Running Start Information Session
South Seattle College
Running Start Information Session
Running Start Team
Lizzie Clauss
Program Coordinator
Tara Compton
Director of Advising & Running Start
Kari Heinz
Primary RS Advisor
Nathaniel Meskel
Program Specialist
What is Running Start?
Dual Enrollment Program (like IB, AP, CIHS)
Complete high school graduation requirements while making progress toward a college level degree or certificate. Credits can be transferred to another college or university.
Who can participate?
- Students must have Junior or Senior standing (11th and 12th grade) from WA state public high schools. Rising 11th graders are eligible beginning the summer quarter leading into 11th grade.
- Students are eligible and welcome regardless of residency or immigration status.
- Students are free to attend any of the 34 Washington community or technical colleges
- Students must qualify for college level courses by taking a placement tool, SAT, ACT or Smarter Balanced Assessment.
- Running Start will only pay for college level courses
What are the benefits?
Academic, Social, Financial
- Gain college experience and demonstrate academic rigor on college applications.
- Earn up to two years of tuition-free college credit (students earn both HS and college credit for classes taken).
- Potential to earn an Associate degree or certificate.
- Take courses not offered at high school.
- Take part in both HS and college extracurricular activities.
Associate Degrees at South
All Associate Degrees at South Seattle College
- Associate in Arts DTA (AA)
- Associate in Business DTA/MRP (AB)
- Associate in Science-Transfer, Track 1 (AS-T1)
- Associate in Science-Transfer, Track 2 (AS-T2)
- Associate in Science-Transfer, Track 2 (AS-T2) – Civil and Mechanical Engineering MRP
- Note: This MRP also includes Aeronautical, Environmental and Industrial Engineering.
- Associate in Science-Transfer, Track 2 (AS-T2) – Computer and Electrical Engineering MRP
- Associate in Science-Transfer, Track 2 (AS-T2) – Civil and Mechanical Engineering MRP
- Associate in Computer Science DTA/MRP (ACS)
Issues to Consider
A student may be academically qualified for Running Start but may not be ready for college.
One 5.0 credit class at South Seattle College is equivalent to one year at the high school (1.0 high school credit). Courses move through content quickly!
Time Management
- Students may find the independence and speed of college classes overwhelming
- College classes typically demand about 2 hours of studying for each hour of time in class
- College courses require a greater degree of independent study compared to high school courses
Academic Calendars
When taking classes at the high school and the college simultaneously, breaks between terms do not line up.
Students are expected to attend college classes even when the high school is on break.
Course Modalities
Hybrid: A portion of class meetings take place on campus at specific days and times as noted in the class schedule (attendance required). Most hybrid classes meet once or twice a week, with the remaining class activity such as discussion, homework, and content delivery taking place online at the times when the student can log in using web-based tools.
Online – Asynchronous: A course where there are no specific on-campus or online class meeting times and days. Instructors provide content, set deadlines, facilitate online discussions, answer questions, grade, give feedback, and facilitate individual and group learning. Students work independently to complete assignments, group projects, quizzes, discussions, and other activities. These fully online classes do not require campus visits although some may require exams taken on campus or proctored elsewhere with pre-approval.
Online – Virtual (Synchronous): A course that is provided online with required synchronous online live class meetings (i.e., Zoom) at specific times and days as noted on the class schedule along with asynchronous learning. All student work is submitted fully online.
In-Person: (some in-person offered with “web enhanced instruction” i.e., Canvas/online tools)
A course that is provided in a physical classroom. Instructors may elect to use internet-based resources to supplement instruction and/or collect assignments.
Other Issues to Consider
- The high school has final authority on high school graduation requirements. Students must work closely with their high school counselor.
- College classes are designed for adult learners. Class content will not be censored for younger students.
- Poor performance can jeopardize high school graduation and future college plans or scholarship opportunities.
- FERPA: Federal privacy law limits parent and guardian access to educational information about students.
- Access Services are available for students with disabilities. IEP or 504 accommodations might look different than what is provided by the high school.
What does it cost?
Student/family is responsible for the cost of:
- Textbooks & Supplies
- Registration & Course Fees
- Transportation
- Tuition exceeding allowed credit limits*
*Running Start pays for a maximum of 19 credits. The amount of credit paid for depends on how many classes the student is taking at the high school. This will be outlined on the quarterly Enrollment Verification Form (EVF).
Fee Waiver & Book Loan Program
For students who qualify for Free or Reduced-Priced Lunch at the high school.
- All registration and course fees waived.
- Borrow books & some materials from Running Start Office at no charge.
Must have fee waiver form signed by high school counselor or have counselor indicate student qualifies for FRPL on quarterly Enrollment Verification Form (EVF).
How to get started
- Apply
- Fill out online application to South Seattle College and receive ctcLink ID# (student ID)
- Establish Placement
- Take the English and Math Directed Self-Placement (DSP) tools & place into college level courses
- Complete & Submit Enrollment Packet
- Complete online enrollment packet found on the SSC Running Start site
- Must have a fully completed Enrollment Verification Form (EVF) signed by the student, a parent/guardian, and high school counselor (required quarterly)
- Meet with an Advisor
- Once your enrollment paperwork has been processed, you will be provided with instructions to schedule a mandatory advising appointment to determine your first quarter class selection & complete registration
- Books & Materials
- Purchase or borrow required books and materials for your classes
- Complete Running Start New Student Orientation
- It is essential to complete the online (via Canvas) Running Start New Student Orientation to get familiarized with campus resources, processes, and policies
Timeline and Planning
Running Start office is open all summer
- Students can start any quarter
- Registration for Fall begins mid-May – late-September
- Students must have English and/or Math placement, a completed and signed EVF, and other documentation (such as the Running Start contract) before meeting with an advisor at South
- Registration occurs on a quarterly basis
- Don’t wait to register – classes fill up fast!
Contact Information
South Seattle College Running Start
RunningStart.South@seattlecolleges.edu
Phone: 206-934-6478
Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. virtual services only
Location: Robert Smith Building (RSB 02) in Advising center
Next Steps at WSHS
Think of Running Start as transferring to another school
- We can’t see your classes
- We can’t register you for classes
- We can’t see your grades until well after the term ends
- If you have questions, you’ll have to reach out to the college directly
Gentle Reminder: This is primarily an independent process. You will need to navigate the steps on your own, because you are accessing a college program. By signing up for Running Start, you are saying you can take on this new challenge on your own. You will need to get books, find classes, and reach out for support independently.
Everything you need to get started is available on the Running Start webpage.