Nov 05, 2024  
2018-19 Catalog 
    
2018-19 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Student Support Services



Academic Advising

We offer advising to current and returning Bellevue College students who are earning Associate’s and professional/technical degrees and certificates. We aim to support you and your unique needs by helping you develop plans to achieve your educational, career, and life goals.

Our Academic Advisors can help you with the following services:

  • understand course requirements for the degree programs,
  • plan your path to program/degree completion,
  • successfully transfer to a four-year college or university,
  • understand the graduation process, and
  • answer other related academic questions

Please visit bellevuecollege.edu/advising or call (425) 564-2212 to learn more about our advising services.

Academic Success Center

Located in D204, the Academic Success Center is dedicated to providing tutoring for ALL students enrolled at Bellevue College. Our center includes four facilities: Academic Tutoring, and the Reading, Writing and Math Labs. For additional information, please call our front desk at (425) 564-2200 or visit us online at bellevuecollege.edu/asc/.

  • Academic Tutoring: provides three types of assistance for students registered for classes. (1) Drop-in tutoring is available in many subjects, with days and times listed on our website. (2) Online tutoring is available in many subjects, including English and math. (3) For students who find they are earning a C grade or below, they may apply to meet an individual tutor up to 2 hours per week. 
  • The Math Lab: provides tutoring assistance for students who are currently enrolled in a BC math class. A combination of peer and expert tutors are available daily. Limited appointment times are also available.
  • The Writing Lab: provides all students with one-on-one tutoring for any writing project, including class assignments, college applications, resumes, and personal statements. Tutoring sessions last approximately 35 minutes. Although primarily a drop-in lab, limited appointment times are available.
  • The Reading Lab: (ENGL 080 /ENGL 180 ) is a 1 or 2 credit lab course that helps students of all levels to improve their reading skills, focusing on vocabulary, reading speed, and comprehension. Many sections are linked to courses offered by the English Department; however, students may also register independently for credit. Instructor referrals are also welcome.
  • Workshop: regularly scheduled workshops on topics related to study skills, reading and writing are offered throughout the quarter. All students are welcome!

Autism Spectrum Navigators (ASN)

The Autism Spectrum Navigators program currently serves Bellevue College students with Autism Spectrum Conditions, including High Functioning Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Non-Verbal Learning Disability and PDD-NOS. ASN supports these students in accessing college programs and services, including communication with instructors. Students in the program have access to a network of support, including meetings each week with trained peer mentors and participation in group classes and discussions. Other program elements include parent training and support, faculty and staff training and support and community engagement and education. Learn more at bellevuecollege.edu/autismspectrumnavigators.

Counseling Center

BC counselors are here to listen and help students move towards their goals. The BC counselors provide: individual personal, career, and educational counseling; group counseling; academic probation services; consultation services for students, faculty, staff, and community members; outreach, workshops, and prevention services; human development curriculum implementation; and community referrals. All interactions with a counselor, including everything students discuss and even appointments that are made, are confidential. To schedule an appointment, call (425) 564-5747.

Disability Resource Center

The Disability Resource Center (DRC) is dedicated to service excellence in the provision of comprehensive classroom accommodations, working with students, instructors, staff, administration and community contacts to ensure the successful academic goals of qualified and documented Bellevue College students with disabilities.

The DRC works in innovative ways to provide teaching and learning opportunities to college staff, faculty members and community partners to remove barriers to access and help further the understanding, support and success of the students we serve. We contribute to the disability justice movement, centered in a social justice model of disability, and work to incorporate concepts of universal design into all aspects of the Bellevue College environment.

The DRC helps students develop the critical skills necessary to achieve success, promoting self-advocacy, and seeks to better integrate people with disabilities–through structural, curricular, and attitudinal changes — into the overall pluralistic fabric of the college and community.

Visit the DRC at B132, call (425) 564-2498, TTY 425.564.4110, Skype for ASL users ‘DRCatBC’ or check out our website at bellevuecollege.edu/drc/.

Early Learning Center

The BC Early Learning Center, located on campus, serves student families with children ages six weeks to six years old. The Early Learning Center offers an affordable, high quality, family-centered early education childcare program. Student families who are income eligible may apply for enrollment in Head Start, an enhancement program for children three to five years old. For enrollment availability, tuition costs, and program information, please call (425) 564-2240.

Multicultural Services

The Office of Multicultural Services (MCS) provides academic success and support services and advocacy for students of color, LGBTQ, low income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities. MCS program goals are to increase student retention and enhance student success through culturally responsive programming and services. Additionally, MCS is a partner in promoting multicultural competence and building an inclusive community.

MCS assists the college in recruiting and retaining students from under-represented constituencies. Support services include recruitment outreach, supplemental academic advising, student advocacy, academic mentoring and study sessions, cultural clubs/organizations advising, and multicultural curriculum and policy development. MCS also provides students with information about scholarships, internships, and community resources which may support student retention. For more information, call (425) 564 2208 or e-mail mcs@bellevuecollege.edu

Student Housing

In September 2018, we open the doors to on-campus housing! This building will be home to 400 students in a mix of units and includes a variety of public areas for studying, meeting and socializing. The building is designed to meet requirements for LEED Gold certification and will have many environmentally-friendly features. These include a rain garden, smart water systems, utility monitoring, permeable paving, and abundant natural lighting. Students have the option of living in a furnished Suite (1 or 2 bedroom) or Apartment (2 or 4 bedroom) and can enjoy private kitchen and bathroom within their living space. 

Living on campus offers a complete environment to serve students’ academic, personal, and social needs. Students who live on campus are likely more engaged in campus activities, get more out of the college experience and ultimately earn higher grades.

Amenities include:

  • 24/7 staffing, including Front Desk operations, mail service, information and equipment rental
  • Community spaces on each floor
  • Laundry facility
  • Wi-fi access
  • Food services
  • Free cultural, academic and community programs and events
  • Student volunteer and job opportunities

Please visit bellevuecollege.edu/housing/ to learn more.

Student Programs

By enriching student life through leadership opportunities, personal learning, and cultural experiences, Student Programs is committed to building a pluralistic and diverse campus community that fosters creativity, innovation, and student success. We empower our students to contribute to our community as better world citizens. Stop by C212 in the Student Union Building, call (425) 564-6150, or visit www.bellevuecollege.edu/stupro/ 

The Student Programs Office coordinates the many Student Life and Co-Curricular Programs including:

  • Over 100 student organizations and programs
  • Associated Student Government (ASG) and Office of Student Legislative Affairs
  • Student Leadership Institute
  • Peer to Peer Volunteering and Mentoring
  • Peer Assisted Leadership through Service (PALS) center
  • Campus Activities Board (CAB)
  • Student Centers: BSU, El-Centro Latino, BC LGBTQ Center, and the BC Assoc. of Veterans
  • The Watchdog (student newspaper)
  • Campus Business Center
  • Alumni outreach
  • New Student Orientation
  • Student Handbook
  • Services and Activities Budget management
  • Student Environmental and Sustainability Programs

TRiO Student Support Services

TRiO is a federally funded program that assists Bellevue College students in achieving their educational goals. TRiO provides extensive academic advising services, financial guidance, and personal support for students who are first-generation college students, low-income students, or students who have a documented disability. TRiO services include academic advising, comprehensive transfer planning and guidance, university visitations, personal support and advocacy, free tutoring, instruction in effective study skills, a computer lab and study center, laptop computer lending, academic monitoring and intervention, academic achievement awards, workshops, and cultural activities. All services are designed to ensure student success at BC and beyond. Specific eligibility requirements apply. For more information call (425) 564-5745 or visit www.bellevuecollege.edu/trio/.

Veterans’ Program

Bellevue College’s Veterans Program is designed to assist military service members and their families with their journey through college, career and beyond. Whether you are active duty, a reserve member, or a veteran, we are here to help you and your family with assistance in pursuing your educational goals, accessing VA benefits, selecting a career path, writing a resume, connecting to jobs or internships, and much more. Visit bellevuecollege.edu/veterans/ for more information. 

Workforce Education

Our programs help people get the skills they need through Bellevue College’s professional-technical programs to enter or re-enter the workforce. Our office offers:

  • High-touch advising and college navigation.
  • “Jumpstart” funding and assistance with applying for additional financial aid.
  • Our advisors coordinate with DSHS and Employment Security to support students with keeping their benefits while in training.
  • Education and employment resources for King County Housing Authority (Eastside) residents
  • Employment services for all Workforce Education students (resumes, interviews, job search)
  • Food assistance: in partnership with Hopelink, bags of nonperishable food are available by request at our front desk

Funding Programs for eligible students:

For more information please visit bellevuecollege.edu/we/


Student Central

Student Central advisers support your success using a full-service approach for all the departments listed below. Working in consultation with you, our advisers resolve issues, answer questions, and provide information about your next best steps based on your individual needs.

Welcome Center 

Welcome Center serves:

Visit bellevuecollege.edu/welcome/ for more information.

Enrollment Services

Enrollment Services provides direct service to students through Student Central on the first floor of the Student Affairs Building (building B). Services include information and assistance with admission, registering for classes, transferring in credits from other colleges, official transcripts, enrollment verifications. Please visit Enrollment Information  to learn more.

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office provides financial assistance to individuals who have completed the financial aid process and are eligible for aid as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WAFSA). Sources of aid include federal, state, and institutional grants; loans; and work-study jobs. Students interested in attending BC, must complete the FAFSA or WAFSA and the BC Financial Aid Application. Details are available at www.FAFSA.gov for FAFSA, readysetgrad.wa.gov/wasfa for WASFA, or visit www.bellevuecollege.edu/fa/.

If you have completed the FAFSA or WAFSA and your family’s circumstances have changed dramatically in 2018 (e.g., loss of job, death, separation, etc.) ask in the Financial Aid Office about special conditions.

See Workforce Education for additional funding sources for which you may qualify.

Application Procedure

We process financial aid files based on the date you turned in the last required document. Your file is not considered complete and ready to process for a financial aid award until you submit all required documents. If you complete your file, and during processing you are asked to submit additional documentation, you do not lose your original file completion date as long as you turn in the documentation within two weeks.

Make sure you complete your file by the deadline of the quarter you plan to start taking classes. If you miss the deadline, plan to pay for your tuition, fees and books using your own funds. You may be reimbursed if you are later found to be eligible for aid. Visit bellevuecollege.edu/fa/apply/deadlines for application deadlines.

Family Contribution & Family Need

The Financial Aid office uses the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) which appears on the Student Aid Report (SAR) or processed FAFSA or WAFSA to calculate financial awards. The EFC is calculated using a federal methodology and is the amount students and/or families are expected to contribute towards their education for three quarters. The EFC is used in an equation to determine financial need as follows: the Cost of Attendance minus the EFC equals unmet need.

Notification of Award

When awarded aid, students receive an Award Notification via BC e-mail which indicates the type and amount of award(s) offered for each quarter. Students return the Award Notification only if they are not attending BC and are rejecting their aid or canceling a portion of their aid package. For types of aid available, please visit bellevuecollege.edu/fa/apply/types

Students’ Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students applying for and/or receiving financial aid are required to make and maintain satisfactory academic progress in their course of study and complete their program within the credit limitations. See the Satisfactory Academic Progress Guidelines at bellevuecollege.edu/fa/youraid/sap/

Repayment

Repayment is when you have to pay back some or all of your financial aid.  If you receive a financial aid grant and/or loans, you must attend more than 60% of the quarter to earn all (100%) of your aid. If you stop attending or do not receive passing grades, we are required to determine how much financial aid you “earned” and return any “unearned” funds.  You are then required to pay us back.

If you have attended less than 60% of the quarter, you may owe a repayment to financial aid. This may include federal and state grants and your tuition costs.  If BC returns funds to federal or state agencies, these funds will come out of the money that was used to pay for your tuition. This means that you will need to repay BC the balance of tuition.

Please visit bellevuecollege.edu/fa/youraid/repayment/ for more information on the census dates, refunds and repayments.

Placement and Testing Services

Placement & Testing Services offers a variety of options for students who need English and math placement prior to registering for classes, as well as tests and proctoring services. Please visit bellevuecollege.edu/testing/ for the details and testing hours.