2016-2017 Catalog SVC

Welcome to Skagit Valley College!

Whether you are preparing for a new job, beginning your college experience, or exploring a new passion in life, thank you for choosing Skagit Valley College. When you visit our campuses in Mount Vernon or Oak Harbor - or our centers in Anacortes, Langley, and Friday Harbor - you will quickly discover that SVC embraces a diverse community of learners that places student success at the center of its work. Our strength as an institution is built upon exceptional faculty and caring staff who are committed to your academic success. Together, we have created a learning environment that is focused on excellence: access, achievement, and community. I am proud that my own college experience began at Skagit Valley College. Excellent instructors, caring advisors, and supportive coaches guided me and mentored me as I earned my Associate in Arts degree. The SVC community became the cornerstone of my college experience and it is what inspired me to pursue my career in higher education. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff, welcome to our community of learners at Skagit Valley College. We look forward to supporting your educational goals and celebrating your academic success.

Sincerely,
Dr. Thomas A. Keegan
President, Skagit Valley College

This edition of the Skagit Valley College Catalog is effective beginning with Summer Quarter, 2016, through Spring Quarter, 2017. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information containedin this publication. Students are advised, however, that such information is subject to change without notice, and advisors should, therefore, be consulted on a regular basis for current information.

Skagit Valley College catalogs, class schedules, web site, fee schedules, etc., do not create binding contracts between Skagit Valley College and its students. The collegeand its divisions reserve the right at any time to make changes in any regulations or requirements governing instruction in and graduation from the college and its various divisions. Changes shall take effect whenever the proper authorities determine and shall apply not only to prospective students but also to those who are currently enrolled at the college. Except as other conditionsdictate, the college will make every reasonable effort to ensure that students currently enrolled in programs, and making normal progress toward completion of any requirements, will have the opportunity to complete any program which is to be discontinued. The college’s total liability for student claims related to classes or programs shall be limitedto the tuition and expenses paid by the student to the college for those classes. In no event shall the college be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages, including but not limited to, loss of earnings or profits.

Tuition is set by the Washington state legislature and is subject to change without notice. For a current list of fees or other information, visit www.skagit.edu/tuitionfees or contact the Vice President of Student Services’ Office.

This catalog was produced by the SVC Public Information Office, May 2016.

Skagit Valley College provides a drug free environment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, or age in its programs and employment. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies:

Executive Director of Human Resources
2405 East College Way,
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
360.416.7794

A Quick Look at Skagit Valley College

Skagit Valley College is a public community college, operating under the supervision of a local Board of Trustees appointed by the governor. SVC’s district includes Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties.

Accreditation

Skagit Valley College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Brief History

Skagit Valley College, originally named Mount Vernon Junior College, began serving students in 1926 as an adjunct to Union High School in Mount Vernon. The name was changed to Skagit Valley Junior College in 1948, and in 1958 the present name was adopted. SVC has the proud distinction of being the second oldest community college in Washington state.

During the early years, classes were held on the top floor of the high school building. In 1955, a permanent site of 35 acres was purchased and a complex of six buildings was completed in 1959. Because of immediate increases in student enrollment, another 10 acres of land was purchased and a new Library building was constructed. Additional purchases of land have brought the total campus area in Mount Vernon to more than 110 acres.

Currently, SVC serves students at the Mount Vernon Campus in Mount Vernon and at the Whidbey Island Campus in Oak Harbor. The college also operates three centers: South Whidbey Center in Langley, San Juan Center in Friday Harbor, and the Marine Technology Center in Anacortes.

Skagit Valley College Foundation

Since 1978, generous donors, enthusiastic alums, and dedicated volunteers have helped sustain and grow the SVC Foundation with their donations, talent, and insight to build one of the premier community college foundations in Washington. The SVC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists students with scholarships, emergency funds, and childcare vouchers, enhances innovative instruction, and supports campus development programs. A volunteer Board of Governors provides leadership to the SVC Foundation. To learn more about opportunities to support SVC programs and students, visit www.skagitfoundation.org or call 360.416.7717.

All Skagit Valley College publications and documents are available in alternate formats upon request by calling Disability Access Services, 360.416.7818.