Confidentiality of Student Records Policy – In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Washington Administrative Code, Bates enforces guidelines concerning information about the student’s permanent educational record and governs the conditions of its disclosure. The college will not provide information contained in student records in response to inquiries unless the student has given consent to the college in writing. While the college may provide directory information, exceptions will be made if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals or disclosure is required by law and court mandated. Any law enforcement agent in search of an individual or seeking institutional information should be directed to Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness and Student Services.
Non-Discrimination Policy – Bates Technical College reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in its programs and activities in accordance with college policy, and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations. Bates publications are available in alternate formats upon request by contacting the Disability Support Services Office at 253.680.7010. Inquiries regarding Bates’ non-discriminatory policies, including Title IX and ADA, should be directed to: For student matters, Dean of Student Services, Downtown Campus A211, 253.680.7102 For employee matters, Director of Human Resources, Downtown Campus A326, 253.680.7180. If you need assistance due to sensory impairment or disability, contact the Disability Support Services Coordinator at 253.680.7010.
Student Code of Conduct – Students who choose to attend Bates Technical College also choose to actively participate in the learning process offered by the college. The college is responsible for providing an educational environment rich in the high quality resources needed by students to attain their educational goals. In return, the college has the expectation that each student will assume responsibility to become knowledgeable of and adhere to policies, practices, procedures, and rules of the college and its departments. This includes respect the dignity, rights and property of all persons, strive to learn from differences in people, ideas and opinions, and refrain from and discourage behaviors, which undermine the respect all Bates Technical College community members deserve.
Federal and State Regulations Impacting Students
Federal Laws
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) – This federal law protects the privacy of student records at educational institutions, including elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities.
Plyler v. Doe – In 1982, this Supreme Court ruling determined that a K-12 education is a fundamental and protected right and will be provided to all children in the United States, regardless of citizenship or residency status.
Brown v. Board of Education – A federal law where the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that “separate but equal” public schools for African Americans and Caucasians were unconstitutional. The Brown case served as a catalyst for the modern civil rights movement, inspiring education reform everywhere and forming the legal means of challenging segregation in all areas of society.
Federal Policies
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) – For up-to-date information on DACA please visit www.uscis.gov/DACA.
WA State Regulations
REAL Hope Act (WA DREAM Act) – This state law expanded eligibility for the Washington College Grant and to low-income, non-citizen students who meet the program’s eligibility requirements and satisfy the residency criteria below:
- Have graduated from a Washington high school or obtained a GED® (or will do so before beginning college).
- Have lived in Washington for three years prior to, and continuously since, earning the high school diploma or equivalent.
- Sign an affidavit (written promise) to file an application to become a permanent resident of the United States when eligible to apply.
HB 1079 – Due to passage of HB 1079 in 2003, undocumented students who meet certain requirements are permitted to pay in-state tuition rates for college. In-state tuition rates are far less than those paid by out-of-state students or international students.
Washington State Law Against Discrimination (RCW 49.60) – A Washington state regulation that protects individuals from any form of discrimination based on any protected class, including discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
For any questions related to this information, please contact the Admissions Office, 253-680-7002, regarding enrollment or the Registration Office, 253-680-7019, regarding residency questions.