History
Blue Mountain Community College was established on July 1, 1962, after winning an overwhelming five-to-one vote of confidence by the residents of Umatilla and Morrow counties.
The College opened its doors in September of that same year. Vocational-technical courses were initially taught at Pendleton’s John Murray Junior High School; college transfer programs were added a year later. In 1965, BMCC moved the campus to the north hill overlooking Pendleton. Within 10 years, the original construction plans for the college were completed. In September 1992, the college purchased Columbia Hall in Hermiston to accommodate a growing student population in western Umatilla County. In October 1993, the College created a center in Milton-Freewater by leasing the former US Bank Building. In 1994, the Milton- Freewater Continuing Education Office and Basic Skills Center moved to the same location.
BMCC’s distance education program continues to grow with over 380 courses available. Distance education delivery is now primarily Web-based. There are complete links to faculty instructors and other classmates through this model. Additionally, there are complete degree programs available to our students via distance education. In fact, all BMCC course offerings now have technology components incorporated into them so that students are exposed to and comfortable with the expanding technology that has become an everyday part of our lives.
In November 1998, the voters in Morrow and Umatilla counties passed a bond measure for facility expansion in district growth areas. The bond financed expansion of the centers in Hermiston and Milton-Freewater and the opening of the BMCC Morrow County Center in Boardman. The Pendleton campus expansion included new technical agriculture buildings, a new science and technology building, and the remodeling and upgrading of older facilities.
A ballot measure in March 2000 annexed Baker County into the BMCC district. Classes at BMCC Baker County began in the fall of 2000.
The most recent development has been the construction of the Eastern Oregon Higher Education Center in Hermiston. The project, five years in the planning, expanded access to post-secondary education for the residents of communities in west Umatilla, north Morrow, and east Gilliam counties. Upon the Oregon State Legislature’s approval in June 2009 of $7.4 million in lottery-backed bonds for the project, and with previously secured funds (including federal appropriations and private donations), BMCC began design and construction of the new building. The building opened for classes in September 2011. There are now nearly 2,000 students taking more than 100 sections of courses at this facility, along with Columbia Hall in Hermiston.
Blue Mountain Community College celebrated its 50th anniversary in October 2012. Activities honored the leaders-board of education members, presidents, faculty, staff, alumni, and community-whose vision helped our college continue to grow to serve the eastern Oregon community.
Living in Eastern Oregon
Many communities in the counties served by the College have unique seasonal festivals and historic architecture that reflect the spirit and history of the region. The world-famous Pendleton Round- Up celebrates the heritage of the West every September with rodeo competitions, community events, and pageants in Pendleton. This cowboy sport is also enjoyed at county fairs and other festivals throughout the region. The Hermiston FunFest, Baker City’s Miners’ Jubilee, and Milton-Freewater’s Muddy Frogwater Festival are a few of the many popular events that showcase local products and community pride. Farmers’ markets are also a part of eastern Oregon culture. Beginning in the spring and continuing into fall, these weekly gatherings provide access to the freshest produce, arts and crafts, music, and opportunities for visiting with neighbors and new friends.
Bordered by the Blue Mountains, the Columbia River, and rolling crop land, our district abounds in recreational attractions. The local area offers an abundance of year-round recreational sites, including state and national parks. The Umatilla National Forest, under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service, provides more than 1 million acres of wilderness recreation opportunities. Skiing, snowboarding, fishing, hiking, rafting, and hunting are outdoor activities available to BMCC students, local residents, and visitors. There are also many golf courses, open roads for bicycling, and vibrant parks and recreation organizations providing intramural sports and activities that will keep people of all ages busy throughout the year.
Eastern Oregon has four distinct seasons with a very livable climate. Sun-filled summers see temperatures ranging from 73 to over 100 degrees, while winters average 33 degrees. Humidity is low, averaging 45 to 50 percent. Our dry climate produces about 13 inches of rain each year. Snow is close at hand for winter fun.
The closest major cities to the main campus in Pendleton are Boise, Idaho (223 miles), Portland (210 miles), and Spokane, Wash. (206 miles). There is a small regional airport in Pendleton that serves travelers commuting to and from Portland. Also available at a reasonable distance is the Walla Walla, Wash., airport and the Pasco, Wash., airport.
Mission, Vision, & Core Values
- Vision: Blue Mountain Community College will be a recognized educational leader in achieving student success, completion, and advancement.
- Mission: Blue Mountain Community College provides responsive and high quality innovative educational programs and services that promote personal and professional growth to strengthen our communities.
- Values: In support of our vision and mission, Blue Mountain Community College values:
- Integrity that promotes trust, honest, ethical behavior, and professionalism.
- Communication that is open, honest, and encourages a cooperative exchange of thoughts and ideas.
- Compassionate relationships based on empathy, kindness, and reliability.
- Access to all in an equitable manner.
- Respect of all individuals for their uniqueness and diversity.
- Excellence in an educational environment that engages, challenges, advances intellectual curiosity, and fosters lifelong learning.
Strategic Plan & Goals - 2015-2020
The Blue Mountain Community College Board of Education reviews the 2015-2020 strategic plan on an annual basis and will accomplish the goals listed below.
- Students First - BMCC is committed to promoting equity in success for all students.
- Develop a current and comprehensive BMCC marketing, communication and recruitment plan.
- Implement a relevant, dynamic and diverse BMCC curriculum.
- Appropriate technology with robust and sustainable infrastructure at BMCC.
- Maintain a safe environment for all at BMCC.
- Create welcoming, well-maintained and safe facilities and grounds at all BMCC locations.
- Develop a diverse and high quality internal BMCC workforce.
- Implement a deliberate continuous improvement plan based on evidence at BMCC.
Campus and Locations
Typical of many community colleges, Blue Mountain Community College has a main campus, five centers, one contract-out-of-district (COD) location, and a distance learning delivery system to better serve students in the region. Students have access to the following services at all BMCC locations:
- Information for obtaining financial assistance (grants, loans, scholarships)
- Academic advising and degree planning
- Placement assessments in math, writing, reading, and computer literacy
- Courses, workshops, and other educational offerings
- Tutoring and/or academic assistance; computer labs
- Textbook purchases
- Disability accommodations
Each site offers services unique to its operation, but all enable students to access a variety of distance education and online courses.
BMCC CAMPUS
BMCC PENDLETON
P.O. Box 100 / 2411 N.W. Carden Avenue
Pendleton, OR 97801
Phone: 541-276-1260
Fax: 541-278-5871
Email: getinfo@bluecc.edu
BMCC CENTERS
BMCC BAKER COUNTY
3275 Baker Street
Baker City, OR 97814
Phone: 541-523-9127
Fax: 541-523-9128
Email: bmccbaker@bluecc.edu
BMCC HERMISTON
975 S.E. Columbia Drive
Hermiston, OR 97838
Phone: 541-567-1800
Fax: 541-289-2876
Email: bmcchermiston@bluecc.edu
BMCC MILTON-FREEWATER
311 N. Columbia
Milton-Freewater, OR 97862
Phone: 541-938-7176
Fax: 541-938-3763
Email: bmccmiltonfreewater@bluecc.edu
BMCC NORTH MORROW COUNTY
P.O. Box 939 / 300 N.E. Front Street
Boardman, OR 97818
Phone: 541-481-2099
Fax: 541-481-3990
Email: bmccnorthmorrow@bluecc.edu
BMCC SOUTH MORROW COUNTY
P.O. Box 21
Ione, OR 97843
Phone: 541-422-7040
Email: bmccsouthmorrow@bluecc.edu
BMCC CONTRACTED OUT OF DISTRICT LOCATION (COD)
BMCC GRANT COUNTY
835-B S. Canyon Blvd.
John Day, OR 97845
Phone: 541-575-1550
Fax: 541-575-2920
Email: getinfo@bluecc.edu
Accreditation
Regional Accreditation
Blue Mountain Community College (University) is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited college or university is one which has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.
Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.
Inquiries regarding an institution’s accredited status by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities 8060 165th Avenue N.E., Suite 100, Redmond, WA 98052 (425) 558-4224 | www.nwccu.org
Program Accreditation
Programs at the college are approved by the Oregon Department of Education, to offer education and training under the various public laws pertaining to financial assistance to veterans.
- A.A.S. Nursing program: accredited by the Oregon State Board of Nursing.
- Certificate Dental Assisting Technician program: accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.
- Certificate Emergency Medical Technician program: courses are accredited by the Oregon Department of Education.
Non-Credit Workforce Development and Community Education Programs
Community Education
BMCC is committed to lifelong learning and serves the needs of adult learners by providing a wide variety of innovative, high quality, community-driven, and affordable courses through our community education program with non-credit, short-term courses, workshops, lectures, and personal interest/hobby courses. For more information, contact your local BMCC location or call 541-278-5762 in Pendleton. You may also visit: http://www.bluecc.edu/academics/departments/continuing-and-community-education, for a list of classes and registration information.
Continuing Education
The continuing education program is part of the college’s commitment to make educational services available throughout the college district by offering educational programs and opportunities designed to help adults of all ages reach their vocational objectives and realize their personal potential. A primary emphasis for the college is working with business and industries to provide a variety of training programs that can be delivered on-site or at one of the college’s facilities. These programs can be tailored to meet the specific needs of business or industry clients, providing a timely, relatively inexpensive solution to their training needs. For more information on courses customized to your business or to schedule a special training, call your local BMCC center or 541-278-5762 in Pendleton.
College Preparatory Programs
The College Preparatory Programs Department includes the following program areas: adult basic education (ABE), general educational development (GED) preparation, English as a second language (ESL), JOBS program, and college preparation courses. For more information about any of these programs call 541-278- 5803 or visit us on the Web at www.bluecc.edu.
Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (ABE): Provides instruction in the basic skills of reading, writing, and math to adult learners to help them transition into the labor market, higher academics, or vocational training. ABE classes are available to students who have GED certificates or high school diplomas, but have been away from academics for an extended time. ABE programs operate at the following BMCC locations: Pendleton, Hermiston, Baker City, Milton-Freewater, and Boardman.
General Educational Development (GED)
General Educational Development classes are offered for students who are working on meeting GED requirements to complete the battery of four exams; Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Social studies, and Science. GED is the process of earning the equivalent of a high school diploma. Online GED Academy study site is offered as an alternative to students who need to study at their own pace. Online GED Academy is an intuitive and interactive skills building tutorial. The site is designed to increase technology skills and help students study for the GED exams.
Students earn the GED certificate when they receive passing scores on the four parts of this standardized exam. A new computer-based GED test began 2014. A high school release is required for students sixteen and seventeen years old. Information on testing and school release may be obtained from the BMCC testing center in Pendleton at 541-278-5931. Information on the new GED test can be accessed at www.ged.com. Students earning a GED may participate in the BMCC commencement exercises held in June.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
ESL instruction is offered to non-English speaking students who need instruction in reading, writing and speaking. ESL courses are available at the following BMCC locations: Pendleton, Hermiston, Milton-Freewater, and Boardman.
EL Civics
English Literacy through Civics: Civics education is an education program that emphasizes contextualized instruction on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, naturalization procedures, civic participation, and US history and government to help students acquire the skills and knowledge to become active informed parents, workers, and community members. From WIA: Integration English language literacy and civic education for limited English proficient population.
College Preparation Courses
College preparation courses are courses designed to help students succeed in college. Examples of these courses are:
HD 100 - College Survival and Success
HD 109 - Academic Planning
RD 101 - College Textbook Reading
A student’s COMPASS placement score determines whether and at which level the student should be placed into a college preparation course. Students can decide independently to take college preparation courses to improve their basic skills knowledge. Instructors may refer students whose academic performance indicates they would benefit from additional college preparation. In addition, students can be referred by their instructors based upon their performance in class. College preparation courses are offered at the following BMCC locations: Pendleton, Hermiston, Milton-Freewater, and Baker City.
College Preparatory Program offices are located in the lower level of Morrow Hall. Debbie Merrill, program assistant is located in M-4; telephone 541-278-5803; email: dmerrill@bluecc.edu.
JOBS Program
JOBS for Oregon’s Future (JOBS: Job Opportunities and Basic Skills) is the state’s employment and training program for people on public assistance. In addition, JOBS can help low-income families avoid the need for welfare.
Through a contract with the Oregon Department of Human Services, BMCC provides JOBS Program services in Umatilla County and Morrow County, including employment assessment, work-search assistance, and training in workplace basics and life skills. Clients receiving help through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program may be eligible for JOBS Plus services, which places persons in limited-duration training positions with private employers. As part of BMCC’s Department of College Preparatory Programs, the JOBS Program works closely with basic skills offerings as well as with other BMCC educational services in order to help JOBS students meet their goals.
The JOBS Program is located at BMCC Hermiston, BMCC Milton-Freewater, and the Oregon Employment Department in Pendleton. For more information, please call the JOBS Program manager at 541 289-2822.
Business and Industry Training and Partnerships
These programs, including the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), provide business and industry training customized to meet the needs of students and the specific needs of local businesses, organizations, and government agencies.
Business Partnerships
Apprenticeship: Apprenticeship training as a method of career and technical education is recognized by the Apprenticeship and Training Division of the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI). It combines on-the-job training and trade-related instruction taken in conjunction with each other. Apprenticeship courses are approved for BOLI-registered apprentices or journey-level workers and are not available to the general public.
BMCC’s apprenticeship program offers associate of applied science degrees and certificates of completion for journeymen in the areas of inside electrician, manufacture plant electrical, limited maintenance electrical, plumbing, and programmable logic controller technician as part of Oregon’s community college statewide apprenticeship degree program. The program provides statewide transfer opportunities, certificates of completion, and an optional transfer path into either a a bachelor of applied in technology and management or a bachelor of science degree in operations management at the Oregon Institute of Technology. Electricians and plumbers require state licensure. Related training courses meet industry standards and are offered through a partnership between the Oregon State Apprenticeship Training Council and the local Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee.
If you are interested in becoming registered in an Oregon State Apprenticeship program, please contact the Oregon State Bureau of Labor and Industries Apprenticeship Training Division at 971-673-0761 or www.boli.state.or.us for program and entrance requirements. For more information on BMCC’s apprenticeship certificates and degrees, see pages 72-75 of this catalog, or contact the apprenticeship coordinator at 541-278-5854.
Cooperative Work Experience (CWE): Students may earn college credit for cooperative work experience (CWE) related to their occupational goal. Such work experience must take place at work sites approved by the college and be monitored by the course instructor. The experience may be in business, industry, agriculture, or education, or with public service agencies that are willing to enter into work experience agreements with the college.
To find out more about the CWE program, check with the course instructor, your advisor, or contact the Office of Instruction.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDC): BMCC’s SBDCs are part of a network that includes 19 centers in Oregon and nearly 1,000 centers across the country through membership in America’s SBDC. Our SBDC is funded by the college, the US Small Business Administration (SBA), the Oregon Business Development Department and local public and private supporters.
Our premier service is free, confidential, one-on-one business advising by experienced business owners. In addition, training and resources are available to assist small business owners and their key team members in every aspect of business development and management - many offered online as workshops, webinars, or complete courses.
Our business advisors meet with SBDC clients in person or using statewide internet video conferencing. To take advantage of all the network has to offer, clients don’t even have to leave their home or office.
The services of the BMCC Small Business Development Centers are available year-round to new or experienced business owners throughout eastern Oregon. Clients range from students planning their first business to owners and managers of companies with hundreds of employees. Visit http://www.bizcenter.org/ for an overview of programs or www.bizcenter.org/small-business-development-centers/pendleton to register as a new client.
Betty Feves Memorial Art Gallery
The Betty Feves Memorial Art Gallery is located on the Pendleton campus. During the fall, winter and spring quarters a variety of artists are featured in the gallery. In May the gallery hosts a student art show; the art show is judged and displayed for students, staff and the community to enjoy. The gallery’s vision is to provide an important educational tool, to foster an appreciation for the richness and diversity of art and to provide personal and professional development by supporting artistic expression. For more information contact the Gallery Director at 541-278-5952.
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