will determine whether the grounds for appeal have merit, provide the rationale for this conclusion, and state whether the disciplinary sanction and condition(s) imposed in the Initial Order are affirmed, vacated, or amended, and, if amended, set forth any new disciplinary sanction and/or condition(s).
  3. President’s Office shall serve the Final Decision on the parties simultaneously.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents

No applicable procedures, forms, and documents available.

Revisions

Chapter Reviewed and Revised: November 2013 through May 2014
Board of Trustees Adoption: June 20, 2014

Policy

The college may release registered sex offender (RSO) information when the college has been informed by a law enforcement agency that persons so identified are enrolled or present on or near the college campus or other college sites. College community is the faculty, staff, students and general public on or near any college site.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents
5.A.140 Campus Sex Crimes Prevention and Registered Sex Offender Procedures

LWTech is committed to balancing the safety of the community with providing a pathway to registered sex offenders (RSOs) and other formerly incarcerated individuals to a living wage job. The college strives to provide an educational environment that will allow RSOs and other formerly incarcerated individuals to focus on their studies.

Information provided by law enforcement agencies concerning RSOs attending the college may be obtained from the office of the Vice President of Student Services.

Upon receiving written notification from the County Sheriff’s Office, or any other agency, or self-disclosure from a prospective or enrolled student, about the likely presence of RSOs on or near any college controlled facility, activity or event, the college may take such steps as are necessary and appropriate under applicable state law to inform members of the college community of the presence of RSOs. Persons likely to be present include applicants for admission, attending students, employees of the college or persons otherwise known or suspected to frequent the college or college controlled facilities, activities, or events.

The Director of Campus Public Safety shall be the designated official to receive notifications from the County Sheriff’s Office or other police agencies. Prior to notification, the Director of Campus Public Safety may, when deemed advisable, contact appropriate police and/or community corrections personnel to obtain information to guide notification actions. The Vice President of Student Services shall coordinate notification to the campus community with the Director of Campus Public Safety. Any person on campus receiving notification from a police agency shall provide a copy of such notification to the Director of Campus Public Safety. The Vice President of Student Services, or designee, shall make the appropriate notifications if the RSO is enrolled or deemed likely to enroll in, or to attend, a course, program, or other activity or event that is controlled or sponsored by the college. The Office of the Vice President of Student Services will maintain the following records on all RSOs covered under this policy:

  • copies of all files, photos and other correspondence provided by other agencies;
  • a record of all notifications made;
  • copies of all community advisory flyers; or
  • other public notices.

In the case of a college employee, the Executive Director for Human Resources, or equivalent officer, shall maintain a similar file and, with consultation of the President, shall coordinate notification.

The extent of the public disclosure of relevant and necessary information shall be rationally related to (a) the level of risk posed by the RSO to the community, (b) the locations where the RSO resides or is regularly found, and (c) the needs of the members of the college community for information to enhance their individual and collective safety. The extent and types of notifications may be adjusted on a case-by-case basis, but shall be generally guided by the RSO risk factors as follows:

Level I - Low Risk

Notice Sent to:

  1. Campus Public Safety
  2. Student Conduct Officer
  3. Vice President of Student Services
  4. Vice President of Instruction
  5. Vice President of Administrative Services
  6. College President
  7. Director of the Early Learning Center
  8. Principal/Dean of High School Programs
  9. Executive Director of Human Resources
  10. Director of Financial Aid

Additional Procedures for Level RSOs:

  1. The RSO is required to meet with the vice president of student services or the student conduct officer within the first quarter of enrollment and provide contact information for their probation officer.
  2. The meeting with the vice president of student services will cover a) the college’s commitment to ensuring a harassment free educational environment for the RSO, b) an explanation of the RSO designation and associated restrictions, c) ability of the college to meet any restrictions the RSO must follow, and d) the importance of the college’s conduct code. There are no additional requirements after this meeting.
Level II - Medium Risk

Notice Sent to:

  1. All Level I notifications
  2. Faculty and staff in whose program and/or courses the student is enrolled
  3. The college’s Campus, Assessment, Response, and Evaluation (CARE) team
  4. Any College instructional program with a significant population of students under the age of 18
  5. Any other program or office with whom the student has or is likely to have contact (such as student support services or academic support services)

Additional Procedures for Level I RSOs:

  1. The RSO is required to meet with the vice president of student services or the student conduct officer prior to first day of class and provide contact information for their probation officer.
  2. The meeting with the vice president of student services will cover a) the college’s commitment to ensuring a harassment free educational environment for the RSO, b) an explanation of the RSO designation and associated restrictions, c) ability of the college to meet any restrictions the RSO must follow, and d) the importance of the college’s conduct code. There are no additional requirements after this meeting.
Level III - High Risk

Notice Sent to:

  1. All Level I and II notifications
  2. All College employees via internal e-mail
  3. All Students via campus e-mail
  4. College bulletin boards and digital signage
  5. Any other means to get the information out to the college community

Additional Procedures for Level II RSOs:

  1. Written notification of the RSO’s intent to enroll at the college must be received at least three months prior to actual enrollment and provide contact information for their probation officer
  2. The RSO is required to meet with the vice president of student services or the student conduct officer prior to registering for class
  3. The meeting with the vice president of student services will cover a) the college’s commitment to ensuring a harassment free educational environment for the RSO, b) an explanation of the RSO designation and associated restrictions, c) ability of the college to meet any restrictions the RSO must follow, and d) the importance of the college’s conduct code
  4. The RSO must provide documentation of at least six consecutive months without any violations of their registration conditions leading up to enrolling at the college
  5. Level II RSOs are restricted to attending classes at the main campus in Kirkland or online classes if it does not interfere with any restrictions by law enforcement
  6. Notification to the campus community will occur approximately 6 weeks before the start of the RSO’s enrollment at the school
  7. While on campus, the RSO may be monitored by campus public safety staff and may be introduced to each class they attend as a Level II RSO
  8. The vice president of student services may restrict the RSO’s access to campus locations and may request a plan of access, egress and their campus schedule indicating where they are at all times

For Level II and Level II RSOs, the College ordinarily will notify the RSO of the notifications it is making. For employees who have been assigned the Level II and Level III risk categories, the College reserves its rights not to employ the person and/or to assign or limit employment hours, job duties, or work sites.

Sex Offender Risk Level Classification

The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) through the “Model Policy” established guidelines for risk level classification and the dissemination of information about RSOs.

  1. Level 1: The vast majority RSOs are classified as Level 1 offenders. They are considered at low risk to re-offend. These individuals may be first time offenders and they usually know their victims.
  2. Level 2 RSOs have a moderate risk of re-offending. They generally have more than one victim and the abuse may be long term. These RSOs usually groom their victims and may use threats to commit their crimes. These crimes may be predatory with the RSO using a position of trust to commit their crimes. Typically, these individuals do not appreciate the damage they have done to their victims.
  3. Level 3 RSOs are considered to have a high risk to re-offend. They usually have one or more victims and may have committed prior crimes of violence. They may not know their victim(s). The crime may show a manifest cruelty to the victim(s) and the RSOs usually deny or minimize the crime. These RSOs commonly have clear indications of a personality disorder.
  4. Kidnapping: If the victim is a minor and not related to the RSO, then the RSO is required to register for this offense.

The information above was excerpted from the King County Registered Sex Offenders Website

Policy

The college is committed to maintaining a family friendly atmosphere. Children may not be on campus unattended and the college maintains procedures related to their presence in specific campus spaces such as classrooms and labs.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents
5.A.142 Children on Campus

In general, children are not permitted in classrooms. Children may be permitted in classrooms in unusual circumstances, with express instructor permission, when constant supervision of the child by the parent, guardian, or other responsible adult is possible, and there is no disruption to other students or the instructor. If disruption occurs, the instructor has the right to ask the student and child to leave the classroom.

Children are never permitted in labs, shops, or any other area where hazards exist.

Individuals who bring children to campus are responsible for their supervision at all times and may not leave a child unattended. Parents, guardians, or other responsible parties will be contacted regarding children left unattended on campus and informed that children must be properly supervised. Individuals who fail to properly supervise children on campus will be referred to campus public safety personnel and are subject to disciplinary sanctions, as appropriate.

If the parent, guardian, or other responsible party cannot be located, college staff will contact emergency services to protect the child.

For purposes of this procedure “child” is defined as any individual under the age of 14.

Adopted May 27, 2016

Policy

The college operates a licensed childcare center on campus in support of student and employee access.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents
5.A.144 Child Care Center Operations

All child care center staff members are expected to follow procedures established for guiding children’s behavior as outlined in WAC 388-150-130 and the child care center staff operations manual. When implementing guidance techniques, staff will consider many factors including: needs of the individual child, stage of development, understanding of the family culture, health and safety of all children enrolled.

The child care center will maintain a parent handbook to clearly communicate expectations and procedures.

Access to the child care center area is restricted to employees with a legitimate work related need to be in the area; formally designated parents, guardians, and other adults connected to the enrolled child; prospective families; students enrolled in the college’s Early Childhood Education program; and guests approved by child care center staff.

Adopted September 18, 2000

Policy

Pending continued grant funding, the college maintains TRIO programs focused on Student Support Services and Support Services for Students with Disabilities.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents
5.A.146 TRIO Projects

The TRIO Projects, Student Support Services and Support Services for Students with Disabilities, provide services for first-generation and/or low-income students and students with disabilities in East Building E214. To be eligible, students must meet federal and local project requirements.

A Policy and Procedure manual is maintained in the TRIO offices.

Policy

The college will maintain comprehensive procedures for supporting students in distress.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents
5.A.150 Support for Students in Distress

The College maintains multiple ways for supporting students in distress including:

  1. Campus Assessment, Response, and Evaluation (CARE) team.
  2. Bias Response Team (BRT)
  3. Medical Amnesty
  4. Family Emergency Notification
  5. Postvention Protocols in the Event of Student Suicide
5.A.150.1 Campus Assessment, Response, and Evaluation (CARE) team

In support of the college safety plan, the Campus Assessment, Response, and Evaluation (CARE) team uses collaboration, information collection, risk assessment, and intervention to create a safe campus community. Based upon reports of student behavior, the CARE team plans preventive strategies and interventions to assist students, faculty, and staff in supporting students who may be at risk.

For the purpose of creating a safe learning environment for students and employees, the CARE Team will:

  • Serve as a place for employees and students to bring safety concerns regarding students
  • Collect and monitor information concerning students in one place e.g., Data Bank
  • Assess and make recommendations to staff and faculty
  • Provide support to staff and faculty

Goals of the CARE Team

  • Develop a process of reporting and assessing student crisis/safety issues focused on early identification, shared information, and tracking
  • Develop a culture of "If you see something, say something"
  • Collaborate with Staff Development, the Safety Committee, and others as needed to provide input regarding Crisis trainings or procedures

What the CARE Team Is Not Responsible For

  • Detecting state of mind or intention or for predicting future action.
  • Communicating student behavior to the entire campus; employees will receive information only as related to job duties or direct involvement in a situation.

Care Team Structure

  • The CARE Team meets every Wednesday or as needed for crisis intervention during the academic year.

CARE Team: Response Guidelines

When evaluating students based on reported information, the LWTech CARE team uses the NaBITA “D Scale” for students where we have concern of self-harm and the “9 Levels of Aggression” scale for student where we have concern of harm to others. While the recommendations from NaBITA on the latter in terms of response are robust and used by the college, the college uses the following guidelines when responding to students on the “D Scale”.

  • Distress
    • Identify someone already connected to the student to reach out and provide a general check-in and offer of relevant resources
    • Follow up with reporting party
    • Keep case open a week or two to see how the check-in went, if student accesses referrals, and monitor change on scale
    • If no advancement on scale, close case
  • Disturbance
    • Identify someone already connected to the student to reach out and provide a general check-in and offer of relevant resources
    • Follow up with reporting party
    • Gather more information about student from other staff and faculty with connections to the student
    • Based on gathered information, at the next meeting triage for conduct and/or intensive outreach
    • Keep case open until triage steps completed and monitor change on scale
    • If downgrade on scale or all triage steps completed, close the case
  • Dysregulation
    • Emergency meeting and/or immediate action by VPSS or Director of campus safety upon reading report
    • If student is on campus, get the student to VPSS, Director of Student Development, Campus Public Safety, or call KPD for immediate assessment and possible transport
    • The VPSS, Director of Student Development, or Campus Public Safety will determine if another staff member (counselor, trained crisis responses professional, etc.) is needed for assessment
    • The above meeting is focused on safety plans and bringing the student’s level down to “Disturbance” or “Distress” and if this is not possible calling for mental health transport
    • When the student is discussed at CARE; follow the “Disturbance” protocol
5.A.150.2 Bias Response Team (BRT)

The Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) Bias Response Team (BRT) will work collaboratively with existing groups on campus to offer proactive education related to hate/bias incidents and advise college administration regarding a comprehensive response to hate/bias incidents that impact the college community.

Goals of Bias Response Team

  • Inform the college community about reporting options for hate/bias incidents
  • Collect and analyze reports from across campus related to hate/bias incidents
  • Assess the severity and reach of a hate/bias incident inclusive of fact finding with students and employees
  • Advise college administration regarding a comprehensive and timely response to hate/bias incidents that impact the college community
  • Refer incidents to existing groups and/or provide immediate assistance to those impacted by hate/bias incidents
  • Collaborate with college groups and individuals (inclusive of students and employees) to offer proactive education related to hate/bias incidents
  • Collaborate with college groups and individuals (inclusive of students and employees) to offer post hate/bias incident response programming
  • Ensure post incident response review

Bias Response Team Structure

  • The Bias Response Team meets monthly or as needed in the event of an incident.
5.A.150.3 Medical Amnesty

Student health and safety are of primary concern at LWTech. As such, in cases of significant intoxication as a result of alcohol or other substances on campus, LWTech encourages individuals to immediately seek medical assistance for themselves and/or others.

If medical assistance is sought for consumption of alcohol or other substances on campus, LWTech will not pursue conduct charges under the Student Code of Conduct; however, Student Services staff will meet with the involved student(s) and apply educational sanctions. Exemption from student conduct charges may be provided to the student for whom medical attention was sought and any other students who were present providing assistance.

Assisting requires that an individual:

  • Call campus public safety or seek assistance from another LWTech employee, and
  • Monitor the intoxicated student’s condition.

The following are not covered under Medical Amnesty:

  • Students waiting until the police or other authority arrive before seeking assistance, as this is not affirmatively seeking assistance
  • Action taken by police or other law enforcement personnel
  • Violations of the Code of Conduct other than the alcohol/marijuana/drugs policy
  • Possession with the intent to distribute

Actions that may be taken by LWTech:

  • The intoxicated student (and possibly those who were attending to/assisting the student) may be required to meet with a member of Student Services staff who will issue educational requirements that may include, but are not limited to, alcohol and/or drug education, counseling, and/or a substance abuse assessment.
  • Serious or repeated incidents will prompt a higher degree of concern/response.
  • Failure to complete the educational assignments or treatment recommendations normally will result in disciplinary action.
  • The student will be responsible for any costs associated with drug or alcohol education interventions.
5.A.150.4 Family Emergency Notification

LWTech complies with federal privacy laws to protect student information. Some emergency situations may warrant the need for college employees to disclose student information without prior written permission to:

  • Emergency personnel
  • Family members, if known
  • Student emergency contacts, if known

The Vice President of Student Services is the college designee for determining if and when student information may be released without written permission.

5.A.150.Postvention Protocol

LWTech will develop postvention protocol in the event of student suicide via its CARE team.

Policy

Lake Washington Institute of Technology may require a student to take a medical withdraw or prohibit enrollment in a specific course of study if a student has a physical illness/condition or a mental, emotional, or psychological condition and as a result of the illness or condition:

  1. Is engaging in, or is threatening to engage in, behavior that poses a significant danger of causing substantial harm to the health, safety, or welfare of the student or others; or
  2. The student's behavior has resulted in substantial harm to the health, safety, or welfare of the student or others and the behavior continues, or there is a risk the behavior will continue, posing a significant danger of causing substantial harm to the health, safety, or welfare of the student or others; or
  3. The student's behavior has resulted in significant disruption of the teaching, learning, or administrative activities of other members of the campus community and the behavior continues, or there is a risk the behavior will continue, with the likely result of such behavior substantially impeding the education processes or proper activities or functions of the college and its personnel.
Procedures, Forms, and Documents
5.A.155 Required Medical Withdraw – Students
  1. The Vice President of Student Services (VPSS) may issue a Required Medical Withdraw, Emergency Medical Withdraw, and/or prohibit enrollment in a specific program of study according to the rules in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and this procedure.
  2. The criteria of a Required Medical Withdraw are listed in WAC 495D-121-800. A Required Medical Withdraw may be issued if a student has a physical illness/condition or a mental, emotional, or psychological condition and as a result of the illness or condition:
    1. Is engaging in, or is threatening to engage in, behavior that poses a significant danger of causing substantial harm to the health, safety, or welfare of the student or others; or
    2. The student's behavior has resulted in substantial harm to the health, safety, or welfare of the student or others and the behavior continues, or there is a risk the behavior will continue, posing a significant danger of causing substantial harm to the health, safety, or welfare of the student or others; or
    3. The student's behavior has resulted in significant disruption of the teaching, learning, or administrative activities of other members of the campus community and the behavior continues, or there is a risk the behavior will continue, with the likely result of such behavior substantially impeding the education processes or proper activities or functions of the college and its personnel.
  3. Before issuing a Required Medical Withdraw, the VPSS will gather information.
    1. The VPSS must consult with the Campus Assessment, Response, and Evaluation (CARE) Team.
    2. Where possible, the VPSS will consult with others who can provide relevant information about the student's condition.
    3. Where reasonably possible, the VPSS will provide the student an opportunity to present information about their circumstances. If the student is unable or unwilling to meet with the VPSS in a timely manner, the student's opportunity to provide information is waived.
  4. The VPSS issues a Required Medical Withdraw in writing to the student.
    1. The written notice must include:
      • The effective date of the leave
      • The reasons for requiring the leave
      • The conditions for re-enrollment
      • Any restrictions imposed on the student's access to the campus or college-sponsored activities.
    2. The Required Medical Withdraw is effective twenty-one days after it is served on the student, unless the student files a timely written appeal.
    3. The service of the VPSS's's decision is complete when the notice is deposited in the U. S. Mail, postage pre-paid, properly addressed to the student at the last known address on file with the Registrar's Office, OR by personal service to the student.
  5. A student may appeal a Required Medical Withdraw
    1. To appeal a Required Medical Withdraw, the student must submit a written appeal to the Vice President for Student Services within twenty days of service of the decision to require a medical leave.
    2. The appeal will be heard by the student conduct review board as described in WAC 495D-121-400.
    3. The conduct review board will notify the student in writing of the time, date and location of the hearing.
    4. The hearing will be conducted according to the Administrative Procedures Act, chapter 34.05 RCW.
    5. As a result of the hearing, the Review Board can reach one of three conclusions:
      1. Uphold the Required Medical Withdraw as issued by the VPSS
      2. Modify the VPSS’s decision, allowing the student to remain enrolled under specific conditions
      3. Reverse the VPSS's's decision and allow the student to remain enrolled without restriction
    6. The Review Board will make its decision in writing within seven business days of the hearing. The Review Board's written decision will be provided to the student by depositing the decision in the U. S. Mail, postage prepaid and properly addressed to the student at the last known address on file with the Registrar's Office OR by personal service.
  6. The VPSS may issue an Emergency Medical Withdraw where risk is imminent. The criteria for an Emergency Medical Withdraw are listed in WAC 495D-121-800. An Emergency Medical Withdraw may be issued "if the student has a medical, or mental, emotional or psychological condition and as a result of the condition:
    1. The student is engaging in, or threatening to engage in, behavior that poses a significant danger of causing imminent and substantial harm to the health, safety, or welfare of the student, or others; or
    2. The student's behavior has resulted in substantial harm to the health, safety, or welfare of the student, or others and the behavior continues, or there is a risk the behavior will continue, posing a significant danger of causing imminent and substantial harm to the health, safety, or welfare of the student, or others; or
    3. The student's behavior has resulted in significant disruption of the teaching, learning or administrative activities of other members of the campus community and the behavior continues, or there is a risk the behavior will continue, with the likely result of such behavior imminently and substantially impeding the education processes or proper activities or functions of the college and its personnel."
  7. The VPSS issues an Emergency Medical Withdraw in writing to the student.
    1. An Emergency Medical Withdraw takes effect immediately.
    2. The written notice must include:
      1. The reasons for requiring the leave
      2. Any restrictions imposed on the student's access to the campus or college-sponsored activities.
    3. The service of the VPSS’s decision is complete when the notice is deposited in the U. S. Mail, postage pre-paid, properly addressed to the student at the last known address on file with the Registrar's Office, OR by personal service to the student.
    4. When the VPSS issues an Emergency Medical Withdraw, the VPSS will issue a Required Medical Withdraw at the same time.
  8. The VPSS will convene the student conduct board when an Emergency Medical Withdraw is issued.
    1. The hearing will occur within three business days of the student being served with the Emergency Medical Withdraw, unless the student elects to waive the hearing.
    2. The hearing will be held according to the Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 34.0RCWCW.
    3. If the Board upholds the VPSS's decision to issue an Emergency Medical Withdraw, the Withdraw will remain in effect until such time as the board acts on the accompanying Required Medical Withdraw, unless the VPSS decides that the reasons for the Emergency Medical Withdraw no longer exist.
  9. A student wishing to return from a Required Medical Withdraw must notify the VPSS.
    1. The student must notify the VPSS at least one month prior to the start of the quarter in which they wish to enroll.
    2. The student should document that they have met any conditions placed on their re-enrollment; including but not limited to the “Psychiatric Medical Form”
    3. All other admission and enrollment requirements of the college must also be met.
    4. The VPSS will consult with the CARE team.
    5. The VPSS will notify the student in writing of the decision to approve or prohibit re-enrollment.

Policy

All students who participate in on-campus courses, activities, or other operations at Lake Washington Institute of Technology locations must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to any legal medical or religious exemptions. Students only taking online courses and using virtual services are not required to verify their vaccination status.

Student employees are subject to the requirements set forth by the Human Resources office for all employees.

The LWTech Student Services Division will develop and maintain procedures to enforce this policy.

Procedures, Forms, and Documents
5.A.160.1 COVID19 Vaccination Procedures – Students – General Expectations
  1. Enrolled students intending to come to campus for any reason must use a secure online form to attest to their vaccination status. Upon request, a paper copy of the form can be provided and must be returned to the Vice President of Student Services.
  2. Beginning with the Winter 2022 registration cycle (November 1, 2021), continuing, returning, and new students will have holds placed on their accounts that prevent registration until after they have filled out the attestation form.
  3. The attestation form allows a student to:
    1. Attest to the type and dates of the COVID-19 vaccine received OR
    2. Attest to a medical exemption OR
    3. Attest to a sincerely held religious belief that prevents receiving the vaccine
5.A.160.2 COVID19 Vaccination Procedures – Students – Vaccine Attestation
  1. Students who attest to receiving COVID-19 vaccine must do so truthfully and in good faith.
  2. This process does not require the immediate upload of documentation, such as a card or other proof at the time of attestation.
  3. LWTech may conduct audits of self-attestations, contacting students for proof of documentation, as deemed necessary throughout the term.
5.A.160.3 COVID19 Vaccination Procedures – Students – Medical Exemption Attestation
  1. Students who select a medical exemption will be contacted by the Vice President of Student Services and asked to fill out COVID-19 Vaccine Medical Exemption form which includes a section that must be filled out by a qualified and licensed health care provider.
  2. The COVID-19 Vaccine Medical Exemption form must confirm that the student is medically unable to receive an authorized COVID-19 vaccine. The documentation must also include a duration they are exempt from getting the vaccine.
  3. For the purposes of this student medical accommodation request, a Health Care Provider includes all qualified and licensed MD, ND, DO, ARNP, or PA professionals.
  4. The COVID-19 Vaccine Medical Exemption form must be returned to the Vice President of Student Services, who will determine the validity of the request.
  5. Approvals or denials of the request will be issued in writing.
5.A.160.4 COVID19 Vaccination Procedures – Students – Religious Exemption Attestation
  1. Students who select a religious exemption are attesting that they have a sincerely held religious belief that prevents them from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
  2. The religious exemption must be based on a sincerely held religious belief system that is comprehensive in nature, including both theistic beliefs and non-theistic moral or ethical beliefs as to what is right and wrong which are sincerely held with the strength of traditional religious views.
  3. Social, political, or economic philosophies, as well as personal preferences, are not religious beliefs by themselves.
  4. Students requesting this exemption will have their files reviewed for conflicting information and may be contacted for additional information.
  5. Approvals or denials of the request will be issued in writing.

 

Revisions

Chapter Reviewed and Revised: November 2013 through May 2014
Board of Trustees Adoption: June 20, 2014