WELCOME TO BC
W H Y BELLEVUE
COLLEGE? CONTENTS Student Focus......................................... 4 Fast Facts................................................. 5 Support.................................................... 7 Student Life............................................. 8 Educational Options............................ 10 Your Educational Investment............. 12 Campus Resources............................... 13 Visit the Campus.................................. 14 How to Become a BC Student............. 16 Enrollment & Financing..................... 18
BC has nearly half a century of proven achievement as a leader in higher education, providing strong academic preparation and the resources to help our student’s succeed in today’s world. With its long history of innovation and national recognition for exemplary programs, BC is the college of choice for 37,000 students annually who come here to learn, grow and enrich their lives, including over 1,800 international students from more than 70 countries. BC strengthens our diverse community by helping students access educational and career opportunities in a supportive environment that encourages success, critical thinking, innovation, service, and lifelong learning. BC is committed to maintaining a campus environment in which all students feel welcome to participate in campus life. We value different backgrounds in our students, faculty and staff and are committed to maintaining a diverse student and employee population.
B E N E F I T S B C H A S TO O F F E R : ❱❱ Lower Tuition Cost ❱❱ Smaller Class Sizes ❱❱ Closer Contact with Faculty ❱❱ Vibrant Learning Community ❱❱ Support Programs & Resources ❱❱ Online, Evening & Weekend Classes
Student athletes choose BC because of our winning traditions, highlighted by the Northwest Athletic Conference championships, graduates who have advanced to professional sports and our nationally ranked squads. 3
❱OUR
FOCUS
Our focus is on you! BC has a well-deserved reputation for quality teaching, with committed instructors leading small classes and an array of courses and programs. The majority of our students enroll in one of six transfer programs – completing the first two years of their higher education here and then transferring to a university as a junior. We send more transfer students to bachelor’s degree-granting institutions – including to the University of Washington – than any of the state’s 34 community and technical colleges. BC students are career-focused – we offer more than 90 professional and technical programs. In addition to certificates and AA degrees, the college offers six career-oriented bachelor degrees. Students also choose BC to improve basic skills, update their resume with a Continuing Education class, learn English or earn college credit while still in high school in the Running Start program.
C O M M I T T E D TO O U R C O R E T H E M E S : Student Success ■ Teaching & Learning Excellence College Life & Culture ■ Community Engagement & Enrichment Core themes represent an institution’s interpretation of its mission and translation into practice. To learn more, visit: www.bellevuecollege.edu/about/goals/. 4
FA S T FA C T S Bellevue College is the third largest college in the state of Washington.
❱❱ Founded in 1966 ❱❱ 19,000 students per quarter ❱❱ 37,000 annually ❱❱ 1,800 international students from 70 countries per year ❱❱ 1,600 Running Start students ❱❱ 950 students with disabilities served ❱❱ 1,062 full- and part-time faculty members and 482 staff members WHO ARE BC STUDENTS? You’ll find a very diverse campus at Bellevue College: ethnicities, cultures, interests and age.
❱❱ Median age is 25.2 years ❱❱ Ages range from 16 to 64 years (graduating class of 2014) ❱❱ 56% seek a transfer degree ❱❱ 44% seek a professional/technical degree or certificate, including baccalaureate students
❱❱ 31% receive scholarships or grants ❱❱ 51% are employed (the majority part time) ❱❱ 54% are female / 46% male ❱❱ More than 35% are students of color 5
Innovative, forward thinking great minds at BC have prepared our students to do what is next – not just what is current.
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❱S U PPORT BC has a history of winning industry and government support for inventive programs. BELLEVUE COLLEGE...
❱❱ partners with over 1,800 businesses and train 11,000 students each year in skills employers need
❱❱ focuses on training students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) so more people can get into jobs in high-demand fields
❱❱ received $550,000 from the National Science Foundation to bring its successful ComGen student genomics research initiative to other community colleges
❱❱ founded the National Workforce Center for Emerging Technology (NWCET) and the Washington Health IT Industry – Educational Council
❱❱ received major funding from Microsoft, Boeing and the U.S. National Science Foundation, including $11 million NSF grants for IT education
❱❱ developed the first skill standard adopted by U.S. National Skills Standard Board, and in Canada and Great Britain
❱❱ designed the state’s Center of Excellence for Information and Computing Technology by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
❱❱ received an $11.8 million grant for Health Information Technology training from the U.S. Department of Labor, the single biggest grant in BC history 7
❱ STUDENT
L I F E AT
Join a vibrant college experience at BC. Our students are incredibly active and committed to building a diverse campus community that fosters creativity. Get the most out of your college experience and find your passion among all that we have to offer, including:
❱❱ Leadership opportunities ❱❱ Cultural experiences ❱❱ Baseball, softball, volleyball, men’s/women’s
❱❱ Belletrist, annual literary and arts journal ❱❱ Special events, including: ■■
Black History Month
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Disability Pride Month
❱❱ Student organizations, from the All American
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Earth Week
Car Club to the Weird Anthropology Club
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Hispanic Heritage Month
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International Night
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Lunar New Year’s Celebration
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
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Women’s History Month
basketball, golf, soccer and tennis teams
❱❱ Theatre productions, including dramas and musicals
❱❱ Bellevue College Dance Company performances ❱❱ The Watchdog, student newspaper
TOP: The Latin American Culture Club is one of several culturally focused clubs on campus. MIDDLE: BC’s Women’s Basketball team won the North Region title in 2014. BOTTOM: The Theatre Arts program produces plays each quarter through credit drama classes and open auditions.
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BELLEVUE COLLEGE Develop leadership, get involved and volunteer. The Student Programs’ Leadership Institute offers meaningful and enriching leadership opportunities, personal learning and cultural experiences. Join or volunteer for one or more of the following:
❱❱ Association of Student Government ❱❱ Peer to Peer Mentoring Program ❱❱ Leadership Seminars/Retreat/Conference and Classes
❱❱ Campus Activity Board ❱❱ El Centro Latino Resource Center ❱❱ Black Student Union Resource Center ❱❱ LGBTQ Resource Center
Join one of 100+ student clubs, programs and organizations, such as:
❱❱ African Student Association ❱❱ Arabic Culture Association ❱❱ Asian Pacific Islander Student Association ❱❱ BC Association of Veterans ❱❱ Business Leadership Community ❱❱ Chemistry Club ❱❱ Docs and Dents
❱❱ Engineering Club ❱❱ International Student Association ❱❱ Phi Theta Kappa (scholastic honorary organization)
❱❱ Photography Club ❱❱ Rotaract Club ❱❱ Or, create a unique one!
TOP: A student-elected Board of Directors represents the student body through campus-wide involvement and policy-making. MIDDLE: Peer to Peer Mentoring volunteers give tours, greet new students and help at campus events. BOTTOM: The BC Association of Veterans assists student veterans to access resources that can help facilitate their academic success.
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❱ E D U C AT I O NA L Bellevue College gives you educational options with a range of pathways. UNIVERSITY TRANSFER DEGREES After completing your transfer associates degree at BC, our transfer agreements allow you move on to select four-year colleges with junior status in order to complete a bachelor’s degree. Transfer degrees include: ■■ ■■
Associate of Arts and Sciences Associate in Math Education
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Associate in Business Associate in Science Tracks I & II
BC sends more transfer students to four-year universities than any other community college in the state. Our alumni have been accepted to colleges all over the nation including Stanford, Columbia, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, Purdue, University of Southern California, UCLA, and more. Top in-state transfer universities include:
OPTIONS
PROFE SS IONAL/TEC H N ICAL D E G R E E S & C E R T I F I C AT E S We offer a broad selection of credit and non–credit programs including: ■■
Applied Arts
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Computers and Technology
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Applied Science
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Education
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Business Professions
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Health
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Communications
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Public Safety
❱❱ Degrees & Certificates Options Associate in Arts Degrees:
Prof/Tech Certificates:
Requires 90+ credits. Some of our popular AA degrees include:
Credit certificates range from 15–45 credits. Select options include:
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Molecular Sciences Technician
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Early Childhood Education
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Interior Studies
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Human Resources Assistant
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Nursing and Allied Health
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Web Marketing Specialist
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Information Systems
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Certified Nursing Assistant
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Accounting
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Mobile or Cloud Technologies
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Networking Services and Computing Systems
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Business Intelligence Development
Continuing Education: Non-credit classes and professional certifications. Options include business, technology, healthcare, art & design, personal enrichment and language. 10
Opportunity Awaits Our Bachelor’s Degree Graduates BAC H E LOR’S DEG RE E S Our bachelor’s degree graduates grow professionally and financially by pursuing their educational goals in programs designed to accommodate both individuals new to higher education and working professionals.
BC offers six bachelor’s degrees:
❱❱ Data Analytics (BAS) ❱❱ Healthcare Technology & Management (BAS)
❱❱ Information Systems & Technology (BAS) ❱❱ Interior Design (BAA) ❱❱ Nursing (RN-BSN) ❱❱ Radiation & Imaging Sciences (BAS)
Whether you want to complete you associates and/ or bachelor’s degree on campus, online or in hybrid classes, our degree programs provide a convenient solution to advance your education and your career. For most up-to-date list, visit:
www.bellevuecollege.edu/
programs/ 11
❱ YO U R
E D U C AT I O N A L I N V E S T M E N T
Bellevue College is an excellent educational
❱❱ How much will it cost?
value, providing high academic quality and
Attending BC costs about one-third the cost of
affordable tuition.
attending a four-year Washington state college like
A college education:
cost to attend for two years (about 90 credits) and you
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the University of Washington, based on the average
secures your economic future: the earnings gap between young adults with and without bachelor’s degrees has stretched to its widest level in nearly half a century
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provides an expanded understanding of the world and personal growth
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exposes you to new subjects and discovery of an interest, passion or aptitude you did not know you possess
Attending Bellevue College helps you:
can earn an associate’s degree in the process!
Educational Institution
Cost for Two Years
Bellevue College (Associate Degree) Public Four-Year University (~90 credits)
$8,000 + fees* $22,640 + fees**
Please check our tuition and fees website for Non-Resident, International and
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pay lower tuition rates for your first two years of college
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get the basic classes completed before transferring to a university
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reduce and/or postpone student loan debt, potentially saving thousands of dollars for those who need financial assistance
Bachelor’s degree rates. *Rate based on resident tuition effective at time of publishing. Figure does not include summer quarter. Always check the college website for the most current information. **Figure based on the average cost for Washington residents to attend a Washington state college.
Lower cost does not mean lower quality. For most current tuition rates, visit:
www.bellevuecollege.edu 12
Research has shown that our transfer students do as well or better than students who start directly at a four-year school.
CAMPUS RESOURCES
BC has programs & resources to help you succeed at college: ❱❱ Academic Advising Services: professional academic advising to help students meet their educational goals.
❱❱ Academic Success Center: free writing, math & science tutoring services. ❱❱ Center for Career Connections & the Women’s Center: comprehensive career resources for all stages of your academic and professional career.
❱❱ Counseling Center: personal, academic, and career counseling services. ❱❱ Disability Resource Center (DRC): provides academic course modifications and auxiliary aids or core services for eligible students with disabilities.
❱❱ Library Media Center (LMC): offers excellent resource materials in print and electronic format.
❱❱ Multicultural Services (MCS): support services/advocacy for students of color, LGBTQ, refugee, immigrant and first-generation to college students.
❱❱ Student Programs: provides a hub for student life, clubs and activities, centrally located on the second floor of the Student Union.
❱❱ TRiO Student Support Services: provides academic, financial, and personal support to low-income and first-generation college students.
❱❱ Veterans’ Office: coordinates all U.S. Veterans’ Administration educational benefits for BC’s veteran students.
For a complete list of our campus services, visit:
www.bellevuecollege.edu/resources/ 13
❱ VISIT
US
Come and see for yourself why BC is a great place to start your education! The 100 acre main campus located in southeast Bellevue sits amidst a perimeter of fir trees and offers many green spaces throughout for student leisure. BC has 11 academic buildings (out of 15) with over 672,000 square feet of classroom/instructional space including our newest LEED Gold certified building dedicated to science education plus a new health sciences building under construction (scheduled to open in 2016). The campus also features:
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a student union with student lounge and business center
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a student services building
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multiple computer and learning labs across campus
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a newly remodeled bookstore
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cafeteria, coffee shop and espresso bar
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the Willard Geer Planetarium
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a 19,000 square-foot gymnasium with three regulation basketball/volleyball courts
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a fitness center
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soccer, softball and baseball fields
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two theaters
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the Early Learning Center (childcare facility)
Take a Tour of the Campus To schedule a campus tour provided by our student leaders, visit www.bellevuecollege.edu/outreach/campus-tour-request/. Or tour our beautiful campus grounds and facilities online with a virtual tour at www.bellevuecollege.edu/ outreach/virtual-tour/.
Transportation Bellevue College is located adjacent to the Eastgate Park & Ride and is accessible through many modes of transportation, including: ■■
Buses: BC is served from all directions, and students can double their bus money by purchasing a subsidized TransitCheck from the ORCA card.
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BC RideMatch: Register with BC email to find students from your neighborhood and form a carpool.
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Bicycling: BC is a bike-friendly campus. It’s located right off the I-90 bike trail, and offers covered bike parking and free access to showers and lockers in the gym, plus a bike repair station next to the bus shelter.
Parking The college maintains more than 3,200 student parking spaces and has reserved parking for carpools. Students purchase a quarterly parking permit or can use metered parking.
Sustainability at Bellevue College BC strives for a sustainable campus, curriculum, and leadership community. Take a self-guided sustainability tour to see how Sustainability at Bellevue College is helping to make our campus a more environmentally-focused community. For more information, go to www.bellevuecollege.edu/sustainability/.
STUDENT TESTIMONIAL John Kariungi, BC Student in AA-IS Software Development Track Before enrolling at BC, I waited a year for residency after moving from Birmingham, Alabama. In the transition in looking for housing and a job, I attended workshops at BC about career planning, available courses and funding. During fall of 2012 I got accepted and signed up with the Workforce Education...
I love the atmosphere here at BC and all the opportunities available... I soon found myself volunteering for events on and off campus with student programs and became active in the African Student Association and ran for an Associated Student Body (ASG) office. While I didn’t win, it really boosted my confidence in public speaking, campaign strategy and project management. I now have the courage to pursue my goal to create a start-up company. 15
H OW TO B E C O M E A BC STU D E N T
G E T S TA R T E D :
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Visit our campus or take an online virtual tour
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Apply online and complete the assessment
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Go to orientation and register for classes
Bellevue College is an open enrollment school so getting started is easy! Your first step to becoming a student is applying for admissions. We do not require SAT, ACT, high school transcripts or a minimum GPA. We accept all students who meet requirements in one of the following categories:
❱❱ Any applicant who has graduated from high school, or is 16 or 17 years old with a proof of a GED completion, or is 18 years of age or older.
❱❱ Is currently enrolled in high school and who successfully assess into college-level English (Admitted quarter-by-quarter and are not considered “continuing students” unless admitted through the Running Start Program.) If you are still in high school, you may be eligible for admission through the High School Programs office.
❱❱ Applicants who meet the qualifications for selective admissions programs. (Some programs are selective admissions and have entrance requirements that must be met to enroll.)
For more information, go to: www.bellevuecollege.edu
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE? Attend a BC Information Session Choosing a college is an important step and at times a difficult decision. We invite you to attend an information session to learn more about the admissions process, degree & certificate programs, assessment procedures, choosing classes, financial aid, campus layout and much more. Visit depts.bellevuecollege.edu/advising/prospective/. 17
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E N R O L L M E N T
&
To apply/enroll at Bellevue College, follow these easy steps: Application/Enrollment Checklist
;;Pay the application fee ;;Take the assessment test for placement into Math and English (fees apply) ;;Meet with an advisor to select your classes ;;Register for your classes and FYE (First Year Experience) ;;Pay tuition and fees
FI NANC IAL AI D C H EC KLI ST Meeting deadlines is critical! Complete all required steps by the deadline for the quarter you wish to start. See fa.bellevuecollege.edu/apply/deadlines/. STEP 1: Complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.edu.gov and enter BC’s code: 003769. STEP 2: Obtain a PIN number to complete the FAFSA application. (Optional: Set up a tuition payment plan with NelNet.) STEP 3: Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. STEP 4: Apply for Admission to Bellevue College. STEP 5: After acceptance to Bellevue College, obtain a Bellevue College e-mail. STEP 6: Complete the BC Financial Aid Application at fa.bellevuecollege.edu. 18
F I NA N C I N G Financing Your Education Bellevue College is an economical way to begin your college education. There are multiple ways to pay for your BC education including need-based financial aid and a host of scholarships.
Payment options include:
❱❱ Tuition Payment Plan (Self-Pay) The Tuition Payment Plan at Bellevue College allows for a convenient automatic payment of your tuition and class fees in monthly installments each quarter. The plan is available through Nelnet Business Solutions. Visit www.bellevuecollege.edu for more information.
❱❱ Financial Aid and Grants There are many types of financial aid available including Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, State Need Grants, BC Grants, State or Federal Work Study, Stafford Loans Subsidized/Unsubsidized, and Parent Loans (PLUS). To get started, visit the BC financial aid website at fa.bellevuecollege.edu/.
❱❱ Scholarships Nearly one-third of Bellevue College students receive scholarships or grants. The Bellevue College Scholarship Resource Program helps students locate funding for their education. To learn more, visit www.bellevuecollege.edu/scholarships/. The BC Foundation also provides opportunities for scholarships. Visit their website at www.bellevuecollege.edu/foundation/scholarships/.
❱❱ Third Party Funding Options include state or federal tuition programs, Guaranteed Education Tuition Program (Get 529 Plan), or employee funded tuition.
STUDENT TESTIMONIAL Takhmina Dzhuraeva, BC Alumna I started as a shy student struggling with language and homesickness, looking for a job and housing. I began volunteering at Peer to Peer, participating in various events on campus, and soon found myself with a paid position and a very close group of friends. I am now the first international student to have served as Associated Student Body president and have numerous achievements on my shoulders...
BC is an amazing place to learn about different cultures, participate in various leadership activities and build a strong foundation... The atmosphere at Student Programs helped me grow as an individual and as a young woman leader. I now have friends all over the world that I will visit at some point in my life. 19
Art on Campus: Many public art installations beautify our campus. For a virtual tour, visit www.bellevuecollege.edu/outreach/virtual-tour/artwork-sculptures/.
❱ C O N N E CT
WITH US
1966-2016 For nearly 50 years, Bellevue College has prepared students for a successful future.
3000 Landerholm Circle SE • Bellevue, WA 98007 (425) 564-1000 • www.bellevuecollege.edu Bellevue College does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity; creed; color; national origin; sex; marital status; sexual orientation; age; religion; genetic information; the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability; gender identity or veteran status in educational programs and activities which it operates... Please see policy 4150 at www.bellevuecollege.edu/policies/. Copyright © 9-14