Washington Administrative Code Title 495B - Bellingham Technical College
WAC Title 495B – Bellingham Technical College
1. Purpose of Title 495B
This title is dedicated to Bellingham Technical College (BTC), one of Washington’s public community and technical colleges.
The rules in Title 495B establish the legal and administrative framework for the college, covering:
Governance and authority.
Student rights, responsibilities, and conduct.
Faculty and staff employment.
Use of campus property and resources.
College policies for safety, fairness, and effective operations.
2. Governance
The college is overseen by a Board of Trustees (appointed at the state level).
The College President is the chief executive, implementing board policies and managing daily operations.
Faculty councils, administrators, and student bodies may share governance in academics, student life, and services.
3. Key Areas Covered in Title 495B
The code is organized into chapters, each addressing a specific subject. The most important areas include:
a. Board of Trustees & Administration
Defines the powers of the Board of Trustees.
Outlines responsibilities of the President and college officers.
Establishes procedures for college governance and policy adoption.
b. Student Rights & Responsibilities
Protects academic freedom and student rights to learning and fair treatment.
Establishes the student code of conduct, including behavioral expectations on and off campus.
Provides due process through disciplinary hearings and appeals.
c. Admission & Academic Policies
Rules for student admission, registration, and enrollment.
Grading policies, academic standing, and requirements for graduation.
Transfer of credits and recognition of prior learning.
d. Student Conduct Code
Defines misconduct (cheating, plagiarism, disruptive behavior, drug/alcohol violations, harassment, violence, etc.).
Explains disciplinary measures: warnings, probation, suspension, expulsion.
Provides for hearings and appeals to ensure fairness.
e. Campus Property & Facilities
Regulations for the use of college buildings, grounds, and services.
Rules for demonstrations, events, and free speech activities on campus.
Time, place, and manner restrictions to balance safety and rights.
f. Employment & Personnel Rules
Faculty and staff hiring, evaluation, and responsibilities.
Professional conduct standards.
Employment policies consistent with college mission and fairness.
g. Safety & Emergency Policies
Campus security, emergency procedures, and public safety standards.
Compliance requirements for labs, shops, and training environments.
4. Enforcement & Discipline
Student discipline is managed by student conduct officers and hearing panels.
Employee discipline is handled by the administration according to contract and board policies.
Appeal processes exist to ensure fairness for both students and employees.
5. Summary
WAC Title 495B – Bellingham Technical College establishes the official rules for how BTC operates. It governs:
The Board of Trustees and administration.
Student admissions, academics, rights, and conduct.
Faculty and staff employment rules.
Use of campus property, facilities, and resources.
Safety, security, and emergency management.
In short, Title 495B ensures that Bellingham Technical College functions legally, fairly, and efficiently as a higher education institution in Washington.
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