Advising
Advising at BRCC
BRCC’s College Navigators are here to help students reach their educational and career goals. A College Navigator can guide students through degree completion by helping them understand college policies and procedures, navigate degree checklists, and determine which classes to select each semester. College Navigators are also an excellent resource for finding information and other services at BRCC that can assist students with their educational goals.
General Advising
College Navigators are located in the Bienvenue Student Center on the Midcity Campus and are available to help students understand their ACT/SAT and ACCUPLACER® placement test scores, determine placement into courses, and register for classes. College Navigators provide information regarding course prerequisites, degree programs, degree checklists, course offerings and educational and career plans. Students may visit a College Navigator in the Bienvenue Student Center on the Midcity campus, on the Acadian campus, and Port Allen campus sites. For more information or questions email collegenavigators@mybrcc.edu.
Counseling and Accessibility Services
Counseling Services
The Office of Counseling and Accessibility Services (CAS) provides psychological and emotional support to students as they pursue their academic and personal goals. We are dedicated to supporting students in developing greater self-understanding so that they can better navigate current and future challenges. Services provided include short-term individual counseling, crisis intervention, couples counseling, group sessions, and psychoeducational seminars on topics such as anger management, conflict resolution, and stress/anxiety management. For long-term care or more in-depth therapy, CAS can assist students in locating a local off-campus provider.
To schedule an appointment or find additional information about counseling services, visit our website at https://mybrcc.edu/counseling-services/index.php or email counseling@mybrcc.edu.
Accessibility Services
Counseling and Accessibility Services works to eliminate barriers and promote equal access to all campus programs and activities. Any self-identifying student with a learning, physical, psychological, or other disability significantly impacting their academic pursuits is potentially eligible for services. CAS provides intake, assessment of needs on campus, and the facilitation of academic and other accommodations for students with disabilities attending BRCC. Services are provided collaboratively to empower students to advocate for themselves and assume responsibility for their academic outcomes and personal goals. CAS also provides training for faculty and staff to increase understanding of the needs and the advantages of a team approach to serving students with disabilities.
To register for accessibility services or find more information, visit our website at https://mybrcc.edu/accessibility-services/index.php or email cas@mybrcc.edu.
The Magnolia Library
The Magnolia Library provides services to BRCC students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community. The library has a variety of materials that meet the information and research needs of its patrons: it houses a core collection of approximately 54,000 physical items, including books, DVD and audio media, CD-ROMs, video games, reference, and reserve items. Patrons can listen to or view media in DVD or CD format. Headphones and graphing and scientific calculators are also available for checkout. Facility amenities include computer terminals, accessible seating space, study rooms, and study carrels. Open-use copiers and printers are available for a nominal charge.
The library also provides a number of electronic resources that are fully accessible off campus. As a member of LOUIS (The Louisiana Library Network), BRCC’s Magnolia Library is able to offer extensive electronic resources to its community. These resources include a collection of over 80 electronic databases, which provide over 75,000 full text journals, with access to scholarly journals, magazines, and news sources, which are searchable by title, as well as the library’s eBook collection, a full-text database collection of over 84,800 electronic-book titles.
All individuals using the library’s resources, services, and facilities are expected to abide by the library’s rules and policies. Anyone wishing to check materials out of the library must have a current affiliation with the College and valid BRCC ID. Any fines incurred are the responsibility of the person checking out the materials. Failure to comply with library policies may result in the loss of library privileges and services. For detailed hours of operation or additional information, please visit the library webpage, call (225) 216-8555, or e-mail the library at librarian@mybrcc.edu.
Other Library locations
In addition to the Magnolia Library located on the Mid-City campus, library services are available at all BRCC campuses and sites. Information about hours of service is available on the BRCC website or by calling the Magnolia Library reference desk at (225) 216-8555.
Circulation Services
Circulation Services provides the greatest possible use of all library material by patrons while ensuring the collection’s security. Circulation Services is responsible for textbook reserves, study room reservations, shelving, and stacks maintenance. To checkout materials or use other library resources, a valid BRCC identification card is required. Borrowers must abide by the policies and regulations set by the library; failure to comply will result in the loss of library privileges and access to services. Borrowed materials must be returned and fines paid by the end of each semester, or final grades and transcripts will be withheld.
Reference Services
Reference Services is committed to providing quality information service through one-on-one assistance, brochures, online modules, instructional sessions, courses, and workshops. In order to provide faculty with the opportunity to better acquaint their students with library resources, Reference Services offers library tours and bibliographic instruction sessions, which can be customized to meet the needs of an individual class or particular assignment upon request.
Students are encouraged to seek the assistance of Reference Librarians for their research needs. The main Reference Desk is located on the second floor of the Magnolia Library. Reference Services are available at all sites on a recurring schedule, by contacting the Reference Desk at (225) 216-8555, by using the Ask a Librarian chat, or by emailing librarian@mybrcc.edu.
International Student Services
International Student Services is part of Student Services, which is located in the Bienvenue Student Center. International Student Services addresses the needs and concerns of the College’s international student community by providing:
- Admissions applications and other documents required by BRCC,
- An International Student Advisor, who handles immigration matters and assists international students with concerns related to their F-1 visa status, and
Veterans Educational Services
BRCC’s Office of Veteran Affairs counsels, advises, and certifies enrollment each semester for eligible veterans, service members, and dependents using VA education benefits. Students must submit the college’s Enrollment Certification Request for Veterans Benefits (with any required documentation) every term so the School Certifying Official can report enrollment to VA. Early submission is strongly recommended to avoid payment delays. Students should be prepared to cover initial educational expenses if VA processing is not complete by the fee deadline.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides tuition/fee payments (to the school), a monthly housing allowance (when eligible), and a books/supplies stipend. In general, individuals qualify with at least 90 days of aggregate active-duty service after September 10, 2001, or 30 days with a service-connected disability discharge, and an honorable discharge. For current details and how benefits compare to other chapters, visit VA.gov/education.
High School Student Programs
High school students enrolling choosing either the Dual Enrollment or Early College Academy option are not eligible to select a program of study. Students must enroll as non-degree seeking students unless otherwise decided by the College. Students attending courses at a BRCC location are responsible for transportation to the College. Students wishing to apply for either option are required to complete the same application steps listed on the College’s website under Dual Enrollment Student. Students must submit paper applications with evidence that all requirements below are met.
Dual Enrollment
BRCC offers a dual enrollment Program to high school students, which provides high school students the opportunity to take college courses taught at the high school campus or at one of BRCC’s campuses. Students earn college credit while concurrently earning Carnegie units towards high school graduation. All students wishing to enroll in dual enrollment must meet the Board of Regents prerequisite requirements as well as the following minimum requirements:
- Enrolled in a high school or approved home study program.
- Possess a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 to enroll in academic courses (on the Board of Regents’ Master Course Articulation Matrix), or a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 1.5 to enroll in technical skill courses (not a transferable General Education course or listed on the Master Course Articulation Matrix).
- Meet minimum prerequisites for requested course. To enroll in BRCC courses listed in the Board of Regents Master Course Articulation Matrix, a high school student must meet the Board of Regents prerequisite requirements.
- Indicate the high school course in which the student is receiving a Carnegie unit for the college course selected.
- Submit proof of consent from the high school principal/designated official of the high school for enrollment in the College.
Students are expected to adhere to all College, course, and instructor calendars, policies, and requirements. For additional information on the program, visit BRCC’s website or email dualenrollment@mybrcc.edu.
Early College Academy
BRCC offers an Early College Academy program for qualified high school students. Students enrolled in the College through the Early College Academy program work towards college credit only and do not receive high school credit (Carnegie Unit) for courses taken. Entry into this program is subject to the approval of department personnel. Students who enroll as an Early College student must:
- Submit high school transcripts indicating the student is a junior or senior with a minimum cumulative earned 3.00 high school grade-point-average.
- Submit proof of consent from a parent/guardian.
- Meet all course prerequisites and program requirements
- Submit ACT/SAT score report indicating minimum college readiness scores in English and math.
Homeschooled students are eligible to participate in either of the high school programs, but they must provide the following documentation as part of the College application:
- Proof that the student is at least 16 years of age to enroll in a course on campus (students attending BRCC through a virtual course do not need to provide proof of age).
- ACT score report or placement test score report.
- An official transcript.
- Current documentation from the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) verifying enrollment in a BESE Approved Home Study Program (Home Study Approval Letter).
Department of Student Technology Services
The BRCC Department of Student Technology Services is the operational arm of the Student Technology Fee Committee; it implements the directives of the Committee for utilization of the Student Technology Fee, which provides students with the technological support and resources for an enriched and relevant educational experience. Student Technology Services maintains, and upgrades student computer resources, implements new technological resources, and provides technological support for students inside and outside of the classroom.
Open Computer Labs
Student Technology Services provides open computer labs in every campus building; computers in the labs are equipped with the necessary software and hardware to academically support both students and faculty. The open labs are networked, with Internet access, and provide printing capabilities. Full-time Student Technology Services staff members are available to assist students free of charge with course registration, using lab and College software, using Microsoft Office software, and other technology-related issues. A valid BRCC Student Identification Card may be required to use computer labs.
Career and Transfer Services
The Career and Transfer Center is located in the Bienvenue Student Center or online in the Virtual Student Center. Students and alumni may take advantage of a variety of resources offered by the Career and Transfer Center, including:
- Career assessments and support choosing your career path
- Job search strategies
- Resume creation and revision
- Interview preparation and mock interviews
- Career, Transfer, and Job Fairs
- Career and educational support
To schedule an appointment or find additional information about Career and Transfer Services, please visit our website at https://mybrcc.edu/career-center or email careerservices@mybrcc.edu
Online Resources include:
Handshake: https://mybrcc.joinhandshake.com/login
A job platform solely for college students with internships, part-time, and full-time jobs
SKILLS First: https://mybrcc.optimalresume.com/
Create a professional resume or cover letter and develop your job search and interview skills
Career and Transfer Center Canvas Course: https://mybrcc.instructure.com/enroll/3DDC34
Run by the BRCC Career and Transfer Center with up-to-date information regarding career and transfer events, as well as resources for resume building, cover letters, and interviews
O*Net Online: https://www.onetonline.org/
A tool for career exploration and job analysis with detailed descriptions of the world of work, up to date occupation data, and a career assessment
CareerWaves2: https://careerwaves2portal.com/
Support for Career and Technical Education students that includes resources for career and technical education programs, as well as information on developing career skills and finding a job
Forage: https://www.theforage.com
Enhance your career skills and discover tasks that interest you with virtual day-in-the-life experiences across 300+ careers at leading companies.
Center for Undergraduate Student Achievement
The Center for Undergraduate Student Achievement at BRCC (Center-USA) is a U.S. Department of Education initiative designed to eradicate barriers in enrolling, persisting, and completing postsecondary education for students. The Center-USA’s overall mission is to strengthen Baton Rouge Community College’s (BRCC) capacity to serve more low- and middle-income students; to expand higher education opportunities by encouraging college preparation and student persistence; and to strengthen the financial ability of BRCC to serve the academic needs of these students.
We provide:
- A place where life, leadership, academic achievement, workforce development, and entrepreneurial guidance are found in experiences, exposure, professional examples, and access to end game job opportunities.
- Academic counseling that promotes successful college retention, graduation, and transfer to a four-year college by building the right schedule for you with you.
- Academic workshops are built to maximize your success in each specific course and throughout your career at BRCC and beyond.
- Workspaces where ideas come alive as they are explored, cultivated, defined & refined in practice.
- Customized tutoring in individual and group settings, each focused on developing the fundamentals of a subject and how to be a successful student in any field.
- Mentoring by peer & successful professionals in the fields of your interest that will help you to unlock your best self and a path to your best future.
For more information, please email danielj3@mybrcc.edu.
The BRCC Archives
The BRCC Archives is on the second floor of the BRCC Magnolia Library and houses archival and special collections. Items in the Archives are available to all researchers. Due to the value of archival content and its importance to the College and community, archival materials are not part of the library’s regularly circulating materials and must be viewed on-site by appointment only. Special Collection items have varying usage policies. Consult the BRCC Library for more information.
The following collections are available:
- The Baton Rouge Community College Historical Collection includes important historical material and documents published by the College since its inception in 1997. The collection includes the College’s event and ceremony programs, events posters, newsletters, annual reports, copies of the College’s original bylaws and founding documents, and various other historically significant College publications. A finding aid for this collection is available upon request at the Magnolia Library Reference Desk.
- The Carville V. Earle Collection is an extensive compilation of geographical and anthropological materials comprising more than 2,100 books, maps, and journals from the personal collection of Dr. Carville Earle, renowned scholar and former chair of the LSU Department of Geography and Anthropology. The Earle Collection has been added to the BRCC Library’s special collections and can be searched via the BRCC Online Catalog.
- The Derek Gordon Collection includes books and other materials from the personal collection of Derek E. Gordon, a former President, and CEO of the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge. The collection includes a range of books and audiovisual materials on painting, sculpture, music, and the performing arts. The Gordon Collection has been added to the BRCC Library’s special collections and can be searched via the Library’s Online Catalog.
- The Louisiana Collection includes books and materials by BRCC faculty, staff, visiting authors, and local scholars. The Louisiana Collection has been added to the BRCC Library’s special collections and can be searched via the BRCC Online Catalog.
- The Public Relations Office Publications Collection includes publications issued by the College, such as course schedules, catalogs, and information sheets, as well as published news about the College, such as BRCC-related news clippings from the Baton Rouge Advocate, the New Orleans Times Picayune, and other media outlets. A finding aid for this collection is available upon request at the BRCC Magnolia Library Reference Desk.
Digital Learning and Academic Support Center
The Digital Learning & Academic Support Center (DLASC), located on the first floor of the Magnolia (Library) building and can be accessed online by joining the “Digital Learning & Academic Support Center” Canvas course. The DLASC is the premier individual and group workspace at BRCC. The DLASC offers various services and programming designed to promote persistence and student success as students strive to meet their educational goals.
For additional information, visit the DLASC webpage at https://www.mybrcc.edu/dlasc/index.php. Alternatively, contact the DLASC via email at DLASC@mybrcc.edu.
College Success Skills Course
BRCC offers the credit course CSSK 1023 , College Success Skills, each semester. The course is designed, using the latest empirically based research, to provide new and returning students with a solid foundation for success. The course focuses on a number of topics crucial for student success and persistence, including time management, study skills, note-taking, test taking (i.e., managing anxiety), technology literacy, financial literacy, developing critical thinking skills, and more. CSSK 1023 is typically offered each semester in a variety of delivery methods (face-to-face, online, and hybrid). During fall and spring semesters, CSSK 1023 is offered in 15-week (full semester), 12-week, and 7-week sessions; during the summer, CSSK 1023 is offered for the 8-week (full term) and 4-week sessions. Students who qualify for developmental education courses based on their Accuplacer® placement test scores are strongly encouraged to register for CSSK 1023 . For more information contact Associate Professor Vinetta Frie at (225) 216-8504 or friev@mybrcc.edu.
Distance Education/eLearning
Distance Education/eLearning provides BRCC students opportunities to enroll in courses from a variety of disciplines in fully online and hybrid formats (having online and face-to-face/onsite components), and the ability to complete certain academic degrees, diplomas, and certificates virtually. eLearning courses contain the same course objectives, content, rigor, and transferability as courses taught onsite. All eLearning courses have the same testing, prerequisite, and co-requisite requirements as their traditional classroom counterparts. Courses are completed using the Canvas Learning Management System. Hybrid courses may require the student to visit a BRCC campus or site to complete certain assessments. For more information on specific course requirements, visit BRCC’s website, or contact the Director of eLearning at (225) 216-8534 or elearning@bears.mybrcc.edu.
Testing Center
BRCC operates testing facilities that provide various types of testing. One of the Testing Center’s (TC) main responsibilities is the administration of the Accuplacer® test, which is used for placement purposes for BRCC students. A student’s performance on the Accuplacer® is used to determine course placement in the gateway courses of English, mathematics, and reading. Students who wish to utilize TC’s services should schedule an appointment using the TC website, at https://www.mybrcc.edu/testingcenter/index.php. Before taking the placement test, students should access the preparation material and study guides, which provide practice questions (located on the TC website listed above). Historically, students who utilize the preparation material have received higher scores than those who take the test with no preparation. Accuplacer® scores are generated immediately after completing a testing session. The TC also provides proctored testing for all students enrolled in an eLearning class at BRCC. Other services offered by the TC included proctored testing for non-BRCC students, as well as specialized testing such as College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DSST, Work Keys, and HiSET. Students should arrive at least five (5) minutes before an appointment and bring photo identification (valid driver’s license, student ID, passport, or military ID). Cell phones, smart watches, graphing calculators, dictionaries, personal digital assistants, and spell checkers are not permitted unless specifically allowed by eLearning faculty or by the OCDS for accommodated testing. Food, drinks, and guests (including children) are also prohibited. When operating remotely, other platforms will be utilized to administer exams such as the college’s Learning Management System, online proctoring services, and video conferencing software. For additional information, contact the Testing Center at (225) 216-8038 or via email (testingcenter@mybrcc.edu). The Testing Center is located at 160 Magnolia on the Mid City campus.
TRiO Programs, Upward Bound & Educational Opportunity Center
Upward Bound serves first-generation college-bound students and/or low-income students attending one of BRCC’s target high schools; it provides support to participants in their preparation for entry into college. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and provides opportunities for participants to succeed in pre-college performance and their higher education pursuits. Tutoring and mentoring opportunities also exist for college students; interested students may contact the Upward Bound Program for more information.
The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) assists first-generation college and low-income individuals 19 years of age or older, or those younger than 19 who are enrolled in an Adult Education Center, living within an 11-parish target area (East and West Baton Rouge Parishes, Evangeline Parish, Pointe Coupee Parish, Livingston Parish, Iberville Parish, East and West Feliciana Parishes, St. Helena Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, and Washington Parish) in furthering their education beyond high school and HISET. The program provides various forms of aid in the areas of (1) Academic Assistance, (2) Career Exploration, (3) Enrollment Advising, and (4) Financial Aid Counseling. All services are free. For more information, contact brcctrioeoc@mybrcc.edu.
Adult Basic Education (ABE) and Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG)
BRCC offers adult basic education to adults at least 18 years old through the Work Ready U (WRU) program. Students enrolled in the WRU program are interested in academic preparation for the ETS HiSET exam and earn their HSE (High School Equivalency). Basic literacy classes and access to training opportunities are offered in-person at the Acadian site, remote live classes (Zoom), and asynchronous online courses. Students enrolled in the WRU program are eligible for 5 for 6 scholarships. For more information contact adulted@mybrcc.edu.
The Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program is part of a national initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The program focuses on job readiness, leadership development, post-graduate assistance, and mentorship. Students enrolled in the JAG program are generally 16 to 21 years old and are interested in finishing their academic preparation for the ETS HiSET exam and earning their HSE (High School Equivalency). The enrollment periods are ongoing.
Student Insurance
Insurance coverage (health, accident) is available to BRCC students through a third-party company. Insurance promotional materials are available in the Office of Student Life.
BRCC Bookstore
The BRCC Bookstore is located in the Bienvenue Student Center. Required textbooks, study aids, and supplies for all BRCC courses are available. The bookstore offers discounted used textbooks for sale as well and can accommodate special orders. Snacks, BRCC-licensed apparel, and gifts are also available for purchase. At the end of each semester, the bookstore purchases textbooks back from students. The bookstore is open Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays during the week before classes begin and the first week of classes. Hours can vary, depending on scheduled school holidays. For more information, call (225) 216-8012, or visit online at www.batonrougeccbookstore.com.
Refund Policy
Refunds are made only during the period(s) posted in the bookstore, at the discretion of the Texas Book Company doing business as BRCC Bookstore. An original cash register receipt is required for a refund. Books are accepted back under the following guidelines:
- Textbooks must be returned within five calendar days of the beginning of the regular semester and within five days of the beginning of the summer session. Books must be in their original, as-purchased condition.
- No refunds are given on study aids, workbooks, and/or reference books.
- Defective books and supplies may be exchanged within three days of purchase with the original receipt.
- Non-required books returned in the condition in which they were purchased are refundable within three days of purchase.
- For a refund on non-electronic supplies, the item(s) must be returned within three days of purchase in the original, unopened condition with the original receipt.
- Exchanges are made for electronic instruments or supplies only if the original sales slip is presented and
- the instruments/supplies are defective, or
- the instruments/supplies are returned within three days of the purchase in their original, unopened package.
- Charges for custom-printed materials, special orders, loose materials, or shrink-wrapped packets are not refundable.
- No exchanges or refunds are made for uniforms or computer media.
Textbook Buyback
The money received from selling books back to the bookstore can be used towards the purchase of books for a successive semester. Several factors determine the value of used books:
- Condition - Books sold back should be in good condition - binding, covers, and pages should be intact. Excessive highlighting, underlining, or other markings decrease the buyback value.
- Course-Material orders - If an instructor requests that a current textbook be used again the following semester, then that book’s value increases. This is sometimes worth up to 50% of the original purchase price. Generally, textbooks are repurchased until the bookstore reaches its shelf stock limit.
- Overstocks and current editions not being used on campus - Once the shelf stock limit is reached on a particular textbook that is to be used next term, or if the book is a current edition but has not been requested for next term, the bookstore pays the highest market price towards the repurchase of the book.
- Old editions - Publishers frequently issue new editions of textbooks. Ordinarily when a new edition is available, old editions retain little or no market value. During the buyback period, students can check with the bookstore for the most current market value of a book.
|