Student Policy/Procedure for Implementing the Governor’s Higher Education Proclamation 20-12.5

HC Student policy/procedure for implementing the Governor’s Higher Education Proclamation 20-12.5 – v2.0 Approved by Executive Cabinet on December 2, 2021

All Highline College students are expected to comply with the vaccine attestation requirement, or request an exemption from the requirement. This includes students enrolled in credit, non-credit, and Continuing Education (CE) courses, as well as students taking only online courses. Exemptions are considered for religious and medical reasons only.
Students enrolled fall quarter 2021 or later are expected to submit their attestation of vaccination or request for exemption in ctcLink. Students who have not submitted their attestation of vaccination or received an approved exemption will be blocked from enrollment for future quarters until completed.
Information about students who have not yet submitted attestations may be shared with faculty and/or staff for the purpose of following up with those students to complete their attestation.
Students who do not meet the attestation deadlines will be contacted by staff and/or faculty of Highline College for the purpose of ensuring that the attestation process is completed.
Students who enroll in non-credit programs offered through Continuing Education (CE) or entry-level programs in English Language, Career and Academic Prep (ELCAP) may be asked to submit alternative attestations outside of ctcLink, in a manner consistent with all other requirements. Data collected through alternate processes will be entered in ctcLink by staff.
For all students in all programs, future enrollment is contingent upon submitting an attestation of vaccination or receiving an approved exemption. A Service Indicator (SI) will be placed on all student accounts in ctcLink who have not completed an attestation or received an approved exemption. Students will not be able to enroll until an attestation of vaccination has been submitted or an exemption has been approved. In some programs (i.e. ELCAP, YRSP, Continuing Education), submission of the attestation may be included in the new student orientation process.
Students who request an exemption from the vaccine requirement will be required to complete an additional process. The initial exemption request is available on the vaccine attestation form.

Students requesting a medical exemption will receive follow-up instructions via email, and will be provided with a form to describe the reason for their medical exemption required to be completed by their healthcare provider. This form should be submitted to the college as soon as the student is able to make an appointment with their healthcare provider.
Students requesting a religious exemption will receive follow-up instructions via email, and will be asked to complete an online form describing their sincerely-held religious beliefs related to vaccination. This form should be submitted within one week of receiving the follow-up instructions.
Students who receive an approved exemption from the vaccination requirement due to medical or religious reasons will be asked to follow additional guidelines to protect their own health and the health of others. These requirements may include a weekly COVID-19 test with negative results required for campus access. Alternatively, students may have the option to wear a face shield with a face mask in classrooms. Socially distancing of 6′ or more is required in designated areas provided for eating and drinking.
Faculty will be informed of students with approved exemptions in their in-person courses. The reason for the approved exemption (religious vs medical) will remain confidential within college staff responsible for this process and not be disclosed to the faculty. Specific requirements (accommodations) will be included in the letter from the college stating that an exemption to the vaccination requirement has been granted.
A student whose exemption request is not approved will be required to comply with the vaccination requirement to continue enrollment at Highline College.

Failure to follow vaccination attestation requirements or safety guidelines will result in disciplinary action under the Highline College Student Conduct Code (WAC 132I-126-100.2)