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Important Fall 2011 Information

What are the recent changes to the Running Start program?

  • Starting this fall, the State Legislature will limit the combined high school and college credits the state will fund for each student.
  • To plan their schedules, students will use a new, statewide Running Start Enrollment Verification Form available at their high school or college.
  • A chart is available to help students and parents know which combinations add up to a tuition-free schedule. It is located on the new, statewide Running Start Enrollment Verification Form.  
  • Also new: Running Start students will be charged tuition for college credits exceeding 15 in any one quarter (charged at the 1-10 credit tuition rates for 16 credits and above).   This does not apply to those enrolled in vocational programs or at skills centers.

What if I already registered for fall quarter?

If you are beginning Running Start fall quarter, you must follow up with your high school counselor to have your schedule reevaluated.
 
Steps for registered students:

  1. Make an appointment to meet with your high school counselor.  

    • Enrolled at High School -  Your high school counselor will review your high school schedule to determine whether your combined high school and college schedule is above or below the state-funded limit.

    • Not Enrolled at High School* - Even if you are not taking classes at the high school, the new form is REQUIRED.  You must meet with your high school counselor, who will complete the NEW statewide Running Start Enrollment Verification Form.
      • *Private School Students - Contact your assigned public high school counselor to have the NEW statewide Running Start Enrollment Verification Form completed.
      • *Homeschool Students – Please check with the Running Start office, as some school districts require the new form to be completed by a public high school counselor.

  2. Return the completed and signed form to the Running Start office no later than Friday, Sept. 9.
  3. Schedule Changes – If the previously-planned schedule exceeds the funded limit, you may choose to reduce your credit load or use the new Running Start Enrollment Verification Form for parental approval to exceed the state-funded limit and pay full college tuition.  To make a schedule change, please contact the Running Start office.

Valerie Frey
Running Start Manager (PY)
(253) 864-3210

Sarah Hoaglin
Program Specialist (FS)
(253) 964-6755

Terri Carney
Program Specialist (PY)
(253) 840-8339

Fort Steilacoom

Advising: (253) 964-6520
Testing: (253) 964-6521
runningstart@pierce.ctc.edu

Puyallup

Advising: (253) 840-8329
Testing: (253) 840-8343
puyrunningstart@pierce.ctc.edu