Central Washington and Grays Harbor representatives outline dual‑credit options for Elma students

Central Washington University and Grays Harbor College representatives visited Elma to walk students and families through local dual‑credit options, emphasizing registration steps, placement testing and supports for students juggling college‑level coursework while finishing high school.

Sarah Mays, assistant director for College in the High School at Central Washington University, described CIHS as a statewide, nationally accredited program that lets high school teachers approved by the university deliver for‑credit college courses on the high school campus. “College in the High School is a statewide program which helps thousands of students earn the university credit while they are keeping their high school experience,” Mays said, adding that credits from the program are “highly transferable” across Washington public universities and accepted by many out‑of‑state institutions.

Mays advised students and families to work with high school counselors to choose courses aligned with graduation requirements and future majors. She noted that CIHS courses are semester‑based and carry the same academic expectations as on‑campus classes: deadlines are firm, academic honesty policies apply, and registration creates a permanent university transcript and myCWU account that students control. Mays warned that retroactive enrollment is not available and described withdrawal options, including early drops that result in a W but do not affect GPA and later complete or hardship withdrawals that follow university procedures.

On mechanics, Mays said students request seats in CIHS classes and parents provide consent online unless the student is over 18. She emphasized accuracy when creating the CIHS registration account because the information becomes part of an official university record. She also pointed attendees to a student participation guide and CIHS registration site and said the school would distribute slides and materials by email.

An English teacher who attended the session praised CIHS’s pacing, noting that completing a college course over a longer high‑school term gives students more time to manage coursework while staying involved in school activities.

Laurie Christmas, director of educational partnerships at Grays Harbor College, reviewed Running Start and CTE dual‑credit options that allow juniors, seniors, homeschooled students and GED recipients to enroll in college courses for dual credit. Christmas described placement testing options—ACCUPLACER for reading/English and math placement, and Smarter Balanced scores for English placement when available—and recommended students take the ACCUPLACER, which is administered by the college testing center.

Christmas outlined enrollment timing and supports: before a student can enroll in Running Start they must apply to the college and provide placement documentation; the college’s tentative summer quarter dates were July 6–Aug. 13 (subject to change), enrollment for new students opens May 21, and the fall term begins Sept. 21. She noted some fees may apply but students who have been eligible for free or reduced lunch recently may qualify for fee waivers and reduced book costs; additional workforce funding options may apply for certain programs. The college also provides supports such as tutoring and a free transit pass for students.

Both presenters urged students to plan with high school counselors so college credits align with high‑school graduation requirements, and they encouraged early testing and timely registration to avoid missed opportunities. Materials and contact information were offered for follow‑up; presenters stayed after the session to answer individual questions.

The information session did not include any formal votes or policy actions; it concluded with a short question period and logistical reminders about testing and registration.