A BCI director will contact you once your completed application materials have been received to schedule an interview. Interviews are conducted in person or telephonically. The applicant will be notified in writing or by telephone of their acceptance status within one week of the interview. An official notification of acceptance or denial will be mailed to the applicant.
BCI’s dedicated to our mission requires thorough consideration be given to student qualifications in
the following areas:
- Academic performance and potential for growth
- Psychological and emotional maturity and stability
- Personal motivation and goals
- Professionalism and interpersonal skills
- Financial resources and planning
- Background information
Unfortunately, applicants may be denied admission for, but not limited to, the following reasons:
- The applicant has a health condition that would either not allow them to perform the duties ofba massage therapist or could pose a threat to the welfare of other students, or the general public.
- The applicant does not meet the BCI entrance requirements.
- The applicant shows an inability to meet the scheduled obligations of the Institute.
- It appears that the applicant would not benefit from massage therapy training.
- The applicant has a felony conviction for sexual, drug, or abuse crimes that would prevent the student from obtaining a state massage license.
- The applicant provides false information on their admission application.
BCI does not accept credit transfers from other colleges or universities as credits applied toward any of the Massage and Bodywork Therapy programs or coursework. Completed credits at BCI can be applied toward another program at BCI. Students must reapply through admissions for acceptance. BCI is a non accredited college and does not guarantee that courses or program hours or credits will transfer to another educational institution.
All accepted students are required to schedule and complete an enrollment session with the Office Manager to discuss and complete financial options. Accepted students will not be allowed to attend any courses without first completing an enrollment session. BCI will not enroll a student who has not developed a satisfactory financial plan. This can easily be completed during the student’s enrollment appointment.
Prior to the first day of attendance, enrolled students are required to attend New Student Orientation. The time and date will be announced in the student’s acceptance letter. At orientation, students will meet fellow classmates, faculty members, and staff. They will also receive valuable information in their BCI student packet and discuss any questions and concerns relating to the education experience at BCI. The student’s handbook of policies and procedures will be gi ven to all students at orientation.
Application Fee (nonrefundable) – $30.00
Insufficient funds check fee – $20.00
Tuition for Massage and Body Work I – $7,135.00
Tuition for Professional Bodywork Therapist Program – $4,500.00
Photocopy of student records – $5.00
Additional Transcripts – $10.00
Late fee for Tuition and Fees – $20.00
Make-up Work – $25 to $45 per hour for faculty time
BCI charges only for tuition; books are separate and independent from the charge made by the school for tuition. A list of books required for courses will be available in the student’s acceptance letter. All students are expected to pay tuition fees on time, as stated in the Enrollment Agreement. If a student is more than three (3) business days late in paying, the student receives a Notice of Concern and will be assessed a $20.00 late fee.
The second late fee will be accompanied by second notice, which places the student on probation. A third late fee can result in dismissal. I f a student has a required monthly payment and is more than ten (10) business days late in paying, the student is asked to remain out of school until the fee is paid. Hours out are counted as absences.
If a student’s check is returned for non-sufficient funds (NSF), the student receives a Notice of Concern and is charged an NSF fee of $20.00. If we receive more than one check that is NSF, the student will be required to pay by money order, and will receive another letter. We accept no cash payments for fees or student balances; checks, money orders, or credit cards only.
Applicants who are not accepted for enrollment by Bio-Chi Institute of Massage Therapy will receive a refund of all tuition expenses except the application fee.
Applicants who cancel their application within three (3) business days after signing an Enrollment Agreement and prior to beginning classes will receive a refund of all monies paid to Bio-Chi Institute of Massage Therapy, excluding the application fee.
Applicants who have not visited BCI may cancel their applications within three (3) business days after the regularly scheduled first day of class or their first visit to BCI, whichever occurs first, and receive a refund of all monies paid to Bio-Chi Institute of Massage Therapy, excluding the application fee, and for the costs of any books, manuals, supplies, and equipment received.
The school refund is based on the State of Iowa tuition refund Policy, Sec. 714.23, amended 7/2021.
The school applies its institutional refund policy to all students. All refunds are based on tuition charges for the semester. Withdrawal before the first day of the student’s first semester results in no tuition charges. The student is considered a “cancel” instead of a “withdrawal.”
1) BCI shall refund all tuition charges to a student who withdraws within the first two calendar weeks of instruction.
2) BCI shall make a pro rata refund of tuition charges to a student who terminates from BCI educational programs or courses after the first two calendar weeks of a semester, in an amount that is not less than 95% of the amount of tuition charged to the student multiplied by the ratio of the number of calendar days remaining in the school period to the total number of calendar days in the school period. If a terminating student has completed 60% or more of a school semester, BCI is not required to refund tuition charges to the student.
3) BCI tuition charges, to the student, at the beginning of each semester period. A period that is shorter than the BCI program’s length shall base its tuition refund on the amount of tuition costs. BCI charges for the semester in which the student terminated. BCI shall not base its tuition refund calculation on any portion of BCI’s program that remains after a student terminates unless the student was charged for that remaining portion of the BCI program before the student’s termination and the student began attendance in the school semester.
4) “Exceptional Refund Policy” – The exceptional refund policy applies when a student terminates BCI program after the first two calendar weeks due to the student’s physical incapacity or, for a program that requires classroom instruction, due to the transfer of the student’s spouse’s employment to another city. The terminating student shall receive a refund of the tuition charges in an amount that equals the amount of tuition charged to the student multiplied by the ratio of the remaining number of calendar days in the school period to the total number of calendar days in the school period.
5) A refund of tuition charges shall be provided to the student within forty-five days following the date of the school’s determination that a student has terminated from a postsecondary educational program.
6) A student who terminates from BCI’s program shall not be charged any fee or other monetary penalty for terminating the BCI program, other than a reduction in tuition refund as specified above.
38 CFR 21.4255 VA Required Refund Policy: no accredited courses
(a) Acceptable refund policy. A refund policy meets the requirements of Sec. 21.4254(c) (13), if it provides that the amount charged for tuition, fees, and other charges for a portion of the course does not exceed the approximate pro rata portion of the total charges for tuition, fees, and other charges that the length of the completed portion of the course bears to the total length. The school may make provisions for refund within the following limitations: (1) Registration fee. An established registration fee in an amount not to exceed $10 need not be subject to proration. Where the established registration fee is more than $10, the amount in excess of $10 will be subject to proration.(2) Breakage fee. Where the school has a breakage fee it may provide for the retention of only the exact amount of the breakage with remaining part, if any, to be refunded.
(3) Consumable instructional supplies. Where the school makes a separate charge for consumable instructional supplies as distinguished from laboratory fees, the exact amount of the charges for supplies consumed may be retained but any remaining apart must be refunded.
(4) Books. supplies and equipment (i) A veteran or eligible person may retain or dispose of books, supplies and equipment at his or her discretion when:
- He or she purchased them from a bookstore or other source, and
- Their cost is separate and independent from the charge made by the school for tuition and fees.
(ii) The school will make a refund in full for the amount of charges for unissued books, supplies, and equipment when:
- The school furnishes the books, supplies and equipment.
- The school includes their cost in the total charge payable to the school for the course.
- The veteran or eligible person withdraws or is discontinued before completing the course.
(iii)The veteran or eligible person may dispose of issued items at his or her discretion even if they were included in the total charges payable for the course.
(5) Tuition and other charges. Where the school either has or adopts an established policy for the refund of the unused portion of tuition, fees, and other charges subject to proration, which is more favorable to the veteran or eligible person than the approximate pro rata basis as provided in this paragraph, such established policy shall be applicable. Otherwise, the school may charge a sum that does not vary more than 10 percent from the exact pro rata portion of such tuition, fees, and other charges that the length of the completed portion of the course bears to its total length. The exact proration will be determined on the ratio of the number of days of instruction completed by the student to the total number of instructional days in the course.
Postponement of a starting date, whether at the request of the school or the student, requires a written agreement signed by the student and the school. The agreement must state:
Whether the postponement is for the convenience of the school or the student, and: A deadline for the new start date beyond which the start date will not be postponed. If the course is not commenced, or the student fails to attend the new start date set forth in the agreement, the student will be entitled to an appropriate refund or prepaid tuition and fees within thirty (30) days of the deadline of the new start date set forth in the agreement, determined in accordance with the school’s refund policy and all applicable laws and rules concerning the Private Occupational Educational Act of 1981.
Withdrawal is defined as dropping all classes and having no credit hours for a semester. A student
officially withdraws from BCI when:
- Student submits a written notice of total withdrawal to the School Director (a signed official withdrawal form or other written notice, such as an email to BCI, constitutes a written notice); or
- Student calls the School’s Director at BCI and declares their intent to withdraw from all courses.
A student will be considered to have unofficially withdrawn when the student does not complete the official withdrawal process and/or any of the student’s instructors report that the student is no longer attending classes. The date of unofficial withdrawal will be the midpoint of the semester or the date provided by an instructor. whichever is later.
Many states or municipalities require licensure in order to obtain employment as a massage therapist.
Some states now require a national accepted exam, which involves a computerized multiple-choice exam at a professional testing center. In states that require licensure, it is illegal to work as a massage therapist until such licensure/certification has been obtained.
Iowa accepts the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards, or any examination offered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).
MBLEx Examination Fee: $195.00
Application Fee for Iowa Licensure: $120.00
Learn more about licensing requirements in Iowa by visiting: https://idph.iowa.gov/Licensure/Iowa-Board-of-Massage-Therapy
Student Classification
All students enrolled in the diploma programs are considered full time students.
Definition of Clock and Academic Semester Credit
50 minutes constitute one hour of instruction
Each semester hour equals:
- At least 15 hours of classroom contact;
- At least 30 hours of supervised laboratory/shop instruction;
- At least 30 hours of documented independent study activities; or
- No fewer than 45 hours or externship/internship or work-related experience.
Grading Policy
Students will be graded, but not limited to, the following criteria which includes: written and practical exams, class participation, assignments including practice journals, hands-on technique, homework, special projects, classroom behavior, timely completion of all assignments, clinic sessions, attendance, and professional appearance. No final exam will be given until all required assignments have been turned into the instructor.
For each individual course taken the student will receive a letter grade based on the following scale:
A=4.0=100%-90%
B=3.0=89%-80%
C=2.0=79%-70%
D=1.0=69%-60%
F=0%=59% or below
Attendance Policy
Good student attendance is extremely important in an experiential learning environment such as BCI to achieve maximum success in the learning process. Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes in which enrolled. Instructors at BCI establish and manage written attendance policies for their own course of study. An instructor has, within his or her authority, to fail a student from their course who violates the written attendance policy.
Make-up Work
Make-up work for absences may be required at the discretion of the instructor.
Academic Advising
Students have open access and are welcome to speak with any member of BCI faculty for academic advising. We recommend students speak to their current instructor regarding their academic performance. Formal academic advising will be held at the college with each student individually. The purpose is to discuss academic or financial concerns and career focus. These academic advising sessions will be documented by BCI faculty member, dated, and placed in the student’s file.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Students must achieve a minimum overall cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 (70%) All program requirements must be completed within a maximum timeframe of 1.5 times the normal program length, as measured in attempted credit hours. For example; A program which is 36 credits in length, must be completed within 54 attempted credits.
SAP is evaluated at the end of each semester. SAP standards apply to all work attempted.
Quantitative Progress
Quantitative progress is defined as the credit hours achieved, divided by the credit hours attempted. To make satisfactory academic progress, a student’s quantitative progress must be at least 70%. To be making satisfactory academic progress, a student must have successfully completed as least 75% of credits attempted at the end of each semester. The student’s cumulative grade point average is reviewed to determine qualitative progress. The minimum GPA required is 2.0.
Grades of “F” and “I” are counted as hours attempted but not achieved and have a 0.00 value toward a student’s GPA. Repetitions of course work are counted as hours attempted. The lowest grade will be dropped and the highest grade will be used to calculate the GPA.
Students who withdraw from a course or the program will receive a grade of “W”, which has no impact on GPA. The credit hours for courses are counted as attempted but not achieved.
Academic Probation
If a student fails to maintain the required academic progress at the end of any semester, he/she will be placed on Academic Probation for the next semester.
Reinstatement Policy
Dismissed students may reapply six months after the dismissal. Students that wish to be reinstated must repeat the application process.
Appeal Process
Any student not attaining the required GPA or achieved hours during the probationary period will receive a written dismissal notice sent by certified mail. The student may submit a written appeal of his/her dismissal within five calendar days of receipt of the dismissal notice.
The appeal should be addressed to the School Director. The appeal must be accompanied by documentation of the mitigating circumstances that have prevented the student from attaining satisfactory academic progress and evidence that changes have occurred to allow the student to now meet standards of satisfactory academic progress. Only extraordinary circumstances will be considered, such as death or severe illness in the immediate family. Before an appeal may be
granted, the student must provide written academic plan that clearly identifies a viable strategy for the student to successfully complete the program within the maximum time frame allowed.
The Appeals Committee, composed of the School Director, the Director of Education, and the Director of Finance, will examine all appeals. The student will be sent the committee’s written decision within five days of the School Director’s receipt of the appeal. The decision of the committee is final.
Students reinstated upon appeal are on a probationary status for the next semester, during which time they must meet the terms and conditions set out in the committee’s letter granting the appeal. At the end of semester, and at the end of every semester thereafter, the student’s academic status will be reviewed. The student may continue on probation as long as he or she meets the terms of the academic plan approved at the time the student’s appeal was granted, until such time as satisfactory academic progress status is regained.
Incomplete Courses and Retakes
Incomplete coursework is granted only in exceptional cases and considered on a case -by-case basis. The instructor and student will create an academic contract, with deadlines recorded. If the student fails to complete the work by the deadline, they will receive a failing grade and the course must be retaken as soon as the course is offered at full cost. A student who is required by the Institute to retake (at the student’s expense) a course will receive, as their final grade, the grade earned during the retake period with no exceptions. At BCI, all courses are required; therefore, no student can withdraw from any scheduled course. This may result in the student extending time at the college to complete coursework.
Course Failure
Any student earning below 70% overall grade in any course must repeat the course as soon as the course is offered at the current published tuition rate. This may result in the student extending time at the college to complete coursework.
Leave of Absence (LOA)
A leave of absence (LOA) is a temporary interruption in a student’s program of study. LOA refers to the specific time period during the program when a student is not in attendance. A student wishing to request a leave of absence must contact the School Di rector in writing for the LOA request. The School Director will make the decision on whether to grant the request or not. This decision will be final.
Student Files
Student files are maintained in a locked, fire-proof safe. BCI guarantees the right of the student to have access to their student file upon written request. Any student requesting access will be granted that access in the presence of BCI staff. No items are to be removed from the file by the student. The student may request a photocopy of their records at a cost of $5.00. Transcripts and student records will not be released to any person unless BCI receives a written and notarized original statement (no photocopies accepted) from the student giving BCI permission to release the stated records. No official transcripts will be issued until tuition is paid in full. Records are maintained for a period of five years from the last date of attendance.
Records
When a student successfully completes their course of study and all monies owed to BCI are paid in full, an official transcript and diploma will be provided at no charge to students, state agency of the student’s choice, as well as uploaded to the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards data base where the records are stored indefinitely. There will be a $10.00 charge for administrative costs for additional transcripts. Transcripts are issued two weeks from the completion of all coursework and financial obligations. Former students’ transcripts and financial records are held in a fireproof safe or password protected “need to know” electronic documentation.
Administrative Action: Probation/Dismissal
BCI expects all students to follow school policies and procedures, and student conduct will be both professional and positive. The following is a summary of the professional ethics and standards of conduct policy. For the full policy, refer to the student’s handbook of policies and procedures.
Occasionally, a student must be placed on probation or be dismissed from our program. We follow this process when addressing disciplinary issues or concerns:
1. The first notice is an oral or written warning.
2. Second notice is automatic probation until the end of the following semester. During the probation period, the student must maintain a passing grade in all coursework.
3. Third notice of failure to correct or come into compliance results in dismissal. Some behaviors could result in immediate dismissal, which includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Violence
- Sexual abuse
- Illegal drugs or alcohol on campus
- Continual absences
- Disruptive classroom behavior
All disciplinary issues are decided by the Directors on an individual basis, with comments from staff and, if appropriate, other students who might be directly involved or affected.
The student being considered for disciplinary action may appeal to the Director by presenting evidence of extenuating circumstances, but the final decision is the Director’s decision.
Probation
A student may be placed on probation for a period until the end of the semester. Probation may be based on,
but not limited to, the following:
- Unsatisfactory academic performance
- Failure to comply with any rules, policies, or standards of BCI
Reasons for Dismissal
Dismissal may result from any of the following occurrences. These are listed as examples. Refer to the student handbook for a full explanation of policies and procedures.
- Violation of school rules and policies
- Violation of academic probation
- Failure to make scheduled tuition payment
- Recurring attendance issues
- Failure to fulfill the terms and conditions of the enrollment agreement
- Unsatisfactory academic progress
Drug and Alcohol Free Campus
Bio-Chi Institute maintains a drug- and alcohol-free campus. Students and employees must refrain from the use of alcohol and illegal drugs while on campus or at school -sponsored activities. It is unlawful to manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, or use a controlled substance or drugs on BCI’s premises.
All students and employees shall observe federal, state, and local laws regarding the sale and use of alcohol and drugs. The use by BCI students and employees of a controlled substance that is not medically authorized is strictly prohibited.
Students and employees who violate the drug- and alcohol-free campus regulations on campus or within the institution’s jurisdiction or at any event controlled by BCI may be subject to, as applicable, discipline, suspension, expulsion, or employment termination. In addition, violating this policy (and concurrent law) may subject students and employees to criminal prosecution.
Drug paraphernalia, particularly that containing drug residue, may be considered evidence of drug use. Documented violations of illegal possession, consumption, provision, or sale of narcotics or drugs, or possession of paraphernalia, may result in disciplinary sanctions from BCI and/or referral to law
enforcement officials.
In compliance with THE DRUG FREE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES ACT, BCI prohibits the use of alcohol or illegal drugs on campus. Students and employees are required to inform the School if they are convicted of any drug abuse charge in a federal, state, or local court within five days of conviction.
Bio-Chi Institute is committed to providing and maintaining a safe learning and working environment free from any form of sexual abuse or assault for all students, staff, faculty, and other members of the BCI community.
Individuals who violate this policy will be disciplined and potentially subjected to further corrective action up to and including termination or expulsion as well as having the event reported to the local authorities. BCI administrators are responsible for assuring that effective measures are taken to implement this policy’s procedures. It is a violation of this policy for any member of the BCI community to engage in any form of sexual abuse
or assault.
It is a violation of this policy for any member of the BCI community to make an intentionally false accusation of sexual harassment.
Any person who has been accused of sexual abuse or assault pursuant to the terms of this policy and who retaliates against his or her accuser in any manner will be charged with violating this policy. Any member of the BCI community who is found in violation of this policy will be subject to appropriate sanctions, which may include discharge or expulsion.
Counseling
BCI does not employ Pastoral or Professional Counselors, below are services available in and around Sioux City Iowa
Drug, Alcohol, and Sexual Abuse Resources
Iowa
Mercy Medical Center • (712) 279-2066
Emergency Sioux City Police Department • Dial 911 • for non-emergencies 712-279-6960
Counsel on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence • 24 hour crisis hotline for free, confidential counseling and support. •
Assistance is available with medical and legal procedures • Counselor can be with you during the medical exam and police
interview • (712) 258-7233 (Sioux City, Iowa)
• (712) 546-6764 (Le Mars, Iowa) • Toll Free 1/800-982-7233 • www.csadvsiouxland.org
Family Crisis Centers of Northwest Iowa, Sioux Center, Iowa • 24 hour crisis hotline for free, confidential counseling and support •
Assistance is available on a short term or long term basis • Support available to men, women and children • (712) 722-4404 or
1/800-382-5603 • www.familycrisiscenter.org
Haven House Family Services Center • Crisis intervention and prevention services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual
assault • (402) 494-7592(South Sioux City, Nebraska) • Toll Free 1/800-440-4633 • www.havenhousefsc.com
The Compas Center, Sioux Falls, South Dakota • 24 for hour hotline for immediate crisis response • Assists survivors of
violence through emotional support and advocacy • Offers several therapy and program options to help the healing process •
Serves males and females, beginning at age three • Responds to survivors of sexual assault at the emergency room • Toll Free
1//877-462-7474 or (605) 339-0116 • www.thecompasscenter.org
Domestic Violence Safe Option Services, Vermillion, South Dakota • Provides free and confidential referral and crisis intervention
services to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence • Available 8:00am – 5:00 pm
Monday – Friday • (605) 624-5311
National Sexual Assault Hotline • 24 hour crisis hotline • 1/800-656-HOPE
National Domestic Abuse Hotline • 24 hour crisis hotline for free, confidential counseling and support • Provides lifesaving
tools and immediate support to enable victims to find safety and live lives free of abuse • 1/800-799-7233 Other resources available to
persons who report being the victim of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking include:Coalition Against Domestic Violence www.icadv.org
Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault www.iowacasa.org
Male Survivors of Abuse www.malesurvivor.org • Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network www.rainn.org
Department of Justice www.ovw.usdoj.gov/sexassault.htm
Iowa Legal Aid www.iowalegalaid.org
Legal Aid of Nebraska www.legalaidofnebraska.com
Iowa State Bar Association – Volunteer Lawyers Project www.iowalegalaid.org/volnnuerlawvel s-projects
Nebraska Bar Association – Volunteer Lawyers Project www.nebar.com • East River Legal Services (South Dakota)
1/800952-3015 • http://www.notalone.gov • http://www.loveisrespect.org
Immigration Advocates Network: https://www.inirnigrationadvocates.org/nonprofitilegaldirectory/search7state=1A
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=offices.summary&OfficeLocator.office_type=ASC&OfficeLocator.statecode=IA
Iowa Department of Public Health
https://idph.iowa.gov/
Sexual Abuse Hotline: (800) 284-7821
Sexual Violence Prevention
https://www.iowacasa.org/
Employee and Family Resources, Inc., Des Moines
National
Alcoholics Anonymous
http://www.aa.ore/
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Alcohol & Your Health
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health
Public Education Materials
https://order.nia.nih.gov/
Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator
https://www.samhsa.gov/
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
(800) 656 HOPE (4673)
Safety and Prevention
https://www.rainn.org/
Center for Changing our Campus Culture
Victim Services/Advocates
http://changingourcampus.org/
Timely Warnings
In the event that a situation arises, either on or off campus, that, in the judgment of the Director of the Bio-Chi Institute, constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat, a campus wide “timely warning” will be issued. The warning will be issued through written or verbal notification to students, faculty, and staff. Depending on the particular circumstances of the crime, especially, in all situations that could pose an immediate threat to the community and individuals. A copy of the notice will be posted at the front door of the school. Anyone with information warranting a timely warning should report the circumstances to the Director, staff and/or faculty, by phone at 712-252-1157 or in person at the school at 1925 Geneva Street, Sioux City, Iowa.
To Report a Crime
Contact the Bio-Chi Institute’s Director, Lonnie Jensen at 712-255-1157 (non-emergencies) or dial 911 (emergencies only). Any suspicious activity or person seen in the parking lots, walking trails, or loitering around vehicles, inside the school or around the building should be reported to the police department. For any off-campus options please contact the Sioux City Police Department.
BCI and the Sioux City Police Department assist the one another within their jurisdictions during mutual investigations, arrests, and prosecutions. Emergencies may necessitate changes or alternations to any posted schedules.
Areas that are revealed as problematic will have security surveys conducted. The Director of the Institute will observe these areas of concern. These surveys will examine security issues such as locks, lighting, and communications. Additionally, during the academic year, the Director, faculty, staff and support staff will meet to discuss issues of pressing concern when necessary.
Campus Law Enforcement
There is no official law enforcement employed by BCI and, therefore, there is no one on-site who has complete police authority to apprehend and arrest anyone involved in illegal acts on-campus and areas immediately adjacent to the campus. If a student commits minor offenses involving BCI’s policies and procedures, then the Director will enforce the appropriate disciplinary actions necessary to address the violation committed by a student.
Major offenses are reported to the Sioux City Police Department. The prosecution of all criminal offenses, both felony and misdemeanor, are conducted at either Municipal, General Sessions, or Federal Court of Woodbury County. Through coordination with local law enforcement agencies, any criminal activity engaged in by a student at off- campus locations of any BCI organizational activities, is monitored and recorded. This information will be provided to the Director of the school for any action or follow-up that may be required.
Confidential Reporting Procedures
If you are a victim of a crime and do not want to pursue action within the Bio-Chi Institute’s system or the criminal justice system, you may still want to consider making a confidential report. With your permission, the Director of BCI or a designee of BCI can file a report on the details of the incident without revealing
your identity. The purpose of a confidential report is to comply with your wishes to keep the matter confidential while taking steps to ensure the future safety of yourself and others.
All reports will be investigated. The Bio-Chi Institute does not have procedures for voluntary, confidential reporting of crime statistics. Violations of the law will be referred to law enforcement agencies and when appropriate, to the Director and staff for review. When a potentially dangerous threat to the school’s community arises, timely reports or warnings will be issued through written and verbal announcements, and in-class announcements.
Crime Reporting
The Sioux City Police Department encourages anyone who is the victim or witness to any crime to promptly report the incident to the public. Because police reports are public record under Iowa state law, the Sioux City Police Department cannot hold reports of crime in confidence. Confidential reports of crime may also be made to Crime Stoppers at 712-258-8477.
Access Policy
During business hours, the Bio-Chi Institute will be open to students, parents, employees, contractors, guests, clients, and invitees. There is no student access during non-business hours. BCI has the authority to ask persons for identification and to determine whether individuals have lawful business at the school. The
Director, faculty, or staff at the Bio-Chi Institute do not possess arrest power. Criminal incidents are referred to the Sioux City Police Department who have jurisdiction on the campus. All crime victims and witnesses are strongly encouraged to immediately report the crime to the Director, faculty or staff of the Bio-Chi Institute and the appropriate police agency.
General Procedures for Reporting a Crime or Emergency
Community members, students, faculty, staff, and guests are encouraged to report all crimes and public safety related incidents to the Director of the Bio-Chi Institute and the local police authorities in a timely manner. To report a crime or an emergency on campus, call 911. To report a non-emergency security or public safety related matter on-campus, call the Bio-Chi Institute’s Director, Lonnie Jensen at 712-252-1157.
All Bio-Chi Institute incident reports will be forwarded to the Director’s office for review and potential action. The office of the Director and staff will investigate a report when it is deemed appropriate. If assistance is required from the Sioux City Police Department or the Sioux City Fire Department, the Bio-Chi Institute will contact the appropriate unit.
If a sexual assault should occur, staff on the scene, including the Sioux City Police Department, will offer the victim a wide variety of services. The Sioux City Police Department has a Sexual Assault Crisis Consultation Team that has trained members who are available to assist a victim 24-hours a day.
This publication contains information about on and off campus resources. That information is made available to provide the Bio-Chi Institute’s students and community members with specific information about the resources that are available in the event that they become a victim of a crime. The information about “resources” is not provided to infer that those resources are “reporting entities” for the BCI.
Security Awareness Programs
During orientation, students are informed of services offered by the local law enforcement agency. Students will be informed about crime on the property of the school or in very close proximity of the school. Similar information is presented to new employees. A common theme of all awareness and crime prevention programs is to encourage students, staff and employees to be aware of their responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. To secure personal safety, Be Aware, lock your cars, and walk with friends or someone from class that you know well to your destination.
Sexual Assault Prevention Programs
BCI periodically holds sexual assault prevention awareness sessions, when available, presented by The Counsel on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence (CSADV) advocates. BCI also posts the CSADV hotline information and pull off number in the bathrooms. BCI holds educational sessions on personal safety. When time is of the essence, information is released to the students, faculty and staff through security alerts either posted at the school or verbally to all those affected.
Crime Prevention Programs
Crime Prevention Programs on personal safety and theft prevention will be addressed to all students and employees. The BCI provides a variety of educational strategies and tips on how to protect yourself from sexual assault, theft, and other crimes.
Criminal Activity Off Campus
If a BCI student is involved in an off-campus offense, local, state, or federal law enforcement will conduct the investigation.