Registration
Page updated 4/7/25. See corrections page for details.
360-992-2183
For more detailed information regarding enrollment for new, continuing or transfer students please see the website at http://www.clark.edu/enroll/registration/index.php.
- Specific information on dates, deadlines, and hours of service can be found on the Clark College website at www.clark.edu/current.
- Priority registration access is given to eligible veterans. Qualifying students will receive access to registration services prior to the continuing student population. Students approved for registration accommodation due to disability will also register during this time period.
- Continuing student access to enroll is based on a number on a number of factors. Participation in specific programs and number of credits/units earned are among the factors utilized to determine access.
Course Formats
Students may register for courses in several different formats including web-enhanced, hybrid, remote and online. See Clark College eLearning for more details on what each format requires.
Registration Policies
Credit/Unit Maximum
Students may register online or in person for 0-20 credits/units. Students who wish to add excess credits/units (i.e., 21 or more) must make an appointment and obtain permission from an advisor to register over the credit/unit maximum.
Late Registration Policy
Beginning the third (3rd) day of the term, instructor permission is required to enroll into any regular starting class.
First Week Attendance Policy
It is essential that students attend the first class meeting of their courses. If a student is unable to attend due to an emergency or conflict of a serious nature, students should contact the instructor. If the instructor is not designated in the class schedule, the student should contact either the Division Office or the Office of Instruction, which will direct the student appropriately. Students who fail to attend one (1) or more sessions during the first five (5) days of the term may be dropped from the class. Students who miss any classes during the first five (5) days are responsible for verifying their enrollment status.
Students registered in online courses must log into their course by the first day of the term and complete all first-week course requirements by their due dates. This is accomplished by accessing the Canvas course shell (unless alternate instructions have been provided by the instructor). For more information about logging into Canvas, visit eLearning Getting Started. If a student has not completed first-week course requirements set by the instructor during the first five (5) days of the term, the student may be dropped from the course.
Note: Students who drop or are dropped by the college during the first five (5) days of the term will receive a full refund of tuition and fees, if due. Students are responsible for verifying all transactions regarding course registration.
Dropping a Class and/or Withdrawal from the College
Students who find it necessary to withdraw from classes must do so formally. The withdrawal process can be completed online using ctcLink or in person using a Change of Registration form at the Enrollment Services Office. The dates and deadlines for dropping and/or withdrawing from classes are available at www.clark.edu/enroll/registration/academic-calendar.php
- A class officially dropped before the 10th business day of the term will not appear on your transcript.
- Beginning the 11th business day and through the day prior to the last day of term, classes formally dropped will post to your transcript with a withdrawal grade of "W."
- No withdrawals will be accepted after the day before the end of term.
- For classes with unusual start and end dates, no withdrawals will be accepted after 80% of the class meetings have occurred.
- One-day classes: If you believe that extenuating circumstances justify a withdrawal after the class met, you may submit a Petition for Exception to the Withdrawal Policy Form at the Enrollment Services Office. An instructor signature will be required to verify that you did not attend the class. Requests for exceptions to the Withdrawal Policy for one-day classes will be accepted up to 10 business days after the class has met. If approved, a student will receive a withdrawal grade of "W." Refunds for one-day courses are available if the student withdraws prior to the first class session.
Administrative Withdrawal
Under guidance of the Registrar, students who meet the circumstances as stated in the Procedure for Administrative Withdrawal Request may request a withdrawal. This process is not intended to be used for students who fail to meet the established withdrawal deadlines. Extenuating circumstances for consideration must be:
- verifiable error on the part of a Clark College employee
- miscommunication on the part of a Clark College employee that prevented a student from taking appropriate action
- documentable misinformation about Clark College policies or procedures
- sudden medical emergency or death of an immediate family member that physically prevented a student from withdrawing during the established withdrawal guidelines
Students may contact the Enrollment Services Office at enroll@clark.edu for more information about an Administrative Withdrawal or join the Enrollment Services virtual Zoom for assistance.
Deadline exceptions and refunds may be granted on the student’s behalf or by student request in the event of a natural disaster, catastrophe or other event outside of the control of the college and the student that prevents completion of scheduled coursework. If such an incident occurs the college will contact affected students to provide additional information, tuition refunds or other applicable resolutions
Auditing a Class
Students may enroll in courses on an audit basis with instructor permission and upon payment of regular tuition and fees. Students who audit a course are exempt from examinations and do not receive college credit; however, the instructor may require reasonable attendance and class participation.
To change from credit to audit, or audit to credit, students must submit a Registration Form to the Enrollment Services Office with photo ID. Such changes may be made only with the written consent of the instructor and must be processed by the end of the 10th day of the quarter (8th day summer). After the 10th (or 8th) day of the quarter, students may audit classes with permission from the course instructor and the appropriate instructional dean.
Student Attendance Status
Clark College considers students enrolled in twelve (12) or more credits/units to be full-time students. The definition of “full-time student,” however, may vary for certain agencies, such as Veterans Services, Financial Aid, Social Security, and insurance companies. Student attendance status for Financial Aid and MGIB GI Bill® Chapters 30, 31, 35, 1606, 1607, is as follows:
Financial Aid
GI Bill® Attendance Status for Fall, Winter and Spring Terms
| Attendance Status | Credit/Unit Hours Per Term |
|---|---|
| Full-time student | 12 credit/unit hours |
| Three-quarter-time student | 9-11 credit/unit hours |
| Half-time student | 6-8 credit/unit hours |
GI Bill® Attendance Status for Summer Term
| Attendance Status | Credit/Unit Hours Per Term |
|---|---|
| Full-time student | 8 credit/unit hours |
| Three-quarter-time student | 6-7 credit/unit hours |
| Half-time student | 4-5 credit/unit hours |
| Less than half-time | 3 credits/units or less |
Post 9/11 GI Bill® Student Attendance Status
Post 9/11 GI Bill® calculated at Rate of Pursuit. Students must be enrolled in at least 7 (seven) credits/units to receive their expected BAH.
- 12 (twelve) credits/units or more is considered full-time training for Post 9/11 GI Bill® for Fall, Winter, and Spring terms. (7 (seven) or more credits/units is required for BAH payment)
- 8 (eight) credits/units or more is considered full-time training for Post 9/11 GI Bill® during Summer term only. (5 (five) or more credits/units is required for BAH payment)
Absence
Students are expected to attend classes in which they are enrolled. Attendance may be a factor in grading for a course. When unavoidable absence occurs, it is the obligation of the student to notify the instructor and arrange for the make-up work deemed necessary by the instructor. Reference the course syllabus for absence management details.
A member of the Washington National Guard or any other military reserve component who misses any form of participation/attendance in a class due to being ordered to service for 30 days or less, or requiring medical treatment for that service, is entitled to make up academic assignments without prejudice to the final course grade or evaluation. Documentation must be submitted prior to absence. Contact the Veterans Center of Excellence for more information.
Change of Contact Information
To ensure receipt of important information, students must notify the college of any change of address, telephone, and preferred name. Contact information may be updated in ctcLink. Offices that should be informed include Enrollment Services and Financial Aid.
Tuition and Fees
The first tuition due date is three weeks before the term begins. Tuition is due on a weekly basis after that:
- Students can verify the amount of tuition and the due date by viewing their schedule and other information in ctcLink.
- Students who enroll Saturday through Friday must pay tuition and fees no later than the following Monday by 5:00 p.m.
- If Monday happens to be a holiday, payment is due on Tuesday by 5:00 p.m.
- Students who enroll after the 10th day of the term (8th day of summer term) must pay tuition by the end of the same business day on which they register (5:00 p.m.).
Students receiving financial aid, scholarship, agency, or Veterans benefits are responsible for paying outstanding tuition and fees by the tuition due date when aid is insufficient to cover the total cost.
Students who do not pay tuition and fees will be dropped from their classes unless:
- A tuition deadline exception has been activated on the student account.
- The outstanding balance is $100 or less.
- A signed agreement to participate in the STEPP deferred payment plan has been submitted and payments are up to date.
- Registration for classes occurs after the tenth (10th) day of the term.
It is the responsibility of the student to officially withdraw from classes if they are unable to pay tuition and fees. A 100% refund will be issued through the fifth (5th) business day of each term permitting in compliance with Washington State Regulations.
Students with any outstanding debt owed to the college will:
- Be blocked from future registration.
- Be sent to Collections and a collection fee will be added to any tuition and/or fees outstanding at the end of the term.
Matriculation and Facilities/On-Campus Parking Fee1
Students are charged per credit/unit hour to a maximum of twenty (20) hours for matriculation and facilities/on-campus parking.
- 1
These fees are refundable on the same basis as tuition.
Technology Fee1
Students are charged per credit/unit hour to a maximum of twenty (20) hours for technology such as computer software, computer replacement, and technical lab assistance to maintain open computer labs. Other examples of technology available to students are online registration and student kiosks, and online services featured on the Clark College website.
- 1
These fees are refundable on the same basis as tuition.
Additional Fees
Some courses may require payment of lab or course fees in addition to or instead of tuition. These fees help the college defray expenses not funded by the state. Fees are used for specific course expenses such as breakage, hazardous waste management, consumable supplies, special materials, minor repairs, and materials that become the property of the student.
Textbooks and Supplies
The Clark College Bookstore stocks required textbooks (including the associated ISBN) and supplies as requested by classroom instructors. Also available are many supportive suggested materials to assist the student’s class preparation and participation. The store staff understands the financial impact of class materials, and thus provides the lowest prices for new textbooks of any college in this region and diligently pursues and stocks as many used textbooks as possible, partly supplied from a student book buyback program. In addition, the store offers a number of other affordability services for Clark students, such as textbook and calculator rentals, hold services, peer-to-peer exchange and much more. To obtain current book and supply lists and receive assistance in cost estimating, please visit the Clark College Bookstore on the main Clark College campus or visit its website at www.clarkbookstore.com.
Financial Obligations of the Student
Students are expected to meet their financial obligations to the college. Clark College staff will act in accordance with adopted procedures and, if necessary, initiate legal action to ensure that collection matters are brought to a timely and satisfactory conclusion. Collection fees will be added to debts owed the college.
Admission to or registration with Clark College and other college services, will be withheld for failure to meet financial obligations.
Refund Policy
A student who officially withdraws using ctcLink or through the Enrollment Services Office may receive a refund of tuition and certain fees. The complete Refund Policy is printed in the college information section of this catalog and is available online at http://www.clark.edu/enroll/registration/refund_policies.php.
Students who believe extenuating circumstances justify an exception to the policy may make a formal request at the Enrollment Services Office. Exceptions may be granted for extreme, extenuating, urgent, and unavoidable circumstances that prevent a student from withdrawing within the established guidelines. Students receiving financial aid should contact the Financial Aid office as soon as possible to discuss the impact of requesting an exception due to federal financial aid guidelines.
Grades and Records
BEdA for CAP and ESL Coursework
BGB Grading Basis is used whether or not the class is graded. The BGB Grading Basis does not require actual grading. This grading basis will exclude the enrollment from Financial Aid Pace and Satisfactory Academic Progress calculations. This grading basis allows a grade to be applied and for the student to view the grade and units in Student Self-Service. The grade points and credits/units associated to the BGB grading basis will not factor into any college-level calculation.
Grade Legend
Clark College uses the grading symbols listed below. The grades A, B, C, and D may include pluses (+) and minuses (-).
| Letter Grade | Grade Point |
|---|---|
| A | 4.0 |
| A- | 3.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 |
| B | 3.0 |
| B- | 2.7 |
| C+ | 2.3 |
| C | 2.0 |
| C- | 1.7 |
| D+ | 1.3 |
| D | 1.0 |
| D- | 0.7 |
| F | 0.0 |
| I | Incomplete |
| N | Audit |
| S | Satisfactory (credit/unit only, no grade points) |
| U | Unsatisfactory (no credit/unit, no grade points) |
| W | Official Withdrawal |
Transfer of Grades
The grades assigned in transferable courses by the sending institution shall not be altered by the receiving institution. Courses completed with a grade of "D" or above shall normally be accepted in transfer (except at The Evergreen State College, where a minimum of 2.0 or "C" is required for transfer). Nontraditional grading practices require special handling, depending on the nature and circumstances of the program from which and to which a student is transferring, but receiving institutions shall take steps to assure all students equitable treatment.
Grade Information
Students enrolled in credit/unit classes may obtain grade information approximately eight (8) business days after the end of each term. Students may access grades by logging into MyClark@ctcLink, select the Academic Records tile and choose either "View Grades" or "View Unofficial Transcripts."
Grade Point Average (GPA)
Grade points are calculated by multiplying the number of credit/unit hours for each course by the decimal grade appropriate for the grade earned. The term GPA is computed by adding the total number of grade points for the term and dividing by the total number of credits/units attempted in courses that received a letter grade.
| Credit/Unit Hrs Attempted | Grade | Grade Points Earned |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | B+ = 3.3 | 16.5 |
| 3 | C = 2.0 | 6.0 |
| 8 Total Credits/Units | 22.5 Total Grade Points |
Dividing 22.5 by 8 computes to a grade point average of 2.81.
The student’s cumulative grade point average may be obtained by adding the total number of grade points for all terms and dividing by the total number of credits/units attempted in the courses that received a letter grade.
As of Summer 2021, most Basic Education for Adult (ESL, CAP and CCAP) courses are graded, however the credits/units and GPA will not be reported on the transcript.
Incomplete Grades
An incomplete grade may be given if the instructor is satisfied that unavoidable circumstances have prevented the student from completing the course work and the student has requested this option.
The incomplete grade remains on the student's transcript for 90 (ninety) days, or until the student completes the required work and the instructor submits an amended grade to the Enrollment Services office. If the instructor does not submit an amended grade within 90 (ninety) days, the 'I' grade will revert to 'F' for a letter graded course or 'U' for a Pass/No Pass course.
Incomplete grades can impact Financial Aid funding, please refer to the Satisfactory Progress Policy at http://www.clark.edu/enroll/paying-for-college/get-keep/index.php
Pass/No Pass
Students may request to enroll in approved courses on a Pass/No Pass (PNP) basis. Please see the class schedule to see which specific courses can only be graded Pass/No Pass. Classes eligible for Pass/No Pass are indicated by the [PNP] under the class description. No more than sixty (60) credits/units from 100 or 200 level courses taken for pass/no pass will be allowed toward the Associate in Arts degree, Associate in Science degree, the Associate in Applied Science degree, the Associate in Applied Technology degree, or Bachelors of Applied Science. Students must earn a grade of “C” or better (2.00 GPA) to be given a “Satisfactory” grade in a pass/no pass course. An “Unsatisfactory” grade will be posted for students earning less than a “C” grade. Students planning to transfer to a university should contact that institution to determine their policy for acceptance of pass/no pass courses.
Repeating a Course
Students may repeat a course taken at Clark College in order to improve their skills or the course grade. All course repeats must comply with the Repeat Course Rule.
Students who repeat a class should submit to the Enrollment Services office a Notification of Repeated Class Request form.
- The course repeat policy applies to courses that are taken at Clark College.
- A course may be repeated only twice (defined as two repeats in addition to original enrollment) unless otherwise specified in the college catalog. The "W" (Withdraw) grade IS included as a repeated course attempt.
- The highest grades awarded will be used in computing the Clark College GPA.
- Each grade received will remain on the student's transcript; a repeat notation will be posted to the transcript for these courses.
- Courses must be repeated for a letter grade unless the course is offered only as pass/no pass.
- The course repeat process DOES NOT apply to grade symbols N and Y.
- Students who plan to transfer to another institution, should be aware that their GPAs might be recomputed by that institution; repeated courses will be received in accordance with the institution's own requirements and policies.
- To repeat a course, students must re-register and pay all necessary tuition and fees.
Students receiving financial aid or veterans' benefits, or those participating in athletics, should consult those offices prior to repeating a course. Benefits or eligibility may be reduced or lost due to course repetition.
Exceptions to the Repeat Course Rule include:
- Extenuation Circumstances-Students with extenuating circumstances may receive permission to enroll in a course for a fourth attempt; only the highest graded attempt will be factored into the GPA.
- Variable Credit Courses - A student may enroll in a variable credit course as many times as necessary to complete the entire curriculum and maximum credit value of the course.
- Repeatable courses - These courses have content variation; therefore, enrollment is allowed multiple times. These courses are noted as repeatable in the Course Catalog.
Setting Aside Past Record
Qualified students may request to set aside a previous substandard academic record if they feel it does not reflect their true ability at Clark College. Only the Clark College record can be set aside; the college cannot set aside records from other colleges.
Setting aside does not expunge the previous record, but places a "set aside" or "grade forgiveness" notation on the student's transcript, marking the term from which the college will calculate a GPA for determining probation, eligibility, or honors at graduation. Students may not count set aside credits to fulfill requirements for graduation nor remove credits that had been used to fulfill requirements for graduation. Students should understand that the record to be set aside includes all courses taken before the term selected by the student, and those courses may not be used to satisfy future course prerequisites.
Students may set aside a previous record if:
- They have earned fifteen (15) credits at Clark College beyond the term to be set aside.
- They have a 2.50 cumulative GPA at Clark College for these credits.
- The work to be set aside is at least one (1) year old.
Submit a completed Set-Aside Past Record Petition Form with photo ID to Enrollment Services office at enroll@clark.edu.
Caution: Although Clark College makes provisions for setting aside past records, students should not assume that other colleges to which they transfer will compute the GPA in the same manner. Financial aid students will still be subject to federal regulations that require all attempted credits be counted toward completion of an initial degree.
Grade Change/Error
Students who believe an error has been made in recording their grades should contact their instructor. Grade changes are made at the discretion of the instructor. The grade change must be submitted directly to Enrollment Services Office by the instructor. Grade changes and corrections made for veterans and financial aid recipients must also be reported to the Office of Veterans Affairs and/or the Financial Aid Office.
Grade changes must be made no later than the end of the second term following the term the student attended the class.
Grade Change/Academic Appeal Policy
A student who believes they received an incorrect grade for a class should contact the instructor of the class. Grade changes are made at the discretion of the instructor. A grade change must be submitted to Enrollment Services by the instructor. Grade changes and corrections made for veterans and financial aid recipients must also be reported to the Office of Veterans Affairs and/or the Financial Aid Office.
Grade changes must be made no later than the end of the second term following the term the student attended the class.
An academic appeal refers to a claim by a student that a specific grade assigned to the student by the instructor is the result of an arbitrary or capricious application of otherwise valid standards of academic evaluation, or to a student's claim that the instructor has made an arbitrary or capricious decision or taken an arbitrary or capricious action which adversely affects the student's academic standing.
The student must file a written complaint within ninety (90) calendar days after termination of the course. The appropriate instructional dean or supervisor may suspend this rule only under exceptional circumstances such as extended illness, sabbatical leave, or absence of one or both parties involved in the complaint. Grade appeal process forms are available through instructional deans' offices or the Office of Instruction.
Students having complaints relative to academic performance evaluation should first meet with their instructor to discuss their grade before beginning this process. If the complaint is not resolved, the student may proceed to Step 1.
- Step 1: The student completes the grade appeal form. Additional pages may be attached, if necessary. The student will make an appointment with the appropriate division chair, department head, or supervisor. The division chair/department head/supervisor will receive the original grade appeal form and any supporting documentation prior to the meeting. The division chair/department head/supervisor must notify the student within fifteen (15) working days of the resolution after the meeting with the student. If the student is not satisfied with the resolution, the student may proceed to Step 2.
- Step 2: The student will provide a written statement describing the nature of the appeal to the instructional dean. A meeting will then be scheduled with the student, the instructional dean, and the instructor to discuss the appeal. The instructor will receive a copy of the student's written material prior to the meeting. A decision by the dean will be made within fifteen (15) working days of the meeting. The decision by the dean will be final and cannot be appealed further.
Confidentiality of Records
Clark College has adopted procedures in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) as amended and maintains confidentiality of student records. College employees are trained to comply with information release guidelines.
With few exceptions, parties outside of school officials will not have access to student records without the written consent of the student. Clark College will not release a student’s record to a parent/ guardian without the student’s written request. This policy is in effect regardless of the student’s age or financial dependency upon the parent or guardian. The college may release student directory information without student consent. Directory information includes student’s name, major field of study, enrollment status, dates of attendance, participation in recognized sports, degrees and certificates earned, term degrees and certificates awarded, and honors. In compliance with state law (SB5509), Clark College no longer uses the student’s Social Security number for the purpose of student identification. This law is intended to add additional protection to the student’s identity.
The college will assign all students a ctcLink Identification (ID). Students are required to use their assigned ctcLink ID to access their records, register for classes, pay tuition, etc. For a copy of SB5509 or for additional information regarding this process, students may contact the Enrollment Services Office.
Transcripts
A transcript of each student’s educational record is maintained in the Enrollment Services Office. An official transcript includes the Registrar's signature, and the college seal. To obtain an official transcript, students are to order them online through Parchment. Transcripts may be sent electronically to any college, university or other agency upon receipt of the request within three to five (3-5) business days. There is a fee for all official transcripts. For current fee information please go to our website. Transcripts will not be faxed.
Students may obtain an unofficial transcript through the Clark College website, by logging into MyClark@ctcLink, select the Academic Records tile and choose "View Unofficial Transcripts" or by visiting the Enrollment Services Office in Gaiser Hall.
Vice President’s List
The Vice President's List is compiled at the end of each academic quarter to recognize outstanding student achievement at Clark College. In order to qualify for the list, a student must earn at least twelve (12) credits of graded course work and a grade point average (GPA) of 3.75 or higher.