Is Running Start for me?
Requirements & Considerations
Students and parents need to carefully consider the appropriateness of the Running Start program at Cascadia. Some of the privileges and responsibilities you have in the K-12 environment will evolve to meet the expectations of learning in public higher education. Cascadia Community College is an adult environment where students are expected to positively engage in the community as an adult learner.
- Age/Grade Level – You must be a high school junior or senior, enrolled in a public school or home school network.
- Testing – Applicants must have assessed and received placement in college level English 101
(Reading & Writing).
- College Courses – The 11 week college quarter system moves quickly. Students are expected to
successfully complete a year's worth of high school material in one quarter. Rarely is time given in class to complete homework assignments and generally 2 hours of homework is required outside of class for every hour spent in the classroom. Students need to be open to classroom discussions covering contemporary issues.
- Transfer of Courses – Some colleges will not give credit for a class that was available at the high school (i.e. English Composition & U.S. History). Students may not qualify for some scholarships at 4-year institutions.
College credit does not transfer to all schools. Cascadia Community College credit transfers to virtually all public and most private institutions in the
state of Washington. Outside of the Washington credits are awarded on a college-by-college basis. Students are responsible for communicating with their intended transfer institutions to learn more about how Running Start credit is accepted.
- Diversity - Cascadia Community College strives to educate adult learners, therefore our students come from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences. As a public state institution of higher education, Cascadia welcomes the expression of diverse and opposing views and opinions that challenge and foster the expansion of student minds, often pushing the boundaries of comfort. The adult environment includes diversity of viewpoints expressed through language, course readings and material both in and out of the classroom.
Instructors are not required to substitute assignments if you choose to not complete them. Students are encouraged to review previous course syllabi on file in the Student Learning office before deciding to enroll in a course.
- Vision/Mission/Values – Students should become aware and understanding of the college's vision,
mission and core values, which are available in any course schedule, catalogue and online. These are integral elements of our community and
set the standard for expected outcomes and opportunities you will benefit from at the college.
- Parent Access to Student Records & Faculty – Cascadia Community College adheres to federal guidelines concerning access to student records. No information will be released to parents without the student's written permission. Records information will be disclosed to parents only if a written consent by the student is received and on file at Enrollment Services. Faculty is also not available to discuss student progress with anyone, except the student. Families may discuss the Running Start student's progress with their student and the high school counselor.
- Faculty – Cascadia embraces and respects the diversity reflected in our faculty. The role of the teacher may not be the same as your K-12 experience. Instructors are facilitators of your learning and institute varying educational approaches to teaching. The faculty has autonomy and Cascadia protects their rights to academic freedom, which is a tradition and entitlement in public higher education.
- Community – Students should be familiar with the student handbook, which covers policies and services applicable to students. Cascadia believes in supporting everyone's rights and the assurance of learning and teaching in a safe college environment. In addition, Cascadia expects appropriate student behavior. There are age, religion, disability, sexual orientations and race differences amongst our community members. Everyone works collaboratively to communicate, think, interact and learn from one another.
- Maturity – Academic readiness is not the only prerequisite for success. Students must be prepared to be fully responsible for their education and academic progress.
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