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Student Life

Bee Campus

Blue Ridge Community College is the 16th educational institution in the nation to be certified as an affiliate of the Bee Campus USA program.

The Bee Campus USA designation recognizes educational campuses that commit to a set of practices that support pollinators, including bees, butterflies, birds, and bats, among thousands of other species. Bee City USA® urges local governments, individuals, organizations, corporations, and communities to promote and establish pollinator-friendly landscapes that are free of pesticides. 

Bookstore

New and used textbooks and school supplies are available in the College Bookstore located in the Killian Building on the Henderson County Campus and the Student Center on the Transylvania County Campus. Books may be purchased online at blueridge.bncollege.com. Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, Blue Ridge Community College is required to share required textbook information (ISBN number and retail price) with students at the time they register for classes. This information can be found on the Blue Ridge Community College Bookstore website at blueridge.bncollege.com.

Campus Police and Public Safety

The Blue Ridge Police and Public Safety Department serves the safety and security needs of the College. It is the mission of Blue Ridge Community College to provide the safest educational environment possible for faculty, staff, students, and visitors at Blue Ridge Community College campus locations.

9-1-1 Emergency Services should be contacted in any situation involving imminent harm or threat to self or others.

Crime awareness is a collective responsibility of the College, its staff, faculty, students, and visitors. All must recognize that they must take individual steps to protect themselves from becoming the victim of a crime and to promote security on campus and at College events.

Access to Campus Facilities

All Blue Ridge Community College campus locations are open to faculty, staff, students, and visitors during normal operating hours. Access during closed hours will be governed by prior arrangements with the General Administration Division for community groups and with the College vice presidents for employees. All persons, while on the premises, are expected and required to obey all federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, as well as College procedures governing appropriate conduct. Persons in violation of the above will be subject to any action deemed appropriate by a competent authority.

Criminal Activity Reporting

Known or suspected violations of federal and state criminal laws should be reported to 9-1-1 if the violation is in process, then to the Blue Ridge Police and Public Safety at 828.243-9950 on the Henderson County Campus; 828.708-9293 on the Transylvania County Campus; 828.674-5954 for the Health Sciences Center. Students may also contact the Switchboard at 828.694-1700. Examples of criminal activity to be reported include larceny, theft, assault, threats, fighting, vandalism, disorderly/disruptive behavior, suspicious persons, vehicles or activity.

Criminal Activity at Off-Campus Student Organizations

Criminal incidents occurring off-campus including students participating in a College function should be reported to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction, the Blue Ridge Police and Public Safety Department and the Vice President for Student Services.

Other Incident Reporting

For non-criminal incidents such as accidents, major injuries, illness or fire, call 911 if it is an emergency, then call the on-duty officer at 828.243.9950 on the Henderson County Campus; 828.708-9293 on the Transylvania County Campus; 828.674.5954 for the Health Sciences Center. Students may also call the College Switchboard and they will notify the proper responders.

  • Henderson County Campus: 828.694.1700

  • Transylvania County Campus: 828.883.252

  • Health Sciences Center: 828.694.1700

Registered Sex Offenders on Campus

The Federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act requires registered sex offenders/predators to provide to the Henderson County or Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office notice of each institution of higher education in the state at which the offender/predator is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student. Members of the Blue Ridge community can find information about possible sexual offenders/predators in their area by calling (919) 856-6900, or visiting the following websites:

  • National Sex Offender Public Registry: nsopw.gov

  • NC Sex Offender Registry: sexoffender.ncsbi.gov

Clery Act: Campus Security

Blue Ridge Community College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all members of the College’s community and visitors. The College shall comply with the Crime Awareness and Security Act of 1990, as amended by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. Data is updated each year in October and can be found at blueridge.edu/about-brcc/police-and-public-safety. Please contact the Blue Ridge Chief of Police for more information regarding crime statistics.

Definitions

Campus Security Authority (“CSA”) is a Clery-specific term that encompasses four groups of individuals and organizations associated with an educational institution:

  1. A member of the educational institution’s police department or campus security department;

  2. Any individual(s) who has responsibility for campus security but who do not constitute a campus police department or a campus security department (e.g., an individual who is responsible for monitoring the entrance into the College’s property);

  3. Any individual or organization specified in an institution’s statement of campus security policy as an individual or organization to which students and employees should report criminal offenses. For purposes of this College, these people include an employee’s supervisor, a Vice President, the Human Resources Director, or a Campus Security/Resource Officer.

  4. An official or who has significant responsibility for student and campus activities, including, but not limited to: student housing, student discipline, and campus judicial proceedings. An official is defined as any person who has the authority and the duty to take action or respond to particular issues on the College’s behalf.

Clery Act Crimes are the following crimes that must be reported by Campus Security Authorities to law enforcement and crimes that are listed in the College’s Annual Security Report:

  1. Murder/non-negligent manslaughter; negligent manslaughter; sex offenses (forcible and non-forcible); domestic and dating violence; stalking; robbery; aggravated assault; burglary; motor vehicle theft; and arson;

  2. Hate Crimes: any of the above-mentioned offenses, and any incidents of larceny-theft; simple assault; intimidation; or destruction/damage/vandalism of property that were motivated by bias on race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability; and

  3. Arrests and referrals for disciplinary action for weapons (carrying, possessing, etc); drug abuse violations and liquor law violations.

College Property is all the following property:

  1. Campus Grounds, Buildings and Structures: Any building or property owned or controlled by the College within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the College in direct support or, or in a manner related to the College’s educational purposes; and any building or property that is within or reasonably contiguous to such buildings or property that is owned by the College but controlled by another person and is frequently used by students and supports College purposes.

  2. Off-Campus and Affiliated Property: Any building or property owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by the College; or any building or property owned or controlled by the College that is used in direct support or, in relation to, the College’s educational purposes, is frequently used by students and is not within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area of the College.

  3. Public Property: All thoroughfares, streets, sidewalks, and parking facilities that are within the campus, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.

Clery Act: Campus Security Reporting

Safety and Reporting Procedures: The College encourages all members of the College community to report suspicious or criminal activity to law enforcement as soon as possible. Crimes may be reported anonymously. In the event of a crime in progress or at any time there is a risk of harm to persons or property, call 911.

In addition, CSAs have a legal obligation to file a report of suspected criminal activity with law enforcement and with the Office of Student Services to ensure statistical inclusion of all Clery Act Crimes in the College’s Annual Security Report when those crimes occur on or near College Property. Any individual identified by the College as a CSA shall receive notification of that designation and the requirement that the individual report information about Clery Act Crimes. Training will also be provided to all so designated persons. While CSAs must report any Clery Act Crime that comes to their attention, at the request of the victim, the victim’s identity may remain anonymous.

To promote safety and security at the College, and in compliance with the Clery Act, the College shall:

  • Submit crime statistics to the United States Department of Education;

  • Maintain a daily crime log (open to public inspection);

  • Issue campus alerts to timely warn the College community when there is information that a Clery Act Crime has occurred that represents a serious or ongoing threat to campus safety;

  • Issue emergency notifications upon the confirmation of a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees occurring on the campus. The College tests the emergency notification procedure biannually.

  • Publish and maintain an Annual Security Report containing safety and security-related policy statements and statistics of Clery Act Crimes occurring on College Property. To prepare the Annual Security Report, the College collects, classifies, and counts crime reports and crime statistics.

    The Annual Security Report is available on the College’s website and hard copies are available through the Office of Student Services for inspection.

Class Locations

Most curriculum and continuing education classes are held at the Henderson County Campus and the Transylvania County Campus of Blue Ridge Community College. The College’s health care programs are housed in the Health Sciences Center, located in downtown Hendersonville adjacent to Pardee Hospital. Other continuing education courses are conducted throughout Henderson and Transylvania Counties at local public schools, community centers, churches, industries, businesses, or wherever a suitable meeting place can be arranged. Continuing Education classes may be organized in any community whenever a sufficient number of prospective class members indicate an interest.

Counseling

Counseling services are available for students who desire assistance with vocational, educational, or personal problems. All interviews with the counselor are conducted in strict confidence. Counselors are available both day and evening.

Disability Services

Blue Ridge Community College shall operate its programs, activities, and services to ensure that no otherwise qualified individuals with a disability shall be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under any such program, activity, or service solely by reason of their disability.

Individuals with disabilities (as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act) wishing to make a request for a reasonable accommodation or desiring to file a complaint of alleged discrimination on the basis of disability should contact the Disability Services Office located in the Sink Building. It is the student’s responsibility to request services from this office. Current documentation of the disability by an appropriate professional will be required. All information will be kept confidential. Students will be required to sign a release of information form before any special contact is made to arrange accommodations. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be made at least two weeks in advance to allow sufficient time for accommodations to be arranged.

Electronic Images

Blue Ridge Community College reserves the right to use photographs, motion pictures, and electronic images of students who are age 18 or older with the following provisions:

Such photographs, pictures, or images are taken on College property or at College-sponsored events; and

The use of such photographs, pictures, and images is for marketing and promotional purposes.

Objection to the use of an individual’s photograph in such a manner may be made in writing to the Director of Marketing and Communications.

Electronic Mail

Student electronic mail is considered to be an official means of communication between the College and a curriculum student. Curriculum student email is an official account of Blue Ridge Community College. It is the property of the College and should be used only for institutional purposes. When a student submits an application to the college for a curriculum program of study, he/she will be issued a free student email account. Instructions to log into the student electronic mail system and other online resources can be found on the "Accounts for Distance Learning" webpage. Prior to each semester, students who are enrolled in any course that uses the College’s learning management system (LMS), receive a letter containing their username, student ID number, and directions for logging into their accounts. Distance Learning brochures are available prior to each semester with “first login” directions. These brochures are distributed across all campuses, provided during advising. Seated Orientations for online students also include support for student account access. Students may contact the Blue Ridge Help Desk at 828.694.1895 for assistance with the first log in and password reset for all Blue Ridge accounts. Online students must activate their Blue Ridge email accounts as soon as possible following registration for classes.

Emergency Closings

Blue Ridge Community College will remain open as scheduled unless the following emergencies exist: (a) severe or inclement weather conditions that would endanger the adult population while traveling to and from places of employment such as in business, industry, and service agencies; (b) quarantines or epidemics declared by medical authorities for public health purposes; (c) critical power failure that would prevent normal operation of the school plant; (d) declared national or state emergencies or restrictions imposed by civil authorities; (e) bomb threats, conveyed by phone or other communications; (f) fire emergencies; (g) tornadoes; (h) disruptive activities; (i) financial emergency.

The College will publish closing or delayed schedule announcements using a variety of media. Students, employees, and members of the public can receive announcements via the College’s website, local radio and television stations, or popular social media platforms. Current and active subscribers to the Blue Ridge Alert system may receive announcements via automated voice phone call, text message, or email. Announcements will specify openings, closings, and delayed schedules for both day and evening classes, the Henderson County Campus, the Transylvania County Campus, and the Health Sciences Center. Morning announcements will be made by 6 a.m. A separate announcement about evening classes will be made by 2 p.m.

Delay or cancellation of classes may not always coincide with announced closings of local public schools, colleges, or governmental agencies. It is also possible, for example, that classes at the Transylvania County Campus may be held while the Henderson County Campus is closed. In some cases, off-campus instruction may continue when safety permits and when those class locations are deemed operational by other agencies.

In cases when the College announces a late opening, students should report to the class/lab/clinical they would normally be in at the late opening time.

Emergency Contact of Students

In medical emergencies, a student may be contacted through the Student Services Division. Classes will not be disturbed to deliver personal messages except in emergencies as determined by the Vice President for Student Services or a designated substitute.

Emergency Medical Assistance

Blue Ridge Community College has no facilities for medical treatment. Students are encouraged to disclose any acute medical conditions to the Registrar’s Office and to their instructors. Such information will be held in confidence.

Blue Ridge Community College personnel and/or individuals will contact emergency services at 911 and request first responder services in the event of a medical emergency.

Emergency Notification System: Blue Ridge Alert

Blue Ridge Community College offers an emergency messaging alert system as part of its comprehensive emergency preparedness plan to quickly notify students, faculty and staff of campus emergencies or campus closures via SMS text message, email, voice message or any combination of the three.

In the event of a campus emergency, it is vital that Blue Ridge Community College is able to contact students as quickly as possible with critical information regarding campus emergencies or closures. Students are strongly encouraged to sign-up online at alert.blueridge.edu.

Housing

The College does not provide housing; students commute to campus from their place of residence.

NCWorks Career Centers

NCWorks Career Centers, located on the Henderson County Campus in the Sink Building and on the Transylvania County Campus in the Straus Building, Room 141, provide a comprehensive system of services to area job seekers and businesses. Workforce Development Professionals from Blue Ridge Community College, Mountain Area Workforce Development, and the Department of Commerce Division of Workforce Solutions collaborate to offer career planning, training, placement, and business services. The Centers have an “open door” policy and serve anyone regardless of age or income level.

NCWorks Career Centers are committed to building an integrated economic and workforce development system in Henderson and Transylvania Counties which effectively pools the resources of diverse partner agencies and delivers optimal quality, customer-focused services. The Centers assist job seekers in choosing a career direction, identifying training programs and funding, refining job-seeking skills, finding employment, and career progression. Services to job seekers include:

  • Career assessments/exploration and career counseling

  • Employment coaching

  • Job-seeking skills workshops

  • ACT® WorkKeys Assessment in Communication, Problem Solving, Interpersonal and Personal Skills

  • Preparation for and issuance of the North Carolina Career Readiness Certificate

  • Workplace skills enhancement using Career Ready 101 curriculum

  • Job readiness skills training

  • Job search strategies

  • Job referral

  • Internet access to employment and training resources

  • Information on community resources

  • Resume consultation and preparation

  • Computer software tutorials and assessments

  • Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) job training assistance funding as well as other scholarships and grants

  • On-site Division of Workforce Solutions services

NCWorks Career Centers assist local businesses in finding well-trained, highly qualified employees by pre-screening applicants based on company specifications. Center staff members are available to test applicants using a variety of assessments, assist with specific training needs and advise companies on eligibility for financial incentives for hiring from specific populations. Business services include the following:

  • ACT® WorkKeys Profiling on Nine Comprehensive Workplace Skills

  • ACT® WorkKeys Assessment of all Twelve Cognitive

  • and Interpersonal Skills

  • Workplace skill enhancement using Career Ready 101 curriculum

  • Online Job Listing Service through College Central Network and NCWorks Online

  • On-the-Job Training

  • Human Resource Consultation

  • On-site job fairs

  • On-site interviewing

  • Computer software tutorials and assessments

  • Compilation or review of Employee Handbooks

  • Conducting Wage and Benefits Surveys

Print Shop

The College Print Shop offers photocopying and printing services for students at a nominal fee. All work is performed in strict accordance with federal copyright laws and N.C. General Statute 66-58(a).

Sexual Assault Victims’ Notice of Rights

Blue Ridge Community College strives to make its campuses safe and welcoming learning environments. Pursuant to federal law, the College shall afford all sexual assault victims certain basic rights:

  1. Accuser and accused must have the same opportunity to have others present during disciplinary hearings;

  2. Both parties shall be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding;

  3. Sexual assault victims shall be informed of their options to notify law enforcement;

  4. Sexual assault victims shall be notified of counseling services; and

  5. Sexual assault victims shall be notified of options for changing academic and living situations.

Reporting a Sexual Harassment/Discrimination Claim

The College is committed to providing and promoting an atmosphere in which students can fully engage in the learning process. Sexual, gender, and other unlawful harassment or discrimination, as well as sexual violence, are prohibited. For more information, consult the College’s Policies and Procedures (specifically, Harassment/Discrimination; Student Rights; and Sexual Assault Victims’ Notice of Rights).

For more information or to make a report, please contact the College’s Title IX Coordinator (who is also the Vice President for Student Services) at 828.694-1804.

Student Accident Insurance

Students covered under the student accident insurance policy should notify the Vice President for Student Services or a designee within forty-eight (48) hours of an accident. The Vice President for Student Services or a designee will assist the student in making a claim to the insurance company.

Student Ambassador Program

The Student Ambassador Program involves an honorary group of students who participate in public relations and recruiting activities for Blue Ridge Community College. Student Ambassadors provide an invaluable service to the College by serving as liaisons between the College, its students, and the community. Student Ambassadors represent the diverse areas of the College and have a variety of career goals and experiences. Ambassadors are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA, be in good standing with the college both academically and financially. Student Ambassadors commit to serving a period of three semesters, from Fall Semester to the Summer Semester of an academic year. Students will be required to assist with recruiting, orientation, and campus tours during the academic year.

Student Ambassadors are selected from both the Henderson County and the Transylvania County campuses. They may be asked to serve at functions on either campus. Scholarship assistance may be available for Student Ambassadors. For more information on the Blue Ridge Student Ambassador program, please contact a Student Services representative on either campus. The application period occurs each Spring.

Student Government Association (SGA)

The Student Government Association (SGA) is made up of representatives from the student body. SGA coordinates and regulates student activities and serves as the official voice of the student body. All curriculum students who pay an activity fee are considered members of SGA and are welcome and encouraged to attend meetings. The President of the SGA is a non-voting member of the Blue Ridge Board of Trustees and the President’s Council. The SGA constitution can be found in the Office of the Coordinator of Student Life & Wellness, located in the Killian Building.

The Blue Ridge Student Government Association focuses on providing students with opportunities that encourage connection to the college, leadership growth, and advocating for all students.

Student Activity Fee

State funds cannot be used for extracurricular activities; therefore, such activities at Blue Ridge Community College are established and maintained by the Student Government Association (SGA) funds. These SGA funds are derived from the activity fee. Their use is determined by the SGA.

Student Center

The Student Center on the Henderson County Campus is located in the Killian Building. Wireless Internet access is available as well as game tables and vending. The Student Center on the Transylvania County Campus is located in the Straus Building.

Student Consumer Information

Blue Ridge Community College believes it has a major responsibility in helping students to make sound decisions about availing themselves of the educational opportunities available at the College. Through the admissions process and beyond, the College shall endeavor to provide accurate and reliable information about its programs of study and career fields they represent. Graduation rates by program, opportunities for employment in the chosen field, and average salary rates are available upon request from the Student Services Division and on the College website.

Student Identification Cards

All curriculum students (full-time or part-time) enrolled at Blue Ridge and taking classes on campus are required to obtain a student identification (ID) card at the time of registration for classes. ID cards will have a photograph of the student and will contain embedded data. The card may be used at the College Library, in Blue Ridge computer labs, or for admission to College activities or events. Students enrolled in certain classes, such as “clinical site” classes, must display their Blue Ridge ID. ID cards will be issued at the College Bookstore. To obtain an ID card, students must have a current semester schedule and a valid photo identification. Students will be charged a nominal fee for the first ID card. All ID cards will remain valid for one year. The President, a College Vice President, and Security Officers have the authority to retrieve a student ID card in the event of disciplinary action by the college, such as suspension or dismissal, or in the event of misuse of the card, such as using the card for false identification.

Sustainability Policy

Blue Ridge Community College is committed to providing a sustainable campus by reducing, reusing, and recycling resources, and adopting sound institutional energy conservation practices to enhance the long-term, well-being of the College.

Visitors on Campus

Classes should not be interrupted by visitors except in cases of emergency or by permission of the instructor. Visitors coming to see students are directed to the Student Services Office.

The College encourages visitors to campus, but due to certain hazards that may exist on campus, children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult who shall be deemed responsible for the children’s actions. Children who are unsupervised must be considered to be in a dangerous position. An administrator should be alerted immediately. Students should not bring children with them to class.

Stalking, as defined in North Carolina General Statute 14-277.3, is the following or being in the presence of someone without legal purpose, with the intent to cause emotional distress by placing that person in fear of death or bodily injury. Such activity is illegal and should be reported to the Vice President for Student Services or the Vice President for Finance and Operations.

Domestic animals are permitted on College grounds only under the following conditions:

  1. Domestic animals on College grounds must be restrained at all times and kept on a hand-held leash.

  2. Domestic animals may not be tethered or unattended for any length of time.

  3. All domestic animals must have evidence of rabies vaccinations.

  4. Persons walking domestic animals on campus are responsible for removing any refuse left by the animal and depositing such in a proper receptacle.

  5. No domestic animal defined as dangerous by either state or county law is allowed on College grounds at any time.

Domestic animals may not be left in cars.

Animals are permitted on College grounds only under certain conditions. Refer to Procedure 2.14.7 Animals on Campus. For more information, contact the Disability Services Office.