Washington Administrative Code Title 131 - Community and Technical Colleges, Board for
Overview
WAC Title 131 covers the rules and regulations adopted by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) in Washington State. This Board oversees Washington’s system of community and technical colleges, which provide higher education, workforce training, and continuing education opportunities to residents.
The SBCTC is responsible for ensuring that community and technical colleges operate efficiently, provide accessible education, and align with statewide workforce and educational goals.
Key Areas Covered in WAC Title 131
Organization and Authority of the Board
Defines the structure of the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
Outlines its powers, duties, and responsibilities under state law.
Establishes how board meetings are conducted and how decisions are made.
College Governance
Rules for how each local community or technical college is governed.
Relationships between the State Board and local boards of trustees.
Standards for accountability, reporting, and compliance.
Educational Programs
Guidelines for developing and approving degree programs, certificates, and vocational training.
Standards for academic transfer programs to four-year universities.
Policies for continuing education, adult basic education (ABE), and English language learning (ELL).
Student Services and Rights
Admission policies and residency requirements for tuition purposes.
Rules related to student records, confidentiality, and grievance processes.
Standards for student conduct codes (though each college adopts its own within state guidelines).
Faculty and Staff
Rules related to faculty qualifications and teaching standards.
Guidelines for tenure, employment, and professional development.
Equal opportunity and nondiscrimination requirements in hiring.
Finance and Tuition
Tuition rates, fees, and financial aid administration.
Distribution of state funding to community and technical colleges.
Budget reporting and auditing requirements.
Use of public funds and accountability measures.
Facilities and Operations
Rules for construction, maintenance, and use of college facilities.
Standards for campus safety and emergency planning.
Policies related to use of college property by outside groups.
Special Programs
Running Start (high school students earning college credit).
Worker retraining and workforce development programs.
Corrections education programs (college courses offered in prisons).
Adult literacy and community outreach programs.
Accountability and Performance
Colleges must meet certain performance measures, such as student success rates, transfer rates, and workforce placement.
Regular reporting to the state legislature and governor on outcomes.
Corrective actions if institutions fail to meet required standards.
Purpose of WAC Title 131
To ensure that all Washington residents have access to affordable, quality higher education and job training.
To maintain consistency and accountability across the 34 community and technical colleges in Washington.
To guide colleges in areas of finance, academics, governance, and student services.
To support Washington’s economic and workforce development goals by aligning college programs with labor market needs.
✅ In short: WAC Title 131 sets the rules for how community and technical colleges in Washington are run—from governance and funding to academics, student rights, and workforce training.
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