2019-2020 Catalog Vol. 80 
    
    Dec 09, 2024  
2019-2020 Catalog Vol. 80 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Student Leadership and Activities



Student Activities

Each student’s college experience should be enhanced with activities that contribute toward individual growth. Therefore, Blinn College seeks to provide opportunities that meet the student’s needs and interests through a wide range of co-curricular activities. These activities are not separate and apart from academic life, but complement the curriculum, serving to “broaden the horizons” of each student.

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

Each organization is advised by a member of the professional staff who assists the students in planning their projects and activities. Participation in certain student activities requires enrollment in a credit course and, in some cases, tryouts and/or approval by the instructor. Included in these categories are the Buccaneer Band, Buccaneer Treasures, cheerleaders, chorus, intercollegiate athletics, publications, and the stage band.

Faculty advisors and club members are financially responsible for any expenses incurred and should maintain accurate records of their funds. A financial report is requested by the Director of Student Leadership and Activities or Director of Student Leadership and Activities at the end of each semester.

All fund raising activities of clubs and organizations must be approved via a “Request for Student Activity” form and by the administration. Clubs or organizations are not allowed to solicit for funds off campus.

To spend allocated funds from approved club and organization budgets, purchase requisitions and trip tickets must be completed in a timely matter by club advisors. They should be submitted to the Director of Student Leadership and Activities or Director of Student Leadership and Activities for a budget code and signature. The requests are then forwarded to the appropriate offices for signatures and approval and returned to the club advisor.

Buccaneer Band

The Buccaneer Marching Band (Brenham campus) consists of 125+ members from as many as 60 area high schools including the Houston, Austin, San Antonio and Dallas-Fort Worth area. Performances include home football games, select away games, exhibition performances at regional, area and state U.I.L. marching contests and hosting the annual Buccaneer Marching Festival. The marching band includes a Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble. The bands perform several on-campus concerts, tour throughout southeast & central Texas, host an annual jazz festival and music meet and annually place more students in the Texas Community College All-State Band than any community college in the state.

The band program is open through audition to all students with experience in a high school band. Substantial scholarships are available through the audition process to all members including color guard. On-campus audition and a recommendation from the students’ high school director are required. Audition material is to consist of region tryout etudes, and/or class one U.I.L. solos plus sight reading. Music majors make up approximately 50% of the total band program, and the scholarships are awarded equally to all majors based on musicianship and availability of funds at the time of the audition. For complete audition arrangements contact the Director of Bands (979) 830-4652 or see our website at www.blinn.edu Brenham campus, Visual and Performing Arts, Buccaneer Band.

For complete audition arrangements contact the Director of Bands (979) 830-4652 or on-line www.blinn.edu Brenham campus, Fine Arts, Buccaneer Band etc.

Blinn College Percussion Studies and Steel Drum Band

The Percussion Studio at Blinn College strives to attain the highest possible performance standards while helping students experience a diverse array of percussive performance outlets. Students at Blinn have the opportunity to perform in drumline (The Mothership Connection), steel band, percussion ensemble, jazz band, wind ensemble, symphonic band, and marching bands. All students, not just music majors, receive private instruction that assists each student in attaining their individual artistic goals.

The Blinn College Percussion Ensemble (BCPE) performs several full-length concerts per year, including past performances at a Day of Percussion, Drumline Exhibitions, and as invited guests at area high schools. BCPE strives to present a variety of percussion ensemble styles ranging from classical transcriptions, to marimba orchestra pieces, commissioned works, and standard chamber music repertoire. Each Fall the college also have a full drumline, known as the Mothership Connection, that supports the marching band and plays solo performances.

The Blinn College Steel Band (BC Steel - Beyond Caribbean) in an ensemble made up of members of the percussion and instrumental music program. As a smaller combo style steel band focuses on learning the traditional styles and techniques. Music includes traditional Caribbean music in addition to arrangements of classical and contemporary music for steel drum ensemble. No previous steel pan experience is required, simply a willingness to learn.

Whether music is just a passion or a future career there is an outlet for your musical talents at Blinn College. Former percussion music majors have been accepted into four-year institutions including the University of Texas, the University of North Texas, Baylor University, Texas Tech University, Texas Christian University, Sam Houston State, Texas A&M Commerce and Kingsville, University of Houston, and West Texas A&M among others. For information regarding the percussion program or to schedule an audition please contact Dr. Sarah Burke by phone at (979) 830-4015, or through email at sarah.burke@blinn.edu.

Kappa Kappa Psi

Blinn College is proud to have the Iota Sigma Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, national band service fraternity on the Brenham campus. Members of the Blinn College Band Program are eligible to rush and become membership candidates for Kappa Kappa Psi in the fall semester each year. Kappa Kappa Psi provides service to the band through activities such as weekly field painting, providing water at games, serving as load crew for trips and providing social activities for band members. An active member of the Iota Sigma chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi may continue their active membership at their transfer university through advisor approval.

The Blinn College Treasures

The Blinn College Treasures dance team is an exciting group that performs at Blinn College athletic events, pep rallies, college and community events, as well as at a number of other special events. This team of student-athletes demonstrates their support for the Buccaneer and Lady Buc athletic teams with energetic and entertaining performances. They are more of a dance team rather than a drill team. During football season performances consist of field jazz and pom. During basketball season, the team’s style is a combination of jazz and funk. Each person who makes the team receives some level of scholarship funding. Contact the dance coach for more information at 979-830-4264.

The Choir Program

Blinn College has one of the largest choral programs in the state, with five separate choirs. Choral Union, is open to all students. This choir offers members the opportunity to sing a variety of large and small scale choral works with the community chorus, known as the Brenham Chorale. The other four ensembles are auditioned groups - a mixed ensemble known as the Blinn College Camerata Choir, a select Women’s Chorus, the Opera Workshop/Musical Theater Ensemble and the Select Choral Ensemble in Bryan . Each of these choirs present at least one major performance each semester and also participate in community outreach and recruitment events. Scholarships are available to students who participate in two or more ensembles, and are offered after a brief scholarship audition with the Director of Choirs and Vocal Studies. Not all choir students are music majors, and choir scholarships may be awarded to students majoring in any subject. For more information, contact the Director of Choral Studies (979) 830-4239 (Brenham); (979) 209-7580 (Bryan).

The Blinn College Cheerleaders

The Blinn College Cheerleaders are an exciting group that cheers at Blinn College athletic events, pep rallies, college and community events, as well as at a number of special events. The members of the squad are well respected on campus as student-athletes striving to support the Blinn College athletic program. Scholarships are available to those who qualify and cover tuition, fees, and use of books. Tryouts are held in April and for more information please contact the cheer coach at 979-830-4264.

Dramatic Productions

The Theatre Arts Program offers a quality educational foundation through study, application, and experience. A wide range of performance and production studies combined with Blinn’s outstanding reputation as the state leader in transferring students to top four-year institutions paves the way for success in an exciting entertainment career. In the Theater Arts Program at Blinn, students apply their knowledge each year in four or more dramatic productions, two musical theatre ensembles, and hosting local, regional, and national presentations. Trips and tours enhance the experience as students enjoy a variety of professional plays and musicals, often with scheduled artist talkbacks. Scholarships are available to qualified students and are awarded through an audition process. Contact the theatre arts director for complete details at (979) 830-4269 (Brenham); 979- 209-7244 (Bryan).

Speech and Debate Team

The Blinn College Speech and Debate Team is an open group that represents Blinn College at a variety of competitions across the state. Students need no previous experience- just an interest in preparing and presenting original material. Events include but are not limited to individual prepared addresses, oral interpretations, limited preparation events, and parliamentary debate. Email Kathryn Kelly or Betsy Stoltz at kathryn.kelly@blinn.edu and elizabeth.stoltz@blinn.edu for details and information.

Meetings are Tuesday evenings at 7pm in H220 (Bryan Campus)

Photography Club

The Blinn Photography Club (Bryan Campus) functions as a student organization where students that have an interest in photography can come together. Led and run by students, this creative group experiences a wide range of activities that include official Blinn photo shoots, portfolio discussions, techniques and setups, as well as film and darkroom developing. Photo club is closely tied with the Blinn photography classes, thereby giving club members access to professional equipment reserved for studio photography lessons. Advanced photography techniques in digital photo manipulation and creative exposure are shared in weekly meetings. Photo club often morphs according to the photo experience of its current members and student leadership. For more information on the Photography Club please contact (979) 209-8255.

Intramural Sports

The Blinn College Athletics department offers an intramural athletic program. A well-organized and administered program provides opportunities for students, both men and women, to enjoy scheduled competitive, informal athletic activities.

Intercollegiate Sports

Blinn College offers intercollegiate competition in football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, and volleyball. The college is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and competes in the Region XIV Athletic Conference and the Southwest Junior College Football Conference. For information concerning participation and scholarships in these sports, contact the Director of Athletics or the head coach of the specific sport by FAX (979-830-4032) or visit the web site www.buccaneersports.com

Brenham Campus & Open Recreation and Employment

The Blinn College Campus Recreation program seeks to provide quality recreational opportunities, intramural contests, athletic facilities and services to a diverse student, faculty and staff population of the Blinn College system and to encourage healthy lifestyle choices and positive social interaction within the Blinn College community. Campus Recreation at Blinn College includes Open Recreation - where students are able to utilize athletic facilities for pick-up game competition and personal improvement, Intramurals - students compete against other Blinn College students in a variety of sports that changes throughout the year. Employment - campus recreation typically is one of the largest employers of student workers on campus. Campus Recreation averages over 10,000 participations every semester! Now it is your turn. Come out and play!!!

Blinn College has a number of facilities available for the general student population to utilize in the recreational pursuits. The Heineke Gym is open most week nights for basketball, volleyball, dance and other uses. The Heineke Gym also has sports equipment that students may check out with their Blinn ID including basketballs, volleyballs, footballs, horseshoes, Frisbees and more. The Boehm Weight Room (name of facility may be changed prior to publication) is open most week nights for students to pursue their personal fitness goals. The weight room has free weights and cardiovascular equipment including ellipticals, treadmills, stair steppers and bicycles. There are also a number of outdoor facilities for use including the sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, basketball court, walking track and intramural field.

Blinn College Campus Recreation is one of the largest employers of students on campus. Employment opportunities exist as student supervisors in the Heineke Gym and Boehm Weight Room. Other opportunities exist for students who have experience or would like to learn to officiate many of the team sports offered through the intramural program. Applications must be made online at http://employment.blinn.edu and students are welcome to speak with the Campus Recreation Director when they apply.

Student Government Association

The Student Government Association is organized to provide a student-directed structure within which students have opportunities to promote and regulate a program of student activities and governance. Blinn College provides a Student Government Association on the Brenham, Bryan and Sealy campuses.

These Student Government Associations are composed of officers elected by the student body. Freshman and sophomore delegates are also elected. All elected and appointed officers must complete a minimum of twelve (12) semester hours per semester and maintain a permanent grade point average of 2.50 each semester. The President of the Student Government Association must carry a 2.75 GPA at all times and complete a minimum 12 semester hours on the Blinn Campus. First semester freshmen are exempt from the grade point average for the semester only. Failure to meet this guideline shall result in disqualification from office. To become or remain a participating member of the Student Senate, a student must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 2.00. The association on the Bryan campus is also represented by members-at-large and delegates from the student organizations. The officers provide leadership services to and foster cooperation between the organizations.

Procedures For Establishing Student Organizations

  1. Students interested in forming a campus organization will identify seven or more potential members and a willing Blinn advisor. The Director of Student Leadership and Activities or will approve the appointment of this individual.
  2. The group will write a proposal and submit it to the Student Government Association for review.
  3. The president of Student Government Association will assign a standing committee to examine the document. Having reviewed and agreed upon the content of the proposed constitution, this committee will recommend the document to the membership of the SGA as a whole.
  4. Having been reviewed and approved by the SGA, the constitution is then submitted to the Director of Student Leadership and Activities.
  5. Once approved by the Director of Student Leadership and Activities, the proposed constitution is sent to the Vice President, Student Services for review and recommendation.
  6. The final approval for the establishment of the organization will rest with the District President.

Registered Student Organizations

An organization in which membership is limited to students, staff, and faculty may become a registered student organization by complying with the registration procedures established by the Vice President, Student Services.

Registered student organizations shall abide by College District policies and procedures and applicable law. Registered status shall not imply that the College District endorses a student organization’s opinions and activities.

Registration Required 

An eligible group of students shall be entitled to register as a student organization. Approval for registration of an organization on any one campus or center shall be effective College districtwide.

Eligibility

A group shall be eligible for registration if:

  1. Its membership consists of seven or more students.
  2.  It does not deny membership to anyone on the basis of sex, disability, age, color, race, nationality, or religion.
  3.  It has an advisor who is a member of the faculty or the staff.
  4.  It is not under a disciplinary penalty prohibiting registration.
  5. It conducts its affairs in accordance with College District policies, procedures, rules, and regulations; as well as with local, state, and federal laws.
  6. Its membership is limited only to students, staff, and faculty of the College District.

Rejection of Application

If the Vice President, Student Services does not approve the application for registration, he or she shall provide the applicant with a copy of a written statement of the reasons for refusal, and the applicant may appeal to the District President.

The District President may take one of the following actions:

  1. Affirm the Vice President, Student Services’s decision.
  2. Reverse the Vice President, Student Services’s decision.
  3. Appoint a committee to conduct a hearing and report its findings to the applicant and the District President, who shall then take final action.

The District President’s decision may be appealed to the Board.

Rights and Duties

Each registered student organization shall adopt a written charter, constitution, or other governing document. A copy shall be filed with the College District.

A registered student organization may conduct meetings, events, performances, and similar activities in accordance with College District facilities use policies and procedures. [See FLAA] The organization shall not advertise, promote, or represent that an event or activity is associated with the College District unless prior approval is obtained in accordance with applicable procedures. [See FK]

A registered student organization may distribute written or printed materials or other visual or auditory materials in accordance with College District literature distribution policies and procedures. [See FLA] The organization may not represent that visual or auditory materials are sponsored by the College District unless prior approval is obtained in accordance with applicable procedures. [See FKA]

The purpose and/or functions of a student organization must not duplicate those of an existing recognized student organization. This requirement, however, is not applicable to an organization with religious or political purposes and/or functions as declared in its constitution.

In accordance with state law, officers of a registered student organization shall attend a risk management program provided by the College District.

Membership

Only currently registered students shall be eligible for active membership status in student organizations. All other persons, including former students and community members, are not eligible for membership. Furthermore, non-currently registered student attendance at sponsored meetings, events, performances and similar activities are prohibited unless approved in advance by the Student Leadership and Activities Office or by the Vice President, Student Services.

Required Submissions

Each registered student organization shall submit the following:

  1. At the beginning of each semester, a complete list of officers or other representatives of the organization who are authorized to receive official notices, directives, or information from the College District on behalf of the organization. The list shall be kept current and accurate by the organization.
  2. At the beginning of each school year, a list of proposed travel requests for approval to the Student Leadership and Activities Office.

Advisor Responsibilities

All student organizations require the appointment of a college faculty or staff member as an advisor. Multi-advisor involvement in student organizations is encouraged, however, advisors are only permitted to serve in the role of advisor for two student organizations per one academic year.

Advisors are expected to provide counsel in regards to the nature of the student organization, guidance, and accountability to ensure the organization is abiding by its constitution. Furthermore, advisors should be actively involved with the activities of the organization, and are charged with creating a positive and cohesive environment for all. Advisors are expected to attend all student organization meetings, whether they be on campus or off campus.

The advisor is responsible for ensuring that all activities and events are approved in accordance with established procedures set forth by the Vice President, Student Services. Furthermore, the advisor will oversee the finances of the student organization, and will approve all organization deposits and expenditures.

College faculty and staff who aspire to be an advisor for a student organization must be approved by the Vice President, Student Services. Once approved, advisor performance is reviewed on a yearly basis. Lack of performance may result in removal from advisorship.

Loss of Registration

Upon written notice, a student organization’s registered status may be revoked by the Vice President, Student Services if it:

  1. No longer meets the eligibility requirements; or
  2. Violates College District policies and procedures or local, state, or federal law.
  3. Upon determination that the organization is no longer fulfilling the purposes and/or functions described in its constitution.

A student organization whose registered status has been revoked may appeal to the District President, who may take appropriate action regarding the issue. If the organization is not satisfied with the decision, it may appeal that decision to the Board.

A student organization whose registered status has been revoked shall be prohibited from reapplying for registered status for a period described in the revocation notice. The prohibition shall be for a period of not less than four months following the date of the notice and may be permanent. The revocation shall be effective College districtwide.

Disciplinary Violations

In addition to the revocation of registered status, violations of College District policies and procedures or local, state, or federal law shall subject the student organization and its individual members to disciplinary action in accordance with policies FM and FMA.

Blinn College Board Policy FKC (LOCAL)

Blinn Organizations Include

Blinn College Student Government Association, Brenham
Blinn College Student Government Association, Bryan
Blinn College Student Government Association, Schulenburg
Blinn College Student Government Association, Sealy

Honor Societies

  • Delta Psi Omega, Brenham
  • Kappa Kappa Psi, Iota Sigma, Brenham
  • Mu Alpha Theta, Brenham
  • Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Phi Lamba, Bryan
  • Phi Theta Kappa, Beta Alpha, Brenham
  • Psi Beta, Bryan
  • Sigma Kappa Delta, Brenham
  • Sigma Kappa Delta, Bryan

Political Organizations

  • Blinn College Republicans, Brenham and Bryan
  • Progressive Democrats, Brenham
  • Blinn College Democrats, Bryan
  • Young Conservations of Texas Blinn College Chapter, Bryan

Professional Organizations

  • Agricultural Mechanics Club, Brenham
  • Blinn College American Chemical Society, Bryan
  • Agricultural Association, Brenham
  • American Dental Hygienist, Bryan
  • Art Club, Brenham
  • Blinn College Nursing Students Association, Bryan
  • Blinn College Vocational Nursing Students Association, Bryan
  • Blinn International Fire Science Student Association, Bryan
  • Blinn Naturalists Club, Brenham
  • Blinn - Theatre Club, Bryan
  • Blinn Times Newspaper, Brenham
  • Blinn College Veterinary Technology Student Association, Bryan
  • Communication Studies Student Organization, Brenham
  • Emergency Medical Services Student Association, Bryan
  • Film Production Club, Bryan
  • Forensic Science Club, Brenham
  • Future Registered Nurses, Bryan
  • Future Teachers Organization, Brenham and Bryan
  • Future Vocational Nurses, Brenham
  • Legal Assistant Student Organization, Bryan
  • Medical Education Development Society, Brenham
  • Photography Club, Bryan
  • Physical Therapist Assistant Association, Bryan
  • Professional Secretaries International, Bryan
  • Psychology Club, Bryan
  • Radiology Technologist Association, Bryan
  • Spanish Club, Bryan
  • Technology in Computer Systems and Coding, Bryan
  • United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Brenham

Religious Organizations

  • Bahai Club, Brenham
  • Baptist Student Ministries, Bryan
  • Baptist Student Outreach, Brenham
  • Blinn Catholic Club, Bryan
  • Blinn Christian Fellowship, Bryan
  • Blinn Latter Day Saints, Bryan
  • Catholic Student Union, Brenham
  • Chi Alpha, Brenham
  • Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Brenham
  • Wesley Foundation, Brenham
  • Latter Day Saint Student Association, Brenham

Student Organizations

  • Blinn College Ethnic Student Organization, Bryan
  • Blinn College Lions Club, Brenham/Bryan
  • Blinn College Veterans Association, Bryan
  • Brazos Region Astronomy Service Society, Bryan
  • Festival Singers, Bryan
  • Fit Life Alliance, Bryan
  • Geographical Society, Bryan
  • History Society, Bryan
  • International Student Organization, Bryan
  • League of United Latin American Citizens, Bryan
  • Science Club, Bryan
  • Blinn College Sociology Club, Bryan

Service Clubs

  • Blinn Allies, Bryan
  • Blinn Anthropology Club, Bryan
  • Blinn Art Club, Bryan
  • Blinn College Music Club, Bryan
  • Pro-Life Buccaneers, Bryan
  • Sociology Club, Bryan

Social Clubs

  • Blinn College International Student Organization, Bryan
  • Dynasty Step Team, Brenham
  • Students for Concealed Carry On Campus, Bryan
  • Choral Club, Brenham
  • Distinguished Gentlemen, Brenham
  • Gaming Coalition, Bryan
  • Gaming Society, Brenham
  • Gay Straight Alliance, Brenham
  • Hispanic Organization for Latino Awareness (HOLA), Brenham
  • League of United Latin American Citizens, Bryan
  • Ping Pong Club, Brenham
  • Taekwondo Club

Campus Clubs, Honor Societies and Organizations

Agricultural Club/Wildlife Club

The Texas Junior College Association meets bimonthly. It is a club designed to promote professionalism and leadership among agriculture students. Membership is open to students majoring in an agriculture related field.

Agricultural Mechanics

The Blinn College Agriculture Mechanics Club is open to all students interested in engines and automobiles. Its purpose is to promote the Agri-Mechanics program and other Agriculture course in area schools. Activities include field trips, Homecoming Fall Car show, an end-of-school project, and Spring Antique Engine and Car Show.

Art Club

The Blinn Art Club is to promote liberal arts on the Blinn campus and the Brenham community. Membership is open to all Blinn College students in good academic standing with an appreciation for art.

Baptist Student Outreach

The Baptist Student Outreach is a student led organization which emphasizes the sharing of the good news of Jesus Christ both among Blinn students and other through activities, events, and fellowship. B.S.O. activities focus on worship, Bible study, missions, leadership training, recreational and social concerns such as world hunger. Membership is free and open to all students of Blinn College.

Blinn College Lions Club

The mission statement of the Blinn College Lions Club is to create and foster a spirit of understanding among all people for humanitarian needs by providing voluntary services through community involvement and international cooperation. Membership is open to Blinn students in good academic standing.

Blinn College Republicans

Blinn College Republicans exists to (1) provide an opportunity for the expression of Republican Party ideals through an organized structure; (2) to make known to the students and faculty the ideals of the Republican Party; (3) to foster and encourage loyalty to the Republican Party; (4) to foster and encourage student and faculty involvement in and an understanding of political processes locally, statewide and nationally.

Catholic Student Union

The Catholic Student Union is a Catholic campus ministry which encourages and invites all students to attend its fellowship gatherings. CSU activities include retreats, speakers, conventions, socials, fellowship and ministry.

Choral Club

This organization directs its activities toward the promotion of: the Blinn College Choral Organization; social events for members, Blinn College, and the community; spirit within the school; and an interest in music and the related arts. Membership is open for all Blinn students enrolled in Chorus, Choral Ensemble, and/or vocal study; and anyone interested in music performance with approval by the advisor.

Communication Studies Student Organization

The purpose of this organization shall be to promote the Communication Studies discipline with members of the campus and community, and promote the interdisciplinary exchange of knowledge through the use of the outside sources, including but not limited to speakers, field trips, social and service activities.

Constitutionalist Club

This organization is a Madisonia-Jeffersonian political club whose intent is to inform the student body and public of the original intent of the frames of the United States constitution. It is open to all interested students.

Distinguished Gentlemen

This organization is a social club which supports and educates underrepresented male students about the culture and heritage of African Americans.

Dynasty Step Team

Dynasty Step Team uses a variety of steps and dancing techniques that involves clapping, stomping, and making noise on the body to make a beat with a whole group of people.

Delta Psi Omega

Delta Psi Omega is an honorary dramatic society. The organization is open to those students maintaining a high standard of work in dramatics and those interested in the college theater.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

The vision of Blinn’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes is to see Blinn impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of athletes and coaches. Meetings are held weekly to fellowship, study God’s word, and build character as student-athletes facing the challenges of navigating the world of college sports.

Forensic Science Club

The purpose of the Forensic Science Club is to promote the spread of forensic knowledge with members of the club and community, and the interdisciplinary exchange of knowledge through the use of outside sources, including but not limited to speakers, field trips, social activities, etc.

Future Teachers Organization

The Future Teachers Organization is a club for students who are interested in a teaching career. The club meets monthly and is interested in topics pertinent to education and the teaching field. Experienced teachers are invited to present programs on these and related topics throughout the year.

Gaming Society

The objective of the Blinn College Gaming Society is to promote student social interaction through the sport of competitive gaming by organizing events where such interaction can take place.

Gay Straight Alliance

The purpose of this organization shall be to serve as a support group and provide a forum for student expression; to help provide education in prevention of gay and straight abuse; to promote in each individual of the BCGSA a desire for good citizenship based on democratic processes; to promote community outreach, knowledge, self-awareness, self-improvement, male and female empowerment (homosexual, bisexual, heterosexual).

Hispanic Organization for Latino Awareness (HOLA)

HOLA is an organization open to all students that promotes the awareness of the Hispanic culture on the Blinn campus. Its purpose is for students to share common cultural background and interests and serve as a support group for better communication with other student organizations and college personnel.

Kappa Kappa Psi

Kappa Kappa Psi is a national fraternity for college and university band members. Its purpose is to promote and encourage band-related activities on campus and to honor outstanding band members. Membership is open to members of the Blinn College Band who have a “C” average or above.

Latter-Day Saint Student Association

This organization was established to help students have a balanced secular and spiritual life on campus as well as to provide members with meaningful service, social, and religious activities that are consistent with LDSSA standards. It is open to all interested students.

Medical Education Development Society (Health Science)

MEDS is for students interested in the health profession. Activities include speakers, field trips, and service opportunities. All students interested in a career in any health area are welcome.

Mu Alpha Theta

Mu Alpha Theta is a national honor society in mathematics for the junior college student. Its purpose is to stimulate interest in mathematics by providing public recognition of superior mathematical scholarship and by promoting various mathematical activities. Initiation is held in the spring.

Naturalists Club

The Blinn Naturalists are concerned with environmental issues and problems. The main goal is to raise the awareness of environmental issues on the Blinn campus. Membership is open to all students. Activities include speakers, seminars, educational trips, and service projects such as collecting aluminum cans on campus.

Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is the international junior college honor society. The organization is recognized by the National Fraternity of American Junior and Senior Colleges and by the American Association of Junior Colleges. Membership into Phi Theta Kappa is by invitation only. The Brenham chapter, Beta Alpha, advisors various activities that include: blood drives, field trips, and guest speakers on campus. Club members from Beta Alpha attend regional and international conferences and have won numerous awards.

Ping Pong Club

The purpose of this organization is to get together and engage in friendly ping pong competitions in a fun and safe environment. It is open to all interested students.

Progressive Democrats

This organization holds weekly meetings for the purpose of supporting and promoting the ideals of the National Democratic Party. It is open to all interested students.

Sigma Kappa Delta

The purpose of the organization is to stimulate interest in the English studies by providing recognition of superior English scholarship and by promoting various opportunities for developing skills in the study of English and in creative and analytical writing.

United States Institute for Theatre Technology

This organization promotes and represents the interest of students in the technical theatre field through organized activities and events held at Blinn College also sharing educational experiences in technical theatre.

Blinn Future Vocational Nurses

The purpose of the club is to provide a forum for students’ expression, provide education in the prevention of illness and to promote and provide quality health care. The membership is opened to students enrolled in vocational nursing at Blinn College.

The Blinn Times Student Newspaper

The Blinn Times is a student-run online newspaper created entirely by Blinn students, and it can be viewed anytime at www.theblinntimes.com. The Blinn Times aims to keep students, faculty, and staff up to date with the latest news and events from throughout the Blinn College service area. Students who participate in the newspaper are given the chance to serve in a wide variety of journalistic roles such as writers, photographers, editors, or graphic artists. Students wanting to learn more about The Blinn Times may contact the Student Leadership & Activities office.

Wesley Foundation

This organization is sponsored by the Methodist Church. Its purpose is to provide an atmosphere for students to enjoy Christian fellowship. Membership is open to all Blinn College students.

Wii Speak

The purpose of this organization is to promote the Communication Studies discipline and promote the interdisciplinary exchange of knowledge through speakers, field trips, social and service activities.

Brenham Student Center

Normal operating hours for these facilities during the regular school semester are as follows. Hours are subject to change as necessary to meet the demands of the students and follow the holiday schedule of the college.

Operating Hours:

Student Center: Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
  Saturday, 8 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
  Sunday, 1 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

North and South Dining Halls:
Monday-Friday 7:00-8:30 am, 11:30 am-1:45 pm, 5:00-6:30 pm

The Cove: Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
  Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
  Sunday, 11 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Pirates Den: Monday-Friday, 11:00-3:00 p.m.
  5:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
Gameroom: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. TV
  Rooms: Student Center Operating Hours Study
  Rooms: Student Center Operating Hours

Meeting Rooms: The Conference Center and the Banquet Room are available by reservation only through the office of Director of Student Leadership and Activities.

Activities

The Blinn College Student Center on the Brenham campus was completed in 1990 and occupies 60,000 square feet. The building serves as the principal social and recreational area for students and houses several facilities. Students can spend their leisure time enjoying refreshments, conversation, club meetings and entertainment.

Social Functions

Official campus organizations may conduct social functions in the Student Center. A Request for Student Activities form must be approved by the Student Government Association and the Director of Student Leadership and Activities in advance. The proposed function must be approved and attended by an advisor of the organization.

Decorum

The Director of Student Leadership and Activities is responsible for maintaining appropriate decorum in the Student Center. The use of the Student Center is available only for students who conduct themselves in an acceptable manner.

All students using the center are expected to help keep the building clean. Appearance (dress) guidelines, rules, regulations, procedures and policies established by Blinn College and published in this handbook should be followed by all students. Blinn College personnel, clubs and organizations, and any outside groups using the student center are subject to all rules, regulations, procedures and policies established by the college.

Facilities

The Student Center houses various facilities including: the Bookstore, the north and south dining halls, the Cove, post office, game room (table tennis, billiards, video games), TV rooms, study rooms, five meeting rooms, conference center an banquet room. Offices located in the building include the: Bookstore, Student Leadership and Activities, Food Services, Post Office, Police Department, Athletic Advising and The Cord Newspaper.

Lost and Found

The office of Student Leadership and Activities serves as a lost and found center. An item found on campus should be turned in to the Student Leadership and Activities office promptly. Likewise, also inquire about lost items in the same office. Residence hall and apartment students should report losses and thefts immediately to their hall director, campus police or the Deans of Student Affairs.

Post Office

Blinn College provides a post office located in the Student Center on the Brenham campus. In all written correspondence, students should use the P.O. Box number and the name of their residence hall for their return address. Stamps may be purchased from the vending machine area in the atrium of the student center. Mail is picked up by the U. S. Postal Service Monday - Friday at approximately 4 p.m.

The Blinn post office boxes may be used by clubs to distribute information which has been approved by the Director of Student Leadership and Activities. Individuals may not use these boxes for mass or commercial distribution.

Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday, Student Center Operating Hours Monday-Saturday, Mail Delivery, Approximately 9 a.m. Monday-Friday, Mail Pick Up, Approximately 4 p.m.

Student Elections

In the spring semester, students on the Brenham campus are given the opportunity to vote for Mr. and Ms. Buccaneer. This election is for two full time sophomore students with at least a 3.0 GPA who have exhibited outstanding leadership and moral character. Nominations are made by the Blinn faculty, administration and staff. The top nominees in each category are placed on the ballot and voted on by the student body.

Students also have the opportunity to elect the student government president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer in Brenham. Candidates must carry at least 12 semester hours and have a cumulative grade point average of 2.50. The President of the Student Government Association must carry a cumulative grade point average of 2.75. Applications are available in the Office of Student Leadership and Activities in the Student Center. Students who are on disciplinary probation are ineligible to serve.

Revised 1-31-2017