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 to 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

Founded in 1928, YVC is the third oldest community college in the State. It began as a private two-year college. In 1948, YVC became a public junior college under the auspices of the Yakima School District. 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 as 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

Yakima Valley College 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.

Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities indicates that it 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. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.

Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is not partial but applies to
the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the
competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of
opportunities available to students who attend the institution.

Inquiries regarding an institution’s accredited status by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and
Universities should be directed to administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
8060 165th Avenue N.E., Suite 100
Redmond, WA 98052
(425) 558‐4224 | www.nwccu.org

Several Workforce Education Division programs have earned special accreditation or recognition in their field of specialty. Additional information on this accreditation or recognition can be found in this catalog in the introductory comments for each of these 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 individuals 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. Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) are non-profit institutions that have at least 25% Hispanic full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment. Beginning in 2002, YVC received the designation 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 the ability to recognize diverse perspectives, analyze ethical behaviors and participate in society responsibly. 

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

Security

YVC Security is responsible to enforce 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 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 on campus must be reported and documented immediately to campus security.

Alcohol and Drugs

YVC maintains a drug-free campus policy, which includes the prohibition of marijuana and strict rules regarding alchol possesion or consumption. For a detailed description of campus drug and alcohol ploicy, see page 273. 

Campus Closures

If YVC cancels classes due to an emergency or weather condition, the college’s Emergency Preparedness Planning Team will try 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. 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 in the Security Office.

Parking

• Student Parking: Student parking lots H and K are “open parking” and require no parking permit. All other parking areas on campus are restricted and require permits. The campus map is available on the YVC Security website 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 parking in one of the college’s many paid parking lots will have 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 in front of Prior Hall and must be placed face-up on the dash to be valid. Visitor permits are not available to staff or students. 
• Citations: Citations may be paid at the Cashier’s Office in the Deccio Higher Education Center or mailed to P.O. Box 22520, Yakima, WA 98907 - attention Security. To appeal a citation, you must contact Campus Security within 14 days from the date of the citation. Failure to make contact within 14 days will result in forfeiting your right to appeal. Failure to pay within 45 days may cause forwarding your citation to a collection agency for further action. All additional fines or costs accumulated while in collections will be the responsibility of the vehicle’s registered owner. 

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 experience a theft on campus, report it immediately to the Security Office. As in any public place, do not leave personal belongings unattended.