2016 - 2017 Catalog

2016 - 2017 CATALOG 237 W. Kellogg Road | Bellingham, WA 98226 Tel: 360.383.3000 | VP: 360.255.7182 | FAX: 360.383.4000 whatcom.edu W E L C O M E W H A T C O M C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E a centralized campus. As a result of that commitment, President’s Welcome early faculty and staff became experts in developing alternative modes of instruction to reach students with varying interests. Another early commitment was individual WELCOME TO WHATCOM attention to the educational goals and learning styles of COMMUNITY COLLEGE each student. The College became known throughout the country for its unique approach and as a result grew to such Dr. Kathi Hiyane-Brown, College President an extent that centralized facilities and a campus became the preferred solution to reaching the thousands of students Our 50-year tradition of expanding seeking access each year. opportunities for all students – regardless of backgrounds or goals By the mid 1980s, the commitment to serving as many – is one reason Whatcom Community students as possible led the Board of Trustees to begin College is a critical component developing a central campus in the Cordata neighborhood. in our community’s educational As the campus developed, younger students sought access and cultural life. For many students, in increasing numbers. Though the College has grown Whatcom is the best choice to start rapidly, it has retained a commitment to personalized their academic journey, whether they instruction and promotion of success for students of all ages. are preparing to transfer to a university or to enroll in our The original philosophy of considering what was best new Bachelor of Applied Science in IT Networking, pursuing for students was necessary for our early development and a new career through our professional-technical programs, continues to guide the actions of all who serve Whatcom or participating in courses for personal or professional Community College. enrichment. Smaller classes taught by outstanding instructors make the difference at Whatcom. As do dedicated advisors WCC FOUNDATION who connect students with the resources and direction The Whatcom Community College Foundation seeks they need to achieve their goals. We also invest in state- to support student access to higher education and to of-the-art equipment and technology that support our help ensure student success by providing scholarships commitment to innovation and excellence in instruction and funding for key College initiatives that directly impact and student services. Outside the classroom, a vibrant students. Programs like academic support services, student life program reinforces the focus on collaborative facilities and equipment needs, outreach and community learning that engages students with an increasingly global building activities, and support of faculty and staff world. Students can gain valuable leadership skills and development are funded with help from the Foundation. experiences by participating in one of 30 student clubs or Service-Learning programs. Added all together, at Over the last four years, the Foundation – with generous Whatcom, students secure marketable skills they need to support from community members, businesses, and get good jobs and learning experiences that enrich their professional and charitable organizations – has provided lives and the life of our community. over $2 million to fund student scholarships and College programs. In 2014-15, the WCC Foundation contributed As we reach the half-century mark serving our region, over $300,000 in scholarships to more than 200 students we’re excited by the prospects for the College and our and granted an additional $380,000 to fund important students. All of us at Whatcom Community College College programs. look forward to helping you achieve a rich and fulfilling educational experience that will last you a lifetime. I hope All gifts add up to make an impact on students today to see you on campus soon. and in the future. President’s Circle members receive spe- cial recognition as their leadership giving provides an extra measure of flexibility and strength that the College needs HISTORY & PHILOSOPHY to fulfill its mission. Thank you to all donors whose gifts make a real difference to individual students, the College, OF THE COLLEGE and our community. Whatcom Community College has been serving the For more information or to make a contribution, community since 1967 with its first programs being offered contact the WCC Foundation: in 1970 (Farm Management and Transportation of the Ph: 360.383.3320 | Web: whatcom.edu/foundation Sick and Injured). The College was one of the original Email: [email protected] community colleges in the country to offer classes without | 2 | whatcom.edu W H A T C O M C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E A B O U T T H E C O L L E G E Table of Contents Strategic Plan Whatcom’s strategic plan includes a mission statement, vision statement, promise statement, core themes and guiding themes and objectives. Welcome /About the College .............................................. 2 Academic Calendar / Tuition and Fees ............................ 9 Mission Statement Whatcom Community College contributes to the Admissions / Registration / Student Records ..............16 vitality of its communities by providing quality education in academic transfer, professional-technical Student Services ....................................................................22 and life-long learning, preparing students for active Academic Information .........................................................34 citizenship in a global society. Degree / Certificate / Diploma Programs .....................46 Vision Statement Whatcom will be an innovative college, engaged with Course Descriptions ...........................................................102 our diverse and changing communities. College Policies ....................................................................172 Promise Statement Faculty and Administration .............................................182 We transform lives through education. We accomplish Index ........................................................................................193 this by... • supporting student growth Campus Map .........................................................................197 • respecting student investment • embracing diversity • promoting excellence • creating opportunities Core themes WCC’s core themes are... 1. creating opportunities 2. building community 3. achieving success Guiding Themes & Objectives Goal 1: Expand opportunities for students to achieve their potential • Increase student achievement in transfer and career preparation • Increase academic support for students • Increase access for diverse and nontraditional student populations • Introduce new opportunities for student learning and engagement Goal 2: Strengthen the culture of learning • Maintain currency in College curriculum and delivery • Improve instructional delivery • Improve student learning (continued on next page) whatcom.edu | 3 | A B O U T T H E C O L L E G E W H A T C O M C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E • Establish a center for strengthening instructional Programs. The College’s nursing program is accredited delivery by the Accreditation Commission for Education in • Increase professional development opportunities Nursing. for faculty and staff The College is recognized by the American Council on Education, and is a member of the American Asso- Goal 3: Contribute actively to the vitality of ciation of Community Colleges, the Northwest Athletic Whatcom County Association of Community Colleges, and the Washing- • Increase College stature as a community and edu- ton Association of Community and Technical Colleges. cational partner • Lead collaborative efforts with other educational institutions STATEMENT OF EDUCATIONAL VALUES • Be an active partner in economic development • Strengthen sustainability practices on-campus WCC is committed to providing an educational and in local and global arenas experience that is transformative. The College’s promise statement outlines the following five values Goal 4: Advance the College as a more diverse which guide that work: (1) supporting student growth, learning community (2) respecting student investment, (3) embracing • Reinforce diversity elements in curriculum diversity, (4) promoting excellence, and (5) creating • Enhance diversity among faculty and staff opportunities. These values provide focus for the • Increase access for under-represented popula- College’s collective efforts and context for measuring tions its effectiveness. Goal 5: Strengthen the College’s ability to deliver its mission CORE LEARNING ABILITIES • Create and manage growth through fiscal, capi- Core learning abilities (CLAs) are overarching skills tal, technological and human resource develop- that are emphasized in all courses and programs, ment student services support and interactions, and co- • Diversify and secure funding/resources from curricular activities at WCC. CLAs define the skills the external sources College expects its students to develop by the time they • Promote a safe environment for teaching, learn- graduate with a certificate or degree. WCC’s CLAs are ing, and working communication, critical thinking, global consciousness, • Foster an evidence-based culture of continuous information literacy, and quantitative literacy. The most improvement up-to-date information pertaining to the College’s CLAs Adopted February 20, 2013 can be found

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