Frequently Asked Questions
Contact us for more information.
As identified in its diversity policy, Highline College “actively promotes and supports a learning environment which ensures social justice, mutual respect, understanding, civility, and non-violence.”
The diversity statement specifically identifies gender and sexual orientation as recognized, protected, & valued identities on campus. As an extension of this, campus leadership continues to commit to initiatives that maintain an environment conducive to representing and serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Pansexual, Transgender, Two-Spirit, Queer, Questioning, Asexual, Ally and unlabeled (LGBPTQIA+) students, staff and faculty.
View the Highline College LGBTQIA+ website for more information.
Counseling Services
If you would like to make an appointment with our Counseling Center, send a message, call 206-592-3353 or visit our office in Building 6, Upper Level.
Student Name Change
If you would like to change your name, download and fill out the Student Name Change Form and return it to the Registration counter in Building 6, Lower Level. If you have any questions about changing your name, please email registration@highline.edu.
All Gender/Gender Neutral Restrooms
Inclusive restrooms can be found in the following buildings: 1, 5, 9, 11, 12, 27, 29, 30, the HUB: Federal Way Higher Education Center, and the MaST. Please refer to the campus map for directions.
- Pride Foundation – Grants, scholarships, and resources for IUW LGBTQ+ Community
- Go Financial Aid – A list of financial aid information for the LGBT Community
Meeting with an Advisor
Advisors in Entry Advising, the Advising Center, High School Programs, and Running Start are available for same day and future appointments. Advising is available by appointment or drop-in on a space-available basis.
The Placement and Testing Center provides a variety of services for incoming and current students. They also offer community proctor services as well as administration and monitoring of tests listed below.
Services provided by the Placement and Testing Center include:
- Assessment using a variety of measures for placement into courses
- GED Testing
- TEAS Testing
- TOEFL Testing
- NCMA Testing
- STAMPS Language Testing
- West B & E Exams
- Pearson VUE Exams
- ParaPro Assessment
- Student Make-up Exam Testing
- Proctor Services for the Community
Using the Placement and Testing Center
- All placement and faculty testing is done on a drop-in basis: please arrive at least one hour before we close to begin any test.
- Students who request a private room or other testing accommodations must schedule 48 hours in advance.
- Students who receive extra time on tests as the only accommodation do NOT need to schedule in advance.
- All students testing in the Placement and Testing Center need to bring a photo ID and will be asked to lock up their belongings (cell phone, book bags, purses, electronic devices, etc.) in the lockers provided.
- If you are parking, you must purchase a $2.00 daily parking ticket at one of the parking pay stations (kiosks), located in the East and South parking lots.
English Language, Career and Academic Prep (ELCAP) offers courses in English language skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, study skills, math, and technology.
The Admissions Department is available to assist new students to enroll at Highline College and current students during their time at Highline. Admissions assists students with questions about:
The Financial Aid office provides necessary tools and education to our students and the community to assist in the financial aid and employment process. They provide grants, loans, scholarships and work study employment opportunities in accordance with federal and state regulations.
Personal counseling can help you understand yourself better and even help you resolve personal issues. A counselor is patient and professionally trained to assist you with in finding solutions and staying on your desired path.
Career counseling is a process that can help you understand yourself and the world of work in order to make career, educational, and life decisions. Meeting individually with a counselor is helpful for when you may be stuck deciding between two or more career paths, or you would like more in-depth career assessments. Counseling is also helpful when students need to talk about ways to navigate societal barriers to their careers, to realistically look at their abilities and limitations, and to consider how family and culture may impact their career and life dreams.
Educational counseling assists you in navigating the college system and in learning skills such as taking tests, reading textbooks, and note-taking. A counselor can help you adjust to the unique and sometimes overwhelming culture of college.
You don’t have to know what you need when you come in and see us. We’re here to help you even if you just need a place to talk that’s confidential and supportive.
Call (206) 592-3353 or stop by our office on the upper level of Building 6 to schedule an appointment to see a counselor. Students can typically see a counselor within one week. If you would like to see the next available counselor, please tell the front desk and we will accommodate you the best we can.
You may also email us at counseling@highline.edu if you have questions about our services. If possible, we request that appointments be made by phone or in-person.
Enrolled and registered students may use the services of the Counseling Center free of charge. Prospective students and members of the community may be seen (up to three times) for consultation and referral to community resources.
The first session is a time for you to get to know your counselor and how they work. It is also a time for your counselor to get to know you and any problems you may be experiencing, and to try to understand how they can best help you. Different counselors have different styles; for a description and picture of our counselors, see About the Counseling Team. A counseling session is typically 45-50 minutes in length with follow-up sessions scheduled as needed.
Examples of what students seek counseling for:
- Career decision-making
- Choosing a major/course of study
- Career exploration
- Career assessments
- Time management/organization
- Test anxiety
- Study skills
- Learning disabilities
- Academic probation
- Crisis intervention
- Adapting to a new culture or environment
- Depression and sadness
- Addiction
- Relationship and intimacy issues
- Getting connected to resources in the community and campus
Counselors may not disclose any information about students unless they are given written consent from the student. Counselors will explain some of the legal exceptions when you meet with them. For example, if someone poses a threat of harm to themselves or others, we may need to disclose information to protect you or other people.
We do not charge for counseling services. There may be minimal costs for specific assessment tools, though your counselor would discuss those with you before proceeding.
You are expected to be on time for your appointments. If you are unable to make your appointment, you should call to cancel at least 24-hours before your appointment time so other students can access our services. You are expected to participate fully in the counseling relationship and process; counseling is only effective if both the counselor and student are equally committed to the same goals.