Blinn College Faculty Handbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION I - INTRODUCTION

1.1 History of Blinn College

1.2 Mission Statement

1.3 Institutional Goals

1.4 Accreditation and Memberships

1.4.1 State Accreditation/Approval

 

1.4.2 Memberships

 

1.5 Institutional Organization

1.6 Equal Education Opportunity Plan

1.7 Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

1.8 Statement on Discrimination

1.9 Statement on Sexual Harassment

1.9.1. Definition

1.9.2. Prohibited Conduct

1.9.3. Complaint Procedure

1.10 Statement on Americans With Disabilities Act

1.1 HISTORY OF BLINN COLLEGE

Blinn College was founded in 1883 by the Southern German Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Known originally as Mission Institute, the primary purpose of this educational institution located in Brenham, Texas, was to train young men for the ministry. The institution quickly expanded its academic course offerings to meet public demands for a common school education. In 1888 the Institute became coeducational. During the next year, 1889, the name of the institution was changed to Blinn Memorial College in honor of the Reverend Christian Blinn from New York who donated a substantial amount of money to the College. Until 1927 Blinn Memorial College operated at the academy level. Responding to student needs, the College began to offer college-level courses and was organized as a junior college in 1927. Due to financial difficulties, in 1930 Blinn Memorial College merged with Southwestern University operated by the Methodist Episcopal Church South. By 1934 Southwestern University indicated it could no longer afford to operate its branch campus in Brenham. That year a new charter for the institution was procured by the citizens of Brenham, and a private non-sectarian junior college known as Blinn College was organized. In 1937 an election was held in Washington County for the purpose of organizing a junior college district. Thus, Blinn College became the first county-owned junior college district in Texas.

Blinn College has experienced tremendous growth since its organization as a public junior college in 1927. Today it is organized with campuses located in Brenham, Bryan, Schulenburg and Sealy.  The College's administrative structure and support services are centralized on the main campus in Brenham (Appendix A). The College administration works closely with designated administrators from each campus to provide the essential coordination and oversight necessary to ensure the quality and continuity of all programs and services. The Bryan campus was organized in 1970 and first located in the Kraft Building in downtown Bryan. It later moved to the Townshire Shopping Center on Texas Avenue in Bryan. A College Station campus was formed in 1986 in the Woodstone Center to accommodate enrollment growth. Another off-campus site is the Occupational Education Center, which opened in 1991 at the former Bryan Post Office Building. In January of 1997 the Townshire and Woodstone campuses consolidated into a new facility located on a seventy-five acre tract.

The Occupational Education Center moved to the Townshire Shopping Center location and all Allied Health programs were placed in the Post Office Building now designated as the Allied Health Center. The daily operation of these campus sites is coordinated by the office of Vice President Brazos County Campuses. The College also offers a limited number of academic courses at the Federal Prison camp in Bryan, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities in Navasota, and in various communities within the College’s thirteen county service area.

1.2 MISSION STATEMENT

Blinn College exists for the purpose of serving the educational needs of the citizens of Washington, Brazos, and surrounding counties. Blinn College seeks to provide educational experiences and opportunities that will assist the student in developing intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, and skills and knowledge in support of a productive life. Underlying these basic goals is a strong commitment to instructional excellence through philosophical and financial support. The institution will be alert to the changing educational requirements of the region and endeavor to meet those needs. In order to accomplish the mission, the college has established the following objectives to provide:

1. Two years of accredited college-level transfer courses in arts and sciences for those seeking associate degrees or intending to transfer to senior institutions.

2. Training to meet the changing needs of business and industry by preparing students in one and two year occupational courses leading directly to gainful employment.

3. Two year technical-vocational programs leading to a degree or certification of proficiency which will enable the student to enter industry or business with a marketable skill.

4. A developmental program (for inadequately prepared students) offering a variety of courses designed to assist such students in achieving success in college level courses.

5. Counseling and guidance services to assist students in achieving their educational and career goals and to provide them with information pertaining to careers and employment opportunities.

6. Assistance to new and established businesses in the college's service area, including updating and upgrading employee skills.

7. Continuing education for the adult citizens of the community in credit or non-credit courses to improve their technical, professional, cultural or social skills, and knowledge.

8. An early admissions program for qualified high school seniors.

9. Educational programs through museum exhibits and activities that focus on the historical and cultural heritage of Texas.

1.3 INSTITUTIONAL GOALS
Fall 2006 - Summer 2009

(Adopted by the Board of Trustees 08/08/2006)

Goal 1: Provide an effective learner-centered transfer curriculum

Goal 2: Provide an effective learner-centered technical and workforce curriculum

Goal 3: Provide opportunities for student learning through non-campus based instruction

Goal 4: Support the Quality Enhancement Plan for student learning and success

Goal 5: Improve operational efficiencies in Business Services

Goal 6: Improve operational efficiencies in Student Services

1.4 ACCREDITATION AND MEMBERSHIPS

Blinn College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097); telephone number 404-679-4501) to award the associate degree.

1.4.1 State Accreditation/Approval

Texas Education Agency

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

1.4.2 Memberships

Texas Association Community Colleges

The Texas Junior College Association

The Southern Association of Community and Junior Colleges

The Texas Association of Music Schools

The American Association of Community and Junior Colleges

The Texas Speech Association

Southwest Junior College Football Conference

The Texas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers

The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Offices

The Association of Community College Trustees

Texas Junior College Press Association

National Association of College and University Business Officers

National Council for Research and Planning

National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development

National Junior College Athletic Association

Region XIV Athletic Conference

Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers

Texas Association of College Admissions Counselors

The Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers

1.5 INSTITUTIONAL ORGANIZATION

A seven member Board of Trustees elected by the voters of Washington County governs Blinn College. One trustee is elected from each county commissioner's precinct and three are selected at large by position from the district. Members of the Board serve six-year terms. Vacancies occurring on the Board are filled through a special election ordered by the Board or by the remaining members of the Board. For a current list of board members, refer to the Blinn College web pages.

The Brazos County Advisory Committee was established in 1991 by the Blinn College Board of Trustees to assist the Board and administration in identifying and responding to the educational needs of the citizens of Brazos County and the surrounding area. This committee consists of seven members chosen from the Bryan and College Station communities who provide informal counsel and advice to the Board.

Policy determined by the Board of Trustees is implemented by the College administration. The President of Blinn College and the four Vice Presidents comprise the Executive Council, which directs the activities of the institution. The College is organized into five administrative areas: Academic Affairs, Administrative Services, Business Services, Student Services, and Brazos Campus Operations. Organization charts in Appendix A outline each of these five areas by function and personnel.

The Academic Affairs area includes all instructional divisions, academic as well as technical and continuing education. The instructional program is organized into nine divisions: Agriculture and Applied Technology; Allied Health; Business, Information Technology and Public Service;   Fine Arts; Health and Kinesiology; Humanities and Parallel Studies; Mathematics and Engineering;  Natural Science, and Social Science. Divisions are organized administratively with a division chair directing and coordinating the activities within a respective area. Division chairs report to the appropriate dean. Assistant division chairs are also utilized to facilitate the work of certain divisions. Each reports directly to a division chair.

This organization governs all faculty teaching on each of the four campuses. Division chairs and project specific college administrators supervise faculty members teaching at off-campus sites.

1.6 EQUAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY POLICY

Blinn College seeks to provide equal education without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, handicap, or any other constitutionally or statutorily impermissible reason. This shall include persons with disabilities. This policy extends to all programs and activities supported by the College.

1.7 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY

Recruitment, hiring, promotions, training, lay off, termination, rate of pay and other forms of compensation shall be administered without regard to sex, race, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, or veteran's status.

It is our policy (Title VI Affirmative Action Plan, July 1, 1990) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in full compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, the Rehabilitation Act of 1974 (Section 503,504), the Vietnam Era Veterans Assistance Act of 1974, Texas Statutes 6252-14-V.A.T.S. and 6252-16-V.A.T.S., Executive Orders 11246, 11758, and the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Blinn College regularly reaffirms its policy of Equal Employment Opportunity to all recruitment sources.

1.8 STATEMENT ON DISCRIMINATION

Blinn College does not discriminate against and/or exclude from participation in any of its programs or activities, either in the student body or the staff, any person on the grounds of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, disability, or any other constitutionally or statutorily impermissible reason. The College shall comply with existing federal and state laws and regulations, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P.L. 88-352) and Executive Order 11246 (Revised Order No.) where applicable.

1.9 STATEMENT ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT

1.9.1 Definition: Sexual harassment is verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an employee, student, or group of employees or students because of his or her gender and that: (1) has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or academic environment; or (2) has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s performance of duties or studies; or (3) otherwise adversely affects an individual’s employment or academic opportunities.

Harassing conduct includes (1) epithets, slurs, negative stereotyping, or threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts that relate to gender and (2) written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group because of gender and that is placed on walls, bulletin boards, or elsewhere on campus/sites premises, or is circulated in the workplace.

1.9.2 Prohibited Conduct: Employees shall not engage in conduct constituting sexual harassment. College officials or their agents shall investigate all allegations of sexual harassment, and officials shall take prompt and appropriate disciplinary action against employees found to engage in conduct constituting sexual harassment.

1.9.3 Complaint Procedure: An employee or student who believes he or she has been or is being subjected to any form of sexual harassment shall bring the matter to the attention of the dean or immediate supervisor, in accordance with the procedures in the Blinn College Board Policies DGBA (LOCAL) or FLD (LOCAL). However, no procedure or step in that policy shall have the effect of requiring the employee or student alleging harassment to present the matter to a person who is the subject of the complaint. Nor shall a sexual harassment complaint be dismissed because it is not filed within the time lines set out in Policy DGBA (LOCAL).

1.10 STATEMENT ON AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

Blinn College welcomes as an integral part of the student body those students with a special need. The College is committed to offering the least restrictive learning environment within the college community. Blinn College provides equal educational opportunities for all qualified students with disabilities and ensures open access to its resources and programs. Students with disabilities are encouraged and assisted to be as self-reliant as possible while attending Blinn College.

Board Policy GL (LEGAL) notes the following:

Individuals with Disabilities: No qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participating in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of the District, or be subjected to discrimination by the District. Nor shall the District exclude or otherwise deny equal services, programs, or activities to an individual because of the known disability of an individual with whom the individual is known to have a relationship or association. [42 U.S.C. 12132; 28 CFR 35.130 (g)]

A "qualified individual with a disability" is an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable modifications to rules, policies, or practices, the removal of architectural, communication, or transportation barriers, or to provision of auxiliary aids and services, meets the essential eligibility requirements for the receipt of services or the participation in programs or activities provided by the District. [42 U.S.C. 12131(2); CFR 35.104]

The District shall make reasonable modifications in policies, practices, or procedures when the modifications are necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability, unless the District can demonstrate that making the modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of the service, program, or activity. [28 CFR 35.130 (b) (7)]

Communications: The District shall take appropriate steps to ensure that communications with applicants, participants, and members of the public with disabilities are as effective as communications with others. To this end, the District shall furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, a service, program, or activity conducted by the District.

In determining what type of auxiliary aid or service is necessary, the District shall give primary consideration to the requests of the individual with disabilities. [28 CFR 35.160]

Auxiliary Aids and Services: "Auxiliary aids and services" include (1) qualified interpreters, notetakers, transcription services, written materials, assertive listening systems, and other effective methods of making aurally delivered materials available to individuals with hearing impairments, (2) qualified readers, taped texts, auto recordings, Brailled materials, large print materials, or other effective methods of making visually delivered material available to individuals with visual impairments, (3) acquisition or modification of equipment or devices, and (4) other similar services or actions. [28 CFR 35.104]

Limits of District Action: The District is not required to take any action that it can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a service, program, or activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens. Any decision that compliance with its responsibility to provide effective communication for individuals with disabilities would fundamentally alter the service, program, or activity or unduly burden the District shall be made by the Board after considering all resources available for use in funding and operating the program, service, or activity. A written statement of the reasons for reaching that conclusion shall accompany the decision. [28 CFR 35.164]

Notice: The District shall make available to applicants, participants, beneficiaries, and other interested persons, information regarding the provisions of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its applicability to the services, programs, or activities of the District. The information shall be made available in such manner as the Board and College President find necessary to appraise such persons of the protections against discrimination assured them by the ADA. [28 CFR 25.106]

Compliance Coordinator: The district shall designate at least one employee to coordinate its efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under Title II of the ADA, including any investigation of any complaint communicated to it alleging its noncompliance or alleging any actions that would be prohibited under the ADA. The District shall make available to all interested individuals the name, office address, and telephone number of the employee(s) so designated and shall adopt and publish procedures for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action that would be prohibited under the ADA. [28 CFR 35.107]

Blinn College Board Policy Manual – Policy DAA (LOCAL) and GB (LOCAL)


Blinn College Faculty Handbook