A Guide to Running Start at GHC

What is Running Start?
The Running Start program was created by the Legislature to expand educational options for students. Running Start allows 11th and 12th grade students to take college level courses tuition free. The student enrolls simultaneously in high school and college classes (or solely in college classes) for the purpose of earning credit to be awarded by the high school. Students earn both high school and college credits, with five college credits equaling one high school credit. The high school determines which classes at the college are equivalent to the high school requirements. Home schooled students need to check with their local high school to determine high school status. Running Start applications and information packets are available from your high school counselor.

Eligibility
All potential Running Start students are required to take the CPT (Computerized Placement Test). Potential students may test no more than three times in one academic year. To be eligible for Running Start, scores must reflect college level English and reading. To take any math course at the college, and many science classes, you will need to pass the math portion of the test as well. Students need to make an appointment for testing after receiving authorization from their high school counselor. The test is given several times a week at varying times. When you call to schedule your testing time you will be asked for your name and phone number. Please also state that you are calling for Running Start. There is no testing fee.

Academic Assessment
Only college level courses (100 or higher) will be available under the Running Start Program. Students need to meet with their high school counselor each quarter to create a schedule that meets their graduation requirements. Students may also want to consult a college counselor about courses that meet college transfer or degree requirements. However, final schedule approval comes from the high school.

What will it be like to take a course at GHC?
Once students enroll under this program and begin attending the college, they will be considered "regular" college students. The faculty will expect the same level of classroom participation, study habits, homework, and respect as received from other students.

Class Pace
The speed at which college classes are taught is much faster than classes in high school. For example, a high school math class, which is usually taught within one school year at the high school, is taught within 11 weeks in the college environment.

Academic Standards
The college has an academic progress policy requiring that students maintain a "C" or better grade average. If a student fails to do so, the student will be placed on academic warning. If, within the next quarter, grades do not improve, the student is placed on academic probation. Details on this policy are outlined in the college catalog.

Student Responsibility
Students will be expected to meet class deadlines, be prepared for class, and ask questions. Class participation is an integral part of college and most faculty will require students to participate in classroom discussions. If a student is having difficulty with a class, she/he will need to talk to the instructor or a counselor.

Academic Records
Students enrolling under the Running Start Program will be using the classes for both high school and college credit. The grade received will become part of the student's college transcript. If a student wishes to apply to another college, the student must list Grays Harbor College as a college attended and request that the college send an official transcript of grades. Grades received at the college also become a part of their permanent high school transcript and can affect high school scholarships and awards.

Attendance
Though faculty may or may not take attendance, it is the student's responsibility to be prepared each day for class and meet all deadlines. Due to classroom space demands, students who are absent the first day of class without contacting the instructor may be dropped from class.

Cost
The high school district will pay for tuition costs. Students are responsible for student fees, parking, books, and other necessary supplies. You can check with the bookstore for approximate cost of books and supplies.

Class Size
Classes can vary in size from 15 to 50 students; with the average class size about 30 students. This makes it possible for many instructors to give individual attention to students. Grays Harbor College takes pride in its efforts to provide smaller class sizes than most colleges and universities.

Holidays
Holidays that the college celebrates and its vacations may be different from the high school's. Students will be expected to attend class at the college even though their high school may not be in session. Careful planning must occur as this may create conflicts with family and school activities.

Withdrawing from Class
To drop or withdraw from a class, students must obtain a drop/add form from the Counseling Center. Many students believe if they simply stop attending class they will be dropped or withdrawn from the course. This does not happen. Professors do not automatically drop a student for non-attendance. Students may receive an "F" for a course they decided not to attend and that will become part of their permanent college record. It is important for students to officially withdraw from a course. Withdrawing from any class is the student's responsibility.

Grades
Grades are available the Tuesday after finals week. Grades are then sent to the high school to become part of your high school record. However, your Grays Harbor College grades are not mailed home. It is the student's responsibility to obtain his/her grades by accessing the GHC Admissions and Records website.

Parking
If a student wishes to park a car on campus, the student will need to register the vehicle and obtain a parking decal.

Parent Access to Student Records
Grays Harbor College follows federal guidelines concerning access to student records. No information will be released without the student's written permission. The only exception will be if a parent provides the college with documentation showing the student is their dependent. Further information is available at the college Admission and Records Office.

Homework
College classes demand approximately two hours of homework for each hour of class. There is no classroom time for homework.

Some Other Considerations

Advantages:

1. Students have the opportunity to take courses that may not be offered at their local high school.
2. Students have an opportunity to experience post-secondary education while in high school. This experience may be helpful in making the transition from high school to college, and in making future educational plans.
3. Academically qualified students have an opportunity to take advance level courses.
4. It is not uncommon for students, who have difficulty fitting-in the traditional high school setting, to flourish in a different educational setting.
5. Students can earn up to two years tuition free college credit, getting a head start on their college education.

Limitations

1. Parents and students must take into consideration the maturity level of the student. Some students who are academically qualified may not be ready socially or emotionally for the college environment.
2. High schools provide a social network and social development for teenagers. This is not readily accessible at the college.
3. Transportation is the student's responsibility.
4. Books and fees are the responsibility of the student.
5. College classes may conflict with high school classes or extracurricular activities (sports, drama, music).
6. The high school is the final authority on what is required for graduation. You must work closely with your high school counselor to insure high school graduation requirements are being met.

For more information contact your local high school counselor or the GHC Running Start Coordinator at 538-4099.