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Home > About Bluefield University > Consumer Information

Consumer Information & Compliance

Information Resources

Students and prospective students may find the information resources of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) of use in planning for college and careers.

SCHEV has created an institutional profile for each Virginia public college and university, and for each independent college or university participating in the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program. Bluefield University’s profile is available at the link below.

 

View Profile

The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008

(HEOA) amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise and reauthorize HEA programs. It was signed into law on August 14, 2008. The Final Rule was published in the Federal Register on October 29, 2009. While many of the provisions took effect immediately, others were subjected to a negotiated rulemaking process. The final regulations became effective on July 1, 2010.

The law includes many disclosure and reporting requirements that a postsecondary educational institution is required to distribute or make available to other parties, such as current or prospective students or families of current or prospective students. To document Bluefield University’s compliance with the HEA/HEOA requirements, Bluefield University has coordinated the collection of this information. We have summarized the requirements below. You may click on the consumer information links below to find the appropriate information pertaining to each requirement. Additional information, including the full text of the Act, may be found on the HEOA page of the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

Please use the links below to be directed to each of the institutional disclosure requirements by subject area.*

 

General Institutional Information

Health and Safety

Student Outcomes

Goals for Student Achievement

NSSE Reports & Data

Online Grievance Resolution

Bluefield University supports the right of students to present complaints, file grievances, and appeal outcomes in an environment free of fear, retaliation, or other adverse consequences. The University has in place standardized procedures for addressing formal complaints made by all students, including graduate students. No matter the origin of the complaint, every care is taken to address concerns about the University, its programs, and its processes.

Complaint Resolution Process for Online Students

Students are encouraged to communicate directly with the institutional department for which they have a concern. All academic concerns, including grade appeals, should follow the procedures listed in the current Academic Catalog. In the event that institutional department leadership is unable to provide complaint resolution, the Director of Online Programs will serve as the next level facilitator in online student complaint resolution; as necessary, this will include partnership with Vice-Presidents and the President.

Only if a student feels his or her complaint has not been resolved satisfactorily through this procedure and has sufficient evidence supporting this claim, he or she may submit a Student Complaint Form to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). More details on the formal SCHEV student complaints procedure can be found on the SCHEV agency page at www.schev.edu. SCHEV provides oversight in Virginia for resolving institution complaints from students taking distance education under the aegis of SARA.

For more information regarding the above-posted policy, please contact the Vice President of Academic Affairs at 276.326.4203.

Interruption of Online Instruction

If online instruction cannot be fully delivered due to catastrophic events or other uncontrollable situations, instruction will be provided for students through alternate delivery methods or through Bluefield’s membership in consortia relationships, such as Acadeum, Yes We Must Coalition, and the Appalachian College Consortium.  If a program is canceled or cannot be delivered, no new students will be accepted into the program, and a teach-out plan will be created.

For more information, see our full document

*Source: Information Required to Be Disclosed Under the Higher Education Act of 1965: Suggestions for Dissemination

Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

 

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