Montana State University Billings provides academic and student support programs and extracurricular activities that enhance and 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 services and policies are highlighted below.  For a complete listing of services, policy details, 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:

1. Freedom of inquiry, speech, and assembly.
2. Freedom from threats.
3. Freedom from acts of violence.
4. Freedom from unfair or obscene treatment from others.
5. Freedom from interference from others in an unreasonable and unauthorized manner while in class, activities, and public events.
6. Freedom from theft and willful destruction of personal property.
7. Right to study and learn in an atmosphere of academic freedom.
8. Right to procedural due process in University misconduct action.
9. Right to be governed by justifiable academic regulations.
10. To be informed in writing of the academic requirements determined by individual instructors.
11. Right to be informed of the regulations for academic and social conduct, and graduation requirements of the University.
12. Right to petition for redress of grievances, academic and non-academic

Student Responsibilities

Each student has the responsibility:

1. To respect the rights and property of others.
2. To be fully acquainted and comply with the published rules and regulations of the University.
3. To comply with all local, state, and federal laws.
4. To recognize that student activities reflect upon the individuals involved as well as upon the entire University community.
5. To recognize the University’s obligation to provide a safe environment conducive for learning and academic inquiry.
6. To adhere to the academic requirements determined by individual instructors.
7. 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 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 Police/Parking	406-657-2147
Campus Store	406-657-2121
Career & Employment Services	406-657-2168
Center for Engagement	406-657-2387
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 Scholarship	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 SSS)	406-657-2162
Student Support Services (TRIO SSS) City College	406-247-3051
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

Associated Students of Montana State University Billings (ASMSUB)

SUB 213, (406) 657-2365
www.msubillings.edu/asmsub

The Associated Students of Montana State University Billings (ASMSU Billings) are governed by a Student Senate, the functions of which are to administer and to distribute student activity fees, 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.

Dining Services

Student Union Building, (406) 657-2383
msubillingsdining.sodexomyway.com

Montana State University Billings Dining Services offers a dining program for students, faculty, and staff.  Students living in the residence halls participate in the campus dining program by purchasing a one of a variety of meal plans consisting of dining dollars and board meals.  Board meals are used for an all-you-care-to-eat meals in Rimrock Café.  Dining dollars can be used in any of the dining venues including Rimrock Café, Stingers Bistro, Jazzman’s, SUB Connection, and City College Café.

Dining locations on the University campus include Rimrock Café and Stingers Bistro, located in the SUB, as well as Jazzman’s and SUB Connection, located in the Liberal Arts Building.  City College Campus offers City College Café as well as Starbucks Coffee.

Disability Support Services

MSUB University Campus:  College of Education 135
(406) 657-2283 (V)
(406) 545-2518 (VP)

City College Campus:  Tech Building A016
(406) 247-3029 (V)
(406) 545-1026 (VP)
www.msubillings.edu/dss

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 www.msubillings.edu/dss.

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.  The mission of this office is to ensure we are meeting the various needs of the diverse campus population through fair and equal representation as well as increased opportunity for learning and understanding about equity and inclusion topics.

The Wellness & Diversity Center offers leadership opportunities for students through clubs or organized meeting groups.  Each group is student focused, and student driven with opportunities to engage in campus and community programs, events, and social activities.

Housing & Residence Life

SUB 225, (406) 657-2333
www.msubillings.edu/reslife

Residence Halls

Montana State University Billings provides on-campus living facilities for students who are actively pursuing a degree.  The residence halls offer an environment which is desirable for those who are seeking a well-rounded education.  Participation in hall programming and community living is part of the complete experience the residence hall provides.

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 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 the Office of Housing & Residence Life and Disability Support Services 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.

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 Housing & Residence Life at (406) 657-2333 or visit www.msubillings.edu/reslife/familyhsing.htm

Housing Application

Residents who complete their online Housing Applications and pay the $125 Non-Refundable 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, the student is financially obligated by the contract for the entire year, and may only be released for the following reasons:

1. Withdrawal from Montana State University Billings
2. Graduation from Montana State University Billings
3. Internship or student teaching assignment out of the area
4. Medical related condition
5. Financial hardship
6. Documented disability 
7. Marriage
8. Living with family/legal guardian in Yellowstone County
9. Academic or disciplinary suspension

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 the office of 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:  Students who are 20 years or younger, three years out of high school, and under 30 credits at the start of the fall semester.

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 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
• 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 the exemption criteria.

Note:  Students who do not submit an application for on-campus housing or submit an approved exemption form by May 1, 2024, may be subject to a registration hold placed on their account for the fall 2024 semester until either an application or an approved exemption form is submitted. Please go to www.msubillings.edu/reslife to complete an exemption form.

Campus Store

Student Union Building, (406) 657-2121
www.jackets-and-company.com

The Campus Store is located in the Student Union to provide the campus community with all required course materials through the website and carries in store a wide selection of school and office supplies, imprinted apparel, computers, software, electronics, gifts, greeting cards, and sundries at competitive prices. 

New Student Orientation

McMullen First Floor, (406) 657-2240
www.msubillings.edu/orientation

Admissions, New Student Services, and the Center for Engagement coordinates the MSUB Orientation Program.  This program is designed to provide new students a smooth transition to MSUB.  Adult Learners and Transfer students are highly encouraged to attend Adult Learner or Transfer Learner Orientation prior to the fall semester.  Students starting at MSUB in a spring or summer term will be contacted by New Student Services at 406-657-2888 or Jacket Student Central (406) 247-3019 outlining orientation and registration options.

Student Health Services

Petro Hall, (406) 657-2153
City College, (406) 247-3027
www.msubillings.edu/studenthealth

Student Health Services (SHS) is an ambulatory health care facility which provides high quality, cost-effective health care and mental health counseling with an emphasis on health education and wellness initiatives to promote and enhance student success.  With a staff of advanced practice professional nurses (with some contracted through SCL Health), a Registered Nurse, mental health counselors, and a wellness specialist, we provide health care, immunizations, COVID-19 testing, mental health counseling, and health education.  SHS strives to encourage students to become responsible and knowledgeable consumers of health care.  All students enrolled for seven or more credits are charged the Student Health Service fee each semester.  It is an optional fee for six or fewer credits.  

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.  Students must elect or waive the health insurance before the 15th class day of fall or spring semesters.  Each semester the premium is for a period of six months, therefore, enrolling in both semesters ensures 12 months of coverage.  Online-only students should contact Student Health Services regarding insurance availability.

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 and the City College SHS, 2nd floor of the Tech Building.

Full information about the student health insurance program, provided by the Montana University Insurance Consortium, is available at www.bcbsmt.com

TRIO - Student Support Services (SSS)

www.msubillings.edu/sss/

MSUB University Campus:  Library 141
(406) 657-2162
City College Campus:  Tech Building A021
(406) 247-3051

This federally funded program is located on both the MSUB and City College campuses.  TRIO assists 400 eligible students by helping them successfully navigate college and earn a two or four-year degree.  To be eligible, students must be working on a degree (Bachelor’s degree at MSUB or certificate/Associate's degree from City College) and meet one of the following:  be from a low-income background (such as Pell grant eligible), be a first-generation college student, or have a documented physical, emotional, or learning disability.  TRIO offers the following free of charge to qualifying students:

• Mentoring and advising
• Tutoring and study groups
• Skills building workshops
• Assistance completing FAFSA and scholarship applications
• Letters of recommendation
• Financial literacy and budgeting assistance
• Referrals to community organizations (to assist with food, housing, transportation, etc.)
• Midterm evaluations
• Assistance in graduation preparation
• Help transferring to a four-year or graduate institution
• Academic boot camp summer bridge program
• Textbook lending library
• Laptop loaner program
• Equipment rental (SmartPens, calculators, etc.)
• And much more!

Center for Engagement & Campus Activities

SUB 219, (406) 657-2387
www.msubillings.edu/engagement

The Center for Engagement serves as 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, the Student Union provides space for the Campus Store, Campus Dining Services, Stingers Bistro, ASMSU Billings, Yellowjacket Pantry, Housing and Residence Life, Wellness & Diversity Center, Academic Support Center, Petro Theater, ROTC, Student Activities Board, Montana 10, and student organization offices.

Civic and 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 team 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 help 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, Campus Blood Drives, the Yellowjacket Pantry, 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.

Student Activities, Student Organizations, Leadership Development

www.msubillings.edu/studentlife

The Center for Engagement coordinates and supervises the registration of all campus student organizations.  The Center provides organizations with support, consultation services, resources, and leadership development and recognition programs.  The Center is also the University contact for students seeking assistance to charter and organize new student organizations on campus.

The University encourages a variety of student activities and organizations, insofar as they promote both positive activity and the objectives of the University.  The nonacademic aspects of student life can prove to be immensely valuable with enriching the student experience.  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.

Meeting and Conference Space

(406) 657-2387
www.msubillings.edu/engagement/engage-events/index.htm

MSU Billings provides meeting and conference rooms, event posting and displays, and public lounges.  The Center for Engagement coordinates the scheduling of campus space.

Student Activities Board

SUB 219, (406) 657-2257
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. Selection of board members is open to all students and occurs during fall and spring.

Upward Bound/TRIO

CI 306, (406) 657-2180
www.msubillings.edu/upb

Upward Bound is a federally funded high school scholarship program designed to generate in participants the skills and motivation needed to enroll and graduate from a program of postsecondary education.  Participants must meet federal eligibility criteria, as well as demonstrate interest and motivation for pursuing education beyond high school.  Services include  academic advising, instruction and tutoring, an on-campus summer academic program, postsecondary enrollment assistance, and cultural and social experiences.

Educational Talent Search/TRIO

CI 306, (406) 657-2116
www.msubillings.edu/ets

Educational Talent Search (ETS) is a federally funded TRIO program designed to assist 6th to 12th grade students prepare for and attend a post-secondary institution of their choice upon high school graduation.  Participants must meet federal eligibility criteria and demonstrate interest and motivation to pursue education beyond high school.  The ETS program serves 600 eligible students in Yellowstone County.  Services include academic advising, instruction and tutoring, post-secondary enrollment assistance, and cultural and social experiences.

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. The NAAC staff are available to help students apply, enroll, graduate, and launch into a successful career.  Services include individualized assistance with relocation to Billings, advocacy and referral to campus and off-campus services, study skills coaching, and scholarship application guidance.  The staff help students identify 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. At City College there is a Native Student Lounge on the second floor of the Tech Building for any Native student to use.

The center hosts the annual American Indian Heritage Day, Veterans Medicine Wheel, and the MSUB Powwow.  The Director serves as a liaison 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 ability, 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 dances, Native games, documentary films, and Native cuisine.

Military and Veterans Success Center and VA School Certifying Official

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, 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. There are veterans' lounges at both MSU Billings 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 can study and relax in between classes. There are kitchenettes located in each lounge along with free snacks, drinks, and printing.

VA School Certifying Official (VA Education Benefits)

COE 106, (406) 657-2968

The School Certifying Official (SCO) is located at the MVSC and is the primary point of contact for all students using VA education benefits. In order to ensure timely and accurate benefit payments, it is recommended that veterans and military-affiliated students check with the Military and Veterans Success Center four-six weeks prior to the start of the term. Students should notify the Military and Veterans Success Center staff whenever there is a change in contact information or enrollment. The SCO will work with students and their families in order to maximize military education benefits and connect students with other support services.

Please note that students must request certification every semester through the MVSC, and enrollments will not 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. 

Veterans Upward Bound

Cisel Hall 109, (406) 272-2604
vubmt.com

The Veterans’ Upward Bound Program of Montana State University-Northern maintains a program at MSU Billings to assist veterans in learning the skills that will enable them to be successful in college.  Both day and evening courses are offered in areas such as College Planning, English, Math, Science, and Computers. 

Call (406) 272-2604 for assistance.