Student Access and Success
Montana State University Billings provides academic, student support programs, and extracurricular activities that enrich the total student life of the University. A wide range of services, resources, and opportunities are available for every student including programs delivered through the Division of Student Access and Success and other activities that affect student life from admission through graduation.
MSU Billings Division of Student Access and Success Mission Statement
The Division of Student Access and Success provides exceptional service and cultivates an inclusive social and educational environment that enhances active student learning, engagement, development, and success.
Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct
Montana State University Billings statement regarding students’ rights and responsibilities is as follows:
“Montana State University Billings is a community of scholars and members of such University communities have traditionally recognized their individual responsibilities in the development of a mature and sophisticated society. By enrolling in the University, the student neither loses the rights nor escapes the duties of a citizen. Each student should conduct his/her personal life in the context of mutual regard for the rights, property, and privileges of others. Therefore, it is expected that students will demonstrate respect for the law and for the necessity of orderly conduct in the affairs of the local and campus community. In certain circumstances where this preferred conduct fails, the University will rely upon the rules and procedures described in its Code of Student Conduct to hold students accountable for maintaining the responsibilities that follow.
A summary of student programs, services, and policies are highlighted below. For a detailed listing of student policies, forms, and additional information, visit the website: www.msubillings.edu/VCSA/StudentHandbook.htm
Student Rights
One of the priorities of Montana State University Billings is to provide each student the opportunity to learn. Therefore, some personal freedoms and rights of students include, but are not limited to:
- Freedom of inquiry, speech, and assembly.
- Freedom from threats.
- Freedom from acts of violence.
- Freedom from unfair or obscene treatment from others.
- Freedom from interference from others in an unreasonable and unauthorized manner while in class, activities, and public events.
- Freedom from theft and willful destruction of personal property.
- Right to study and learn in an atmosphere of academic freedom.
- Right to procedural due process in University misconduct action.
- Right to be governed by justifiable academic regulations.
- To be informed in writing of the academic requirements determined by individual instructors.
- Right to be informed of the regulations for academic and social conduct, and graduation requirements of the University.
- Right to petition for redress of grievances, academic and non-academic,
Student Responsibilities
Each student has the responsibility:
- To respect the rights and property of others.
- To be fully acquainted and comply with the published rules and regulations of the University.
- To comply with all local, state, and federal laws.
- To recognize that student activities reflect upon the individuals involved as well as upon the entire University community.
- To recognize the University’s obligation to provide a safe environment conducive for learning and academic inquiry.
- To adhere to the academic requirements determined by individual instructors.
- To abide by the reasonable direction of a University official acting within the legitimate scope of his or her duties.
Student Access and Success & Related Phone Numbers
| Student Affairs | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Academic Support Center | 406-657-1641 |
| Admissions | 406-657-2888 |
| Advising Center | 406-657-2240 |
| Associated Students of MSUB | 406-657-2365 |
| Athletics/Yellowjacket Sports | 406-657-2369 |
| Business Services/Cashier | 406-657-2140 |
| Campus Activities/Engagement | 406-657-2387 |
| Campus Police/Parking | 406-657-2147 |
| Campus Store | 406-657-2121 |
| Career & Employment Services | 406-657-2168 |
| City College Student Services (Jacket Student Central) | 406-247-3012 |
| D2L Support (Online Learning) | 406-247-5755 |
| Dean of Student Engagement | 406-657-1696 |
| Disability Support Services | 406-657-2283 |
| Educational Talent Search | 406-657-2116 |
| Financial Aid and Scholarships | 406-657-2188 |
| Housing & Residence Life | 406-657-2333 |
| Information Technology (Service Desk) | 406-247-5755 |
| Library | 406-657-1662 |
| Military & Veterans Success Center | 406-657-2968 |
| Native American Achievement Center | 406-657-2182 |
| New Student Services | 406-657-2888 |
| Registrar/Transcripts | 406-657-2158 |
| ROTC/Military Science | 406-247-5733 |
| Student Health Services | 406-657-2153 |
| Student Support Services/TRIO | 406-657-2162 |
| U-Card/ID Cards | 406-657-2023 |
| Upward Bound | 406-657-2180 |
| Vice Chancellor for Student Access & Success | 406-657-2307 |
| Wellness & Diversity Center | 406-896-5902 |
Center for Engagement & Campus Activities
SUB 219, (406) 657-2387
www.msubillings.edu/engagement
The Center for Engagement is the community hub for students, faculty, staff, and guests visiting the Montana State University Billings campus. The Student Union is centrally located on the campus with easy access to University services and facilities.
Offices and Programs Housed in the Student Union
In addition to the Center for Engagement Office, the Student Union provides space for MSU Billings Campus Store, Campus Dining Services, Stingers Bistro, ASMSU Billings, Housing and Residence Life, Wellness & Diversity Center, Jacket Pantry, Academic Support Center, Petro Theater, Student Activities Board, Montana 10, ROTC, and student organization offices.
Student Organizations
www.msubillings.edu/studentlife
The Center for Engagement coordinates and supervises the registration of over 30 student organizations. The office provides organizations with support, consultation services, resources, leadership development, and recognition programs. The Office is also the University contact for students seeking assistance to charter and organize new student organizations on campus. Students are encouraged to get involved in at least one student organization during their collegiate career. Many co-curricular activities are related to coursework and thus provide opportunities for applying knowledge and skills learned in the college classroom, in the studio, or in the laboratory. For more information on student organizations or how to get involved, contact the Center for Engagement, (406) 657-2387.
Meeting, Conference, Display, and Lounge Space
MSU Billings provides meeting and conference rooms, space for art exhibits, event posting and displays, and public lounges. The Center for Engagement coordinates the scheduling of most non-academic space on campus. Students are welcome to use available conference rooms and spaces throughout the Student Union Building for all of their study needs: study groups, tutoring sessions, or a quiet place to study alone.
Community Engagement
MSU Billings strives to connect students to the community through meaningful service and educational opportunities. We believe community involvement strengthens a sense of responsible and productive citizenship, which creates a lifelong commitment to service and leadership.
The Center for Engagement will assist students in connecting to volunteer opportunities both on campus and in the community. Students can utilize volunteerism to enhance their academic experience, to assist in meeting other students, to get involved as a student, and to help prepare to become a civic leader within the community following graduation. The Center for Engagement coordinates monthly Service Saturday projects, MSUB Night on the Van in partnership with the Salvation Army, Blood Drives and many more opportunities. Students can also utilize the Center for Engagement to connect to volunteer opportunities on an individual basis or students can access a community volunteer database at www.youcanvolunteer.org.
Associated Students of Montana State University Billings
SUB 213, (406) 657-2365
www.msubillings.edu/asmsub
The Associated Students of Montana State University Billings (ASMSUB) are governed by the Student Senate, the functions of which are to administer and to distribute student activity fees; to formulate policies concerning student affairs and programs; to act as liaison among students, faculty, and administration; to protect the privileges and the rights of students; and to act as a central agent for student opinion.
Student Activities Board (SAB)
SUB 219, (406) 657-2387
www.msubillings.edu/sab
The Student Activities Board coordinates a balanced program of cultural, social, and entertainment events appropriate to the educational goals and needs of the campus community. The board consists of selected student members and an advisor.
Housing & Residence Life
SUB 225, (406) 657-2333
Residence Halls
Montana State University Billings provides on-campus living facilities for students who are actively pursuing an education. The residence halls offer an environment which is desirable for those who are seeking a well-rounded education and campus experience. Participation in hall programming and community living is part of the complete experience the residence hall provides.
Students living in the residence halls may select from a variety of living options. The residence halls offer a safe and fun-filled environment where students can live well, work well, and be well during their college experience. The residence hall experience includes some amazing benefits like wireless technology throughout the halls, in room sink, cable television in the floor lobby areas, laundry services (u-card and quarter accepted), and more. Visit www.msubillings.edu/reslife for more information about the residence hall experience.
Students with disabilities are encouraged to make arrangements for any specific needs with Disability Support Services and Housing & Residence Life prior to moving on campus.
Residence hall living is available during Fall, Spring, and Summer sessions and during break periods to those students meeting the necessary requirements.
To apply for on-campus housing, call (406) 657-2333 or visit www.msubillings.edu/reslife.
Housing Application
Residents who complete their online housing application and pay the $125 application fee to reserve a room have entered into a legally binding agreement with Montana State University Billings for the purchase of housing for the academic year. Once a student has moved into the residence halls, accepted or signed for a room key, and has signed a contract, he/she is financially obligated by the contract for the entire year, and may only be released for the following reasons:
- Withdrawal from Montana State University Billings
- Graduation from Montana State University Billings
- Internship or student teaching assignment out of the area
- Medical condition
- Extreme financial circumstances
- Marriage
- Academic suspension
- Disciplinary suspension
- Student is 21 years of age or older
- Student has earned 30+ college credits
- Student moves back home to live with family member (only permissible in Yellowstone County)
Any student wishing to cancel a Housing Contract for an upcoming term must complete the online Contract Release Request form at least two weeks prior to the first day of classes in order to receive a full refund of fees for the semester. Room and board rates, programs, and regulations governing the residence halls are subject to change without notice. An optional installment plan is available for payment of room and board through Business Services. Students may pay room and board in full at the beginning of each term or select the installment plan. This selection is made in conjunction with regular fee payment.
On-Campus Requirement
Required to live on campus: traditional age students less than three years out of high school and under 30 credits at the start of the fall semester. Starting May 1, 2022, all students who are required to live-on campus who have not completed a housing application or housing exemption form will have a “Housing Registration Hold” placed on their account. To remove the hold, the student will need to successfully complete the housing application or exemption form.
Automatically exempt from housing if under 30 credits (no documentation is needed):
- Students over 21 years of age, as verified through MSUB student information systems
- Students with 30+ college credits, as verified through MSUB student information systems
Exemptions to the live on requirement:
- Living with immediate family (legal guardian, parent, or grandparent) within Yellowstone County
- Married
- Physical custody of a dependent child
- Financial hardship
- Medical related condition
- Military Veteran/Active Duty
- Enrolled in five or fewer credits
- Online Student
- Non-Degree seeking student
- Completed one full year at another institution while living on campus
- Documented disability
- Unusual circumstances
Note: City College students are not exempt from the live on requirement and must sign up for housing accordingly or complete an exemption request that meets any other exemption area.
Please contact the Housing & Residence Life department, SUB 225, by calling 406-657-2333 or online at www.msubillings.edu/reslife for an exemption form.
Family Housing
MSU Billings offers 10 family housing apartments for students currently enrolled at MSU Billings. Family housing eligibility includes: married students, single parent with children, or married students with children. Family housing apartments include six, three-bedroom apartments and four, two-bedroom apartments. There is an application and $25.00 application fee to be placed on the waiting list for an available apartment.
To obtain more information about family housing apartments, contact the Housing & Residence Life Office at (406) 657-2333 or visit www.msubillings.edu/reslife
Native American Achievement Center
2630 Normal Avenue
(406) 657-2144, (406) 657-2182
www.msubillings.edu/naac
Sunny Day Real Bird, Director
The Native American Achievement Center (NAAC) assists American Indian students in making academic, cultural, and social adjustments to Montana State University Billings. Services include individualized assistance with relocation to Billings, advocacy, referral to campus and off-campus services, study skills coaching, and scholarship applications guidance. The staff help direct students towards internships that are relevant to the American Indian community. The Native American Achievement Center has a small classroom for some of the Native American Studies classes, or meetings. The NAAC also has a satellite space on the City College campus on the second floor of the Tech Building. Students from either campus can use these spaces to relax in between classes, individual or group study, club activities, and to sponsor programs.
The center hosts the annual American Indian Heritage Day, Veterans Medicine Wheel, and the MSUB Powwow. The Director and Program Coordinator serves as liaisons with tribal educational representatives and other community organizations. These relationships foster collaboration with the surrounding communities to host events and many other social gatherings that help our students feel connected to their culture and other Native people in the Billings region. The Native American Achievement Center is a home away from home for Native students.
The establishment of the Native American Achievement Center demonstrates that MSUB recognizes and is invested in cultural diversity. The center provides students a familiar setting in an effort to ensure continuing collegiate success.
All Nations Club is open to all interested students. The All-Nations Club is a student organization, established to assist Native American students in their adjustment to university life, to promote scholastic achievement, and to foster pride in the cultural heritage of the Native American. The club is involved with the planning and sponsorship of an annual Powwow, the largest student-sponsored campus event. Other activities include social events that are culturally appropriate to share in a campus environment such as Talking Circles, Drum Circles, dances, Native games, documentary films and discussions, and Native cuisine.
Wellness & Diversity Center
SUB 212, (406) 896-5902
www.msubillings.edu/diversity
The Wellness & Diversity Center is committed to providing a welcoming campus environment for all students, faculty, staff, and guests. The Diversity Center fosters social and professional opportunities, as well as advocacy for all multicultural students. Our mission is to ensure we are meeting the various needs of students and diverse population through fair and equal representation as well as increased opportunity for learning and understanding about topics that impact our campus community.
The Wellness & Diversity Center offers leadership opportunities for students through clubs or organized meeting groups, such as All-Nations Club and Hispanic Club. Each group is student focused, and student driven with opportunities to engage in campus and community programs, events, and social activities.
Academic Support Center
SUB First Floor, (406) 657-1641
www.msubillings.edu/asc
The Academic Support Center provides services to support the academic success of Montana State University Billings students. The Learning Lab provides tutors to assist all students in completing math and writing assignments. Graduate students may be particularly interested that writing tutors are available to assist students in the utilization of APA standard format. The Academic Support Center Learning Lab is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday and Wednesday 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., and Library tutoring 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Disability Support Services
COE 135
(406) 657-2283 (V)
(406) 545-2518 (VP)
With offices on both the University and City College campuses, Disability Support Services (DSS) collaborates with faculty, staff, and students to make MSUB accessible to everyone. Students are encouraged to contact DSS to identify themselves and work one-on-one with DSS staff to remove both academic and physical barriers. To learn more about the program, visit the website at www.msubillings.edu/dss
Student Health Services
Petro Hall, (406) 657-2153
www.msubillings.edu/studenthealth
Student Health Services (SHS) is an ambulatory health care facility which is available to students to care for illnesses and injuries, promote mental health, and to encourage a healthy lifestyle. With a staff of advanced practice professionals (some contracted through SCL Health), a Registered Nurse, mental health counselors, and wellness specialist, we provide health care, immunizations, mental health counseling, COVID-19 testing, and health education programs. SHS strives to encourage students to become responsible and knowledgeable consumers of health care.
Student Health Insurance
All MSU Billings students enrolled in six or more credits are required to have some form of health insurance. A student health insurance policy is available to MSUB students. Before registering, students will be asked to elect or waive this insurance. All students taking at least six credits are eligible for health insurance. Students must elect or waive the health insurance before the 15th class day of fall or spring semesters. The premiums are paid on a semester basis, along with tuition and fees. Each semester the premium is for a period of six months, therefore, enrolling in both semesters ensures twelve months of coverage.
Note: All students are eligible to use the Student Health Services, whether or not they enroll in the student health insurance.
Insurance policy brochures are available at fee payment and at the Student Health Services office on the 2nd floor of Petro Hall.
Full information about the student health insurance program provided by the Montana University Insurance Consortium is available at www.bcbsmt.com
Online-only students should contact Student Health Services regarding insurance coverage.
Military and Veterans Success Center
COE 106, (406) 657-2968
Shane Grantham, Director
The Military and Veterans Success Center (MVSC) supports all military-affiliated students at Montana State University Billings. Our Mission is to provide guidance, academic support, and advocate for the educational success of all veterans, veteran spouses, and military-affiliated students on campus. Our goal is to expand the veteran and military-affiliated students’ educational experience, access to benefits, to assist student enrollment and persistence to graduation through timely and consistent support while offering a military-friendly community. The staff is knowledgeable in DoD, VA, and Montana education benefit programs, the VA certification process, and earning college credit for your military training and experience.
The Military and Veterans Success Center is located on the main campus in the College of Education, Room 106. We have a veterans' lounge at both MSU Billings main campus and City College. The main campus lounge is in the MVSC in the College of Education, while the City College lounge is on the first floor of the Tech Building. Both lounges are open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. so that our military affiliated students have a quiet place to study and relax. There are kitchenettes located in each lounge along with free snacks, drinks, and printing.