VIRTUAL COLLEGE
STUDENT HANDBOOK
ACCREDITATION
Bay Mills Community College is accredited by the
Higher Learning Commission. A Commission of the North Central
Association of Colleges and Schools. (www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org)
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EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION
Bay Mills Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative
action institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race,
color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, political
persuasion, age, weight, height, handicap, or marital status in
any of its education programs and activities, including admission
and employment as required by Title VI of the Higher Education
Amendments, Title IX of the Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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DISCLAIMER
Bay Mills Community College has made every reasonable effort to
determine that everything stated in this handbook is accurate.
Programs, policies, requirements, and regulations noted in the
handbook are subject to review and revision, so that the College
may better address the needs of the community. The provisions
of this handbook are not to be regarded as a legal contract between
BMCC and the student. The College reserves the right to change
all matters contained within this handbook without notice.
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STUDENT
RECORDS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Bay Mills Community College, a post-secondary educational
institution, follows The Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Act (FERPA), a federal law designed to protect the privacy of
a student’s educational records. The rights described
in FERPA belong to the students rather than their parents.
The term “student” as used in the following FERPA policy applies
to currently enrolled students and former Bay Mills Community
College students who were accepted, began attending classes, and
either graduated, withdrew or did not graduate.
Questions about FERPA or FERPA rights should be addressed to the
Registrar’s Office.
Annual Notification
Students are notified of their FERPA rights by publication
of this policy in the catalog.
Student Rights Under FERPA
Students have the right to:
a. inspect and review their educational records,
The procedure to inspect and review educational records
is outlined below.
b. request amendment of their educational records,
Students may ask the school to amend a record that they believe
is inaccurate or misleading. They may submit a written
request for amendment of their record(s) to the Registrar, specifying
why they believe the record is inaccurate or misleading. The
Registrar will notify the student of the decision made on the
request for amendment.
c. consent to disclosure of their educational records,
The exceptions to disclosure of student records only with
written consent are noted below.
d. file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.
Individuals who have questions about FERPA
or who wish to file a complaint should contact:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
600 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202-4605
PROCEDURE
TO INSPECT EDUCATION RECORDS
Students should submit to the Registrar a written
request that identifies as precisely as possible the record or
records he or she wishes to inspect. The Registrar will
make arrangements for access as promptly as possible and will
notify the student in writing of the time and place where the
records may be inspected. Access will be given 30 calendar
days or less from the receipt of the request.
When a record contains information about more than one student,
the student may inspect and review only the records that relate
to him or her.
REFUSAL TO PROVIDE
COPIES
Bay Mills Community College reserves the right to
deny transcripts or copies of records not required to be made
available by FERPA in any of the following situations:
-
The student lives within commuting distance
of the school
-
The student has an unpaid financial obligation
to the college.
-
The student, after ceasing to attend Bay Mills
Community College, has defaulted on a Federal Perkins Loan,
a Federal Stafford Loan, Subsidized or Unsubsidized, or other
federal loan.
-
There is an unresolved disciplinary action
against the student.
DISCLOSURE
OF EDUCATION RECORDS
Bay Mills Community College will disclose information
from a student’s education records only with the written consent
of the student, EXCEPT:
-
To school officials who have a legitimate
educational interest in the records.
A school official is:
-
A person employed by Bay Mills Community
College in an administrative, supervisory, academic or
research, or support staff position.
-
A person employed by or under contract
to the college to perform a special task, such as an attorney,
auditor, or consultant.
- A school official has a legitimate educational interest if
the official is:
-
Performing a task that is specified in
his or her position description or by a contract agreement.
-
Performing a task related to a student’s
education.
-
Performing a task related to the discipline
of a student.
-
Providing a service or benefit relating
to the student or student’s family, such as health care,
counseling, job placement, or financial aid.
-
To officials of another school, upon request,
in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
-
To certain officials of the U.S. Department
of Education, the Comptroller General, and state and local
educational authorities in conjunction with an audit, review
or evaluation of compliance with education programs.
-
In connection with a student’s request for
or receipt of financial aid, as necessary to determine the
eligibility, amount or conditions of the financial aid, or
to enforce the terms and conditions of the aid.
-
If required by a state law requiring disclosure
that was adopted before November 19, 1974.
-
To organizations conducting certain studies
for or on behalf of the school.
-
To accrediting organizations to carry out
their functions.
-
To comply with judicial order or a lawfully
issued subpoena.
-
To appropriate parties in a health or safety
emergency.
-
The records of a disciplinary proceeding conducted
by Bay Mills Community College against an alleged perpetrator
of a violent crime will be disclosed to the alleged victim
of that crime without the written consent of the alleged perpetrator.
-
To parties requesting directory information,
if a student has not provided a written request for the non-disclosure
of such information.
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DIRECTORY
INFORMATION
Bay Mills Community College designates the following
items as Directory Information: Student name, curricula and major
field of study. Participation in officially recognized activities,
dates of attendance, degrees, certificates and awards received,
and most recent previous school attended. Bay Mills Community
College may disclose any of these items without the student’s
prior written consent. If a student wishes that the college
should not release all or any of the above information, he or
she must inform the Registrar’s office in writing, by the tenth
calendar day following the start of class.
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SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
It is the policy of Bay Mills Community College
to maintain a place of employment and education that is free of
harassment in general and especially harassment that is sexual
in nature.
Sexual harassment, as summarized from the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission (E.E.O.C.), includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests
for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct or communications
of a sexual nature. Anyone in violation of this policy is subject
to disciplinary action and legal sanctions.
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ATTENDANCE
Students are expected to turn in an assignment on
a weekly basis and complete the class in the 15 weeks of allotted
time. Because instructors cover new material in
each lesson, completion of all assignments is necessary for students to receive maximum
benefit from their classes.
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STUDENT
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Bay Mills Community College's mission is to encourage
and prepare students to be successful in various fields of employment
and to prepare students to assume responsible roles in their respective
communities. The following Rights and Responsibilities are listed
to assist students in their educational endeavors.
Students Rights
-
Right to tribally-controlled higher education
-
Right to academic freedom
-
Right of religion and culture
-
Right of privacy
-
Right to speech and assembly
-
Right to make decisions
-
Right to humane and responsive treatment
-
Right to due process
Students Responsibilities
-
The responsibility for submitting accurate
information
-
The responsibility for discharging all legal
obligations
-
The responsibility of payment for all financial
obligations
-
The responsibility for attending classes
-
The responsibility for completing class assignments
-
The responsibility of adhering to all rules
and regulations of Bay Mills Community College
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SOCIAL
CODE OF CONDUCT
Bay Mills Community College promotes the integration
of our Traditional Native American values with all general and
vocational training programs. Our seven (7) sacred traditional
teachings charge us with seeking the virtues of wisdom, love,
respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth. In keeping with
this spirit, students are expected to behave as mature individuals
and to conduct themselves in a manner in which is a credit to
themselves, the college, and their respective communities.
The following violations will result in disciplinary
actions:
-
Assaulting, threatening, harassing or endangering
the health or safety of another;
-
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual
favors, or verbal conduct of a sexual nature that unreasonably
interferes with another and creates an intimidating, hostile
or offensive environment;
-
Plagiarism, cheating, or other dishonesties.
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DISCIPLINARY
SANCTIONS
One or more of the following non-sequential disciplinary
sanctions, which are consistent with Tribal, State and Federal
law, will be imposed for violation of the Student Codes of Conduct
outlined under Social Conduct and Academic Conduct.
-
Written Reprimand
-
Restitution for damages
-
Probation
-
Dismissal
-
Suspension
-
Referral for Prosecution
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DUE
PROCESS
A student who is charged with a violation of the
Social Conduct Code has the right to:
-
A Written
charge of the violation and the disciplinary sanction imposed,
-
A right to a Hearing
and,
-
A right to Grieve
the charge and disciplinary sanction.
The student may continue in good standing until
the appeals process is completed unless the safety of other individuals
is affected.
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ACADEMIC
CODE OF CONDUCT
Students are expected to adhere to traditional Native
American values such as honesty, truth, and respect in their efforts
to attain an education. To do otherwise diminishes the value and
integrity of their education and degree from BMCC. In order to
protect the worth of their academic achievements we expect students
to avoid cheating, plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty,
which include but are not limited to the following:
-
Cheating is the unauthorized copying or sharing
of information by any party by any means, such as verbal,
electronic, written, and unwritten.
-
Plagiarism is unacknowledged use of the ideas,
words, and images (print or computer media) of others that
are not public knowledge whether or not the intent is to present
it as your own.
-
Academic dishonesty is defined as any acts
designed to circumvent the honest, moral completion of an
individual’s assignment or test and might include unauthorized
use of notes, textbooks, and computer media during an exam,
or to threaten or coerce an instructor.
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ACADEMIC
DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS
-
The faculty member who feels a student has
engaged in academic dishonesty will determine the extent of
the sanction, up to a failing grade for the entire course.
-
A form will be sent to the student explaining
the reasons for the sanction.
-
If the student has discussed the action with
the instructor and feels the sanction is unwarranted, he or
she may appeal to the Disciplinary Sanction Board.
-
Serious offenses may be referred to the administration,
which may take independent action including suspension, or
removal from the college.
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ACADEMIC
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
Academic Grievances are disagreements between the
student and instructor concerning assignments, grades or personal
conflict in the class, etc. Whenever a problem arises all attempts
should be made to resolve the issue informally. If such discussions
fail to resolve the issue, the student has the right to file a
formal grievance starting with the Student Advocate.
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STUDENT
GRIEVANCE APPEALS PROCESS
Bay Mills Community College promotes close harmonious
relationships between students, faculty and staff. To maintain
such relationships, it is essential that faculty, staff, and students
understand and respect each other’s rights and responsibilities.
Whenever problems arise among members of the college community,
all attempts are made to resolve such problems through informal,
yet direct, discussions. Faculty and staff are available
to assist with the resolution of disagreements, differences of
opinion, or misunderstandings. To promote resolution of
grievances through informal means, yet provide safeguards when
informal resolutions are not possible, the following Grievance
Appeals Process shall apply.
STEP 1. Students who believe that they have been
treated unfairly or who have complaints against a faculty or staff
member should first attempt resolution by communicating with the
individual most directly involved within four (4) working days
of the incident. The conference can be satisfied with a telephone
as the communication tool. The purpose of the communication is
to discuss the nature of the complaint and to determine mutually
agreed upon solutions. Students may seek assistance from
other college faculty and staff in scheduling this phone conference,
and may also have this staff member with them at the conference
for additional support.
If a satisfactory resolution is not arrived at during
the informal conference stage, students may continue their appeal
at Step 2.
*(Step 1 may be waived at the discretion of a Vice
President; if it is determined that such meeting might result
in harm to the student. Vice Presidents may also waive the
time period specified for filing grievances.)
STEP 2. If a satisfactory resolution cannot
be obtained through Step 1, students may continue the Grievance
Process by filing a formal written grievance within four (4) working
days of the Step 1 conference. Complaints concerning academic
grades, courses, programs, and teaching faculty should be submitted
to the Vice President for Academics. All other complaints
(concerning disciplinary action, student conduct, financial aid
or other BMCC policies) should be submitted to the Vice President
of Operations. Forms can be obtained through the appropriate
Vice President.
Students should outline the outcome of the Step
1 phone conference within their written complaint.
STEP 3. The appropriate Vice President, as
committee chairperson, will select the remaining three-committee
members, (see BMCC Appeals Committee) a hearing date, notify the
student of the hearing date, and conduct the hearing. All parties
involved in the complaint may be present at the hearing to explain
their respective positions. They should bring all necessary
supporting documentation with them to the hearing.
STEP 4. The Chairperson of the Appeals Committee
will notify the student in writing, of the findings and recommendations
of the Committee, within (10) ten working days of the hearing.
STEP 5. If after the hearing, the student
is not satisfied with the decision of the Appeals Committee, the
Chairperson of the Appeals Committee shall refer the grievance
to the BMCC President for a final written decision, which may
be decided at the President’s discretion with or without a hearing.
The final written decision will be placed in the student file.
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APPEALS
COMMITTEE
The Bay Mills Community College Appeals Committee
shall consist of the following (4) four members:
-
Committee Chairperson
-
The Vice President of Academic Affairs,
(if the grievance involves an academic complaint or grade).
OR
-
The Vice President of Operations, (if
the grievance is regarding a disciplinary sanction, social
misconduct, or a financial aid decision). OR
-
Vice President of Charter Schools/Provost
-
One (1) full-time faculty member.
-
One (1) Student Council officer.
-
Another Vice President not chairing the committee.
Any person involved in the complaint shall not sit
as a member of the BMCC Appeals Committee.
Persons selected for the Appeals Committee shall
not be a close relative of the complainant.
It is the responsibility of the Committee Chairperson
to select and notify the members of the committee and the student
of the date and time of the hearing.
If the Committee Chairperson is unable to preside
over a hearing, the BMCC President shall appoint a Committee Chairperson
for that hearing.
All appeals shall be handled in a confidential manner
to protect the privacy of all parties involved.
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REGISTRATION
The registration process for online students is
completed online through the Bay Mills Community College Website.
All students who declare their intention to earn a degree are required
to complete all admissions procedures and participate in online
placement evaluation prior to registration.
During the registration period, the Virtual College Coordinator is available
for consultation. With the Coordinator's assistance, students must complete
the following steps in order to register for classes:
-
Complete and submit all registration material
provided by Admissions Office.
-
Converse with academic advisor for scheduling
assistance and approval.
-
Complete the Financial Aid to clarify their
financial aid status and determine amount of tuition and fees.
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TRANSFER
STUDENT ADMISSIONS
Applicants are admitted to advanced standing upon
presentation of an official transcript of credits earned from
another college. Credit will be granted to the extent that the
subjects for which credit is requested are parallel in content
and intensity to the subjects offered at BMCC. Transfer of credit
toward any certificate or degree program will be limited to 40
percent of the total number of credit hours for that diploma.
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COURSE
ADJUSTMENTS (Adds/Drops)
Course enrollment should be carefully planned during
each academic semester with an academic advisor. After students
are enrolled, changes may be made in the course enrollment by
contacting the Virtual College Coordinator at lparish@bmcc.edu. Instructors are not authorized to add or drop students from any course at any time.
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WITHDRAWAL
FROM A COURSE
Students who wish to drop a course MUST CONTACT THE VIRTUAL COLLEGE COORDINATOR. Students who drop a course within ten days of the course start date will receive a refund of applicable tuition and fees. Students officially withdrawing from a course after ten days, but before the eighth week, will not receive any tuition or fee refund, but will receive a "W" for the course on their transcript. Course withdrawal is
official only upon written confirmation from the Program Coordinator. Non-attendance
does not constitute withdrawal. No withdrawals will be permitted
after the eighth week of the semester without the approval of both
the Student Support Services Office and the Instructor.
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WITHDRAWAL
FROM COLLEGE
Students discontinuing their studies at Bay Mills
Community College during the academic year must notify the Program
Coordinator, who will process the withdrawal. Students leaving
college without completing the prescribed steps on the withdrawal
form may receive a grade of "F" for all courses. NOTE:
Withdrawal from college, after receiving federal financial aid
funding, may have an adverse affect on students' future eligibility
for funding. For questions regarding financial aid funding, please contact the Financial Aid office at 906-248-8437.
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DEPARTMENTAL
EXAMINATIONS
Regularly enrolled students may, in some areas,
be able to earn credit for a course offered by the college through
successful completion of a Departmental Examination. Students
who believe they have mastered a course through life experience
or past training may, at the discretion of the appropriate instructor,
take the departmental examination, if one has been developed,
in that subject area. A fee of $20.00 is charged prior to the
exam time. The exam will not be given by the instructor until
the student presents the payment receipt for the exam. The student
must find a proctor, take the exam and have it graded by the instructor.
Upon successful completion of the exam, courses are entered on
the transcript and students are credited with the appropriate
credit hours. Since no letter grade is entered, the credits are
not calculated as part of the G.P.A.
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SEMESTER
SYSTEM
Bay Mills Community Virtual College operates on
the basis of 15 weeks per semester. You will be placed
in Fall, Winter, or Summer semester depending upon enrollment
date. You are expected to turn in assignments weekly and complete
the class within 15 weeks.
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MACRAO
AGREEMENT
Bay Mills Community College participates in the
Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
(MACRAO) Transfer Agreement. This agreement is designed to facilitate
transfer from community colleges to baccalaureate colleges and
universities in Michigan. The agreement provides for transferability
of up to 30 semester credits to meet many (in some cases all)
of the General Education Requirements at participating Michigan
four-year colleges and universities. Students may complete the
MACRAO Transfer Agreement as part of an associate degree or as
a stand-alone package.
The 30 semester credit hours of coursework needed to meet the
MACRAO Transfer Agreement are:
- English Composition (6 credit hours).
- Social Science (8 credit hours).
-
Courses must be taken in more than one
academic discipline.
-
Courses may include but are not limited
to the following: Anthropology, Economics, Geography,
History, Native American Studies, Psychology, Political
Science and Sociology.
- Humanities (8 credit hours)
-
Courses must be taken in more than one
academic discipline.
- Courses may include but are not limited
to the following: Art, Foreign Language, History, Literature,
Music, Native American Studies, Philosophy and Theatre.
- Science/Math (8 credit hours).
- At least one course must have a lab with
it.
- Courses must be taken in more than one
academic discipline.
- Courses may include but are not limited
to the following: Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Math, Natural
Science and Physics.
Students are encouraged to meet with their academic
advisors to select the appropriate courses that fulfill MACRAO
requirements.
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ADMISSIONS
Bay Mills Community College has an open admissions
policy for students of any race, creed, color, and national or
ethnic origin. High School transcripts or GED scores will be required
of all applicants seeking admission as regular students in degree
and certificate programs.
Students without a high school diploma are admitted under Special
Student Status. Special Status students are required to complete
their GED or high diploma within one year. Applicants seeking
admission to special programs may be admitted without a transcript.
These special programs may include, but are not limited to skill
upgrading classes, creative arts programs, adult basic education
programs, etc.
Applications for admissions should be made as far in advance as
possible.
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TRANSFER
OF CREDITS TO OTHER INSTITUTIONS
Transfer equivalencies differ from institution to
institution. Therefore, students who wish to transfer to another
college or university should plan their courses of study accordingly.
Although students will be assisted by their advisors and the registrar
in this area, they must assume responsibility for meeting the
requirements of the college or university at which they plan to
enroll.
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ACADEMIC
ADVISEMENT
Each student enrolled at Bay Mills Community College
will be assigned an academic advisor who approves course loads,
makes changes in academic studies and helps with academic problems.
It is necessary for students to meet with an academic advisor
every semester to get approval for the courses to be taken. Students
are strongly encouraged to check with their academic advisor throughout
the semester to discuss progress in all courses.
Academic advisors are available to discuss and help solve any
problems students may encounter in achieving their educational
goals. The following is a list of Academic Advisors by degree
and certificate program areas:
| Degree Programs
|
Advisors |
Associate of Arts In
Early Childhood Education
Specialization Area:
Administration of Early Childhood
Programs |
Ann Belleau |
Associate of Arts In
Early Childhood Education
Specialization Area:
Teacher Preparation
|
Ann Belleau |
Associate of Arts In
Children and Families Program
Specialization Area:
Family Services
|
Ann Belleau |
| |
|
| General Studies |
|
| Business Administration |
John White |
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CHANGING
PROGRAM OF STUDY
Students who wish to change their academic programs
must submit a request for a “Change of Major” to the Coordinator's
Office via email. Completed requests must indicate the previous
academic major, and the new major. Completing this process will
ensure student records are accurate and complete when audited
for graduation and/or transfer purposes.
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CREDIT
LOAD
Full-time credit load is defined as 12 credits.
Students who wish to take more than 18 credits are required to
receive permission from the Registrar and their academic advisor.
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ACADEMIC
PROBATION AND SUSPENSION
A student who has attempted 12 or more credits and
whose cumulative average falls below 2.00 (4.0 scale) will be placed on academic
probation for the following semester and a probationary statement
will be noted on the student's record. A student will be removed
from academic probation when their cumulative grade point average
is 2.00 or above.
A student on academic probation must either raise their cumulative
grade point average to at least 2.00 the following semester or
achieve and maintain a current semester grade point average of
2.00 or better each semester until they are removed from academic
probation.
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GRADING
POLICIES
The evaluation of students' academic achievement
is recorded in semesters on a scale of letter grades assigned
by instructors. The grades used by the college with the corresponding
numerical values are as follows:
| Grade Significance |
Grade
Points |
A |
Superior |
4.0 |
A- |
|
3.7 |
B+ |
|
3.3 |
B |
Excellent |
3.0 |
B- |
|
2.7 |
C+ |
|
2.3 |
C |
Average |
2.0 |
C- |
|
1.7 |
D+ |
|
1.3 |
D |
Poor |
1.0 |
D- |
|
0.7 |
F |
Failure |
0.0 |
W |
Withdrawal |
0.0 |
I |
Incomplete |
0.0 |
AU |
Audit |
0.0 |
P |
Passing |
0.0 |
CR |
Credit |
0.0 |
Z |
Deferred |
0.0 |
R |
Repeat |
0.0 |
Incomplete. Students have the responsibility
of completing the requirements of the courses in which they are
enrolled by the end of the semester. Incomplete grades may be
given when, in the opinion of the instructor, there are extenuating and unforeseen circumstances AND there is reasonable
probability that the student can complete the course without repeating
the entire course. The coursework must be completed within 5 weeks
after the end date of each semester. If all course work is not completed, an "F" will be recorded as the student's final grade. Exceptions to this policy are the academic enrichment
courses.
CR (Credit). The grade of "CR" is recorded
for departmental exams. Credit earned counts toward the total
required for graduation; however, it is not used in the calculation
of the grade point average.
Z (Deferred). Deferred grades are given when
the course work of a particular course extends beyond fifteen
weeks.
R (Repeating Courses). Any courses may be
repeated, but credit is granted only once. The last grade received
on a repeated course is used in computing the grade point average
even if the last grade is lower. However, a grade of "W" (withdrawal,
no credit) for the repetition of a course will not replace a previous
grade in the course. The student must register and pay tuition
for the repeated course.
HOW TO COMPUTE
YOUR GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA)
Multiply the number of credits for each course by
the honor point value for that course.
| Honor Credit Honor
Value Points |
| 4 Credit Course |
Grade C |
( = 2) |
4 x 2 |
=8 |
| 3 Credit Course |
Grade B |
( = 3) |
3 x 3 |
=9 |
| 4 Credit Course |
Grade A |
( = 4) |
4 x 4 |
=16 |
| 3 Credit Course |
Grade D |
( = 1) |
3 x 1 |
=3 |
| 2 Credit Course |
Grade A |
( = 4) |
2 x 4 |
=8 |
|
| 16 Credit Hours |
Total 44 |
Divide the total honor points by the total number
of credits (44/16 = 2.75 GPA)
GRADE REPORTS
Grade reports are issued at the end of each semester
or session of enrollment showing grades, hours attempted, hours
completed, honor points and GPA. Grade reports will not be released
for students with unsettled accounts.
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OFFICIAL
TRANSCRIPTS
Official transcripts of a student’s academic
record will be sent to properly authorized individuals or organizations
with valid written request from the student. A fee of $5.00 is
charged for each transcript issued.
Transcripts will not be released for students who have outstanding
bills or who have overdue books from the library.
HONORS LIST
Each semester the college, subject to permission
of the student, publishes the names of those full-time students
who have completed 12 semester hours and earned a grade point
average of 3.5 or higher. Those so recognized are designated as
Honors List Students.
ACADEMIC
ACHIEVEMENT LIST
Each semester, part-time students who have accrued
12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 credit hours with a grade point average
of 3.5 or higher are recognized on the Academic Achievement List.
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GRADUATION
REQUIREMENTS
Students of Bay Mills Community College are expected
to make academic progress during their course of study. Students
pursuing an Associate Degree or Certificate must complete all
courses required for their program AND must have a 2.00 cumulative
grade point average to graduate.
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COMMENCEMENT
Commencement is held annually for certificate and
degree candidates. Students completing graduation requirements
at the end of Fall and Winter Semester may participate in the
annual Spring Commencement exercises. (Students
who will earn degrees or certificates must apply for graduation
by submitting a declaration for graduation request to the Program
Coordinator by March 1st.)
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REFUND
POLICY
Students will receive a full refund of applicable tuition and
fees if a class is dropped within a period of 10 business days of
the semester.
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FINANCIAL
AID
Bay Mills Community College offers a variety of
federal, state and local scholarships, grants and work-study opportunities.
Most students are eligible for financial aid. Students should
apply to find out what financial aid is available.
Most financial aid is based on need and is intended to assist
students whose families cannot pay all, or perhaps any, of the
college costs. The difference between what it costs to attend
BMCC and what a student and his/her parents can reasonably contribute
is considered the student's unmet need.
TYPES OF
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
BMCC offers three types of financial aid:
-
Scholarships - Non-repayable aid usually based
on academic performance and demonstrated financial need.
-
Grants - Non-repayable aid usually based only
upon demonstrated financial need.
-
College Work Study - Part-time work during
the school year and full-time work during vacation periods.
Evidence of financial need is usually a requirement.
These types of assistance are often combined to
form a financial aid "package." The aid "package" is designed
to make up any difference between the school expenses and the
expected family contribution. In the packaging process, each student
often receives both some scholarship or grant aid, as well as
work study student funds. For a detailed listing of scholarships
and grants, see your financial aid office.
FINANCIAL
AID ELIGIBILITY
The Federal Government has determined that financial
aid will be made available only to those students who have received
a high school diploma, earned a GED, or demonstrated an ability
to benefit from college by achieving passing scores on an acceptable
examination.
In order to be eligible for financial aid, a student
must:
-
Be a U.S. Citizen or, "eligible non-citizen"
-
Be accepted for admission to BMCC.
-
Submit documentation to complete the student's
financial aid file.
-
Be enrolled for the minimum number of credit
hours needed to fulfill specific program requirements.
-
Maintain satisfactory academic progress in
the course of study being pursued.
-
Be registered with the Selective Service if
required by law.
-
Not be in default on any Title IV loan or
owe a repayment on any Title IV grant received for attendance
at any institution.
-
Complete the Anti-Drug Abuse Certification
Statement.
How To Apply For Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid, students must obtain
a financial aid packet from the FAFSA Web site at www.fafsa.ed.gov, complete the forms available,
and submit the packet according to the instructions. Students
must also submit to the Financial Aid Office all requested documents
needed to complete their financial aid file. A student also has
the option of applying online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
When To Apply
Students may apply for financial aid at any time
during or prior to the semester in which they are enrolled. Funds
are available throughout each semester. However, to ensure that
the aid will be processed in time to pay the tuition at the time
of registration, early application is encouraged.
FINANCIAL
AID PROBATION
A student whose cumulative grade point average (GPA)
falls below 2.00 (4.0 scale) and/or does not meet 70% of course
completions will be automatically placed on Financial Aid Probation
for the following semester of enrollment. If the cumulative GPA
returns to 2.00 or above and meets 70% of course completion at
the end of the probation semester, the student will be removed
from Financial Aid Probation. If the GPA does not rise to or above
the 2.00 level at the end of the probation semester, he/she will
not be eligible for continued financial aid assistance.
The student must, at his/her own expense, take enough classes to
reach a GPA of 2.00 to become eligible for future financial aid.
FINANCIAL
AID APPEALS PROCESS
Bay Mills Community College carefully abides by
the rules and regulations governing each of its sources of financial
aid funding. From time to time, however, students may wish to
appeal a decision made by the College. If this situation arises,
the student should follow the Student Grievance Appeal process
described in the
STUDENT GRIEVANCE APPEALS PROCESS section in
this handbook.
REINSTATEMENT
OF AID
Students who have lost eligibility for aid due to
an unsatisfactory status determination may automatically reestablish
eligibility in one of three ways:
-
By achieving the standards listed in the definition
above; or
-
By successfully appealing the unsatisfactory
status determination; or
-
By withdrawing from the program and reentering
when he/she is better able to achieve the standards required
in the definition above. The student would be re-entered
with a one-semester period during which time aid would be
disbursed.
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SATISFACTORY
ACADEMIC PROGRESS
Bay Mills Community College students will be required
to maintain certain academic standards. Credit hours completed
and grade point averages are reviewed at the completion of each
semester to determine whether satisfactory progress has been maintained.
The following sections outline how academic progress is monitored.
All students must meet the following minimum standards to be considered
making satisfactory progress:
Full-Time Students must complete
a minimum of 12 credits each semester of enrollment and maintain
a grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 and also meet 70% of course
completions.
Part-Time Students must complete
6 credits each semester if attending half-time; 9 credits each
semester if they are 3/4 time. A grade point average of 2.00 must
be maintained and also meet 70% of course completions.
The following will not be considered as credit completed:
F |
(Failing) |
W |
(Withdrawal) |
I |
(Incomplete)--course work finished within 5 weeks after
the end of a class is acceptable by registrar approval only.
If not completed, the grade of "I" reverts to an "F" grade. Exceptions to
this policy are the Academic Enrichment courses. |
R |
(Repeat) Repeat courses are not qualified for financial
assistance. |
Academic Enrichment courses cannot be counted
to satisfy certificate or degree requirements.
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OMNIBUS
DRUG INITIATIVE ACT
All students receiving Federal Financial Aid are
required to certify that they will not engage in the unlawful
manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a
controlled substance while a student at BMCC. This act gives courts
the authority to suspend eligibility for federal student aid when
sentencing a student who has been convicted of a drug-related
offense.
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CANCELLATION
OF CLASSES
The Virtual College has no cancellation policy in
effect as we do not require physical attendance. The student has 15 weeks
to complete the class.
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COURSE
CANCELLATIONS
When classes are closed due to revisions, information will
be posted next to the class number on the "courses" page. Classes
will not close to current students.
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SUPPORT
SERVICES
These persons are available to assist you:
Brody Waybrant, Virtual
College Director
Laura Parish, Virtual
College Coordinator
John Lindsay,
Student Advocate
Ann Belleau, Early
Childhood Advisor
John White , Business
Advisor
Kathy Rubin , Administrative
Assistant to the Virtual College
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THE
VIRTUAL LIBRARY
In addition to maintaining a regular print library,
the college operates a Virtual Library for patrons seeking information
on the World Wide Web. You may go to http://www.bmcc.edu/Libraries/vlibrary
or select the Virtual Library link from the BMCC home page.
When patrons choose to utilize the Virtual Library, they may access
books and papers dealing with scholarly and/or contemporary topics,
full-text magazine articles, local library catalogs, Native American
studies information, and reference information. Dictionaries,
encyclopedias, and almanacs are all on-line. Children who
need help with their homework can use the “Just for Kids” section
to get to the Kids Click! Library. From the BMCC help page one
can take a tour of the Virtual Library, use a site map or site
index, search the Virtual Library site, e-mail the librarians,
read the Frequently Asked Questions document, and more.
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