Blackfeet Community College

“Remember Our Past…Build Our Future”

2006 – 2008 Catalog

Vision Statement

IN RECOGNITION

of the fact that we all have values that are shaped and developed through our interactions with others, and that these values shape our thoughts and actions, the students, staff, administration and Board of Trustees of Blackfeet Community College adopt the following core values:

Core Values

• Tsi-ksi-ka-ta-pi-wa-tsin – Blackfeet Way of Knowing

  • Blackfeet Culture/Spirituality in philosophy, thought, and action

• Nin-na-wa-tsin – Being a Leader

  • Professionalism, Integrity, and Responsibility in human interaction.

• Ini-yimm – Respect

  • Respect for ones self, all other people, all ideas and each thing in the natural world.

• Ni-ta-pi-pa-ta-pi-tsin – Living in a Good Way

  • Honest in all thoughts and actions.

• Ii-yi-kah-kii-ma-tsin – Trying Hard

  • Commitment, Dedication, Sincerity in the pursuit of all our goals.

• Aoh-kan-otah-tomo – Accepting Everyone

  • Embracing the unique talents and contributions of each individual.

• Ii-ta-mii-pa-ta-pi-yoip – Happy Living

  • Humor, laughter and enjoyment of life.

WE ARE COMMITTED

to ensuring that all of these values

are incorporated into all that we do,

fulfilling the Vision and Mission

of Blackfeet Community College

Mission Statement

It is the mission of Blackfeet Community College to provide transfer equivalent academic and relevant vocational programs of high quality that lead to appropriate associate degrees and certificates. Further, the college provides a core of general education instruction that results in identifiable student competence in written and oral communication, quantitative reasoning, critical analysis and logical thinking, with literacy achieved in the discourse or technology appropriate to the student’s program of study. Because of the changing nature of the demands placed upon members of the Blackfeet Tribe in today’s tribal society and beyond, the college maintains a strong commitment to providing opportunities for life-long education including basic skills development, high school completion, GED, continuing education and high quality community service programs. This commitment to serve the needs of the Blackfeet Tribe includes electronically accessed distance learning.

Finally, and most importantly, it is the mission of Blackfeet Community College to serve as a living memorial to the Blackfeet Tribe, in preserving the Blackfeet Tribe, in preserving the traditions and culture of a proud and progressive people.

Department Numbers

Academic Affairs (406) 338-5411

Fax (406) 338-2820

Administration (406) 338-5441

Fax (406) 338-3272

Business Office (406) 338-5441

Fax (406) 338-7898

Student Services (406) 338-5421

Vocational Education Offices (406) 338-5111

Fax (406) 338-2644

Toll Free Number 1-800-549-7457

Welcome Letter from the President

Oki,

Welcome to Blackfeet Community College. I am pleased and honored that you have chosen to attend, or are considering attending, our institution. Please review the information provided in this catalog carefully. This catalog will guide you through your academic career at Blackfeet Community College and give you the information you need in order to successfully complete your program of study.

You are entering Blackfeet Community College during an exciting era. We are currently offering more degree and certificate programs than at any other time in our history. Our physical campus continues to grow and provide a source of pride for our students, community, and the Blackfeet Nation. And, our graduates are taking their place as the leaders within their communities in ever increasing numbers. We are truly fulfilling the vision of those who started BCC with the dream of providing a quality post-secondary education that incorporates the Niisitapi Way of Learning for all people residing within the Blackfeet Nation.

As the need for education grows, as the need for development of our local economy increases, and as the need to promote and preserve the Blackfeet culture becomes more crucial, Blackfeet Community College will continue our endeavors to fulfill our mission and meet these needs. This is our pledge to those we serve.

Thank you. I wish you success in all of your educational pursuits.

John E. Salois

President,

Blackfeet Community College.

Location

Blackfeet Community College is located in Browning, Montana, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Browning serves as the center for trade and cultural activities with a population of approximately 8,000. Browning is the head quarters of the Blackfeet Tribal Offices, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian Health Service and School District # 9. Blackfeet Community College lies on the southeastern edge of the town of Browning, directly off Highway 2 & 89.

Facilities

Blackfeet Community College is located in thirteen buildings, which house the Administration, Bookstore, Business Office, Student Services, Academic Affairs, Library, Vocational Education and Title III departments and classrooms.

The Plant Maintenance personnel are responsible for maintaining campus buildings and grounds with concerns for safety and security. Regular facilities inspections are made to ensure prompt repairs involving safety and security considerations. Students and staff should report any potential safety or security hazards to Plant Maintenance personnel or the Administration Office.

Goals & Objectives

Blackfeet Community College has developed objectives and purposes based on the goals of the Blackfeet Tribe as set forth in the Blackfeet Community College Tribal Charter.

The Blackfeet Tribe, according to the comprehensive educational plan, has identified the following goals:

• Promote educational opportunities;

• Increase the educational level;

• Advance the knowledge and pride in Blackfeet heritage;

• Improve tribal management;

• Provide community facilities for advancement in education and other tribal institutions; and

• Provide cultural and recreational opportunities for the residents.

The Blackfeet Community College charter indicated the purpose of the college in this manner: “Pursuant to the authority granted by Article VI. Section (h) of the constitution of the Blackfeet Tribe, The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council hereby charters a public non-profit corporation exclusively to provide post-secondary and higher educational programs by bringing to the reservation programs from other institutions and/or by establishing and operating institutions on the Blackfeet Nation granting post-secondary degrees and certificates.”

Blackfeet Community College is operated exclusively for non-profit purposes to provide post-secondary and higher educational services to the community, and to provide cultural, social and recreational services that are sensitive to the varying community needs.

Board of Trustees

Mr. Reis Fisher, Chairperson

Mr. Ronald Kittson, Vice-Chairperson

Mrs. Forrestina CalfBossRibs, Member

Mrs. Lois Sharp, Member

Ms. Sharon Wagner, Member

Aarie Mad Plume, ASBCC President,/ Student Body Representative

The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council appoints the Board of Trustees as the governing board of the college with the powers vested according to the Tribal Charter. The board consists of five community members appointed by the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council, and the President of the Associated Students of Blackfeet Community College (ASBCC).

Senior Administrators

Mr. John E. Salois, President

Ms. Julene Kennerly, Dean of Academic Affairs

Mr. Robert Tailfeathers, Dean of Student Services

Mr. Ron Blomquist, Dean of Institutional Development

Left to right: Bob Tailfeathers, Dean of Student Services, Julene Kennerly, Dean of Academic Affairs, Ron Blomquist, Dean of Institutional Development

Accreditation

Blackfeet Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and/or the U.S. Department of Education. Anyone having questions concerning accreditation should contact: Blackfeet Community College, President, P.O. Box 819, Browning, MT 59417, (406) 338-5441, or Commission on Colleges, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, 8060 165^th Ave NE, Suite 100, Redmond, WA 98052.

History

In October of 1974, The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council chartered the Blackfeet Community College by Executive Action to; “… provide post-secondary and higher educational services…” to the residents of the Blackfeet Nation and surrounding communities. The impetus for this action grew from early tribal efforts to provide an educational opportunity to its residents in a physically, climatically and culturally isolated area.

The Blackfeet Tribe, in its relationship with the federal government as a sovereign Indian nation, is recognized as a nation within a nation through treaties, laws and executive orders. In the late 1960’s, federal programs and laws resulted from tribal efforts to promote the health, education and welfare of their people. The Indian Education Act of 1972 and Office of Economic Opportunity programs of the 1964 Act provided new resources for tribes to provide adult education. The Blackfeet Tribe took advantage of these programs in its quest to develop itself economically and promote self-sufficiency with the idea that the development of human resources is integral to the improvement of the Blackfeet Tribe.

In 1972, the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council established a 10-year comprehensive plan for the Blackfeet Nation. The needs and goals were identified through needs assessments and studies done in conjunction with the implementation of federal programs. The plan identified the need for a community college or vocational/technical school, new facilities and educational programs.

In 1976, the Blackfeet Board of Tribal Educators, under the auspices of the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council, entered into an agreement with Flathead Valley Community College of Kalispell, Montana, to offer extension courses on the reservation. Flathead Valley Community College, via a Title III (Strengthening Institutions) grant, then established an extension center on the Blackfeet Reservation. “Coordinators” were subsequently hired to supervise and implement programs and classes. Students at BCC earned credits from Flathead Valley Community College since BCC was not an independent accredited entity.

In early 1979, the Blackfeet Board of Regents went on record to become an independent institution. The college sought candidacy status for accreditation from the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. Candidacy status was granted by the NWASC Commission on Colleges in December of 1979. In 1980, BCC ended a beneficial relationship with Flathead Valley Community College and began serving students as a separate institution in the fall of 1980. This new status enabled BCC to more closely tailor its offerings to the needs and interests of local students. On December 11, 1985, Blackfeet Community College became fully accredited. The college’s accreditation was reaffirmed most recently in 2000 after an extensive self-study review process.

Blackfeet Community College Charter

Blackfeet Community College is sanctioned by the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council (via Tribal Charter), which is the duly authorized and elected governing body of the Blackfeet Nation. The Tribal Charter acknowledges the status of the Blackfeet Community College as a public, non-profit corporation for the purpose of providing post-secondary and higher educational services to the Blackfeet Nation. The

charter provides the Blackfeet Community College Board of Trustees with their powers and responsibilities as the college governing board.

Blackfeet Community College is a tax-exempt corporation under the Internal Revenue Service with 501 C (3) status.

Services

The college currently provides the following services to the community and its students:

• General education courses for students in support of the one and two year campus programs.

• College preparatory services in educational development training and/or occupational programs.

• Educational services to increase employee efficiency and effectiveness on the job and to strengthen tribal management.

• Educational services to enhance knowledge and pride in the areas of Blackfeet heritage, language, culture and history.

• Educational services in occupational training for entry into specific vocations.

• Educational services that meet social and special needs of the community.

• Student support services in financial aid, academic, personal, and career counseling.

• Community supportive services in areas of research and in strengthening leadership capabilities of tribal members.

Disclaimer

This two-year catalog is published for your information only, and every effort was made to insure accuracy at the time of printing. However, this catalog is not an irrevocable contract between the student and Blackfeet Community College. This catalog is published as a guide for students, faculty and others interested in the institution. Students are expected to be familiar with all college regulations and information set forth in this publication or any amendment to or modifications thereof.

Blackfeet Community College reserves the right to change the regulations and to add or withdraw courses at any time during the period this publication is in effect. The institution, with the concurrence of the Board of Trustees, also reserves the right to add or withdraw degree programs and to change fees at any time. Effective dates of change will be determined by the proper authorities and shall apply to prospective students and to those who are already enrolled.

Blackfeet Community College places full responsibility upon the students for registering for the proper courses and for fulfilling all requirements for a degree as set forth in this catalog, as amended from time to time. No agent or employee of the college has the authority to warrant graduation, the attainment of any type of license, or attainment of any other career goal. The institution does not accept any responsibility for delays in graduation or attainment of career goals resulting from errors in registration, cancelled courses, time schedule changes, changes in degree requirements or similar related changes; or for errors resulting from consultation with and reliance upon information acquired from any college employee. Advisor’s signatures on registration, drop/add, or similar forms do not necessarily indicate an agreement with or approval of the student’s choices of courses nor may they be construed in any way as a warranty that the student’s choice of courses is sufficient for graduation or attainment of any career goals.

Memberships

Blackfeet Community College is a member of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC). Blackfeet Community College takes an active role in local, state and national groups and committees, including Montana Indian Education Association (MIEA), National Indian Education Association (NIEA), Inter-Tribal Policy Board of Montana, Tribally Controlled Community Colleges (TCCC) and other educational endeavors.

The college maintains memberships in professional organizations such as:

• AAAS – American Association for the Advancement of Science

• AAC – American Association of Colleges

• AACC – American Association of Community Colleges

• AACRAO - American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers

• AACTC – American Association of Community and Technical Colleges

• AILA – American Indian Library Association

• CUPA – College and University Personnel Association

• MACRAO - Montana Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers

• MASFAA – Montana Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

• MLA – Montana Library Association

• NACUBO – National Association of Colleges and University Business Officers

• NAGBCU – National Association of Governing Boards of Colleges and Universities

• NASFAA – National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

• NWASC – Northwest Association of Schools & Colleges

• OAH – Organization of American Historians

• PACRAO – Pacific Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers

• RMASFA – Rocky Mountain Association of Student Financial Aid

• SAA – Society of America Archivists.

Policy on Non-Discrimination

Blackfeet Community College is committed to a program of equal opportunity for education, employment, and participation in college activities without regard to race, color, sex, age, religious creed, political ideas, marital status, physical or mental disability or national origin or ancestry. Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 specifically prohibits discrimination in education programs and activities on the basis of sex. The regulation extends to employment by and admission to Blackfeet Community College.

Library

Medicine Spring Library supports both the academic and research needs of students and faculty of the college and the community at large. In its dual role as the only post-secondary academic library in this part of the state and as the tribal library, Medicine Spring Library is keenly aware of its responsibility to provide the full range of library services to all our users. The library belongs to several organizations, including the American Library Association (ALA), Montana Library Association (MLA), Pacific Northwest Library Association (PNLA), American Indian Library Association (AILA), and REFORMA.

Collections offered by the library include:

• Blackfeet Archive Collection

• Children’s Collection

• Reference Collection

• Main Collection

• Video/DVD Collection

• Audio

• Large Print

• Photograph Collection

• Electronic Databases

Services include:

• Orientations

• Interlibrary loan

• Internet access

• Research assistance

Medicine Spring Library has a growing collection of over 17,000 volumes, 220 subscriptions, and 500 video/DVDs.

The staff includes a Librarian with an MLIS, a paraprofessional assistant, and a technical aide.

Bookstore

The BCC Bookstore is located in the Beaver Painted Lodge. Textbooks, school supplies, art supplies, miscellaneous books, and a full array of Native American Studies books are available for students, staff and the community. Jackets, T-shirts, book bags, various clothing articles with the BCC logo are available. Blackfeet Language tapes are also available. Book buy-backs are available at the end of the semester during finals week.

The Bookstore hours are 8:30 am to 4:00 pm daily, Monday through Friday.

Refund on Textbooks and Return Policy

The date on the receipt and the book condition will determine if the book is returnable. 100% refund if returned within one week of date of receipt.

Campus Security

Campus security at Blackfeet Community College is coordinated through the local police for services relating to crime reports and investigations, campus emergencies, traffic accidents and the enforcement of institutional regulations regarding alcohol consumption, controlled substances, weapons possession and other incidents requiring security assistance.

Facility/Campus Policies

Drug/Alcohol Free Campus

The use or possession of alcohol or illegal drugs is prohibited on the campus of Blackfeet Community College and at all college-related activities.

Firearms/Fireworks

Firearms or fireworks of any type will not be allowed on the BCC Campus at any time. Firearms include any type of pistol, rifle, bow or projectile propelling instrument.

Sexual Harassment Policy

Blackfeet Community College’s Sexual Harassment Policy forbids sexual harassment of all members of the college community. For the complete policy see the Dean of Academic Affairs or the Dean of Student Services. Blackfeet Community College defines Sexual Harassment as “ A). Quid pro quo (In exchange for): At no time will a member of the Blackfeet Community College population threaten or insinuate either explicitly or implicitly that submission or rejection of sexual advances will in any way influence any decision regarding grades, evaluation, advancement, or any other condition of employment or education opportunity,” “B). Hostile Environment: At no time shall a member of the Blackfeet Community College population create an “Intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment by sexual comments, physical touching, or displays of objects that “unreasonably interferes” with the opportunity of obtaining or providing an education.”

Disabled Students

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all qualified students enrolled at BCC are entitled to “reasonable accommodations.” Please notify the Dean of Student Services during the first week of registration of any accommodations needed for attendance at BCC. Students with documented disabilities should contact the Dean of Student Services. Accommodations to suit the student’s needs are facilitated by this office, including tutoring, special testing, and note taking. The Student Services Dean’s Office can also make accommodations for physical limitations that a student may have. Students with special needs should disclose their disability to the Dean of Student Service soon after admission to Blackfeet Community College to allow College officials time to review the nature of the need and the accommodations best suited to the student. The student must provide documentation that identifies and explains the disability and a letter with suggested accommodations.

Violation of Expressed Prohibitions

Any individual who violates these expressed prohibitions may be subject to arrest and conviction under applicable tribal, state and federal laws. Students violating these expressed prohibitions may be subject to disciplinary action as set forth by the BCC Student Conduct Code (page ), including possible sanction by suspension or dismissal from Blackfeet Community College.

Bomb Threat Procedure

Students will be notified immediately of a campus bomb threat. Students are to leave the campus area immediately and go to the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs Building, south of the campus on the west side of Highway 89 and wait for further instructions. Do not take your vehicle unless you are informed that it is safe to do so. Instructors or a BCC employee will assist the disabled students to the site. An instructor or BCC employee will make sure the classroom/office is evacuated, close the door upon leaving the room and accompany the students to the Federal Building.

Computer Systems Acceptable Use Policy

The Blackfeet Community College computer user community is encouraged to make innovative and creative use of information technologies in support of education and research. This policy is intended to respect the rights and obligations of academic freedom, and recognizes that the educational mission of the College is served in a variety of ways. The goal of the College in providing computing and network resources is to promote educational excellence and operational proficiency. However, use of BCC computing and network resources is a privilege and not a right. The college recognizes that the purpose of copyright is to protect the rights of the creators of intellectual property and to prevent the unauthorized use or sale of works available in the private sector.

Publication, distribution, or broadcast of copyright protected materials without permission is prohibited. An individual’s right to access to computing and network resources should not be denied or abridged because of race, creed, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. The college cannot protect individuals against the existence or receipt of material that may be offensive to them. As such, those who make use of electronic communications are warned that they may come across or be recipients of material they find offensive. Those who use e-mail and/or make information about themselves available on the internet should be forewarned that the college cannot protect them from invasions of privacy and other possible dangers, including financial liability of any kind that could result from the individual’s distribution of personal or financial information. BCC computing and network resources are to be used for instruction, learning, college related research, enrichment, dissemination of scholarly information, and administrative activities. The computing and network resources of the college are limited and should be used wisely and carefully with consideration for the needs of others. Computers and network resources offer powerful tools for communication among members of the college dialogue community and communities outside the college.

When used appropriately, these tools can enhance dialog and communication. When used unlawfully or inappropriately, however, these tools can infringe on the rights of others.

Faculty, staff, students and others with BCC authorized accounts may use the available computing facilities for personal purposes so long as such use:

• Does not violate any law or college policy.

• Does not involve significant use of college resources, direct costs, or interference with the performance of employee duties of work.

• Does not result in commercial gain or private profit.

A. Restrictions:

The following examples, though not covering every situation, specify some, but not all of the responsibilities that accompany computer use at BCC and/or on networks to which BCC is connected, including the Internet.

The following are specific prohibitions:

• Accessing, uploading, downloading, transmitting, displaying, or distributing obscene or sexually explicit material, racially bigoted or hate material; transmitting obscene, abusive, or sexually explicit language, racially bigoted, or hate explicit language.

• Making unauthorized copies of proprietary software, or offering unauthorized copies of proprietary software to others.

• Copying someone else’s files, or programs, or examining such information unless authorized by the owners.

• Any reproduction or distribution of copyrighted material without explicit permission;

• Any use for political or commercial purposes;

• Attempting to circumvent any computer security methods or operating systems;

• Interfering with the work of others on the network, seriously disrupting the network, or engaging in any uses that result in the loss of another user’s files or system;

• Knowingly or maliciously transmitting files that contain a virus or corrupted data;

• Uses that are found to be malicious, harmful, obscene or unethical;

• Any uses that violate any BCC policy; and

• Any uses that violate federal, tribal, state or local laws or regulations.

The following are general prohibitions:

• Users may not attempt to modify the college computing and network resources or attempt to crash systems. Users should not tamper with any software protections or restrictions placed on computer applications or files.

• All users must obtain authorized computing accounts and may only use their own user names and passwords to access college computing and network systems. Users may not supply false or misleading data nor improperly obtain another’s password in order to gain access to computers or network systems, data or information. Convenience of file or printer sharing is not sufficient reason for sharing a computer account.

• Users are personally responsible for all use of and any charges for their computer account(s). The college accepts no liability for any used fees, charges or purchases. The users make appropriate use of the system and network- provided protection features and take precautions against others obtaining access to their computer resources. Individual password security is the responsibility of each user.

• Users may not encroach on others’ use of computer resources. Such activities would include, but are not limited to, tying up computer resources for excessive game playing or other trivial applications, sending harassing messages, sending frivolous or excessive messages, including chain letters, junk mail, and other types of broadcast messages, using excessive amounts of storage, intentionally introducing any computer viruses, worms, Trojan Horses, or other rouge programs to the BCC hardware or software, or physically damaging systems.

• Users are responsible for making use of software and electronic materials in accordance with copyrighted and licensing restrictions and applicable college policies. BCC equipment and software may not be used to violate copyright or the terms of any license agreement.

• Users must remember that information distributed through the college’s computing and network resources is a form of publishing, and some of the same standards apply. For example, anything generated at the Blackfeet Community College that is available on the Internet through the College’s World Wide Web site represents the college and not just an individual. Even with disclaimers, the college is represented by its students, faculty and staff, and appropriate content, language, and behavior is expected and warranted.

• Users may not transmit any material that is unlawful, libelous, or encourages conduct that would constitute a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability, or otherwise violate any federal, state, or local laws. Materials made available or transmitted on college computing and network resources must comply with all college policies governing conduct of students, faculty and staff.

B. General Usage:

The college encourages all members of its user community to use the college computer and network resources in a manner that is respectful to others. While respecting users’ confidentiality and privacy, the college reserves the right to examine computer files and monitor electronic activity within the limits of other applicable college policies. The college may exercise this right in order to enforce its policies regarding harassment and the safety of individuals; to prevent the posting of proprietary software or electronic copies of electronic texts, music, or images disregarding or copyrighted restrictions or contractual obligations; to safeguard the integrity of computers, networks, and date either at the college or elsewhere; to insure that this policy is being followed; and to protect the College against seriously damaging consequences. The college may restrict or revoke the use of its computing and network resources when faced with evidence of violation of college policies, or federal, tribal, state or local laws. The college reserves the right to limit access to its networks through college-owned or other computers, and to remove or limit assess to material posted on college-owned computers.

All users are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with these responsibilities and all other applicable college policies. Abuse of computing privileges will subject the user to disciplinary or legal action according to established college procedures. Abuse of networks or

computers at other sites through the use of BCC resources will be treated as an abuse of computing privileges at the college. When appropriate, temporary restrictive actions will be taken by the system administrator pending further disciplinary action; the loss of computing privileges may result.

The college and users recognize that all members of the College user community are bound by federal, tribal, state, and local laws relating to civil rights, harassment, copyright, security, and other statutes relating to electronic media. It should be understood that this policy does not preclude enforcement under the laws and regulations of the United States of America, The Blackfeet Tribe or the State of Montana.

Associated Students of Blackfeet Community College (ASBCC)

All Blackfeet Community College (BCC) students are members of the Associated Students of Blackfeet Community College (ASBCC). A portion of student registration fees is allocated to the ASBCC budget to assist students in meeting their social and educational needs.

Election of ASBCC officers is held each Fall semester for all full-time students enrolled at BCC. The elections will take place during the first month of attendance. The ASBCC President serves on the BCC Board of Trustees for a term of one-year including the summer of that academic year. The student who is elected President must be currently enrolled full-time and maintain a 2.00 Grade Point Average (GPA) during the one-year term. The other elected seats (Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Student Representative) must serve a term of 2 semesters (Fall, Spring) of the academic year, and they must be a full-time student and maintain a GPA of 2.00 during their elected term. An advisor appointed through the Dean of Student Services Office advises ASBCC.

Associated Students of Blackfeet Community College serve as the student governing body, advising student grievances, maintaining a clean environment in the Student Commons area, creating extra-curricula activities for the student body, sponsoring social and academic clubs.

Associated Students of Blackfeet Community College meet twice a month to coordinate student activities. Students who want to become more involved in BCC should attend the scheduled ASBCC meetings and volunteer for committee work to enhance BCC’s social and academic activities on campus as well as in the community. Students may join any club of interest or work with ASBCC to start a project that will improve the college’s functions, academic materials, and environment.

Current student activities and/or clubs that students may want to become more involved with; are Indian Club, Intramural Activities, American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC), American Indians in Science and Engineering Society (AISES) and American Indian Business Leaders (AIBL). If you are interested in starting a new club see the ASBCC officers for assistance.

For more information pertaining to ASBCC, please contact the ASBCC officers or the advisor at P.O. Box 819, Browning, Montana 59417-0819 or call Student Support Services at (406) 338-5421.

Student Guidelines

Blackfeet Community College welcomes all students to voluntarily enrollment for the purpose of training and study. With course enrollment, the student accepts all rights and responsibilities as BCC students. As members of the BCC community students have the responsibility to learn, study, and conduct themselves with integrity, in accordance with BCC’s mission statement, procedures, policies, and regulations set forth. Students are expected to comply with federal, state, city and tribal laws governing civil and criminal behavior both on

and off campus, and to conduct themselves as responsible law abiding members.

Student Rights

• Right to a quality educational environment, that allows learning and growth to take place.

• Right to participate in decision-making and matters affecting their educational programs.

• Right to freedom of speech and expression, including expressions concerning dress and length of hair, as long as the expression does not disrupt the educational process or impose upon the rights of others.

• Right to freedom of religion and culture.

• Right to respect and fair treatment from fellow students and Blackfeet Community College faculty, staff and administration.

• Right to have transcripts mailed out upon written request, provided there are no outstanding statements.

• Right to freedom from harassment based on gender.

• Right to freedom from unreasonable search and seizure of person or property.

• Right to a reasonable degree of privacy.

• Right to freedom from discrimination.

• Right to a grievance procedure and process.

• Right of due process in every instance of alleged violation of school policies which results in the student’s suspension or withdrawal from school, this right is also extended to any other disciplinary action.

Student Responsibilities

• To abide by the rules, acceptable student conduct, regulations, & policies of BCC.

• To treat BCC staff, facilities, equipment and other students with courtesy and respect.

• To complete the requirements for the classes enrolled in each semester.

• To uphold the school’s standard of conduct relating to academic honesty.

• To assume full responsibility for the content and integrity of the academic work they submit, plagiarism is prohibited.

• Respecting the guiding principle of academic integrity, each student’s submitted homework, examinations, reports, and projects must be their own.

Standards of Student Conduct

The following are some of the offenses outlined, but not limited to, which can lead to serious disciplinary action, including probation, suspension or expulsion from Blackfeet Community College:

1. Dishonesty, such as cheating, plagiarism or knowingly furnishing false information to the college and/or in the classroom.

2. Forgery, alteration or misuse of college documents, computer programs or accounts, or records or identification.

3. Obstruction of disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures or other college activities; or of any other authorized activities on the college premises. Such obstruction or disruption (whether involving individual or group conduct; whether taking the form of force, trespass, seizure, occupation or obstruction of buildings, facilities or property; or the inciting of others to any disruptive conduct) is directly opposed to academic freedom and the mission statement of Blackfeet Community College.

4. Physical or verbal abuse of any person on college-owned or controlled property, or at college-sponsored functions, or conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any such person.

5. Theft of, or damage to the property of the college, any member of the college community, or campus visitor.

6. Storage or possession on campus of chemicals or materials or devices which by themselves or when in combination could be explosive, toxic, flammable, or dangerous, except as required in scientific research in faculty supervised laboratories.

7. Unauthorized entry or use of occupancy of college facilities.

8. Violation of college policies, rules or regulations concerning student organization; the use of college facilities; or the time, place and manner of meetings on college owned or controlled property. These regulations are available in the Office of Student Services.

9. Use, sale, or possession of various drugs that are deemed illegal under federal, state, and tribal laws, except as those expressly permitted by law. Use, sale, or possession of intoxicating alcohol is prohibited in the buildings, at campus functions, during college sponsored events, and on the grounds or use of equipment.

11. Disorderly, lewd, indecent or obscene conduct or expression on college-owned or controlled property, or at college-sponsored functions.

12. Failure to comply with directions of college officials, who are acting in the performance of their duties.

13. Individual students who owed the college fees and other charges are not permitted to secure transcripts o records, degree(s), certificate(s), and grades until fees/charges are paid or satisfactorily adjusted.

14. Sexual harassment of students by faculty, staff, administration, or to other students.

15. Verbal, emotional, or physical abuse of faculty, staff, administration or to other students.

Student Health Services

Native American students, enrolled members and descendant attending Blackfeet Community College are eligible for medical care from Indian Health Services. Non-Indians not receiving these benefits are eligible for health services at the Northern Rockies Medical Center in Cut Bank, Montana.

Student Housing

No on-campus housing is available.

Student Activities/Conferences/Clubs

• American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) – Annual Conference and Basketball Tournament

• American Indian Business Leaders (AIBL)

• Fine Arts Club

• Indian Club

• Men and Women’s Basketball

• Rodeo Club

Academic Definitions

Academic Year

An academic year is defined as a full year of study beginning with fall semester and ending with spring semester.

Administrative Withdrawal

The Dean of Academic Affairs may cancel a course due to low or no student enrollment one week after the start of each semester. (Students enrolled in the cancelled course are then notified in writing. The Registrar’s Office will mail notification to the student’s local address.)

Class Attendance Policy

Students are required to attend class regularly. If a student must be absent, it is his/her responsibility to make up assignments and notify the instructor. It is also the student’s responsibility to track their own absences.

Students may receive an excused absence for the following reasons: student is ill; child is ill; death in the immediate or extended family; lack of transportation for students who live out of town; extreme weather conditions; jury duty; religious/cultural purposes; school-related; job-related; other extenuating circumstances.

Students who miss the number of classes listed below will be withdrawn from the class by the instructor. If the instructor determines that the student has valid reasons for reinstatement, then written documentation on the Student Conference Sheet must be submitted to the Dean of Academic Affairs.

Classification of Students

Full-time students registered for 12 or more credits of study per semester.

Part-time students registered for fewer than 12 credits of study per semester.

Freshman students are those having earned fewer than 30 credits.

Sophomore students are those having earned 30 or more credits.

Continuing students are those who were enrolled during the previous semester (excluding short-term courses & workshops).

New students are those who have never attended college.

Returning students are those who have attended BCC previously, but not during the previous semester (excluding short-term courses & workshops).

Transfer students are those who have attended another institution prior to applying to BCC.

Returning Transfer students are those who attended BCC then attended another institution and are applying to BCC again.