Support Services

Support Services for Students

Academic Support Center

Technology Building, T217 | (425) 739-8656

The Academic Support Center (ASC) provides support to all students enrolled in academic programs, with special services provided to students in English as a Second Language (ESL), Adult Basic Education (ABE), High School+ (HS+), and Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST). Staff are available to answer questions about ESL, ABE, and HS+ classes and also manage orientation, testing, and class placement for students in those programs. The college Transitions Office, located within the ASC, is open daily to assist students who want to enroll in an I-BEST program, a program that allows upper-level ESL and ABE students to begin college right away, building their skills in language and math while they work toward a college certificate or degree. To learn more about ABE, ESL, HS+, and I-BEST, go to the Academic Information  section of the catalog.    

Academic Advising

West Building, W207 | (425) 739-8300 | LWTech.edu/advising | advising@lwtech.edu

As part of the college’s focus on student success we provide Student Success Navigators (also called “advisors”) to help each student understand placement tests, select appropriate classes for registration, and provide support throughout their education. An advisor can help any student determine degree and certificate requirements and a sequence of courses and select general education courses.

During your first appointment with a Student Success Navigator, please bring documentation such as college transcripts, high school transcripts, or high school testing scores such as Smarter Balance or SAT. If you took the LWTech placement assessment, your advisor can access your scores. Quality planning will help each student select the right program and the right classes at the right time. Students planning to apply for any selective admission Baccalaureate or Associate degree should meet with an adviser to review degree planning steps, degree requirements, and degree progress.

Student Success Navigator’s can refer students to an array of college services designed to support student success. It remains the responsibility of each student to plan for program completion including degree requirements, certificate requirements, and transfer requirements. Early meetings with an advisor will make certain that educational plans stay on target.

Advising services for international students are provided by the International Programs staff. Advising services for high school students are provided by the High School Programs staff.

Assessment

West Building, W204 | (425) 739-8115 | LWTech.edu/assessment

A variety of assessments are offered to both students and the community.

GED®

The college offers General Education Development (GED®) in English and Spanish.

MOS & MCAS

LWTech runs an authorized certification testing center for Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) and Microsoft Certified Applications Specialist (MCAS).

Course Placement

The college provides multiple placement options for enrollment in English, math, and technical and academic classes. Students pursuing a degree or certificate must complete the guided self-placement assessment or provide high school or college transcripts, placement scores from another Washington State community or technical college, or Smarter Balanced, ACT, or SAT test results.

For more information about course placement, go to LWTech.edu/admissions/assessment/tests-services.

TEAS

Dental Hygiene, Nursing, and other health sciences programs require the TEAS test as part of the admission process.

Vocational Assessment

Selecting a career and an appropriate training program are major life decisions. Whether it is your first time in the employment field or you are changing careers, you are making an investment with both your time and money. Make sure it is the right decision before you start training!

To assist you in career exploration, the Employment Resource Center at Lake Washington Institute of Technology offers a free Career Choice Workshop. Explore your interests, research current occupational information and learn about resources to assist you in exploring your career options. Additional interest and personality assessments are available on an individual basis. Contact the Employment Resource Center at (425) 739-8113 for more information.

The Basic Food, Employment & Training Program

West Building, W207 | (425) 576-5811 | BFET@lwtech.edu 

The Basic Food, Employment & Training (BFET) program is a federally funded program designed to support students who are receiving federal food assistance (food stamps; EBT card)*.

Students in the BFET program may receive:

• Funding for books and supplies, up to $250 per quarter
• Funding for tuition (base don availablity and other funding sources)
• Childcare assistance through Working Connections Childcare (DCYF)
• Career and educational advising and planning
• Clothing vouchers through YWCA
• Eligibility for food stamps if previously denied

Eligibility guidelines to receive the grant include:

• Must be receiving or eligible to receive federal Basic Food Assistance*
• Cannot be receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Must have a complete 2020-2021 FAFSA
• Must be enrolled in a professional-technical program (not a transfer or Bachelor program ) or basic skills classes like HS21+, ESL, or ABED
• Must be committed to getting a job upon program completion

*Federal Basic Food Assistance is a form of financial support for which many students may be eligible. Once receiving this assistance, students are then eligible for BFET. To see if you qualify and to apply for Federal Basic Food Assistance, watch the video How to Apply for Food Benefits (www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w4l5ujDXJk) and apply at washingtonconnection.org.

Bookstore

East Building, E127 | (425) 739-8108 | Fax: (425) 576-0033 | lwtechshop.com

The Bookstore sells textbooks for all classes. If you are considering textbook rental, you may rent many titles, both in physical and digital form. Some digital titles are for sale as well. In addition, the Bookstore stocks course related supplies such as notebooks, binders, software, and class required kits. Most course related items are available on our website; visit www.lwtechshop.com, and then follow directions to the LWTech Bookstore. Web orders can be shipped or picked up in the store. Store hours are posted on the website and in quarterly class schedules. The store also stocks snacks, chips, sodas, energy drinks, candy, gum, and sundries.

Campus Public Safety

East Building, E145 | (425) 739-8224 | LWTech.edu/safety

Your safety and security are taken seriously at the college. Trained college security and commissioned Kirkland police officers patrol the campus and are available for assistance and criminal investigations during the following times: Monday through Friday 6:00 am to 10:30 pm, Saturday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, and closed Sunday.

Information provided by law enforcement agencies concerning registered sex offenders attending the college may be obtained from the Vice President of Student Services office.

Reported Clery Crime Statistics for 2018:

Department of Education-Clery Act Report 2018; as filed October 2019

Community Resource Referrals

West Building, W207 | (425) 739-8100 ext. 8474 | Community Resources (https://www.lwtech.edu/admissions/workforce/community-resources/)

The Workforce Development team provides individualized referrals to commuity based organizations to help you overcome current challenges and persist through program completion. Students and community members can reach out for referrals to and help accessing:

• Basic needs services
• Basic Food Assistance
• Food banks
• Housing and homelessness support services
• Utility assistance programs
• Transportation assistance
• Education and employment resources

Counseling Services

LWTech.edu/Counseling | counseling@lwtech.edu

LWTech provides short-term mental health counseling to all students at no cost. Mental health counseling is a chance to talk confidentially with an objective person who can help you learn new skills and look at situations in different ways. This can help you become more capable of solving new problems on your own in the future. Some students benefit from one or two sessions of problem solving, while others may require more.

Dental Clinic

East Building, E107 | (425) 739-8130

Students receive quality dental care at a low cost in the college’s modern, fully equipped dental clinic. Licensed dentists are available by appointment to provide a wide range of dental procedures. The clinic provides students in the dental hygiene program with a practical experience environment. Please call to make an appointment.

Disability Support Services

West Building, W207 | (425) 739-8300 | TDD: Washington Relay (TRS) 711 | LWTech.edu/dss | dssinfo@lwtech.edu

LWTech is committed to providing support services to students with disabilities in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Students needing accommodations should apply and register for services by going to LWTech.edu/dss. For questions regarding accommodations, please contact Disability Support Services (DSS) by calling (425) 739-8300 or email at dssinfo@lwtech.edu.

Early Learning Center

South Portable, S2 | (425) 739-8117 or (425) 739-8565 | LWTech.edu/elc

Convenient, quality care is available at the campus Early Learning Center for children from age eighteen months through six years. Children receive an active, stimulating program that encourages learning through experience and accomplishment. Funding programs are accepted. Please call to register a child.

Employment Resource Center

West Building, W207 | (425) 739-8113

The Employment Resource Center (ERC) offers career exploration and job search assistance to students and alumni. Whether students are looking for a first job, needing a part time job while attending school, or are ready to start a career after graduation, the ERC focuses on providing tools needed to reach employment goals. Services include:

• HIRE LIONS - Search for current jobs, internships, and student employment opportunities related to your program of study, post a resume and apply to jobs online; to register go to LWTech.edu/erc
• Job search information, resources, and videos on the ERC website
• Job search resources and assistance by appointment
• Resume, interview, and networking assistance
• Career exploration workshops and resources
• Labor market information
• Information on local job fairs and hiring events
• On-campus employer recruiting opportunities
• Computer, fax, copy machine, and phone are available to assist in job searches

eTutoring

Online, via Canvas (link available in courses) | jeff.troy@lwtech.edu and tien.do@lwtech.edu

eTutoring is available to LWTech students through the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) Western eTutoring Consortium. eTutoring provides online tutoring 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 50 weeks out of the year for a variety of subjects.

Students can access eTutoring through any Canvas course. The link is located in the navigation list in each Canvas course. 

Faith and Conscience Absences and Accomodations

Lake Washington Institute of Technology will make good faith efforts to provide reasonable religious accommodations to students who have sincerely held religious practices or beliefs that conflict with a scheduled course/program requirement. Students requesting a religious accommodation should make the request, in writing, directly to their instructor with as much advance notice as possible. Being absent from class or other educational responsibilities does not excuse students from keeping up with any information shared or expectations set during the missed class. Students are responsible for obtaining materials and information provided during any class missed. The student shall work with the instructor to determine a schedule for making up missed work.

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.

Food Service and Chef City Grill

In order to provide food options to students, LWTech contracts for a market place option that offers a variety of healthy and fresh food selections, beverages, and snacks. The market is open during all regular college hours.

In addition, the college operates Chef City Grill, a training restaurant for students in the Culinary Arts program. It is open to the public for full meal service. Hours of operation vary throughout the year.

Support for Students Experiencing Harassment

Harassment is unacceptable, against the law, and will not be tolerated on campus or at any off-campus events. The college strictly forbids harassment based on types of unlawful discrimination such as race, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, religion, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that may offend the recipient, cause discomfort, or humiliation and interfere with school or job performance.

If you believe you have been subjected to harassment by anyone on campus or at an off-campus event, you may report it to the Vice President of Student Services office at (425) 739-8208 or the Executive Director of Human Resources at (425) 739-8251. Your concerns will be promptly investigated and you will not suffer retaliation for reporting your concerns.

The Learning Lab

East Building, E214 | thelearninglab@lwtech.edu | LWTech.edu/learninglab

The Learning Lab offers free drop-in tutoring from faculty, staff, and certified tutors to support students in understanding course concepts and accessing resources in English, math, sciences, general education, and select program classes.

Free Drop-In Tutoring

For hours of availability by subject and day, visit LWTech.edu/learninglab

On-Campus Computer Lab and Study Areas (temporarily closed due to COVID-19)

Monday 7:30am-4:00pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 7:30am-5:30pm
Friday 7:30am-4:00pm

Library Learning Commons

Technology Building, T213 | (425) 739-8320 | LWTech.edu/library

The Library Learning Commons at Lake Washington Institute of Technology offers a comfortable, flexible learning space for active learning, research, multi-media presentations, and working on collaborative projects. A dedicated and responsive team of librarians and library staff are available to support research and other information needs.

In addition, we offer:

• Databases and research resources, available on and off campus
• Faculty-provided textbooks and reserve materials for current courses
• Computers with specialized software, including an entire quiet-study computer lab, and laptops for in-library use
• Blu-Rays and DVDs (documentaries, educational resources, and popular films)
• Circulating technology (including cameras and microphones)
• Periodicals (general interest and program-specific)
• Study rooms that can be reserved
• Teaching and Learning Center (TLC), a classroom space with computers and other technologies

The Opportunity Grant Program

West Building, W207 | (425) 739-8100, x8448 | opportunitygrant@lwtech.edu

The Opportunity Grant (OG) Scholarship is designed to help low-income students in high demand pathways to reach their educational and employment goals. Students in the OG program may receive:

• Tuition and fees for up to 45 credits or up to 3 years, whichever comes first
• Up to $1000 per academic year for books and related supplies
• Academic advising and career planning
• Job search assistance and resources
• Personal support, goal setting, problem solving, and support services
• Clothing vouchers through YWCA

Eligibility guidelines to receive the grant include:

• Low income, determined by the 2020-2021 FAFSA/WAFSA and 2020-2021 income guidelines
• Washington state resident for at least 1 year
• Must be enrolled in Business Technology, Accounting, Healthcare or Professional-Technical IBEST programs
• Maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA
• No prior college degree

Parking/Transportation

LWTech provides free parking facilities for visitors and students in both day and evening programs. Parking is not allowed along roadways or traffic lanes.

Designated spaces are available for disabled persons who display a state-issued parking sticker. For a carpool parking permit application form, please visit the Campus Public Safety Office in the East Building, 1st floor, room E145.

The Kirkland campus is conveniently located on Metro bus route 238.

Supplemental Instruction (SI)

Supplemental Instruction (SI) provides academic support for academic core and technical courses. SI leaders are students who previously completed the courses they support. SI leaders assist students in class, as well as facilitate study sessions and peer review sessions after class in the SI Study Center (room T217 in the Library Learning Commons) or assist students in the support labs for technical programs. SI leaders collaborate with faculty members in the SI Study Center to support students in targeted courses. 

Typically supported courses include math, English, psychology, sociology, biology, communication, design, digital gaming, and computing and software development.

Smoking

LWTech is a smoke-free campus; however the college recognizes the privilege of personal choice. Smoking on campus, including the use electronic cigarettes, is limited to the following areas ONLY: the fenced and sheltered areas at the north end of the East and West wings of the East building, the smoking shelter located across the Fire Lane to the west of the Tech Center, the North, South, West and Horticulture parking lots and the Tech building outside parking area.

Student Complaints

If you believe you have been treated unfairly or wronged in some way, you should take the following steps:

• Try to resolve the issue with the person involved
• Talk to the person’s direct supervisor
• Request an appeal through the appropriate Vice President

More information is available in the student handbook.

Student Conduct Code

LWTech has specific expectations regarding the conduct of those involved in the college community. Students are expected to comply with the college student conduct code, WAC 495D-121, and failure to do so may result in disciplinary actions, up to and including dismissal from the college. The student conduct code is available in the student handbook, on the college website and in the college Policy and Procedure Manual located in the library.

Student Email

All admitted students receive a college email address and server storage. All students must check this email for announcements about college business including: registration information, enrollment dates, special programs, scholarships, and up-to-date announcements about college closures. To log on to your email visit LWTech.edu/email and follow the step by step instructions. Your initial password is your birthday in MMDDYY format. This email may be forwarded to a more familiar email address. For questions, email helpdesk@lwtech.edu.

Student Protections

No one in the college community shall suffer recrimination or discrimination because of participation in the due process grievance procedure. Confidentiality will be observed pending resolution. A grievance shall be considered resolved if timelines are not maintained. 

TRIO Projects

East Building, E214B | (425) 739-8361 | trio@lwtech.edu | LWTech.edu/TRIO

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Project: Provides academic support for eligible first-generation and/or low-income students.

TRIO Support Services for Students with Disabilities (SSSD) Project: Provides academic support for eligible students with documented disabilities.

TRIO Projects are federally funded grants that are available to provide academic support to eligible students. TRIO provides one-on-one tutoring, academic advising and academic planning, student success appointments, transfer planning, career planning, financial-literacy education, help finding and applying for scholarships and FAFSA, and graduation planning. Students are encouraged to complete their degree or certificate and, if possible, transfer into a bachelor’s program.

To be eligible for TRIO, you must:

• be a citizen, national, or permanent resident of the United States
• be enrolled or planning to enroll at LWTech
• be enrolled in an associate’s degree, certificate of proficiency program, or an applied bachelor’s degree
• be a first-generation and/or low-income student OR a student with a documented disability (first-generation means that neither the student nor the student’s parents/guardians has a bachelor’s degree)
• be able to meet the criteria for academic services set by the TRIO Projects
• complete a TRIO eligibility screening, application, and entry interview
• be able to meet with TRIO staff at least three times per quarter

For an eligibility screening and application, email trio@lwtech.edu or stop by E214B

All services are through grants from the U.S. Department of Education. However, the contents have not been reviewed by the Department and no endorsement should be inferred. The Lake Washington Institute of Technology Student Support Services TRiO Projects are 100% federally funded annually at $536,733.00.

WorkFirst Programs

West Building, W207 | (425) 576-5811 | Workfirst@lwtech.edu

WorkFirst offers access to training, support, resource referrals, and possible tuition and book assistance to TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) recipients attending LWTech, and referred by DSHS. Students must be enrolled in a professional technical program (not a transfer or Bachelor program) or basic skills classes like HS21+, ESL, or ABED. Support services include:

• Assistance in finding financial aid resources
• Academic advising and career planning
• Short term training and assistance in finding employment
• Information and referrals to community based organizations
• Tuition and book assistance (based on availability and other funding sources)
• Priority registration
• Clothing vouchers through YWCA
• Support in navigating DSHS

Worker Retraining

West Building, W207 | (425) 739-8206 | worker.retraining@lwtech.edu

The Worker Retraining program at LWTech provides specific services to students that meet eligibility requirements under these circumstances:

• laid off from work - currently receiving unemployment benefits or exhausted benefits in the last 48 months
• displaced homemakers - through divorce, separation, death, or other circumstances, you are no longer supported by the income of a partner in your home
• self-employed and are now unemployed due to general economic conditions
• currently working but are vulnerable to lay-off
• military veterans discharged in the last 48 months or current active duty

Services may include:

• tuition, book, and supply assistance
• educational planning
• development of an individual training plan
• priority registration
• career and job search assistance
• assistance with CAT/TB applications

Student Life and Leadership

LWTech.edu/campus-life/student-programs

Student Programs

East Building, E128 | (425) 739-8314

Student life is about getting involved, connecting to your campus community, and building your leadership skills. There are many ways to be involved in student life at the college. Being selected as an Associated Student Government officer, volunteering for Student Programs, joining or starting a student organization, or participating in the many campus life activities are some examples. Visit Student Programs to learn more about these opportunities.

Associated Student Government

East Building, E128 | (425) 739-8314

Associated Student Government Executive Board

An active student government at LWTech provides excellent leadership opportunities for students as well as a forum to address student issues and concerns.

Your Associated Student Government is a group of students annually selected to represent the concerns and successes of all LWTech students. They work as a 5-member board that throughout the year meet weekly, support student success, and represent students to the LWTech Administration. Meetings are open to all students and any student may bring a concern or idea to the Board. To be an Executive Board Officer, contact the Associated Student Government in East Building, E128. All officer positions are open each year, in spring quarter. When vacancies occur, the Associated Student Government selection committee is responsible for filling those vacancies.

Associated Student Government Committees

Yearly, ASG looks for students to serve on various college committees, including College Council, faculty tenure committees, ASG budget development, and hiring committees. These committees are a great way to volunteer your time to the college and learn how the college operates. You are able to provide your thoughts and ideas about the college as a student who experiences campus life. Committees often have a short volunteer time so these opportunities fit into any schedule.

Services and Activities Fee

The Associated Student Government Executive Board and Board of Trustees annually approve a Services and Activities fee included in tuition. Among other things, this fee makes up a student focused budget which is used to fund student clubs, conference travel for students, lectures, on campus employment, childcare services and emergency grants for students. Please take advantage of these services and more by getting involved.

Technology Fee

A technology fee assessed to almost all students for the improvement of technology found in and out of classrooms. The ASG Executive Board pursued the technology fee, based on the feedback received from the student body. Annually, the ASG assembles a student-focused committee to assign funding to submitted proposals. To work with this committee contact ASG in East Building, E128.

Campus Activities

The Campus Life Team provides events, activities, and resources for LWTech students that enrich our campus life and community. The purpose of these events, activities, and resources are to: connect students to our campus, provide opportunities to meet and socialize with other students, introduce students to new ideas and cultures, support students’ interests and identities, and contribute to students’ academic success and contribute to workplace skill building. Each quarter these events are created by our student Campus Life Team for their peers. We encourage all students to take advantage of campus activities.

Student Clubs and Organizations

Any student may charter a club through Student Programs. Clubs offer leadership and learning opportunities and help you take advantage of ways to enhance your college experience. Many clubs are funded through ASG with the services and activities fee paid through student tuition. Club meetings are open to anyone from the college community. Students involved in clubs can compete nationally for recognition, travel to conferences, develop lasting industry networks, and meet new people. It’s a great way to learn about LWTech and your industry.

Student ID Cards

Photo identification cards are available at no extra charge for currently enrolled students at the Enrollment Services office in West Building room 201, during posted hours. ID cards serve as the Library card, provide access to college services, and act as your printing card. To receive an ID card bring picture identification and student identification number to Enrollment Services. Cards are valid throughout enrollment. Replacement cards cost $2.

Student Lounges and Open Space

LWTech has many open spaces for students to gather. These spaces are managed by the college and are intended for students to gather, meet friends, hold study groups, and take a break between classes. If you encounter any issues with furniture or the surroundings, please contact Facilities and Operations in E199.

RISE Center

East Building, E126 | (425) 739-8210

The RISE Center: Resources for Inclusion, Support, and Empowerment aims to build an equitable and inclusive campus community for all students through educational programs and advocacy. Additionally, the center is a support service for students from traditionally underrepresented and underserved backgrounds, such as students from minoritized ethnic/racial groups, students with disabilities, first-generation college students (those who are the first in their family to attend/graduate from college), members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community, and undocumented students.

Meditation Room

Technology Building, T118

This is a room allocated for those in need of a quiet space on campus to engage in meditation, prayer, or silent reflection. It is intended to be a safe and inclusive environment. Usage of the meditation room is on a first-come, first-served basis, and only LWTech students, staff, or faculty are eligible to use the room during designated open hours. The room is managed by the RISE Center staff. Accessing the room is through a designated key card assigned by the RISE Center. Any questions or concerns about the meditation room can be directed to the RISE Center by calling (425) 739-8210 or stopping by the Center in East Building, E126.

New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation is a great opportunity to learn about LWTech. The online or in-person experience is designed to help new students: know available resources built for academic success, get to know new people, learn about out-of-class resources which support adjusting to college or LWTech life. The experience is designed for students new to college or new to LWTech. The in-person orientation also connects students to the campus through tours and classroom visits. Registration is required and available weeks before the in-person orientation. Online orientation is available throughout the year and new students are sent a link to take the orientation. Take the opportunity to get to know your college environment, resources, and classmates.