Blinn College Faculty Handbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION IV - STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION

4.1 Admissions and Records

4.1.1 Applying to Blinn College

4.1.2 Student Records

4.1.3 Adding/Dropping Courses

4.1.3.1 For Students — Brenham Campus

4.1.3.2 For Students — Bryan Campus

4.1.3.3 For Faculty Members

4.1.4 Turning in Grades and Making Grade Changes/BORIS

4.1.4.1 Procedure for Accessing BORIS

4.1.4.2 Procedure for Entering Grades

4.1.4.3 Procedure for Changing Grades

4.1.4.4 Procedure for Validating Grades

4.1.4.5 Procedure for Processing Grade Errors

4.1.4.6 Procedure for Saving Grades

4.1.4.7 Procedure for Printing Class Roster

4.1.4.8 Procedure for Quitting Grade Entry

4.1.5 Census Day Roll Sheets

4.1.6 Transcripts

4.1.7 THEA/Absence Policy

4.1.8 Degree Plans

4.1.9 Student Data Forms (SDF)

4.1.10 Graduation

4.1.11 International Students

4.1.12 Course Schedules

4.2 Financial Aid
4.2.1 General Information

4.2.2 Veteran’s Services

4.2.3 Scholarships

4.3 Counseling Services
4.3.1 Advisement

4.3.2 Assessment/Testing

4.3.3 ADA Office (American with Disabilities Act)

4.4 Student Life
4.4.1 Student Clubs and Organizations
4.5 Student Center
4.5.1 Use of Facilities
4.5.1.1 Brenham Campus

4.5.1.2 Bryan Campus

4.5.2 Mail Service— Brenham Mail Room

4.5.3 Mail Service — Brenham Campus

4.5.4 Mail Service — Intra Campus

4.5.5 Mail Service — Bryan Campus

4.6 Housing (Brenham Campus Only)

4.7 Recruitment

4.7.1 Student Orientation

4.8 Student Handbook

4.9 Vehicle Registration

4.10 Campus Security

4.11 ID Cards
 
 
 


STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION

4.1 ADMISSIONS AND RECORDS

4.1.1 Applying to Blinn College
Documents required for admission to Blinn College are listed in the current Blinn College Bulletin and Brenham and Bryan course schedules. Former Blinn College students who miss a fall or spring semester will be considered readmitted students and must reapply to return at a later date. All documents submitted to Blinn College become the property of the College upon receipt and should be turned in or mailed to one of the Offices of Admissions on any of the Blinn College campuses.

There are TEN methods of admission to Blinn College. Refer to the current printed material listed above for this information. Students are admitted without regard to race, color, sex, age, origin, religion, handicap or any other constitutionally or statutorily impermissible reason. This includes persons with disabilities.

4.1.2 Student Records

In general, no personally identifiable information from a student’s education records will be disclosed without written consent from the student. Two exceptions may be made, however: (1) directory information will be released unless the student requests that it be withheld, as explained in the Public Notice Designating Directory Information section located inside the front cover of the current Brenham and Bryan student handbooks or in the current Brenham and Bryan course schedules; (2) records may be disclosed to parents of students who depend upon them as defined by Internal Revenue Code 1954, Section 152. The College will consider all students as "dependent" unless they specifically inform the Office of Admissions and Records that they are independent of their parents. Students wishing to declare themselves "independent" must do so within twelve (12) calendar days from the first day of final registration each long term, or four (4) days for summer terms.

 In compliance with the "Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974," Blinn College gives notice that the following types of information will be released upon request, unless the student desires to withhold all or any portion: student’s name, address, local and/or home telephone listing, class schedule, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized sports and activities, dates of enrollment, degrees and awards and certificates received, and previous educational agency or institution(s) attended.

Forms requesting the withholding of  "Directory Information" are available in the Office of Admissions and Records on any campus. Blinn College assumes that failure on the part of any student to specifically request the withholding of "Directory Information" indicates individual approval for disclosure.

  4.1.3 Adding/Dropping Courses
  4.1.3.1 For Students — Brenham Campus

Students requesting to add or drop a course during late registration must complete an add/drop form obtained from the Admission and Records Office. The Division Chair’s signature is required before the add/drop can be processed in the Admissions Office. A student is allowed to drop a developmental course without penalty, but will be required to retake the course or retake that portion of the THEA Test and pass before enrolling in the next appropriate course. Refer to the Blinn College Bulletin for more information.   4.1.3.2 For Students — Bryan Campus   Students wanting to add or drop a course during late registration may do so at course entry as long as space is available. If a student is adding or dropping a developmental course, the student must also obtain the signature of the Director of Admissions on the add/drop form. A student is allowed to drop a developmental course without penalty, but will be required to retake the course or retake that portion of the THEA Test and pass before enrolling in the next appropriate course. Refer to the Blinn College Bulletin for more information.

4.1.3.3 For Faculty Members  
Faculty members may drop students from developmental courses for non-attendance with the signature of the developmental Division Chair. Refer to the Attendance Policy in the Blinn College Bulletin and the current Brenham or Bryan course schedules. The Excessive Absence forms and procedures can be obtained from the developmental Division Chair (Parallel Studies, Mathematics, Humanities).

4.1.4 Turning in Grades and Making Grade Changes/BORIS
 

4.1.4.1 Procedure for Accessing BORIS (Blinn On-Line Registration and Information System):

      a. To access the BORIS Website, point your browser to www.blinn.edu; then click on the BORIS icon or the Blinn College Online Registration & Information System text.

      b. Enter your Access ID and Access Code, then click on the Login button.

      c. Select Final Grade Entry.

      d. Click the radio button (circle in front of the course) to enter grades.

      e. Click the Show Class Roster button. A screen with your class roster will be displayed. NOTE: students who have received a W, WP or WF will NOT appear.

      4.1.4.2. Procedure for Entering Grades

      If an input box appears for the student, then you may enter the student's grade. The grade may be entered in upper or lower case. Once you enter students' grades and save them to the database, you will not be able to change them using Web Grade Entry. Some grades may be entered only by the Registrar's Office (e.g. administrative grade change).

      4.1.4.3 Procedure for Changing Grades

      Once a grade has been entered, it CANNOT BE CHANGED. If you want to change a grade for a particular student, then you may click on the mailbox to email the Registrar's Office with your request.

      4.1.4.4 Procedure for Validating Grades

      Once you have entered grades for all students, you may click on the VALIDATE button. This action gathers all grades that you have entered and checks them for validity. If any grade is not valid, a notification is returned specifying the reason why the grade is not considered valid. Clicking the VALIDATE button will NOT save the grades to the database. Only after all grades are considered valid are you given the choice to save.

      4.1.4.5 Procedure for Processing Grade Errors

      Once you have clicked on the VALIDATE button, you may receive errors on some of the grades that you have entered. When you receive errors, each grade that is in error will be marked with a graphic to the left of the grade. In addition to the arrow, the right side of the Web page specifies the reason why Grade Entry considers the grade erroneous. Once you have corrected the grade and clicked on the Validate button, Grade Entry clears all arrows for the corrected grades.

      4.1.4.6 Procedure for Saving Grades

      Once you have validated all grades, you will be given the option to save the new grades to the database. If you decide not to save the grades, you can continue to change students' grades and click on the "validate button" again. Clicking on the "save question" saves the grades to the database and presents you with a notification that the grades have been saved. Clicking the "ok button" at this point brings you back to the "list of classes" page.

      4.1.4.7 Procedure for Printing Class Roster

      To print the class roster, you must first click on any part of the class roster and then click your browser's print button. (If the Print button bar is not displayed at the top of your window, press the right mouse button and select "Open Frame in New Window").

      4.1.4.8 Procedure for Quitting Grade Entry

      At any point during the Grade Entry process, you may click on the Cancel graphic to quit Grade Entry for the current class. Clicking on this graphic before you are given the save question guarantees that no grades have been modified.

      If a faculty member does not turn in his or her students’ final grades by the official designated printed date and time, the faculty member will need to complete a Grade Change Form for each student in his/her course. Copies of this form are available in the Admissions and Records Office on each campus and through BORIS. These forms must be used by the faculty members to officially change a student's grade in a particular course. Once the form is completed, the form must be turned in to the Admissions and Records Office for the official grade change.

    4.1.5 Census Day Roll Sheets

The Census Day class roll sheets should be checked and validated by faculty in BORIS. Any discrepancies should be immediately reported to the Admissions Office.

4.1.6 Transcripts

An official transcript of college credits is a record of the student’s academic work bearing the College seal and the signature of the Registrar. A student may obtain copies of his/her transcript by written request, fax, or e-mail to  transcripts (trans@blinn.edu). The request may be 1) mailed to Admissions & Records Office, Blinn College, 902 College Avenue, Brenham, Texas, 77833; 2) faxed to 979-830-4110; or 3) picked up in the Admissions & Records Office, Brenham Campus, Old Main Office (a student must show his or her photo ID).   On the Bryan Campus a student may order a transcript through a Transcript Request Form available at the Office of Admissions or by letter, fax, or e-mail to  transcripts (trans@blinn.edu).   If the student is asking for the transcript to be sent directly to another institution, the student may use any of the means listed above or email the request to transcripts (trans@blinn.edu).   A student is allowed to order up to 10 (ten) transcripts per day.   The requests must include the student’s full legal name or the name the student attended under, dates of attendance, student ID/Social Security number, and a legible signature (except for email). All admissions information must be on file and all holds (e.g. parking or library fines) cleared before an official transcript will be released. For more information regarding transcripts, contact the Registrar 979/830-4140 or the Director of Admissions in Bryan 979/821-0223.

4.1.7 THEA/Absence Policy

In 1987, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 2182 requiring students entering any Texas public institution of higher education in the fall of 1989 or later to take the THEA Test (Texas Higher Education Assessment)).   Beginning fall 1998, all students (unless exempt -- see THEA Test Exemptions listed in the current Blinn College Bulletin or the Brenham and Bryan course schedules) MUST take the THEA Test or an approved alternative THEA Test prior to enrolling in college-level courses (Senate Bill 148.) Blinn College accepts scores from the state scheduled THEA Test or the Quick THEA Test. For students who have taken an approved alternative THEA Test (ACCUPLACER, ASSET, COMPASS, MAPS) at another institution, Blinn College accepts these alternative THEA Test scores if recorded on an official college transcript or addendum to a transcript. Faxes will not be accepted.   For those students who have missed the regularly scheduled state THEA Test dates and who have not taken an approved alternative THEA Test, Blinn College offers the Quick THEA Test. The test is identical to the THEA Test and is offered by Counseling Services in Brenham, the Center for Student Development in Bryan, and on the Schulenburg campus. Students interested in registering for and taking the Quick THEA should contact Counseling Services in Brenham (979-830-4196), Center for Student Development in Bryan (979-209-7250) and Enrollment Services in Schulenburg (979-743-5227). A National Evaluation Systems fee of $29.00 will be charged for this service along with a Blinn College administration fee of $10.00. Students with disabilities requesting testing accommodations for the Quick THEA Test should request services when registering for the test.   Students who do not pass all three sections of the THEA Test or alternative THEA Test are required to participate in developmental course programs. The minimum passing scores for the THEA Test taken after September 1, 1995 are 230 on the mathematics section, 230 on the reading section, and 220 on the writing section. The Texas Education Code also suggests a minimum score of 270 on the mathematics sections for students wanting to enroll in college algebra. Scores on the THEA Test, the Quick THEA, and approved alternative Texas Success Initiative (TSI) test determine the level of remediation a student will follow.   Blinn College remediation policy states that students are considered fully remediated if they have passed the highest level of developmental (non-transferable) course work in reading, writing, or mathematics with a grade of "C" or better. Students cannot enroll in any of the approved college-level courses in the deficient skill area until the developmental sequence is completed, or until the failed section of THEA is retaken and passed. A list of college-level courses in reading, writing, and mathematics ("C" courses) is available in the TSI Coordinator’s Office located on the Brenham campus (979-830-4194).   Students enrolled in developmental courses must follow the Blinn College class attendance policy. A student who is subject to the THEA rules and who acquires the equivalent of two weeks of absences in a required developmental course will be withdrawn from the course. For more information regarding attendance policy, refer to the "Class Attendance" section in the current Blinn College Bulletin on the Blinn web page and for more information regarding developmental courses and guidelines, refer to the Texas Success Initiative Plan located on the Blinn web page.   Students may choose to remediate in one area or all areas of skill deficiency. The sooner the remediation sequence is completed, the sooner the approved college-level courses may be attempted. Students who believe their study patterns and skills need developing should consider enrolling in a study skills course.   For more information about the THEA Test and THEA related rules, contact the THEA Coordinator (979-830-4163) or the Counseling Offices listed above.   4.1.8 Degree Plans   Students indicate a degree plan on their application for admission. Students may change their degree plan at any time by filling out a change of major form (available at Enrollment Services), through BORIS under the RECORDS tab, or contacting the Registrar's Office. When a student applies for a graduation, a degree audit is performed by the Registrar's Office in Brenham to determine whether the student has completed all degree requirements. The Registrar, Director of Admissions, Counselors, and Faculty Advisors are able to print degree plans for students. These degree plans inform faculty, administrators, and students of the student’s progress toward a specific degree. Students who have transferring credit from other institutions must make a request to the Admissions and Records Office in Brenham for these credits to be transcribed into the Blinn College degree plan, student data form, and transcript. All official transcripts must be on file before the transferring credits are entered.

4.1.9 Student Data Forms

Blinn College uses the Student Data Forms (SDF) for admitting and advising students. These forms are obtained from Enrollment Services. Each SDF contains the following information: 1) the student’s name, address, social security number and date of birth (all used for THEA purposes), 2) holds, residence, and location code, 3) financial aid information, 4) THEA Test code and scores/exemptions, 5) SAT, ACT, TAKS scores if available, 6) recommended developmental courses, 7) previous and current courses/grades (shadowed courses reflect courses retaken in another semester), and 8) change address area and trial schedule area.

4.1.10 Graduation

Requirements for Students

The purpose of the Associate in  Arts, Science, and Applied Science degree programs is to provide university parallel and preprofessional curricula that enable students to enter the four-year institution as juniors or professions of their choice. While the suggested curricula will satisfy the requirements of most senior institutions, it is the student’s responsibility to identify the institution to which s/he will transfer, and to ascertain the specific requirements of that institution for freshman and sophomore years as early as possible. After acquiring the necessary information from a specific four-year institution, each student should plan his or her consultation with a counselor or academic advisor. Students may refer to the current Blinn College Bulletin, College course schedules, and student handbooks for specific graduation information.   For Faculty Members:   Refer to Section 2.30.2 of this Handbook.   4.1.11 International Students   For information regarding international students, refer to the current Blinn College Bulletin located on the Blinn web page or the current course schedule booklet, or call the Blinn College International Student Office in Bryan (979)209-7305 or in Brenham at (979)830-4150. Admission requirements for non-U.S. citizens, international co-enrollment, and new student orientations are available in the material cited above.

4.1.12 Course Schedules

To aid students in registering, course schedules are printed three times per year. These publications provide students with the current courses offered, course descriptions, and information regarding admissions, advising, business services, degrees, financial aid, and other general information. Faculty or students may obtain a course schedule from Enrollment Services or Recruiting on any campus, or Counseling Offices in Brenham and Bryan.

4.2 FINANCIAL AID

4.2.1 General Information

Financial aid programs for all Blinn College students are administered by the Financial Aid Office located on the Brenham Campus. Financial aid counseling is also available at the Bryan Campus (Administration Building) to answer questions and to accept documents for the Financial Aid Office (979-821-0230). Other questions and correspondence concerning financial aid should be directed to the Blinn College Financial Aid Office, 902 College Avenue, Brenham, Texas 77833 (979-830-4144).

Financial Aid is available to eligible students from funds provided by the College, and from funds available through state and federal governments, and commercial lending institutions. Student aid programs administered by the financial aid office include the following: 1) the Pell Grant Program, 2) Campus-based grant programs which include the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), the State Student Incentive Grant (SSIG), and the Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG) programs, and 3) Federal Family Loan Programs (Stafford Student Loans and Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students).

Refer to the current Blinn College Bulletin, the Brenham and Bryan Student Handbooks, and the Brenham and Bryan Course Schedules for information about 1) the student application process, including deadline dates, 2) "regular" student status, 3) Standards of Progress for Financial Aid, 4) other available funds for students, and 5) other specific information about Financial Aid.

4.2.2 Veteran’s Services

The curriculum of Blinn College has been approved by the Texas Education Agency for the education of eligible veterans, service personnel on active duty, and eligible dependents of veterans. This office certifies enrollment to the Veteran's Administration (VA) so that veterans and their dependents may receive monthly educational benefits.

The Office of Veteran’s Affairs at Blinn College operates with a full-time veteran’s coordinator/certifying official on the Bryan Campus, 2520 East Villa Maria, Bryan, Texas (979- 821-0230). Veterans and their dependents are requested to consult the Coordinator prior to enrollment each semester for information and assistance in applying for these educational benefits. Brenham, Schulenburg, and Sealy students who are veterans may use the Financial Aid Office in Old Main Building as a contact point (979-830-4144). Specific information for veterans regarding requirements for certification, educational objectives, the Hazelwood Act, and standards of academic progress can be found in the current Blinn College Bulletin.

4.2.3 Scholarships

Numerous scholarships are available for Blinn College students. Students interested in applying for college scholarships should call (979) 830-4144 on the Brenham Campus or (979) 821-0230 on the Bryan Campus. Scholarship applications are available at the Financial Aid Offices on the Brenham or Bryan campuses, the Recruiting Office on the Brenham Campus, or the main office on the Schulenburg Campus. The application deadlines are noted on the official College Calendar. For a detailed list of scholarships available to students, refer to the current Blinn College Bulletin.

 4.3 COUNSELING SERVICES

Students will find counseling services useful on all Blinn College campuses as they formulate plans and make decisions concerning their academic development. Counseling services consist of academic advising, personal counseling, career/vocational counseling, as well as a variety of testing services. Counseling services strive to help students make better decisions, improve their personal skills, increase their self-confidence, and acquire a better awareness of their needs and the needs of others. Services may occur on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting. All Blinn students are encouraged to visit a counselor of their choice. Assistance is provided by the Counseling staff in the following areas: academic and/or personal advisement, confidential counseling, career and vocational counseling, small group counseling, referral resources, assessment tests (including ACT, GED, SAT, THEA, and Quick THEA), aptitude and career tests, and vocational interest tests. Telephone the following locations for more information about counseling services: Brenham (979-830-4196), Bryan (979-821-0250), Technical Education (979-821-0252), Schulenburg (979-543-5003).

4.3.1 Advisement
For Students:

Blinn College students have a wide variety of advising services available. Academic advisors and counselors can assist in several areas that include the following: formulating degree plans, making appropriate course selections, and transferring (and transferability) of courses to other institutions.

The following students are required to be advised prior to each registration:  1)students enrolling at Blinn College for the first time; 2)students who fail any part of the THEA Test or other state approved test; 3)students who are on scholastic probation; or 4) students readmitted following suspension. First time students who have passed all sections or are exempt from the state test will be given the option of waiving advising requirements. However, a self-advising waiver form must be completed and received by the Admissions Office prior to registration for courses. Academic advising is an ongoing process throughout the year, and Blinn College encourages all students to participate in the academic advising process.

For Faculty Members

The Counseling staff and academic advisors are available prior to and during registration. A faculty member can become a general advisor, or an academic advisor for his/her major teaching field. For more information about becoming an academic advisor, contact the Counseling Office in Brenham (979-830-4196), or Bryan (979-821-0250).

4.3.2 Assessment/Testing

Assessment

Blinn College provides an academic skills assessment program that evaluates a student’s readiness for certain college courses. The assessment program affects all entering students and is required in the enrollment process. Components of the assessment process are the following: 1) the THEA Test, Quick THEA Test, or approved alternative test assessing the student’s skill level in reading, writing, and mathematics, and 2) a review of the student’s ACT or SAT scores, high school transcript(s), and previous college-level courses.

Testing

Counseling Services administers various tests that include the following: the American College Test (ACT), the General Education Development Test (GED), the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA), and Quick THEA. Aptitude, career, and vocational tests are also offered. Students should contact the local Counseling Services Office for more information concerning any of these tests.

Blinn College, Brenham Campus, is a state testing site for the THEA Test, offering testing dates six times per year. To register for this test, the student must contact National Evaluation Systems to register by application or telephone. For requesting a THEA Test or Registration Bulletin, or for registering for the test, call 512-927-5397. Blinn also offers scheduled Quick THEA Tests throughout the year at the Brenham, Bryan, and Schulenburg locations. These tests are offered immediately prior to and during each registration period. A National Evaluation Systems fee will be charged for this testing service, as well as a $10 administration fee. Students should contact the Counseling Office in Brenham (979-830-4196), Bryan (979-821-0250), Schulenburg (979-543-5003) or Sealy (979-627-0285) for testing dates and registration procedures.

4.3.3Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Services and reasonable accommodations are available to students with documented disabilities. The Office of Disability Services (ODS) in Brenham is located in Room 104 Administration Building (979-830-4157), and in Bryan the ODS office is located in Room 157A Science Building (979) 209-7251. This office provides direct services and makes appropriate referrals to other resources on and off campus. The Office of Disability Services promotes awareness of the special needs and exigencies of students with disabilities through educational events and outreach activities. Assistance to students with disabilities is provided in the following areas: assessment of needs and appropriate services, provision of academic and other accommodations, and assistance in orientation. The Office of Disability Services also can help with registration procedures, academic advisement, and personal counseling. The ODS is also available for consultation concerning specific disabilities and attendant accommodations. See also 2.4 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: ADA

 4.4 STUDENT LIFE

4.4.1 Student Organizations

Student organizations encompass a wide range of interests.  Their focus is to enhance opportunities which aid in the development of leadership, decision making, social skills, self-esteem and professional growth.

Blinn Organizations Include

Blinn College Student Government Association — Brenham

Blinn College Student Government Association — Bryan

Honor Societies

1.     Delta Psi Omega, Brenham

2.     Mu Alpha Theta, Brenham

3.     Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Phi Lamba, Bryan

4.     Phi Theta Kappa, Beta Alpha, Brenham

5.     Psi Beta, Bryan

6.     Sigma Kappa Delta, Brenham

7.     Sigma Kappa Delta, Bryan

Political Organizations

1.     Blinn College Republicans, Brenham and Bryan

2.     Blinn Young Democrats, Brenham

3.     Blinn College Democrats, Bryan

Professional Organizations

1.     Agricultural Mechanics Club, Brenham

2.     American Dental Hygienist, Bryan

3.     Agricultural Association, Brenham

4.     Blinn College Nursing Students Association, Bryan

5.     Blinn College Vocational Nursing Students Association, Bryan

6.     Blinn Naturalists Club, Brenham

7.     Blinn Players, Brenham

8.     Future Registered Nurses, Bryan

9.     Future Teachers Organization, Brenham and Bryan

10.   Future Vocational Nurses, Brenham

11.   Legal Assistant Student Organization, Bryan

12.   Medical Education Development Society, Brenham

13.   Photography Club, Bryan

14.   Physical Therapist Assistant Association, Bryan

15.   Professional Secretaries International, Bryan

16.   Psychology Club, Bryan

17.   Radiology Technologist Association, Bryan

18.   Spanish Club, Bryan

19.   Students in Free Enterprise, Brenham

20.   United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Brenham

Religious Organizations

1.     Bahai Club, Brenham

2.     Baptist Student Ministries, Bryan

3.     Baptist Student Ministries, Brenham

4.     Blinn Catholic Club, Bryan

5.     Blinn Christian Fellowship, Bryan

6.     Catholic Student Union, Brenham

7.     Chi Alpha, Brenham

8.     Lutheran Fellowship 101, Brenham

9.     Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Brenham

10.   Wesley Foundation, Brenham

Student Organizations

1.     Band Club, Brenham

2.     Blinn College Ethnic Student Organization, Bryan

3.     Blinn College Lions Club, Brenham

4.     Blinn College Veterans Association

 5.    Brazos Region Astronomy Service Society, Bryan

6.     Ebony and Ivory, Brenham

7.     Festival Singers, Bryan

8.     Fit Life Alliance, Bryan

9.     Geographical Society, Bryan

10.   History Society, Bryan

11.   International Student Organization, Bryan

12.   Kappa Kappa Psi, Brenham

13.   League of United Latin American Citizens, Bryan

14.   Science Club, Bryan

15.   Blinn College Sociology Club, Bryan

Social Clubs

1.     Beta Tau, Brenham

2.     Blinn Baseball Club, Brenham

3.     Blinn College Art Club, Brenham

4.     Blinn College Cheerleader/Mascot Club, Brenham

5.     Blinn College International Student Organization, Bryan

6.     Blinn College Softball Club, Brenham

7.     Blinn College Volleyball Club (Women’s), Brenham

8.     Blinn College Women’s Basketball Club, Brenham

9.     Blinn Football Club, Brenham

10.   Blinn College Forensic Science Club, Brenham

11.   Choral Club, Brenham

12.   Hispanic Organization for Latino Awareness (HOLA), Brenham

13.   League of United Latin American Citizens, Bryan

14.   Men’s Basketball Club, Brenham

15.   Taekwondo Club
 

4.5 STUDENT CENTER
4.5.1 Use of Facilities
4.5.1.1 Brenham Campus   The Student Center has several meeting rooms, a conference center, and a banquet room available for administrators, faculty, and students to reserve for meetings and activities. These rooms must be reserved through the Office of the Director of Student Activities (979-830-4181). For more information about these facilities, contact the Student Activities Office.   4.5.1.2 Bryan Campus  
Requests for use of the Bryan Campus Student Center should be made on the form provided by the Director of Student Activities. To make the request, return the form to the Director of Student Activities Office, Blinn College, P.O. Box 6030, Bryan, Texas, 77805-6030 (Fax: 979-209-7487). Other reservations for the use of the Bryan facilities should be addressed to the office of Vice President Brazos County Campuses.

4.5.2 Mail Service – Brenham Mail Room

The following guidelines are to be followed for mail preparation.
      a.  Mail should include full name, department and campus, and should be separated into one of the following six categories:
       
        1. BRENHAM CAMPUS -- Brenham resident hall students, administration, faculty and staff,
        2. BRYAN CAMPUS -- Bryan administration, faculty and staff,
        3. ALLIED HEALTH --administration, faculty, and staff,
        4. SCHULENBURG -- Schulenburg administration, faculty and staff,
        5. SEALY -- Sealy administration, faculty, and staff 6. OFF-CAMPUS – All correspondence mailed in the United States; local mail should be separated from out of town mail,
        7. FOREIGN -- any mail posted to go outside of the United States.

      b. INTER-DEPARTMENTAL ENVELOPES should be used to share correspondence with other personnel on all campuses. They are available through the Blinn Bookstore in Brenham. Be sure to use a full name, department and campus.

      c. Mail MUST be marked with a budget code or office of origin. Letters can be banded together with a note identifying the code or office of origin.

      d. The flaps of standard and letter-size envelopes can be left up and open unless they have metal clips to secure the closure. All other envelopes should be sealed. It is extremely helpful with large batches of envelopes to leave all flaps open and up or to seal the envelopes.

      e. When using window envelopes, make sure the entire name and address are visible.

      f. Offices should prepare mail for registered or certified delivery. Forms are available in the mailroom in the Blinn College Student Center, Brenham Campus. All priority mail (registered and certified) must have a return address on the envelope.

      g. Offices that mail more than 500 first class pieces of mail of the same processing category (e.g all letters, all flats, etc.) at the same time may qualify to mail at FIRST-CLASS PRESORT rates. More information is available at the local post office.

      h. Offices that mail a minimum of 200 pieces or 50 pounds in the same category (e.g. all letters, all flats, etc.) may qualify for standard mail rates. More information is available at the local post office.

         
    4.5.3 MAIL SERVICE -- Brenham Campus

a. Local mail (Brenham, Chappell Hill, and Burton) should be SEPARATED from out of town mail.

b. The Brenham postage machine can accommodate envelopes from 5 to 15 inches long and up to 3/4 inch thick, and packages up to 15 pounds.

c. Mailroom hours of operation are the following: 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., Monday through Friday during the regular school year, and 7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m., Monday through Friday during the summer.

d. Only mailroom staff are allowed in the mailroom.

e. Mailbox keys are issued from the Blinn Post Office and should be used to pick up mail. All requests for keys should be made to the Director of Student Activities and should be returned upon leaving employment of Blinn College.

f. Mail is delivered to the Blinn College Student Center at approximately 9 a.m. and is normally in mail boxes by 11 a.m. Outgoing mail is picked up by the Brenham Post Office at 4 p.m.

g. All out-going mail must be delivered to the Blinn mailroom by 3 p.m. for processing and to ensure it will go out the same day.

h. Mass mailings of 100 or more pieces should be in the mailroom by noon in order to ensure they will go out that day.

i. A stamp machine is provided in the Student Center atrium next to the vending machines.

j. Any questions or problems can be addressed by calling the mailroom at 979-830-4181 or coming by the Student Activities office.
 

 4.5.4 MAIL SERVICE -- Intra Campus
  a. The courier leaves the Brenham campus at 1:30 p.m. for the Bryan campuses after picking up mail from the Brenham Library and Student Center. The courier picks up and delivers mail to the Bryan campus and returns to the Brenham Student Center at 4:30 p.m. The courier travels to the Bryan campus daily.

b. The courier travels to the Schulenburg campus on MWF and travels to the Sealy campus on TR. The courier leaves Brenham at 8:45 a.m. to make deliveries to these campuses and returns to the Brenham campus with Schulenburg and Sealy deliveries before noon.


4.5.5 MAIL SERVICE -- Bryan Campus

Faculty mail is picked from individual mailboxes located in the Copy Center in Building G. Faculty can send mail/packages to Brenham, Schulenburg, or Sealy campuses by placing the outgoing mail in the "Brenham" pickup box/bag located in the Copy Center. All outgoing mail is sent to Brenham where it is distributed to the appropriate campus. Contact the Copy Center for more information about mail services (979) 822-2744

 4.6 HOUSING (Brenham Campus only)

Blinn College offers both residence hall living and apartment style living to approximately 1,012 students on the Brenham Campus.

Blinn College has twelve air conditioned residence halls with a total capacity of 674 students. Blinn College Park apartments offers a more independent style of living for 338 students. Living in a residence hall provides an overall educational experience that contributes to the student’s development. Group living challenges each student to develop an inter-personal awareness, to exchange ideas, and to explore serious commitments to learning. Group living also requires a development of respect for the rights of others.

Students who wish to request a room in a residence hall must 1) apply for admission to the College, 2) complete a housing application, which is in the current Blinn College Bulletin or available in the Recruiting or Housing offices, and 3) pay a $200 room deposit. The deposit will be refunded if the student requests it and follows the check-out procedures; this deposit refund occurs at the time the student gives up the room at the end of the semester. A student who changes his/her mind after submitting the application may have the deposit refunded, provided a request is made by the date stipulated in the Blinn College Bulletin.

For more information regarding housing applications, visitation procedures, meal plans, security, residence hall rules, and general information, contact the Housing Office in Brenham (979-830-4190) or the current Blinn College Bulletin or Brenham and Bryan course schedules.

4.7 RECRUITMENT

The main Recruiting Office for Blinn College is located on the Brenham Campus, and there are recruiters located on the Bryan campus and on the Schulenburg/Sealy campuses. This office provides current information about Blinn College to the general public and to specific interested parties such as prospective students, parents, and high school administrators. The Coordinator of Recruitment travels throughout the year to high schools in Texas recruiting students to Blinn College for the next school term. Also the Coordinator of Recruitment hosts a transfer day to promote four-year institutions to Blinn’s enrolled students. To request any Blinn publications regarding recruitment, or to volunteer to recruit for Blinn College, please contact the Recruiting Office in Brenham (979) 830-4152 or in Bryan (979) 209-7367.

4.7.1 Student Orientation

All students new to Blinn College are encouraged to attend an orientation seminar. This program is designed to acquaint new students with the campus and the various resources that can enhance both academic success and personal development. The orientation program focuses on several important areas including campus services and facilities, THEA information, course planning, major/transfer information, campus activities, and student organizations.

The orientation program includes an information session of approximately 3 hours as well as academic advising for students whose THEA/Exemption scores are available. This program is offered several times each summer on the Brenham and Bryan campuses and once each summer on the Schulenburg campus. To register for an orientation program, the student can register on the Blinn College web page (if sessions are available) or contact the Counseling Services Office in Brenham (979) 830-4196), the Center for Student Development in Bryan (979) 209-7250); or Enrollment Services in Schulenburg (979) 743-5227. Refer to the official calendar for orientation dates.

4.8 STUDENT HANDBOOK

Blinn College publishes a Student Handbook for the Brenham, Bryan, Schulenburg, and Sealy campuses once per school year. Enrolled students receive a copy of the Student Handbook at registration. This publication informs students, as well as faculty members and administrators, about Blinn’s polices and regulations, activities and organizations, academic calendars, and other general information concerning admissions, counseling services, financial aid, holidays, and location of administrator’s offices. For more information about the Blinn College Student Handbook or suggestions for the publication, contact the Vice President of Student Services in Brenham (979) 830-4150, or the Dean of Student Services office in Bryan (979) 209-7227.

4.9 VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Faculty may receive a vehicle registration permit by visiting Enrollment Services on the Brenham Campus located in the New Administration Building (979) 830-4800, or Enrollment Services on the Bryan Campus in the Administration Building (979) 209-7240. Faculty on the Schulenburg and Sealy campuses should contact the Director of the campus to obtain a vehicle registration permit, or the faculty member may contact Enrollment Services in Brenham (979( 830-4800. The decal will specify the campus parking lot or parking space that a faculty member should use. For more information about vehicle registration, contact the office listed above.

4.10 CAMPUS SECURITY

The Campus Police department is composed of certified Texas Peace Officers who enforce state law as well as College regulations on all property owned and controlled by Blinn College. To report a crime or request an officer, telephone 979-830-4195 in Brenham, or 979-209-7418 in Bryan. For more detailed information about campus security at Blinn College (including resident hall rules, security report statistics, parking and traffic violations and reporting guidelines for sexual harassment), refer to the current Brenham, Bryan, Schulenburg, and Sealy campuses or visit the Blinn College web site.

On the Blinn web site, for information regarding security on the Brenham campus, select "Security" from the drop-down box at the top of the page. For information regarding security on the Bryan campus, select Bryan as the campus on the Home Page and then click on "Police" under Campus Links.

Faculty on the Schulenburg and Sealy campuses should contact the Director of the campus for information regarding security and to report a crime.

Listed below are the emergency telephone numbers for each campus:

Brenham Campus:

Campus Police/Security 979/830-4195

Fire Department, City 911

Police Department, City 911

EMS 911

Crime Stoppers 979/836-8477

Police Emergency 979/830-4100

Bryan Campus:

Campus Police/Security 979/209-7418

Fire Department, City 911

Police Department, City 911

EMS 911

Rape Crisis Center 979/268-7273

Victim’s Assistance 979/361-4320

Crime Stopper’s 979/775-8477

Schulenburg Campus:

Fire Department, City 979/743-3500

Police Department, City 979/743-4126

EMS 911

Crime Stoppers 979/743-3274

Sealy Campus:

Campus Police/Security: 979/627-7997

Fire Department, Sealy: 979/885-2222

Police Department, City: 979/885-3330 or 979/885-2913

EMS: 911

Crime Stoppers: 979/865-2949

4.11 ID CARDS
All students are required to have a Blinn College identification card each year. This process will be done during registration each semester.



Blinn College Faculty Handbook