Introduction

This Student Handbook is a source of valuable information regarding the responsibilities, obligations, and privileges of academic students while attending Bossier Parish Community College.

Since the programs, policies, and statements contained herein are subject to continuous review and evaluation, BPCC reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice. This publication is for information only and does not constitute an offer of a contract, either stated or implied. BPCC further reserves the right to require a student to withdraw from the College for cause at any time.

For a paper copy of this handbook, please contact the Student Services Office, 318-678-6036.

Information regarding specific academic policies is found in the current College Catalog. Students are responsible for being familiar with the provisions of this handbook and all requirements established by the College.

Bossier Parish Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, qualified disability, marital status, veteran’s status, or sexual orientation in admission to its programs, services, or activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals, or in any aspect of its operations. Students have the right to attend BPCC in an environment that is free of all discrimination.

• Students have the right to attend BPCC in an environment free of sexual discrimination and sexual misconduct.
• Students have the right to attend BPCC in an environment free of bullying and hazing.
• Students have the right to attend BPCC in an environment free of the illicit use of drugs and the use of alcohol.
• Students have the right to attend BPCC in an environment free of criminal activity including attacks, assault, and robbery.
• In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, students with disabilities have the right to receive services and accommodations related to their disabilities.
• In accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, students have the right to inspect and review their official education records.
• Students have the right to ask to have records corrected that they believe are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of their privacy rights.
• Students have the right to file complaints or grievances regarding their treatment by faculty, staff, and fellow students; and the right to appeal decisions regarding violations of academic and disciplinary policies.

All BPCC students are expected to become acquainted with College policies, requirements, procedures, and regulations regarding all phases of College operations. In addition, students are to remain cognizant of these policies and procedures during their attendance at BPCC.

Academic advisors, counselors, deans, instructors, administrators, and other College officials assist students in becoming acquainted with College regulations; however, students must assume final responsibility for being acquainted with College procedures. In no case will a regulation be waived or an exception be granted because a student pleads ignorance of the regulation.

• Close adherence to curricula assures the student’s completion of all general education requirements and all major requirements.
• The student should be familiar with all the requirements of the degree program and should consult with an academic advisor when necessary.
• Each student assumes the responsibility for scheduling courses that are applicable to degrees and for taking courses in proper sequence to ensure the orderly progression of work.

Students attending evening and/or online classes are expected to assume the same academic responsibilities as all other students. Evening and online students are given the same curricular guidance and counseling as day students. Evening and online students follow the same procedures for admission to the College as other students, including the submission of applications, and transcripts. Evening and online students pursuing associate degrees assume the responsibility of scheduling classes to fulfill degree requirements. BPCC does not guarantee that all classes required in an associate degree or academic certificate can be obtained during the evening or online schedule of classes.

Class Attendance Policy

Class attendance is regarded as an obligation as well as a privilege, and students are expected to attend all classes regularly and punctually. Failure to do so may jeopardize a student’s scholastic standing.

• Attendance will be checked every class meeting. A written explanation of expectations regarding class attendance will be included in the instructor’s Syllabus. Ultimately, each faculty member’s individual Syllabus will serve as the governing attendance policy for a particular class and may differ from others based on academic discipline, teaching philosophy, or instructional necessities. Students should refer to each of their instructors’ Syllabi for guidance and seek immediate clarification from their instructors if needed.
• Any student who ceases to attend a class may be subject to a College-Initiated Withdrawal. A student who wishes to withdraw from a course or resign from the College must do so officially by withdrawing from classes online through LOLA.
• When a student has missed 15% of a course, the instructor may remove the student by assigning a College-Initiated Withdrawal. As a result of this action, the student will receive a grade of “WN” for the course if action is initiated prior to the last day to drop. NOTICE: More restrictive attendance requirements may apply in some specialized classes such as laboratory, activity, and clinical courses because of the nature of those courses. Neither the instructor nor the College assumes responsibility for students who are absent from these classes.
• Students who are absent due to participation in school-sanctioned activities, mandatory military exercises, mandated appearance in a court of law (jury duty or subpoena obligations), or physician documented physical or emotional condition must submit official documentation to the instructor to be eligible for assistance in meeting missed course requirements.
• Students who are receiving any type of financial aid, scholarships or tuition assistance should consult the rules governing that aid before withdrawing from a course or resigning from the College.

Note: Financial Aid Students: Please refer to the Financial Aid Policy regarding attendance and withdrawal.

For further information you may contact us at studentservices@bpcc.edu.

Bossier Parish Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, qualified disability, marital status, veteran’s status, or sexual orientation in admission to its programs, services, or activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals, or in any aspect of its operations. Bossier Parish Community College does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.

Coordinator for Section 504 and ADA

Angie Cao, Student and Disability Services Specialist
Disability Services, F254, 6220 East Texas Street, Bossier City, LA 71111
Phone number: 318-678-6511
Email: acao@bpcc.edu
Days/hours available: Monday – Friday — 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Equity/Compliance Coordinator

Tierney “Teri” Bashara, Director of Human Resources
Human Resources Office, A-105
6220 East Texas Street
Bossier City, LA 71111
Phone: 318-678-6056
Hours: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, excluding holidays and weekends.

Title IX Coordinator for Athletics

Name/Title: John Rennie, Athletic Director
Office Address: Athletic Department, 6220 East Texas Street, Bossier City, LA 71111
Phone number: 318-678-6314
Days/Hours Available: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, excluding holidays and weekends.

The BPCC web site pages are checked using WC3 validation. WC3 follows the Web Content Guidelines as noted in the Americans with Disabilities Act. We strive to make the BPCC web site experience as accessible as possible to all individuals. However, due to the large variety and amount of content on our site, and ever-changing world of technology, there may be portions that are not accessibility compliant. If you find any aspect of our web site for which this is the case, please email the Interim Student and Disability Services Specialist at acao@bpcc.edu or call 318-678-6511 and we will strive to correct the issue wherever possible.

To learn more about the College’s ADA policy and how to access ADA services, visit the Disability Services page. Students are encouraged to visit Building D, room 108 or call 318-678-6020.

Bossier Parish Community College provides innovative, accessible, and caring learning environments that advance educational goals, cultivate community partnerships, and strengthen the regional economy.

Bossier Parish Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, certificates, and technical diplomas. Questions about the accreditation of Bossier Parish Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA  30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).