About Our College

About BTC

BTC History

Bellingham Technical College began in 1957, serving Whatcom County adults as Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute, and was operated by Bellingham School District. In 1991, through state legislative action, the institution was designated a member of the Washington State Community and Technical College system as Bellingham Technical College (BTC). The college is located in a district of 2,210 square miles with a population of over 212,284. The majority of students are local, with a growing number moving to the area to enroll at BTC.

About Our Students

In the 2019-20 academic year, the college served over 3,867 students. Of those students, 58% were female and 41% were male, and 26% students of color and 45% first-generation college students. The average student age was 31 years old, and 45% of students were full-time (12+ credits). Of students seeking a degree or certificate, 60% received some kind of financial aid. BTC served 1,946 full-time equivalent students. Of students who left BTC during that year with at least 45 credits, 82% were employed within nine months of their last BTC course enrollment.

(Data sources: BTC Operational Data Store, SBCTC After College Outcomes Dashboard)

Accreditation Status

Bellingham Technical College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), which is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the United States Department of Education to accredit postsecondary institutions. BTC’s accreditation was reaffirmed in February 2016.

Accreditation by NWCCU indicates that BTC 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.

Accreditation by NWCCU applies to the institution as a whole. It provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates.

Inquiries regarding BTC’s accredited status should be directed to BTC’s administrative staff or by contacting the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, 8060 165th Avenue NE, Suite 100, Redmond, WA, 98052, 425.558.4224, www.nwccu.org.

In addition to institutional accreditation, many of BTC’s programs (e.g., Culinary Arts, Dental Hygiene, Nursing, Surgery Technology, Veterinary Technician) have national certification or accreditation. These are highlighted in the program descriptions.

Advisory Committees

The degree and certificate programs at Bellingham Technical College rely on the involvement and support of approximately 375 businesses, industry employers and employees from the community. Advice and direction offered by experts in the working world ensure that students are acquiring knowledge and skills that are in demand in the workforce.

An advisory committee representing each specific professional technical field meets regularly with faculty of the same instructional area on matters of curriculum review and development, facilities and equipment, guidance and career advisement, employment opportunities and placement, plus public relations and promotional activities.

Drug-Free Workplace

Bellingham Technical College is committed to providing a drug-free, healthful, safe, and secure workplace and environment, and has implemented a drug and alcohol abuse, prevention, and assistance program. The College will annually notify employees and students that the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on College property, or as any part of College activity, is prohibited. (WAC 495B-121-265 (10))

Bellingham Technical College intends to promote a drug-free, healthful, safe, and secure work environment. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of alcohol or any controlled substance is prohibited in or on property owned or controlled by Bellingham Technical College. The use of alcohol or any unlawful controlled substance while in or on property owned or controlled by Bellingham Technical College is prohibited. While state law permits the recreational use of marijuana, federal law prohibits such use on college premises or in connection with college activities. Prescription drug usage must be accomplished in a lawful and safe manner pursuant to a valid medical prescription. No employee will report to work while under the influence of alcohol or any unlawful controlled substance. A controlled substance is defined by RCW 69.50.201 through RCW 69.50.214 or pursuant to Title 21 USC Section 821 (Schedules I-IV), as now enacted or subsequently amended.

BTC recognizes drug dependency to be an illness and major health problem. The institution also classifies drug usage and abuse as a potential safety and security problem. Employees needing assistance in dealing with such problems are strongly encouraged to utilize the Employee Assistance Program, provided by health insurance plans, when appropriate.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Bellingham Technical College provides equal opportunity and access in education and employment and does not exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the basis of race, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, gender, citizenship status, national origin, age, marital status, religious preference, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, reliance on public assistance, sexual orientation, veteran status, political opinions or affiliations, or genetic information under any of its programs, activities and services. The College complies with all Washington State anti-discrimination 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, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination, equal opportunity, affirmative action or the ADA policies: Executive Director of Human Resources, 3028 Lindbergh Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225, 360.752.8354. For Title IX/504 compliance, contact: Vice President of Student Services, 3028 Lindbergh Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225, 360.752.8440.

BTC publications are available in alternate formats upon request by contacting the Accessibility Resources office at 360.752.8576.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Bellingham Technical College is committed to maintaining a welcoming, safe, and accessible campus environment by strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusivity in its campus community. The College recognizes these are essential elements of a healthy campus community.

The College believes every student deserves an opportunity for success in their education, and welcomes all students, inclusive of any race, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, gender, citizenship status, national origin, age, marital status, religious preference, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, reliance on public assistance, sexual orientation, veteran status, political opinions or affiliations, or genetic information under any of its programs, activities, and services.

The Bellingham Technical College Board of Trustees recognizes the importance of these as essential elements of a healthy campus community, supports efforts to achieve their ends, and acknowledges that this commitment to diversity applies to employees, students, and guests of Bellingham Technical College.

In order to manifest these values across campus, BTC has established the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEIC), a cross-constituency group that provides policy direction and recommendations to the College Assembly, DEIC is a deliberative body that sets the diversity and equity agenda for the college and monitors its progress toward achieving its goals. DEIC also serves as an operation committee, serving in a communication and advocacy capacity to maintain consistency of major college diversity, equity, and inclusion processes and procedures.

2018-23 Strategic Plan

The Strategic Plan was developed by the employees and students of Bellingham Technical College and guides our institutional work. We prioritize our activities, allocate our resources, and collaborate with others based on our strategic themes and goals, and are committed to creating, evaluating, and improving college practices and policies to support the Strategic Plan.

Mission

Bellingham Technical College provides student-centered, high-quality professional technical education for today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities.

Vision

Bellingham Technical College will be a recognized leader in providing innovative and effective technical education, maximizing student potential and supporting the regional economy through development of a competitive workforce.

Values

As a learning community, Bellingham Technical College is committed to educational excellence and equity realized through a positive, values-based campus environment. To fulfill BTC’s mission and vision, the college will adhere to the following values:

Student-Centered  Creating a supportive and inclusive community that results in a high level of student competence, professionalism, and success.

Responsive  Embracing positive, effective change that creates opportunity and meets current and emerging needs.

Collaborative  Creating and leveraging partnerships and resources to achieve shared values and goals for students, the college, and the community.

Principled  Promoting a culture of respect and accountability, reflecting integrity in decision-making, and ensuring responsible stewardship of all resources.

Themes

Teaching & Learning: Foster teaching and learning through quality instructional methods, effective student learning environments, job skills training, and professional development.

Student Career Preparation & Achievement: Facilitate student career preparation and achievement through career advising, workplace readiness and soft skills training, job placement and support, and strong employer relationships.

Innovation & Responsiveness: Promote innovation and responsiveness by keeping up with current workplace practices, trends, and latest technology; supporting adaptation to change; and developing external partnerships.

Campus Community & Culture: Strengthen campus community and culture through a collaborative workplace, connected infrastructure, transparent governance, respectful and open communication, and a welcoming and safe environment.

Bellingham Technical College Foundation

The Bellingham Technical College Foundation’s mission is to change lives by expanding access to quality education.

The Foundation Board of Directors and staff forward this mission by partnering with individuals, businesses, alumni, grant-making institutions, and other community organizations.

Established in 1987 as a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, the Bellingham Technical College Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors. Early on, the foundation’s primary function was to serve as a conduit for scholarship awards and gifts of in-kind equipment. Since the first staff was hired in 1997, the BTC Foundation has played an increasingly important role in enhancing student success and helping Bellingham Technical College reach its goals.

The Foundation Board has set ambitious three-year fundraising goals (2020-2023), including the commitment to raise:

• $1,080,000 to support scholarships for BTC students;
• $375,000 in direct support of BTC programs;
• $345,000 to support the foundation’s “Greatest Need” fund, which supports a variety of campus priorities, including: emergency grants and other assistance for students; faculty and staff professional development; support for BTC veterans; and the campus Food Pantry.

There are many ways to support BTC through the foundation, including: making an annual or named scholarship donation, establishing an endowed scholarship through the foundation, donating gifts of stock or other assets, making a pledged gift over time, or donating equipment to support our college’s programs. If you or someone you know would like to support the BTC Foundation’s mission, you may do so online at www.btc.edu/foundation, or by calling us at 360.752.8684. We are happy to assist you in any way possible.

BTC transforms lives. The BTC Foundation is privileged to be able to work on behalf of the college and to champion student success. The foundation is located on the second floor of the Morse Center Building (rooms 201-202).

Bellingham Technical College Foundation
3028 Lindbergh Ave Bellingham, WA 98225
360.752.8684
www.btc.edu/foundation

Tax ID #91-1658027

FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS

The BTC Foundation typically awards more than $350,000 in scholarships each year to an average of 50% of the students who apply. The scholarship application is available online at the beginning of Spring Quarter with the application deadline typically on or around June 30.

Learn more at www.btc.edu/scholarships.

College Calendar 2021-2022

NOTES:

*   If registering after Tuition & Fee Due Date, payment is due within 48 hours. After quarter start, payment is due within 24 hours.
**  Published Refund dates are for full-quarter length classes. Shorter classes are pro-rated. Please see the Refund Policy.
*** Published Drop & Withdrawal dates are for full-quarter length classes. Dates vary for classes with alternative schedules.

The College Calendar is tentative, pending final approval, and is subject to change.
Visit us on the web at www.btc.edu/calendar

LIMITS OF CATALOG

Bellingham Technical College reserves the option to amend, modify, or revise any provision of this catalog and its programs for any reason, including but not limited to:

• A lack of funds to operate a program or course
• Unavailability of faculty
• A change in administrative or Board of Trustees policy
• A change in laws, rules, or regulations of local, state, or federal laws which govern the operation of technical colleges.

BTC Map & Directions to Campus

How to Find our Campus

From I-5: Take Exit 258 (airport exit). Follow the signs - left off the exit, left onto Bennett Drive, left onto Marine Drive, left onto Lindbergh Ave. For College Services Bldg., turn left onto Nome St.

From Downtown Bellingham: Follow Holly St. to Eldridge Ave. After the stone bridge (watch for sign), turn right onto Nequalicum Ave. For College Services Bldg., go straight onto Nome St.

From Guide Meridian: At the south end of Guide Meridian, turn right on Broadway. Right onto Eldridge Ave. After the stone bridge, turn right onto Nequalicum Ave. For College Services Bldg., go straight onto Nome St.

BTC Campus Map  

Off Campus locations: Technology Development Center (TDC), 1000 F St., Bellingham: Composites Engineering; Perry Center for Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences, 1600 C St., Bellingham: Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences.

^{Instructional sites are easily accessible to students using wheelchairs or crutches. Building M is not barrier-free. Disabled students who wish to take a class at a site which does not accommodate their disability should contact Accessibility Resources at 360.752.8345 or AR@btc.edu.}