Programs, Resources and Services for Students

Students are encouraged to take advantage of the wide variety of programs and services that Highline offers. Highly qualified, caring faculty and staff provide programs that can assist students academically and personally.

Academic Advising
advising.highline.edu 
Building 6; (206) 592-3583

Advising is a teaching and learning process in which students, through a relationship with an advisor, are empowered to identify their life goals, understand the college, its curriculum, degree options and resources and services, and use that knowledge to develop and refine short and long-term course-taking plans to reach their goals.  Academic advising is a shared responsibility between student and advisor that includes certain learning outcomes as well as expectations of both student and advisor. 

Advisors are disbursed widely across the college in order to meet the unique needs of our diverse student population.  General advising is provided by both professional staff and faculty advisors.  General advisors in the Advising Center are available on an appointment and drop-in basis.  Professional advisors also provide group advising for current students and orientation sessions for new students.

Specialized advising is offered for the following programs and purposes:  Athletics, Running Start, International Student Programs, TRiO Student Support Services, Assessment and Placement, Workforce Education Services, MESA (Math Engineering Science Achievement) Program, English as a Second Language (ESL), Transfer, Veterans, and WorkFirst/Womens Programs.

The Transfer Center on the lower level of Building 6 is open to students to explore transfer opportunities, attend workshops and receive help in preparing to transfer.  Transfer fairs are held on a quarterly basis.

Students may request to be assigned a faculty advisor based on their academic program or intended transfer major by contacting the Advising Center on the lower level of Building 6.

Academic Success Centers

Math Resource Center  (MRC)
mrc.highline.edu
Building 25, sixth floor; (206) 592-3444

The MRC offers workshops, faculty assistance and instructional resources to help students succeed in mathematics studies. The MRC is co-located with the Tutoring Center, providing a one-stop facility for student support.

MESA Program
mesa.highline.edu
Building 25, sixth floor; (206) 592-3478

The MESA Community College Program (MCCP) serves underrepresented students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields with academic support and professional development. MCCP provides rigorous academic enrichment services along with personal, financial aid, and transfer advising. Our MESA Student Center offers students a dedicated space to study, attend workshops, meet one-on-one for advising, and access scholarship and internship resources. Our goal is for students to excel academically and transfer successfully to four-year institutions as STEM majors.

Tutoring Center
tutoring.highline.edu 
Building 25, sixth floor; 206-592-3444
 
The Tutoring Center offers academic support to currently enrolled students who may be experiencing challenges in their academic studies. Tutors are available for numerous academic disciplines ranging from business and world languages to the sciences and professional technical programs. The center also has computers, textbooks and calculators available for use in the Tutoring Center that students can check-out with their valid HC student ID.

Writing Center
writingcenter.highline.edu
Building 25, sixth floor; (206) 592-4364

The Writing Center offers Highline students one-on-one help in their writing processes. Writing consultants are strong student writers who are trained to mentor fellow students. Consultants help their peers understand assignments, develop and support ideas, organize drafts and learn editing strategies. The center also offers special workshops on grammar and style.

Access Services
access.highline.edu
Building 99, Suite 180; (206) 592-3857; TTY: (206) 870-4853 ; VP: (253) 237-1106/(866) 327-6856

Highline College offers support services for students with disabilities to ensure access to programs and facilities. At Highline, it is the office of Access Services that directly assists students with disabilities by providing classroom and campus accommodations.

It is the policy of Highline to ensure that all qualified students with disabilities receive reasonable accommodations in the admissions process, programs of study and campus activities. The college is committed to providing an equal opportunity to access the benefits, rights and privileges of the college experience in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504; and Washington State Laws of 1994, Chapter 105, without compromising essential program requirements.

Any qualified student with a disability requesting reasonable accommodation at Highline will need to do the following:

• Arrange a time to meet with Access Services to complete the intake assessment;
• Identify yourself as a student with a qualifying disability;
• Present formal written documentation of your disability (a guide outlining requirements for documentation of disability is available through the office of Access Services);
• Request services early (at least four weeks prior to need is recommended);
• Present the “Letter of Accommodation” to faculty within the first week of the quarter; and
• Meet and maintain academic standards.

Services and accommodations provided on an individually determined basis may include accessible facilities, sign language interpreters, specialized equipment, texts on CD, access to assistive technology, note-taking assistance, testing accommodations, registration assistance and campus orientation.

Admissions
Building 6, upper level; (206) 592-3181

Admissions provides the first step in exploring the academic options available to students. For information on the application process, see “Get Started” on the college’s main web page.

Agency Funded Students
https://adminservices.highline.edu/finance/accounts-receivable/
Building 99 room 286

Students who receive funding from an outside agency for books, tuition, fees or other financial assistance must submit a funding voucher to the Finance Office in Building 99.

Career  and Student Employment (CASE)
https://studentemployment.highline.edu/
Building 6, upper level; (206) 592-3350

The CASE Center is available to help students, alumni, and community members free of charge with career exploration, job search, campus employment, resume writing, career events and more.

Cashier
finance.highline.edu/cashiering
Building 6, lower level; (206) 592-3126

The Cashier office accepts cash, check, VISA and MasterCard for payment of tuition and fees.

Center for Cultural & Inclusive Excellence/Inter-Cultural Center
https://ccie.highline.edu

Center for Cultural & Inclusive Excellence
Building 8, 3^rd floor; (206) 592-3296

Center for Cultural & Inclusive Excellence (CCIE) provides transformative leadership in creating a learning and work environment that is equitable and inclusive. In light of the college’s Cultural Diversity Policy, CCIE is committed to increasing consciousness on diversity and social justice, empowering students as social change agents, and dismantling institutional oppression.

Social Justice and Equity Programming

CCIE helps students reach their academic and personal goals by programming events and offering opportunities to promote empowerment around diverse identities and increase awareness of social justice and equity issues. CCIE supports students to attend events such as the statewide Students of Color Conference. Annual multicultural programming at Highline includes LGBTQIA History Month in October; Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Week in January and Unity through Diversity Week in the Spring.

The CLS administrative offices are located in Building 8 (HSU) on the 3rd floor. The suite of offices includes the Center for Leadership and Service staff, the Associated Students of Highline College (ASHC), CIIE staff, student leadership, student activities and a design team that supports student activities.

Inter-Cultural Center
Building 8, 2^nd floor; (206) 592-4350

The Inter-Cultural Center (ICC) is an intimate lounge and resource center for students, staff and faculty. It is a vibrant and safe space to explore and celebrate diversity in an educational setting. The center provides peer mentoring for students, computers for student use, a multicultural library, and a meeting place for clubs and organizations. Programs include Men of Vision (men’s discussion group), Women of Vision (women’s discussion group), Counseling Wisdom Series and Global Village.

The ICC promotes campus dialogue and advocacy within a social justice framework of inclusion and equity. Through leadership development, students are empowered as social change agents in their local and global communities.

The ICC engages the entire campus community. The Center provides a space where people can share and celebrate their authentic selves through dialogue and activities, engage in social justice advocacy, build knowledge about global movements, and develop as change agents.

Counseling
counseling.highline.edu
Building 6, upper level; (206) 592-3353

The Counseling Center provides a receptive environment where students are helped to reach their academic goals through educational, career and personal counseling.

Counseling is a process that uses therapeutic techniques to help people cope with mental, emotional and behavioral concerns and to assist them in developing productive and meaningful lives. Counseling sessions are confidential as defined by law.

Educational counseling helps students learn to cope with stress and pressure that interfere with academic success. Students learn how to develop study skills, reduce test anxiety, manage time more effectively, establish and reach realistic goals, and adjust to college life.

Career counseling helps students explore the world of work; assess interests, values and skills; make occupational decisions; select educational programs and majors; and examine life goals.

Personal counseling provides students with the opportunity to meet with professional counselors to discuss issues and concerns that may be interfering with their ability to achieve educational and personal goals. Counselors are also available for crisis counseling and psychological emergencies.

To make an appointment, call the Counseling Center. There is no charge for counseling.

Enrollment Services

Enrollment Services includes Admissions, Financial Aid and Student Employment, Registration and Records, Data Management and Veterans Services.

• Admissions coordinates all general admissions into the college as well as selective admissions into certain programs.  Admissions also supports students with navigating and understanding residency for tuition purposes.
• Financial Aid and Student Employment determines student Federal, State and institutional funding eligibility and assists students with on- and off-campus employment.
• Registration and Records processes student enrollment and withdrawal transactions and maintains student transcripts and records.  Registration and Records also processes transfer credits, graduation applications and student record changes (such as name or address updates). 
• Data Managment includes federal and state reporting of student enrollment data and providing enrollment data to groups and individuals who have a legitimate educational purpose.
• Veterans Services assists eligible Veterans and their dependents with activating and managing their Veterans Affairs (VA) educational benefits. In addition, Veterans Services staff members provide information about VA, community, and campus resources to help students reach their personal and educational goals.

Financial Aid Services
https://financialaid.highline.edu/
Building 6, upper level; (206) 592-3358

All students are encouraged to apply for financial aid assistance. For information about financial aid availability and the application process, see “Pay for College” on the college’s main web page.

General Educational Development (GED) Testing
placeandtest.highline.edu/tests.ged
Building 1; (206) 592-3282

Highline is a testing center certified to administer the GED Testing Service of the American Council on Education. Students must be 19 years of age or older to take the test. Students between the ages of 16 and 18 may take the test if they obtain approval from their local school districts. Those who do not attend a local high school should contact the district where they now live.  Scheduling for the test is done at ged.com.  Special testing arrangements for students with disabilities are available.  Highline also offers free GED test preparation courses.

High School Re-Engagement & Success Programs
ptc.highline.edu
Building 9 room 121; (206) 592-3503

Highline College’s High School Re-Engagement & Success Programs are comprised of ELL ExCEL, HS Success, Pathway to College, and High School Plus. Our programs support youths ages 16-21  and older as they obtain their high school diploma while earning college credits.  Each program supports the academic needs for a distinct group of students and our structure allows students to transition from one program to another as they make academic gains and demonstrate college going behaviors. We accept students from all school districts.

Programs

ELL ExCEL

English Language Learner Excellence & Commitment to Education & Leadership serves both newly arrived immigrant & refuge students as well as students that are currently enrolled in high school, but are struggling to meet state graduation requirements. We provide scaffold instruction, academic support, individualized advising, and help students develop the skills necessary for both high school graduation and college success. Qualified students are currently or preciously qualified for ELL classes & services.

HS Success

High School Success helps students adjust to the demands of high school completion on the college campus. Students that complete HS Success cohort classes can work on their high school diploma exclusively or transition to PTC so that they can earn both high school & college credits simultaneously.

Pathway to College

Pathway to College supports students through an academically rigorous cohort model & a series of support classes that help student master college going behaviors. Successful students can obtain a number of college credits by working on a high school diploma & an AA degree simultaneously.

High School Plus

High School Plus is a program for adult learners 21 years and over who want to earn their high school diploma. The program expands options for students by including opportunities to earn credit for experience and learning from work, life, or military service. Students may attend classes or earn credits through competence testing.

Eligibility

• Between 16-21 years old and older
• Turned 16 yrs old before September 1st
• Be out of school or on the verge of dropping out
• Be behind in high school credits (for age & grade level)
• Be committed to completing your high school diploma
• Be able to express how your financial, educational, safety or health conditions would likely improve, if enrolled in one of our programs

How to Apply

Interested students must attend one of our Information Sessions in order to proceed to the application process. Parents are welcome to attend. Please visit our website for upcoming days and times.

Highline College Foundation
www.funds4highline.org
Building 99, 2^nd floor; (206) 592-3774

The Highline College Foundation develops financial assistance for Highline students. By working with community groups, businesses and individuals, the foundation is able to provide funds for student scholarships.

Not all scholarships are based solely on academic grade point or financial need. The foundation has established several scholarship opportunities for students who are pursuing degrees in specific fields of study. Scholarship information is also available from the Financial Aid office.

Information Technology Services
its.highline.edu
Building 30, 3^rd floor; (206) 592-4357

Information Technology Services (ITS) provides equipment, software and support for students and classes that use technology resources. There are approximately 1,600 computers available for student use across the campus.

The Academic Technology Center (ATC) in Building 30 houses 15 classroom labs and a drop-in open lab. There are also several computer labs at other locations throughout the campus, including the Higher Education Center in Building 29. These labs provide software used in various classes as well as access to online resources.

A quarterly instructional technology fee is required to use ITS resources, both online and on campus. This fee is automatically assessed on classes that use ITS resources.

International Student Programs
international.highline.edu
Building 25, 5^th floor, Room 506; (206) 592-3725

The International Student Programs office provides assistance to all international students. Services offered include application and admission to the college; comprehensive orientations; academic advising; registration assistance; special events planning and quarterly activities; SEVIS and other immigration information; college survival classes; and cultural adjustment support.

Library
library.highline.edu
Building 25; (206) 592-3234

Highline’s library serves as the campus gateway to a broad collection of information resources. Skilled library staff members are available to assist students in locating information and conducting research. The Information Commons open computer lab connects users to electronic resources. Reference librarians provide tailored instruction in collaboration with campus faculty in our state-of-the art, dedicated library classroom.

The library houses a collection of more than 560,000 items, including books, scholarly journals, magazines and newspapers in print and electronic formats. It also has a large collection of videos available in streaming and DVD format.

In addition to casual reading areas and traditional library seating, facilities are also available for independent and group study for both large and small groups.

Medical Insurance

International students must carry sufficient health and accident insurance. Those who cannot provide documentation of appropriate insurance coverage to the International Student Programs (ISP) office are required to purchase the health and accident insurance plan offered by the college. For information, visit the ISP office.

Optional Student Injury and Sickness Insurance is available for general students to purchase. Informational brochures and application forms are available in Admissions.Parking
highline.edu/public-safety
Building 6, lower level; (206) 592-3218

Note: Violation of campus parking and/or traffic rules and regulations may result in fines or other penalties. Unpaid parking citations/fines may result in official transcripts may be withheld; towing of vehicles; and/or inability to register for next quarter’s classes.

Permitted parking areas are identified by signs posted at each entrance. Anyone who parks on the campus is required to comply with campus parking and traffic regulations. Any vehicle parked on campus must have a valid parking permit at all times.  Permits can be purchased through the Cashier office, online through the bookstore, or at the pay station machines in each of the parking lots.  Purchasing a parking permit does not guarantee a parking space.  Parking spaces may be difficult to find during peak hours of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  The campus highly recommends students and staff use alternative means of transportation to the campus.

• Staff parking spaces are reserved 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. These areas are available to anyone after 5 p.m. and during weekends.
• Disabled parking spaces require that driver own and display appropriate placards designate vehicle as disabled.
• Carpool spaces are designated for carpool permit holders only.  Those parking in the designated carpool area must arrive to campus with two or more people in the vehicle.
• There are no visitor parking spaces on the main Highline College campus.  Visitors need to purchase a $2.00 daily pass at the pay station machines to park in ‘General Parking.’
• Employee permits are paid through payroll deduction and the permits are issued through the Public Safety Office.

Alternate Transportation

Eligible Highline students can receive a $60 bookstore gift card when they spend $60 or more on mass transit during one quarter.  For more information, please visit the Commuting to Highline webpage.

Placement &Testing Center
placeandtest.highline.edu 
Building 1; (206) 592-3251;
Information line: (206) 592-3990

The Placement & Testing Center works with incoming students to determine course placement and provides professional administration of a variety of tests including classroom tests. Tests include GED, TOEFL, STAMPS, NCMA, TEAS, student make-up testing, Access Services testing and secure test proctoring, including state exams, correspondence courses and out-of-state students.

Public Safety Office
highline.edu/public-safety
Building 6, lower level; (206) 592-3218

The college’s primary concern is the safety of its campus community members. We encourage any student, employee or community member to report crimes or suspicious activity on campus to the Public Safety Department at 206-592-3281. An officer is on duty and will answer the phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week including holidays. The Public Safety office is located in Building 6 on the first floor and mirrors the hours of the building. 

Public Safety maintains parking management, issues parking permits and parking citations, provides assistance to motorists, investigates accidents on campus and handles emergencies.  The department has a close working relationship with Des Moines Police Department to provide a safe learning and working environment for our students, staff, faculty and visitors.  A Public Safety Officer will provide on-campus escort service from building to vehicles upon request.

In the interest of transparency and in compliance with the Federal Jeanne Clery Act, campus community members are encouraged to visit the Public Safety webpage to see the last three year’s worth of ‘Clery reportable’ crimes. If you are the victim of gender discrimination, harassment or sexual misconduct of any kind, we urge you to report these instances to the Public Safety Department and get the support you may need. In addition to getting the necessary resources a victim may need, reporting these instances is also crucial to the college responding appropriately.

Registration & Records
https://registration.highline.edu/
Building 6, lower level; (206) 592-3242

The Registration office processes student enrollment and withdrawal transactions and maintains student transcripts and records. Students should come to the Registration office when they need to update their student record (such as name or address), ask questions about transferring credits from other institutions, apply to graduate, add or drop classes, or to access other information related to enrollment at Highline.

Highline recommends students register via the Web. Visit https://secure.highline.edu/wts/student/webreg.

Study Abroad
international.highline.edu/studyAbroad
Building 25; (206) 592-3610

The Study Abroad program offers students an opportunity to earn credits and experience everyday life outside of the traditional classroom in the United States. Program offerings occur in a variety of locations and during various quarters of the academic year.

Transfer Center
transfercenter.highline.edu
Building 6, lower level - Student Success Center; (206) 592-3295

The Transfer Center prepares students to transfer and transition smoothly to a 2-year or 4-year college or university. The Center is a welcoming space for students who need assistance with understanding university policies and procedures.  Transfer Center staff help students learn how to navigate the trasnsfer process efficiently and proactively. The Center hosts the following support services and learning resources to engage students with planning their transfer education:

• Opportunities to meet with 4-year college representatives;
• Workshops and information sessions on a variety of transfer related topics;
• Resource library of handbooks and guides on college majors, scholarships and steps to transfer;
• Computer access to research colleges, scholarships and apply online.

Transferring from Highline

Students who plan to transfer from Highline to a four-year college or university should work closely with their academic adviser or contact the Transfer Center.

Students planning to transfer to another college or university must meet the admission requirements of that institution at the time of transfer. Transferability of classes taken at Highline is determined by the institution to which the student transfers. Most Highline classes designed to transfer do so without a problem. Certain institutions, however, may limit the number of credits earned in a Credit/No Credit system or may have limits on certain classes.

Classes designed for professional-technical degrees and certificates are not usually transferable to four-year institutions. Students should work closely with advisers before attempting to transfer classes that are special components of an occupational program. Other types of restricted credits for transfer include course challenges, credit by examination, military experience, CLEP, DANTES and other nontraditional credit.

An institution to which an official transcript is sent may recompute the grade-point average of the student in accordance with its own requirements and policies.

TRiO Student Support and Retention Services
trio.highline.edu 
Building 6, lower level (206) 592-3229

TRiO Student Support and Retention Services supports Highline’s mission and values of equal access and quality educational opportunities by providing support services for first-generation, low-income and students with disabilities to help them continue with their education and successfully transfer to a four-year college or university.

Eligibility requirements:

To be accepted into the TRiO program, a student must be low-income, a first generation college student, and/or a student with a disability.

Students must complete an application and return it to the TRiO Program Office in Building 6, Room 156. Students accepted into the TRiO program will be required to attend a TRiO orientation and participate in quarterly TRiO Student Support and Retention Services activities.

Services provided:

• Tutoring
• Personal, Financial and Academic Advising
• Professional Mentorship
• Community Engagement & Networking
• Workshops on academics, community support, transfer preparation and financial literacy
• Navigating the college transfer process
• 4-year college campus visits
• Scholarship search and application support

Umoja
umoja.highline.edu
Building 25, sixth floor; (206) 592-3148

Umoja is a Kis-swahili word that means Unity. In the Umoja Learning Community we actively seek students from the African, African American, and Black Diaspora, to enhance their educational experience through the lenses of those cultures. Our dedication is to serve underrepresented student populations by offering them a built in foundational support system, which includes: academics, cultural representation, and Identity Development. Most of our students are First Generation, Low Income, students of color. Students do not have to identify as Black or Brown to join this community, but it should be understood that this is an intentional space designed to represent this specific narrative of students.

Academics
We offer a variety of Umoja supported classes. Our classes are foundational courses that will be applied to most transfer degrees, meaning that the classes we offer are classes that can be applied to any 2 year transferable degree. For example: Depending on the quarter, Umoja offers, Sociology 101, English Comp 101 & 205, Math 146+(statistics), Environmental Science, Communication Courses, Critical Thinking for Equity and Diversity, African American Roots, and African American Experience and College Success. These are all accredited classes and Umoja supported. 

Cultural Representation
Umoja builds Cultural Representation through activities and assignments that are intentional in asking the student “Where I Am From”. Students explore the history of their family dynamics to become more comfortable with bringing their “true self” into the learning environment. Umoja is based around the connectedness to the African Diaspora, Unity, and Community, so we strive to collect the intersecting narratives of our students and show how those stories make us collectively intertwined as a people, and a culture. We do a variety of activities that ask the student to continually explore their unique and individual culture.   

Identity Development
Umoja builds Identity Development through a set of 18 Communal Practices and a variety of community building activities. We operate under 3 Heartbeat Practices: The Ethic of Love & The Affective Domain, Raising Intentional & Deliberate Purposefulness, & Manifesting.  These 3 practices are the foundation of building community, student identity, and Self Efficacy (Internal confidence and self motivation) for the student to continue confidently on their journey through Higher Education. We seek the cultural narrative of our students so that we are able to have them reflected in the student’s daily education. Umoja believes that when our students’ voices are connected, true learning is taking place.

Veterans Services
https://www.highline.edu/academic-support/veterans-services/
Building 6, lower level; (206) 592-3285

Veterans Services assists eligible Veterans and their dependents with activating and managing their Veterans Affairs (VA) educational benefits.  In addition, Veterans Services staff members provide information about VA, community and campus resources to help students reach their personal and educational goals.

Several educational funding programs are available specifically to Veterans. The largest is the Post 9/11 GI Bill, which is available to individuals who have served in the armed forces of the United States or worked at certain government agencies, as well as qualifying spouses and family members. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Per Public Law 115-48, Veterans will receive priority registration. This does not guarantee class availability.

Per the Code of Federal Regulations (CFRP §21.4201) the percentage of students receiving Department of Veterans Affairs financial support, enrolled in a class or program, cannot exceed 85%.

Women’s Programs
womenswkfirst.highline.edu
Building 6, lower level; (206) 592-3340

Women’s Programs is a safe and welcoming place for potential and current students and community members. Services focus on helping individuals identify, define and achieve their goals.

Staff members offer workshops and resources for the issues facing students today; help in starting college; referrals to community resources; and special events. In addition, academic advising, career advising and job search assistance are also available.

Women’s Programs provides resources to students on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance program. Classes and services are open to both men and women.

WorkFirst Services
womenswkfirst.highline.edu
Building 6, lower level; (206) 592-3340

Highline is committed to providing pre-employment and wage progression opportunities for WorkFirst participants. Services are provided through Women’s Programs.

Specific programs include orientations; WorkFirst tuition assistance; employment preparation classes; and referrals to Working Connections Childcare, ABE/GED/ESL, and High Wage High Demand training (HWHD).

Workforce Education Services
workforce.highline.edu 
Building 6, upper level; (206) 592-3802

Worker Retraining

Worker Retraining provides financial assistance and support services to individuals who wish to acquire new workplace skills or upgrade existing skills. Loss or lack of work is a challenge to anyone and the Worker Retraining staff assists qualified individuals through the process of career assessment, establishing a training plan and bringing together financial and other resources to achieve a successful outcome.

Eligible individuals typically have received a layoff notice, are receiving unemployment benefits or have received them within the last 24 months. Displaced homemakers and self-employed individuals that are out of work may also qualify for assistance.

Worker Retraining staff members are also involved with a variety of community partners, providing assistance to their client populations. Highline offers more than 60 degrees, certificates and apprenticeships, equipping graduates with new skills for competitive wage jobs.

Basic Food Employment & Training (BFET)

The Basic Food Employment & Training (BFET) program provides financial assistance to students who receive benefits through the state Department of Social & Health Services’ Basic Food program. Qualified students may receive short-term assistance for tuition, books, fees, bus passes and child care.

Opportunity Grant

The Opportunity Grant provides financial assistance for low income students who are enrolled in the Business, Education, Healthcare, or Human Services programs

Center for Leadership and Service (CLS)
cls.highline.edu 
Building 8, 3rd Floor; (206) 592-3536

Highline Student Union: A Place for Students

The Highline Student Union (HSU) is the center of the college campus. Here is a sample of what’s inside:

• Center for Leadership & Service with student government
• Multicultural Affairs
• Inter-Cultural Center
• Clubs and communities
• Cafeteria
• Fireside Bistro: coffee and pizza oven
• 3rd floor quiet study lounge with great view
• Three large conference and meeting rooms
• Three designated student conference and meeting rooms
• Bookstore

Get Involved - Serve, Lead, DO!

Highline College hosts a vibrant array of student activities and programs. The Center for Leadership and Service (CLS) ensures that all students have options for learning, community building and personal exploration outside of the classroom.

Highline students contribute a quarterly Services and Activities (S&A) fee to help fund co-curricular, extracurricular and educational activities on campus. The Center for Leadership and Service office is open for all students to explore ways of becoming involved in campus life that fit their individual interests.

Purpose

CLS provides experiences to enhance growth and development outside the classroom. We invite the campus to engage in student leadership opportunities and involve students in learning communities. CLS ensures environments are created that empower  students in the context of Servant Leadership:  honoring connection and relationships, emphasizing social justice awareness and promoting action as a global citizen.

The CLS administrative offices are located in Building 8 (HSU) on the 3rd floor. The suite of offices includes the Center for Leadership and Service staff, the Associated Students of Highline College (ASHC), Multicultural Affairs staff, student leadership, student activities and a design team that supports student activities.

Student Leadership: Building a student life requires a community of student leaders who are committed, organized and effective. Student leadership positions are found throughout the organization, but are supported centrally by the Center for Leadership and Service staff training, leadership advising and workshop opportunities. The majority of student leadership positions are hired in winter/spring to begin fall of the next academic year.

First Fridays Leadership Institute:  The First Fridays Leadership Institute is a regular series of leadership development workshops offered on the first Friday of each month. These hands-on, interactive sessions are designed to build practical leadership skills including public speaking, interpersonal communication, conflict resolution and more. Students that attend five or more sessions throughout the year receive a certificate of completion.

Student Activities: Student activities include programs and groups that bring social and educational events to campus. ASHC, clubs, multicultural and international programming, intramurals, music and sports all contribute to a host of exciting and entertaining learning opportunities. Information on current offerings and social media links are available online at cls.highline.edu.

Multicultural Affairs:  Multicultural Affairs helps students reach their academic and personal goals by programming events and offering opportunities that promote empowerment around diverse identities and increase awareness of social justice and equity issues. MCA supports students to attend events such as the statewide Students of Color Conference. Annual multicultural programming at Highline includes LGBTQIA History Month in October, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, JR. Week in January and Unity through Diversity Week during spring quarter. Further information is available online at multiculturalaffairs.highline.edu.

Student Government:  ASHC invites all students to participate in student government. Student government provides a means for students to express their interests, concerns and viewpoints within the college governance structure. It also provides leadership training opportunities that include public speaking, parliamentary procedures, program development and evaluation, group dynamics, conflict resolution and skills in conducting effective meetings. Student government serves as a training ground for developing the skills necessary for democratic government.

Whether students are interested in serving in one of two elected positions, or volunteering for one of the many campus committees or ASHC caucuses where students have a voice, there is an opportunity for everyone.

Student Clubs:  These student-led organizations enrich campus life and give students a way to meet new people, share similar interests and develop new skills. Students may join an existing club or start one of their own. Each year, Highline has approximately sixty active clubs, which means that students are certain to find one that matches their interests.  For a list of current clubs, visit cls.highline.edu/Clubs.php.

Student Design Team/Publicity Services:  The Center for Leadership and Service has a Design Team to help students publicize events that are funded with student fees.

Additional Student Funded Offerings

Intercollegiate Athletics: Committed to excellence in academics and athletics, Highline’s strong intercollegiate athletic programs successfully attract quality student athletes. Through educational ideals learned both on and off the field of play, participation in athletics works to instill in student athletes the benefits of competition, sportsmanship, hard work and commitment.

Intramurals: This program offers a variety of athletic activities for students to participate in throughout the year free of charge. Activities may include basketball, flag football, indoor soccer, softball and volleyball. No skills required, just a good attitude! 

Music: The Music department invites students to explore their musical abilities and meet others with similar interests. Students can participate in choir, jazz ensemble or world percussion ensemble. Instrumentalists have the possibility of performing in small ensembles and in regional symphony orchestras. Faculty members assist and advise students who wish to form their own group.

International Leadership Student Council (ILSC): This team of five student leaders coordinates various international events on campus. Its mission is to provide international students with additional support, build a strong multicultural environment on campus and in the community, and encourage global understanding.

ILSC members assist with international student orientations and activities and act as mentors to new international students. Events ILSC members coordinate numerous programs and events including but not limited to: Conversation Pals, winter ski trip, Enchanted Winter Dance, Halloween and Super Bowl parties, and GlobalFest.

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK): PTK is the international honor society of two-year colleges. Highline’s chapter is one of the largest in the country and is actively involved in leadership and service both on and off campus. Phi Theta Kappa offers students the opportunity to grow outside of class and develop as responsible members of the community. Highline’s PTK chapter provides students several ways to get involved with service and scholarship.

Publications: The Thunderword weekly newspaper is an award-winning publication that accepts articles from staff and at-large writers. The literary magazine, Arcturus, is a student-produced, edited and printed annual journal of creative writing, poetry and visual arts that is also regionally acclaimed.