Academic Policies and Requirements

Campus Environment

Midlands Technical College intends to provide a campus environment conducive to learning and to the successful attainment of student goals.  Respect for the rights of others, openness to new and different ideas, acceptance of individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and belief in the worth and dignity of all people are encouraged.  The Midlands Technical College Student Code reinforces this concept and outlines the rights and responsibilities of students.

 

Drug-Free Campus Policy

In accordance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, Midlands Technical College has implemented a program to prevent the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees.

College standards of conduct clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on college property or as part of any college activity.  Sanctions up to and including expulsion, termination of college employment and referral for prosecution will be imposed for the violation of these standards.  A complete description of the applicable legal sanctions, the associated health risks of alcohol and drug abuse, and the counseling, treatment and rehabilitation programs available to students is provided in the Midlands Technical College Student Handbook, which may be received from the Student Activities Office or viewed online at the college’s website.

 

Parking

Students are not required to register their vehicles to park on campus property.  All students may park in areas not reserved for permit only (faculty and staff), visitors, handicapped, loading zones, etc.

More specific information on traffic regulations is published online and in the Student Handbook.

 

Safety and Security

Midlands Technical College complies with guidelines of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) to insure a safe environment.  When necessary, personnel are required to wear protective equipment to prevent injury.  The cost of equipment is listed under the specific curriculum in this catalog, or can be obtained from the bookstore.  For the safety and security of the campus environment, MTC uses video surveillances on all of its campuses.  In addition, Midlands Technical College adheres to the guidelines of the Campus Security Act.  Campus Security information is available to all students and applicants at the Student Information Centers on Airport and Beltline campuses.  In addition, campus security and crime information is available on the college’s website, is published annually in the online student newspaper, online student newsletters and is sent to the college e-mail addresses of all enrolled students.

 

Smoking

In the interest of health and to create a smoke-free environment, smoking in buildings or at entrances to buildings and service areas is expressly prohibited at Midlands Technical College.

 

Student Complaints

As members of the academic community, students are entitled to all rights and responsibilities accorded them by the laws of this community.  The process by which students may file grievances concerning harassment, discrimination and other matters or appeal academic decisions is outlined in the Midlands Technical College Student Handbook, which may be obtained from the Campus Life Office or the college’s website at www.midlandstech.edu/studentactivities.

 

Surveillance

Midlands Technical College uses video surveillance on all of its campuses for safety and security purposes.

 

Disability Issues

Midlands Technical College provides accommodations, as appropriate, to individuals who have documented disabilities.  Students interested in receiving information about accommodations and services should contact a counselor in the Counseling and Career Services office.  To ensure the quality and availability of services, the college requests students with disabilities notify Counseling Services of any special accommodation needs at least 30 working days prior to the first day of class.  Information concerning registering to receive disability accommodations can be found on the Counseling and Career Services website at www.midlandstech.edu/counseling.

Students who are dissatisfied with services or accommodations for their disability should first seek to resolve the concern through their counselor in the Counseling and Career Services Office.  Appeal may then be made to the Director of Counseling and Career Services concerning unresolved issues.  If the issue is still not resolved, the student may follow the student grievance procedure outlined in the Midlands Technical College Student Handbook.

 

English Fluency of Faculty Members

When a student files a written complaint with the department chair regarding the English fluency of an instructor, the department chair will immediately alert the Vice President for Education who shall refer the instructor within 10 working days to the English Fluency Evaluation Committee for a proficiency evaluation.

An instructor who is judged proficient by the committee will continue teaching assignments without any further action.  If student complaints continue, however, or the supervisor determines a continuing fluency or communication problem exists, appropriate action can be initiated.

A permanent instructor judged deficient by the committee will be given one academic term to develop sufficient English fluency to be judged proficient by the committee.  If, during the term, the instructor has not shown evidence of satisfactory progress in overcoming the deficiency, disciplinary action may be taken, up to and including termination.

An adjunct instructor judged deficient by the committee may be immediately terminated.

 

Student Conduct

The college reserves the right to maintain a safe and orderly educational environment in keeping with the policy on campus environment.  When in the judgment of the college officials a student’s conduct disrupts or threatens to disrupt the college community, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken to restore and protect the well-being of the community.  The purpose of the Student Code (complete policy and procedures are in the Student Handbook) is not to restrict student rights but to protect the rights of individuals in their academic pursuits.