Bossier Parish Community College is in compliance with this core requirement because in keeping with the College's mission to provide instruction and service to its community, the Student Affairs Division mission statement--which can be found in the Student Activities Calendar--reads as follows: To maximize student success in achieving a well-rounded education. The Student Affairs Division coordinates its services with all the other divisions within the College to enhance the educational experiences of the students and to support the mission of the College.

To achieve this mission, the division has established the following goals:

• To provide convenient access to appropriate educational opportunities to all
• To maintain an effective student financial aid program
• To increase student awareness and stimulate participation by students in seminars, programs, campus organizations, and activities offered on campus and in the community
• To promote a well-rounded educational experience through participation in extracurricular activities including cheerleading, danceline, and athletic programs
• To take reasonable steps to provide a healthful, safe, and secure campus community environment
• To promote appreciation for and understanding of cultural, economic, and educational diversities among students, faculty, and staff
• To expand community outreach efforts to recruit minority, under-represented or diverse students

Bossier Parish Community College has an open admissions policy listed in the General Catalog 20. Students may be admitted to the College if they meet the following Admissions Requirements: obtain a high school diploma, obtain a GED (General Education Development diploma), or have met pre-established criteria on the COMPASS College placement test. The criteria established by the federal government as showing "ability to benefit" are as follows: a COMPASS score of 25 on Pre-Algebra/Number Skills; 32 on Writing Skills; and 62 on Reading Skills. In order to be admitted to the College, the student must demonstrate at least the minimum score on all three tests in a single testing experience.

Students must submit the necessary documents to the Admissions/Registrar's Office prior to registration in order for them to be notified regarding eligibility for admission. By not submitting the required documentation, students can be denied admission, or can be admitted provisionally. A Student's Permanent Record is an academic file folder which contains the following information: academic transcripts from high school and college, placement test scores, ACT and SAT scores (if provided), immunization records, and proof of Selective Service registration by male students.

Another responsibility of the Admissions/Registrar's Office is International Admission. International students must meet the regular admission requirements for the College. In addition to the standard documentation, they must submit the following: $25 application fee, TOEFL test scores (173 on computer-based testing or 500 on the written test), and official documentation of financial support. All documents must be translated into English. Students should have at least completed a program of study that would recommend them for admission in their native country. International applicants transferring from institutions in or out of the United States must have completed a recognized secondary program and meet admissions by transfer requirements. All foreign credentials must be submitted in English to the Admissions/Registrar's Office and must be submitted to the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers for an evaluation. AACRAO evaluations must be sent directly to our Admissions/Registrar's Office sixty days prior to the beginning of the semester when admission is desired. Additional information concerning the evaluation process and the associated fees can be obtained from the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. After submitting the appropriate documentation, an I-20 is processed in SEVIS, signed by the Designated School Official and mailed to the student. Students are responsible for paying a SEVIS fee. The I-20 is the form that allows foreign students to attain their student visa (F-1) so that they can attend college. Furthermore, if international students are transferring from other colleges, they must ensure their I-20 are transferred through the SEVIS system to the institution which they plan to attend.

Other responsibilities of the Admissions/Registrar's Office are as follows: Veteran's Benefits, name changes, degree changes, status changes, resignations, transcript requests, enrollment verifications, and components of graduation.

The ACT Student Opinion Survey has shown consistent student satisfaction in General Admissions Procedures from 2004 - 2006. The Admissions/Registrar's Office Survey is also used to evaluate the services of the Admissions/Registrar's Office. The results of these surveys are given to the Registrar so that changes can be made in order for the department to become more efficient.

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office helps students attain their educational goals by offering them various avenues of Financial Assistance. Students can apply for aid from a variety of sources to meet their educational expenses. Financial aid is based on need and/or merit. Those seeking aid must meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements in order to receive federal financial aid. Awards are limited to students enrolled in degree programs, eligible technical diplomas, or certificate programs at Bossier Parish Community College. Students enrolled in a Technical Competency Area are not eligible for federal aid. All financial aid applicants must be accepted for admission before aid will be processed; all academic transcripts from previously attended colleges must be evaluated by the Admissions Office before aid is processed. "Summer only" students are not eligible for aid.

Students seeking assistance from federal financial aid programs must meet the following requirements:

1. Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or eligible non-citizen.
2. Have a valid Social Security number.
3. Be properly admitted or currently enrolled in a degree-seeking or certificate program at BPCC.
4. Maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) in an eligible course of study in accordance with the College's guidelines.
5. Must sign a statement, located on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which states federal student aid funds will be used only for educational purposes.
6. Must neither be in default on a federal loan nor owe a refund on a federal student grant.
7. Must register with the Selective Service System, if required.

The ACT Student Opinion Survey has shown a high level of satisfaction for Financial Aid Services from 2002 - 2006 with the College usually ranking higher than the national sample. The Financial Aid Department Survey is another tool used to evaluate the effectiveness of this department. The results of these surveys are given to the Director so improvements and changes can be made in order for the department to become more efficient.

Library

The BPCC Library's Mission is to provide library resources and services to support the mission and goals of Bossier Parish Community College.

The BPCC Library is open over seventy hours each week. The Library houses over 38,000 items, including books, magazines, audiovisual materials (DVDs, CDs, videos and audio cassettes), microfiche, and current newspapers. The Library offers access to a variety of electronic resources including indexes and databases which contain numerous newspaper and journal articles. The BPCC Library is a member of the LOUIS consortium.

The BPCC Library allows students to conduct searches while off campus. By following a link on the Library's main page, students are taken to a site that will allow Off-Campus Access to the Library them to search through the Library's resources. This site also allows students to search through the resources of all colleges and universities throughout the state.

The ACT Student Opinion Survey is a tool used to evaluate the services of this department. Item seven of the College Services portion of this survey shows that from 2002 - 2006 the level of satisfaction by BPCC students is higher than the national sample.

Technology Resource Center

The Technology Resource Center (TRC), provides assistance in the use of electronic resources and word processing on 50+ student workstations purchased with student fees.

All currently enrolled students can easily access the Technology Resource Center by presenting a current BPCC Identification Card.

The Technology Resource Center is located on the second floor of the Library in Building A.

Student Activities

The Student Activities Office of Bossier Parish Community College has as its mission to provide out-of-classroom learning that educates and entertains the "whole" student: physically, socially, mentally, and spiritually. To accomplish this, Student Activities offers events, entertainment, hands-on activities, leadership programs, student organizations, and the Distinguished Speaker Series. Student Activities also offers a Student Government Association. Any member of the BPCC community may visit the Student Activities Office and complete an Office Evaluation form for the department. The results are disseminated to all Student Activities staff for input of ideas on how to improve the department based on survey results.

The events, entertainment, hands-on activities, leadership programs, student organizations, and Distinguished Speaker Series are held throughout the year. This information concerning these programs/activities can be found on the Student Activities website and in the Student Activities Calendar that is published each year. Events are also listed on the "Events of the Week" publication each week. All programs are open to all members of the BPCC community. These events offer an educational component outside the classroom. Activities such as the Distinguished Speaker Series bring to campus individuals with particular expertise who may offer information that students may not have access to in the classroom. Distinguished speakers cover topics including healthy diets, self-introspection, and personal finance. The Student Activities Department also offers opportunities to have students recognized for their talents in and out of the classroom. These opportunities include the Student Activities Talent Show, BPCC Homecoming, and Who's Who in American Junior Colleges.

A Student Activities Event Evaluation form is completed by a random sample of attendees at each event that is coordinated by the Student Activities Department. Additionally, the ACT Student Opinion Survey is a tool used to evaluate the services of this department. This survey has shown that from 2002 - 2006 the level of student satisfaction by BPCC students for College Sponsored Social Activities is higher than the national sample. The results of all surveys are given to the Director, and changes are made accordingly, in order to ensure the best service possible.

Student Government Association

The Student Government Association (SGA), whose members are elected according to the SGA Election Policies by the student body, represents all BPCC students by providing input into College policies and College management. During fall and spring semesters, SGA members serve as the "voice of advocacy" for all students on the BPCC campus. The SGA is a highly organized group, and anyone who wishes may sit in on any SGA meeting held on campus. All students, faculty, staff, and community members are free to analyze the SGA Constitution. The SGA also sponsors events such as the Talent Show and Homecoming. According to the Student Handbook 10, SGA members have the opportunity to serve on College committees and various governing boards around the state. The ACT Student Opinion Survey has shown that from 2002 - 2006 the level of satisfaction by BPCC students with Student Government is higher than the national sample.

Student Organizations

Student Organizations offer specific learning opportunities for students. Participation in campus organizations allows students the chance to learn and develop leadership skills, gain experience in organizing events, and become responsible for outcomes. Bossier Parish Community College recognizes the importance of "out of classroom" education that is gained by participating in these officially recognized Student Organizations. These organizations include religious, performance, honorary, service, and leadership groups. All organizations must apply for approval and be recognized by the Student Activities Department prior to their achieving active status on campus. The appropriate form used for this purpose is the Student Activities Application For New Student Organizations and Student Activities Charter Application For New Student Organization. When active, student organizations have the opportunity to host events and conduct fundraisers. Organizations must submit a Student Organization Fundraiser Request form for approval by the Director of Student Activities prior to the event and a Student Organization Fundraiser Report form following the event. At the conclusion of the spring semester, organization members have the opportunity to evaluate the advisor and the organization by completing the Student Organization and Advisor Evaluation Form. The results are sent to each organization advisor so he/she can assess the strengths and weaknesses of the organization and make changes as needed.

Cavalier Connection

Cavalier Connection is the New Student Orientation program for BPCC. This program offers new students the opportunity to come to campus prior to the beginning of the academic year and gain information that will assist them in their transition into college. The program includes information about the BPCC infrastructure, financial aid, advising, and other pertinent information. Cavalier Connection Evaluation Forms are completed by the attendees at the conclusion of each session. The results are given to members of the Orientation committee so that improvements can be made for next year's sessions.

Cavalier Leadership Program

Student Activities also offers a leadership conference for its students. This program is designed to offer leadership training for BPCC students. The Leadership Series is run in conjunction with the National Society of Leadership and Success organization on Campus. The National Society of Leadership and Success offers information provided by its national office and by staff involved with the group at BPCC. Information covered in the conference can be applied to working in student groups and in the classroom. The program is evaluated with the Cavalier Leadership Program Evaluation by the attendees at the conclusion of the program. The results are given to the Assistant Director of Student Activities so that improvements to the program can be made.

Counseling Center

The Counseling Center at Bossier Parish Community College provides career and personal counseling. In addition, the Center provides services for special needs students. The mission of the Counseling Center is to provide professional counseling services to BPCC students which will assist in their adjustment to college life, intervene and assist in personal crises, and facilitate academic success which, in turn, translates into positive career and life experiences.

The Counseling Center offers Personal Counseling to all members of the BPCC community. This counseling addresses issues including, but not limited to, alcoholism, anxiety, and drug use. The Center offers a Personal Counseling Resource Library for personal counseling issues, as well. The Center also offers referrals to Support Groups and other Referral Resources for counseling and personal advising.

The Counseling Center offers Counseling Seminars and Counseling Outreach programs to assist the students, faculty, and staff in pursuing a holistic approach to education. These programs assist the BPCC community by providing information ranging from ways to manage crisis situations to seminars on study habits, time management skills, etc.

Additionally, the Counseling Center offers Academic Support to students by providing information on careers associated with degree programs, as well as information on colleges and universities from around the country. Also, the Center offers Career Development counseling for those who are seeking information on possible careers matching their talents and personality.

The Counseling Center uses the following forms to evaluate its programs: Counseling Center Client Satisfaction Survey, Counseling Center Career Counseling Survey, and Counseling Center Special Needs Services Survey. Additionally, the ACT Student Opinion Survey is a tool used to evaluate the services of this department and this survey has shown a steady increase in student satisfaction for Personal Counseling Services from 2003 - 2006. The results of all surveys are given to the Director, and changes are made accordingly, in order to ensure the best service possible.

Special Needs Coordinator

The Office of Disability Services coordinates campus-wide efforts to provide services and accommodations for students with disabilities. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the office ensures that eligible students receive proper classroom modification and serves as a liaison between faculty and students. Medical or psychological documentation is required to recognize a disability.

Bookstore

The Bookstore, which is owned by the College, is managed as a part of the College facilities. Service is the primary objective of the Bookstore. Its purpose is to provide textbooks that may be required in a College academic class. Instructors select the different textbooks. Each division submits the book title, author, edition, and quantity to be ordered. Because book quantities can only be estimated, a shortage of books may occur when enrollment in a course is higher than expected. When this happens, reorders are placed as soon as possible. The delivery time can be as long as four weeks. The selling price of a textbook is based on the publisher's list price. Due to the high cost of new textbooks, the General Catalog 77 explains that used books are available for students to purchase.

The Bookstore does have a refund policy. The policy consists of one hundred percent (100%) on books for classes that have been canceled or if the College has made an error in scheduling. Students who resign or drop a class during the dates scheduled for withdrawal may return their books to the Bookstore for credit only if the books are in the same condition as when they were purchased. A book will be considered used if any writing or physical changes have been made to the book. If a new book has been marked in any way, it will be considered a used book, and a 50% refund will be given. Students must have receipts or canceled checks in order to get a refund or to exchange books. Book refunds issued to students on the deferred payment plan will be applied to the unpaid balance.

If the Bookstore can use current books, students will be paid one-half of the purchased price. The Bookstore will not buy back outdated books or severely damaged books. Moreover, books are only bought back at the end of the semester. The Bookstore reserves the right to determine quantities and titles of new and used books. The Academic Bulletin 13 informs students of the dates for book buyback and of any changes made to the actual policy. Students assume full and final responsibility for purchase of all books from the College Bookstore.

The ACT Student Opinion Survey is a tool used to evaluate the services of the Bookstore and this survey has shown a consistently higher level of student satisfaction with the College Bookstore than the national sample from 2003 - 2006. The results are given to the supervisor, and changes are made accordingly, in order to ensure the best service possible.

CAVS (Computer Access Verification System)

CAVS is a web-based system that allows students to access multiple College services. Students are able to access the catalog, register for classes, and handle financial issues in addition to taking care of their financial aid. Also, class schedules are available on the web so that students are able to view the classes that are being offered for each semester. This convenient and useful tool helps students take care of their College business in a timely manner.

Developmental Education

Developmental Education courses are provided for Bossier Parish Community College students who score below the minimum required ACT scores and/or below the minimum required ACT COMPASS test scores. Developmental courses include EDUC 099, READ 099, ENGL 099, and MATH 097, 098, 099. The semester-length courses usually will not transfer to other postsecondary institutions as equivalent courses, and they are not applicable toward associate degrees at the College. Each division is responsible for teaching developmental education courses within its own discipline.

Students who have obtained a fundamental knowledge of basic English, math and/or reading but whose ACT scores do not reflect their competency may choose to take the COMPASS Test, the College Placement Test, to advance beyond developmental courses.

Job Placement

The Job Placement Office offers BPCC students and alumni job placement opportunities. Area employers post jobs with BPCC, and students may access the Job Placement Office Full Time Listing or the Job Placement Office Part Time Listing for open positions. The Job Placement Office also offers Job Fairs and on-campus job interviews from time to time throughout the semesters. Additionally, the Job Placement Office offers samples of cover letters and resumes for students.

The Job Placement Office offers evaluations of its services to each person assisted. It offers an Office Evaluation for the services received within the office; a Student Job Fair Evaluation for students attending job fairs; an Employer Job Fair Evaluation for employers attending the job fairs; and a Seminar Evaluation for students attending educational seminars conducted by the Job Placement Office. Additionally, the ACT Student Opinion Survey is a tool used to evaluate the services of this department. The results of all surveys are given to the Job Placement personnel in order to improve the services provided by this office.

The Learning Center

The Learning Center (TLC) is a tutoring and learning resource center which provides students the opportunity to master academic skills.

Purpose

The General Catalog 79 lists the purpose of the Learning Center which is to enhance instruction in the classroom and to assist the Bossier Parish Community College student in achieving academic success, gaining self-confidence, and becoming an independent learner. The self-paced nature of the Learning Center ensures that the student exhibits proficiency before progressing to more advanced materials.

Tutorial Services

The Learning Center provides academic enhancement for all BPCC college students in the form of free personal tutoring. Students may receive one-on-one assistance in all subject areas. Tutors are available weekdays, nights, and Saturdays (fall and spring semesters only).

Tutors are formally recommended by instructors and undergo a rigorous screening process before being selected to work in the Learning Center. Each tutor must meet specific requirements and adhere to rigid guidelines. Tutors receive training in communication skills and computer technology and attend regular in-service meetings to update and evaluate their performance.

Computer-Assisted Learning

A special computer program known as PLATO is used to manage delivery of instruction on the Learning Center's computer system. PLATO software offers access to a wide variety of subject matter at levels ranging from developmental to advanced studies. Subjects include mathematics, English, reading, chemistry, biological science, physics, and more. The PLATO program allows instructors access to information on the status of students' assignments. Reports that show the progress of students, the amount of time they have spent on a particular lesson, completion times, and scores for each activity are available for instructors.

Windows and DOS-based stand-alone software is also available for students who visit the Learning Center. Students also have access to Blackboard and SMARThinking via the multimedia Internet-accessible computers.

Resources

Students are encouraged to utilize the Learning Center Resources available for free check out. Topics address virtually every academic area and range from study skills, self-esteem, and goal-setting to advanced sciences and high-level mathematics. Equipment such as graphing calculators, tape recorders, microscopes, anatomical models, and a CPR manikin is also available for student use in the Learning Center. The Learning Center provides a relaxed atmosphere for students studying alone or working in groups, thus making it an ideal extension of the classroom.

Records are kept of each time a student uses the Learning Center. Each year the Learning Center Visits is posted on the Learning Center's website.

SMARThinking

SMARThinking is a service purchased by Bossier Parish Community College which provides live, on-line, personalized learning assistance in mathematics, writing, business, and chemistry. This service is free to all currently enrolled students at the College. Students can access SMARThinking through Blackboard.

SMARThinking, which is the leading provider of online tutoring, is a virtual learning assistance center. Students connect to live tutors from any computer with Internet access. The program provides access to SMARThinking Online Tutoring 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It also features a SMARThinking Online Writing Lab where e-structors, or online tutors, critique and return essays within 24 hours.

Student Web

Bossier Parish Community College offers a Student Web Portal to assist students with accessing information through the school's server. The portal offers school, local, national, and international news stories, as well as activities for students. Other areas of access include Student Web Portal Email Access, an Student Web Portal Events, a Student Web Portal Calendar, and a Student Web Portal Message Board.

The email access, events calendar, planning calendar, and message board areas all provide a way for students to further their educational opportunities. The email accounts allow students to correspond with their instructors and classmates. The events calendar allows students to see what is happening on campus during the current week. The planning calendar lists all pertinent dates that would be of interest to students (for example: academic dates, major events, final exam schedule). The message board area provides a venue to dialog on a wide variety of subjects that may assist students in their pursuit of education. All of these areas contribute to the College's goal to create an intellectually stimulating environment and to offer comprehensive programs.

Effectiveness of the Student Web is monitored by logging students' return visits to the site.

Athletic Student Services/Educational Counselor

The mission of the Educational Counselor for Athletics is to monitor and enhance the educational endeavors of all student/athletes and to ensure compliance with all NJCAA and Title IX rules, regulations, and policies as pertain to athletes. To ensure this, several policies have been set up. Freshman athletes are required to attend three mandatory hours of Study Hall each week. This is to be completed in the Learning Center on Campus. Each student must document his/her time spent studying in Study Hall on an Athletics Study Hall Report form. Students also receive an Athletics Progress Report prior to mid-term exams from each professor of each class in which the student is enrolled. This allows the Counselor to advise the student as to what steps should be taken next or to resolve any problems the student is having with a class. Along with these policies, seminars are offered each fall semester to incoming freshmen to help them prepare for college life. Athletics Seminars cover topics including college vocabulary, study skills, test-taking skills, stress management, time management, control of money, preparing for finals, and alcohol awareness. Each freshman athlete must attend one session of each topic covered.

Office of Multicultural Affairs

The mission of the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) is to promote cultural awareness and provide leadership and direction for the continuous improvement of efforts to sustain cultural diversity and cross-cultural understanding. The Office strives to build collaborative relationships with other College divisions and to value differences among diverse populations. The Office of Multicultural Affairs advises the Chancellor and College leadership on programs, policies, and resources needed to achieve equity in outreach activities of the College. The Office of Multicultural Affairs 14 also provides programs and services that support the academic mission of the College by enhancing the educational, personal, cultural, and social development of students.

Bossier Parish Community College provides a wide range of student support programs, services, and activities consistent with its mission that promote student learning and enhance the development of its students. The Student Activities Office and numerous Campus Student Organizations work to provide out-of-classroom learning that educates and entertains. The Counseling Center sponsors programs to assist the Campus community in pursuing a holistic approach to education. From the Student Affairs, to the Library and Bookstore, to the web-based venues of CAVs and Smarthinking and beyond, BPCC works to enhance the educational experiences of students and support the mission of the College.