General Policies
Please review the general policies that apply to UW Professional & Continuing Education programs and students.
Accommodations
It is the policy and practice of the University of Washington to ensure accessible learning environments that are consistent with federal and state law. Learn more about the resources that the University of Washington offers to create inclusive and accessible learning environments for all students that comply with federal and state law.
Complaints
Have a complaint concerning UW Professional & Continuing Education? Please contact us so that we can connect you with the appropriate staff member to discuss.
The Office of the Ombud may also be of assistance in resolving conflicts, and the Civil Rights Investigation Office investigates complaints made about University employees and students relating to civil rights such as protection from discrimination, harassment, retaliation and sexual misconduct.
The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. Visit https://www.wsac.wa.gov/student-complaints for information regarding the WSAC complaint process.
Equal Opportunity & AFFIRMATIVE ACTION Policies
The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran. This policy applies to all programs and facilities, including, but not limited to, admissions, educational programs, employment, and patient and hospital services. Any discriminatory action can be a cause for disciplinary action.
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action supports the University’s compliance with the law and spirit of equal opportunity and affirmative action.
Guidance to STudents Taking Courses Outside the U.S.
Faculty members at U.S. universities, including the University of Washington, have the right to academic freedom, which includes presenting and exploring topics and content that other governments may consider to be illegal and, therefore, choose to censor. Examples may include topics and content involving religion, gender and sexuality, human rights, democracy and representative government, and historic events.
If, as a UW student, you are living outside of the United States while taking courses remotely, you are subject to the laws of the local jurisdiction. Local authorities may limit your access to course material and take punitive action towards you. Unfortunately, the University of Washington has no authority over the laws in your jurisdiction or how local authorities enforce those laws.
If you are taking UW courses outside of the United States, you have reason to exercise caution when enrolling in courses that cover topics and issues censored in your jurisdiction. If you have concerns regarding a course or courses that you have registered for, please contact your academic adviser who will assist you in exploring options.
Participation
Active participation in, and engagement with, the learning environment and course content are fundamental requirements for success in all UW Professional & Continuing Education programs.
Students are expected to engage actively with the course material and complete assigned readings, interactive exercises and assessments, as well as participate in discussions and forums specific to their program. This expectation aims to create an interactive and immersive learning environment where students are active participants in their own educational journey and benefit from the diverse perspectives and experiences of others.
Religious accommodations
Washington state law requires that the UW develop a policy for accommodation of student absences or significant hardship due to reasons of faith or conscience, or for organized religious activities. The UW’s policy, including more information about how to request an accommodation, is available at Religious Accommodations Policy. Accommodations must be requested within the first two weeks of this course using the Religious Accommodations Request form.
Student Conduct Code
The University of Washington's Student Conduct Code applies to all students, including students enrolled in UW Professional & Continuing Education programs.
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic responsibility. Plagiarism and other kinds of academic misconduct are considered serious offenses at the UW. Plagiarism is using someone else’s words or ideas without proper citation. It can range from failure to credit a single sentence or paragraph to passing off an entire article, speech or another student’s paper as one’s own.
Instances of academic dishonesty for noncredit courses are handled by the UWPCE program instructors and staff. If evidence of academic misconduct is established, the student will be given a failing grade for the course and any request for a refund of course or other fees will be denied.
For credit courses, instances of academic dishonesty are handled by the University of Washington Committee on Academic Conduct. If evidence of academic misconduct is established, the student will be given a failing grade for the course and any request for a refund of course and other fees will be denied.
UWPCE reserves the right to consider a student's past misconduct in PCE courses when making admissions decisions.
STUDENT RECORDS
CONFIDENTIALITY OF STUDENT EDUCATION RECORDS
Students enrolled in programs or courses offered by UW Professional & Continuing Education, along with students enrolled in credit programs at the University, are subject to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which provides for and protects the confidentiality of student education records. For more information, see the Registrar's FERPA page.
GRADE REPORTS
At the end of each quarter, your grade is posted online to your unofficial record of continuing education courses. A UW NetID is required for access. To request a copy of your official record, contact the UWPCE Records Office at c2rcrds@uw.edu or 206-543-2350.
UPDATING YOUR RECORDS
Registration Services maintains contact information for currently enrolled students. To make sure you don't miss any timely communication, please let us know of any changes to your mailing address, phone number or email address by emailing c2reg@uw.edu.
If your name has legally changed, please submit a Change of Name form to the address given on the form so we can update your official record.
Title IX
The UW, through numerous policies, prohibits sex- and gender-based violence and harassment, and we expect students, faculty, and staff to act professionally and respectfully in all work, learning, and research environments.
For support, resources, and reporting options related to sex- and gender-based violence or harassment, visit UW Title IX’s webpage, specifically the Know Your Rights & Resources guide.