Section 3
Running Start Program: Questions & Answers

Fees (F)

FQ-1: May a high school seek reimbursement from a Running Start student for failure of a course?

Ans: No.

FQ-2: May the college collect fees from the Running Start student for parking, student activities and lab fees?

Ans: Yes, if the fee can be legitimately characterized as a consumable cost and does not restrict access to the student's full participation in course work and instruction-related activities. Students may be charged for consumable supplies, texts, or other materials to be retained by the student. Each fee must each be evaluated individually for its impact on course work and related activities and charged (or not) based on that determination. Fees subject to this analysis include, but are not limited to the following: Mandatory, student approved fees, such as transportation demand management fees; facility use fees; other optional use fees, such as those required for participation in student activities not directly related to the course work; fees for parking, student I.D. cards, recreation center access fees; and computer lab fees (unrelated to course work). Colleges may internally charge these costs to the Running Start income received from the school district for the Running Start enrollments.

FQ-3: What is the credit maximum for student tuition and when do colleges charge extra tuition for overloads taken by students?

Ans: With the exception of vocational program enrollments, the first credit beyond the 18 credit maximum allowed in the Running Start rules, as amended, should be charged as the first state credit at appropriate per-credit rates and the two-credit minimum would apply. For students enrolled in vocational programs, where program requirements necessitate enrollment for more than 18 credits per quarter (or five clock hours for technical colleges), the college can waive the credits above 18. Student enrollment in classes beyond program requirements should be charged at regular state rates.

FQ-4: Can school districts assess a fine or fee against students for failing running start courses, or withdrawing from RS courses or never showing up for RS courses.

Ans: TThere is no basis for such a fee, particularly for academic failure. Assessing a penalty against one subset of students for failing academically is inequitable and raises an equal protection question. Under RCW 28A.225.210, each district is to admit all students residing within its borders on a tuition free basis. Under RCW 28A.600, participation in Running Start is a option open to all student who attain junior or senior status. Thus, assessing a financial penalty for poor academic performance is contrary to the tuition-free provision of basic ed services.

Regarding assessment of a fee for withdrawing or not attending RS classes, there is a general rule regarding government's imposition of fees that holds fees are collectible only when and to the extent authorized by law. There is no express authority to assess such fees. Further, the running start legislation makes it clear that schools cannot condition running start participation in any way on payment of fees.