The College

YVC is one of the largest providers of postsecondary education in the south central region of Washington State and has a long tradition of quality teaching and a strong commitment to student success. YVC offers a comprehensive curriculum for bachelor of applied science degrees, transfer degrees, professional and technical degrees, and basic skills instruction.

YVC welcomes students of all ages with varied backgrounds and academic goals, and provides access to educational opportunities and services to anyone interested in attending school. Adults, whether or not they possess a high school diploma, may enroll at YVC without regard to their past educational record. The primary criterion is that the applicant can benefit from YVC programs.

YVC offers four quarters of classes throughout the academic year including fall, winter, spring, and summer. Courses are offered during the day and evening to accommodate work and life schedules. Courses are also available in different modes of delivery from face-to-face to online (eLearning).

Service District

As one of 34 community and technical colleges in Washington State, YVC’s service district is centered in Yakima County with facilities and programming in Kittitas County to the north and Klickitat County in the south. The main campus is located in the city of Yakima and a branch campus is situated 45 miles southeast in the community of Grandview. The Grandview Campus provides comprehensive educational services that are accessible to students in the southern portion of YVC’s service district. Students from Grandview, Granger, Mabton, Prosser, and Sunnyside can enroll in developmental, professional and technical, and college transfer courses. YVC has learning centers in the communities of Ellensburg, Toppenish, and Sunnyside offering basic skills instruction and English as a Second Language instruction.

History

YVC was founded in 1928 and is the third oldest community college in the State. It began as a private two-year college. In 1948 it became a public junior college under the auspices of the Yakima School District and then in 1967 the Washington State legislature passed the Community College Act and YVC became a state community college under the jurisdiction of the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

Mission Statement

YVC enriches and enhances individuals and communities by delivering accessible, student-centered education. YVC addresses the needs of its diverse communities by providing learning opportunities in basic literacy; academic, professional, and technical education; and lifelong learning. (Approved Board of Trustees, August 2008)

Core Themes

Community: YVC embraces its role as both a provider of higher education and an employer and actively seeks partnerships to provide opportunities for the economic, social, and cultural development of our external and internal communities.
Access: YVC increases access through programs and services that address diverse challenges, learning styles, goals, and schedules of students in the district.
Success: YVC provides learner-centered environments with a focus on its diverse students, providing a foundation for lifelong learning resulting in student achievement of educational goals through completion of courses, certificates, and degrees.
(Approved Board of Trustees, March 2010)

Accreditation and Affiliations

YVC is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, having been reviewed and reaccredited in 2012. Credits earned in many courses numbered 100 or higher are transferable to other colleges and universities nationwide.

In addition to the institution being accredited, several Workforce Education Division programs have earned special accreditation or recognition in their field of specialty. Additional information on this accreditation or recognition may be found in this catalog in the introductory comments for each of the following fields of study: the allied health technologies of medical assisting and surgical technology, automotive service technology, dental hygiene, nursing, radiologic sciences, and veterinary technology.

YVC is affiliated with the American Association of Community Colleges.

Governance

YVC is governed by a five-member board of trustees consisting of citizens who reside throughout Community College District 16. Board members are appointed by the Governor.

Hispanic-Serving Institution

YVC is designated by the US Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. A Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) is defined as a non-profit institution that has at least 25% Hispanic full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment. Beginning in 2002, YVC received the designation along with a Title V grant allowing the college to strengthen the institution for all students and faculty. The college has received additional Title V grants in subsequent years and the funds allow YVC to focus on projects that range from student support programs to classroom technology. Additional information can be found at www.YVCC.edu.

YVC General Education Outcomes

YVC general education outcomes are contained within courses in certificates over 45 credits, associate in arts - direct transfer agreement (DTA), associate of applied science, and bachelors of applied science degrees that teach students skills and knowledge expected of an educated person. YVC identifies computation/analytical reasoning, communication, and human relations as general education outcomes.

• Computation/Analytical Reasoning - is the ability to consider an issue, idea, or concept systemically and assess the component parts and their application.
• Communication - includes the delivery and reception of ideas.
• Human Relations - is currently being developed by the faculty assessment committee. Draft language should be available for faculty approval during the 2016-2017 academic year.

For a complete academic calendar visit www.yvcc.edu/ImportantDates.

Security

YVC Security is responsible for the enforcement of college policy, rules, regulations and local, state and federal laws on the YVC Campus. This includes tracking, monitoring and providing crime statistics required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure Act of 1998, which are made available in the campus security office. Crime statistics are also available on the security website: www.YVCC.edu/Security

Accidents, Auto, and Personal Injury

All accidents occurring on campus must be reported and documented immediately to campus security.

Alcohol and Drugs

YVC enforces the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.

Campus Closures

In the event that YVC cancels classes due to an emergency situation or weather condition, the college’s Emergency Preparedness Planning Team will take steps to inform the college community.

Students and employees can:

• Listen to local media outlets including television and radio stations in Yakima and Tri-Cities for information on college closures. Be sure to listen for clarification on whether the closure is for Yakima or Grandview campuses and whether only day classes or if evening classes are also affected. Evening students, please check the website in the late afternoon, as the status of the closure may change.
• View updated information on the college website: www.YVCC.edu/Alerts and Flash Alert Newswire website: www.SchoolReport.org
• Receive email/text messages through YVC’s notification system, RAVE. RAVE will automatically send YVC students and employees who have an email on file with the college an email alert. You have the option to change your preferences and add your cellphone number to receive a text message. The college will activate your RAVE account during your first quarter as a YVC student or employee, you are then responsible to manage the account by updating your contact information. For more details, visit www.YVCC.edu/Alerts unless otherwise notified, the college will resume regular business hours the following day. Information on YVC’s Emergency Preparedness Planning can be found online at www.YVCC.edu/Security.

Lost and Found

The campus Lost and Found is located in the Security Office.

Parking

• Student Parking: Student parking lots H and K are “open parking” and do not require a parking permit. All other parking areas on campus are restricted and require permits. The campus map is available on the YVC Security web site to help you to identify the location of the student parking lots and building locations. Please visit our website for additional information: http://www.YVCC.edu/Security
• Paid Parking: Individuals choosing to park in one of the college’s many paid parking lots will be required to pay all parking fees with exact change only. All-Day parking permits are valid in all YVC pay lots and must be displayed face-up on the dash to be valid.
• Visitors and Guests: Campus visitors and guests must receive a visitor permit from their YVC Host. Visitor permits are valid only in the visitor parking lot located in front of Prior Hall and must be placed face-up on the dash to be valid.
• Citations: Citations may be paid at the Cashier’s Office in the Deccio Higher Education Center. To appeal a ticket, contact the Security Office.

Services

Security staff can help with minor emergencies such as jump-starting a car or retrieving keys from non-power locks. Limited service is also available for vehicles with power locks. Lock your car and place anything of value out of sight or locked in the trunk. If you should experience a theft on campus, report it immediately to the Security Office. As in any public place, do not leave personal belongings unattended.