Course Syllabus

Acts of cheating, plagiarism, facilitation, and fabrication by students demean the institution, debase the degrees awarded, have no place in the college, and are serious offenses to academic goals and objectives and to the rights of fellow students. Academic consequences for academic dishonesty or abetting in academic dishonesty may be imposed at the discretion of a faculty member up to and including a failing grade for the course or dismissal from an academic program. The college may also impose disciplinary sanctions against a student who commits, attempts to commit, aids, abets, incites, encourages, or assists another person to commit, an act(s) of academic misconduct. A student who would like to report alleged academic integrity violations should speak to their faculty. 

BTC requires regular attendance for students. If you have special circumstances and know you will be absent from class, you must notify your instructor prior to the absence. BTC complies with RCW 28B.137.010 and accommodates student absences or rescheduling of learning activities for reasons of faith or conscience or for organized activities conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or religious organization. Students’ grades may not be adversely impacted by absences authorized under this policy. Students seeking accommodation under this policy must provide written notice of the specific dates requested to the faculty within the first two weeks of the beginning of the course. To review additional request requirements, and to download the request form, visit: https://www.btc.edu/CurrentStudents/StudentResources/StudentAccommodationforReasonsofFaithorConscience.html .

If an emergency arises, your instructor may inform you of actions to follow. You are responsible for knowing procedures and emergency evacuation routes from your classroom, which are posted in each classroom. If police or college officials order you to evacuate, do so calmly and assist those needing help. You may receive emergency information alerts via the building enunciation system, text message, email, or BTC’s webpage, Facebook, and Twitter. Refer to the emergency flipchart in your room for more information on specific types of emergencies.

Bellingham Technical College intends to promote a drug-free, healthful, safe, and secure work environment. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of alcohol or any controlled substance is prohibited in or on property owned or controlled by Bellingham Technical College. The use of alcohol or any unlawful controlled substance while in or on property owned or controlled by Bellingham Technical College is prohibited. While state law permits the recreational use of marijuana, federal law prohibits such use on college premises or in connection with college activities. Prescription drug usage must be accomplished in a lawful and safe manner pursuant to a valid medical prescription. These conditions extend to student participation in online classes and BTC-affiliated events and activities that are held in-person, hybrid, or online. Students seeking assistance with alcohol and drug dependency are encouraged to contact BTC’s Counselors.

All Bellingham Technical College students are expected to follow the Student Code of Conduct, WAC 495B-121. Students have the right to a safe learning environment. The Student Code of Conduct outlines what is permissible and not permissible for BTC students.  

BTC believes in the right of all students to access a fair and equitable review process when a complaint arises. BTC’s Student Grievance Policy and Procedure are available on the Student Appeals page of the BTC website: https://www.btc.edu/CurrentStudents/StudentResources/StudentAppeals.html.

In compliance with Title IX, BTC does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities or in its employment. It is BTC’s goal to maintain an environment that is free from all forms of harassment and discrimination, including, but not limited to, sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual intimidation, bullying, and hazing. All inquiries concerning the application of policies for the prevention of sexual misconduct under Title IX should be referred to BTC’s Title IX Coordinator at titleIX@btc.edu, or the college’s Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Officer at hr@btc.edu.

Visitors (including minors and children) may be permitted in some circumstances in classrooms or other educational support spaces (e.g. Accessibility Resources, Library) with permission of the employee responsible for the educational/physical space.  Visitors are generally allowed only for instructional purposes.  Please note:  Children/minors are not allowed in high-risk learning environments and spaces (e.g. shops, mechanical rooms, medical labs).

If you have a disability, such as difficulty reading, hearing or seeing content, health or mobility challenges, or any other difficulties that might negatively impact your access to this course, you may be eligible for academic accommodations from our Accessibility Resources office. If you feel you may qualify for an accommodation, fill out the AR application. The AR office is located in the College Services Building, Room 106C. Call 360.752.8576 or email ar@btc.edu. 

The BTC eLearning department supports online, hybrid, and web-enhanced teaching and learning. eLearning administers and supports Canvas, BTC’s online learning management system. For an overview of Canvas and for tips on successful online learning, please explore Canvas 101 and Learning to Learn Online. For help with Canvas or online learning, email elearninghelp@btc.edu or visit the eLearning website: www.btc.edu/elearning.

Almost all BTC students qualify for some type of financial aid. The Student Financial Resources (SFR) office is your one-stop center to guide you through the application process and help you access funding. All students should submit a financial aid application to find out what type of financial aid they might qualify for. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov if you are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen. Complete the Washington Financial Aid Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) at https://wsac.wa.gov/WASFA if you are not eligible to complete a FAFSA. After completing your financial aid application, check your email for additional information from the SFR office. You may also visit the Student Financial Resources office in the College Services Building, Room 101, call at 360.752.8351, or email at finaid@btc.edu for assistance. The BTC Emergency Funding program provides financial assistance to students who experience financial difficulties that impact their ability to continue their education. To review eligibility requirements and apply, visit https://www.btc.edu/CurrentStudents/FinancialResources/EmergencyFunding.html.

BTC is committed to maintaining a welcoming, safe, and accessible campus environment. To report any concerning behavior, sexual misconduct, harassment, conduct issues, crimes, accidents, bias incidents, discrimination, or general safety concerns, visit https://www.btc.edu/AboutBTC/ReportsandPolicies/IncidentReporting.html. This is not a substitute for contacting 911 or emergency services in the case of an emergency.

The BTC Library is temporarily located in G 102. The library provides research and technical support to promote student academic and career success. The Library’s collection includes print and digital materials, online scholarly databases, laptops, iPads, and other technology. The Library offers reference, research and technology help in-person, through Book a Librarian and 24-7 Chat services, and via subject-specific research guides. The Library space includes study areas and an open computer lab with printing and copying. Contact the Library by phone at 360.752.8383, via email at library@btc.edu, or visit the website: www.btc.edu/library.

If you are an individual whose primary language is not English or who grew up in an environment where English was not the dominant language, you may be eligible for additional support in this class. Speak to your instructor or your Navigator in College Services about possible LEP adjustments.
NOTE: Students who already have an LEP adjustment form on file can seek additional adjustments at any time and update the form. Instructors should be notified at least 1 week prior to an assessment when a new adjustment is requested.

BTC offers free, short-term confidential counseling to BTC students during the academic term. Examples of topics that may benefit you to discuss with a BTC Counselor include: difficulty adjusting to college, stress, coping with a sudden loss or life change, worry, isolation, relationship issues, seeking community resources, suicidal thoughts, or any other personal matters that impact your well-being, your ability to participate in and meet academic expectations, or meeting basic living needs. To make an appointment or for more info: email counseling@btc.edu , or self-schedule online: https://www.btc.edu/CurrentStudents/Counseling/ or leave a confidential voicemail at 360.752.8700.
If you or someone you know needs help now with a mental health or substance abuse crisis, including thoughts of suicide, please call or text 988, or chat online at https://988lifeline.org .

Drop-in tutoring is available at no cost to students when classes are in session. Tutors are recruited in all subjects where tutoring assistance is requested. The Tutoring Center is temporarily located in Building 2. To request tutoring, to view current tutoring schedules, or to apply to be a tutor, please call 360.752.8499 or visit www.btc.edu/tutoring.