Student Services

Graduation/Achievement Awards

Students who plan to graduate from Blinn College at the end of the current semester should do the following:

1. Prior to graduation, submit an application.
   • Students currently enrolled at Blinn College must apply for graduation by logging into their myBlinn account.
   • Reverse transfer students or students NOT currently enrolled at Blinn College must apply for graduation using the graduation application found on the graduation website (http://www.blinn.edu/admissions/graduation.htm)
2. Comply with all requirements (pertaining to the student’s degree, certificate, or Achievement Award) as detailed in the Blinn College Catalog.
3. All holds must be cleared.

Diplomas do not reflect majors for the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees. Achievement Awards are only denoted on the Official Blinn College Transcript. Recipients of this award alone do not participate in commencement exercises.

Graduating Seniors at a Senior University

Many students choose to attend Blinn College the same semester they are to graduate from a senior university. Transcripts will not be released prior to the posted grade due date as listed on the official Academic Calendar. Graduating Seniors must request their transcripts to be sent during the graduating semester and the graded transcripts will be released after final grade processing is complete.

Commencement Exercises

Formal commencement exercises are held at the close of the regular spring and fall semesters. Degrees, Certificates, and Occupational Skill Awards are awarded at the close of each semester at the request of the student. All graduates including those who participate in a ceremony will receive their diploma, certificate, and/or occupational skill award by mail.

International Student Admissions & Orientation

For all International Student Information, see No. 10 under Admissions. A mandatory orientation for new and transferring international students will be conducted before each fall and spring semester. Failure to attend International Orientation will result in the termination of a student’s I-20. No exceptions will be made to this policy.

Orientation is an important step in beginning an academic career at Blinn College. Topics that will be presented include: F-1 visa regulations, culture differences, academic advising and transfer issues, international student organizations, and tips for academic success.

International students are only permitted to arrive in U.S. 30 days prior to the program start date listed on the I-20. Students should make plans to arrive a few days prior to orientation in order to complete TSI testing, advising, and registration. For a list of important dates and orientation details, visit www.blinn.edu/international or call (979) 209-7521.

Academic Advising and Counseling Centers

Academic Advising and Counseling Services consist of academic advising, career/vocational counseling, personal counseling, as well as a variety of testing services. These services may occur in a one to one process, or in a group. Assistance is provided in the following specific areas:

1. Academic advisement, which involves appropriate course selection/transferability of courses, educational planning, and an examination of study skills.
2. Personal confidential counseling.
3. Career and vocational planning and assessment to explore career goals, career information, and self-assessment of career interests.
4. Testing and assessment services to include:
   1. Tests for selected state and national programs, and health sciences programs including: American College Test (ACT), General Education Development Test (GED), Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test (HOBET), Nurse Entrance Assessment (TEAS), Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), and the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA).
   2. Tests of aptitude and career/vocational interests.
5. Referral resources that provide assistance with concerns such as financial aid, tutoring, career/vocational interests, alcohol and drug abuse or personal issues

Academic Advising

Academic advising helps students make appropriate decisions about their academic career and ensures compliance with Blinn College policy. Blinn College encourages all students to participate in the academic advising process. Professional counselors, advisors and trained faculty are available throughout the year for advising purposes. Students enrolling at Blinn College for the first time must have state-approved test scores or qualifying state test (TSI) exemption scores available before they can be advised for coursework. Students should bring copies of their transcripts from previous colleges attended, and/or previous test scores (ACT, SAT, TAKS, STAAR, e.g.) to their advising session. Students should allow 48-hours for documents to process.

All Blinn students are encouraged to visit an advisor of their choice. However, the following populations of students are required to be advised prior to each registration:

1. Students who fail any part of the state-approved placement test.
2. Students who are on scholastic probation.
3. Students readmitted following suspension.

Academic Advising Locations:

• Brenham: Administration Building Room 206, 802 Green St.
• Bryan: Tejas building, 3125 South Texas Avenue
• Schulenburg: 100 Ranger Drive
• Sealy: 3701 Outlet Center Drive

Testing Services

Blinn College Testing Services provide students with the opportunity to take the following tests:

• General Educational Development (GED), to achieve a high school equivalency diploma.
• ACT and SAT to meet admission requirements of four-year colleges and universities.
• Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA) to meet registration requirements of two-year public colleges.
• Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test (HOBET) and the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), to meet admission requirements for the health sciences programs.
• DISCOVER and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), to assess vocational interests.

See the College Expense  section of this catalog for fees associated with each test.

Testing Locations:

Students can receive TSIA testing at the following locations.
Brenham: Room 248, Administration building, 802 Green Street
Bryan: Tejas building, 3125 South Texas Avenue
Schulenburg: 100 Ranger Drive Sealy: 3701 Outlet Center Drive

A Pre-Assessment Activity is required before taking the TSIA for the first time. For additional tests, testing times/days, and a link to the pre-assessment activity, check the website http://www.blinn.edu/testing.

New Student Orientation (Advising Day)

The orientation program focuses on general campus information, Texas Success Initiative requirements, academic advisement, and class registration. Attendance at orientation is encouraged but not required. It is also recommended that all new students, who are not exempt from testing, take a state-approved placement test by April so scores will be available in time for academic advising during orientation. Students with documented state test scores or state test exemption scores can be advised for fall semester coursework during orientation. Orientation sessions are scheduled during the months of May-July for students attending the Fall Semester. Registration for orientation is available at www.blinn.edu/NSO.

Placement Services

Blinn College has an online job posting system for students and graduates seeking off campus employment. The system utilizes a live job search format, and it allows students and graduates to attach a copy of their resume for employers to view. Employers can access the system to post job vacancies and to search the available supply of students and graduates. Blinn College has teamed with College Central Network (CCN) to make this a powerful and efficient on- line job placement system. To access the system, use the following website: www.collegecentral.com/blinncollege.

In addition to the job posting system mentioned above, Blinn College also lists part time jobs from local employers. These jobs are posted in the Academic Advising and Counseling Office, Room 206 of the Administration Building on the Brenham Campus.

Students seeking part time student worker positions at the college should apply for these positions at the Employment Opportunities link on the Blinn College website: www.blinn.edu.

Brenham Academic Support Services

The Brenham Learning Center

(Academic Building Room 13)

The BLC serves a multi-fold purpose. It is a friendly academically stimulating place. It is an environment in which a student can study, work on assignments and presentations, read, and write while having access to qualified professional assistance. The main strength of the BLC lies in its staff of professional educators. They provide one-on-one tutoring to each student on a walk-in basis or through referrals from faculty. They also conduct regularly scheduled tutoring sessions with small groups of at-risk students or students who recognize a weakness in certain areas.

Services Include:

Testing:
Distance Learning
ADA special accommodations
Make-ups
Off-campus exams

Resources include:

• State-of-the-Art computers, Laser Printers, Color Printers and Color Scanner
• MS Office Software

For more information: http://www.blinn.edu/labs/brenham/LC/index.htm

Bullock Computer Lab

The Bullock Computer Lab is located in Room 138 in the Bullock Building on the Brenham Campus. The lab is a computer support facility that provides services and resources to aid students’ academic success. This open lab is free to all students with a valid Blinn ID card. Check out our webpage under Blinn A-Z or go to http://www.blinn.edu/labs/brenham/bullock. The staff is available to assist students.

Resources include:

• Win 7 PC Computers with DVD-RW
• Two WebCam computers for recording Tegrity speeches
• All Computers networked to Laser B/W & Color printers through the Pharos print system
• MS Office 2013 Professional Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Publisher
• Tech assistance with Wi-Fi settings
• Headphones for check-out
• Scanners with graphic & OCR software
• Adobe Creative Suite & Web Design
• Tutorial software for academic subjects and other supplemental programs
• Two adjustable workstations for wheelchair access & ZoomText

The Writing Center - Brenham

The Writing Room is a free-of-charge writing center (Room 9, Academic Bldg.) and computer lab (Room 14, Academic Bldg.) available to all enrolled Blinn College students. By providing friendly, student-centered, one-on-one access to help, The Writing Center seeks to improve students’ knowledge and command of the writing process.

The Writing Center tutors are available from 10 a.m., Monday- Friday until the early evening. Specific times will be determined each semester.

In The Writing Center, students can meet one-on-one with trained writing consultants. By discussing concerns about writing with these consultants, students can discover answers to questions about:

• Different types of writing assignments;
• The writing process;
• Paragraph organization, content, and development;
• Essay organization, content, and development;
• Topic sentences and thesis statements;
• Library research;
• Grammar and punctuation;
• Internal parenthetical documentation and works cited pages;
• MLA format;
• Revision; and
• The use of reference books on writing, including the Little, Brown Handbook.

In The Writing Center, students may also take advantage of individual time at computers. There are also two adjustable workstations for wheelchair access. Additionally, students may use The Writing Center as a productive place to think and write. Additional information about The Writing Center is available in the tutoring office, Academic Room 9 or by telephone at (979) 830- 4699 or visit the website at www.blinn.edu/humanities/writingroom/about.html

Foreign Language Lab

The Foreign Language Laboratory is located in Room 10 of the Academic Building. Students will find various resources there to help them in their language classes, including computers and computer programs, video materials, and reference books. Space is available for group and individual study. In addition, an assistant is available to aid students with the materials and procedures. This person is normally conversant with Spanish and is able to tutor students and answer questions as needed.

Brenham Open Science Lab

Blinn College has ample equipment for hands-on physics experiments as well as computer- based experiments. The chemistry lab is equipped with computer-interfaces for experiments in calorimetry, colorimetry and titrations. The geology lab is equipped with ground-water models, and both fresh water and saltwater aquariums. It also has its own weather station on the roof of the Classroom Building, as well as two seismographs constructed by the faculty member. The human anatomy and physiology lab has recently been updated with $10,000 worth of models including kidney, muscles of the head, arms and legs, cell models, additional human torso models, and spinal cord models. It is also houses an industrial quality refrigerator for storing preserved specimens, several new storage cabinets, the preserved slides and slides of organ tissues, and two new vital signs monitors similar to those used in hospitals. General biology classes are equipped with electrophoresis kits for DNA analysis. The students of biology have access to many preserved specimens to compare with the computer tutorial images in the Open Science Lab in Room C-7. In addition, the college has a digital microscope, several symposiums, desktop presenters, and micro video systems for projecting microscope slides in real time.

Bryan Advising, Counseling and Academic Support Services

Counseling/Advising Services

Located in the Academic Advising and Counseling Center, Tejas Center 979-209-7250

The Academic Advising and Counseling Center provides services for Academic, Technical and Workforce Education students. All services are provided at no cost to the student. The most frequently requested services include:

Bryan Campus: The counseling office on the Bryan campus offers both scheduled appointments and walk-in (first come-first serve) service. To schedule an appointment (encouraged for those traveling from out of town) go to www.blinn.edu/counseling and click on the link ‘advising schedule’ on the left. The office is open Monday and Tuesday, 8 am to 7 pm; and Wednesday- Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

Academic Advising

Academic advising helps students make appropriate decisions about their academic career and ensures compliance with Blinn College policy. Blinn College encourages all students to participate in the academic advising process. Professional counselors, advisors and trained faculty are available throughout the year for advising purposes. Students enrolling at Blinn College for the first time must have state-approved test scores or qualifying state test (TSI) exemption scores available before they can be advised for coursework. Students should bring copies of their transcripts from previous colleges attended, and/or previous test scores (ACT, SAT, TAKS, e.g.) to their advising appointment/session. Students should allow 48-hours for documents to process.

Advising Requirements

Blinn College encourages all students to be academically advised each semester. Some student populations are required to be advised and registration holds will be placed on their accounts until the advising process is completed. Students required to be advised include:

• students who are NOT “College Ready” *
• students returning from academic suspension

Students on academic probation are strongly recommended to meet with an advisor prior to registration.

*”College Ready” is defined as one who has passed all sections on, or is exempt from a state- approved placement test. A student may also become college ready by successfully completing required developmental education courses.

Bryan Academic Support Services

Bryan Learning Center Operating Hours 

See website for Interim Schedule and Holiday Closings at http://www.blinn.edu/labs/bryan/schedule/htm

The Bryan Learning Center is located in Room 258 on the second floor of the Library Building, Bryan Campus. The Center is an academic support facility, providing a variety of services for students, staff, and faculty. Center services are free to all Blinn students with a valid Blinn ID card.

Services include:

• Tutoring - The Learning Center provides free tutoring in a variety of subjects including Accounting, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Programming, Mathematics and Microsoft Office Applications. Tutoring services are performed by Peer Tutors, Tutors, and Learning Center Assistants.
• Computers - The Learning Center has over 80 computers available for use. Printing costs 7 cents per page (taken off student’s or faculty/staff’s semester printing balance). Printing is single-sided and in black and white only. Two computers have scanners. All computers have Windows, Microsoft Office, Maple and other software used in Blinn courses. To find out more about the additional software, please call (979) 209-7267 or visit the Center.
• Supplemental Resources - To check out resources the student must have a current Blinn College ID. The Learning Center will keep the ID until the resources are returned. All resources, excluding calculators, are for use in the Learning Center only. Resources available for checkout include: textbooks, reference books, calculators, headphones, zip drive and CD burner.
• Test Center - Testing for distance learning courses, make-up exams, and correspondence exams is available in the facility’s testing center.

For more information, go to: http://www.blinn.edu/labs/bryan/index.htm

Open Computer Lab

The Bryan Open Computer Lab is a computer support facility that supplements all divisions of Blinn College. It provides services and resources to aid students’ academic success at the collegiate level. The lab is located in the health building on the second floor, Room H-225.

Operating Hours

Resources include: applications software, Division software, scanners, memory card readers, web cams, CD burners, and laser printers with double-sided printing capability.

The Writing Center (Bryan Campus)

The Writing Center is located in A-119 and serves all students enrolled in Blinn College courses. Our mission is to help students become better writers; this is accomplished in a comfortable environment through one-on-one consultations with experienced, degreed writing tutors. While the Writing Center is not an editing service, they will work with writers on any stage of the writing process. Rather than focusing on one piece of writing during a session, the tutors help students improve their writing skills overall. For more information, visit the Blinn website at: http://www.blinn.edu/brazos/humanities/writingcenter/

Quick Facts:

• Open Monday-Thursday 9 am-8 pm and on Friday 9 am-1 pm
• tutors have a bachelor’s degree or higher
• tutoring through personalized, one-on-one consultations
• tutors can help with all writing stages: understanding an assignment, choosing a topic, planning, revising, editing, and documenting sources.

The Developmental Reading & Writing Labs (Bryan)

Parallel Studies is home to two computer labs (L-257 & L-249) that exist to guide students through their developmental courses. Our aim is to encourage academic achievement. These labs are used as a supplement to class time and give students the opportunity to work with their instructor or a tutor in a quiet, friendly, individualized setting.

Students may use the lab to complete work for a developmental course or to receive tutoring on a particular concept they are struggling with. Degreed tutors can answer questions about assignments, reading, writing and course computer programs.

For more information, go to: http://www.blinn.edu/brazos/parallelstud/development.

Foreign Language Lab

The Foreign Languages Department has two computer labs (G- 218 & G-227) which are used intensively by first and second semester students in Spanish, French, German and American Sign Language as part of their course requirements. The lab sessions are an integral part of their courses where the students work with their own instructors who facilitate, design and select activities for their students’ language acquisition. Third and fourth semester students use the labs to complete their coursework and get essential practice with the “target” language. The labs also have open hours for students to work with a variety of media to develop their language skills.

Schulenburg Advising, Counseling & Academic Support Services

Counseling Services

Counseling Services consists of academic advising, personal counseling, career/ vocational counseling, as well as a variety of testing services. Counseling involves processes by which students learn to make better decisions, improve their personal skills, increase self-confidence, and acquire a better awareness of their needs and the needs of others. Students can make an appointment to see an academic advisor at the Enrollment Services desk or by calling (979) 743-5200. Students seeking personal counseling will be referred to the Brenham counselor. Assistance is provided in the following areas:

• academic advisement involving appropriate course selections, educational plans, and transferability of courses;
• personal confidential counseling to help students become more effective in their everyday lives;
• career and vocational counseling to explore vocational goals, occupational information and self-appraisals of career interests and abilities.

Counseling Services administers various tests that include:

• the THEA Quick Test (Texas Higher Education Assessment);
• the Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test (HOBET);
• aptitude, career, and vocational interests.

Academic Advising

Academic advising is available throughout the year. Academic advisors can assist students in several areas that include:

• formulating degree plans;
• making appropriate course selections;
• planning course work to optimize transferability to other institutions.

Before advisement all students are required to have on file THEA (or other state assessment test) scores or TSI exemption documentation. These scores, along with ACT/ SAT scores or other college credit, are used to select semester courses. The following populations of students are required to be advised prior to each registration:

1. students enrolling at Blinn College for the first time (except co-enrolled students at a senior institution);
2. students who do not meet college readiness standards on the TSIA test;
3. students who are on scholastic probation;
4. students readmitted following suspension.

Blinn College encourages all students to participate in the academic advising process. Students can make an appointment to meet with an advisor at Enrollment Services of by calling (979) 743-5200.

Open Computer Lab

The computer lab is an open lab available to all Blinn students with a valid I.D. The lab is located in Room 104 of the Main Building. Students have access to the Internet and software which will support their computer science and academic classes. Hours of operation are posted at the beginning of each semester. Students needing to make transparencies for class projects should contact the office of Enrollment Services.

Sealy Advising, Counseling and Academic Support Services

Academic Advising and Counseling

Blinn College students have a wide variety of advising services available to them. Academic advisors and counselors can assist students in several areas that include:

1. Formulating degree plans.
2. Making appropriate course selections.
3. Planning coursework to optimize transferability to other institutions, the academic advisor and the Director of the Sealy campus handle academic advising.

The following populations of students are required to be advised prior to each registration:

1. Students enrolling at Blinn College for the first time (except co-enrolled students at a senior institution).
2. students who do not meet college readiness standards on the TSIA test;
3. Students who are on scholastic probation.
4. Students readmitted following suspension.

Blinn College encourages all students to participate in the academic advising process. Please call the Sealy campus at (979) 627-7997 to make an appointment.

Academic Support Services

Computer Lab

The hours of the Open Computer Lab are dependent on the credit class schedule and the Continuing Education class schedule. Open Lab hours are available most afternoons.

The Computer Lab is located in Room 113 in Suite 250 (East Entrance) of the Sealy campus. The lab is a computer support facility that provides services and resources to aid students’ academic success. The lab is free to all students with a valid Blinn ID card. Resources include:

• Computers with DVD
• LaserJet printers
• Internet connected
• MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Publisher

New Student Orientation

The orientation program focuses on general campus information, Texas Success Initiative requirements, and academic advisement. Attendance at orientation is encouraged but not required. It is also recommended that all new students, who are not exempt from testing, take a state-approved placement test by April so scores will be available in time for academic advising during orientation. Students with documented state test scores or state test exemption scores can be advised for fall semester coursework during orientation. Orientation sessions are scheduled during the months of May-July for students attending the Fall Semester. Registration for orientation is available at www.blinn.edu/NSO. A web-based (online) orientation is available at www.blinn.edu/orientation.

Placement Services

Blinn College has an online job posting system for students and graduates seeking off campus employment. The system utilizes a live job search format, and it allows students and graduates to attach a copy of their resume for employers to view. Employers can access the system to post job vacancies and to search the available supply of students and graduates. Blinn College has teamed with College Central Network (CCN) to make this a powerful and efficient on- line job placement system.

To access the system, use the following website: www.collegecentral.com/blinncollege

In addition to the job posting system mentioned above, Blinn College also lists part time jobs from local employers. These jobs are posted in the Counseling Office, Room 206 of the Administration Building on the Brenham Campus.

Students seeking part time student worker positions at the college should apply for these positions at the Employment Opportunities link on the Blinn College website: www.blinn.edu

Special Facilities & Services for Students with Disabilities

Non-Discrimination Statement

Blinn College does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment and admission of students, the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, or the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by applicable federal laws and regulations. The designated coordinator for Blinn College’s compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADAAA) is Patricia E. Moran, M.Ed., 902 College Avenue, Brenham, TX 77833, (979) 830-4157. The College’s facilities are accessible to students and visitors with disabilities. Designated parking spaces, ramps, handicapped restroom facilities, elevators, and assistance from College employees are readily available on all campuses. The College’s faculty and staff work closely with students with disabilities to meet their individual needs.

Services for Students with Documented Disabilities

Students with documented disabilities must self-identify and provide current, appropriate documentation of the disability to the Office of Disability Services (ODS) prior to receiving services. Students are encouraged to contact this office as early as possible to initiate services. Direct services to students with disabilities are provided in the following areas:

• Assessment of needs and appropriate services
• Provision of classroom and testing accommodations
• Assistance in orientation and registration procedures
• Counseling on disability related issues

Information, education, referrals, and consultation about specific disabilities are available to interested parties on request. For answers to specific questions or to request an information packet, contact the Office of Disability Services on the specific campus the student will be attending.

Bryan Campus: (979) 209-7251; Brenham, Sealy, Schulenburg Campuses: (979) 830-4157.

On-Campus Bookstore (Brenham & Bryan Only)

The bookstore carries textbooks for all classes as well as school and office supplies. Students should bring their schedules with them when they buy their books to help ensure the purchase of the correct books. Books must be paid for at the time of purchase with cash, check, credit card or a financial aid book voucher.

Students with financial aid can access their book voucher using their ID card at the time of purchase. Book vouchers must be used at the Blinn campus bookstore where the student is attending classes.

Board Policy EDA (Legal) provides that “a student of this institution is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from a university-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer. (Education Code 51.9705; 19 TAC 4.216(1), .217-.218)

For additional information, visit the Blinn College website www.blinn.edu. Under Blinn College Quick Links, select Blinn Bookstore - Brenham.

Operating hours for Fall and Spring Semesters: Monday- Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Posters and Bulletin Boards

All posters, handbills, student election materials, and related literature posted in any building must have approval of the Director of Student Leadership and Activities. All signs, notes, circulars, and posters will be in English and parties who post them should remove them after the day of the expiration. No literature may be displayed in such a manner as to mar or damage the buildings. No literature may be displayed on windows, doors, painted surfaces, or the outside of buildings. All posters must be removed by the individual or group responsible.

Brenham Campus Housing

Living on campus provides an overall educational experience that contributes to the student’s development. Group living challenges each student to develop a new 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 are expected to observe a proper standard of conduct at all times which calls for respect for order, respect for authority, courtesy and good judgment. Procedures, compiled in accordance with state law and college regulations, provide an atmosphere of health and safety for the residents. The Residence Life Handbook is available online for student review and reference. Students are expected to review all Blinn College Housing and Residential Life policies and procedures upon arrival in Blinn College Housing.

Refer to the website (www.blinn.edu/housing) for updates.

Applying for Housing

A prospective housing student must first apply for admission to Blinn College. When admitted, the student will receive instructions for logging into his/her myBlinn account.

NOTE: If a student’s admission file is incomplete due to missing documents or application materials, the student will not be able to access the housing links in his/her myBlinn account. When the prospective student has access to his/her myBlinn account, he/she will follow the instructions for Login of myHousing. Students requesting to live in on-campus housing must complete the online housing application and pay a NON-REFUNDABLE $125 application fee in order to be considered for a housing assignment.

A “Thank You” confirmation page will be emailed when the Housing Application is completed successfully. It is recommended that students apply early for housing, as spaces are limited. Please check the Buc email on a regular basis. Students can also visit www.blinn.edu/housing for more housing information and future housing application dates.

Room Assignments

To receive an assignment, a student must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester hours at Blinn College and must pass a criminal history record review. Summer school assignments are made prior to or during summer session registration. The Director of Housing reserves the right to make hall and room assignments. The prospective resident is placed on the waiting list prior to the assignment process. To be eligible for the waiting list the applicant must complete the online housing application. The applicant’s name appears on the waiting list according to the date the application is accepted.

An assignment letter will be sent by e-mail and by mail to the student’s address on file. The assignment letter has very important information: the assigned housing placement, move-in dates, move-in requirements.

All unclaimed rooms will be declared vacant at 5:00 p.m. on the last designated move-in day. Students unable to claim their room by this date and time should call (979) 830-4461 or email housing@blinn.edu. There is no reduction in cost for the late arrival.

Housing Agreement

The student must agree to the terms of the Housing Agreement at the time of application in order to complete the application process. The Housing Agreement is a legal and binding agreement for the full academic year (9 months) and expires at the end of the spring semester. The agreement specifies provisions for cancellations, occupancy, room entry, property damages, and liabilities. Any student wishing to move from college housing should consult the Housing Agreement for the provisions applicable for release from the agreement. Authorization for off-campus housing does not relieve the student of agreement obligations which have been assumed with Blinn College for on-campus housing.

Room Cancellations

Students who cancel their rooms prior to the first day of fall classes and prior to the first day of spring classes will receive a full payment refund for room rent.

Refunds

The refund for room rent will be prorated for students who withdraw or are removed from housing prior to the eighth week for the regular semester and prior to the second week of the summer session. Room rent will not be refunded after the eighth week or after the end of the second week of the summer session. Room rent is not adjusted for mechanical, heating or air conditioning malfunctions.

Background History Record Check Requirement

A student applying to live in College District housing must allow the college to obtain criminal history record information. Applicants with a pending charge or a conviction for a felony, Class A misdemeanor, and/or Class B misdemeanor may have his/her housing application declined.

Semester Hour Requirement

Students living on campus must enroll for a minimum of 12 semester hours and remain enrolled in 12 hours for the duration of the semester. A student who drops or is dropped below 12 semester hours will have 5 class days to complete the academic reinstatement process. If the appeal is unsuccessful the resident must move out of housing. The move-out date determines if a meal plan and room rent refund is appropriate.

GPA Requirement

No student with less than 1.50 cumulative grade point average (GPA) after any semester will be allowed to live in student housing. Contact the Housing Department for information about the appeal process for exceptions due to extreme circumstances.

Closings

College housing is closed during the holiday periods and between semesters. Students (athletes) who have scheduled activities may remain in housing as required. Room and board charges do not cover periods when the college is not in session as published in the college catalog.

Meal Plans

Meal plans are required of all students who live in campus housing. The meal plan works according to a swipe-system. The money for the plan is placed on the student’s ID card, which is swiped each time the student eats in the dining hall or buys items from the Cove, a short order snack bar. A minimum plan is required for residence hall students and apartment residents. Optional meal plans are available.

Residence Halls

The Brenham campus of Blinn College has 11 traditional air-conditioned/central heated residence halls with capacity for 630 students. Five residence halls house 286 women and six residence halls house 344 men. The rooms are double occupancy.

Each resident hall is supervised by a live-in hall director and a student resident assistant. Each hall has a large living area with cable television. Most halls have a study room or study area. Internet, cable television, and phone lines with free local service are provided in each room. Most rooms have two telephone lines and two data ports. A microwave and free laundry facilities are available in each hall. Men and women residence halls have rooms for students with disabilities.

Bert and Mae Dean Wheeler Residence Hall

Blinn College has one co-ed residence hall opened in August 2011. This state-of-the-art three story residence hall has 352 rentable beds on designated floors for male and female students. The floor plan provides a variety of housing to offer the resident a choice of a private bedroom in a 4 bedroom-2 bath suite or a tri-suite bedroom (3 beds per room) -1.5 bath suite. Suites are available for students with disabilities.

The hall is supervised by a live-in hall manager, assistant managers, and student resident assistants. Wireless internet, cable television, and phone lines with free local service are available for the residents. Social lounges and study areas are conveniently located on each floor. A laundry room is available for the student’s convenience.

Apartment Style Housing

Blinn College Park Apartments offers 338 students a more independent style of living. A live-in resident manager, assistant managers and student resident assistants manage the complex.

The apartment complex consists of the Arthur Ehrig Commons Building, which has a TV area and management staff offices, and seven two-story buildings with laundry facilities in each building. The four single bedroom and two bath apartments include a small living-dining area and kitchen. The two single bedroom and one bath apartments include a small living-dining area and an efficiency kitchen. The apartments are furnished. Internet, cable television, and a phone line with free local service are provided in each room.

Blinn College Health Clinic

Blinn College has a Health Clinic on both the Brenham and Bryan campuses. Students can visit with a Registered Nurse to receive a professional assessment, minor and emergent treatments, or referral to area clinics and care centers. There are no additional fees for the services provided at the Blinn College Health Clinic for students, staff, or faculty. The clinics also provide health promotional materials and education on health-related issues.

Brenham campus: (979) 830-4005
Bryan campus: (979) 209-7269

For more information, visit the website at http://www.blinn.edu/healthclinic.html

Student Health Insurance

Students are encouraged to carry major medical health insurance. Blinn College does not provide health insurance for its students or offer or endorse any student insurance policy. Any medical expense incurred by the student is the responsibility of the student.

Food Service - Brenham Campus

Blinn College operates its own cafeteria and snack bar (The Cove) located in the Student Center on the Brenham campus.

The cafeteria has a full salad bar, baked potato bar, sandwich bar, two choices of entrees, vegetables and wide variety of desserts and drinks. Meals are served buffet style, allowing students to choose their own selections and quantities. The cafeteria serves Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Monday through Friday when school is in session. The snack bar features hamburgers and fries, sandwiches and chips, drinks and snacks. The Cove is open seven days a week.

All students who live in on-campus housing are required to purchase a meal plan. Commuter students may purchase individual meals or any of the meal plans. Students who require special diets must make these arrangements with the CFO/ Senior Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services prior to registration.

Food Service for Campus Housing (Available on Brenham Campus Only)

Food Service Prices per Semester

Price includes $50.00 cash amount to be used as a declining balance to purchase additional items. Any amount not used will not be refunded.

All prices include sales tax (8.25%) and are subject to change without notice.

Brenham Dining Hall and Snack Bar

The Brenham campus offers a Dining Hall for the convenience of students, faculty and other college personnel. Persons entering the Dining Hall should dress in a manner that conforms to acceptable standards of cleanliness and good taste.

Housing students must swipe their own I.D. cards at each meal, only after the picture is shown. Cards are not transferable; the cardholder/owner can swipe for another student/ person ONLY in the presence of both parties. Non-boarding students may purchase a meal plan or pay for a meal at the following prices:

Blinn College operates a Snack Bar “The Cove” in the Student Center near the Dining Hall. The Cove offers a variety of fast food choices such as hamburgers and french-fries, burritos, chicken tenders, deli sandwiches, fresh fruit bowls, deluxe salad bowls and a variety of drinks and beverages. The Cove offers some additional necessities at reasonable prices, saving students time-consuming trips off campus.

The Cove’s hours of operation are:

Blinn College also operates a food kiosk “Pirates Den” on the second floor of the Student Center. The Pirates Den offers a variety of food choices such as candy, chips, soft drinks, deli sandwiches, and a variety of drinks and beverages.

Pirates Den hours of operation are:

Monday - Friday 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. & 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Bryan Campus - Snack Bar

Blinn College operates a snack bar and coffee shop on the Bryan Campus. Block & Barrel serves soups, sandwiches and salads made fresh daily and are open Monday-Thursday 7:30 am-6 pm, Friday 7:30 am-2 pm.

Schulenburg Campus - Snack Bar

The college operates a snack bar in the student center on the Schulenburg campus offering hot dogs, sandwiches, and a variety of snacks and beverages.

Campus Safety

The campus police department is composed of certified Texas Peace Officers who enforce state and federal law as well as college regulations on all property owned and controlled by Blinn College. Parking is only by permit, which may be obtained from the Enrollment Services Department.

To report a crime or request an officer, call (979) 830-4100 in Brenham or (979) 209-7600 in Bryan.

In the case of emergency, students on the Schulenburg and Sealy campuses should call 911.

For non-emergencies they may call the Schulenburg Police Department at (979) 743-2677 or the Sealy Police Department at (979) 885-3330.

Brenham Campus College Police Department Emergency Telephone Numbers

To summon police, fire or ambulance service in case of an emergency:

Department Overview

The Blinn College Police Department has the major responsibility for the safety and well-being of the students, faculty and staff members of the college. Department personnel are sensitive to the special nature of a college campus and especially students, who are generally young and on their own for the first time.

The state certified police agency employs ten commissioned officers and a number of support staff. The BCPD Officers not only have authority over the more than 62 acres and various buildings that make up the Brenham Campus, but extends to any property owned, leased, rented or otherwise under the control of Blinn College. The well-trained officers patrol throughout the campus and investigate all criminal incidents on campus

BCPD Officers have complete authority to apprehend and arrest anyone involved in illegal acts on campus and areas immediately adjacent to the campus. If a Blinn student commits offenses involving Blinn College Rules and Regulations, BCPD will refer the individual to the Disciplinary Division of Student Services.

The department offers these additional services: Nighttime escorts; Response to a network of fire, smoke and intrusion alarms; and Response to medical emergencies

The BCPD cooperates with other law enforcement agencies at the city, county, state and federal levels. This includes coordination of special events and a mutual assistance program The Brenham Fire Department responds to fire calls and activation of alarms on campus.

The Washington County EMS responds to medical emergencies on campus; or Trinity Medical Center located off South Day Street. If a medical emergency arises on campus dial 911 and then campus police at 830-4100.

Safety and Security of Campus Facilities

The facilities and grounds, of Blinn College, are maintained for use by students, faculty and staff. The landscaping and outdoor lighting on the campus are designed for the safety and security of the campus population. Their maintenance receives constant attention. The Blinn campus has an open design and some facilities, including the bookstore and library, are open to the general public. Some academic buildings are open evenings and weekends. To ensure safety under such circumstances, the following procedures are taken: (1) limit access to students and employees who have a legitimate reason to be there, (2) require keys and pass cards to gain access to many areas and (3) limit classroom and laboratory attendance to individuals enrolled in that class.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. If any student identifies a safety hazard, it is his/her responsibility to report it immediately to an administrator, faculty member or the Emergency Management/Safety Coordinator at 979-830-4661.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. If any student identifies a safety hazard, then it is his/her responsibility to report it immediately to the appropriate administrator, faculty member or Emergency Management/Safety Coordinator at 979-830-4661.

Crime Awareness and Prevention

Students must assume responsibility for their personal safety, as well as their property. Always be aware of your surroundings and travel with companions when possible. The BCPD regularly presents programs designed to provide information to students, staff and faculty. These programs include; crime prevention, awareness of rape, acquaintance rape, other forcible and non-forcible sex offenses and campus security procedures. In these programs is the message everyone should take responsibility for their own security. These programs are presented to residential students each semester. Any campus group or organization can request a program presentation. Crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility. If you see criminal or suspicious activity, report it immediately.

Crime Information and Statistics

The BCPD provides for the public a daily crime log. This report identifies the type, location, time and date of a crime. A copy of this report may be picked up at office #112 in the Student Center.

In the event a situation arises, either on or off campus, that in the judgment of the BCPD constitutes an ongoing or reoccurring threat, a campus wide warning will be issued. This timely warning will be sent via e-mail to students, faculty and staff. There will also be fliers posted on bulletin boards throughout the campus.

Blinn Alert

Students are encouraged to keep their contact information updated in the Blinn Alert system in order to receive timely notifications on campus emergencies or unexpected closings. Go to www.blinn.edu and click on the link found on the bottom of the page ‘Emergency Preparedness’ for more information.

Student Identification Cards (Blinn ID Card)

Blinn College students are required to have a current valid Student Identification Card (Blinn ID Card) in their possession at all times when on Blinn College property or attending Blinn College sponsored events.

Brenham Campus students are required to have a new Blinn ID Card issued each semester noting the current term and housing assignment (if applicable).

Blinn ID Cards are issued from Enrollment Services in the Administration Building. Before a Blinn ID Card will be issued, a student must be registered for classes with their account paid in full, covered by financial aid, or enrolled in the payment plan. Students will receive one free Blinn ID Card per semester. The Blinn ID Card replacement fee is $7.00.

Students must present their Blinn ID Card when requested by a College employee; including police, faculty, staff, student employees, or other persons operating in an official capacity.

Students are subject to disciplinary action if they loan their Blinn ID Card to another person or are in possession of another student’s Blinn ID Card, tamper with or forge a Blinn ID Card, use an invalid/expired Blinn ID Card, or fail to present their Blinn ID Card when requested by a Blinn College employee. A student’s Blinn ID Card may be confiscated by a Blinn College employee at their discretion.

Blinn ID Cards are required for admission to, or participation in, Blinn College sponsored events, the library, open computer labs, specific bookstore privileges, visitation to the Brenham Campus residence halls and apartments, non-emergency treatment at the Campus Health Clinic, voting in student elections, College meal plans at the cafeteria, and assistance from the Blinn College Administrative Offices.

Parking and Traffic Regulations

The following guidelines, regulations and statements of authority have been established to manage traffic flow and parking. It is the responsibility of every student, faculty, staff and visitor who operates and/or parks a vehicle on any Blinn College property, to be familiar with, and act in accordance with, Blinn College Parking and Traffic regulations.

Authority:

Pursuant to the authority granted by sections 135.01 and 135.24 of the Texas Education Code, Blinn College has enacted Parking and Traffic Regulations to regulate and control parking, traffic and the use of parking facilities to provide for the issuance of motor identification and insignia (Blinn College Parking Permits) and to provide jurisdiction over offenses.

All laws of the United States, the State of Texas, as well as, the Blinn College Parking and Traffic Regulations are declared to be in full force and effect on all property of Blinn College. All Blinn College Police Officers/Parking Enforcement Personnel are empowered to enforce all Federal/State laws and Blinn College Parking and Traffic Regulations on all property of Blinn College.

State of Texas Transportation Code:

All State of Texas Transportation Codes shall apply to the vehicular traffic within Blinn College property. The operation of any vehicle or bicycle on Blinn College property is a privilege, granted by Blinn College, and is not an inherent right of any student, faculty or staff.

Liability/Responsibility:

Blinn College assumes no responsibility for any vehicle or its contents, at any time the vehicle is operated or parked on Blinn College property; or for fire, theft, damage or loss of a vehicle parked or operated on Blinn College property.

Blinn College or its employees shall not be liable for any loss or injury sustained while on Blinn College property. Any person who willfully or through negligence causes damage to any property belonging to or under the control of Blinn College shall be liable for any damages done to said property.

Parking and Traffic Enforcement:

Blinn College reserves the right to enforce parking and traffic regulations through:

• Issuing Blinn College Parking and Traffic citations and/or State of Texas citations
• Suspending or revoking any Blinn College Parking Permit
• Barring re-admission, withholding grades, degree(s), refunds, official transcripts, of any student for non-payment of outstanding parking or traffic citations
• Initiating disciplinary action against students and employees who fail to abide by the Blinn College Parking and Traffic Regulations
• Denying parking permits to those with overdue charges

Parking and Traffic Violations:

Vehicles must yield to pedestrians entering the street in marked crosswalks and within fifty (50) feet of a college or city street. Student, faculty and staff pedestrians shall yield the right-of-way to vehicles while walking on or crossing streets at places other than crosswalks. Pedestrians are required to utilize crosswalks.

The speed limit is twenty (20) MPH on all college and city streets, or as legally posted and ten (10) MPH within all college parking lots.

The passing of other vehicles in crosswalks or within fifty (50) feet of a college or city street intersection is a violation of State of Texas Law.

Motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds, bicycles or other motor assisted bicycles must not be parked, operated or secured in unauthorized places such as sidewalks, secure posts, rails, trees or inside a Blinn College building. Bicycles must be placed within bicycle racks and secured, or they will be impounded.

Students, faculty and staff who establish residence or become engaged in gainful employment with the State of Texas must register and title their vehicle within thirty (30) days.

Parking and Traffic Violations include, but are not limited to the following:

• Failure to display a valid Blinn College Parking Permit
• Parked in unauthorized space
• Any violation of the State of Texas Motor Vehicle Laws/Transportation Code

All traffic and parking regulations are in effect at all times. Parking citations are issued by the Blinn College Police and/or Parking Enforcement. The parking fine per violation is $40.00.

Permitted and ‘Pay-By-Space’ Parking:

• ‘Reserved’ spaces are assigned to Faculty/Staff ONLY
• ‘Visitor’ spaces are designated ONLY for persons who are visiting Blinn College
• Brenham Campus:
  • Apartment/Commuter Permit - Park in Apartment lots, commuter lots or street parking ONLY
  • Residence Hall Permit - Park in Residence Hall lots ONLY
  • Commuter Permit - Park in commuter lots or street parking ONLY
• Bryan Campus:

  • Bryan students have the option of either utilizing Blinn’s Pay-By-Space parking, without purchasing a Blinn parking permit; or purchasing a parking permit and utilizing available student parking lots.

    NOTE: Bryan students who purchase a parking permit may also utilize Pay-By-Space, however, must pay the additional Pay-By-Space fee.

Register Vehicle - Parking Permit:

All students parking a vehicle on the Blinn College-Brenham, Bryan, or Schulenburg campus must register their vehicle and purchase a Blinn College vehicle parking permit, if not utilizing the Bryan Campus Pay-By-Space parking.  When the vehicle is parked on Blinn College property (campus street boundaries included), the parking permit MUST BE CLEARLY VISIBLE WITH NO OBSTRUCTIONS.  NOTE:  Sealy Campus Parking is not considered Blinn College property for the purpose of this procedure.

• Parking Sticker - must be displayed on the outside of the vehicle’s back window in the lower left corner
• Parking Hang Tag - must be hung from the rearview mirror with the permit number facing the front windshield
• Parking Interior Decal - must be properly affixed (not taped) on the inside, in the lower right corner (passenger side) of the front windshield (opposite of the vehicle inspection sticker)

In order for a student to receive their Blinn College parking permit, they must be registered for classes, complete the vehicle registration process, and pay for the vehicle permit fee.  Payments may be made online or at Enrollment Services.

Students living on the Brenham Campus are required to have either an Apartment permit or Residence Hall permit.  All other students will be issued Commuter permits.

The registered owner of the permit will be responsible for all parking citations incurred when utilizing the permit for compliance with Blinn College Parking and Traffic Regulations.

Parking permits are not transferable to any other vehicle or person.

Parking permit fees are non-refundable.

Stolen or vandalized parking permits must be reported to Campus Police and Enrollment Services as soon as possible.  Possession of a stolen parking permit is grounds for disciplinary action.

Vehicle Registration Fees:

Citation Fines:

$40.00 per violation (multiple violations may be assessed on one citation)

Temporary Permits:

Temporary Permits are needed when a parking permit holder operates/parks an alternate vehicle on Blinn property.

Temporary Permits may be requested from Enrollment Services and are issued based on each request (i.e. vehicle repairs, switching vehicles, rental vehicles). A current, official permit must already have been purchased in order to receive a Temporary Permit. The Temporary Permit allows the vehicle to be parked ONLY in the assigned location of the official issued permit.

Visitors

Visitors to Blinn College must check-in at Enrollment Services and may pick up a Visitor Parking Permit if intending to park a vehicle on campus. Visitors must park in designated ‘Visitor’ parking spaces or the location assigned by Enrollment Services, and must abide by the State of Texas Traffic Regulations and Blinn College Parking and Traffic Regulations. Anyone other than a ‘visitor to Blinn College’ parking in a visitor space will be issued a parking citation. Visitors receiving a parking citation may bring the citation to Enrollment Services, and the citation may be voided.

Brenham Campus Only - Visitors arriving after business hours, to visit students living in the Residence Halls or Blinn College Park Apartments, must check in with the Residence Hall Manager or Apartment Manager and request a Visitor Parking Permit.

Additional Parking Information for Specific Students:

Health Science Center:

A Blinn College parking permit will be provided free of charge to Blinn students who are registered for Health Science classes and have purchased a Health Science Center parking permit. The Blinn College and Health Science Center parking permits must be issued during the same semester as the student’s HSC classes. In order to receive a free Blinn College parking permit, HSC students must provide the following, in person, to Enrollment Services on the campus where Blinn classes will be attended.

• Health Science Center parking permit paid receipt (hard copy only)
• Student’s name must appear on the paid receipt
• Picture ID

NOTE: Students who did not have HSC classes for the Fall semester and purchased a Blinn permit in the Fall, but now have HSC classes for the Spring semester, are not eligible to receive any type of refund or credit for their Fall permit purchase.

Disabled Veterans:

A Blinn College parking permit will be provided free of charge to disabled veterans who provide the following proof of eligibility to Enrollment Services on the campus where Blinn classes will be attended.

• Must be a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, with a service-connected disability of at least 50%; or atleast 40% due to the amputation of a lower extremity;
• Must provide U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs documentation/letter stating the disability percentage;
• Must be honorably discharged, receiving compensation from the US government as a result of such disability

Citation Appeal Procedure:

Blinn College citations must be appealed online within 14 calendar days of the citation issue date.  The appeal will be reviewed by the Blinn College Parking Appeals Committee.  After the committee evaluates the appeal, a final decision of either ‘Granted’ or ‘Denied’ will be electronically submitted to the email address provided.  Decisions of the Committee are final and are not subject to further appeal. ‘Granted’ appeals will be removed from the student’s account. ‘Denied’ appeals may be paid online, or at Enrollment Services. If not paid, a ‘Business Office Hold’ will be placed on the student’s account.

Towing Procedure:

Parking and Traffic Regulations are enforced at all times, including weekends, holidays and vacation periods.  Blinn College reserves the right to regulate the use of its vehicle parking facilities and lots, including the authority to impound vehicles.  The responsibility of locating a legal parking space rests with the operator of the vehicle.  The most effective way to avoid having a vehicle towed is to adhere to all posted regulations; and in the event of receiving a citation, to pay or appeal the citation in a timely manner.

Vehicles may be towed for violations of the State of Texas Transportation Code, Blinn College Parking and Traffic Regulations or in emergency situations. All towing expenses will be the responsibility of the vehicle owner.  A vehicle may be towed for, but not limited to the following examples:

• Vehicle is restricting pedestrian and wheelchair routes; and the owner cannot be located within a reasonable amount of time
• Vehicle is blocking or partially blocking a service drive, or roadway
• Vehicle is non-operable
• Vehicle has been deemed abandoned by the Blinn College Police
• Vehicle is parked in a handicap space; and the owner cannot be located within a reasonable amount of time
• Vehicle is blocking an area which creates a danger to safety and welfare of persons and property (fire lanes, service areas, traffic lanes, walkways or posted areas)
• Emergency situations

Blinn Administrative Procedure