The college experience
Running Start students are "regular" college students. The faculty will expect the same level of classroom participation and quality of work from all students. Students will be expected to meet class deadlines, be prepared for class, ask questions and exhibit appropriate adult behavior.
Learn more about what instructors will expect from you, and what you should expect from your college instructors.
Class pace, size and participation requirements
The academic pace of college classes is much faster than in a comparable high school class. For example, a high school math class, which is taught in one year at the high school, is taught in one quarter (10 weeks) at the college. There is very little time for faculty to review lessons for students who do not understand the material or were absent from class.
If a student needs additional assistance, the student is responsible to seek out the instructor and/or support from the tutoring center. Instructors have regular office hours when students can meet to discuss issues or difficulties and most will arrange appointments outside of posted office hours if the student has a conflict. Free tutoring is also available.
Classes can vary in size from 15 to 80 students, with the average class size about 30 students. Students in classes may range in age from 16 to 80 years old.
Classroom participation is an integral part of college and most faculty require students to participate in classroom discussions. Students will experience a variety of opinions and perspectives.
Homework and preparing for class
College classes demand an average of two to three hours of homework for each hour of class. A five credit class will have approximately 10-15 hours of homework each week, and the total time commitment for a five credit class will be approximately 20 hours a week. Unlike high school, there is no classroom time for homework. A full-time student, not taking any high school classes, takes three (3) classes, for a total of 15 credits per quarter.
It is the student's responsibility to be prepared each day for class and meet all course deadlines. College instructors normally do not offer make-up work for students who are behind or need to improve their grade. The syllabus handed out at the beginning of the quarter outlines expectations.
Attendance
Most faculty members are aware of a student's pattern of attendance and may factor it into the final grade. Regardless of whether the student has attended class, the instructor will hold them accountable for understanding the material covered in class or assigned for that day. It is the student's responsibility to be prepared each day for class and meet all deadlines.
Some instructors give pop quizzes and expect all papers to be turned in on time with no possibility to make up work. Faculty will provide a syllabus at the beginning of the quarter outlining their expectations. It is the student's responsibility to understand and follow through with these expectations.
Withdrawing from (dropping) a class
Many students believe that if they simply stop attending, they will be withdrawn from the course; this is NOT true. Students will receive a 0.0 (Fail) for the course, which becomes part of their permanent high school and college records. Withdrawing from a class may have serious implications on a student's high school graduation status.
It is important for students to officially withdraw from a course, if necessary. To withdraw from a class, students must obtain a Schedule Change Form from the Advising Center or Registration Office. The student needs to meet with an Advisor to withdraw from a class. The student takes the signed form to the Registration Office before the last date to withdrawal (refer to the Pierce College bulletin for deadlines).
Grades and academic records
Grades are not mailed to students. Grades can be accessed through the Student Online Services or student kiosks on campus. The Running Start Pre-Enrollment form has a signature line for students that releases transcripts to be sent to their high school at the end of each quarter.
Students successfully completing classes through the Running Start Program will receive both high school and college credit. Grades received become part of the permanent college transcript. If students apply to other colleges, they must list Pierce College as a college attended and request an official transcript (from Pierce College) be sent to the receiving school to verify previous college course work.
Academic standards
Download a copy of Satisfactory Academic Progress for Running Start Students (pdf format).
Costs
There is a $10.50 fee for the COMPASS assessment, which is required for eligibility for the Running Start program. Students must pay any lab, distance learning or course fees, and must also pay for a parking sticker if they plan on parking on campus. Other fees the student may pay for include transcripts, and if applicable to attend the college graduation ceremony and diploma.
Tuition costs for classes (100 level and above and up to 18 credits per quarter) are paid by the school district. Students need to purchase books (approximately $150 per class) and supplies for each class. Check with the bookstore on the Puyallup or Fort Steilacoom campus for the exact cost of books.
Parking
To park a vehicle on campus, students need to obtain a parking sticker from Campus Safety. There is no fee for this sticker but all vehicles on the campus must have a current sticker displayed.
Parent access to student records
Parents/Guardians are allowed certain rights with respect to their children's educational records; however, these rights transfer to the student when she/he attends post-secondary education. This means that the college staff is prohibited from discussing student registration, grades; attendance, academic status, or any aspect of a student's attendance at Pierce College without the written consent of the student.
All student educational records are maintained according to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) concerning information that becomes part of the permanent record and governing the conditions of its disclosure. Only name, dates of enrollment, and degrees earned can be released without student authorization. Download a copy of the Student Consent Form to release information (pdf). This form does not allow access to student information via the classroom instructor. It is specific to accessing information through the Running Start program, which we acquire through the Registrar. This college does not have progress reports nor does the Running Start staff have access to attendance records. It is the expectation that the student will monitor his/her academic progress and communicate this with family.
The college is released to give academic information to high school counselors or administrators if necessary. If you have questions about this, contact your high school counselor or the Running Start coordinator at either the Puyallup or Fort Steilacoom colleges.
