Changes were made to Running Start at Bellevue College starting in winter quarter 2022. The following information was sent to the Bellevue College email addresses of current Running Start students at the end of March. Because these changes were communicated only to current Running Start students, BSD wants to make sure that ALL students considering Running Start and their families are aware.
Prior to winter quarter 2022, Running Start students were held to specific academic eligibility requirements only for Running Start students:
- Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in their college courses to maintain eligibility in the Running Start program.
- If the college GPA falls below 2.0, the student will be on academic probation with the college for the following quarter.
- If the student’s college GPA falls below a 2.0 for two consecutive quarters, they will no longer be eligible for Running Start.
What has changed?
Moving forward Running Start students will be held to the same policies and process as all Bellevue College Students. The BC Running Start office will no longer monitor Running Start student’s academic standing. High school counselors or other staff will no longer be copied on any correspondence sent out pertaining to academic standing of students.
Academic Standing Policy
Bellevue College is committed to the academic success of its students. The college identifies and alerts students who are not making satisfactory academic progress and provides those students with assistance to improve their academic performance. The Academic Standing Policy applies to all students, with limited exceptions (Policy #3200).
Academic Standing Procedures
Students must earn a cumulative and quarterly Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher to remain in good academic standing and off of academic probation. The college applies progressive consequences for students who do not achieve a good academic standing at the end of each quarter.
Exceptions may include students admitted through programs that establish academic standards that include criteria in addition to a student’s GPA, such as students receiving financial aid, international students, and Running Start students. Students impacted by these exceptions should contact the appropriate program advisor for information (3200P Academic Standing Procedures).
Academic Standing Levels
- Level 1: Academic Concern
- Level 2: Academic Intervention
- Level 3: Academic Restriction
- Level 4: Academic Dismissal
When did this change take place?
This change began with winter quarter grades 2022. Details about the Academic Standing Policy, FAQs, and resources are linked on BC’s Academic Standing webpage. Running Start students who have questions about their academic standing can submit a question for response from BC’s Academic Standing Contact Form.
What has not changed?
Additional Student Responsibilities
- Students are responsible for meeting all high school graduation requirements and for determining how high school and BC courses meet two-year and four-year college requirements. Students should see both their high school counselor and the BC educational planners for academic advising.
- Running Start Students are responsible for the following at Bellevue College:
- All non-tuition costs: books, some fees and consumable fees not covered by RS (fee waiver petitions are available). Some fees are not waivable.
- Tuition for credits in excess of the number approved on student’s enrollment verification form and courses below 100 level (math/English courses).
- Transportation and parking fees (fee waiver petitions are available).
- Reading all email and snail mail correspondence sent by the BC High School Programs office.
- Notifying the Running Start office of email changes and all other contact information updates.
- Students are responsible for arranging their college schedule so it does not conflict with their high school schedule, including finals during spring quarter. Finals will not be rescheduled and cannot be missed. College courses are offered in three 11-week quarters beginning in September, January and March/April.
- Before changing your schedule, you should consult with your high school counselor and BC advisor on whether the change may impact credit(s) earned and fees. Running Start students are not permitted to “Audit” a class. If a student wants to drop a class, they are responsible for officially withdrawing by the deadline posted in the quarterly schedule. If a student withdraws after the second week of the quarter, a “W” grade will appear on the student’s college transcript and no credit will be earned. If a student does not officially withdraw before the deadline for a “W,” they will receive a failing grade on their permanent college transcript.
- A student may participate in Running Start for a maximum of 6 quarters (3 quarters 11th, 3 quarters 12th), their eligibility terminating in the end of the 12th grade academic year. If the student starts their 12th grade year, they will be permitted 3 eligible quarters only.