Jun 12, 2025  
2025-26 Catalog 
    
2025-26 Catalog

College Policies and Procedures


Academic Standards Policy

Advertising on Exterior Campus Bulletin Boards

Advising

Consumer Information & Student Right to Know

Community Standards and Student Conduct: Student Conduct Code

Cultural Diversity

Debts to the College

Drug & Alcohol Abuse Program

Equal Employment Opportunity/Non-discrimination Statement

Sexual Harrassment

Smoking

Student E-mail

Student Records

Students’ Rights Regarding Their Educational Records

Students’ Social Security Numbers

Note: Additional information about Highline’s policies, procedures and statistics can be found online.

Academic Standards Policy

Academic Standing Policy for Students with Cumulative and Quarterly GPA below 2.0

Satisfactory Academic Standing: Satisfactory Academic Standing is a status indicating a student is meeting the academic standards policy requirements by maintaining a cumulative and quarterly GPA of 2.0 or above.

Level 1 Academic Standing

  • Definition: Level 1 Academic Standing is status indicating a student is not meeting the academic standards policy requirements. Students are on Academic Standards Policy (ASP) Level 1 if both their quarterly and cumulative GPAs are below a 2.0 for one quarter.
  • Students on ASP Level 1 are placed an ASP registration hold and must complete a Highline College Academic Improvement Plan in order to have the hold lifted.

Level 2 Academic Standing

  • Definition: Level 2 Academic Standing is placed when both quarterly and cumulative GPA is less than 2.0 for two consecutive quarters.
  • Students on ASP Level 2 are placed an ASP Level 2 registration hold and must complete all of the following to have the hold lifted:
    • Submit a Highline College Academic Improvement Plan approved by a Highline College staff or faculty and
    • Participate in an Academic Standards Policy sponsored activity

Level 3 Academic Standing

  • Definition: Level 3 Academic Standing is placed when both quarterly and cumulative GPA is less than 2.0 for three or more consecutive quarters. At this level, the college is concerned about continued challenges and requires the student to pause their enrollment to re-evaluate their academic progress before returning.
  • Students on ASP Level 3 are placed on ASP Level 3 registration hold, and their classes will be dropped by the 100% refund date of the following quarter. Prior to re-enrolling, they are to meet with the Academic Standards Policy Manager or designee to develop a Highline College Academic Improvement Plan.
  • Appeal Process: If the student wishes to appeal their Level 3 Academic Standing status so they can continue enrollment, they are to follow the appeal process outlined below:
    • Submit an Academic Standards Policy Appeal Form by the stated due date and time and
    • The student is to meet with the Highline College ASP Appeal Committee or designee. Upon review, the appeal will be approved, denied, or approved with conditions for continued enrollment

Advertising on Exterior Campus Bulletin Boards

The Center for Leadership and Service maintains exterior campus bulletin boards for on- and off-campus events and activities. Anyone wishing to post materials should go to the Center for Leadership and Service for approval and posting procedures. 

Advising

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. Professional advisors are referred to as Academic Pathway Advisors. Students seeking advising can meet with an Academic Pathway Advisor in the Advising Center located in building 6.

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

Community Standards and Student Conduct

(206) 592-3319

Highline College Office of Community Standards and Student Conduct is committed to ensuring a welcoming, inclusive and safe learning environment for all students. The Student Conduct Code (SCC) is a contractual agreement between the enrolled student and the College, and it is important that students be informed and knowledgeable about behavioral expectations and responsibilities to ensure their academic success. A student’s admission into Highline constitutes acceptance to comply with the Student Conduct Code.  The process and procedures are not intended to be punitive, but rather to focus on students’ development and learning. Conduct administrators are dedicated to ensure respect, due process and fundamental fairness in the administration of the SCC.

Highline students have guaranteed rights within the limitations of statutory law and college policy as deemed necessary to achieve the educational goals of the college.  Know your rights!

For complete information on Student Rights and the Code of Conduct, visit Highline’s Student Conduct website.

Consumer Information and Student Right to Know

Students and other interested persons can access information on completion and/or graduation rates; district security policies and crime statistics; athletic program participation rates and financial support data; completion and/or graduation rates for student-athletes; information regarding student records under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA); and the alcohol and drug policy by visiting Highline’s Website.

Paper copies of the above documents may be obtained from the Executive Assistant for Student Services in Building 6, room 218.

Highline College
MS 6-11, P.O. Box 98000
Des Moines, WA 98198-9800
(206) 592-3077

Cultural Diversity Policy

Highline College actively promotes and supports a learning and work environment which ensures social justice, mutual respect, understanding, civility, and non-violence. Highline College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of biological sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnic background, national origin, class, economic status, age, military and veteran status, disability, language, cultural and religious background.

Debts to the College

College debts include, but are not limited to, such items as outstanding tuition and fees, returned checks, library fines, financial aid repayments, late class add fees, payment plan payments and fees, and parking tickets.

Students are responsible to pay all fines and other financial charges as soon as notification is received. Highline College may withhold registration and other college services when a payment has not been made on time.

Additionally, the college may pursue collection efforts on any outstanding debts as authorized by RCW 19.16.500. Highline College’s policy regarding withholding services for outstanding debts is described in WAC 32I-122.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Program

This information is provided pursuant to the Drug-Free Schools and Committee Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 10 1.22b).

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession and/or use of a controlled substance as currently defined by law is prohibited in or on property owned, leased or otherwise managed by Highline College. The use of any controlled substance (illicit drugs or alcohol) is prohibited except when use or possession is prescribed by an authorized medical doctor or dentist.

The use of illicit drugs and alcohol presents a clear and present risk to the health of a student or employee and may cause impairment of the health of fellow students and employees.

“The disease of alcoholism knows no boundaries as far as personalities are concerned. It does not recognize rank, social class, wealth or fame. It strikes everyone with the same insidious force, and consequences are the same.” (Joseph Pursch, M.D.) The same statement applies to the use of illicit drugs. Addiction to alcohol or drugs may be lethal.

Sanctions against a student found to be in violation of the above restrictions may be imposed, subject to the student’s right of appeal. Sanctions may involve a warning, disciplinary probation, emergency withdrawal, suspension or dismissal. The college is responsible for referring the violation to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

No employee or contractor will report to work while under the influence of illicit drugs and/or alcohol. Violation of this rule by any employee may result in referral for mandatory evaluation/treatment for a substance abuse disorder. The Washington state Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or a college contracted referral agency will be utilized in accordance with the applicable negotiated agreements; the laws of the state of Washington, specifically RCW 28B.16 and RCW 28B.10; and applicable federal laws that supersede Washington state statutes.

Students are asked to refer to the Student Conduct Code codified at this printing in WAC 132I-126.

Assistance for students is available by appointment through the Counseling Center, located in Building 6. Self-referral can also be made to agencies such as the following:

  • Alcohol/Drug 24-Hour Help Line, (206) 722-3700 or 800-562-1240;
  • Navos, (206) 241-0990; or
  • King County Crisis Clinic Information Line, (206) 461-3200.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Non-discrimination Statement

The college provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types).

El colegio universitario ofrece igualdad de oportunidades en
educación y empleo, y no discrimina por raza, color, nacionalidad,
edad, discapacidad, sexo, orientación sexual, estado civil, creencias,
religión o estatus de veterano de guerra. La discriminación sexual está
prohibida e incluye el acoso sexual (varias formas de conducta sexual
no deseada).

Колледж предоставляет равные возможности при получении
образования и приеме на работу и обеспечивает отсутствие
дискриминации на основании расовой принадлежности, цвета
кожи, национальности, возраста, физических недостатков,
половой принадлежности, сексуальной ориентации, семейного
статуса, убеждений, вероисповедания или статуса ветерана
войны. Недопустимая дискриминация по половому признаку
подразумевает сексуальные домогательства (неприемлемое
сексуальное поведение во всех его проявлениях).

‏بيان: فرص للعمل بدون تمييز

‏توفر الكلية فرص متساوية للتعليم والعمل بدون تميز عنصري على ‏أساس ‏العِرق أو اللون ‏أو القومية أو العُمر أو الإعاقة الجسدية أو الجنس(ذكر/أنثى)‏ او الحالة الاجتماعية او الدين او الخدمة العسكرية. 

يُمنَع التحرش الجنسي بجميع أنواعه.

本学院提供平等的教育和就业机会,不因种族、肤
色、民族、年龄、残疾、性别、性取向、婚姻状况、
宗教信仰、或者退伍军人身份而加以歧视。被禁止的
性别歧视包括性骚扰(各种不受欢迎的性举止)。

학교는 교육과 고용에 대한 평등한 기회를 제공하며
인종, 피부색, 출신 국가, 나이, 장애, 성별, 성 정체
성, 결혼 여부, 종교, 신념 및 재향 군인 자격에 대해
차별하지 않습니다. 금지된 성차별 행동 중에는 성
희롱이 포함됩니다 (부적절한 여러 종류의 성적 행
위 및 행동).

Highline College offre un accès équitable à l’éducation
et à l’emploi, et n’établit aucune distinction fondée sur la race, la
couleur, l’origine nationale, l’âge, l’incapacité, le sexe, l’orientation
sexuelle, la situation de famille, la croyance, la religion ou le statut
d’ancien combattant. La discrimination de genre faisant l’objet d’une
interdiction englobe le harcèlement sexuel (comportement sexuel
importun sous diverses formes).

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and Title IX of the Educational Amendment and is against Highline College’s policies and will not be tolerated in any form. It shall be the policy of Highline College, consistent with its efforts to respect the dignity and integrity of employees, students and the general public, to provide an environment free of sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment is any unwanted verbal or physical sexual attention that is repetitive and one-sided. Report sexual harassment to:

Executive Director, Office of the President
MS 12-120, P.O. Box 98000
Des Moines, WA 98198-9800
(206) 592-3600

Smoking

Highline College supports the health and well-being of its campus community members. For this reason, smoking is prohibited on campus, except in designated areas.

Student E-mail

Student e-mail accounts are provided to all students who have activated their myHighline account. The primary method of official email communication to students will be the student’s preferred email address in ctcLink.  Official communication from students will be accepted either from the students Highline College student email account or their preferred email address listed in ctcLink.

Official communications are those involving

  • Instruction and classroom activities
  • Campus safety and emergencies
  • Routine College business

In general, e-mail is not appropriate for transmitting sensitive or confidential information unless it is matched by an appropriate level of security.

  1. Confidentiality regarding student records is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). All use of e-mail, including use for sensitive or confidential information, will be consistent with FERPA.
  2. E-mail will not be the sole method for notification for any legal action.

Student Records

Students are responsible for ensuring that the college has their correct name and address. Students needing to report a name change should visit the Registration office in Building 6 and submit a “Student Name Change” form with appropriate documentation - a driver’s license, marriage certificate, passport etc. Students can update their address, preferred email address, and phone number through ctcLink Student Portal.

Students’ Rights Regarding Their Educational Records

Students at Highline College have certain rights regarding their educational records. These rights are part of the federal legislation known as the FERPA.

Students have the right to do the following:

Inspect and review their educational records within 45 days of the day that the college receives a request for access.

Students should submit to the registrar in Building 6 a written request that identifies the record(s) that they wish to inspect. The registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

Request the amendment of the student’s education record(s) that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading.

Students have up to thirty (30) days after the quarter ends to request the college amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. The process for submitting such a request is to complete a Registration Petition Form, which is available on the Registration and Records website. The form must identify the change that needs to be made and why the record is inaccurate or misleading. Please note: There is a separate process for students who wish to file an Instructional Grievance to challenge a properly recorded grade.  Information on the Instructional Grievance process is available from faculty, advisors and deans.

If the college decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the registrar will notify the student of the decision in writing.

Consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records may be made to Registration and Records. School officials with a legitimate education interest may access academic records.  A school official has a legitimate education interest if the official needs to review an education record to fulfill their professional responsibility.

A school official is a person employed or contracted by the college in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research or support staff position (including campus safety officers). Additionally, it may include a person, company or agency with whom the college has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, collection agent, public service agency, education agency or school); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing their tasks. Volunteers and interns serving in any of these capacities are also considered school officials.

Upon request, the college may disclose education records without student consent to officials of another school in which a student is concurrently enrolled, or seeks or intends to enroll.

The college also may publish or provide the following directory information to any person who requests it: Student name, major field of study, enrollment status, dates of attendance, participation in recognized activities or sports, degrees/certificates awards received, term degree or certificate awarded, or honors status.

In addition, the college provides to military recruiters the following additional directory information: age and phone number

Students who do not wish the college to release their directory information must notify the registrar in writing.

Students may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the college to comply with the requirements of FERPA. Complaints should be sent to the office that administers FERPA:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5920

Students’ Social Security Numbers

To comply with federal regulations and ensure students may take advantage of education tax credits, Highline College requests that students provide a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). This information is to report eligibility for education tax credits, administer state and federal financial aid, verify enrollment and academic records, and conduct institutional research. Providing an SSN or ITIN is voluntary. However, students who do not provide this information may be ineligible for certain tax benefits and may be subject to IRS civil penalties (refer to IRS Treasury Regulation 1.6050S-1(e)(4) for more information). Pursuant to state law (RCW 28B.10.042) and federal law (FERPA), the college will protect this information from unauthorized use or disclosure.