UW Professional & Continuing Education (PCE) is part of the University of Washington's larger Continuum College program. The program offers certificates and degrees as well as non-degree courses for the forever curious.
Recognizing the diverse needs of its student body, PCE offers a variety of programs and options. They offer online and in-person courses, including on nights and weekends. As of 2023, they have 85 certificate programs and approximately 70 degrees, ranging from a certificate course in museum studies to a doctorate-level degree in physical therapy.
The focus of PCE is to assist those who do not fit the mold of a full-time, on-campus student. PCE students, however, are still expected to abide by the same rules and regulations. This can present challenges for PCE students, especially those who have been out of school for a significant amount of time.
When nontraditional students end up in trouble, and in need of support, they should hire a law firm experienced in education issues. The Lento Law Firm brings the knowledge and experience of the educational system to help students arrive at a solution that allows them to continue to pursue their continuing education goals.
Code of Conduct
PCE students generally follow the same Student Conduct Code as the rest of the UW student body. UW has both its primary code of conduct, which can also be found in the Washington Administrative Code, and the companion Student Governance Policy.
Whether a PCE student is taking a class as part of a degree program or as a noncredit hobby, they should be aware of the university's conduct code and how it could impact their education. That a student is part-time or in a noncredit, non-degree course does not excuse any misconduct.
Academic Misconduct
UW's Student Governance Policy provides a definition of academic misconduct and includes examples of behavior and actions that meet the definition. Academic misconduct is not limited to the listed activities, and assisting another student is also a violation of UW policy.
Academic misconduct can be confusing for those who have been out of school for a significant length of time. What qualifies as misconduct in an educational setting may not be an issue in some jobs. A supervisor likely won't care if a coworker writes part of a report without credit, as their focus is getting the report completed. A professor, however, would view that as a violation of academic conduct.
At UW, academic misconduct includes:
- Cheating
- Plagiarism
- Unauthorized collaboration
- Submitting the same work to multiple courses (except in cases when the student has instructor(s) permission)
- Deliberately destroying or damaging another student's work
- Recording or sharing instructional content without permission (except if allowed as part of a disability accommodation)
Accusations of Academic Misconduct
For PCE students, the major difference in an academic misconduct investigation is whether students are in credit or noncredit courses.
When a student in a noncredit course is accused or is suspected of committing academic misconduct, PCE instructors and staff will handle the investigation. If evidence of academic misconduct is uncovered, the student will receive a failing grade and will not be entitled to any refund.
For students in courses that receive credit, all disciplinary accusations will be referred to the UW Committee on Academic Conduct. Similar to noncredit courses, if the committee finds evidence of misconduct, the student will receive a failing grade and be denied any refund for course fees.
Students with any academic misconduct on their records should be aware that it can be grounds for denying admission to PCE. This is one reason why, when accused of academic misconduct, students should be proactive in addressing the charge and disproving it. An accusation of academic misconduct has repercussions far beyond a failing grade or losing course fees.
Technology
UW recently updated its code to include the use of AI content generators and online tutoring websites as a violation of its academic code. UW defines the use of programs such as ChatGPT as receiving unauthorized assistance.
The one exception is if an instructor allows or encourages the use of technological aids. A professor should include this allowance on the course syllabus. If you are unsure if an instructor will allow AI content generators, you should check with them prior to using the programs.
Regarding online tutoring websites, while the school encourages students to use resources that aid in their study, UW does not allow students to copy or plagiarize information from these sites.
For some professionals, some of these requirements may differ from expectations at work. Professors and instructors, especially those who usually teach traditional students, may not understand the challenges nontraditional students face when they return to the classroom. Students should ask for clarification as needed, preferably by email, to establish a written trail of evidence. This can be to a student's advantage if an instructor accuses them of misusing technological aides.
Behavioral Misconduct
PCE students should also be aware of the UW's rules on behavior. Some of the behavior that might be considered a conduct violations includes:
- Abuse of others, which can include both physical assault but also threats to a person's health and safety
- Harassment
- Bullying
- Hazing
- Attempting to influence others during a student conduct investigation, whether a school official or other student
- Dishonesty, such as knowingly providing false information to a UW official or falsely claiming an academic credential
- Possession of firearms or other weapons: UW bans all weapons from its premises without prior approval
- Computer abuses
- Public nuisance, such as disturbing UW's neighbors
For PCE students, one area to take special care of is properly representing their course history. For example, a student in a noncredit course should not list a degree or certification on their resume.
Similar to academic misconduct, attending a non-degree or part-time program does not act as a defense against behavioral misconduct.
Alcohol and Drugs
For PCE students over the age of 21, UW's drug and alcohol policy may take some adjustment. UW's policy prohibits the possession or use of alcohol or drugs on its campuses, except when allowed under Washington's liquor license procedures.
PCE students over 21 should be aware that, even though they are legally allowed to drink, drinking is generally banned on campus. Exceptions are usually for banquets and special occasions and require a license.
While Washington does allow residents to use marijuana, UW bans marijuana use on university property or during university-sponsored activities. No medical exception exists, and some programs may require drug testing. Those that test positive may face the consequences up to and including expulsion. Even if you are otherwise in compliance with state law, you may face discipline even if your use of marijuana occurs during your personal time and off campus.
Abiding by UW's drug and alcohol policy may take some adjustment for PCE students. Drinking alcohol or use of marijuana, while generally allowed in Washington, is limited while attending UW. If a PCE student is accused of using alcohol or drugs in violation of UW's policy, they should contact the Lento Law Firm to determine their next steps.
Disability Services
The University of Washington has a Disability Services Office (DSO). DSO works exclusively with nonmatriculated students, including those who are part of PCE.
DSO offers the following services for PCE students with documented disabilities:
- Reasonable accommodations
- Referral Information
- Additional assistance depending on the student's physical, mental or sensory disability
DSO determines the needed accommodations and assistance on a case-by-case basis.
Students with a disability will need to provide evidence of the disability. For those who previously had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or other support during their K-12 years, they may use those plans as examples of previous support when requesting accommodations. Colleges, including continuing education, are not required to provide students with IEPs.
Students may schedule an appointment with the office at any time, although students with a known disability should plan to meet with the office before the start of the semester. Some accommodations and other assistance may take time to put into place, such as finding a sign language interpreter or ordering studying aides. If and when a disability manifests or occurs during the semester, students should contact the DSO Office as soon as possible.
If you believe you have a disability but do not have the necessary documentation, you can also contact DSO for help. In cases when DSO denies your disability request or fails to offer required support, you should not simply accept their pronouncement or drop out of the program. A PCE course or certification can provide you with needed change and improvement in your life, and you should not let a school's failure to assist derail your plans.
Reasonable
Colleges and universities must provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities. This means that a school does not have to provide all possible accommodations but those that take into account the financial burden and how an accommodation will affect other students or the course.
Accommodations that materially impact a course or course requirements are unlikely to be approved. Schools may also factor in the cost of accommodation, especially if a less-expensive option exists.
If UW and DSO are not providing reasonable accommodations or assistance for students, the student should not hesitate to speak up. In some cases, the school's failure to provide support may be a violation of federal law.
Confidential
You are not required to inform any instructors of the specifics of your disability or any other medical information. DSO will not provide faculty members with any information unless you give them written permission. DSO will discuss accommodations and assistance with the professor, not the details of your disability. Likewise, a professor can ask about your accommodations but not the reasons for them.
You will only need to provide information about your disability or other medical information to the DSO and to the extent necessary to document your disability. If a DSO staff member or a faculty member presses you to reveal information beyond that point, you should file a report with the school or contact the Lento Law Firm.
Filing a Complaint
If you believe UW has violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you should file a complaint. UW has a dedicated ADA Coordinator who handles both complaints and concerns about the failure to provide appropriate accommodations and assistance. In some cases, students may also wish to file a complaint with UCRIO (discussed below).
Services
UW provides PCE students with access to many of the same services as traditional students. PCE students should not hesitate to make use of these opportunities.
Some of the services PCE students have access to:
- Student Technology Loan Program, which offers, for a quarterly fee and with a Husky ID card, rental of laptops and other equipment students need for class.
- Offices that focus on and support specific student groups, including veterans, women, and historically underrepresented groups
- Mental health resources, including SafeCampus, which operates Monday through Friday and provides anonymous help, and Crisis Connections, which provides immediate assistance to all residents of Washington State
- Library services
- IT Support
- Husky Nightwalk provides on-campus escorts from 6:30 pm to 2:30 am everyday except holidays
If someone suggests PCE students do not qualify for these services, they are incorrect and should be reported to the school.
Student Records
PCE student records have the same protection as traditional students. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student records are confidential.
Harassment and Discrimination
UW's Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action handles policy and compliance issues. PCE students, even those taking a single course, are entitled to the same protections as any other member of the UW campus.
The school's policy covers the following:
- Race or Ethnicity
- Religion
- National origin or citizenship status
- Sex, or gender identity
- Sexual orientation
- Pregnancy
- Age
- Marital Status
- Disability
- Veteran status
When UW students, including those in PCE, believe a university employee has violated university policy, they may file a complaint with the University Complaint Investigation and Resolution Office (UCIRO). UCIRO also handles Title IX violations.
You should file a complaint with UCIRO when you believe any staff member, including faculty, has engaged in the following behaviors:
- Discrimination
- Harassment
- Retaliation
- Sexual Misconduct
- Conflicts of Interest
- Domestic Violence
That you are not a traditional student, attending school full-time, or older and more experienced does not act as a defense against a staff member's actions or behavior. You're entitled to the same level of protection as any other student.
If you're being harassed or discriminated against due to one of the above, contact the Lento Law Firm. We can help you decide how to proceed, including whether to file a complaint or if a complaint did not result in a change of behavior, the next steps to take.
Protect Your Education
PCE Students are entitled to the same protection and services as traditional UW students. That you are not a traditional, full-time student does not reduce your right to an education, including the support and assistance to enable you to attend school.
If you are being harassed, discriminated against, or denied access to services, you should contact the Lento Law Firm. We've assisted students nationwide and helped them keep their education on track. Contact us online or by phone.
