General Information

Mission Statement

The University of Montana - Helena College of Technology promotes lifelong educational goals of learners, supports workforce development needs of employers, and fosters community involvement by providing a substantive, responsible, and accessible learning environment.

Core Value Statements

Learning

We uphold the principles of lifelong learning for our community of students, faculty, and staff.

Success

We promote the success of our community in meeting individual and common goals.

Community

We foster our connections with partners in business, industry, government, local communities, and fellow educators.

Access

We provide access to higher education, employment opportunities, continuing education, and personal and career development.

Growth

We encourage growth and progress of our community members, curricula, facilities, and resources.

Service

We serve our students, College, partners, and communities.

Vision Statement

The University of Montana - Helena College of Technology will be recognized as a responsive regional center of technical and academic education, as a partner in economic and community development, and as a diverse and accessible community of learners. UM-Helena will promote excellence in education; maintain fiscal and operational integrity; and cultivate an environment of fellowship, inclusiveness, and respect.

The University of Montana – Helena Strategic Plan

Student Success

Direction: UM-Helena develops and offers instructional programs and student services that help students succeed in reaching their goals.

• Assist students in balancing life and school demands
• Provide transition services for students from application through graduation
• Develop and evaluate quality educational programs
• Increase access to student resource areas for the varying student populations

Connect with the Community

Direction: UM-Helena builds connections with a broad range of groups to respond to the diverse needs of the community we serve.

• Work collaboratively with business and industry, local and state governments, community organizations, and educational partners to accomplish common goals for statewide economic development
• Create communication avenues with the surrounding community
• Fully develop internships and service learning opportunities for students
• Identify and incorporate community interests/ business and industry needs in future planning
• Foster faculty, staff, and student involvement in community organizations and events

Create Access

Direction: UM-Helena makes access to higher education possible for the communities we serve.

• Develop alternative delivery methods for courses and degree obtainment including distance learning, evening and weekend offerings, and collaboration with other educational institutions to enhance access to higher education
• Lessen the financial burden of higher education through the development and marketing of scholarship opportunities
• Improve access and services to people with disabilities

Develop Resources

Direction: UM-Helena proactively develops its fiscal, capital, technological, and human resources to ensure the effective, efficient management of quality programs and services.

• Improve technological infrastructure and services including electronic mail, wireless networks, and computers
• Develop criteria for managing enrollment to sustain the quality of our programs and services, including marketing and development
• Develop staffing and salary structure plans
• Expand the college’s fiscal resource base through grants, private funding, and entrepreneurial activities that support college priorities
• Develop public/private partnerships and corporate sponsorship and in-kind donations
• Promote legislative awareness and support
• Support the excellence and growth of College faculty and staff members through professional development programs

Accreditation, Certification, and Approval

The University of Montana – Helena College of Technology is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, 8060 16th Ave NE, Suite 100, Redmond, WA 98052-3981. The NWCCU is an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education and the U.S. Department of Education.

In addition, the Automotive Technology program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), the Aviation Maintenance Technology program is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Practical and Registered Nursing programs are approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing.

All educational programs offered at UM-Helena are approved by the Montana Board of Regents, United States Department of Education, United States Bureau of Indian Affairs, The United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Montana Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

History of UM-Helena

1939

The University of Montana – Helena College of Technology (UM-Helena), formerly the Helena College of Technology and the Helena Vocational-Technical Center, was founded in 1939 when the Office of Public Instruction designated five training centers for Montana. The Helena Center was the only one to accept the challenge.

1940s - 1960s

During World War II, thousands of war production workers were trained for shipyards, aircraft factories, and Air Force bases, as well as for other large and small production enterprises. At the same time, preflight training was conducted for students at Carroll College under a Navy training contract. Following World War II, courses were updated for veterans from all over Montana, as well as for local high school students. The curriculum was expanded to include auto mechanics, machine shop, welding, and electronics, in addition to the aviation program. During the mid-1950s, diesel mechanics, building trades, and pilot training were added. Additional programs were added during the 1960s, such as practical nursing, agricultural mechanics, data processing, and other business and office

1967

A new building was completed at 1115 North Roberts Street. The building was named the Donaldson Building, in honor of the late Gene Donaldson, a long-time education supporter. The campus encompassed nearly 108,000 square feet of classroom, shop, and other instructional-related space.

1969

The Montana State Legislature reaffirmed the state designation of five vocational training centers established by statutory law.

1973

The Montana Legislature authorized a major renovation project at the airport (original) facility.

1989

The Montana Legislature authorized the transfer of governance of the state’s five Vocational-Technical Centers (in Billings, Butte, Great Falls, Helena, and Missoula) to the Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education. This transfer ended joint governance by the local school districts and the state Office of Public Instruction.

1994

The Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education restructured the Montana University System, which resulted in the Helena Vocational-Technical Center becoming affiliated with The University of Montana. The institution was renamed the Helena College of Technology of The University of Montana.

1996

Construction of the Student Center was completed. Located at the Donaldson Campus, the facility included food service, a bookstore, and a lounge area. The project was initiated by the Student Senate.

2007 - Current

A $10 million expansion and renovation project was completed at the Airport and Donaldson Campuses. The expansion adds 21% more space to the Donaldson Campus, including a new library, lecture hall, science labs, student services facilities, and a multi-purpose room for continuing education and academic instruction. As part of the expansion, the Montana Arts Council commissioned Helena artist Richard Swanson to complete a sculpture entitled “Soar” near the new main entrance. Renovations of the existing space are completed, increasing classroom space and providing facilities for the Nursing and Fire and Rescue programs. The Airport Campus is expanded by 24% to include a new facility for the Automotive Technology program and additional space for the Machine Tool program. The Construction Technology program is relocated to the Airport campus. The Montana Legislature approved funding for a further $5.1 million expansion of the Airport Campus to provide more space for the Welding Technology program. Construction is anticipated to be completed in the Spring of 2011.