SERVICES

SPIRIT OF THE CIRCLE


The "Spirit of the Circle" project is designed to reduce the factors that place young Blackfeet women at risk for drug abuse, sexually transmitted disease, early pregnancy/childbirth and single parenting, school dropout and delinquency, and poverty and unemployment or underemployment.

It is also the project's intent to restore the position of girls and women in the Blackfeet contemporary society. In the traditional society, Blackfeet women were the most empowered Indian women among Northern Plains tribal groups. Women were allowed to own property, conduct religious ceremonies including the Sun Dance, Choose their own husbands and divorce them if they were abusive or nonsupporting, bear arms and go to war if they so chose. Remnants of the traditional power of women are still present on the reservation; however, the conditions of the majority of the women and girls have deteriorated tremendously in the post-reservation society.

Spirit of the Circle is designed to reach out to the girls and young women who are often not targeted by traditional school, social service or medical programs. Strategies include alternative activities, leadership camps, support groups, drug intervention/prevention, tutoring, and parental and community activities.

Tribal Business Information Center (TBIC)


The purpose of the Tribal Business Information Center will be to provide technical assistance and training, needed to enhance business development, implementation, ownership, operation, and maintenance of the present businesses and industries on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.

The TBIC will be offering entrepreneurship training, counseling on business development, general management skills, raising capital, accounting, marketing and use of the state of the art technology in the business world today. This training will be offered for academic credit, continuing education credits, overall business knowledge, and development of skills for the community members of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.

ENUKSSTSIMMIKSI (Very Young Child) CENTER


The ENUKSSTSIMMIKSI CENTER is located in the log building at the northeast end of the campus, the center was opened in November of 1996 and is one of the more recent buildings on the campus. The caregiver's provide childcare from infant to school-age and all age groups are divided into seperate areas of the center. For further information contact the Director of the ENUKSSTSIMMIKSI CENTER, Alane Calf Looking.

STUDENT SERVICES

ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF BLACKFEET COMMUNITY COLLEGE

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

Election of ASBCC officers is held each fall quarter during registration. The ASBCC President serves on the Blackfeet Board of Trustees for a term of one year. In order to run for this position, a student must be currently enrolled full-time and maintain a 2.00 GPA during the one-year term.

ASBCC serves as a student governing body, advises student's grievances, is responsible for the upkeep of the Student Lounge, creates activities, and sponsors social and academic clubs.

ASBCC meets twice a month to coordinate student activities. The easiest way for a student to get involved with Blackfeet Community College is to attend the scheduled meetings and volunteer for committee work. Students may also join any club of interest or start a project which will improve the college, its functions, class materials, or landscape.

For more information regarding ASBCC contact: Student Body President, B.C.C., Box 819, Browning, Montana 59417-0819; or call Student Services (406) 338-5421.

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Each student at Blackfeet Community College has the following rights:
  1. An educational environment which allows learning and growth to take place.
  2. Participation in decision making and matters affecting their educational programs.
  3. 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 rights of others.
  4. Freedom of religion and culture.
  5. Respect and fair treatment from fellow students and Blackfeet Community College faculty, staff and administration.
  6. Freedom from harassment based on gender.
  7. Freedom from unreasonable search and seizure of person or property.
  8. A reasonable degree of privacy.
  9. Freedom from discrimination.
  10. Due process in every instance of alleged violation of school policies which results in the student's suspension or withdrawal from school or in any other disciplinary action. (See Student Grievance Procedure).

STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

  1. Any student filing a grievance of unfair treatment shall be heard, and no action shall be taken against a student without the opportunity of a fair hearing. Any student filing a grievance shall not be subject to repercussion or ill treatment with any party involved.
  2. Any student who feels he/she has been treated unfairly must state the incident or problem in writing, including date of incident, and list any witnesses to the matter within five (5) working days of incident. This written incident will be given to the student's advisor. The student must keep a copy of the written grievance statement. Every attempt will be made to resolve informally the grievance with the student and his/her advisor.
  3. If student is not satisfied with decision, the next step is to request a meeting with the appropriate departmental dean or director within five (5) working days. This meeting will include student, advisor, dean or director. The dean or director will then meet with the person the grievance is against. A decision will then be made by the dean or director, and the student will be informed of this decision within five (5) working days.
  4. If the student is not satisfied, he/she may request a hearing with the Grievance Committee within five (5) working days. This committee shall include two employees of the Blackfeet Community College (one faculty member and one Student Services representative), two members of the ASBCC, and one community member. The Grievance Committee will be selected randomly from each of the above categories. The Blackfeet Community College President may observe the grievance procedures and assist, so the interests of both parties are addressed.
  5. If the grievance requires review beyond the Grievance Committee, the matter may be brought to the monthly Board of Trustees meeting. Evidence of the issue will be reviewed and discussed. A final decision will be rendered by the Board of Trustees.
  6. Should the incident turn into a legal matter involving the courts, both parties may be accompanied by an attorney. All students have access to the Blackfeet Tribal Court System.
  7. Students must be informed of a final decision within a reasonable amount of time from the original written date of the grievance by the Grievance Committee or Board of Trustees.
  8. Persons against whom the grievance is filed shall have the opportunity to cross-examine the witnesses and provide testimony or present evidence to the Grievance Committee and Board of Trustees.

STANDARDS OF STUDENT CONDUCT

Misconduct for which students are subject to probation/suspension falls into the following categories:
  1. Dishonesty, such as cheating, plagiarism or knowingly furnishing false information to the College.
  2. Forgery, alteration or misuse of College documents, records or identification.
  3. Obstruction or 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 which 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. Unauthorized entry or use of college facilities.
  7. 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.
  8. Use, possession or distribution of dangerous drugs, except as expressly permitted by law. Use, sale or possession of intoxicating liquor (including beer) is prohibited in the buildings and on the grounds. Use, sale or possession of various drugs that are deemed illegal under federal, state and tribal laws.
  9. Violation of regulations governing students who live in college-owned or controlled property (check BIHA regulations).
  10. Disorderly, lewd, indecent or obscene conduct or expression on college-owned or controlled property, or at college-sponsored functions.
  11. Failure to comply with directions of college officials, who are acting in the performance of their duties.
  12. Individual students who owe the college fees and other charges are not permitted to register for the next quarter or secure transcripts of records until the obligation is paid or satisfactorily adjusted.
  13. No alcohol or drugs will be allowed during any BCC sponsored activities.

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES


Indian students attending Blackfeet Community College are eligible for medical care from Indian Health Services. To be eligible a student must be of proven Indian descent.

HOUSING


NO campus housing is available.

STUDENTS RECORDS


A student may inspect and review all records, files, and data with the registrar or academic advisor. It is the responsibility of the student to report any changes of name, address, telephone or other information.

ADVISORS


Advisors are available at Blackfeet Community College to assist students in their academic decisions and during course registration. Students will be assigned an advisor in their chosen program of study or an advisor in General Studies.

OTHER SERVICES FOR STUDENTS

Academic Enrichment Services (AES)
Academic Enrichment Services is a program funded by the United States Department of Education to improve student retention and success through basic skills instruction, counseling and tutoring.

  1. Goals
    • To provide developmental skill building in reading, English, science, mathematics and study skills on an individual or group basis.
    • To provide placement, diagnostic and competency testing in reading, English, mathematics and study skills.
    • To provide counseling and advising services to students in the academic, career vocational and personal areas.
    • To provide tutoring to individuals and groups in math, writing, reading and science.
  2. Student Eligibility:
    Students must qualify under one of
    the following guidelines:
    • First Generation:A person neither of whose parents received a bachelor's degree.
    • Low Income:An individual whose family's taxable income did not exceed 150 percent
      of the poverty level in the project.
    • Disabled:A person who, because of a disability, needs specifically designed instructional
      materials or programs, modified physical facilities, or related services in order to participate fully in the experience and opportunities offered by post-secondary education institutions.
  3. Counseling and Advising:
    A counselor is on staff to help students identify financial aid resources, complete needed forms, and to refer students to those resources for which they are eligible.
    Personal counseling is provided on an individual basis, as requested by students. Staff and instructor referrals are also accepted for those students who are experiencing school-related problems not able to be worked out by staff involved. Vocational and career counseling is provided on an individual basis.
    School catalog information and general admission procedures to other two-year and four-year schools, including technical and vocational schools is available on request.
    Services provided to graduating and transfer students may include a campus visitation to a four-year institution.

  4. Testing Services:
    Academic Enrichment Services will provide assessment testing prior to student registration each quarter. The testing will assess reading, English and mathematics skills and recommend placement in courses based on student scores.
    Vocational interest, ability and values' testing is available with the career and vocational counselor to help students identify and develop realistic career or vocational plans. These assessments are free of charge to eligible students.
  5. Tutoring:
    Academic Enrichment Services offers free tutoring to individuals and groups in reading, mathematics, English and science. Student tutors monitor the writing skills, math improvement, reading improvement and science classes. Tutoring in other subject areas can be arranged with individual instructors.
  6. Student Orientation/College Success Skills
    Orientation (see course description: HUD 101) is held each quarter and is required for graduation. Orientation/ College Success Skills benefits the student by providing information on registration procedures and enables the student to effectively design his/her program of study, receive career counseling, learn study skills, obtain classes of choice, and tour the campus and library.
  7. Educational Opportunity Center (EOC)
    The EOC program assists people who wish to continue their education. Outreach counselors provide information, guidance, and assistance in decision-making, filling out forms, and getting connected to the support systems available to non-traditional students.
    The EOC program based at MSU-Northern serves a seventeen-county region of northern Montana. It is one of 63 EOC, programs throughout the United States. funded by the U.S. Department of Education, which help youth and adults enter the College or training program that is right for them.
    EOC services are provided free of charge.
    EOC can help you by providing:
    • Information about available scholarships, grants and loans.
    • Information about technical/ vocational schools, colleges and universities.
    • Help in knowing what to expect from college.
    • Assessment of academic skills.
    • Career exploration and counseling.
    • Referral to support systems upon entering college.
    • Help in registering for required examinations or other entrance tests.
    • Information about General Education Development (GED) programs.

RETURN TO HOME