Student Handbook

To request a PDF version of the complete Student Handbook, please provide your email in the form below.

 

• The President's Message
• Safety & Security Contacts
• Student Checklist
• Important Phone Numbers & Websites
• Academic Advising
• Bursar's Office (Student Billing)
• Career & Personal Counseling
• Apprenticeships
• Financial Aid
• Scholarship Opportunities
• Global Learning Center
• Latinx & Immigrant Services Office (LISO)
• International Student Service
• Disability Support Service
• LGBTQ Services
• Military & Veteran Student Services
• Starfish & Early Alert
• IT Services/Open Computer Labs
• Library Services
• Student Success Hub
• FYE 105
• Spotlight Instruction
• TRIO Student Support Services
• Tutoring
• A Few Good Men
• Becoming H.E.R.
• Intramural Sports
• Student Engagement & Leadership
• theCREW
• Academic Integrity
• College Netiquette
• Emergency & Contingency Information
• Grading & Enrollment Information
• Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Technology Essentials
• Title IX, Student's Rights & SNAP
• BCTC Instructional Modes

The President's Message

Welcome to BCTC! You have made a great choice. We’re eager to help you discover and develop your interests and talents through your college experience.

The resource guide was created to help you get to know more about BCTC and plan your time here. You will discover that our college offers many opportunities for your personal growth, intellectual enrichment and emotional, cultural and social development. We are committed to providing you with many diverse opportunities so you can meet your academic, social and career goals.

If you need help, please ask us. Within these pages are descriptions of a variety of support services to ensure your academic success and activities that will help you build your community. Whether this is your first time in college, or you are continuing your study, rest assured our outstanding faculty, staff and your peers are here to help you.

While meeting new people and sharing new experiences, you will be faced with making choices. Some may be easy and rather straightforward; others may be a bit more complex and challenging. Your ability to make good choices will add to your success at BCTC.

I would like to encourage you to do four key things while at BCTC: First, engage with your instructors inside and outside of the classroom. They want to help you succeed. Second, work with our advisors to chart your successful completion. Setting goals and having a plan to reach them is the best way to get where you want to go, and our staff is here to help you do that. Third, get involved! We have many clubs and organizations that will enrich your experience here and help you build your own community. Finally, ask for help. Never hesitate to reach out to our faculty, staff or me if you need assistance. We are here for you!

Please join our BCTC community on the social media platforms and follow me on Instagram and Twitter @BCTCPrez. I would love to see your BCTC experience!

I hope to get the opportunity to meet you around campus in your time here. If not, I look forward to shaking your hand as you walk across the stage at graduation.

Make it a great year!

Safety & Security Contacts

Manager: Scott Coleman
(859) 246-6422
scott.coleman@kctcs.edu

• Security - Cooper (859) 246-6794
• Security - Leestown (859) 246-6834
• Security - Newtown (859) 246-6659
• Security - Danville (859) 246-6877
• Security - Lawrenceburg (859) 246-6815
• Security - Winchester (859) 246-6573
• Security - Georgetown (859) 246-6356

BCTC Campus Parking

Parking is free and well marked at our Newtown, Danville, Georgetown, Leestown, Lawrenceburg, Winchester-Clark County Campuses.

Cooper Campus Parking: For the Cooper Campus, students will need to purchase a C-BCTC parking permit from UK Parking & Transportation Services, located at 721 Press Avenue, off Virginia Avenue. The C-BCTC permit is only valid in the Green Lot, immediately adjacent to the Oswald Building.

Student Checklist

Important Phone Numbers & Websites

Academic Advising

All students at BCTC are assigned an academic advisor, and it’s mandatory that you meet with your advisor each semester. Your advisor can help you choose a major, register for classes, and connect you with important campus resources.

New students will receive their first advisor approximately 5 business days after enrolling in classes. Likely you’ll be assigned an advisor in your academic area.

Advisors are a great resource; be sure to reach out to them if you have any questions or concerns.

How to make an appointment with your advisor:

• Go to the BCTC Advising page and follow the steps to make an appointment based on your student status.
• Why do you need to make an appointment? We want to make sure everything is in place with your student file, including test scores and necessary documents before meeting with an advisor.
• Save time and schedule an appointment! Give us a call at (859) 246-6220 or email bl_advising@kctcs.edu for assistance.

BURSAR’S OFFICE

Everything you need to know about costs, understanding your bill,making payments, and getting refunds is right here!

Students unenrolled for nonpayment are subject to a $75.00 reinstatement charge. Past due accounts are subject to a $75.00 late payment charge.

FAQs

NOTE: Withdrawal from courses may result in an adjustment to external scholarships and third-party sponsorship assistance.

Still have questions?
Email: bl-bursaroffice@kctcs.edu

Career & Personal Counseling

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship programs are for ambitious people of all ages who want to earn a salary while they learn, gaining real skills and knowledge.

What Are Apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships are flexible instruction programs combining job-related credit courses with structured on-the-job learning experiences.

Benefits of securing an apprenticeship:

• Employed with salary and benefits prior to starting the program
• College education paid for by employer
• College degree and industry credentials
• Graduate with no college debt

Visit our Apprenticeship Opportunities page for more information!

Financial Aid

1. Complete FAFSA
2. Apply for Scholarships
3. Complete any Task Items
   • You should check the Student Service Center often for Financial Aid information, including your award letter. Log into the Student Service Center account at the link below and choose the “Tasks” tile. Students selected for verification, or who require additional documentation, will have items listed on the “Tasks List.”

REMINDER: You must re-apply for financial aid and scholarships each year beginning October 1.

BCTC Financial Aid
855-246-6477
Bluegrass-financialaid@kctcs.edu

Scholarship Opportunities

Bluegrass Community and Technical College is proud to offer a wide range of scholarships that have been established through the generosity of individual donors, businesses, and foundations. While some scholarships support those who
demonstrate high academic achievement, most are based on financial need. Once you complete the scholarship application, you will be considered for all scholarships available during that financial year.

Apply today!

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION AND DOCUMENTATION BY THE PRIORITY DATE ON FEBRUARY 1

• Create an online profile
• Answer questions about your education and background
• Verify your identity

All students planning to enroll are encouraged to apply!

Questions? Contact bl-scholarship@kctcs.edu

Global Learning

Global Learning provides services and support for Latinx, immigrant, international, and emerging multilingual students. We also provide leadership and support for global initiatives. 

Our programs include:

• Study abroad and study away planning and support
• Creating and connecting to global experiential learning
• Cross-cultural workshops and opportunities for collaboration
• International partnerships for the college community.

We recognize, embrace, and support the experiences and needs of our Global students. We do this by providing safe, creative spaces for personal and professional
growth for all. Your community has a home at BCTC.

Global Learning is located at BCTC Newtown Campus, Classroom Building 103 in the Multicultural and Global Learning Center. Programs and services include:

• Latinx and Immigrant Services Office (LISO)
• International Student and Scholars Services (ISS)
• Northern Migrant Education Regional Center (NMERC)
• Refugee Career Pathway Program

Email: bl-global@kctcs.edu

Phone: 859-246-6530

Latinx & Immigrant Services Office (LISO)

Outreach & Student Services

• Services & support offered in Spanish, French, & Swahili
• Individualized Scholarship Coaching and Academic Advising
• Specialized support for:  Education access, immigration policy, referrals to bilingual social services, job shadowing, leadership programs
• Language ambassadors - peer mentors and tutors for ELL students
• Consultation for credit for prior learning and international degrees

Engagement

• Latinx Student Community and African Student Association
• Monthly “Café con Pan/Café avec Mkate”
• Global Learning Festivals
• Annual Latinx Leadership and College Experience Camp
• HUM 120 (Taught in Spanish), LAS 201

Contact info:

E-mail: BL-LISO@kctcs.edu
Phone: (859) 246-6530
Instagram: @bctcliso

International Student Service (ISS)

The International Student Services office assists students with applying to BCTC as an F-1 or M-1 international student. ISS also helps students maintain their F or M visa status by advising on visa guidelines, assisting with on-campus and off-campus employment documentation, and course enrollment.

Support

• International student application assistance
• F-1 and M-1 visa advising
• Academic advising
• I-20 issuance and transfers
• Change of status requests
• OPT, CPT, and campus employment assistance
• Driver’s license assistance

Engagement

• International Student Association
• Global Learning Festival

Contact info:

Brian Schanding, ISS Assistant Director
E-mail: brian.schanding@kctcs.edu
Phone: (859) 246-4647

Refugee Career Pathway Program (RCP)

RCP serves I-94 Refugee, SIV, Parolee, Asylee or T Visa holders who arrived to the United States on or after March 1, 2015 and are not yet US Citizens.

Services include Academic and career exploration (including literacy and ELL), one-on-one case management, support services for current and prospective BCTC refugee students, workshops, interpretation, mentoring, computer literacy, and more.

Find us in BCTC’s Multicultural and Global Learning Center at Newtown Campus in Classroom Building 103

Questions? Contact Karissa Porter, RCP Navigator
E-mail: karissa.porter@kctcs.edu
Phone: (859) 246-6323

Disability Support Services

About

The Disability Support Services (DSS) office at Bluegrass Community & Technical College provides a full range of services to more than 500 students each year who have disabilities. The goals of DSS are to ensure equal access and full participation for persons with disabilities in post-secondary education as outlined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Schedule an Appointment:
bl_dss@kctcs.edu
(859) 246-6534

(859) 309-6468 (Video Phone)

LGBTQ Services

About

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) Services offer a safe and supportive environment for learning about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and issues through outreach and education. We welcome, include and respect all students in the BCTC community.

Contacts

bluegrass.edu/LGBTQservices
BL-LGBTQ@kctcs.edu

Office Location

Newtown Campus, Multicultural and Global Learning Center Classroom Building, Room 103

Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA)

Want to get connected? Please join our student organization, SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Alliance)! For more information, visit bluegrass.edu/saga

Military and Veteran Student Services

BCTC supports all service members, veterans, military spouses and dependents by providing them an affordable and convenient quality postsecondary education. We accept the GI Bill, GoArmyEd, Kentucky National Guard Tuition Assistance, MYCAA and the Kentucky Tuition Waiver. 

Over 40 programs offered. Choose from seven campus locations with flexible class schedules and online course options. Cooper, Leestown, Newtown, Danville, Lawrenceburg, Georgetown, and Winchester

For more information about your education benefits, contact Military and Veteran Student Services (MVSS) at BL-Military@kctcs.edu or visit bluegrass.edu/veterans

GI Bill is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web.

Starfish & Early Alert

Use Starfish to Raise Your Hand for:

• Academic advising
• Dropping courses
• Financial Aid
• Non-Academic Issues
• Mentoring
• Online/Remote services and courses
• Tutoring

Contact:
E-mail: BL-EarlyAlert@kctcs.edu
Phone: 859-246-4686

IT Services/Open Computer Lab

Please visit us for assistance with your account, to use computers, print & scan, or just to hang out between classes.

• KCTCS account support; password resets with valid photo ID.
• Computers are available for you to use.
• Specialty course software is available on select computers.
• You can scan & print assignments.
• We can assist with installing Microsoft Office 365.
• Open Lab Assistants are available to help with your technology questions.

Lexington Locations

• Newtown – Classroom Building 223
• Cooper – Moloney Building 112
• Leestown – A Building 112

BCTC IT Support Center Help Desk
859-246-4600
bl-itsupport@kctcs.edu

Library Services

Library Services at BCTC provide resources to support the learning and information needs of our community. Library Services provide all students, faculty and staff with:

• Online access to millions of scholarly, trade and news articles as well as thousands of online films through our streaming film databases
• Over 151,000 eBooks on a variety of research topics.
• Technology collections for check-out, including tablets, chargers, laptops and headphones.
• Individualized research support from our library faculty, in person or online.
• On-demand access to library materials from across the country via inter Library loan.
• Computer and internet access at our physical locations.

Contact Information

Cooper Campus: (859) 246-6380
Leestown Campus: (859) 246-6394
Newtown Learning Commons: (859) 246-6713 bluegrass.edu/library
Facebook: @bctclibraries

Student Success Hub

Having difficulty in a class? Not sure how to use Blackboard? Just have some general questions? The Student Success Hub is here to help!

The Hub is here to assist all students with being successful, getting involved,and having fun along the way. No matter your issue, reach out to us, and we'll help you get on the right path!

Our services include: tutoring, peer mentoring program, scholarship assistance, help with general questions, and more. We can also help you schedule an appointment with advising or financial aid!

Peer Mentor Program
Interested in connecting with a peer mentor? Or becoming one yourself? Stop by a Peer Mentor Lab in SEC 209 on the Newtown Campus to learn more!

Get in touch!
The Student Success Hub is eager to work with students at all campuses!

Newtown Campus Location: Student Success Hub, SEC 101
Phone: (859) 246-6702
Email: BCTC-Hub@kctcs.edu
Webpage: bluegrass.kctcs.edu/sshub

FYE 105

First Year Experience (FYE) 105 is a course designed to help you prepare to be a successful college student. Your instructor will guide you through strategies for academic, interpersonal and intrapersonal success. The FYE 105 course is required for all students pursuing an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science or Health Science Technology degree. Pro Tip: Take this class early in your time at BCTC! 

The FYE Course Covers:

• Test-Taking Skills
• Time Management Skills
• Technology Skills
• Career Planning
• Scholarship Opportunities
• Healthy Living
• Financial Literacy
• Problem-Solving
• Relationships & Communication

Spotlight Instruction

In spring 2021 BCTC launched its new Spotlight Instruction Series! The Spotlight Instruction Series (SIS) provides additional support outside of normal class time to help you achieve success.

SIS Courses:

FYE 105 - Student Success Series*

• BIO 112
• BIO 137
• BIO 139
• CHE 170
• IRW 085/ENC 091
• ENG 101/102
• FYE 105
• MAT 075
• MA 111U
• MAT 150
• RDG 100

Students in participating SIS courses attend topic-based active-learning sessions throughout the semester. SIS sessions, led by experienced BCTC faculty, have both online and on-campus offerings. Your course syllabus provides specific details about how many sessions are required and how SIS can impact your course grade.

STUDENT SUCCESS SERIES

The workshops in the Student Success Series are open to all students at BCTC. This series provides information and support on more general topics such as financial aid, career resources, test-taking skills, time management and more! 

Learn more or register for a workshop, then click on the “Spotlight Instruction Series” link.

TRIO Student Support Services

Join now for:

• Free Grant Aid
• Tutoring
• Transfer Assistance
• Academic Advising
• Social and Cultural Activities
• Financial Literacy and Financial Aid Assistance
• One-on-One Individualized Help

Contact:

Lexington
BL_SSSLex@kctcs.edu
859-246-6778

Danville
BL_SSSDanville@kctcs.edu
859-246-6884

Tutoring

Struggling with classwork in the middle of the night?

We are here to help! You can receive tutoring through our on-campus tutoring service or we also have BCTC tutors who are able to work with you remotely by appointment. 

ThinkingStorm online tutoring can be accessed through Blackboard. The link may already be available in your Blackboard courses, but if not, go to the tutoring website listed below for more detailed instructions.

Free tutoring is provided to currently enrolled students for selected content areas on all campuses. Subject areas may vary by semester and campus.

Our tutoring staff includes peer tutors and college faculty members. Tutors will work with you to help you understand the subject and serve as a guide, but they will not do your work for you.

For more detailed instructions regarding ThinkingStorm online tutoring and to see a list of available BCTC tutors in specific subject areas, go to our Tutoring page.

Student Activities

A Few Good Men

A Few Good Men (FGM) is committed to empowering men of color to improve their quality of life by enhancing leadership, educational and economic opportunities for personal and professional growth.

As a male empowerment program designed to address the needs of men of color, the program will also strive to develop valuable leadership skills at Bluegrass Community and Technical College. The program will foster a supportive environment for students to learn and grow during their time at BCTC.

FOUR CORE FUNCTIONS

1. Academic advising
2. Academic Coaching Monitoring
3. Academic Support
4. Student Success

BENEFITS

1. Strong connections with other students
2. Building relationships with community leaders, faculty, and staff
3. Mentoring
4. Real talk with strong men
5. Social and Cultural activities
6. High touch and high impact academic support

Becoming H.E.R.

Becoming H∙E∙R is a program established to support female students of color, particularly African-American/Black females. Becoming H∙E∙R intends to increase, encourage, and support inclusion and educational success.

This female empowerment program is designed to address the needs of women of color. Becoming H∙E∙R will also help women develop valuable leadership skills and be part of a supportive community during their time at Bluegrass Community and Technical College. This retention program will foster a supportive environment for students to learn and grow as active members of the community and as individuals through education.

Benefits of Becoming H.E.R.

• Strong connections with other students
• Engage in a shared learning experience
• Building relationships with Community Leaders, Faculty & Staff
• Mentoring
• Topic Discussions
• Social and Cultural Activities
• Academic Support

Contact

BL-becomingher@kctcs.edu
bluegrass.edu/BecomingHer

Intramural Sports

Intramural Sports offer fun recreational sports and promote student wellness, inclusion and community!

For students that want to get active, we offer soccer, flag football, and more.

Whether you’re a rookie or a pro, trying something new or just want to meet some new people, Intramural Sports has something to offer to you. Come join the fun!

Questions?
Visit our Intramural Sports page.

Student Engagement & Leadership

• Attend Student Events: Whether it’s hiking or canoeing, participating in a Scavenger Hunt around Lexington or Ice Cream Socials, there’s always something fun going on at BCTC!
• Join a Student Organization: Choose from a gaming club, an honors society that helps you apply for scholarships, Student Government Association and much more!
• Develop your Leadership Skills: BCTC provides an annual Student Leadership Conference, various leadership workshops throughout the year and lots of opportunities to network with community and campus leaders. Boost your resume and have fun at the same time!

Contact
Visit our Student Engagement and Leadership page.

theCREW

Are you a student who is passionate about BCTC? Do you want to help future students choose BCTC?

Involved, connected students lead our community and are the best advocates for our college. You have the inside scoop on the best study spots, important campus resources, and life as a BCTC student. We need to hear your voice!

Join theCREW and:

• get connected with other students
• find a platform for YOUR voice
• network with top decision makers
• get paid!*

*some roles may be available as a work study/internship

Interested?

Complete the form on the theCrew page and we’ll be in touch!

Academic Integrity

BCTC follows all policies outlined in the KCTCS Code of Student Conduct.

It is an expectation for all college classes that all academic work, written or otherwise, submitted by a student to an instructor or other academic supervisor, is the result of the student’s own thought, research, or self-expression. Utilizing outside resources and study groups for guidance of learning concepts is strongly encouraged. However, all submitted work should be completed solely by the student.

If you have any questions regarding Student’s Rights and Responsibilities from the KCTCS Code of Student Conduct, the BCTC Academic Ombud is available to help! The Academic Ombud helps resolve academic disputes between students and faculty or administration and can be reached at bluegrass.edu/academic-ombuds

Exam & Test Proctoring Services

Many online classes require that students take proctored midterm exams and/or final exams. Bluegrass currently only supports online proctoring through Respondus. The online proctoring software verifies the identification of students and serves as a monitor while the student takes the exam. Additionally, placement exams and other assessments may be scheduled through the BCTC Testing Center.

If your class requires proctored exams using Respondus Online Proctoring Solution, go to Respondus support page for installation instructions and helpful tips for success.

College Netiquette

Netiquette is essentially the rules and norms for interacting with others on the internet in a considerate, respectful way. Through our Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), we seek to transform Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) by committing to the QEP PACT - our agreement to promote professional communication, accountability, civility, and teamwork on our campuses.

As such, all email communications with the college, including those with your instructors, should:

• Utilize your KCTCS email address
• Include your NAME and the Course number (for instructors) or Student ID (for other areas of the college)
• Use proper English, grammar, capitalization, punctuation, and email netiquette
• Avoid “text-speak” or “chat-speak”

For all communications that follow the guidelines above, students should expect a response within a maximum of two (2) business/class days. Most instructors follow a 24 hours or less response guideline.

Emergency & Contingency Information

Grading & Enrollment Information

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students receiving grants and/or loans to pay for classes should be aware that withdrawing or failing a class may affect future financial aid eligibility. All students should review the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy for additional information at bluegrass.edu/SAP

Program Plan and Program Applicability

Students receiving financial aid including KEES funds must declare an approved program plan. Students with a program plan of “PENDING” “UNDECIDED” “VISITING” or NON-DEGREE are not eligible to receive financial aid including KEES funds.

Federal Grants (Pell Grant and SEOG) and Federal Direct Student Loans are funded by federal funds for college students who complete the FAFSA and who have financial need. These funds can only pay for courses required for current semester program plan as indicated in PeopleSoft. Your academic advisor can assist you with program plan and/or program applicability concerns.

Technology Essentials

TITLE IX, Student Rights & SNAP

Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in college programs and activities. Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, and retaliation are forms of discrimination prohibited by Title IX.

Please contact BCTC-TitleIXOfficer@kctcs.edu or use the web link for inquiries. bluegrass.edu/TitleIX

“BCTC is an Equal Educational and Employment Opportunity institution. BCTC welcomes and respects people of all cultures, religions, ages, socio-economic statuses, sexual orientations, gender identities, national origins, languages, and abilities. We celebrate individual differences as we evolve to be the face of a unified world. Our differences strengthen our resolve to deliver the highest standard of education in the Bluegrass Region.”

Endorsed by BCTC Board of Directors
March 1, 2017

Student Rights

BCTC takes very seriously the safety and well-being of its students, faculty, and staff. To that end, BCTC has adopted the policy of being drug and alcohol free at all campuses.  Being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs or the use, possession, distribution, manufacture, or sale of illegal or unauthorized drugs is prohibited and is punishable as a felony offense on campus or within 1000 yards of campus. Conduct that violates this definition, poses unacceptable risks, and disregards the health, safety and welfare of members of the KCTCS college community shall result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension or termination. The KCTCS Colleges are in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act amendment of 1989.

You can review this policy along with the Student Code of Conduct, policies on UK housing, and additional policies on the Student’s Right to Know webpage.

SNAP

SNAP is the official Safety Notification Alert Process for KCTCS. SNAP alerts users to on campus emergencies, closings or delays for all 16 colleges and the System office. Head to student self-service in MyPath to make sure your contact information is correct!

BCTC Learning Options

The following is a comprehensive list of the class types and delivery modes available to BCTC students.

Synchronous

"At the same time"
In synchronous class meetings, all students meet with the instructor at the same time. Standard on-campus classes are always synchronous.

Asynchronous

"At different times"
In asynchronous classes, students access the class content and recordings at their own convenience. Standard online classes are always asynchronous.