MSU Billings Catalog

City College Catalog

This is an archived copy of the 2019-2020 catalog.

City College at Montana State University Billings

2019-2020 Catalog

3803 Central Avenue
Billings, Montana 59102
(406) 247-3000
www.msubillings.edu/citycollege

Visiting City College

You are encouraged to visit City College at MSU Billings for a tour of individual programs of interest and of the College's facilities.  Jacket Student Central is available to assist you with tours. 

Arrangements can be made by calling (406) 247-3007.

We are here to help and serve you

We look forward to helping you make those important decisions about your future career and the programs that will provide you with the best education for that career.  Please feel free to call, stop by, or visit our website www.msubillings.edu/citycollege.

Important Notice to All Students

The City College at MSU Billings catalog is published annually by Montana State University Billings as a guide for students, faculty and others interested in the institution.  Students are expected to be familiar with the University regulations and information which are set forth in this publication.  Effective date of this catalog is August 2019.

The University is not responsible for cancellation of classes due to damage to campus facilities or unavailability of teaching personnel resulting from severe weather conditions, natural or man-made disasters, work stoppages, or emergency situations declared by the Governor.

Advisors assist students with selection of courses and other academically related issues, but the ultimate responsibility for meeting graduation requirements belongs to students.

City College at MSU Billings reserves the right to change the regulations and fees in this catalog at any time during the one-year period the publication is in effect.  The institution, with the concurrence of the Board of Regents of Higher Education, also reserves the right to add or withdraw courses and degree programs at any time.

Effective dates of changes will be determined by the proper authorities and shall apply to prospective students and to those who are already enrolled.

For further information, write to
Jacket Student Central
City College at Montana State University Billings
3803 Central Avenue
Billings, Montana  59102.

Student Learning Outcomes

MSU Billings understands that student success and student learning take place inside and outside the classroom.  The ability to assess and measure that success is imperative.  In response to the 1998 NWCCU accreditation review, MSU Billings began the process of reviewing and revising its assessment processes.  This 10-year review has resulted in the revision of the general education program, as articulated in this catalog.

Accreditation

Montana State University Billings is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.  City College at MSU Billings has individual programs that are recognized and approved by the United States Office of Education, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP), National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), the Montana State Board of Nursing, and the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Degree Assembly.  All programs are approved for veterans.

City College at MSU Billings:  Your Comprehensive Two-Year Community College

City College at MSU Billings is committed to providing its students with Access and Excellence.  As a comprehensive two-year college, the City College provides students with: 

  1. access to career and technical programs;
  2. university transfer opportunities;
  3. outreach and community development programs;
  4. workforce training opportunities and partnerships.

Whether it is in the classroom, a special workshop, or in the day-to-day operation of the campus, City College is committed to providing an uncommonly high level of excellence in all programs and services.

The Institution provides Access and Excellence to students through instruction. The emphasis at City College is on helping students acquire skills to help them find meaningful employment upon completion of their academic program or transfer to the University to pursue a four-year degree.  Our faculty are experienced in their fields and utilize innovative teaching methods to serve their students’ needs.

Students experience Access and Excellence at City College through field-based experiences such as internships, laboratory work, clinical rotations for nursing and paramedic students, and tutoring opportunities.

Additionally, Access and Excellence is maintained in small classes which allow students to get to know their instructors and each other as well as experience hands-on educational opportunities.

Mission

The mission of the City College at Montana State University Billings is to be the College of first choice, dedicated to the development of workforce capacity by providing top quality learning opportunities and services to meet a variety of career choices and customer needs by being responsive, flexible, and market-driven.

History

In 1969, the Montana State Legislature created the Billings Vocational-Technical Education Center (BVTC) to serve the postsecondary technical training needs of adults.  In 1987, by order of the Legislature, governance passed from the Billings School District to the Montana University System Board of Regents, making the BVTC one of five campuses of the Montana University System for postsecondary vocational-technical education.  In 1994, the BVTC officially merged with Eastern Montana College to become the fifth College of Montana State University Billings, the College of Technology.  The merger and subsequent sharing of resources brought about new and improved student services, such as cooperative education, health services, career services, fee payment options, and credit transferability.  In June 2012, the Montana University System Board of Regents approved the name change to City College at Montana State University Billings.

Advisory Boards

To achieve our vision of responsiveness, program advisory boards were created for all programs.  These boards are made up of managers, business owners, technicians, supervisors of technicians, technical trainers, equipment vendors, and others concerned with the success of the respective programs they are advising.  These boards help us respond to the changing needs of the workforce, maintain industry standards, and provide students with opportunities for internships in business and industry.  A National Program Advisory Board was created, which is integral to the long-range development of City College at MSU Billings.  To achieve our vision of being market-driven, we continually upgrade existing programs and add new courses and programs to meet the needs of employers throughout the greater Billings region.  We offer students an education targeted toward career preparation and access to networks for rapid employment.

Partnerships and Collaborative Relationships

City College at MSU Billings enjoys partnerships with key organizations in the greater Billings region including:  Billings Clinic, St. Vincent Healthcare, Billings Fire Department, Optimum, Underriner Motors, The Billings Gazette, and the Montana Contractor’s Association to name a few.  In addition, the College offers occupationally specific and related instructional opportunities on campus as well as through distance learning to prepare or retrain individuals to meet the demands of present and future technology.  The College continues to develop collaborative relationships and articulation agreements with other institutions of higher education where appropriate.  Since fall 2003, City College at MSU Billings has been a training site for the University of Montana’s Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science degree.  Students in the Billings area are now able to complete all of the training locally instead of having to relocate to the Missoula area.

Faculty

City College at MSU Billings is proud of its outstanding faculty and of their expertise in the specific areas in which they teach.  Faculty are highly qualified with expertise in their specialty and current work experience in their field.  A list of faculty members and their degrees and certifications are listed in the back of this catalog.

Diversity

MSU Billings supports all members of the University community in their individual growth toward confidence, individual sense of purpose, and acceptance of civic responsibilities.  MSU Billings’ actions are ethical and principled to assure dignity and equity for all.  MSU Billings seeks to increase staff, faculty and student awareness, understanding, and involvement in the international community.  MSU Billings is committed to providing an intellectual and social environment that supports and nurtures diversity awareness and cultural consciousness.

Location and Campus

City College at MSU Billings is located at 3803 Central Avenue, seven miles from the MSU Billings University campus in the fast-growing west-Billings “Shiloh Corridor Complex,” near the intersection of Central Avenue and Shiloh Road.  The campus consists of two buildings:  the Tech building and Health Sciences building.  The MSU Billings soccer field, used by both the women’s and men’s soccer teams for practice and games, is located on the City College campus.

Academic Calendar

The academic year consists of Fall and Spring semesters.  The summer term has its own calendar.  Classes are also available between the fall and spring semesters in an Intersession format.

Campus Visits

Jacket Student Central, (406) 247-3007
Campus tours are available through Jacket Student Central.  For information, call (406) 247-3007; or write

Jacket Student Central
City College at Montana State University Billings
3803 Central Avenue
Billings, MT 59102

or visit our web site at www.msubillings.edu/citycollege.  To ensure the availability of staff, please contact this office to set up a campus visit.

University Policies

This catalog contains the academic regulations governing the graduate program.  The Student Affairs Handbook contains the detailed policies and procedures governing rights and responsibilities of students in the academic community.  Students are referred to that handbook for details concerning use of facilities, code of conduct, student complaint procedures, regulations for student organizations, and other useful information.

Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Stalking, and Retaliation Policy and Grievance Procedures

Montana State University Billings is committed to providing an environment that emphasizes the dignity and worth of every member of its community and that is free from harassment and discrimination based upon race, color, religion, national origin, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran’s status, sex, age, political ideas, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.  Such an environment is necessary to a healthy learning, working, and living atmosphere, because discrimination and harassment undermine human dignity and the positive connection among all people at our University.  Acts of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation will be addressed by the university under its Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Stalking and Retaliation Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures for Allegations of Violations of the Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Stalking, and Retaliation Policy. www.montana.edu/policy/discrimination

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

Title IX and its implementing regulation, at 34 C.F.R. § 106.31 (a), provide that no person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any academic, extracurricular, research, occupational training, or other education program or activity operated by the university.

Discrimination based upon sex can include sexual harassment or sexual violence, such as sexual intercourse without consent, sexual assault, and sexual coercion.  Title IX also prohibits gender-based harassment, which may include acts of verbal, nonverbal, or physical aggression, intimidation, or hostility based on sex or sex-stereotyping, even if those acts do not involve conduct of a sexual nature.

Reporting, Filing a Complaint or Questions

Montana State University Billings affords any student, employee, applicant for employment or admissions, or person who believes he or she was discriminated against by the University, the right to file a grievance on grounds of discrimination.

Any student, faculty or staff member with questions or concerns about discrimination based on any of the protected classes listed above or who believes that he or she has been the victim of discrimination based on any of the protected classes should contact the Director & Title IX Coordinator in Human Resources Office for assistance or to file a complaint.  The Director and Title IX Coordinator is available to discuss options, explain university policies and procedures, and provide education on relevant issues.  Additionally, the Discrimination Grievance Procedures for Allegations of Violations of the Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual
Misconduct, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Stalking and Retaliation Policy is found at: www.montana.edu/policy/discrimination/procedures/

HR Director & Title IX Coordinator
|Human Resources Office
Tel:  (406) 657-2278
Email:  discrimination@msubillings.edu
Location:  McMullen Hall 310

MSU Billings Conflict of Interest Policy

This policy is adopted pursuant to Board of Regents Policy 770, Conflict of Interest, and applies to all 0.5 FTE or greater employees (hereafter, employees) at Montana State University Billings and Montana law, Standards of Conduct Code of Ethics, Title 2, Chapter 2, Part 1, MCA.  Procedures for Conflict of Interest can be found at www.msubillings.edu/humres/policies

A consensual romantic relationship in which one party is in a position to evaluate the work of the other is a potential conflict of interest.  When such a potential conflict of interest results between employees or an employee and a student, the employee shall promptly disclose the potential conflict of interest to his or her supervisor.  The supervisor and the employee shall take steps to ensure that there is no conflict of interest.

The employee's failure to promptly disclose such a potential conflict of interest may require appropriate resolution, including disciplinary action.

Consensual Relationship

A consensual romantic relationship in which one party is in a position to evaluate the work of the other is a potential conflict of interest.  When such a potential conflict of interest results between employees or an employee and a student, the employee shall promptly disclose the potential conflict of interest to his or her supervisor.  The supervisor and the employee shall take steps to ensure that there is no conflict of interest.

The employee's failure to promptly disclose such a potential conflict of interest may require appropriate resolution, including disciplinary action.

University Police Department

The University Police Department serves as the primary law enforcement agency for Montana State University Billings.  The University Police Department consists of a dedicated team of eight sworn police officers, one Clery Compliance Program Assistant, two office assistants and a number of student workers that assist with parking enforcement duties.  All University police officers receive their Public Safety Officer Standards and Training certification through the Montana Law Enforcement Academy.  Receiving the Oath of Office through Billings Municipal Court, Montana State University Billings has a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Billings, granting University police officers city-wide jurisdiction.  The University Police Department responds to and investigates all complaints of criminal activity that occur on and around University owned or leased property.

In addition, the University Police Department provides workplace safety training and education, fire safety and fire code inspections, emergency management coordination, and building safety inspections.  The University Police Department is dedicated to policing with honor, integrity, courtesy and professionalism.

Annual Security Report

The safety and security of the entire campus community is extremely important to Montana State University Billings.  The Annual Security Report (ASR) publication represents the University’s information and data in compliance with the provisions of the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 and the Jeanne Clery Act of 1998.

Federal law mandates that this report include statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus or on property owned or controlled by MSUB and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.

The ASR is available online at: www.msubillings.edu/police/clery.htm
A paper copy is available at the University Police Department (lower level of the Parking Garage).

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and ADA Amendment Act of 2008

Montana State University Billings affirms its commitment to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability and its intention to comply with all laws prohibiting such discrimination including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008.

In order to ensure nondiscrimination on the basis of disability, the University will provide appropriate and reasonable accommodation for members of the public, employees and students with disabilities, as defined by these laws.

All University administrators, faculty, staff and students have a responsibility to adhere to the philosophy of equal access and opportunity which is the basis for this nondiscrimination commitment.

An individual may be required to provide relevant, written documentation in order to establish that he/she is a person with a disability and entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the law.

The University’s ADA coordinators are the Director of Human Resources and the Director of Disability Support Services.

Any employee or applicant with disabilities concerned about accessibility and/or accommodation issues should contact the Human Resources, McMullen Hall 310, (406) 657-2278 (Voice/TTY).

Students

Any student with disabilities concerned about accessibility and/or accommodation issues should contact Disability Support Services, COE 135, (406) 657-2283 or City College Tech Building A016, (406) 247-3029.

Disability Support Services reviews complaints by students regarding discrimination and/or harassment on the basis of physical or mental disability relating to disability accommodations in the classroom and physical access to facilities.  The full grievance policy is on the DSS website at www.msubillings.edu/dss.