Current Students

Confidentiality of Records (FERPA)

• The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)* is designed to protect the privacy of a student’s educational records, and applies to all schools which receive funds from the U.S. Department of Education. Information about Seattle Community Colleges students is collected, maintained, and used to meet the college’s educational objectives. Students are protected against improper disclosure of their records. These rights begin with the first day of class and extend to all former students.

  *Amended in Novem ber 1996 ( by the Improving American Schools Acts of 1994 )

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Rights to Educational Records

• Students have the rights to inspect, request amendment, consent to disclosures and file complaints regarding their educational records.
  The FERPA federal law affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records.
  1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the college receives a request for access. Students should submit written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official. The college official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place that the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the college 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 amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the college to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the college official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the college decides not to amend the record, the college will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when he or she is notified of a right to a hearing.
  
  
  3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure with consent. One exception which permits disclosures without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. School officials have a legitimate educational interest if they need to review an education record in order to fulfill their professional responsibility. A school official is a person employed by the college in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the college has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, national student loan clearinghouse, legal counsel, or collection agency); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as disciplinary or grievance committee, or who is assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
  
  In addition, upon request, the college discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
  
  4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the college to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The office administering FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605.
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Student Directory Information

• Students may request that the college not release directory information by notifying the Registration Office. This request to withhold directory information will remain in effect until rescinded by the student. The Seattle Community Colleges define student directory information as:
  • Student's name
  • Email address
  • Enrollment status in the college
  • Date(s) of enrollment
  • Area of study
  • Awards granted by the college
  • Participation in official sports activities, and
  • Weight and height of athletic team members.
  Exceptions to the directory-information-only restrictions are:
  • Judicial subpoena of records, upon condition that the college makes a reasonable effort to notify the student in advance of release of records.
  • Emergency situations, if knowledge of personal information is necessary to protect the health or safety of a student or other person(s).
  • Military requests (Solomon Amendment)
  • Student Clearinghouse Submissions
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Student ID Numbers / SSN / ITIN

• Student PIN numbers are used in college transactions. Students are assigned individual student identification numbers (PIN numbers) for use in college transactions such as web-based services and other student services. To comply with federal laws, the colleges are required to ask for the student’s Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Colleges use the SSN/ITIN to report Hope Scholarship/Lifetime Learning tax credit, to administer state-federal financial aid, to verify enrollment, degree and academic transcript records, and to conduct institutional research. Pursuant to state law (RCW 28B.10.042) and federal law (Family Rights and Privacy Act), the college will protect the student’s SSN from unauthorized use and/or disclosure. If a student does not submit a SSN/ITIN, the student will not be denied access to the college; however, the student may be subject to civil penalties (refer to Internal Revenue Service Treasury Regulation 1.6050S-1(e)(4) for more information). MORE >

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Safety & Security:

• Campus Security Numbers: Call 9-911 for serious emergencies.
  • Central (206) 587-5442
  • North (206) 527-3636
  • South (206) 763-5157
  • SVI (206) 587-4933
• Students are obligated to respect the rights of others and to refrain from any actions endangering the health, safety, and welfare or property of other. Students are expected to comply with the policies, procedures & regulations approved by the Board of Trustees and the Washington State and federal regulations. MORE >
• Accidents, Personal Safety & Reports
  The students’ well-being and safety are of utmost importance. It is vital that everyone follow strict safety procedures recommended in all classes, particularly professional-technical classes. In the event of an on-campus accident or injury, students and faculty should report the accident to the Security Office so the injury can be addressed and an accident report completed. Do not hesitate to immediately call 9-911 for serious injuries. Instructors must be notified if the accident occurs during class. MORE >
• Alcohol and Drugs are prohibited.
  The district prohibits the abuse of alcohol and the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession and use of illicit drugs. This policy applies to all employees and students of the Seattle Community Colleges while they are on District property or while they are conducting college business, regardless of location. To provide a healthy, safe, and secure working and learning environment, each employee and student of the Seattle Community College District is expected to be in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform assigned duties and fully participate in the learning process. Seattle Community College District Policy 249 (“Drug-Free Workplace”), as well as resources for students and employees who need assistance with substance abuse problems, are outlined in a brochure available on each campus and at www.seattlecolleges.com/policies.aspx. MORE >
• Firearms
  The possession of firearms on campus is not allowed.
• Hostile / Violent Environment
  Workplace violence or a hostile work environment will not be tolerated at the Seattle Community Colleges. (From Policy 451)
• Sexual Harassment of any kind is not tolerated at this institution.
  The Seattle Community College District (SCCD) is committed to providing a working and educational environment that is free from sexual harassment of any kind. It is not tolerated at this institution. All employees and students have the right to a working and educational environment free from sexual harassment. This institution defines sexual harassment as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Employees and students are encouraged to come forward with their concerns or complaints about sexual harassment. Retaliation against any individual for making a complaint about or cooperating in a sexual harassment is not permitted. (From Policy 419) MORE >
• Smoking
  Smoking is prohibited indoors, and within 25 feet of the entrance to any public building, per Washington state law.
• Traffic Laws
  State motor vehicle laws and the Seattle traffic code apply to campus traffic. Campus speed limit is 15 mph unless otherwise posted.

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Equal Opportunity Statement

• SCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, national origin, religion, marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, Vietnam-era or disabled veteran status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory or mental disability, except where a disability may impede performance at an acceptable level.
  In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for known physical or mental limitations for all otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the college’s Title IX/RCW 28A.640 officer and/or Section 504/ADA coordinator. This information is available in other languages at www.seattlecolleges.edu/cccatalog.aspx.
  
  

  Title IX/Chapter 28A.640 RCW Officer
  Central & SVI	Kathryn Woodley	(206) 587-4125
  North	Roy Flores	(206) 527-5668
  South	Mark Mitsui	(206) 768-6763
  Section 504/ADA Coordinator
  Central & SVI	Al Souma	(206) 587-4169
  	Sheri Estep	(206) 587-4183
  North	Terri Dobrich	(206) 526-7808
  South	Roxanne Tillman	(206) 763-5137

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Reasonable Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

• Alternative Telephone Access: People who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled may access the colleges through free communication services provided by the Washington Relay Service:
  TTY text-telephone: 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384
  Voice carry-over (VCO): 1-800-833-6386
  Hearing carry-over (HCO): 1-800-833-6388
  Speech-to-speech (STS): 1-877-833-6341 MORE >
• Disability Support Services Offices provide physical and programmatic accommodations to persons with documented disabilities.
  This is carried out within the overall goals and mission of the Seattle Community Colleges Policy and Procedure 387 “Reasonable Accommodations for Students with Disabilities.” To be eligible for disability-related services, students must have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Under the ADA and Section 504, a person has a disability if he or she has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities (walking, standing, seeing, speaking, hearing, sitting, breathing, and taking care of oneself).

  Legal Authority: U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act (P.L. 93-112) and RCW 49.60.

  On each campus, Disability Support Services is the designated office that obtains and files disability-related documents, certifies eligibility for services, helps determine academic adjustments, and consults for the provision of such accommodations. Academic adjustments are provided to ensure access to all community college courses, programs, counseling, activities, and facilities.
  Disability Support Services provides or arranges a variety of auxiliary services to the community college, such as sign language interpreters, assistive technology, exam modifications, and academic assistance. Auxiliary requests such as Brailing or books on tape are to be requested at least 6 weeks in advance. There may be a delay in services with less notification. Request for interpreting services with less than four week’s notice for ongoing classes can result in delayed services. At least 3 business days are required for special requests/one time services and at least a week’s notice for high profile events.
  The Disability Support Services Office offers consultation to faculty, staff, and classified employees of the college for the purpose of designing accommodations that provide equal access to otherwise qualified students regardless of age, gender, race, or sexual orientation. www.seattlecolleges.edu/adacs.aspx . MORE >

Title 38 / Title 10

• Seattle Community Colleges academic programs of study are approved by the Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Approving Agency (SECB/SAA) for enrollment of persons eligible to receive educational benefits under Title 38 and Title 10, U.S. code.

Official Policies and Procedures relating to Students

• Student rules in the Washington Administrative Code
  The official rules for students at the Seattle Community Colleges can be found in Chapter 132F-121 WAC Student Activities, Rights and Discipline. WAC refers to the Washington Administrative Code, the official compilation of all current rules that have been adopted by state institutions of higher education and other state administrative agencies. MORE >
• Student Academic Progress
  Students are expected to make satisfactory academic progress progress.
  The Student Progress Policy (policy 311) says that students are expected to make satisfactory academic progress while enrolled at the Seattle Community Colleges. Satisfactory progress means that students are passing and completing their coursework and educational programs. Each college has developed procedures that explain how the Student Progress Policy will be applied at their campus. Copies of these procedures and other information for students are available online at each college website. MORE >
• Additional district policies & procedures
  Listed below are all of the Seattle Community College District policies and procedures related to student services and the use of electronic resources. Procedures 360, 370 and 375 refer to the relevant sections of Chapter 132F-121 WAC and may include additional information.

  Policy No.	Policy Title	Procedure
  255	Guidelines for sex and kidnapping offender notification	View
  259	Use of Electronic Resources	View
  300	Student Services
  305	Admissions policy
  306	Testing
  310	Registration
  311	Student Progress
  315	Advising
  320	Counseling Services	View
  332	Student Short-Term Loans	View
  345	Services & Activities Fees	View
  355	Student Government	View
  360	Student Leadership Programs & Activities	View
  365	Student Rights, Freedoms & Responsibilities
  370	Student Complaints	View
  375	Student Conduct	View
  380	Student Records	View
  385	Students' Right to Privacy
  387	Reasonable Accommodations for Students With Disabilities	View
  390	Research at Seattle Community College District	View
  515	SCCD College Awarded Credit	View
  520	SCCD Grading System	View
  605	Student Fees and Distribution	View
  606	Tuition Waiver	View

  You may view all SCCD policies at http://www.seattlecolleges.com/policies.aspx.

  Every reasonable effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, readers are encouraged to contact the college regarding current and approved information. For further information, please contact:

  North Seattle Community College
  Roy Flores, Vice President for Student Services
  , (206) 527-5668

  Seattle Central Community College
  Lexie Evans, Associate Dean of Student Leadership
  , (206) 587-3890
  
  

  Seattle Vocational Institute
  Gail Keefe, Manager, Student Services
  , (206) 587-6339
  
  

  South Seattle Community College
  Mark Mitsui, Vice President for Student Services
  , (206) 764-5315

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Student Complaints

• Procedures for students who feel they have a complaint relating to grades or an action by a member of the Seattle Community College community.
  Before pursing formal action, students are encouraged to first pursue an informal resolution. Students have 15 calendar days from the end of the informal process or 90 days from the cause of the complaint to submit a formal complaint. Contact the respective Complaints Officer at each campus for further information.

  Central	Associate Dean, Student Leadership	(206) 587-3890
  North	Vice President, Student Development Services	(206) 527-3656
  South	Dean of Diversity, Retention & Student Leadership	(206) 768-6749
  SVI	Manager of Student Services	(206) 587-2948

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Completion & Transfer Rate Information

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