Student Services & Financial Aid

Disability Resource Services

The college is dedicated to providing equal access to all college programs and activities per Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended. Disability Resource Services offers accommodation services to students who are Deaf or hard of hearing, and students with disabilities or health conditions. Students are encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Services office for more information at (425) 235-5840, drs@RTC.edu, or in DeMoss Building, J, Room 218.

Bookstore

The RTC Bookstore stocks the textbooks and supplies required for classes, reference books and materials, electronic/computer supplies, clothing, gifts and cards. A special order service is also available on request.

Extended and Saturday hours are available for the beginning of Fall, Winter and Spring quarters. Please call the Bookstore for extended, school break, holiday and Summer hours.

Located in the Robert C. Roberts Campus Center, Building I.

For more information, call (425) 235-2323 or bookstore.RTC.edu

(Note: Bookstore hours will vary during summer months)

Bus Routes

Metro buses serve the college’s main campus. For bus schedules or information on bus routes to our other sites, please call the Metro Transit Information Line (206) 553-3000 or visit on to http://metro.kingcounty.gov/

Campus Security

RTC provides campus security to ensure the safety of our students. The Campus Security Department at Renton Technical College provides safety and security services to the campus community. The Campus Security Department works closely with the Renton Police and Fire Departments and other local emergency service agencies.

The Campus Security Department acts as the first responder for all incidents on campus, provides general patrol of campus facilities and property, manages both traffic safety and parking management for the college, coordinates emergency preparedness planning and provides crime prevention programming. The department responds to all reports of fire and/or medical aid working in support of the Renton Fire Department.

The Campus Security Department also provides community members with assistance when they are locked out of their vehicles or need a jumpstart because of a dead battery. We also offer escorts to and from classes.

The Campus Security Department is located in Building N, Room 103. For more information, call (425) 235-7871.

ATM

An automated teller machine (ATM) is available outside the entrance to the Cafeteria in the Robert C. Roberts Campus Center, (Building I). Users pay a nominal fee.

Cooperative Education

Many of the training programs offer a cooperative education component, a combination of classroom instruction and related work experience. Cooperative positions often become jobs when the training is over because employers want to retain proven workers. Instructors coordinate and seek out cooperative opportunities.

Counseling and Advising/Student Success Center

Renton Technical College offers counseling services to prospective students to assist them in selecting college offerings that fit their interests, goals and aptitudes, as well as insights on other career-related issues.

Located in the Robert C. Roberts Campus Center, Building I.

For more information, call (425) 235-5840.

(Note: Counseling & Advising/Student Success Center hours will vary during summer months).

Food Services

Our restaurants and bakery provide a hands-on environment for training students. Food services are available when school is in session. Limited food services are available when school is not in session. A wide variety of vending machines are available in Buildings A, B, C, I, and L for all your night and weekend food needs.

The Culinary Arts facility is located in the Robert C. Roberts Campus Center, (Building I). Weekly menus are available online at rtc.edu/dining-services

Bakery

An assortment of freshly baked goods is prepared daily by students in the Professional Baking program and sold in the RTC Bakery. Special order cakes, pies or other breads and pastries are available.

For more information, or ordering, call (425) 235-2353, ext. 5596

(Minimum three (3) day notice required for special orders.)

Open hours during holidays and between quarters will vary.

C.A.F.E.

The college cafeteria features daily specials from the grill, breakfast, deli, salad bar and beverage station.

Open hours during holidays and between quarters will vary.

Catering

Let RTC make your event special, whether it’s a wedding, box lunch, sit-down meal, or special occasion at home or at work. Facilities on campus are available for rental for any size group, from small business meetings to weddings and conferences. Also available for rental are staging, draping, audiovisual and other equipment.

For more information, call (425) 235-5845, ext. 4, or RTC.edu/catering.

Culinaire Room

The Culinaire Room is a sit-down restaurant featuring upscale daily menus at reasonable prices. It offers a delicious selection of Northwest, ethnic and international cuisine.

Open hours during holidays and between quarters will vary.

Culinaire Express

Fast foods for people on the go! Quick burgers, wraps, baskets, pizza, and specials are offered daily.

Open hours during holidays and between quarters will vary.

International Students

The college issues Certificates of Eligibility (for student visas) to international students who plan to enroll in a vocational, academic program.

For more information, call (425) 235-5840.

Learning Resource & Career Center

The Learning Resource & Career Center (LRCC) offers personalized assistance and specialized tools that help students achieve their academic and career goals. The LRCC staff is committed to helping students make connections between academic experiences and career paths. Providing compassionate, comprehensive assistance to RTC students and alumni is our top priority.

The LRCC is located in Building C, Room C-102 and provides several free services to the students, staff, and alumni of RTC. Services provided include:

• Three types of tutoring: online eTutoring, drop-in tutoring, and program peer tutoring
• Career Services: job search, resume, mock interview.
• Open work space: tables, projector, whiteboards
• Open computer lab with free printing
• CHIPS: free computer help & repair
• Financial aid and scholarship help
• Open computer lab with free printing
• Student ID cards

The RTC student body is diverse and so are the ways we can help everyone succeed. For more information, call the Learning Resource & Career Center (425) 235-2352 ext. 5721 or visit us at http://rtc.edu/lrcc.

Library Resource Center

The library has a full range of books, periodicals, DVDs, video tapes, and audio tapes.

In addition, the library subscribes to many online databases that expand the library collection with thousands of full-text resources. Library staff members are eager to help students locate information and do research to support instructional and career development. The library staff will also help users identify and obtain items from other libraries. The library has ample study space, including many private group study rooms.

Even when the library is closed, through the RTC Library website, students have access to more than 40,000 online books, 10,000 magazines and journals, and, 24 hours a day 7 days a week, online chat consultation with a live librarian is available.

Normal library hours during Fall, Winter and Spring quarters are:

Open hours during holidays and between quarters will vary.

Parking Rules & Permits

Parking rules and regulations are enforced 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the calendar year. RTC students, employees and visitors are required to obtain parking permits for their vehicles.

• Student parking permits are free of charge and are available from:
  Student Services, Roberts Campus Center, Building I
• Employee parking permits can be obtained from the Campus Safety Office at:
  Security, Building N, Room 103

General Parking Rules

Unless cars are marked with a special permit (disabled, carpool or visitor), students are required to park in the regular student parking lots on weekdays. On weekends, students may also park in any employee lot.

Information subject to change - please check entrance sign at lots for current restrictions.

• Park one vehicle to a space inside a set of white lines. The rule of thumb is: if the area does not have white lines around it, it is not a legal parking spot-be aware that RTC does not mark all illegal zones with red curbs and “No Parking” signs.
• No one may park at any time in roadways, fire lanes, bus zones, loading zones, service driveways, on sidewalks, and on the landscape.
• No one may park in a reserved space without the appropriate permit or authorization.

In addition to imposing fines, vehicles may be impounded due to the following grounds but not limited to:

• Blocking a roadway so as to impede the flow of traffic
• Blocking a fire hydrant or fire lane
• Creating a safety hazard
• Blocking another legally parked vehicle,
• Parking in a marked “tow away” zone and having outstanding unpaid parking citations.

Student Housing & Transportation

While RTC does not provide housing or transportation for students, we will assist in providing information. Housing in the Renton area is available in a variety of price ranges.

Student Insurance

Accident and health insurance is available for all students of Washington State’s Community and Technical Colleges. Students are responsible for paying the insurance premiums outlined in the plan.

For more information, call (425) 235-2352.

Student Leadership

Student Leadership facilitates leadership development, provides opportunities for student involvement and supports student learning, creating connections for student success. Diverse activities and programs are supported in a nurturing learning environment. Student Leadership teams include the RTC Associated Student Government, Events & Activities Board, Student Ambassadors and diverse student organizations and clubs.

Testing Services

Our testing center provides testing services to a diverse community, fulfilling the assessment needs of prospective and current students. The Testing Center publishes a monthly calendar is available both on campus and online.

Please note that children are not permitted in the Testing Center.

All tests administered in the Testing Center require non-expired government issued picture identification and a copy of the receipt showing payment for the test. Test fees are not refundable.

Testing Center check-in is located in the DeMoss Building J, Room 218.

For more information, call (425) 235-2352 ext. 5704 or email TestingCenter@RTC.edu

ACCUPLACER Placement Testing

Before enrolling in a Professional-Technical program or General Education class at RTC, students are required to take the ACCUPLACER placement assessment. The ACCUPLACER test includes reading comprehension, sentence skills, arithmetic, elementary algebra, college-level mathematics and the writing test. The ACCUPLACER assessment is offered on the computer and has no time limit. The scores are used to determine appropriate class placement, referral services, and by financial aid for state aid consideration. A counselor or advisor may review the scores with the tester as part of the educational planning process. Students must start the assessment during the posted hours on the testing calendar.

Before taking the test, students are encouraged to visit the Learning Resource & Career Center (C-102) to take a practice exam. While in the LRCC students can get free math tutoring to brush up on their skills before taking the actual exam.

The ACCUPLACER assessment costs $10 per exam, or $25 for all three exams.

Using Assessment Scores from Other Schools: If you have taken the ACCUPLACER placement test at another school, you have the option to transfer those scores to Renton Technical College.

We do not accept ACCUPLACER scores. You may submit your ACCUPLACER scores from other schools only if they are less than two years old.

Exception: If you have attended other colleges and have completed college level English, writing or math (intermediate algebra and higher) with at least a 2.0 grade point average, please bring your transcript to the Student Success Center in Building I and the ACCUPLACER assessment may be waived. Copies of your transcript are acceptable.

Students registering in continuing education classes are not required to take the ACCUPLACER assessment test.

RTC Testing Center: http://www.rtc.edu/page/testing-services

GED Testing Service: https://ged.com/

How to Apply for Financial Aid

It’s easy to apply for financial aid. Students can submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. The FAFSA collects financial data and other information that is used to calculate the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) that ultimately determines a student’s eligibility for aid. The federal code for Renton Technical College is 014001.

The key to obtaining financial aid is to apply early. Students should apply at least three months prior to the time they expect to enter school. Students may begin the process at any time; however, financial aid will not be awarded until a start date has been assigned.

• The FAFSA worksheet can be picked up in the Financial Aid Office, Building I, Room 205.
• Students can submit the FAFSA electronically. Visit fafsa.gov/. This website is provided by the Department of Education and allows students to transmit the application online.
• If you need assistance filling out the FAFSA, you can drop into the Financial Aid Office on Fridays, or visit the Learning Resource & Career Center Monday - Thursday from 11am to 4pm.
• If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA due to your immigration status, you still may be eligible to apply for the State Need Grant by completing the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). For more information go to readysetgrad.org/wasfa.
• Students will be required to complete an RTC Data Sheet and possibly other forms. Visit rtc.edu/financial-aid
• Students should stay in touch with the Financial Aid Office to be certain that all information needed to complete their file has been turned in on time.

Eligibility Requirements

All financial aid recipients must meet the following requirements:

• Have a high school diploma, High School Equivalency or ACCUPLACER (approved ability to benefit tests). (Note: for federal funds a student must have a high school diploma or GED).
• Be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program.
• Not owe a repayment on a grant or be in default on a student loan.
• Have financial need as determined by the federal need analysis.
• Be registered with Selective Service if required.

Awards and Disbursements

The Renton Technical College Financial Aid Office processes the student’s financial aid file and determines eligibility for grants, work study, and loans based on the student’s enrollment level.  Full-time enrollment is 12 credits or more, three-quarter-time is 9-11 credits, half-time is 6-8 credits and less-than-half-time is 5 credits or less.  Students are notified of their financial aid eligibility with an award letter mailed to their address on file.  Grants are prorated based on the student’s enrollment level through the fifth day of the quarter.  Because loans must be repaid with interest, an additional application is required.  Student loans require a minimum enrollment in six credits. 

Satisfactory Progress

It is important to remember that financial aid eligibility is based on academic standing as well as credits completed versus credits registered for. We review your progress from your start date at RTC, even if you did not receive aid. It is possible to lose eligibility without ever having received aid.

In order to remain eligible for financial aid, you must meet the following satisfactory academic progress requirements: At the end of each grading period, you must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, successfully complete at least 67% of your cumulative attempted credits and not attempt more than 150% of the total credits required for your degree/certificate program.

Warning

You are eligible to receive financial aid while on warning status.

If you fail to maintain the satisfactory academic requirements listed above, you will be placed on financial aid warning at RTC for the next term.  At the end of the term, progress will be reviewed.

Suspension

If at the end of a warning period you have not met the cumulative completion and/or GPA satisfactory academic progress requirements, your aid will be suspended. You have the option to submit an appeal or complete credits at your own expense until the cumulative completion and/or GPA satisfactory academic progress requirements have been met. 

You will be placed on financial aid suspension from financial aid at Renton Technical College if:

• You fall below a cumulative 2.0 GPA following a warning period.
• You fail to complete at least 67% of your cumulative attempted credits following a warning period.
• You have attempted 150% of the total credits required for your degree/certificate program.

Reinstatement After Suspension

You may request reinstatement of eligibility after completing credits at your own expense which resulted in you meeting the cumulative completion and/or GPA satisfactory academic progress requirements.  Sitting out a period of time in and of itself is not sufficient to re-establish your financial aid eligibility.

Maximum Time Frame of Funding

The maximum time frame for funding to complete a training program is 150% of the published length of the program. (For Washington State Need Grant recipients it is 125%.)

Appeals

You have the option to appeal your financial aid suspension if you had a mitigating circumstance you would like us to review.  Appeal forms are available in the financial aid office.

Types of Aid

Renton Technical College offers financial assistance to eligible students in the form of grants, work study, loans and scholarships. A financial aid award may consist of one or more of the following programs:

• Grants
• Work Study Programs
• Loans
• Scholarships
• Veterans Programs

Grants

Grants are considered gift aid and do not require repayment unless a student leaves school before completing more than 60% of the term. RTC participates in the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Opportunity Grant, and Washington State Need Grant programs.

Work Study Programs

Work Study programs provide part-time employment to eligible students, on and off campus. The maximum a student can earn is determined by financial need and funds available. Students can work up to 19 hours per week while school is in session. Every effort is made to place students in jobs which relate to their training. RTC participates in both the federal and state work study programs. A list of current Work Study jobs can be accessed online on the RTC Career Connections website - https://rtc-csm.symplicity.com/ .

Loans

The Federal Direct Student Loan Program offers long term loans which allow students to postpone paying for a portion of their school expenses until after they graduate or leave school. Repayment begins six months after completion or withdrawal from the professional technical program.

Renton Technical College participates in the Direct Stafford Loan Program (subsidized, unsubsidized and Parent PLUS).

• Subsidized Direct Loans are need-based. A student’s eligibility to borrow is based on financial need as determined by the federal government, which pays interest on the loan while the student is in school.
• Unsubsidized Direct Loans do not require a student to show financial need; however, the cost of the student’s education must exceed any other financial aid offered. The student, not the federal government, is responsible to pay all interest that accrues on this loan.
• Direct Parent PLUS loans are loans a dependent student’s parents take out to help the student pay for their education. Eligibility to borrow is based on the parents’ credit worthiness and the student’s unmet need. Repayment begins as soon as the funds are disbursed.

The Emergency Student Loan is a $200 short-term institutional loan available to financial aid students who are making satisfactory progress. All loans must be repaid no later than the end of the quarter in which they are received. Funds are limited.

Scholarships

The Renton Technical College Foundation, in partnership with various service, business and professional organizations in the community, provides more than $30,000 in scholarships annually. Current students will receive scholarship announcements via their student email account throughout the year from the Director of Student Engagement.

Visit the Learning Resource & Career Center, Building C, Room 102, to browse a list of external scholarships or make an appointment with a tutor for personal guidance.

Veterans Programs

Most of the training programs at Renton Technical College that offer a Certificate of Completion or an Associate of Applied Science degree are approved for benefits under the following Veterans Administration regulations: Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation), 30 (Montgomery Bill), 32 (VEAP), 33 (Post 9/11), 35 (Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance) and 1606, 1607 (Reserves) of Title 38, U.S. Code.

Students who plan to use their veterans benefits are required to contact the Veterans Specialist located in Building J, Room 218C. A determination of eligibility by the Veterans Administration and the receipt of your first month’s benefits can take four to six weeks, so it’s a good idea to apply well in advance of your anticipated start date if you plan to use your benefits to pay for initial tuition costs. Veterans who have not previously used their benefits must complete Form 22-1990 and submit a copy of their form DD-214 and a notice of eligibility. Veterans who have used their educational benefits at a prior college must submit an academic transcript for evaluation of credits along with Form 22-1995 to request a change of program or place of training and submit a copy of their form DD-214.

If the Veteran has other funding sources for tuition, you must notify the certifying official.

All veterans are required to keep the Veterans Specialist apprised of enrollment plans each quarter and are expected to conform to the academic standards of the financial aid satisfactory progress policy to remain eligible for benefits.

Renton Technical College offers an approximately 25% discount for all veterans who are honorably discharged and are residents of the state of Washington.  DD-214 must be presented for the discount. 

Renton Technical College does not and will not provide any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on success in securing enrollment or financial aid to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting or admissions activities or in making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance.

State Certifying Officials

Agency Funded Students

The Financial Aid Office acts as the liaison between students and the various public and private agencies who offer funding, including:

• Division of Vocational Rehab (DVR)
• Department of Labor and Industries (L&I)
• Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
• Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
• Employment Security
• Private Insurance

Basic Food Employment & Training (BFET)

The Basic Food Employment and Training program (BFET) provides access to training and career services to food stamp recipients who are not participating in the TANF program. An RTC counselor will determine your eligibility.

For more information, call the Student Success Center at (425) 235-5840.

Opportunity Grant

Students eligible for the Opportunity Grant may receive funds to cover 45 credits of tuition/mandatory fees and up to $1,000 for books and supplies. Support services such as tutoring, college success workshops, emergency childcare, and emergency transportation are also part of the Opportunity Grant program. Due to limited availability of funds, submitting an application does not guarantee that you will receive an award. Student must be enrolled in an Opportunity Grant eligible program.

For more information, call Financial Aid at (425) 235-2352 ext. 5720.

Worker Retraining

If you have been terminated or received notice of termination from your job, are currently receiving unemployment benefits from the state of Washington, or have exhausted unemployment benefits within the last four years, or have been discharged from the military, or have been self-employed or are a displaced homemaker, you may be eligible to receive financial aid for approved training programs to help cover the costs of tuition, books, child care and transportation.

For more information, call the Student Success Center at (425) 235-5840.

WorkFirst

Tuition assistance is available for Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF) recipients and working parents who meet income guidelines. You may be eligible if you are receiving temporary assistance for needy families (TANF), working for pay, and your Individual Responsibility Plan (IRP) includes training; or you are working for pay, low-income, a custodial or non-custodial parent financially responsible for a child, and not receiving any other form of financial aid. An RTC counselor will determine your eligibility.

For more information, call the Student Success Center at (425) 235-5840.

Financial Aid Refund and Repayment Policy

Return of Title IV Funds

Students who receive Title IV aid (Federal Pell, Federal SEOG, Federal Direct Subsidized and/or Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loans and Direct Parent PLUS) and withdraw from school are subject to the Return of Title IV aid regulations. Federal law requires that a student must earn the aid they receive. When a student withdraws, drops out or otherwise fails to complete more than 60% of the term for which they received federal funds, the school is required to determine the amount earned using the Return of Title IV aid regulations.

If a student completes more than 60% of the term, it is determined that all financial aid has been earned. If a student completes 60% or less of the term, the earned and unearned portion will be calculated.

The unearned portion of tuition will be returned by the college to the appropriate Title IV program. The college will then bill the student for the amount of tuition that was returned in excess of the college’s refund policy.