2019-2020 Academic Catalog 
    
    Mar 19, 2024  
2019-2020 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Student Affairs and Enrollment Management



The Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management oversees this Division of the College, which is responsible for those aspects of college life that are non-academic in nature. This includes admissions, alumni affairs, counseling, testing, and advising, financial aid, health and wellness, housing, retention, student life, student support services and suicide prevention programs. To meet these needs, the Division is organized into two broad categories: Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.

Student Affairs

The student body of Bluefield State College is a microcosm of the region it serves. No “typical” Bluefield State student exists. The College provides many services to all students, with the objectives of assisting each to adjust to the college environment, to enrich student life not only in the classroom, but also through co-curricular activities, and to foster cultural and social activities and relationships that result in growth. The mission of the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management is to support Bluefield State College’s purpose of making education possible for all by contributing to the enrichment of the minds and lives of students. The Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Office promotes and supports the intellectual, cultural, personal, and social development of students while enhancing their physical and mental well-being. The Division accomplishes this mission by:

  1. Preparing students to be informed and active citizens within our society.
  2. Providing programs and services that support students as they clarify their personal values, develop personal identities, build sound interpersonal relationships, explore career directions, and pursue academic goals.
  3. Providing assistance and services to promote diversity, cultural richness, and full participation of all students within the college community.
  4. Assisting students who have particular needs related to factors such as minority status, disability, health, financial resources, or nontraditional status.
  5. Supporting a college environment that is safe and promotes students’ intellectual inquiry and responsible decision-making.
  6. Promoting leadership by training and supervising students who conduct activities on behalf of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.
  7. Promoting a safe, secure, pleasant, and cost-effective student-housing environment, and the all-around effectiveness of life on campus.

The Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Division coordinates and assumes responsibility for all activities and services directly affecting the welfare of each student. Such responsibilities include health services, counseling, the student activities program, social organizations, fraternities and sororities, campus publications, student government, intramurals and recreation, and wellness programs. In this section, students will find the necessary information to become involved in the student services programs of the College. Students are encouraged to use these services. The staff welcomes inquiries from prospective students, as well as from parents, guardians, alumni, and the public.

In addition to the information included in the Academic Catalog, more detailed information is published in the Student Handbook, in the Student Athlete Handbook, and the Student Organization Handbook.

Mutual Responsibility Agreement

The acceptance of a student for admittance and enrollment at Bluefield State College constitutes an agreement of mutual responsibility. The student’s part of the agreement is to accept established college rules and policies, to respect the rules of governmental units, and to act in a responsible manner appropriate to these laws, rules, and policies. The Student Handbook, containing a statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities, is available on the Bluefield State College website at http://bluefieldstate.edu/student-life/student-handbook.

Student Support Services

Student Support Services (SSS), a federally funded TRIO program, provides educational assistance, professional counseling, and cultural enrichment activities to identified and selected students at all levels. To become a participant in Student Support Services, a student must meet at least one of the following three federal criteria:

  • be a first generation college student;
  • have a physical or learning disability;
  • or meet specified income guidelines.

Student Support Services is funded to serve Bluefield State College students. The goals of the program are to improve academic performance and to increase retention and graduation rates of project participants.

  • SSS provides the following services to Program participants:
  • Peer and professional tutoring,
  • Peer mentoring for freshmen and transfer students,
  • Personal, academic, financial, graduate, and career counseling,
  • Academic advising,
  • Computer assistance and access to a computer laboratory funded and maintained by SSS,
  • Seminars and workshops for personal and academic development,
  • Referrals to appropriate agencies for outreach services, and
  • Cultural enrichment activities.

To determine if a student is eligible for assistance from Student Support Services, he/she can complete an application in the counselor’s office in Basic Science Room BS-113 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.

Health Services

The Bluefield State College Student Health Center is an innovative academic nurse-managed health care service located on the Bluefield campus in Room 210 of the Ned E. Shott Physical Education building. The Center offers health care to students as well as staff and faculty members who choose to utilize the Center for healthcare.

The focus of care includes health education, health promotion, and care for common health problems, health referral, and first aid for minor injuries. The Center offers physical exams and women’s health care services. The Health Center is a service provided through the Student Affairs Office not the School of Nursing and Allied Health.

Health care is provided by nursing faculty members who are nationally certified nurse practitioners and nurses nationally certified in specialty areas as clinical nurse specialists. These nurses hold the Master of Science in Nursing degree and are recognized by the West Virginia State Board of Nursing as Advanced Practice Nurses. The College has a collaborative agreement with a local physician who serves as a consultant to the nurses in the Student Health Center.

The Student Health Center is not authorized to issue class absence excuses for illnesses that have not been treated at the clinic.

Refer to the Bluefield State College Catalog under each degree for health requirements such as examinations and immunizations.

Alcohol/Drug Policy Statement

The use of drugs (including alcohol) is incompatible with the goals of an academic community. In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Community Act of 1986, Bluefield State College adopted Policy No. 50 “Drug and Alcohol-Free Campus and Workplace.”

Section 2.1 of this policy indicates, “Bluefield State College is committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free campus, workplace and prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of controlled substances and illicit drugs. All employees and students will receive a copy of and must adhere to this policy. Each employee agrees to notify his/her immediate supervisor within five days after being convicted under any criminal drug statute.” Full language for this policy may be found at http://www.bluefieldstate.edu/resources/board-governors

The College Policies and Resources for Alcohol and Other Drugs are provided to all students, staff, faculty, and administration of Bluefield State College. Other means of communication on these topics include notices accompanying payroll, the intra-campus television monitors, The Bulletin, The Bluefieldian, the Student Handbook, the Staff Handbook, and the Faculty Handbook. The policies and procedures inform students and employees about:

  • the dangers and risks of alcohol and other drugs
  • policies regarding a drug-free campus and workplace
  • consequences of violations of the policy
  • resources for intervention and treatment

Additional information concerning alcohol and other drug policies may be obtained by contacting the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, the Counseling Center, or by accessing Bluefield State College policies at http://www.bluefieldstate.edu/resources/board-governors.

Student Life

The presence of the Student Life Office is evidence of the commitment of Bluefield State College to the belief that education extends beyond the classroom. In addition to academic enrichment, Bluefield State College is committed to the social, cultural, and physical development of students. Student Life staff members, working closely with other offices within Student Affairs and across the campus community, and are dedicated to assisting students gain as much as possible from a “total” college experience. This mission is accomplished through the provision of outlets for student interest, leadership opportunities, cultural and educational activities, entertainment and intramural activities, and numerous other events.

Othello Harris-Jefferson Student Center

Under the management of the Student Life Office, the Othello Harris-Jefferson Student Center houses the Offices of Student Activities, Publications, Off-Campus Housing, Intramurals and Recreation, the College cafeteria, Student Government Office, game room, Campus Corner Bookstore, Greek Lounge, the Hebert Art Gallery, and the Private Dining Room. Hours vary according to the season of the year and are posted.

Event Calendar & Faculty Scheduling

The College Calendar of Events is maintained in the Student Life Office. Dates for activities are available through this office.

The following facilities are scheduled through the Student Life Office:

Private Dining Room

Hebert Art Gallery

Cafeteria

Othello Harris-Jefferson Student Center Game Room

Greek Lounge

Veteran’s Lounge

Pool/Fitness Center

Basic Science Auditorium

Lobby and Terrace

Remaining facilities are scheduled through the following offices:

Classrooms (campus-wide)-Academic Deans

Gymnasium-Athletic Director

Athletic Field-Athletic Director

Tennis Courts-Athletic Director

Tierney Conference Center and Tierney Auditorium- School of Nursing and Allied Health

Student Government Association

The purposes of the Student Government Association are as follows: represent the students in the decision-making process directly affecting students and Bluefield State College; serve as a channel for the expression of student opinion; encourage the personal and academic development of students through their participation in student activities; promote a feeling of unity among the entire academic community of the college; enhance the relationship between the academic community and its service area; maintain an active relationship with the Bluefield State College Alumni Association; and, promote student responsibility and leadership. The SGA is composed of 20 student representatives elected by the student body at large.

Student Government Association members serve as representatives to numerous college-wide committees. Students are able to participate in the decision-making process of the college and contribute to the formulation of campus policies and procedures. Students have voting rights in many of these groups and serve as advocates for general student needs. Student Government members dedicate considerable time to their responsibilities by attending bimonthly meetings, committee meetings, working on projects, and assisting in student concerns. All who are involved gain personal satisfaction and leadership skills, which serve them in other areas of their lives. SGA represents the student voice to the administration of Bluefield State College.

Intramural Activities

The primary purpose of the Intramural Recreation and Sports Activities Program at Bluefield State College is to provide a diversified mixture of leisure time activities. The program is designed to aid the student in the development and acquisition of skills which can be utilized throughout his/her life, afford an opportunity for successful participation in an activity, and serve as an outlet for relieving the stress produced from academic pursuits.

The Intramural Program includes team sports as well as individual sports for men, women and co-recreational teams. The team sports include flag football, volleyball, basketball and softball. The individual-dual sports include basketball, billiards, tennis, table tennis, chess, golf, racquetball, backgammon, darts, spades, foosball, foul shooting, 3-point shooting, bowling, Play Station games, inner-tube water polo, and Frisbee golf. The swimming pool and fitness center are open daily for unstructured recreation. Upcoming events are publicized campus-wide. Students may obtain entry forms and rules from the Intramurals and Recreation Office located in the Othello Harris-Jefferson Student Center.

Housing Assistance

The Offices of Student Life located in the Othello Harris-Jefferson Student Center, assist students to locate off-campus housing in the region by maintaining a referral list of landlords who have provided the necessary information and assurances to the college. The referral list may be accessed via the Bluefield State College website, or by visiting or calling the Student Life Offices. The Student Residential Housing Office is located within Room 203, top floor of the Student Center.

Student Publications

Published “for and by the students of Bluefield State College,” The Bluefieldian provides editions of news, sports and other features in and around the campus community. The Bluefieldian accepts articles for publication from non- staff members, including individual students, faculty, college staff and student organizations.

The Bluefieldian considers for inclusion any information deemed of general interest to the college community. The staff and advisor of The Bluefieldian reserve the right not to publish submitted materials that could be considered offensive or inappropriate to the campus community.
Both paid and volunteer positions are available on the staff of either publication, and students may also earn academic credit through journalism classes. The office is housed in Room 203 of the Student Center.

A Bluefield State College literary magazine, From These Terraced Hills, is published by the Publications staff. Submissions are taken in the fall for publication distribution in the spring. Submissions include poetry, short stories, art and photography. Submissions are accepted from students, staff and faculty at Bluefield State College and are reviewed for inclusion by a literary magazine committee. Submissions are required on disk and in hard copy and may be submitted to the Publications Office located in Room203 of the Student Center.

Student Organizations

Organized student groups are an integral part of the total educational program at Bluefield State College. They contribute to students’ educational progress in many different ways: recreational; broadened horizons; experience in living-learning activities closely related to classroom work; involvement in professional-type organizations; exercise of democratic citizenship; travel; development of strong and lasting friendships; leadership development and service learning opportunities; and involvement in activities of the College. To these ends, the College encourages student organizations and activities.

All recognized student organizations, their officers, and advisors must abide by the rules and regulations outlined in the Student Organization Handbook. Recognized student organizations include:

Service & Social Organizations/Honor Societies

  • ASCE - American Society of Civil Engineers
  • Baptist Student Union
  • Big Blue Pride
  • Bio Med Club
  • BSC Fishing Club
  • BSC Society of Manufacturing Engineering
  • BSC Robotics Team
  • Computer Society
  • Emerging Leaders Institute
  • ENACTUS
  • Engineers Without Borders
  • Furever Friends Rescuing Effort
  • Gamma Beta Phi (honor and service)
  • International Student Organization
  • Kappa Delta Pi - National Education Honor Society
  • Lambda Alpha Epsilon
  • Lambda Nu
  • Phi Eta Sigma - Freshman Honor Society
  • Pi Gamma Mu, International Honor Society of Social Sciences
  • Roteract
  • Social Science Research Club
  • Student Association of Radiographers
  • Student Athlete Advisory Committee
  • Student Government Association
  • Student Nurses Association
  • Student Nurses Association-Beckley
  • SPAC Suicide Prevention & Awareness Club
  • Tau Alpha Pi National Honor Society for Engineering
  • The BSC Drama Kings & Queens
  • The Business Club
  • USS Yeager Chapter-Starfleet
  • VSO Veteran Students Organization

Intercollegiate Athletics

The Bluefield State College athletic program is a member of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II. The program offers ten competitive sports - men’s and women’s basketball, cross-country and tennis; men’s baseball and golf; and women’s softball and volleyball. The sports’ seasons are varied, allowing the qualified student-athlete the opportunity to compete in more than one sport. While coaches actively recruit student-athletes from high schools and junior colleges, “walk-ons” are encouraged and are managed by the coaches of respective sports and the Athletic Director.

Athletic Department

The Athletic Department strives to offer those students who have an intense desire for competition beyond the intramural level an opportunity for self-fulfillment. All sport schedules include competition from both conference affiliated and out- of-conference schools. The importance of scholarship and sportsmanship is emphasized as well as quality competition whenever teams play.

Athletic facilities (with posted hours where applicable) include a gymnasium, tennis courts, athletic field, swimming pool and a Nautilus-equipped fitness center for student use. To comply with federal regulations, a report of athletic activity for the preceding academic year is submitted annually. The report is available in the Office of the Athletic Director.

Office of Public Safety

The Office of Public Safety is located in Conley Hall Room G-03.  The Office of Public Safety is responsible for the enforcement of federal, state,  and local laws; college rules and regulations; parking; and for the safety and security of the campus.  In the event of an emergency, call 911.  The Office of Public Safety can be reached at campus extension 4180.  The Office of Public Safety is operated by the City of Bluefield Police Department and may be contacted at (304) 323-8921 or (304) 327-6101.   The Office of Public Safety assists students with escorts, lockout, and vehicle jumpstarts, secures all lost and found, and enforces all laws and rules without prejudice and the use of racial profiling is prohibited.  The campus is under 24-hour video-surveillance.  The campus of Bluefield State College is a drug-free, alcohol-free zone.  The possession of illegal drugs and/or alcohol is prohibited.  The possession of firearms or other weapons is prohibited.  To comply with the Federal Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act, an annual report of crime statistics is produced by the Office of Public Safety and is available in the Student Handbook, on the website, or in the Office of Public Safety.

Enrollment Management

Admissions Office

The Admissions Office is responsible for the recruitment and admission of all students, including those for restricted admissions programs. Additional functions include orientation programs, awarding new and transfer scholarships, and distributing the College Catalog and other marketing publications to current and prospective students.

Career Services Office

The Career Services Office provides students and graduates with employment information, on-campus interviews with employers, and full-time, summer, and part-time job referrals. Assistance is available to help all clients with interview skills and with cover letter and resume preparation. Additional services include job vacancy announcements, identification of potential employers, and market supply and demand information.

Prospective graduates are urged to make arrangements in the office for employment interviews one semester prior to graduation. Campus interviewing will be denied to registrants who fail to keep appointments without proper notice. Career Services maintains employment contacts with industries, school systems, and local, state, and federal agencies. Our professional practices conform to both the letter and the spirit of federal and state laws and regulations regarding non-discrimination in the campus-recruiting program and in all services provided by the office. Alumni who seek job referral assistance are only required to update their registration by submitting a current resume and signing an authorization for the release of that information.

Career Resource Center

Numerous materials for the exploration of career and educational options are located in the Center. Students are encouraged to begin a career search early in their college experience. The Center is organized so that students can easily locate much of the information they seek, yet counselors can assist students who many need help.

The resources of the Center include:

Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance
Catalogs, guides, and indexes to other educational programs
Information on BSC academic programs
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Regional employment and salary outlooks
Career Resources for differently abled individuals
Career Planning Resources

Counseling Center

The Counseling Center offers a caring and confidential environment for career options, for developing good study skills, and for helping students with their personal problems. The services and programs of the Center are designed to enable students to acquire the skills to learn new ways of solving their problems.

Personal Counseling

The objectives of personal counseling cover three areas: (1) to help students understand themselves and learn new ways of solving their problems; (2) to offer support-for new or returning students, and (3) to reduce students’ anxiety and show students ways of coping with life situations.

College students, regardless of age or background, are changing individuals engaged in a series of intellectual, social, and personal learning experiences. Change is the substance of students’ environment. Such an environment can quite naturally and inevitably lead to occasional confusion and conflict. Counselors are available weekdays from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. or by appointment for students needing assistance. Appointments can be made by calling the Counseling Center (304) 327-4016 in Conley Hall, Room 305. All services are free and confidential to currently enrolled students.

Referral Services

The Counseling Center will make referrals to appropriate community or private counseling agency when counselors deem it necessary.

Confidentiality Notice

All information provided by the students to the counseling staff is confidential, within the limits of ethical practices as outlined by the American Counseling Association, the American Psychological Association, and the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling. Information will not be released to anyone without the written approval of the student.

Academic Advising

Counselors serve as academic advisors for students requiring 101L courses and students with undeclared majors. Individual advising is provided to help students assess educational skills, program choices, options and alternatives necessary to facilitate growth and development as well as to enhance the overall educational process. A student with a declared major is assigned a faculty advisor who has expertise or knowledge in the student’s major.

Academic Achievement Center

The Academic Achievement Center, located in Room 305 Conley Hall, is designed to improve student retention through advising and academic support services. Contact the counseling staff to access the various free academic services.

Suicide Prevention Programming

West Virginia House Bill 2535 requires suicide-prevention programming in middle schools, high schools and colleges to begin the fall 2015. Bluefield State College students are required to participate in suicide awareness and prevention programs. Suicide prevention resources and awareness programs are coordinated through BSC Cares and the Counseling, Testing and Advising Center.

Student Success Center

Student Success Center, located on the third floor of Conley Hall, is designed to improve student retention through one- on-one advising of new students prior to enrollment and continued contact through student, faculty, and staff mentors.

Smarthinking Online Tutoring Service

The Counseling Center is offering SMARTHINKING, a 24 hour per day online tutoring service. SMARTTHINKING provides people, technology and training to help Bluefield State offer outstanding online academic support and tutoring for students. Online tutors are available for, but not limited to, accounting, biology, chemistry, economics, English, finance, math, physics, Spanish, computers and technology, writing, reading, and human anatomy. Bluefield State students who wish to access the system can login to www.bluefieldstate.edu. Contact the campus coordinator at (304) 327-4424 if there are any questions regarding SMARTHINKING.

Testing Services

Bluefield State College is an approved testing center for the American College Testing Program (ACT), the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Health Education Systems, Inc., and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS). Information concerning registration and administration of these examinations can be obtained from the Counseling Center. Test results will not be given over the telephone. The Center offers free proctoring to Bluefield State College students who must take correspondence, licensure and certification examinations.

 Registration information for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) are also available. A proctoring service for correspondence exams is available through the Counseling Center. Call (304) 327-4444 for information.

ATI TEAS Admission Test

Bluefield State College offers the Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS). The exam consists of reading, math (no calculator allowed), science and English tests. The exam is restricted to those students who have applied for admission into the Associate Degree Nursing and/or Radiologic Technology programs and scores are valid for two years. Contact the Admissions Office or Counseling Center for additional test information.

TOEFL

The TOEFL iBT exam, delivered by the internet, measures the English proficiency of non-native speakers of English. The test assesses reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. Registration information for the TOEFL is available in the Counseling Center or online at www.ets.org/toefl.

Testing

Bluefield State College is an approved testing center for the American College Testing Program (ACT), the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), ACCUPLACER, National League for Nursing (NLN), the Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT), and Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS). To earn credit by CLEP examination, a student must meet the following criteria:

DANTES (DSST) & CLEP

Bluefield State College (BSC) is a testing center for the CLEP and DANTES (DANTES Subject Standardized Test) exams. CLEP and DANTES score reports are mailed to the examinee two weeks after the completion of the exam(s). A score report is also forwarded to the Registrar. Requests for an official transcript copy of your score report(s) should be directed to CLEP or DANTES; the score report(s) is sent directly from ETS or Prometric. Non-BSC students can test at BSC but must indicate during test registration the institution that should receive the score report.

TEST RESTRICTIONS

  1. Student must be regularly enrolled in Bluefield State College or have been accepted by the College; continuing, freshmen, transfer, and recently accepted students must enroll in and pass at least 3 credit hours at Bluefield State to be eligible for CLEP or DANTES credit from Bluefield State College.
  2. Student must meet the prerequisites for the equivalent course(s) when testing for credit via CLEP or DANTES test(s).
  3. Student may not receive CLEP or DANTES credit for an equivalent course for which credit has already been earned.
  4. Student cannot use the CLEP or DANTES credit for the purpose of overcoming a deficient grade.
  5. Student is not eligible to take the CLEP or DANTES test if currently enrolled in an equivalent course.
  6. Student is eligible for a maximum of 31 hours of credit (five tests) within the CLEP General Examinations.
  7. Student must meet the re-test guidelines of either CLEP or DANTES before retaking the same test; scores that are in violation of the retest guidelines will be canceled by Bluefield State College.
  8. Student may take two tests on the same day, yet exceptions may be granted by the Director of Testing.

TESTING INSTRUCTIONS

Arrange a test date with the Director of Counseling in Room 304-B, Conley Hall. Testing will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. If you are late, you may not be permitted to sit for the exam. Please let the Counseling Center know if you need to test at another time. A photo ID is required to test.

CREDIT BY EXAMINATION

Credit is awarded when a score of at least 50 on the CLEP or at least 400 on the DANTES is attained. The passing scores are based upon the American Council of Education (ACE), however  passing scores are subject to change.

DSST

DSST Subject Exam Score BSC Course Equaivalent
MATH
Fundamentals of College Algebra** 400 MATH 109 MATH 109 - Algebra  
Principles of Statistics** 400 MATH 210 Elementary Statistics  
SOCIAL SCIENCE
Substance Abuse 400 CRMJ 252 CRMJ 252 - Substance Abuse and the Criminal Justice System  
Criminal Justice 400 CRMJ Elective
Art of the Western World 400 ARTS 205 - Art History  
Western Europe since 1945 400 HIST Elective
Human/Cultural Geography 400 GEOG 150 - Introduction to Geography  
Rise and Fall of the Soviet Union 400 HIST Elective
A History of the Vietnam War 400 HIST Elective
The Civil War and Reconstruction 400 HIST Elective
Foundations of Education 400 EDUC Elective
Life-Span Developmental Psychology 400 PSYC 210 - Life Span Human Development  
General Anthropology 400 SOCI 206 Cultural Anthropology
Introduction to Law Enforcement 400 CRMJ 151 - Introduction to Criminal Justice  
Fundamentals of Counseling 400 PSYC 300 - Introduction to Counseling  
HUMANITIES
Ethics in America 400 HUMN Elective
Introduction to World Religions 400 SOCI 303 Comparative Religions
Principles of Public Speaking 400 COMM 208 - Fundamentals of Speech  (Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in ENGL 101 )
BUSINESS
Introduction to Computing 400 COSC 102 Computers and Society   
Personal Finance** 400 BUSN Elective
Management Information Systems 400 BUSN Elective
Principles of Finance** 400 BUSN Elective
Principles of Financial Accounting** 400 ACCT Elective
Human Resource Management 400 MGMT 326 - Human Resources  
Organizational Behavior 400 MGMT 330 - Organizational Behavior  
Principles of Supervision 400 MGMT Elective
Business Law II 400 BUSN Elective
Introduction to Business 400 BUSN Elective
Money and Banking 400 BUSN Elective
Business Mathematics** 400 BUSN Elective
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Here’s to Your Health 400 HLTH Elective
Environment and Humanity: Race to Save The Planet 400 NASC Elective
Principles of Physical Science I 400 PHSC 101 - Physical Science Survey I  only
Physical Geology 400 PHSC 314 - Physical Geology and Laboratory  (Prerequisite: Completion of four hours of laboratory science)
TECHNOLOGY

** Candidates may choose to use a nonprogrammable, non-graphing scientific calculator on these DSST examinations.

CLEP Exams

CLEP GENERAL EXAM SCORE   BSC COURSE EQUIVALENT
College Composition  * 50   ENGL 101 - Composition I  plus 3 hours Elective (Prerequisite: ACT English main score 22/Reading score 17 or SAT equivalent score Verbal 500
Humanities (6 hours) 50   ARTS 101 - Introduction to Visual Arts 
MUSC 150 - Introduction to Music  
Mathematics ** 50   MATH 101 - General Mathematics  plus 3 hours Elective -OR-
GNET 115 - Technical Mathematics I  plus 3 hours Elective
Natural Sciences 50   BIOL 101  and BIOL 102  General Biology (labs must be taken separately) -OR-
PHSC 101  and PHSC 102  Physical Science Survey (labs must be taken separately)
Social Sciences and History 50   HIST 101  and HIST 102  World Civilization
CLEP SUBJECT EXAM SCORE   BSC COURSE EQUIVALENT
BUSINESS
Financial Accounting ** 50   ACCT 201 - Principles of Accounting I  
Introductory Business Law 50   BUSN 210 Business Law
Principles of Management 50   MGMT 210 - Principles of Management  
Principles of Marketing 50   MRKT 210 - Principles of Marketing  
Principles of Macroeconomics 50   ECON 211 - Principles of Economics I Macroeconomics  
Principles of Microeconomics 50   ECON 212 - Principles of Economics II Microeconomics  
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Information Systems and Computer Applications 50   COSC 102 COSC 102 - Computers and Society  
EDUCATION
Introduction to Educational Psychology 50 EDUC 330 - Theories of Learning and Classroom Management  (plus professional lab experience on campus)
Human Growth and Development 50 EDUC 200 - Child/Adolescent Growth and Development  
LANGUAGE ARTS
American Literature 50   ENGL 300 - Major American Authors  
English Literature 50   ENGL 302 - Major British Authors  
French Language (College) 50   FREN 101 - Elementary French I  & FREN 102 - Elementary French II  
College Composition Modular (with CLEP Essay)* 50   ENGL 101 - Composition I  
Spanish Language (College) 50   SPAN 101 - Elementary Spanish I.  & SPAN 102 - Elementary Spanish II.  
NATURAL SCIENCE
General Biology 50   BIOL 101  & BIOL 102  General Biology and BIOL 103L  & BIOL 104L  
General Chemistry ** 50   CHEM 101 - General Chemistry I  (lab must be taken separately on campus)
MATHEMATICS
College Algebra ** 50   MATH 109 - Algebra  
Calculus with Elementary Functions ** 50   MATH 220 - Calculus I  
Pre-Calculus 50   MATH 110 - Trigonometry  
SOCIAL SCIENCE
Introductory Psychology 50   PSYC 103 - General Psychology  
Introductory Sociology 50   SOCI 210 - Principles of Sociology  
Western Civilization I 50   HIST 101 - World Civilization I  
Western Civilization II 50   HIST 102 - World Civilization II  
History of the US I 50   HIST 105 - American History I  
History of the US II 50   HIST 106 - American History II  
American Government 50   POSC 200 - American National Government  

Educational Opportunity Center

The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), federally funded through the U.S. Department of Education, is a community outreach TRIO program of Bluefield State College. The EOC is designed to motivate adults to plan for career success by enrolling in postsecondary education. The goal of EOC is to help participants overcome barriers to education by linking individuals to services and resources which may include assistance with admissions and financial aid to any school, career planning and interest testing, scholarship information, college testing information, individualized academic advising, college selection and previewing as well as referrals to other community services. Each participant develops an Educational Service Plan under the guidance of an Educational Outreach Counselor. The plan considers interests, abilities, background, and barriers to education and employment. This client-centered program assists participants in setting goals and identifying a course of study consistent with individual needs. All services are free and confidential. The Educational Opportunity Center has offices located in Bluefield, Beaver, and Lewisburg. Scheduled appointments are recommended; however, walk-ins are welcomed on a first come, first served basis.

Financial Aid Programs

Bluefield State College’s financial aid programs assist those students who otherwise would be unable to attend college because of budget constraints. Primary consideration is given to the student’s financial need, enrollment status, and satisfactory academic progress. The State of West Virginia appropriates funds toward educational costs for West Virginia residents attending Bluefield State College. The low cost of Bluefield State College’s tuition and fees, coupled with the various financial aid programs, makes a college education accessible and possible for students from families of all income levels. See the Financial Aid Office for additional information.

Library Services

William B. Robertson Library http://library.bluefieldstate.edu
Email reference service: libref@bluefieldstate.edu

Telephone: (304) 327-4054
Location: Building adjacent to Conley Hall
Hours: Fall/Spring semesters:
             8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday
             8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Friday
             10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Saturday
Vacation/Summer hours: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Friday
Closed on public holidays and selected other days as posted

Academic programs at Bluefield State College are supported by the Wendell G. Hardway Library. Named after a former President of the College, the Library’s collections are designed to be of particular relevance to the students and staff of the college, and contain approximately 72,579 volumes, 664,020 microforms, and 38 print journals and 23 e-journals. With access to 25 electronic databases, via the internet, the library provides professional assistance, training and information literacy instruction classes in the use of these and other information resources. These databases can be accessed through myBSC portal.

New Student Orientation

The objective of student orientation at Bluefield State College is to disseminate information on academic policies and student rights and responsibilities. New and transfer students are required to participate in the orientation program. Full- time students, and as many part-time students as possible, should plan to attend the summer orientation events scheduled prior to registration in the fall.

Study Skills and Tutoring

Study skills and tutoring are an important part of the Student Success Center program. Good study skills are necessary for good academic performance. Students can request assistance in study skills from the Enrollment Services staff. Some of the resources in the Study Skills Laboratory include:

  • Handouts on specific areas of concern in study habits
  • Academic Advising
  • Tutoring
  • Academic workshops

Web Self-Service

Bluefield State College offers a Web Self-Service module which is accessed from the college portal “my BSC” Bluefield State College homepage at www.bluefieldstate.edu. Through this module, prospective students can request information about the College, get financial aid information, and link to the Federal FAFSA website to complete an application for financial aid. In addition, the most current catalog listing of courses and current class schedule can be accessed.

Through the Self-Service module, individuals can apply for admission, and check the status of either an admissions or financial aid application. Enrolled students can view grades, schedules, register for classes, change addresses and phone numbers.