Consumer information

Yakima Valley College provides the consumer information to the general public as well as students, faculty and prospective students. The state, federal laws and college policy under the HEA of 1965 dictates the criteria for this information. More information can be found in our online catalog.

YVC Accreditation

The college is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, having been reviewed and reaccredited in 2019. Credits earned in nearly all courses numbered 100 or higher are transferable to other colleges and universities nationwide.

Yakima Valley College is also affiliated with the American Association of Community Colleges.

More detailed YVC accreditation information.

Anti-Hazing

No student should ever be harmed or degraded while seeking membership in any student organization. Washington state’s anti-hazing bill, House Bill 1751, also known as Sam’s Law, was signed into law on March 30, 2022, and was named for Sam Martinez, who was a WSU freshman in the fall of 2019 when he died at an off-campus fraternity event.

Hazing Definitions

  • RCW 28B.10.900: As used in RCW 10.901 and 28B.10.902, “hazing” includes any act committed as part of a person’s recruitment, initiation, pledging, admission into, or affiliation with a student organization, athletic team, or living group, or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization, athletic team, or living group that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious psychological or emotional harm, to any student or other person attending a public or private institution of higher education or other postsecondary educational institution in this state, including causing, directing, coercing, or forcing a person to consume any food, liquid, alcohol, drug, or other substance which subjects the person to risk of such harm, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate. “Hazing” does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions.
  • WAC 132P-33-440 (9):  Hazing. Hazing includes, but is not limited to, any initiation into a student organization or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious mental or emotional harm, to any student.
  • WAC 132P-33-440 (19):  Violation of other laws or policies. Violation of any federal, state, or local law, rule, or regulation or other college rules or policies, including college traffic and parking rules.

More information on Anti-Hazing at YVC

Articulation Agreements

Yakima Valley College (YVC) understands it is important for students to know how their prior college credits will transfer to YVC.

  • Career and Technical Education (CTE) Dual Credit, formerly known as Tech Prep are determined by articulation agreements with your high school.
  • For information on courses from Washington colleges and universities that are accepted in transfer to YVC, visit Transfer Credits.

Equity in Athletics

The annual Equity in Athletics Data Analysis (EADA) report provides information on equity in our athletics program and is available for viewing from the U.S. Department of Education.

Bookstore/Textbook Information

Visit the YVC bookstore website for more information about textbooks.

Certificate and Degree Programs

YVC offers more than 55 degrees and 100 certificates. Our programs are designed to prepare you to obtain employment or specialized training to enhance your career skills, transfer to a four-year school, or stay and complete your bachelor’s degree right here. Learn more about YVC degrees and certificates .

Code of Conduct

Learn more about YVC’s Student Code of Conduct.

College Navigator

Learn more about Yakima Valley College and other educational institutions in the U.S. by visiting the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), which is the primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing data related to education.

Student Complaint Process

The Dean of Student Services is available to help students determine where best to file a complaint when a concern arises. The Dean of Student Services or designee can determine the appropriate supervisor(s) and/or applicable collective bargaining agreement.

  1. Informal Process: Students may follow an informal process, starting with contacting the party with whom the student has a complaint.  If unresolved, the student may contact the Dean of Student Services or designee
  2. Formal Process: If the informal process fails to resolve the concern, the student may contact the Dean of Student Services (Leslie Blackaby, by email or calling 509.574.4709) or their designee’s office.  A formal complaint must be submitted in writing and will be processed in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Complaints made by a recognized student group need to include a copy of the written minutes from the meeting in which the student group voted to file a formal complaint and signed by the president of the student group.

The Higher Education Act (HEA) prohibits an institution of higher education from engaging in a “substantial misrepresentation of the nature of its educational program, its financial charges, or the employability of its graduates.”  20 U.S.C. §1094(c)(3)(A). Further, each State must have “a process to review and appropriately act on complaints concerning the institution including enforcing applicable State laws.”  34 C.F.R. § 600.9.  The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) maintains a process to investigate complaints of this nature brought by community and technical college students in the State of Washington. For more information, contact the SBCTC Student Services Office at 360.704.4315.  The Higher Education Act (HEA) prohibits an institution of higher education from engaging in a “substantial misrepresentation of the nature of its educational program, its financial charges, or the employability of its graduates.”  20 U.S.C. §1094(c)(3)(A). Further, each State must have “a process to review and appropriately act on complaints concerning the institution including enforcing applicable State laws.”  34 C.F.R. § 600.9.  The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) maintains a process to investigate complaints of this nature brought by community and technical college students in the State of Washington. For more information, contact the SBCTC Student Services Office at 360.704.4315 or visit State Board for Community & Technical Colleges​.

Occasionally, students and others find their complaints must be handled by another agency.  Following is a list of some potential resources for complaint resolution.

Additional Complaint Links

Federal Office of Inspector General, Fraud Prevention
Office for Civil Rights
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Regional Accreditor
Consumer Protection (Title IV) Student Complaint Process
VA GI Bill Feedback

Computer Usage Policy

View information about YVC’s Computer Usage Policy.

Confidentiality

Yakima Valley College has adopted procedures to comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, protect the privacy of student records and assure the rights of students to view their own educational records upon request. In response to inquiries about students, the policy of YVC is to confirm only dates of enrollment, area of study, and degrees or certificates earned. For more information, see the YVC catalog.

Solomon Amendment: Under Public Law 104-208, the federal government directs YVC to provide the armed forces such information as to names, addresses, telephone numbers, date of birth, level of education, major and degrees received, and prior military experience for all our students. Students who do not wish us to release this information should submit a written request to the Registration and Records Office in the Deccio building on the Yakima Campus or to Building 56, Room 109 on the Grandview Campus.

Cost of Attendance

Yakima Valley College understands that the cost of education is a major factor in the decision to attend college. Therefore, YVC wants you to know the cost of Lower Division Tuition & Fees and Upper Division Tuition & Fees upfront.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are designed to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. As a recipient of such funds, YVC is bound to ADA guidelines. Specifically, no student shall, on the basis of his/her disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subject to discrimination under any college policies, programs, or activities.

Learn more about Disability Support Services at YVC.

Drug and Alcohol Policy​

Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988
Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989

Yakima Valley College complies with Public Law 100-690, providing information and following policies for the purpose of preventing and addressing alcohol and drug abuse. It is the goal of YVC to adhere to federal regulations and provide a drug-free environment.

YVC is dedicated to maintaining a drug-free campus for students and employees. The following sites are a few of many which detail the significant health risks that can result from drug and alcohol abuse:

YV​C policy WAC 132P-33-440 prohibits students lists alcohol and drug violations as:​

  • ​Alcohol. The use, possession, delivery, or sale, or being visibly under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, except as permitted by law and applicable college policies.
  • Marijuana. The use, possession, delivery, or sale, or being visibly under the influence of marijuana or the psychoactive com-pounds found in marijuana and intended for human consumption, regardless of form. While state law permits the recreational use of marijuana, federal law prohibits such use on college premises or in connection with college activities.
  • Drugs. The use, possession, delivery, sale, or being under the influence of any legend drug, including anabolic steroids, androgens, or human growth hormones as defined in chapter 69.41 RCW, or any other controlled substance under chapter 69.50 RCW, except as prescribed for a student’s use by a licensed practitioner.

These behaviors are prohibited on campus and in all off-campus locations where classes, seminars, workshops, meetings, and college-related activities are offered.

Information about federal and state drug laws are available from the applicable authorities.  Some sources available on the internet include Washington state Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 69.50 and Title 21 of the federal United States Code (USC).

Community Resources: YVC students with questions and concerns relating to alcohol or drug problems are encouraged to contact the YVC Counseling & Advising Center. Employees are encouraged to seek information and assistance from recognized community professionals.

The following community resources are available to provide help with drug or alcohol problems: Alcohol and Drug Help Line: 1.800.562.1240; Alcoholics Anonymous: 509.453.7680 (Yakima), 509.735-4086 (Grandview). A complete list of community alcohol and drug treatment facilities can be found in the yellow pages of the telephone directory listed under “Alcoholism Information and Treatment” and “Drug Abuse Information and Treatment”.

Additional information for students can be found in the YVC Student Code of Conduct.​

Drug Free Schools Biennial Review 2021-2023

FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid Policies are located in the Financial Aid section of the website.

CARES Act Funding information.

Gainful Employment

Yakima Valley College is participating in early implementation of the rescission allowable by the Secretary’s authority under section 482(c) of the HEA to designate the regulatory changes to subpart Q and subpart R of the Student Assistance General Provisions at title 34, part 668, of the Code of Federal Regulations, included in this document, for early implementation beginning on July 1, 2019.

This calculator will give you an estimate of the type and amount of aid students in similar financial situations as yours have received to attend Yakima valley College. This is an estimate only and not a promise of an award to you. The estimated award you will see is based on the aid we awarded to students in a previous academic year.

Many factors go in to deciding what award a student receives and these can change from year to year based on available funding from state, federal and institutional resources; the federal expected family contribution formulas; and the cost to attend YVC.

Publication Disclaimer

Yakima Valley College has made reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy of the information throughout this website. However, the college reserves the right to make appropriate changes in procedures, policies, calendars, requirements, programs, courses and fees. When feasible, changes will be announced prior to their effective dates, but the college assumes no responsibility for giving any particular notice of any such changes. Changes may apply not only to prospective students, but also to those who are currently enrolled. Nothing contained in this website shall be construed to create any offer to contract or any contractual rights.

We encourage readers to contact the college or appropriate office to obtain current information.

Refund Policy

The Office of Registration & Records has detailed refund policies regarding registration, records, student privacy rights, academic progress, and repeating courses. For complete information of all policy and procedure, please review the YVC Course Catalog.

Sources of College Revenue and Expenditures Disclosure

Sources of College Revenue and Expenditures Disclosure are included in this document provided by the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

The document includes:

  • The sources of all institutional revenue received during the 2023 fiscal year, including but not limited to state, federal, local, and private sources
  • The uses of tuition revenue collected during the 2023 fiscal year by program category as determined by the office of financial management

Stormwater Management

Report Illicit Discharge

If you are on campus and notice an illicit discharge or even suspect one please call us at 509.574.4693 or email facilityops@yvcc.edu.  We cannot be a success without your help!

Stormwater Management Plan

On January 17, 2007, the Department of Ecology issued the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and State Waste Discharge General Permit for Discharges from Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewers (MS4) in Eastern Washington (the Eastern Washington Phase II Municipal Storm Water Permit; herein referred to as this permit).  This permit became effective on February 16, 2007.  The Phase II Permit automatically applies to cities and counties with populations less than 100,00 located within or partially within a federally designated urbanized area and that operates a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4), which discharges to a “water” of Washington State (i.e., a river, stream, wetland, etc).  As a result of the City of Yakima’s designation YVC is designated as a Secondary Permittee with coverage under the Phase II Permit.

On February 16, 2007, the Department of Ecology received a notice of intent (NOI) for coverage under the Eastern Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit for Yakima Valley College.  The Department of Ecology found the NOI complete and granted the College coverage as of May 11, 2007.

Yakima Valley College’s permit coverage number is WAR-04-6201.  The geographic extent of coverage for this permit consists of City of Yakima or Yakima County (North and South Campuses).  The areas excluded from the permit are those campuses located on tribal lands (i.e., Toppenish) and the urbanized area outside of Yakima County (Grandview)

 YVC Stormwater Management Plan

In accordance with 2019 Senate Bill 5166, the college will grant reasonable accommodation so that grades are not impacted for students who are absent for reasons of faith or conscience, or for an organized activity conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or religious organization.

Each holiday taken under this policy must be taken as a whole day, i.e. the day may not be divided into hours and taken piecemeal.

Faculty will include the approved language that references this procedure in their syllabi.

Students who have concerns about approval or a grade impact may utilize the Student Complaint Process for issues not directly related to grades, or the Grade Appeal Process (outlined in the YVC Catalog) in cases impacting a final grade.

Request for Absence for Reasons of Faith or Conscience Form

Student Right-to-Know

In accordance with federal regulation, Section 668.41, Reporting and Disclosure of Information, please be aware of the following: the completion or graduation rate for all students who are receiving athletic-related aid and were full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates during the academic year of 2006-2007 was 18% and the transfer rate was 31%. For further information, please contact the coordinator for registration and records in the Deccio building.

For information in the Code of Conduct.

Student Diversity

Student Diversity information is provided by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

​Tobacco Use Policy

No tobacco use is permitted on Yakima Valley College except in designated areas.

4.20 TOBACCO USE POLICY

In accordance with state laws and regulations tobacco products, in any form, shall not be permitted except in designated areas. Because there is increasing evidence that use of tobacco creates a danger to public health, and in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, the declared purpose of this regulation is to prohibit the use of tobacco products in certain places which are used by and open to the general public.

“Tobacco” as used in this policy shall include products such as chewing tobacco or smoking or carrying of any kind of lighted pipe, cigar, or cigarette.

The adjective “public” as used in this policy shall mean any place used by and open to the general public, regardless of whether such place is owned by private persons, the State of Washington, or counties and counties and municipalities of the State of Washington.

4.20 TOBACCO USE

The use of tobacco products is prohibited at Yakima Valley College except in designated areas. In accordance with the Washington Clean Indoor Air Act of 1985 (RCW 70.160) and in recognition of the Executive Order Establishing Governor’s Policy on Smoking in State Facilities (EO 88-06), and in recognition that tobacco use creates a danger to public health, it shall be the practice of Yakima Valley College to limit the use of tobacco products on its campuses as follows:

1.) Prohibited in college facilities or college vehicles.

2.) Permitted in designated areas only. Reference the YVC campus maps for designated areas.​

For more information, contact YVC Campus Security at 509.574.4610.

Transfer of Credit Policies

Transfer of Credit Information is provided by the Admission department.

Withdrawal Policy

More information about YVC’s Withdrawal Policy is available from the Office of Registration & Records, which has detailed policies regarding registration, records, student privacy rights, academic progress, and repeating courses. For complete information on all policies and procedures, please review the YVC Course Catalog.

YVC Policies and Procedures

Washington Administrative Code (WAC). In general, the college publishes a rule in the WAC when the rule:

  • can result in sanctions if not followed,
  • governs institution hearings, or
  • governs qualification for any benefit or privilege conferred by law, unless the rule involves only internal institution management or specified academic matters, employment relationships, or fiscal processes (RCW 34.05.010).

Additionally, there are a few laws (RCW and USC) that require implementation through the promulgation of WAC rules (Example: FERPA).

Board Policies govern the administration of the college. Board policies are generally broad in scope and are usually unchanged by modifications to operational practices and procedures.  They provide a fundamental, philosophical basis for operation. They are approved by the Board of Trustees and are subsequently implemented by the President.

Administrative Procedures govern the daily operations of the college. They generally consist of an ordered statement of actions, steps, or processes to be followed in carrying out the work, assignments, or functions of the college. They are approved by Administrative Council, which is comprised of the president, vice presidents, deans, and directors.

Review and Approval Process

The vice president for administrative services, in collaboration with Administrative Council, coordinates the review and revision of the college’s policies and procedures to ensure they are up-to-date and compatible with the current organizational infrastructure and college mission.

Board Policies and Administrative Procedures are categorized into five areas with oversight assigned to the appropriate college administrator as shown below.

Category Responsible Administrator
1.00 Administrative Vice President for Administrative Services
2.00 Executive President
3.00 Instructional Vice President for Instruction and Student Services
4.00 Personnel and Payroll Director of Human Resources
5.00 Student Vice President for Instruction and Student Services
6.00 Technology Director of Technology Services

Proposals for revision to or creation of Board Policies and Administrative Procedures are presented to the Administrative Council by the appropriate college administrator indicated in the above table.

Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Rules

COMMUNITY COLLEGES—YAKIMA VALLEY COLLEGE

Regulations of executive branch agencies are issued by authority of statutes. Like legislation and the Constitution, regulations are a source of primary law in Washington State. The WAC codifies the regulations and arranges them by subject or agency.

WAC ChapterDescription
132P-24Criminal trespass.
132P-33Student rights and responsibilities.
132P-40Children in college activities.
132P-116Yakima Valley College parking and traffic regulations.
132P-136Facility use for other than first amendment activities.
132P-142Use of Yakima Valley College District 16 facilities for first amendment activities.
132P-156College housing.
132P-160Admission and registration procedures.
132P-276Public records.
132P-325Regulation on State Environmental Policy Act.