Academic Success Center
The Academic Success Center (ASC) supports CBC students in achieving their learning goals by offering a welcoming space for academic support and active learning. The ASC provides free in-person and online tutoring in high-demand subject areas, including math, science, computer science, world languages and the humanities. Students can access drop-in tutoring for one-on-one or small group support, and the ASC also provides access to computers, printers, textbooks, whiteboards and private study rooms and other helpful resources.
Online eTutoring, in addition to our in-house tutoring services, provides live support in a variety of subjects, including writing assistance, and is available seven days a week, with tutoring times in the late evenings.
The ASC also offers students support through ASC mentors. ASC mentors are successful CBC students who can help students navigate the college system, including learning new study skills and strategies, accessing campus resources and providing support and encouragement.
For more information about the ASC and online tutoring, come to the Academic Success Center in room T433 of the T Building, call 509-542-4676, email asc@columbiabasin.edu or visit the ASC webpage.
Writing Center
As a branch of the ASC, the Writing Center, located in the Library, offers writing support for all subject areas. Consultations with writing tutors help students at any stage of the writing process, including planning, reorganizing and developing drafts and revising for details and clarity. Students can also strengthen their reading, writing and critical thinking skills. Appointments can be made by contacting the Academic Success Center or through the ASC webpage.
Assessment Center
Assessment
While standardized testing in English, reading and math may be used to support accurate college course placement, the Assessment Center also evaluates multiple measures to determine the most appropriate placement for each student. For more information, please contact the Assessment Center at testingcenter@columbiabasin.edu or 509-547-0511.
GED® Exams
Adults who have not graduated from high school may obtain a Certificate of Educational Competency by passing mathematics, social studies, science and literature tests administered by the Assessment Center. Students seeking assistance in preparing for these exams should contact Adult Basic Education in the Transitional Studies department at transitionalstudies@columbiabasin.edu.
Other Testing
The Assessment Center proctors several CBC program exams in addition to remote testing. We also offer proctor services to the surrounding communities. For more information, visit the Assessment Center webpage.
Athletics
CBC is a member of the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC). CBC's teams compete in baseball, softball, basketball, golf, soccer and volleyball. Esports was added during the 2024-25 academic year, and competes in the National Junior College Athletics Association Esports (NJCAAE). Athletic scholarships are available for participants. Participants must be enrolled in at least 12 credits per quarter. Second-year participants must maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Bookstore
Columbia Basin College Bookstore is located in the H Building (HUB) on the Pasco campus. Current store hours, policies and procedures are posted at the store and on the CBC Bookstore webpage. The bookstore sells required and recommended textbooks, as well as general reading materials and study aids, school supplies, calculators, art and engineering supplies, insignia clothing and merchandise and gift items. You can shop in the store and on the website for textbooks and other select merchandise. CBC Bookstore is owned and operated as a service by Columbia Basin College for students and the community, and welcomes opportunities to serve you. You can contact us at 509-542-4893.
College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP)
The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) supports students from migratory or seasonal farmworker backgrounds (or their immediate family members) who are enrolled in their first year of undergraduate studies at an institution of higher education. CAMP’s mission is to help students build a strong academic foundation and provide the necessary support to reach their educational and career goals. The program offers a range of services, including outreach, personal and academic counseling, tutoring, financial aid assistance, exposure to cultural and educational activities and many professional opportunities.
In addition, CAMP provides follow-up services to students after their first year. Follow-up services include monitoring academic progress and referring students to on-campus or off-campus resources for further support. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Migrant Education monitors the program to ensure objectives are met, compliance is maintained and areas for improvement are identified. For more information, contact the CAMP office at 509-542-4602 or visit the CAMP webpage.
Counseling & Advising
The primary responsibility of Counseling & Advising is to assist students in their personal, educational and professional growth and planning. Counseling & Advising provides a variety of services including educational planning, academic and transfer advising, career counseling, human development courses and personal counseling.
Educational Planning
Completion coaches assist students in their transition to CBC by providing information about the College’s processes, procedures and policies. They participate in College orientation and initial registration activities and, most importantly, assist students in developing educational plans to meet individual goals.
Academic and Transfer Advising
Although a variety of individuals at CBC provide academic advice to students, completion coaches are primarily responsible for assisting students in making decisions about academic or occupational goals. They provide specific information about CBC courses and programs, as well as specialized training options and transfer requirements for other educational institutions.
Career Counseling
Counselors help students and members of the community identify educational interests and assist in career exploration. They interpret interest and personality inventories to aid individuals who are making career and educational decisions or are undecided about a major or program.
Human Development Courses
The Counseling faculty teach a variety of human development courses. Please refer to the Courses section of this catalog for course descriptions.
Career Services
Career Services supports students through every stage of their professional career development by providing them with in-person, virtual and asynchronous resources to grow their career readiness skills. Career, transfer, job search and personal/professional development workshops are scheduled throughout the year. One-on-one appointments are available for students who need more individualized support. They partner with employers to connect students to job, internship and volunteer opportunities. Lastly, they also tap into college, local, state and nationwide networks to provide information and referrals to a wide range of resources.
Personal Counseling
Counselors are registered by the state of Washington to provide personal counseling and assist students with issues that may affect their academic performance or progress in meeting their educational goals. They offer workshops and other interventions aimed at improving student educational success and personal development. Counselors provide short-term personal counseling and refer students to community mental health professionals, if needed.
To schedule an appointment, please call Counseling & Advising at 509-542-5505.
Disability Support Services
Disability Support Services (DSS) is located in the T Building in Suite T422. DSS is dedicated to ensuring equal access and inclusion for all students with either provisional or permanent physical, health, learning, sensory or psychological disabilities. Disability-related accommodations may include adaptive equipment, assistive technology, testing, note taking support, classroom equipment and information. If you are experiencing challenges with learning, understanding, paying attention or subjects that seem harder than they should, DSS may be able to help. Please call, email, or stop by the office to schedule an appointment to meet with a specialist to talk about your current challenges. Contact us at 509-542-4412 or dss@columbiabasin.edu.
Educational Technology
EdTech integrates technology tools, resources and strategies into teaching and learning to enhance educational experiences and outcomes. It aims to improve student engagement, increase accessibility and support innovative teaching methods.
EdTech supports students in effectively using and implementing these technologies. This includes crucial support for online and blended (hybrid) courses, as well as enriching face-to-face classes with technology.
EdTech is here to help you leverage these tools for effective teaching and learning. They can be reached at edtech@columbiabasin.edu or 509-542-4543.
Emergency Need Fund
The CBC Foundation's Emergency Need Fund was developed to assist students who are experiencing an unforeseen financial crisis that is creating a barrier to their student success. The fund provides small grants to students who are experiencing a one-time financial hardship that is unlikely to occur again. For more information, please contact the Foundation office at 509-542-4626 or emergencyfund@columbiabasin.edu.
The Workforce Education Center (WEC) also has emergency funding available.
Hawk Central
Hawk Central, located in the H Building (HUB), is centralized within Student Services to offer students an opportunity to meet face-to-face with a friendly customer service specialist. The staff in Hawk Central answer student questions, assist with problem-solving and provide information regarding key student services processes (getting started, financial aid, registration, cashiering and general college information). For more information, please visit the Hawk Central webpage.
Human Resources' Student Employment
The Student Employment Office (SEO) is coordinated through the Human Resources office. The SEO provides on-campus student employment information to CBC students and normally has more than 150 students per quarter working in departments across campus. Information outlining the hiring process can be found on the Student Employment webpage. The webpage also provides tools and resources for students wanting to work on-campus or off-campus through the State Work Study program. Contact the Student Employment office at studentemployment@columbiabasin.edu for more information.
Types of Student Employment at CBC
On-Campus
- Federal Work Study
- CBC Non-Work Study
- Athletic Scholarships through the Athletic Department
- Summer Student Employment
Off-Campus
- State Work Study
While State Work Study is non-CBC employment, it is an opportunity for CBC students to work off-campus for employers in the community, and in jobs related to the student’s major and/or career goals. The Financial Aid office assists student workers interested in placement for off-campus employment, though students apply through the CBC online application system. For more information, or to apply, visit the Student Employment webpage.
Criteria for Work Study
(Refer to the Financial Aid Programs section of this catalog for more detail.)
Student workers under Federal Work Study or State Work Study must be enrolled in at least six degree-required credits for the Academic Year and five degree-required credits for Summer Quarter.
Library Services
The CBC Library’s main location is in the L Building on the Pasco campus. This location received a renovation during the 2022-23 academic year and has been updated to reflect the needs of a 21st century community college student. Features include a family study room, recording and editing spaces, an archive of CBC history, a silent reading room, collaborative group study spaces, a Technology Services helpdesk and the Academic Success Center’s (ASC) Writing Center.
The Pasco and Richland libraries provide a wide range of resources, both on-site and online, to support students’ research and other information needs. Both facilities provide a Library classroom, computer lab and laptops for checkout; scanning, printing and copying equipment; and contain individual, group and collaborative study spaces. Databases providing access to articles, videos and e-books are available for use on and off campus.
The Library also maintains collections of print books and videos for educational and recreational purposes including special collections such as children’s books, Spanish language material, employee publications and course reserves.
Research help is available from CBC librarians in person and online. Chat assistance is even available 24/7! See the Library webpage for drop-in hours, to chat or to make an appointment.
Math, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA)
MESA is funded by the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC). The MESA program supports historically underrepresented students (including African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, Pacific Islanders and women) who intend to earn a bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematic (STEM) disciplines. Our goal is to further pave pathways for community college students to become the next leaders in STEM.
While at CBC, MESA students have a community of peers and receive support through academic and transfer guidance, workshops, dedicated MESA study center and career and professional development. Most students enrolled in the MESA program are low-income and the first in their families to attend college. For more information, please call the MESA office at 509-542-4538 or email mesa@columbiabasin.edu.
Office of Student Activities
The CBC staff members of the Office of Student Activities supervise and serve as daily advisors to the ASCBC student leaders. Student Activities works with student groups to develop and plan cultural, social, recreational and celebration events to meet the needs of the student body. Student-funded activities include intercollegiate athletics, game room access, music, drama, and various interest clubs.
Associated Students of Columbia Basin College (ASCBC)
ASCBC is thrilled to have you as a member of our student population! Your student government officers are available to help you during your college experience. Stop by our office located on the second floor of the H Building (HUB) to learn about starting a club, sign up for Leadership Council and hear about upcoming student events. We want to make sure that you get the most out of your college experience. Have a great year!
ASCBC Clubs & Organizations
CBC offers a variety of students clubs and organizations that provide opportunities for leadership development, community engagement, personal growth, and involvement beyond the classroom. Student organizations represent a wide range of interests, including academic, cultural, recreational, service, special interest, athletic, and arts-related activities.
Students are encouraged to explore existing organizations or create new student clubs based on shared interests and goals. Student clubs and organizations are supported through ASCBC.
For information about current student organizations or to start a new club, contact ASCBC at clubs@columbiabasin.edu.
Performing Groups
The Music department offers a number of vocal and instrumental groups that students are encouraged to participate in. Some of the ensembles are: Concert Band, Concert Choir and Chamber Choir, Orchestra, Jazz Choir and Jazz Ensemble. Participation in these groups may require an audition. For detailed information, please contact the Music department at 509-542-5531.
The Theatre Arts department provides opportunities to participate in theatrical productions throughout the school year. Students are welcome to join the productions in both on- or off-stage roles. For more information, please contact the Theatre department at 509-542-5544.
Planetarium
The CPCCo Planetarium on the Pasco campus is the largest planetarium theater in Washington. The Planetarium uses the Pacific Northwest’s most advanced digital projection system and top-of-the-line software to share the wonder of science, technology and the universe. The Planetarium staff's goal is to enrich education, research and outreach in astronomy, physics and many other sciences for communities in the lower Columbia Basin and beyond. The Planetarium provides learning opportunities for both CBC students and community members using the latest in educational technology both inside and outside of the classroom. The programs offered aspire to make lifelong learning fun for all visitors with immersive and interactive content in the areas of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM).
The Planetarium is used for all of CBC’s astronomy courses as well as for other student events, including club ceremonies and movie nights. Educators can schedule field trips for students from pre-K through grade 12 throughout the week, and other private organizations may rent the facility for educational visits.
Public show schedules, ticket sales and other information can be found on the Planetarium webpage.
Student Housing
Columbia Basin College offers on-campus Student Housing to support student success, engagement, and community. Student Housing provides a safe, comfortable, and academically focused living environment where students can live, learn, and grow together while remaining connected to campus resources, activities, and support services.
Housing options include fully furnished living spaces with amenities designed to support student life and academics. Eligibility requirements, housing options, rates, and application are available through the Student Housing Office.
For additional information, please visit the Student Housing webpage or contact the Student Housing office at housing@columbiabasin.edu or 509-542-4550.
Student Support Services
Student Support Services (SSS) at CBC is a federally funded TRIO program under the U.S. Department of Education. SSS provides academic support, aids with fundamental college needs and serves to motivate students to successfully complete their post-secondary education. Participants in SSS benefit from academic advising, transfer planning, major and career planning and tutoring in math and science.
Eligibility for the program is open to students who are first-generation (neither parent has graduated from a four-year college), low-income or have a documented disability. Our goal is to increase student retention, graduation rates and facilitate transition from one level of higher education to the next. For more information or to apply, please visit the Student Support Services webpage.
Upward Bound
CBC’s Upward Bound program prepares low-income high school students from Connell, Pasco and Chiawana high schools to become first-generation graduates. Program components include tutoring, advising, pre-college workshops, college tours, cultural events, community service and a summer program. Senior participants may attend the summer Bridge program for a tuition-paid summer quarter, with intensive support during their first quarter of college course work.
Eligibility
- Potential first-generation college graduates
- Attending ninth or tenth grade at a target school
- Family income meets federal guidelines
- Determined to succeed in college
Upward Bound serves more than 80 students from three schools and is 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Education Grant No. P047A220232.
Veterans Education & Transition Services
The Veterans Education and Transition Services (V.E.T.S.) Center is dedicated to supporting military affiliated students in their transition to CBC through academic advising, education benefits certification, navigating the college system and workshops tailored to veteran student success. The V.E.T.S. Center also offers a study space, student computer lab and free coffee daily. To learn more about services for military affiliated students at CBC, visit the Veterans webpage or speak to a member of the V.E.T.S. Center staff at 509-542-4404.
Veterans Benefits Approval Statement: Selected programs of study at Columbia Basin College are approved by the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board’s State Approving Agency (WTECB/SAA) or Washington Student Achievement Council’s State Approving Agency (WSAC/SAA) for enrollment of those eligible to receive benefits under Title 38 and Title 10, USC.
CBC does not and will not provide any commission, bonus or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on success in securing enrollment or financial aid to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting or admissions activities, or in making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance.
Compliance with VA’s 85/15 Rule: Schools should limit student enrollment to 85 percent supported students per cohort. In the event that a G.I. Bill® beneficiary wishes to enroll in a class that has already reached the 85 percent cap, they may do that but will not be eligible for VA funding. Chapter 35 and 31 students may still enroll even if the 85 percent has been realized.
In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), this school adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33), Dependents Education Assistance (Ch. 35), or Veteran Readiness and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA. This school will not:
- Prevent the student's enrollment
- Assess a late penalty fee to
- Require student secure alternative or additional funding
- Deny their access to any resources (access to classes, libraries or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution
However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:
- Produce the Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class
- Provide written request to be certified
- Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies
G.I. Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.
Workforce Education Center (WEC)
The Workforce Education Center (WEC) assists students with tuition, book assistance, housing assistance and financial help for other barriers that may keep you from being successful. For students looking to re-career, train while on unemployment or train while on Washington state food/cash assistance, WEC may have a program that can help you. WEC is located in the T Building, Room T581. More details are available on the Workforce Education Center webpage.
Basic Food, Employment, & Training (BFET)
Students enrolled in a professional/technical program who are currently receiving or are eligible to receive food benefits from the state of Washington are eligible for these additional benefits and resources through BFET:
- Help maintaining eligibility for food assistance while attending school
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services' childcare subsidy programs
- Academic/career planning
- Referrals to on-campus and off-campus resources
- Tuition and other support assistance (according to documented need)
For more information, please call the Workforce Education Center at 509-542-4719.
Early Achievers Grant
The Early Achievers Grant serves students in the Early Childhood Education program who are currently working in the field and who need the CBC credential to stay licensed with the state. Early Achievers Grant services include:
- Educational planning assistance
- Tuition and book assistance that can pay for all certifications and even an AAS degree
For more information, please contact the Workforce Education Center at 509-542-4446 or 509-542-4587.
Opportunity Grant
The Opportunity Grant serves students who are low income and enrolled in one of several specific programs including Automotive Technology, Health Sciences, Computer Science and Agriculture Management. Opportunity Grant services include:
- Career and educational planning assistance
- Tuition assistance for up to one year of classes
- Book assistance
For more information, please contact the Workforce Education Center at 509-542-4446 or 509-542-4587.
Worker Retraining
Tuition assistance and books may be available for students who meet one of the following criteria:
- Currently receiving or have exhausted unemployment benefits within the last 48 months
- Have become a "displaced homemaker", meaning they were dependent on another family member's income, that income is no longer available and they are either unemployed or underemployed
- Discharged from the U.S. Armed Services within the last 48 months or are going to be released from active duty within the next 18 months
- Are a dislocated worker who is currently working a temporary stop-gap job with an income loss of 20 percent or more
- Are currently employed but at risk for unemployment, meeting two of the following criteria:
1. Your job is listed as not in demand;
2. You need training to remain working for your current employer;
3. And/or you have less than 45 college credits - Have been self-employed and experienced a lack of work due to the economy
For more information about program eligibility, call the Workforce Education Center at 509-542-4446 or visit the Worker Retraining webpage.
WorkFirst
The WorkFirst program provides services and funds to eligible parents currently receiving cash assistance (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, TANF). WorkFirst services include:
- Career and educational planning assistance
- Financial assistance for tuition, fees and books for basic skills, vocational, technical and professional training programs
For more information, please contact the Workforce Education Center at 509-542-4719 or 509-542-4531.
Student Assistance
The following services are available to qualifying students attending our college:
- Emergency Assistance Funds
- Childcare Reimbursement
- Travel Reimbursement
To find out more information or apply for assistance, email moneyforyou@columbiabasin.edu or visit the Money for You webpage.