Washington Administrative Code Title 131 - Community and Technical Colleges, Board for
The Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Title 131, "Community and Technical Colleges, Board for," contains the administrative rules that govern the state's system of 34 public community and technical colleges. These regulations are set forth by the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), which provides leadership, advocacy, and coordination for the entire system.
The SBCTC's responsibilities, as reflected in these regulations, include:
Budgetary coordination: Preparing and submitting a single system operating budget and capital budget request to the Legislature, and disbursing funds to the college districts.
Setting standards: Establishing minimum standards for college operations, including personnel qualifications, budgeting, accounting, auditing, curriculum content, degree requirements, admission policies, and eligibility of courses for state support.
Planning and oversight: Developing a comprehensive master plan for community and technical college education, encouraging innovation, coordinating research, and disseminating findings.
Ensuring access: Ensuring that each college maintains an open-door policy and offers educational, training, and service programs specified by law, aiming to provide accessible and affordable education.
Here's a breakdown of the typical chapters and the types of regulations you would find within WAC Title 131:
Chapter 131-08 - Practice and procedure:
Outlines the general rules of practice and procedure for the SBCTC, including how the board operates, how public meetings are conducted, and procedures for public appearances and presentations before the board. This chapter also typically covers the organization of the state board itself.
Chapter 131-12 - Students:
Admission Standards: Sets minimum standards for admission to community and technical colleges, including age requirements (e.g., 18 years or older, or specific provisions for younger students who are competent to profit from the curriculum and would not disrupt the college atmosphere).
Student Conduct: May include general provisions related to student conduct and discipline.
Non-discrimination: Prohibits discrimination against students based on protected characteristics like race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability.
Chapter 131-16 - Faculty and staff personnel:
Regulations concerning the employment, qualifications, and certification of faculty and staff within the community and technical college system. This often includes specific requirements for professional-technical instructors, administrators, and other personnel.
May cover policies related to professional development, performance assessments, and general employment practices.
Chapter 131-24 - Capital projects:
Rules related to the planning, financing, and execution of capital projects (e.g., construction, renovations) for community and technical colleges, ensuring proper oversight and use of funds.
Chapter 131-28 - Tuition and fee charges:
Sets policies and procedures for assessing tuition and fees across the system.
Details various waivers and reductions for specific groups, such as senior citizens, full-time community college employees, unemployed and underemployed resident students, and financially needy or disadvantaged students.
Establishes the general policy that tuition and fees should be assessed on a uniform and equitable basis, unless specifically waived or altered by law or regulation.
Chapter 131-32 - Educational services:
General rules related to the educational programs and services offered by the colleges.
Chapter 131-36 - Institutional financial aid fund:
Regulations governing the administration and disbursement of institutional financial aid funds.
Chapter 131-40 - Employee participation in political activities:
Rules outlining permissible and impermissible political activities for employees of the community and technical colleges.
Chapter 131-46 - Special service programs - Running start program:
Specific regulations for the "Running Start" program, which allows eligible high school students to take college-level courses and earn both high school and college credit. This is a common dual credit program.
Chapter 131-47 - Project even start:
Rules related to grants and programs associated with Project Even Start, which is a federal program aimed at family literacy.
Chapter 131-48 - High school equivalency certificate:
Regulations concerning the issuance of high school equivalency certificates (e.g., GEDs) through the community and technical college system.
Chapter 131-49 - Regulations for the administration of the displaced homemaker program:
Rules for programs designed to assist displaced homemakers (individuals who have primarily worked in the home and are now seeking employment) in gaining skills and entering the workforce.
Chapter 131-276 - Public records:
Rules governing public access to records held by the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, including procedures for making public records requests.
In essence, WAC Title 131 serves as the overarching administrative guide for Washington's community and technical college system, ensuring consistency, accountability, and the effective delivery of education and workforce training across the state.
RELATED Blog
0 comments