Running Start Program

Changes to the Running Start Program; Effective Fall 2011

 

Please carefully review the following information.

Effective this fall, the Washington State Legislature will limit the combined enrollment of a Running Start student between their high school and the college they attend.

  • The Running Start Quarterly Course Approval Form that was signed each quarter by the high school counselor, student, parent/guardian and RS College staff has been replaced by the Running Start Enrollment Verification Form.  All students must have completed a form before attending college classes.
  • Students are restricted to a maximum number of minutes and /or credits between the high school and college.
    • "Old" credit maximum:  a Running Start student could be enrolled full time at the high school AND up to 18 college credits through Running Start and not pay tuition at the college.  Students were only responsible to pay college fees.
    • "New" credit maximum (effective Fall quarter 2011): Counselors will work with Running Start students to set the maximum number of college credits they can take each quarter.  If a Running Start student exceeds the maximum number of credits, the student will be charged for the additional credit(s).  Student will also be responsible to pay college fees.
      • For example: If a Running Start student is approved to take 15 credits at the College and one class (up-to 307 minutes) at the high school, they will NOT  be charged tuition. They have not exceeded the maximum number of approved credits that can be funded by the state. They will be responsible to pay college fees.
      • Second Example: According to the Running Start Enrollment Verification Form, a student enrolled in 1,403 é 1,500 instructional minutes at the high school AND a 5 credit class at the college, will have to pay for 2 credits of tuition, as the 5 credit class exceeds the combination of what can be funded by the state.  They will also pay college fees.
  • Students can elect to surpass the minutes/credit limit if they are willing to pay the appropriate college tuition.  Students will be charged at the standard per-credit tuition rate ($94.50 per credit at Shoreline Community College) for credits over the approved credit maximum.

Effective this fall, students will be charged tuition for college credits exceeding 15 in any one quarter. 

  • Running Start students will be charged tuition for college credits exceeding 15 in any one quarter.  Students will be charged at the standard per credit tuition rate ($94.50 per credit at Shoreline Community College) for 16 credits and above.
    • For example:  If a Running Start student is approved  to take 16 credits at the College and no classes at the high school, they will be charged the per-credit rate for the 1 additional credit over the 15 credit limit.
  • Note: A student enrolled in a college level class below 100 (ex. MATH 099 for 5 credits) will be charged tuition for 5 credits.  Running Start does not fund college classes below 100 level, therefore the student will be charged for 5 credits of tuition.

Running Start students will continue to be responsible to pay all student fees.

Explanation of Changes: Governor Gregoire signed 2ESHB 1087 é Washington State's 2011é2013 Operating Budget on June 15, 2011. The provisions of this bill were designed to capture significant cost savings in order to balance the state budget. Section 502 (18), page 130, created significant impacts to the original funding design of the Running Start program.

 

Instructions for students:

You will be required to submit the new Running Start Enrollment Verification Form in order to participate in Running Start for fall quarter. There is a portion of the form which your high school counselor will complete. The form will then need to be submitted to the Running Start Program (Located in FOSS Building, Room 5229) for processing. Shoreline Community College will communicate with you regarding any owed amounts once we process the new Running Start Enrollment Verification Form submitted by you to the Running Start Office.

  1. Pick up a copy of the Running Start Enrollment Verification Form from the high school or college.
  2. Contact your high school counselor for instructions on completing the form, keeping in mind that counselors are not generally back until mid to late August. Shoreline Community College Running Start staff anticipate receiving updated paperwork late-August into early-September, before college classes begin.
    • Homeschool students and private school students will be required to complete this form, as well. Contact your local high school or district you are enrolled through for further instruction.
  3. Sign the completed form. (Please note: The high school counselor, student and parent/guardian signatures are required.) Students will not be allowed to attend college classes without a completed Running Start Enrollment Verification Form.
  4. Submit the completed form to the Running Start Office, FOSS Building, Room 5229.
  5. Make any desired schedule adjustments at the high school or collegeédo this prior to deadlines.  Students must complete a new Running Start Enrollment Verification Form each time they make changes to their schedule.
  6. Pay your tuition and/or fees by Wednesday, September 21.

Please contact the Running Staff office at 206-546-6906 with any questions.

 

Useful Documents

B047-11: OSPI Bulletin providing overview of changes

Attach B: Running Start Enrollment Verification Form (new form Running Start participants will be required to use)


Advantages of the Running Start Program

 

There are several advantages to enrolling in the Running Start Program including free tuition, advanced coursework, and more.

 

Eligibility

 

There are several eligibility requirements to meet to be admitted to the Running Start Program.  In addition, students must be mature and ready to handle the learning environment at the college level.

 

How to Apply to Running Start and get started

 

There are six steps to complete your applications to the Running Start program.

 

Office hours Monday-Thursday: 8:00am-5:00pm Friday: 8:00am-4:30pm

 

 

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