Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources

As an institution of higher education, Helena College endeavors to develop resources and provide services that meet its students’ educational needs. It is within this context the College provides students with access to computers, along with access to a wide variety of online material.

Students may find some of the material available online to be inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated; they may find other material sexually explicit or offensive. Helena College does not guide, monitor, or censor students’ computer research. The College does, however, restrict the use of computers, computer files, or network resources in the following ways:

1. Students are prohibited from violating copyright laws and from engaging in theft or file theft with regard to College computers.
   1. Students may not use College computers to violate others’ privacy, to harass or intimidate others, to send abusive or patently offensive and unwanted material to others, or to interfere with the work of others. As students’ distribute or make material available to others, they need to be aware of others sensitivities toward information or graphics that may seem offensive.
   2. Students may not deliberately crash, or otherwise impair workstations or computer systems at the College, modify files without authorization, damage files, alter data, introduce viruses, penetrate or harm operating systems, resell bandwidth, or engage in any other illegal acts promulgated from or targeting the College’s computers.
   3. Students are prohibited from concealing or misrepresenting their names or affiliations to mask irresponsible, offensive, or illegal behavior.
   4. Students are prohibited from sharing their Helena College network username and password with other students or family members.

Misuse of computer or network resources may constitute trespass, disruptive behavior, or sexual harassment and will not be tolerated by Helena College. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in loss of electronic access, expulsion from a course or the College, and/or legal prosecution.

Associated Students of Helena College

Helena College has an active, dynamic, and involved student organization, Associated Students of Helena College (ASHC). The goals of ASHC are to help provide students with a quality educational environment, provide a forum for student expression, promote the general welfare of the College, and establish student activities. ASHC sponsors various social activities throughout the year, including holiday parties, student contests and competitions, and other fun activities and events. The organization also uses its funds for the promotion of future projects and clubs.

ASHC welcomes student representatives from across both campuses, from each academic program, and from all officially recognized student organizations. Representatives serve as the main communication link between ASHC and the student body, bringing student suggestions to the organization and keeping students informed about the various activities and important campus issues.

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The College interprets and develops procedures for implementation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 and Montana Statutes specifically as they apply to Helena College for affording students’ certain rights with respect to their education records.

Definition of a Student Education Record

Education records are defined as records that are directly related to the student and maintained by the institution or by a party acting for the institution.

Education records do not include an instructor’s or staff’s personal notes on a student which are in the sole possession of the maker, employment records (except work-study records), records created or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other recognized professionals, library records, and alumni records.

Rights Afforded to Students under FERPA

Students have specific rights concerning their education record:

1. The right to inspect and review their education record.
2. The right to request amendment of the student’s education records to ensure they are not inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the students’ privacy or other rights.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosures without consent.
4. The right to file complaints with the Family Policy Compliance Office concerning alleged failures of Helena College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. Written complaints should be directed to:

The Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-5920

Access to Records

Students may access their records by providing a written request to the office where the records are held. The office will make arrangements to provide access to the records within 45 days of the request. Students may not have access to the following records:

• Financial information submitted by parents.
• Confidential letters and statements of recommendation, which the student has waived the right to review.
• Education records containing information about another student; however, the student will have access to the record section(s) that concern the student requesting the information.

Directory Information

Helena College has defined the following as directory information and may release it to the public without notifying the student:

• Name
• Address
• Telephone number
• Dates of attendance
• Degrees and academic offers (e.g. dean’s list, graduation honors)
• Fields of study
• Class Standing (freshman, sophomore)
• Participation in officially recognized activities
• Most recent previous educational agency or institution attended

Students may request directory information not be released without consent. Requests for non-disclosure must be made through the Executive Director of Enrollment, and in effect the date the student makes the request; it will only be revoked if the student requests so in writing. Students should be aware if they choose this option, Helena College will not provide enrollment or graduation verifications without the student’s written consent.

Disclosures Made without Student’s Consent

Helena College may disclose student information under the following circumstances in accordance with FERPA:

• To Helena College employees with a legitimate educational interest. Legitimate educational interest is defined as needing the records to carry out employee responsibilities.
• To authorized representatives of the United States Comptroller General, Attorney General, Secretary of Education, or state and local educational authorities.
• In connection with the application or receipt of financial aid when the information is necessary to determine eligibility, amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, and enforce the conditions of the aid.
• To another institution where a student seeks to enroll or is enrolled.
• To state and local juvenile justice systems or their officials.
• To organizations conducting educational studies.
• To contractors, consultants, or volunteers providing the institution services.
• To accrediting organizations carrying out their accrediting functions.
• In compliance with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena.
• To appropriate parties in an emergency if the information will help assist in resolving the emergency.
• To victims of an alleged perpetrator of a crime, disciplinary records maintained by colleges concerning the alleged crime.
• In connection with a disciplinary proceeding at the College.
• If designated as directory information (and the student has not opted out).
• Federal and State Data Collection and Use
• As of January 3, 2012, the U.S. Department of Education’s FERPA regulations expand the circumstances under which your education records and personally identifiable information (PII) contained in such records — including your Social Security Number, grades, or other private information — may be accessed without your consent. First, the U.S. Comptroller General, the

U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or state and local education authorities (“Federal and State Authorities”) may allow access to your records and PII without your consent to any third party designated by a Federal or State Authority to evaluate a federal- or state-supported education program. The evaluation may relate to any program that is “principally engaged in the provision of education,” such as early childhood education and job training, as well as any program that is administered by an education agency or institution. Second, Federal and State Authorities may allow access to your education records and PII without your consent to researchers performing certain types of studies, in certain cases even when we object to or do not request such research. Federal and State Authorities must obtain certain use-restriction and data security promises from the entities that they authorize to receive your PII, but the Authorities need not maintain direct control over such entities. In addition, in connection with Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems, State Authorities may collect, compile, permanently retain, and share without your consent PII from your education records, and they may track your participation in education and other programs by linking such PII to other personal information about you that they obtain from other Federal or State data sources, including workforce development, unemployment insurance, child welfare, juvenile justice, military service, and migrant student records systems.

Disclosure to Parents

In accordance with Montana Statute §20-25-515 MCA, will not give information to parents unless the student has provided written permission. If students would like to provide access to their parents, they must sign a Release of Information form available from the Executive Director of Enrollment.

Disclosure to Potential Employers

Helena College discloses graduation dates and dates of attendance as part of its directory information. Students interested in a specific job reference from a faculty member, including performance in courses, must complete the Student Release for Job Referral/Reference form with the appropriate faculty member.

Disclosure of Records to Students

Helena College requires students to present picture identification for all transactions. Any student wishing to receive information over the phone must complete a Release of Information form with the Executive Director of Enrollment. Students will be required to know a password and student identification number to receive information over the phone.

Fees for Copies of Records

There is a $5 fee for each official academic transcript. A copy of all other records is provided free of charge.

Compliance

Students should address questions, concerns, or problems concerning this policy to the Executive Director of Enrollment, Donaldson Campus, 1115 North Roberts, Helena, MT 59601.

Health Insurance

Students enrolled in six or more credits each semester may select to purchase medical insurance while attending Helena College. Through the Montana University System Student Insurance Plan (MUSSIP) students may purchase coverage from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT). The insurance plan provides major medical and prescription coverage including but not limited to hospitalizations, outpatient surgery, and emergency services. The plan does not cover vision or dental. High school students participating in dual enrollment programs are not eligible for the insurance plan.

The student insurance plan is elected or waived during electronic registration for both the fall and spring semesters and must be purchased by the 15th day of instruction for the coverage term. If selected, medical coverage begins the first day of the semester provided payment is made as required within the enrollment period. Students who elect coverage and withdraw before the 15th day of instruction will receive a full refund of the premium cost if it has not been used. There are no refunds after the 15th day of instruction. Students wishing to enroll in the student insurance plan after the 15th class day may do so by furnishing documentation of a major life event (loss of insurance, loss of employment, etc.). In such cases, the premium will not be prorated and the cost will be the same as the beginning of the semester. Plan coverage and premium costs are published each academic year in the MUSSIP campus brochure and on the Helena College website. Contact the Executive Director of Enrollment, 406-447-6908 for more information.

Housing Resources

Helena College is a non-residential campus. Housing resources are available on the College’s Housing Information webpage. In addition, a bulletin board with housing notices is maintained in the Welcome Center at the Donaldson Campus. Students may also consult the classified advertisements in the Helena Independent Record.

Library Learning Hub

The mission of the Helena College Library Learning Hub is to enable student success in the programs and degrees offered at the College.

The Library Learning Hub will achieve this Mission by collaborating with students, faculty, and the community in the selection, creation, and delivery of resources, programming, and services; by providing tutoring, academic support, and information instruction; and by offering an active and quiet community learning areas for study, reflection, and inquiry to foster the concepts of lifelong learning, intellectual freedom, and cultural enrichment.

Library and Information Services

The Creation Lab is located in Donaldson Campus Library with a 3D printer, button makers, vinyl cutter, and other devises to explore creativity. The Donaldson Campus Library also provides computers for public use, group and quiet study areas, a multi-function photocopier/printer/scanner, and a color printer. Professional librarians are available during open hours for full library services, individual assistance, citation and research help, or group instruction at both campuses. Use the appointment buttons on the Library Learning Hub webpage book an appointment with a librarian.

Tutoring and Academic Support Services

The Library Learning Hub also provides individualized tutoring and academic support.  These services are provided to Helena College students without charge. Tutoring is the opportunity for a student receive customized assistance from a trained provider who holds academic qualifications in a specific curriculum area. Online tutoring is also available through Tutor.com as linked in a Canvas course.  Academic coaching helps students develop the skills needed to achieve academic and professional goals by providing individual support in the areas of time management and study skills. Use the appointment buttons on the Library Learning Hub webpage to book an appointment with a tutor or academic coach in person at either campus or via video conference. 

Montana Campus Network of Civic Engagement (MCNCE)

Helena College is a member in good standing of MCNCE. Through this affiliation, Helena College has shown its commitment to civic engagement by students, faculty, and staff.

• The Montana Campus Compact is a coalition of college and university presidents, chancellors, and deans committed to fostering the quality values and skill sets of citizenship in Montana students through active involvement in civic engagement activities. To meet this goal, The Montana Campus Compact works to:
• Offer student scholarships, faculty grants, and resources to member campuses to support civic engagement activities;
• Organize conferences, forums, and workshops to develop civic engagement initiatives;
• Foster partnerships between campus, business, community, and government leaders;
• Provide timely research and service related to its member campuses; and
• Assist in state legislation promoting public and community service.

Students interested in learning more about Campus Compact opportunities at Helena College should contact the Director of Student Wellbeing & Engagement, at 406-447-6962, DON 104G.

Parking

Parking Permits are required for all vehicles parked on Helena College parking properties. Please refer to the Parking on College Property policy.

Obtaining a Permit

Standard Permits: Available at the Donaldson Campus Business Services/Cashier's Office The annual fee is $17.50 and permits are valid for the full academic year.

Temporary Permits: One-day permits are available at the Helena College Welcome Center.

Rules and Enforcement

Parking permits must be clearly displayed and visible from outside the vehicle at all times. Vehicles parked without a valid permit or parked in a hazardous manner are subject to citation in the amount of $10.

Individuals are responsible for reviewing the parking permit application and complying with all parking requirements.

In the event a vehicle is towed, the vehicle owner is responsible for all towing and associated fees. Violations of designated handicapped parking spaces will be enforced in accordance with applicable state and federal law and may result in penalties to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Accessible (Handicapped) Parking

All Helena College students and employees who park a vehicle in designated accessible (handicapped) parking spaces on Helena College property must possess both:

• A valid Helena College parking permit for the applicable academic year, and
• A valid disability parking placard or qualifying license plate, issued to the individual using the space.

College parking permits are available for purchase at the Donaldson Campus Business Services/Cashier's Office for a fee of $17.50.

The use of a disability parking placard or license plate issued to another individual is prohibited by law, including the misuse of disabled veteran (“DV”) license plates. Accessible parking spaces and access aisles may only be used when the individual to whom the placard or plate was issued is entering or exiting the vehicle.

Vehicles parked unlawfully in accessible parking spaces or access aisles are subject to citation and enforcement action in accordance with Montana law. Repeat or egregious violations may result in vehicle immobilization or towing, with all associated recovery and storage costs assessed to the vehicle owner.

Appeals to any fines must follow the procedure located in the Parking on College Property policy.

Individuals who observe a vehicle suspected of illegally occupying an accessible parking space may report the concern to the Supervisor on Call (406) 447-6991.

Personal Property Responsibility

Each student is solely responsible for securing and safeguarding personal property brought onto Helena College premises. Students are encouraged to take reasonable precautions to protect their belongings.

Any theft, loss, or damage to personal property should be reported promptly to the Supervisor on Call (406) 447-6991, or the Helena College Welcome Center on the Donaldson Campus.

SARA State Complaint Process

Non-SARA State Complaints

Student Code of Conduct Handbook

The Student Conduct Code embodies the ideals of academic integrity, honesty, and responsible citizenship. It governs all academic work and student behavior at Helena College. The principles and policies that make up the code set forth the standards of acceptable student conduct, disciplinary sanctions, and procedures to be followed in adjudicating charges of both academic and non-academic misconduct. For information regarding student rights and responsibilities, conduct code, and due process, please refer to the current Helena College Student Code of Conduct Handbook or contact the Executive Director of Compliance and Financial Aid, 406-447-6913.

Student Support Services

Accessibility Services

Services for students with disabilities are provided at Helena College under the guidelines of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended in 2008. Access to the College’s programs and facilities is provided for all qualified students, and discrimination based on disability against any student is specifically prohibited under these laws. Services are located on the Donaldson Campus, Room 119. Students are encouraged to contact the Accessibility Coordinator as early as possible for reasonable accommodations. It is the student’s choice to disclose any disability and their responsibility to request accommodations each term. Certain persons with disabilities may qualify for educational assistance through Montana Vocational Rehabilitation and should contact that office at 406-444-1710 for more information. All documentation related to the student’s disability is kept in separate and confidential files in the Office of Accessibility Services, although it is still part of the student’s educational record.

Helena College’s Accessibility Coordinator is Kasandra Reddington. Helena College’s 504 Coordinator is Valerie Curtin. More information is available by calling 406-447-6911 or by referring to the College's Accessibility Resources webpage.

Advising

The Advising service is located on the Donaldson and Airport Campus and provides academic and personal support to promote student success while attending college. Students are assigned an individual advisor upon completion of their application. Academic advising includes initial and ongoing academic advising, transfer information, and academic success strategies. For appointments or services offered in Advising, students can call 406-447-6900.

Career Services

Career Services helps students gain skills and information to secure employment. The Career Services provides workshops and individual counseling assisting students with exploring career choices, resume writing, and interviewing. Students interested in obtaining assistance with employment should contact Career Services at 406-447-6903. More information can be found on the Career Services page of the College’s website.

Higher Education Assistance (HEA) and Tribal Grants

American Indian students may be eligible for need-based grants from the HEA or the student’s tribe. For more information, students should contact the Tribal Educational Specialist with the tribe of which they are affiliated.

Note: All benefit information must be reported to the Financial Aid Office.

MT 10 Program

Montana 10 is a Montana University System scholarship and student support program at Helena College. The program offers academic, social, and financial supports designed to help students succeed in college. Students who become Montana 10 Scholars will be part of a special group of students all across Montana leading the way in a new way of doing college—a kind of college where students have the financial support they need, a community that knows them and supports them as individuals, and the specialized academic support that will help them to achieve their education goals and successfully launch their career.

Registrar's Office

The Registrar's Office at Helena College maintains accurate and accessible academic records for students. We provide the following services: Adding/Dropping Classes, Degree/Attendance Verifications, Grade Changes, Graduation, Name Changes, Program Changes, Student Information Changes, Registration, Request to Release Information (FERPA), and Transcript/Transmittal requests. Forms may be found on the Helena College website.

Student Records & Transcripts

Student records are only released with a written request from the student. The request must include the student’s signature, dates of attendance, student ID or SSN, and information on where the transcript should be sent. There is a $5 fee for official transcripts. Requests for transcripts may be sent to Helena College with a check (made payable to Helena College), money order, or credit card, to:

Helena College
Executive Director of Enrollment
1115 North Roberts Street
Helena, MT  59601

Transcripts may also be ordered online through the Helena College website.

Students who attended Helena College after 2000 can access their unofficial transcripts through MyHC three years after their final term of attendance. Access is available via the Student Portal under the MyHC link.

TRIO Student Support Services

TRIO Student Support Services at Helena College is a federal grant-funded program committed to serving 140 students each year. Our dedicated staff partners with student participants in achieving academic, career, financial, and personal success through a variety of services and programs. The TRIO SSS program helps students overcome economic, social, and academic challenges.

Veterans Education Benefits

The Executive Director of Compliance and Financial Aid, located on the Donaldson Campus, serves as a liaison for students receiving veteran education benefits between the College and the Veteran’s Administration.

• Applications for Veteran educational benefits are obtained online at The US Department of Veterans Affairs website at www.va.gov. A Veteran Education Benefits Checklist for Helena College can be found on our website at https://helenacollege.edu/veteran/veteran-forms.aspx.
• A Montana University System Veterans tuition waiver is available for Montana resident honorably discharged veterans who have exhausted their chapter benefits. This form may be found on the Montana University System website at https://www.mus.edu
• The Montana University System offers a Montana National Guard tuition waiver for active members. Applications may be completed at http://www.mus.edu
• Helena College complies with the requirements of 38 U.S.C, section 3679, which allows any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or Chapter 33, Post-9/11, VA education benefits, to attend or participate in the course of education while awaiting payment from the VA if they provide the college with a “Certificate of Eligibility” no later than the first day of a course of education. Such certificate can include a “Statement of Benefits” obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) website – eBenefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for Chapter 31. Helena College will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under Chapter 31 or 33. This policy remains in effect until the date on which payment from the VA is made to the institution.

The Veteran Resources contact is the Executive Director of Compliance and Financial Aid. Call 406-447-6913. For more information, refer to our Veteran Resources webpage. 

Wellbeing  

The Office of Student Wellbeing and Engagement provides community referral services, support, and engagement activities to registered Helena College students. The office provides outreach and educational programming to the campus community in the context of mental health, suicide prevention, and overall wellness topics. The Director of Student Wellbeing and Engagement can be contacted at 406-447-6962 or in Donaldson 104G.