Student Access and Success
Montana State University Billings provides academic, student support programs, and extracurricular activities that aim to serve and engage students. 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 departments, meant to enhance the students experience 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 a vibrant 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:
At MSU Billings, we believe that being a student means being an active, responsible member of a global community. While you enjoy the full rights of any citizen, you also share the duty to help our campus thrive. We expect all students to act with integrity and show mutual respect for the rights and property of others. To keep our community safe and focused on learning and personal development, the University follows the Code of Student Conduct to address instances where behavior does not meet these shared expectations.
Student Rights
One of the priorities of Montana State University Billings is to provide each student the opportunity to learn and personal development. 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, personal development, 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.
Career & Employment Services
Library 100, (406) 657-2168
A full range of career services is available to help students gain experience and skills that will clarify career goals and facilitate entry into the job market. Services include career exploration, part-time and work study jobs both on campus and in the community, career resource library, job search skills including resume editing and mock interviewing, and career/job fairs and workshops. Visit us on the web.
Internships
Cooperative Education Internships (Co-Op) create educational partnerships among Montana State University Billings, the business community, and students. This unique academic experience allows students to earn academic credit, combining classroom learning with practical work experience under supervision of both faculty and employer. Learn more at the website.
Engagement HUB Office
Center for Engagement & Housing and Residence Life
SUB 213, (406) 657-2387
www.msubillings.edu/engagement
The heart of campus life starts here!
The Center for Engagement is the community hub for students, faculty, staff, and guests at Montana State University Billings. Located in the centrally positioned Student Union, it’s the go-to place to connect, relax, and get involved—just steps away from key campus services and resources.
The Student Union is home to more than just the Center for Engagement. You’ll also find the MSU Billings Campus Store, Campus Dining Services, Stingers Bistro, ASMSU Billings, Housing and Residence Life, Wellness & Diversity Center, The Buzz Stop Pantry, Academic Support Center, Petro Theater, Student Activities Board, ROTC, and student organization offices—all under one roof and designed to support your campus experience.
Student Organizations
www.msubillings.edu/studentlife
Get involved. Get connected. Get the most out of college!
The Center for Engagement coordinates and supports more than 30 student clubs at MSU Billings—making it easy for students to find their place on campus. From one-on-one guidance to resources, leadership development, and recognition programs, the Center for Engagement is here to help student organizations thrive.
Interested in starting something new? The Center for Engagement is the go-to office for chartering and launching new clubs and organizations. Students are encouraged to join at least one organization during their college journey to build connections, develop leadership skills, and apply classroom learning in real-world settings—from labs and studios to hands-on projects and campus involvement. For more information on student organizations or how to get involved, contact the Center for Engagement, (406) 657-2387.
Community Engagement
Make an impact—right here, right now!
MSU Billings is committed to connecting students with meaningful service and educational opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. We believe that getting involved in the community builds responsible, engaged citizens, and inspires a lifelong commitment to service and leadership.
The Community Engagement team helps students find volunteer opportunities both on campus and throughout the community. Through service, students can enrich their academic experience, meet new people, and build the skills needed to become civic-minded leaders. From monthly Service Saturday projects to many more opportunities—there’s always a way to get involved and make a difference. 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 youcanvolunteer.org.
Housing & Residence Life
SUB 213, (406) 657-2333
Residence Halls
Live where your college experience comes to life!
Montana State University Billings offers on-campus living designed to support students in their educational journey—and make it fun along the way. Our residence halls provide a safe, welcoming, and engaging community where students can live well, work well, and be well throughout their college experience.
Residents enjoy awesome perks like campus-wide wireless internet, in-room sinks, quiet study lounges, computer labs, game rooms, and cozy floor lounges with TVs and kitchenettes. Free laundry, engaging programs and events, and so much more make on-campus living convenient, connected, and fun. Visit online 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 online.
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 (excluding dual enrollment credits earned during high school)
- 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 tuition and fee payment.
On-Campus Requirement
Required to live on campus: Students who are 20 years or younger, less than 3 years out of high school, and under 30 college credits (excluding dual credits earned while in high school) at the start of the fall semester. This includes City College students.
Automatically exempt from housing (no form is required)
- Students over 21 years of age, as verified through MSUB student information systems
- Students who have completed 30+ college credits (excluding dual credits earned while in high school) by the start of the fall semester
Exemptions to the live on requirement (form/documentation required)
- Living with family member/guardian(legal guardian, parent, or grandparent) within Yellowstone County
- Active military/veteran
- Enrolled in five or fewer credits
- Online student - must be enrolled in all online classes
- Non-Degree seeking student
- Marriage
- Physical custody of a dependent child
- Extreme financial hardship
- Medical related condition
- Documented disability
- Completed one full academic year at a college or university while living in a residence hall
- 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 213, by calling 406-657-2333 or online 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, SUB 213, by calling (406) 657-2333 or visit online.
Associated Students of Montana State University Billings
SUB 219, (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 activities 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.
Native American Achievement Center
University Campus College of Education 158
(406) 657-2144, (406) 657-2182
www.msubillings.edu/naac
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 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 supporting our Native American students towards their educational goals. 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 all students in their adjustment to university life, to promote scholastic achievement, and to foster awareness and 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, dances, Native games, documentary films and discussions, and Native cuisine.
Wellness & Diversity Center
SUB 212, (406) 657-2153
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 students. Our mission is to ensure we are meeting the various needs of students 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.
Student Health Services
Petro Hall, (406) 657-2153
www.msubillings.edu/studenthealth
Student Health Services (SHS) is an integrated ambulatory health care facility which is available to students to care for illness and injury, promote mental health, and encourage a healthy lifestyle. With a staff of advanced practice professionals (some contracted through Intermountain Health), a Registered Nurse, mental health counselors, and a wellness specialist, we provide health care, immunizations, mental health counseling, COVID-19 & influenza testing, and health education programs. SHS strives to encourage students to become responsible and knowledgeable consumers of health care.
City College and University Campus students can make appointments to be seen at either the University Campus or City College clinics.
Student Health Insurance
All MSU Billings students enrolled in six or more credits are required to have some form of health insurance. Through Business Services, 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 and information are available at Business Services. Full information about the student health insurance program provided by the Montana University Insurance Consortium is available at bcbsmt.com
Online-only students should contact Student Health Services regarding insurance coverage.
Military and Veterans Success Center
COE 106, (406) 657-2968
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 support the veteran and military-affiliated students’ educational experience, maximize access to benefits, assist with 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 University and City College campuses. The main campus lounge is located within the MVSC, 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 4:30 p.m. so that our military affiliated students can study and relax before, between, or after their classes. There are kitchenettes located in each lounge along with free snacks, drinks, and printing for military affiliated students.
VA School Certifying Official (VA Education Benefits)
COE 106, (406) 657-2968
The School Certifying Official (SCO) is located at the MVSC on the University Campus and is the primary point of contact for all students using VA education benefits. To ensure timely and accurate benefit payments, it is recommended that veterans and military-affiliated students check with the MVSC four-six weeks prior to the start of each term. Students should notify the MVSC staff whenever there is a change in enrollment. The SCO will work with students and their families to maximize military education benefits and connect students with other support services.
Please note that students must request certification each semester through the MVSC, and enrollments cannot be certified until a request is received. For questions about our policies covering absences due to military service, or military transcript evaluations, please contact the School Certifying Official.