503 - Policy on Credit Hours

  • Policy Number: 501
  • Policy Title: Financial Aid Fraud Prevention and Identity Verification Policy
  • Policy Owner: VP Instruction
  • Date Approved: May 13, 2026
  • Date Revised: NA
  • Date Reviewed: NA

Scope 

This policy applies to all Olympic College credit-bearing courses and instructional activities for which credit hours or credit equivalents are assigned. 

Purpose & Background

This policy establishes the standards by which Olympic College assigns credit hours and credit equivalents to courses and instructional activities. Credit assignment is governed by the policies of the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and applicable state and federal requirements. Olympic College assigns credit value in adherence to the policies of the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. All courses offered and reported by Washington’s community and technical colleges must meet minimum standards established by the State Board pursuant to RCW 28B.50.090(7)(c) and (e). 

Definitions 

  1. Credit: A unit of measure for college work. Often, one credit hour represents one hour of classroom attendance each week for a quarter.
  2. Credit Equivalent: The credit equivalency assigned to a class. For credit bearing classes, the credit equivalent is equal to the number of credits enrolled. For variable credit classes, the value is the average credits based on the enrollment on the census date. For non-credit bearing courses, the credit equivalent is calculated based on the contact hours.  

Policy  

  1. In accordance with SBCTC policy, Olympic College Shall ensure:
  2. All courses described for reporting purposes use a coding system approved by the State Board (see SBCTC Course Coding Procedures and Guidelines).
  3. The credit value or credit equivalent assigned to any course or instructional activity follows the rules for setting credit values and equivalents as approved by the State Board (see 5.30.10 Class effort: Credit values and credit equivalents).
  4. The College abides by the rules and regulations adopted by the State Board related to budgeting, accounting, auditing, and financial procedures supplemental to the State’s Budget and Accounting Act (see RCW 28B.50.090; RCW 43.88), and applies SBCTC-approved criteria to:
    1. Receive state fund support (see RCW 28B.50.090(7)(b and e)).
    2. Be classified as contract funded (see RCW 28B.50.140 (16 and 17); WAC 131-32-010 and WAC 131-32-020).
    3. Be classified as student-funded (see RCW 28B.50.020). 

Related Information

  1. State
    1. State 1. SBCTC Policies 4.10.00B, 5.30.10
    2. Course Coding Procedures and Guidelines