General Information

President’s Message

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is the governing body of Lake Washington Institute of Technology. Trustees are appointed to multi-year terms by the Governor with the consent of the State Senate. The Trustees represent communities in the service area of Lake Washington Tech including Bellevue, Bothell, Carnation, Duvall, Fall City, Issaquah, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Redmond, Skykomish, Snoqualmie, and Woodinville.

Darrell S. Mitsunaga Chair	Neil A. Johnson Vice Chair	Anne Hamilton	Lynette D. Jones	Bruce J. Reid

Our Mission and Vision

www.lwtech.edu

Our Mission

To prepare students for today’s careers and tomorrow’s opportunities.

Our Vision

To be the college of choice for workforce education.

Core Themes

In support of our mission, the following core themes state the essential work done at LWTech:

Pathways

Lake Washington Institute of Technology is accessible to the community by providing multiple entrance points and educational pathways. The college is a conduit for students to upgrade their skills, transition into new careers, or further their education and training.

Student Achievement

At Lake Washington Institute of Technology, students gain the skills and knowledge needed to achieve their educational goals and to participate in the workforce.

External Engagement

Lake Washington Institute of Technology forms partnerships with governmental and community organizations, educational institutions, business, and labor in order to support the institution’s mission.

College Community

Lake Washington Institute of Technology provides a safe, supported and engaging learning environment for students and work environment for faculty and staff.

Lake Washington Institute of Technology values equality of opportunity, human dignity, racial, cultural and ethnic diversity both as an educational institution and as an employer. The institute provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. The institute complies with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment, educational programs and admissions, including Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act and the state law against discrimination, chapter 49.60 RCW.

Inquiries regarding compliance procedures and complaints may be directed to the institute’s Affirmative Action Officer: Executive Director, Human Resources, Affirmative Action Officer/Title IX Coordinator, 11605 132nd Avenue NE, Kirkland, WA 98034, hr@lwtech.edu, (425) 739-8212 or (425) 739-8122 (TDD)

About Lake Washington Institute of Technology

www.lwtech.edu/about_lwit

Lake Washington Institute of Technology

Founded in 1949, Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech), formerly Lake Washington Technical College, is one of Washington State’s 34 two-year public community and technical institutions of higher education. We offer affordable, professional technical training for today’s careers and tomorrow’s opportunities.

Lake Washington Tech offers training in more than 40 areas of study and offers pathways, professional/technical certificates, associate and bachelor’s degrees.

Our training options include:

The Institute has more than 350 experienced faculty members and serves nearly 10,000 students each year. Centrally located in Washington State’s high tech corridor, LWTech offers two locations: a main campus in Kirkland and a branch campus near Marymoor Park in Redmond.

Lake Washington Tech features small class sizes, highly skilled faculty, and hands-on training. We have the current tools, programs, software, and other equipment students will use on the job. Our programs provide students with high tech, comprehensive training designed to help open doors to numerous career opportunities.

Whether you recently graduated high school, are looking to take your skills to the next level, want to begin a new career, or expand your education, LWTech provides a pathway to begin your journey to career success.

Accreditation

Lake Washington Institute of Technology is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities at the associate degree level and at the baccalaureate degree level. For more information on this accreditation see our FAQ.

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
8060 165th Avenue NE, Suite 100
Redmond, WA 98052-3981

Specialized Program Accreditations and Certifications

Several of Lake Washington Institute of Technology’s technical programs receive accreditation or certification status from state and national organizations:

About Our Community

Lake Washington Institute of Technology directly serves the communities of:

The Institute’s main campus is in the city of Kirkland just east of Lake Washington. The surrounding area offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities and a wealth of diverse arts, entertainment and cultural attractions. Kirkland is located just 15 miles east of Seattle and less than an hour from the foothills of the Cascade Mountains.

Kirkland has a strong local economy with a healthy mix of small business, corporate headquarters, light industrial and manufacturing and a growing base of high tech, biotech, and home-based businesses. It is also close to the major employment centers of Seattle and Bellevue, and major employers like Boeing, Paccar, and Microsoft.

Lake Washington College Foundation

(425) 739-8134 or email foundation@lwtech.edu

Lake Washington College Foundation support’s Lake Washington Institute of Technology’s educational excellence. The Foundation is dedicated to increasing student access and success at LWTech through raising funds, building partnerships, and advocating for students and the college. The Foundation offers scholarships and also provides emergency financial assistance to students with pressing needs through the Student Emergency Fund, which is administered by the Financial Aid Director. The Lake Washington College Foundation currently manages a variety of accounts and endowments on behalf of generous donors and college departments for the benefit of students and programs.

A volunteer board of directors comprised of representatives of community, business, industry, and education leaders governs the Lake Washington College Foundation. For more information on the Lake Washington College Foundation office, please visit www.lwtech.edu/foundation.

We Guarantee Our Graduates

www.lwtech.edu/enrollment/our_guarantee

Lake Washington Institute of Technology guarantees that its graduates will have the job skills necessary for entry-level employment in the technical field for which they are trained.

If an employer judges a graduate as lacking in skills identified as program competencies, up to 15 tuition-free credit hours of additional training will be provided. The guarantee will apply to students earning an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree, a Certificate of Proficiency or a Certificate of Completion awarded in December of 1999 or thereafter. Conditions which apply to this guarantee are as follows:

1. The graduate must have earned the AAS degree, the Certificate of Proficiency or Certificate of Completion from Lake Washington Institute of Technology beginning December 1999 or thereafter and must have completed the graduation requirements within a five-year span.
2. The graduate must be employed full-time in an area directly related to the area of program concentration within 12 months of graduation.
3. The employer must certify in writing that the employee is lacking entry-level skills identified by the college as the exit-level program competencies and must specify the areas of deficiency within 90 days of the graduate’s initial employment.
4. The employer, graduate, dean, adviser and appropriate faculty member will develop a written educational plan for retraining. Retraining will be limited to 15 credit hours related to the identified skill deficiency and to those classes regularly scheduled during the period covered by the retraining plan.
5. All retraining must be completed within a calendar year from the time the educational plan is agreed upon.
6. The graduate and/or employer are responsible for the cost of books, insurance, uniforms, fees and other course-related expenses.
7. The guarantee does not imply that the graduate will pass any licensing or qualifying examination for a particular career.
8. The student’s sole option through Lake Washington Institute of Technology to remedy skill deficiencies shall be limited to 15 credit hours of tuition-free coursework under conditions described above.
9. Activation of the graduate guarantee program may be initiated by the graduate through contact with the registrar within 90 days of the graduate’s initial employment.

Selecting a Program of Study

Starting a New Career

Deciding which career is best for you can be a very difficult decision. LWTech’s professional advisers and counselors are available to help you match your interests and abilities with the career that fits you best. The first step in starting your new career decision process is to take a self-inventory of what is most important to you. Below are some of the major things you need to consider:

Your Interests

Your interests play an important role in career selection. When you enjoy what you do, you increase your chances for success because you find your work satisfying and fulfilling.

Your Skills and Abilities

Identify what you are good at and then talk to others about your strengths. Your skills and abilities are the key to knowing yourself better and making a positive career decision. When you enter a program that features your strengths, class work will be easier for you.

Your Work Style

Think about the kind of work structure and the kind of environment you want to work in. Consider the amount of responsibility you want and the amount of stress you can handle. These personal characteristics affect your career success. Think about whether you prefer to work alone or with others, be your own boss, work outdoors, work in a large company or a small business, or interact with the public.

Your Values

You make all kinds of personal value decisions-where to live, what to do for entertainment, what kind of clothes to wear or food to eat. Think about these choices and by assessing them, you will help identify the priorities in your life.

Your Lifestyle

The kind of career you choose can influence the kind of life you live. For example, some health care workers often work weekends, but they find the work rewarding and good for their self-esteem because it fulfills a personal value.

Advising and Counseling Services

The college’s counselors and advisers are available to offer academic, career, and personal counseling to students and prospective students. Appointments are available by calling Student Development at (425) 739-8300. Advising services are also available online, and at advising@lwtech.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

www.lwtech.edu/faqs

Can I Take Just A Few Classes Or Short-Term Training To Upgrade My Skills?

Yes. Lake Washington Institute of Technology offers a full range of technical higher education options, including individual classes, special short-term training programs, professional certification preparation and adult continuing education options.

Is Financial Aid Available?

Yes. The college participates in many forms of financial aid, including scholarships, loans and work study opportunities. More financial aid information is available in the Tuition & Financial Aid  section of this catalog.

Will I Receive Personal Attention From My Instructors?

A commitment to individualized instruction is one of the aspects that sets LWTech apart from others. Our college features small class sizes and personalized, one-on-one instruction from teachers who truly care about your success.

What Other Educational Options Do You Offer?

We offer online distance learning classes, adult basic education, English as a Second Language courses and adult high school completion courses. For the latest information on the college’s educational offerings, visit our Class Schedule section on the college website at www.lwtech.edu/classschedule or call (425) 739-8100 to obtain a printed Class Schedule.

How Much Will My Education Cost?

The answer depends upon the program you select and whether you’re working toward a certificate, an AAS degree, a bachelor’s degree or just want to take a few skill-building classes. For more information on program costs, see the Tuition Rates at lwtech.edu/tuition.

What Credentials Will I Receive At The End Of My Program?

LWTech offers programs of study that will lead to Associate in Applied Science (AAS), Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T), Direct Transfer/Major Related Program (DTA/MRP) degree, Bachelor’s of Applied Science, Bachelor’s of Technology, and Certificates of Completion and Proficiency. The length of time to completion varies depending on the program you choose and the number of classes you take each quarter.

How Can I Be Sure I’ll Be Able to Find a Job in the Career Area I Select?

LWTech offers programs of study that are attuned to workforce opportunities, in part because of strong links with business and industry. While we cannot guarantee a job for every graduate, we make every effort to provide relevant training in areas with employment demand.

Will My Degree Or Certificate Be Recognized Among Potential Employers?

Graduates of LWTech are hired because employers recognize their training and skills as valuable. Business and industry leaders serve on the college’s advisory committees to assure the training students receive is of the highest quality.

Can I Get Started At Any Time?

Some programs permit students to enroll any quarter while others admit students once a year. To learn more about when a particular program is open for enrollment, please contact the student development office by calling (425) 739-8300 or emailing advising@lwtech.edu.

How Do I Find Updated Information?

LWTech staff have compiled and organized the material in this catalog to provide you with a comprehensive view of the programs and courses available. It includes academic requirements and procedures necessary for admission and graduation. Information on programs and courses is arranged in alphabetical order. A listing by area of study is also available online.

Because curriculum revisions and program changes may occur during the period the catalog is in circulation, students should contact the college for specific information. The quarterly Class Schedule gives information on courses offered, class hours, and class locations and has the latest calendar dates, fees and details on registration.

Both the programs of study web pages and the Class Schedule are regularly updated online at www.lwtech.edu, or you may obtain a copy by calling the college at (425) 739-8100.

All announcements in the college catalog are subject to change without notice and do not constitute an agreement between Lake Washington Institute of Technology and the student.

Is Lake Washington Institute of Technology an Accredited College?

Lake Washington Institute of Technology is 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 (NWCCU)
8060 165th Avenue NE, Suite 100
Redmond, WA 98052-3981
(425) 558-4224 www.nwccu.org

For information on specialized accreditations and certificates, see here.

Is There a Way I Can Work On Campus?

Yes. Campus employment is available to students who qualify. Students are encouraged to register with the Employment Resource Center to find on-campus employment opportunities. Positions are available throughout campus through Financial Aid workstudy or Associated Student Government funded positions. If you are eligible for Financial Aid workstudy employment you will be notified by Financial Aid. If you are not eligible for Financial Aid, various campus departments will post their open positions with the Employment Resource Center or have information available in their department. Visit the Employment Resource Center and learn about possibilities.