Bossier Parish Community College is in compliance with this comprehensive standard because the professional staff members in the Division of Student Affairs hold appropriate degrees in their disciplines or possess an appropriate combination of education and experience. The staff roster and corresponding Classified and Unclassified employee job descriptions detail staff qualifications and responsibilities. Student Affairs personnel are employed based on job descriptions that summarize the educational preparation, knowledge, abilities, and work experiences required for professional positions. When job vacancies occur, these job descriptions are reviewed for accuracy and appropriateness which further assists in ensuring quality and effective student affairs programs.

Employment Procedures

In the Human Resources Handbook 54-99, the employment procedures are clearly defined. Faculty and unclassified staff vacancies are recruited through advertisement and announcements without designation or identification by race, gender, or ethnicity. Vacancy announcements are posted on bulletin boards in Human Resources and on other employee bulletin boards throughout the campus. All resumes are sent to the Office of Human Resources. Prospective employees are responsible for obtaining official transcripts of education; the College verifies required credentials with the appropriate certifying agencies. Classified positions (including most jobs in administrative, clerical, and support services categories) are established and governed by the State Civil Service Commission. The vacancies are advertised in statewide media and on the Louisiana Community & Technical College System website, as well as on the College website. Interviews for qualified candidates are scheduled by the Office of Human Resources and are held by an appointed search committee. Once all interviews are completed, a recommendation is made to the Chancellor.

Professional Development

In an effort to remain current and to promote a wider field of knowledge of student affairs, members of Student Affairs are required to attend at least three professional development seminars annually. Professional development opportunities, which are communicated by campus wide e-mail, posters, and websites, are available through the College by Seminars, the ACT Center, the Distinguished Speaker Series, Community Education, and Tuition Exemption 81-82. Furthermore, pursuit of professional development opportunities through professional organizations and state agencies is encouraged. Most of these professional development opportunities are offered by the College at no cost. Travel to professional meetings is encouraged within budget. Members of the Student Affairs staff are required to submit to their supervisors a list of their community service and professional development participation.

Student Affairs

Student Affairs includes the departments of Financial Aid, Student Activities, Athletic and Intramural Sports, Recruiting, Registrar / Admissions Office, Counseling Center, and Job Placement. In keeping with the mission of Bossier Parish Community College to provide instruction and service to its community, Student Affairs has adopted the following mission statement: To maximize student success in achieving a well-rounded education. Student Affairs 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 Bossier Parish Community College. The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs provides direct supervision for eight professional staff members: Student Affairs Specialist, Senior SIS Analyst, Administrative Assistant IV, Registrar, Director of Athletics and Intramural Sports, Director of Financial Aid, Director of Recruiting, and Director of Student Activities.

Admissions / Registrar

The Office of Admissions and Registrar is generally the first contact for prospective students and the public. The mission of this department is to assist students through the admission and registration process, to guarantee accuracy and security of student records, and to support students during their enrollment at the College. The office is staffed with twelve full-time employees: Registrar, Assistant Registrar, Director of Admissions, Administrative Coordinator III position, seven Administrative Coordinator II positions, and University Admission Analyst.

Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid assists students in applying for all types of financial aid, including grants, loans, work-study, scholarships, and veterans' benefits. The office processes applications, certifies eligibility, awards aid, and verifies the accuracy of payments to students. It is responsible for a variety of federal and state reports. The College is dedicated to the philosophy that no student who desires a college education should be denied the opportunity because of lack of funds. The mission of this department is to provide a complete and comprehensive support system in order that current and perspective students will have the opportunity and financial means to help meet their educational expenses through various forms of financial assistance programs. The office is staffed with ten full- time employees: Director of Financial Aid, Associate Director of Financial Aid, Assistant Director of Financial Aid, five Administrative Coordinator III positions, and two Administrative Coordinator II positions.

Student Activities

The Office of Student Activities assists students in making the transition to college life. The mission of this department is to provide out-of-classroom learning that educates and entertains the "whole" student physically, socially, mentally, and spiritually. To achieve this mission, Student Activities utilizes the following: events, entertainment, hands-on activities, leadership programs, student organizations, orientation, and distinguished speakers. The office is staffed with three full-time employees: Director of Student Activities, Assistant Director of Student Activities, and Administrative Assistant III.

Athletics and Intramural Sports

The Office of Athletics and Intramural Sports offers four sports: baseball, softball, basketball, and soccer. The mission of this department is to assist the student/athlete in achieving a total educational experience while competing at the intercollegiate level. Such competition parallels institutional goals with a structured sporting environment that enhances the student's personal growth and development. The office is staffed with four full-time employees: Director of Athletics and Intramural Sports, Trainer/Manager, Assistant Director of Athletics, and Associate Director of Intramural Sports.

Recruiting

The Office of Recruiting maintains contact with over fifty high schools in the service area through individual visits to the school and by attendance at career and college fairs. Throughout the year, all area high schools receive information packets about the College. Prospective students remain connected with the College through written correspondence, campus tours and personal phone calls. The mission of this department is to recruit and locate prospective students by providing community outreach throughout the area and by distributing information regarding educational opportunities at the College. The office is staffed with two full-time employees: Director of Recruiting and a Recruiter. In addition, a part-time Recruiter and the Cavalier Express Recruiting Team, which is made up of student recruiters selected by an interview process, assist in the recruiting process.

Counseling Center

The Counseling Center at the College provides academic advising, career counseling, and personal counseling. In addition, the Center provides services for AIM students (Bossier Parish School Board Enrichment Program) and students requiring special services. The mission of this department is to provide professional counseling services to students of the College 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 office is staffed with five full- time employees: Director of the Counseling Center, two Administrative Coordinator III positions, Disability Services Counselor, and a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Job Placement

The Office of Job Placement, which is an important component of the Career Center, offers students and College alumni job placement opportunities. Area employers post jobs with the College, and students may apply for either full-time or part-time positions. Job Placement presents various seminars throughout the year. These seminars discuss resume writing, job interview skills, and the job search process. On-campus job interviews with prospective employees are held throughout the year in addition to the annual Job Fair. This office consists of one staff member, an Administrative Coordinator III position.

Bossier Parish Community College employs qualified personnel to ensure the quality and effectiveness of its student affairs programs. Within the College's Division of Student Affairs, professional staff hold appropriate degrees within their disciplines or possess an appropriate combination of education and experience. The institution ensures that all of its Student Affairs personnel are qualified and effective through adherence to established hiring practices as well as through continuing professional development requirements.