This document provides information for students in the Online Program at Bluefield College. It outlines the requirements for degree completion, including 41 credits of general education requirements, 36 credits in the program core, and 49 credits of electives. It discusses ways to earn additional credit through Bluefield College courses, CLEP/DSST exams, professional training, and more. The document provides details on registering for classes, the participation and drop policy, financial aid processes, tuition and fees, withdrawing from courses, and student obligations. It also introduces the student portal, MyBC, the emergency notification system RamAlert, and the Bluefield College email account.

1. Welcome to the
Online Program

2. MAJOR ASSESSMENT FOR DEGREE COMPLETION
 General Education Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
 Total hours required in the program core . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
(Criminal Justice, E-Business & Entrepreneurship, Human Services, Management, and Public Safety programs)
 Additional elective credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
• Possible sources of elective hours: Associate/General Studies Online
courses, training programs, C.L.E.P., or DSST.
• All sources must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
 A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 must be maintained.
 Minimum Credits Required for Graduation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126
• All degree requirements of the Bluefield College catalog in effect at the
time of first enrollment must be met.
2

3. Ways to Earn Additional Credit
 Bluefield College‟s Associate/General Studies Online courses –
For course availability, MyBC.Bluefield.edu/ICS/Student .
 CLEP/DSST Testing – Transfer in up to 30 hours.
 Professional (PST) & Military Training - A combination of sixty credit hours for military
and professional training may be applied as transfer credit. This
credit must be
submitted to the Registrar‟s Office using special guidelines. Some professional training
will be evaluated only after the student begins the inSPIRE online program.
 Please contact your advisor,
If you do not know who your advisor
is, You will find this information in
your MyBC Account. under Personal
Info / Academic info.
3

4. Registering for classes
• Registration for general education and elective courses is not automatic.
• New students must register by contacting your advisor.
• Continuing student‟s can register online through their MyBC
account, MyBC.Bluefield.edu/ICS/Student , after registration has
been opened for the coming semester.
• Although classes are 8 weeks in duration, registration must span the full
16 week semester in order to be eligible for financial aid.
4

5. Participation and Drop Policy for inSPIRE Online Courses
• The semester officially begins Monday, January 6th. (As a convenience to our students, the classes will
open to participation beginning Saturday, January 4th. )
• A student must participate (respond to a discussion thread or complete an assignment) by 9:00
p.m. of the fourth day of the semester/term, January 9th, to be considered enrolled.
• Failure to participate by 9:00 p.m. of the fourth day of the semester/term will result in an administrative
withdrawal and courses will be deleted from the student‟s permanent academic record. (See the Tuition
and Fees section of the catalog for the refund policy.)
• Once a student participates in an online course, it is his or her responsibility to withdraw from the college
or drop a course by officially notifying the Registrar‟s Office in writing. Charges and financial aid will be
adjusted according to the refund policy (prorated) at that point.
• Once enrollment has begun, failure to continue participating in class, without official notification of
withdrawal, earns a grade of „F‟. Full tuition charges will apply.
• Faculty monitor student participation and report to the Registrar‟s Office on a weekly basis.
5

6. Questions or Concerns
• While you are in a totally online program please know you are not alone. We are
here to help you. Our goal is for you to be successful and enjoy your educational
experience.
• If you have questions or concerns please follow this process:
1. Review the syllabus and course instructions carefully. The syllabus has instructions
regarding your course and for MyBC.
2. Review the useful links and resources found within the course and on MyBC.
Technical or administrative issues should be directed to the responsible party. See
slide 34 for contact names and numbers.
3. Contact your course instructor.
4. If you have issues that cannot be resolved through one of the previous
steps, contact your Department Chair, see page 35 for contact information.
• Finally, feel free to contact your instructor or department chair just to chat or
fellowship.
6

7. Withdrawal Information
If unforeseen “life circumstances” arise
• Do not stop participating in a course.
• Before making a decision to withdraw, you should discuss your situation with your
professor and/or your department chair as stated in the previous slide.
• Should you decide withdrawal is your best option, contact Dena Monroe in the
Registrar‟s Office, dmonroe@bluefield.edu or 1-800-872-0176 ext. 4550.
• If you withdraw from a class but remain enrolled with Bluefield College you will receive
a grade of „W.‟ If you withdraw from Bluefield College entirely you will receive a grade of
„DR‟ for all incomplete classes.
• If you do not officially withdraw, you will receive a grade of “F” for all classes not
completed.
• The Business Office will mail you correspondence after calculations on any credit or
outstanding balance have been completed..
• Please refer to the college catalog for the detailed withdrawal & refund policies. An
electronic copy is located on the college website, www.bluefield.edu, under “Academics”.
7

8. Your Financial Investment
Bluefield College
Tuition and Fees - inSPIRE Online Students
2013 / 2014
Effective July 1, 2013
inSPIRE Online Program:
Tuition
$
Application Fee
$
Graduation Fee
Non-refundable Registration Deposit
(New & Re-admitted Students)
$
$
345 Per credit hour
30
120
50 Per Science class
*Tuition, fees, and deposits are based on present economic conditions.
The College reserves the right to increase or decrease the price of tuition, fees, and deposits.
8

9. Financial Aid Process
If you have not already done so, you should begin the Financial Aid
Process right away.
 If you plan to pay out of pocket or your employer will pay in advance, you
should make arrangements with the Business Office.
 If you plan to pay with Veterans Educational Benefits or Vocational Rehab
Benefits, you should notify the Financial Aid Office and begin completing
paperwork with Jennifer Lamb the college‟s Veterans Certifying Official. You
can reach Jennifer at 276.326.4397 or by email at jlamb@bluefield.edu.
 If you plan to pay your school bill with federal, state, institutional, outside
scholarships, or any other form of assistance, you should contact the
Financial Aid Office.
9

10. What is the difference between employer payment
and employer reimbursement?
Employer Payment
 The Employer pays Bluefield College within 30
Employer Reimbursement
 The student must pay Bluefield College either by
days of class start date.
personal payment or by student loans at the beginning
of each semester.
 The Bluefield College business office must receive
a written statement on official letterhead stating full
employer payment.
 The student is reimbursed by the employer after
providing grades to the employer.
 Bluefield College will bill the student‟s employer.
 The Bluefield College Business Office will provide a
receipt to the student after receiving an email request.
The receipt will include a breakdown of courses and
charges, as well as any grants and scholarships or
student payments.
 It is important to note that the reimbursement
agreement is between the student and the employer.
*Ultimately, the bill incurred by the student is the
responsibility of the student, should the employer
default in making payment.
10

11. Financial Aid Steps
Financial Assistance may be available to help you pay for your inSPIRE online program.
We can help you obtain federal and state aid.
 Complete the FAFSA on the Web.
www.fafsa.gov
 Obtain a PIN number to electronically sign your FAFSA
www.pin.ed.gov
 If you are a Virginia Resident, complete the application form for the 13-14 Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant, and submit it
to the Financial Aid Office by July 31 to assure funding. Late applications are accepted through December 1 (awarded only
if state funds are available). The form is available on the BC website. The estimated award for 2013-14 is currently $1,400
for Fall and $1,400 for Spring.
 So that we may better understand how to proceed with your financial aid, we ask that you complete a Tuition & Fees
Agreement. The form is available on our website. This important form also helps us know who we can speak with
regarding your financial matters under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
 The Federal government selects around one-third of federal aid applicants for a process called Verification. If you are
selected, we will need copies of your signed tax documents, W-2‟s, and a signed Verification Worksheet. We will notify you
if you have been selected, and ask for additional paperwork.
11

12. Federal Student Loans
If you apply for federal aid and wish to receive federal loans, there will be a number of
additional steps to complete.
 You must first complete the FAFSA and be eligible to receive Federal Direct Student
Loans.
 We will examine your eligibility based on past loans, grade level, dependency, and
load/status.
 You will need to complete a Loan Request Form and submit it to the Financial Aid
Office.
 You will need to complete a Master Promissory Note at www.studentloans.gov
 You will need to complete Entrance Counseling at www.studentloans.gov
12

13. Financial Aid Reminders
 Use your MyBC account online to keep up-to-date on your financial aid and school account. You
can see your financial aid awards on MyBC as well as any missing documents that may be holding
up your financial aid processing or disbursements.
 You will need to apply for aid each year by completing the Renewal FAFSA. This may be
completed as early as January for the upcoming Fall/Spring/Summer academic year. We ask
inSPIRE students to complete the Renewal FAFSA by March 15, but no later than the end of June to
ensure their aid is in place for the new year.
 You can only receive financial aid at one school per semester. If taking courses at a community
college or other school, ensure you only seek financial aid from one institution.
 You must be enrolled in a full semester to receive financial aid. For inSPIRE, a semester is made
up of two 8-week terms.
 You must be enrolled in at 6 credit hours (half time) spanning 16 weeks in a semester to receive
federal loans.
13

14. Financial Aid Reminders
(cont.)
 You must be a Virginia resident and a full-time student to receive the Virginia Tuition
Assistance Grant (VTAG), and it is only available for Fall and Spring semesters.
 Our accelerated degree-completion program often spans more than the traditional
two semesters per academic year. If you receive Pell grants or federal loans, speak to
us about spreading your financial aid over 3 semesters rather than 2, so that you have
enough aid to cover your charges for all semesters.
 If you have to drop a course or withdraw entirely from school, be sure to complete the
proper paperwork and withdraw officially. Failure to do so could leave you owing a large
balance.
 Be sure to read all letters, emails, phone calls, & requests we send you. Your $$
depends on it!
14

15. Student Obligations
As an inSPIRE online student:
• You agree to assume financial responsibility for all tuition and fees for your education at
Bluefield College.
• You understand that payment is required at the beginning of each semester (unless you have
secured adequate financial aid, or your employer will pay the costs due to Bluefield College within
30 days of the start of the semester).
• You understand that your financial obligations are for an entire semester.
• You understand that you will be responsible for any and all legal collection costs if you fail to
keep your commitment to Bluefield College.
• You understand that financial aid is only available if the courses you are enrolled in for the
semester collectively span a full 16-week semester, (i.e. at least one course in the first 8 weeks of
the semester and at least one in the second 8 weeks of the semester); contact the financial aid
office for aid eligibility details.
NOTE: Please refer to the college catalog for the detailed withdrawal & refund policies. An electronic
copy is located on the college website, www.bluefield.edu, under “Academics”.
15

16. Bluefield College Email account
• After September 23rd and prior to the first day of class, a Bluefield College email
account will be established for you. (*Contingent upon completion of all required paperwork )
• An email message confirming the creation of your new BC Email Account will be
sent to the email address you provided on your application. This message will
contain instructions for retrieving your personal login information.
• To access your email go to https://mybc.bluefield.edu and click on “BC Email” in
the left panel titled “Quick Links”.
• To retrieve your specific information:
mybc.bluefield.edu/ics/My_Account_Information.jnz.
16

17. Bluefield College Email account (cont.)
• Your Bluefield College email account is the primary avenue of communication
between you and the faculty and staff.
• Please do not use other email addresses such as hotmail, gmail, or yahoo to
contact the faculty or staff of the college. Communications from accounts other than
your BC email will not be received or responded to.
• Course instructors will only use this BC Email address to communicate with you.
• Important information and reminders from the Bluefield College staff will only be
sent to your BC Email address.
Please check it regularly!
17

18. The Bluefield College Student Portal
 The MyBC portal is located at https://mybc.bluefield.edu
(do not use www in front of the address)
The MyBC login is your student ID number.
 The passwords for Email and MyBC are the same.
 Click on the “Student” tab to access your transcript, grades, student account,
financial aid information and other student information.
 Click on the “e-Learning“ tab to access your current courses.
 Click on the “inSPIRE” tab to access forms, etc.
 The best way to learn what MyBC has to offer is log on and see.
18

19. The Bluefield College Student Portal (cont.)
What to do if you forget your username or password.
 Go to mybc.bluefield.edu
 Click on the „My Account Information‟ link and fill out the form.
 Please be aware.
 This will not log you into any of your accounts.
 It will only show you your login information.
 You will receive an email notification that your information
was accessed.
19

20. What is RamAlert?
Bluefield College’s RamAlert is a wireless emergency notification system created in an effort to
enhance communication to students, parents, faculty and staff during times of crisis on campus.
Through RamAlert, trained and authorized Bluefield College administrators are able to warn the
campus community of an impending emergency and provide timely information to minimize disruption
and potentially prevent harm or protect lives. In the case of an emergency, subscribers to RamAlert will
receive a text and/or e-mail message with details of the crisis and any necessary action plan.
Participants must “opt in” to the system to receive the alerts. Messages, sent through a secure web
portal, can be received via cell phone (text) or e-mail.
Why is it important for an inSPIRE Online student to sign up for RamAlert?
While this system is primarily setup for emergencies related to our physical campus, we have found it
useful for conveying information regarding major system outages to our online students and faculty.
In the past year, we have experienced a major power outage on campus that affected MyBC for
several days. Regionally, we have experienced two natural disasters , an earthquake and the recent
wind storms. These two events did not affect our physical campus, however, both occurred during the
first week of classes and left many of our students and faculty with out power or internet access. The
RamAlert system provides an avenue for Bluefield College to communicate both situational
information and instructions to our students.
20

21. How do I subscribe?
To subscribe to RamAlert, you must have your BC identification number or
Jenzabar ID.
•
•
•
•
•
Go to MyBC , https://mybc.bluefield.edu.
Log in with your username (Jenzabar ID) and password.
Click the "Student Life" tab at the top of the main page for MyBC.
Next, under the "Student Life" header in the left column panel, find and click the
"RamAlert" link.
Finally, use the sign-up form on this page to register for a RamAlert account.
During the registration process, you will need to provide your name, a username (which
must be your MyBC username or Jenzabar ID number), a password (preferably your
MyBC password), a mobile phone number, and an e-mail address. And, while RamAlert is
designed for members of the campus community, accounts for parents of students or
spouses of employees may be created simply by using your MyBC username and
password and registering a different mobile phone number and separate email
address.
21

22. Technology: Broadband Internet Connection
As an inSPIRE student, you will need regular, long
term access to a “Broadband” internet connection.
• A broadband connection refers to a high-speed DSL,
Cable Modem, or Satellite Internet Connection.
• Slower connections such as cellular networks and dialup telephone modems are not sufficient to meet the
online learning demands of the inSPIRE program.
22

23. Technology: Broadband Internet Connection (cont.)
Warning: Even though you have a broadband connection, you may at times
experience performance issues. Your connection is much like a pipe
connecting your computer to the greater community network of pipes (the
internet). Like any pipe, it has a maximum volume and pressure it can
handle at any given time.
There are many factors that can affect the performance of a broadband
network connection.
•
•
•
•
Having multiple internet windows and programs running on your
computer simultaneously.
Streaming music or videos.
Multiple users within the same home or organization accessing the
internet simultaneously.
Local community or network issues such as power outages or
equipment issues.
23

24. Technology: Computer
As an inSPIRE student, you will need regular, long
term access to a personal computer.
• The following table provides the minimum specifications for this device.
Windows
Apple
Processor:
Dual Core 2.0 GHz or higher
Intel-based
Memory:
2GB or higher
2 GB or higher
Operating System:
Windows Vista or higher
MAC OS 10.5 or higher
• Smart phones and tablet devices which access the internet via a cellular
network are not sufficient to meet the online learning demands of the
inSPIRE program.
24

25. Technology: Anti-virus protection
You will need to protect your computer from viruses and malware. These
programs will slow the performance of your computer and possible cause serious
damage.
•
If you have already purchased an anti-virus program, it is important to
keep your subscription active and up to date.
•
IST recommends Microsoft Security Essentials which can be
downloaded for free from Microsoft,
www.microsoft.com/security_essentials. It will update with your
regular Windows updates and protect your computer from viruses.
25

26. Technology: Microsoft Office 2013
• You are required to submit all writing assignments using Microsoft
Office Word 2013.
• Your Bluefield College email account is equipped with Microsoft Office Web
Apps for free (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote). You may use the
applications to create, view and edit documents on the web while logged in to
your email account.
• If you would like to purchase a full version of Office for your computer,
please go to http://www.journeyed.com . JourneyEd offers a reduced student
rate that is generally lower than other sources.
26

27. Text Books
Bluefield College has partnered with MBS Direct to
serve as its designated textbook provider.
• The benefits of using MBS Direct:
• A convenient one-stop online bookstore
•
•
•
•
New Books, Used books, eBooks and Rentals based on availability.
The nation‟s leading buyback
A 24/7 customer contact center to handle student questions
Student financial aid payment options
• Order textbooks from MBS Direct,
•
•
by phone - 800-325-3252
website - www.mbsdirect.net or by clicking he BUY MY BOOKS link on our
website www.bluefield.edu.
27

28. Text Books (cont.)
Textbook purchases from vendors other than MBS Direct
are not supported by Bluefield College or MBS
Direct. Under no circumstances shall Bluefield College
reimburse, buy back, or refund expenses incurred by
students who purchase textbooks and/or supplies from
any vendor other than the Bluefield College‟s authorized
affiliate, MBS Direct.
28

29. Library Services
 To use the Easley Library website at Bluefield College,
go to http://www.bluefield.edu/library.
 Accessing library databases and e-books requires students to login with a user name and
password. For the user name use the beginning part of your BC email address, leaving off the
@bluefield.edu part. You will receive the password with your email access letter.
 To change your library password, log into your MyBC account, and go to the My Account Information
page (https://mybc.bluefield.edu/ics/My_Account_Information.jnz). Click on the "How can I reset my
password" link, and follow the directions to change your library password.
 You can additionally reach the Easley Library Website from the quick links panel in the MyBC portal. It is
recommended that you not be logged into the MyBC portal when you link to the library. If MyBC “times
out,” you will be kicked out of any library databases you have open.

For questions or help with using library databases or ebooks contact Paula Beasley, 1.800.872.0176 ext. 4269 or
pbeasley@bluefield.edu.
29

30. APA Writing Style
• The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association
(APA) contains what is known as the APA Writing Style. It was first
published in 1929, and is presently in its 6th edition, the Publication
Manual contains a standardized procedural writing protocol using a set of
style rules and that has become the basic platform for scholarly writing
used by business, psychology and the social sciences.
• Mastering APA writing style is an essential skill learned from courses
taught in the inSPIRE program.
30

31. APA Writing Style
For specific help with APA Writing Style, go to MyBC and look at the bottom left hand corner.
Click on the Library Page or use this link ( http://www.bluefield.edu/how-to-cite-sources )
which is found on the Bluefield College Library Home Page. There you will find online guides
that are designed to help you navigate through APA Style:
• Using APA – (Online Writing Lab at Purdue University) contains examples.
• YouTube Video Tutorial: Setting up a paper in APA format in Microsoft Word
• Tutorials from the APA:
o The Basics of APA Style
o What's New in the 6th Edition
• Corrections to the 6th Edition
• Frequently Asked Questions about APA Style
• BLOG - about using APA style
• Contact the APA Style Experts at the APA if you have a question you cannot find the
answer to in the above guides.
31

32. Academic Center for Excellence (ACE)
Writing assistance is available.
 Students can receive online writing assistance on any written assignment for
any class through our ACE Online Writing Lab.
 Students can submit their papers online and receive comments and
suggestions for improving writing. Please allow 24 to 48 hours for a response.
 Just go to MyBC, mybc.bluefield.edu, and click on the “ACE” quick link.
Once on the ACE portion of MyBC select ACE online writing lab from the left
menu on the ACE portion and follow the instructions located in the center of
the page.
 For questions or help with this service,
contact Crystal Kieloch, 276.326.4606 or
ckieloch@bluefield.edu.
32

33. End of Course Survey
• In an effort to provide the highest quality educational
experience, Bluefield College has instituted a mandatory
evaluation process for every course in the inSPIRE program.
• The Academic Affairs office will send the evaluation request
via BC Email prior to the end of each course. The evaluation
is short, only requiring a few minutes of your time.
33

34. Contact Names and Numbers (cont.)
 Main Campus 800.872.0176 (Offices are open 8:00 – 5:00 Monday through Friday)
• Academic Center for Excellence (ACE):
• Asst. Director: ext. 4202 – Kristen Garrett, kgarrett@bluefield.edu
• Director: ext. 4606 – Crystal Kieloch, ckieloch@bluefield.edu
• Director of Academic Programs: ext. 4456 - Ann Looney,
alooney@bluefield.edu
• Campus Store: ext. 4260 - Judy Vannoy, jvannoy@bluefield.edu
• Credit Evaluations: ext. 4397 – Jennifer Lamb, jlamb@bluefield.edu.
• Financial Aid Info: ext. 4215 – Derrick Price, finaid@bluefield.edu
• Library: ext. 4269 - Paula Beasley, pbeasley@bluefield.edu
• MyBC: ext. 4219 – Chip Lambert, itdeapartment@bluefield.edu
• Student Account Info: ext. 4204 - A. Michele White, awhite@bluefield.edu
• VA Benefits: ext. 4348 – Jennifer Lamb, jlamb@bluefield.edu
 CLEP & DSST Testing:
Bluefield Campus: 800.872.0176 ext. 4202 – Kristen Garrett, kgarrett@bluefield.edu
34

35. Contact Names and Numbers
• Department Chairs
• Human Services: Dr. Mark Gettle, mgettle@bluefield.edu
• Dean, School of Nursing: Dr. Carolyn Lewis, clewis@bluefield.edu
• Assistant Dean: Pam Linkous, plinkous@bluefield.edu
35

36. Contact Names and Numbers (cont.)
BC Central 1.800.872.0176 x.4215
• BC Central is your one stop shop for
• Students accounts
• Registration
• Financial aid
• BC Central is available.
• Monday through Friday ……… 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
36

37. THE HONOR CODE AT BLUEFIELD COLLEGE
"Honor shall uphold the humble in spirit.” Proverbs, 29:23
Bluefield College is committed to the pursuit of truth, the dissemination of knowledge, and
the high ideals of personal honor and respect for the rights of others. These goals can
only be achieved in a setting in which intellectual honesty and personal integrity are highly
valued and other individuals are respected. This academic code of conduct reflects our
corporate and earnest desire to live lives of honor that are above reproach, based upon
Christian principles. Each member of the community is called upon to understand and
agree to its concepts and to operate within its spirit.
Honor is an ideal and an obligation that exists in the human spirit and lives in the relations
between human beings. An honorable person shall not lie or cheat or steal.
In all scholarly work produced by community members, academic honesty is inherent and
apparent, the work being the original work of the author unless credit is given through the
use of citations and references.
In all relationships, the college community expects respect and integrity between its
members and toward all peoples and organizations. Honesty and civility are required
elements of an effective learning environment. Truthfulness and respect for others are
shared values of Bluefield College and are expected characteristics of its members.
Continued on the next slide:
37

38. THE HONOR CODE AT BLUEFIELD COLLEGE
"Honor shall uphold the humble in spirit.” Proverbs, 29:23
Continued from the previous slide:
Students at Bluefield College commit to the ideals of integrity, individual responsibility, and
mutual respect when they sign the Honor Code during freshman orientation.
The Honor Code affirms the core values of Bluefield College to “develop students‟
potential through academic excellence and the intentional integration of faith, the liberal
arts and professional studies;” and to “create a caring community characterized by
respect, support and encouragement for each member of our College community.”
Membership in the student body of Bluefield College means agreeing to follow
those standards of conduct which govern an honorable person in every walk of life.
Because the integrity of degrees granted by Bluefield College depends upon the
Honor Code, all students in every class must regard themselves as bound by their
honor not to cheat in any form. “Honor shall uphold the humble in spirit.”
38

39. Please be sure to:
1. Let us know if you have any questions.
• Call - 1.800.872.0176
• Email – admissions@bluefield.edu
2. Save a copy of this presentation for future reference.
• Use the “Save A Copy” function.
3. Complete the confirmation form acknowledging that you have reviewed this
PowerPoint Presentation.
•
To do this, you will need to return to the original window and complete the
confirmation form in the lower left. Please be sure to include your full name.
•
It is very important that you complete this confirmation form. It will be added to your
file as Bluefield College‟s assurance that you:
o
Understand the material presented.
o
Agree to abide by the Honor Code of Bluefield College.
39

40. Thank you for choosing Bluefield College’s
inSPIRE Online Program.
We look forward to learning with you.