Accreditation

Washington Community College District 17 (CCS) includes Spokane Community College (SCC), Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC), and off-campus centers.

Spokane Community College and Spokane Falls Community College are regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited college or university is one which has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.

Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.

Inquiries regarding an institution's accredited status by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, 8060 165th Avenue N.E., Suite 100, Redmond, WA 98052, (425) 558-4224, www.nwccu.org.

Many individual programs also are accredited by additional professional accrediting associations as listed below.

Students enrolled in credit programs at the off-campus centers earn their certificates and degrees through SCC or SFCC.

Completion of a certificate or degree program at SCC or SFCC does not guarantee job placement.

Community Colleges of Spokane (CCS) operates under the jurisdiction of the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and is a member of the American Association of Community Colleges and the Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges.

Both SCC and SFCC are approved to participate in Federal Title IV, Washington State Financial Aid and Title 38 Veterans Educational Benefit programs. Off-campus centers are approved as additional locations through the two colleges for students enrolled in eligible degree or certificate programs.

Program Accreditations and Certifications
Spokane Community College

Culinary Arts

American Culinary Federation(ACF)

Dental Assisting

American Dental Association (ADA)/Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS)

Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary

Washington State Dental Quality Assurance Commission

Health Information Technology

Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)

Invasive Cardiovascular Technology

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT)

Medical Assisting

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB)

Natural Resources Management (Forestry)

Society of American Foresters (SAF)

Noninvasive Cardiovascular Technology/Echocardiography

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT)

Nursing

Washington Department of Health-Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC)

Accreditation Commission on Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Pharmacy Technician

Washington State Board of Pharmacy

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)/ Pharmacy Technician Accreditation Commission (PTAC)

Radiology Technology

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)

Respiratory Care

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)

Surgical Technology

Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC-STSA) a branch of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC-STSA)

Vascular Technology

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT)

Program Affiliations
Spokane Community College

Automotive Technology

National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)

Automotive: Toyota T-TEN

National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)

Aviation Maintenance

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Cosmetology

Washington State Department of Licensing, Cosmetology Section

Landscape Management

National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP)

Natural Resources Management (Wildlife/Fisheries)

North American Wildlife Technology Association (NAWTA)

Paralegal

American Bar Association (ABA)

Program Accreditations
Spokane Falls Community College

Addiction Studies

National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC)

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)

Orthotic-Prosthetic Technician

National Commission on Orthotics and Prosthetics Education (NCOPE)

Physical Therapist Assistant

American Physical Therapy Association-Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (APTA-CAPTE)

Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources

Community Colleges of Spokane provides information technology resources (IT resources) to support the instructional, support and administrative activities of the district. The IT resources are intended for the sole use of college faculty, staff, students and other authorized users. IT resources include but are not limited to host computer systems, web sites, desktop computers and workstations, communications networks, electronic software, electronic hardware, library automation systems, multi-media equipment, electronic data, computer files, video networks, telephones, voice mail, e-mail, and cloud/internet resources. IT resources will be used according to state laws and the policies and procedures of the district and its institutions. Use of CCS IT resources, as state resources, does not confer a right to privacy in those resources. CCS reserves the right to monitor its IT resources and to take appropriate action to protect the integrity of its IT resources in accordance with existing laws, policies and procedures.

Violations of this policy or implementing procedures may subject the user to disciplinary action.

For more information, go to CCS Board Policy 8.10.01

Anti-Hazing

Hazing is prohibited within the Community Colleges of Spokane (CCS) community. Hazing is any conduct committed as part of a person’s recruitment, initiation, pledging, admission into, or affiliation with a student organization, or athletic team, (collectively “student groups”) or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such a student group that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious psychological or emotional harm, to any student or other person attending Community Colleges of Spokane, including causing, directing, coercing, or forcing a person to consume any food, liquid, alcohol, drug, or other substance which subjects the person to risk of such harm, regardless of the person's willingness to participate. "Hazing" does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions. This prohibition applies to conduct that may occur both on and off campus. In compliance with 2SHB 1751 (2022), CCS will implement procedures and programs, including offering students and employees hazing prevention training and programming, implementation of a mandatory reporting procedure, creation of a hazing prevention committee, and publication of a hazing report.

Faith & Conscience Absence Policy

Community Colleges of Spokane will grant reasonable accommodation so that grades are not adversely impacted for students who are absent for reasons of faith or conscience, or for an organized activity under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or religious organization. Such absences must be requested in writing on the Class Absence Request form within the first two weeks of the beginning of the course. There are no additional fees associated with this request.

Examples of religious accommodations may include: rescheduling of an exam or giving a make-up exam for the student in question; altering the time of a student's presentation; allowing extra-credit assignments to substitute for missed class work or arranging for an increased flexibility in assignment due dates; and releasing a graduate assistant from teaching or research responsibilities on a given day.

The student is solely responsible for ensuring documentation authorizing the absence is provided to each of the instructors whose classes or assignments are affected by the absence. If the student fails to notify the instructor of an authorized absence under this policy, the instructor is not obligated to make accommodations.

For more information, go to ccs.spokane.edu/Faith-Conscience-Absence-Policy

Prohibition Against Alcohol, Marijuana, and Unlawful Drugs

Being observably under the influence of any legend drug, narcotic drug or controlled substance or otherwise using, possessing, delivering, manufacturing, or seeking any such drug or substance, except in accordance with a lawful prescription for that student by a licensed health care professional or as otherwise expressly permitted by federal, state, or local law, is prohibited in all facilities, grounds, events or activities directly or indirectly under the control of CCS.

While state law permits the recreational use of marijuana, federal law prohibits such use on college premises or in connection with college activities. Being observably under the influence of marijuana or the psychoactive compounds found in marijuana, or otherwise using, possessing, selling or delivering any product containing marijuana or the psychoactive compounds found in marijuana and intended for human consumption, regardless of form, is prohibited.

Being under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or otherwise using, possessing, manufacturing, selling, distributing any alcoholic beverages, or public intoxication (except as expressly permitted by law and college rules) are prohibited. Alcoholic beverages may not, in any circumstance, be used by, possessed by, sold, or distributed to any person under twenty-one years of age.

Community Colleges of Spokane will comply with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, and U.S. Department of Transportation regulations implementing the Federal Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991. Employees or students engaging in prohibited activities shall be subject to disciplinary action, pursuant to applicable rules, regulations and employment contracts, which may result in suspension or termination. Student disciplinary proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with WAC 132Q-10.

For more information, refer to WAC 132Q-10.

Sex Offender Admission Policy

Individuals convicted of sex or kidnapping offenses are required to self-disclose such status to the chief student services officer or designee prior to admission to SCC, SFCC, or off-campus centers as a condition of enrollment. Failure to comply may be grounds for denial of admission or expulsion from SCC, SFCC, or the off-campus centers. (CCS Administrative Procedure 2.30.05-M)

Non-Discrimination Notice/Equal Opportunity Institution/Title IX

Community Colleges of Spokane complies with all Washington State antidiscrimination laws (RCW-49.60) and the following federal laws relating to equal opportunity: Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Community Colleges of Spokane — comprised of SCC and SFCC — does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, age, or any other unlawful basis in its programs, activities or employment. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and are also known as the Title IX Coordinators. Discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, domestic or dating violence, stalking, and retaliation are in violation of and prohibited by the CCS Board Policy. Students who believe they have been harassed, discriminated, or retaliated against should contact the appropriate Title IX Coordinator.

Members of the CCS community, guests, and visitors have the right to be free from all forms of sexual and gender-based discrimination, examples of which can include acts of sexual violence, sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. All members of the CCS community are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of others.

Sexual misconduct matters are handled according to the procedures outlined in the Standards of Conduct for Students; WAC 132Q-10-Sections 101-608. Also see Administrative Procedures 3.30.01-A and 3.30.01-B. Complaints alleging misconduct by employees, contractors, guests, or visitors will follow the procedures in CCS Administrative Procedures 2.30.01-A and 2.30.01-D.

Community Colleges of Spokane takes gender-based violence seriously. When an allegation of misconduct is made, and a responding party is found to have violated this policy, appropriate sanctions will be used to remedy and prevent such behavior. For more information regarding sexual assault and relationship violence, including CCS’s policies, procedures and resources see ccs.spokane.edu/SexualAssault

To receive this information in an alternative format, contact the appropriate Title IX Coordinator.

For all other inquiries regarding equal opportunity compliance and/or grievances, contact:

Chief Strategy and Administration Officer
Community Colleges of Spokane
501 N Riverpoint Blvd
Spokane WA 99217-6000
509-434-5037

Riverpoint One Building, Room 0125F

Community Colleges of Spokane has an open door admissions policy which admits any graduate of a high school or an individual at least 18 years of age and holding a Certificate of Educational Competence. However, most courses and programs have prerequisites, and some have limited enrollment, waiting lists and/or additional admission criteria, which is listed on the website. Additionally, some have special skill and ability requirements for participation. Information about these requirements also is available by calling the appropriate admissions office:

• SCC, 509-533-8020
• SFCC, 509-533-3500.

CCS takes steps to ensure a lack of English language skills is not a barrier to admission or participation.

Notice of Non-Discrimination in Vocational Education Programs

Spokane Falls Community College offers career and technical education programs in: addiction studies; administrative assistant; applied management bachelors; *audio engineering; business management; business and technology; computer forensics/network security; cybersecurity; *digital filmmaking; digital marketing; early childhood education; education paraeducator; *graphic design; health fitness technician; *hearing instrument specialist; information technology; integrated community services; interior design; *interpreter training; library and information services; *occupational therapy assistant; office assistant; orthotics and prosthetics; photography; and *physical therapist assistant.

Some programs have additional admission criteria and are noted with an asterisk (*).Visit https://sfcc.spokane.edu/What-to-Study/Programs-with-Additional-Application-Requirements to learn about admission criteria and who to contact if you have questions.

Spokane Community College offers career and technical education programs in: accounting assistant; administrative office management; aerospace composite technician; agriculture business; apprenticeships (commercial/industrial/ construction/electrician); arboriculture/urban forestry; architectural technology; automotive collision and refinishing technician; automotive maintenance and light repair; automotive technology; automotive Toyota T-TEN; aviation maintenance technology; baking: professional pastries and specialty cakes; biomedical equipment technician; business; business occupations; business software specialist; CAD design and drafting; clerical assistant; computer network design and administration; cosmetology; criminal justice; culinary arts; customer service representative; *dental assisting; *diagnostic medical sonography; diesel/heavy duty equipment; echocardiography; effective business writing; electrical maintenance and automation; electrical trainee; electronics engineering (applications; avionics; mechatronics); emergency medical technician; esthetician; expanded function dental auxiliary; fire science technology; front office professional; greenhouse/-nursery; health information management; heating ventilation air-conditioning and refrigeration; hospitality, tourism and event management; hydraulic and pneumatic automation technician; industrial and manufacturing technology; *invasive cardiovascular technology; landscape management; machinist-CNC technology; management; marketing and advertising; *medical assistant; medical office receptionist; medical office specialist; multi-occupational trades; natural resource management; *nursing (associate in) DTA/MRP; nursing assistant certified; paralegal; *pharmacy technician; professional truck driver training; project management/LEAN/ Six Sigma; *radiology technology; *respiratory care; restoration and fabrication; small farm production; software development; *surgical technology; *vascular technology, water science; and welding and fabrication.

Some programs have additional admission criteria and are noted with an asterisk (*). Visit https://scc.spokane.edu/What-to-Study/Programs-with-Additional-Application-Requirements to learn about admission criteria and who to contact if you have questions.

Community Colleges of Spokane does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, or age in its programs, activities, and employment.

For inquiries or grievances regarding access under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, contact:

Amy McCoy – Chief Compliance Officer
Community Colleges of Spokane
2917 W Whistalks Way, MS 3027
Spokane WA 99224-5288
509-279-6012

Magnuson Building (Bldg. 27), Room 247C, SFCC campus

For all other inquiries regarding equal opportunity compliance and/or grievances, contact:

Greg Stevens – Chief Administration Officer
Community Colleges of Spokane
509 N Riverpoint Blvd, Suite 125
P.O. Box 6000, MS 1004
Spokane WA 99217-6000
509-434-5037

Riverpoint One Building, Room 0125F

In addition, each college has identified Title IX/ADA Coordinators to assist students regarding discrimination and sexual misconduct complaints about other students. Contact the individuals below.

For complaints against students at SCC:

Glen Cosby – Vice President of Student Services
Title IX Coordinator/ADA Coordinator
Spokane Community College
1810 N Greene Street, MS 2150
Spokane WA 99217-5399
509-533-7015

Main Building (Bldg. 1), Room R228

For complaints against students at SFCC:

Patrick McEachern – Vice President of Student Affairs
Title IX Coordinator/ADA Coordinator
Spokane Falls Community College
3410 W Whistalks Way, MS 3010
Spokane WA 99224-5288
509-533-3514

Falls Gateway Building (Bldg. 30), Room 225

To receive this information in an alternative format, contact:

Spokane Community College
Disability Access Services 509-533-7169
Spokane Falls Community College
Disability Access Services 509-533-4166

CCS will take steps to assure that the lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs.

Community Colleges of Spokane has an “open door” admissions policy which admits any graduate of a high school or an individual who is at least 18 years of age and holds a Certificate of Educational Competence. Those who are 18 but do not meet those requirements may be granted admission by the student services administrator based on the applicant’s general educational development. That admission is granted on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Applicants under age 18 may be admitted if they are deemed able to benefit from the curricular offerings as determined by admission’s officials. Read more in Chapter 3 of the CCS Policies and Procedures - Student Services.