Midlands Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; telephone number 404-679-4501) to award associate degrees, diplomas and certificates.
The college’s governing board is the Midlands Technical College Commission. These 12 leading citizens are appointed by the governor, upon the recommendation of their respective legislative delegations, to serve as trustees of the college.
Midlands Technical College is a comprehensive, multi-campus, two-year public college serving the primary region of Richland, Lexington and Fairfield counties of South Carolina. College programs and services provide accessible, affordable, quality education that prepares a diverse student population to enter the job market, transfer to senior colleges and universities, and achieve their professional and personal goals. Through its programs and services, the college equitably provides higher education opportunities and strengthens the economic and social vitality of the community.
The college implements its mission through a clearly defined set of programs, services and partnerships that include:
College-Level Credit Programs – The college serves approximately 16,000 credit students annually through courses leading to associate degrees, diplomas and/or certificates in Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering Technology, Health Sciences, Industrial Technology, Information Systems Technology, Nursing and Public Service.
Corporate and Continuing Education Programs – The college provides professional and career training and development through open enrollment and customized courses to approximately 30,000 individuals from the community, and from businesses, industries, and governmental and health agencies. The college also offers self-supporting, noncredit activities for personal enrichment.
Student Development Programs and Services – The college offers programs and services to enrolled and prospective students and alumni to increase their success and enhance their potential for personal, educational and professional growth. The college increases student access to higher education through recruitment, developmental education, financial services, counseling and career services, and evaluation and support services.
Economic Development Programs – The college promotes the economic vitality of the region by providing a sustainable workforce for new and expanding industries and technology transfer to developing companies. The college proactively seeks to promote business growth and regional prosperity.
Midlands Technical College is an innovative leader that creates effective learning environments, enhances individual success, promotes economic vitality and provides opportunities for lifelong education.
Midlands Technical College contributes to the community by helping individuals reach their full potential through affirmation of the following values:
Commitment to Students – Belief in providing a learner-centered environment offering quality instruction, resources and services and presenting challenging opportunities for the continued growth and development of its students. The college assists students in clarifying their lifelong goals, fostering entrepreneurship, developing interpersonal skills and maximizing their potential.
Commitment to Excellence in Education – Belief in offering the highest quality academic programs and support services through a variety of delivery methods that reflect the relevant education required for future success. The college builds a community of learners and prepares students for the work environment or further education.
Commitment to Integrity – Belief in ethical behavior by all members of the college community. The college fosters and promotes integrity, honesty, fairness and mutual respect among faculty, staff, students and all others associated with the college.
Commitment to Economic Vitality and Quality of Life – Belief in preparing students for successful careers by providing a seamless curricula bridging secondary education, higher education and lifelong learning. The college partners with business, education and government to enhance the growth and prosperity of the community.
Commitment to Access and Diversity – Belief in providing access to programs and services to students who comprise the cultural, economic and demographic diversity of the community.
Commitment to Faculty and Staff – Belief in the importance of attracting and retaining an excellent and diverse faculty and staff who collectively create a positive learning environment. The college provides professional development opportunities and demonstrates its commitment to the college community by providing resources to carry out the mission of the college.
Commitment to a Quality Campus Environment – Belief in the importance of creating an inviting and secure environment for the college community. The college values clear communications, open exchange of ideas, involvement in decision-making, and respect for all individuals.
Commitment to the Management and Diversification of Resources – Belief in the effective use of college resources to provide quality education and services for the students and community and in being accountable to constituents. The college seeks to diversify its financial support through the pursuit of new and innovative resources.
Commitment to Innovation and Renewal – Belief in the spirit of creativity and discovery in all college endeavors. The college is open to innovation, adaptation and positive change for the benefit of all its constituencies.
Midlands Technical College does not discriminate in admissions or employment on the basis of race, sex, national origin or ethnic group, color, age, religion, disability or military service. In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992, Midlands Technical College offers access and equal opportunity in its admissions policies, academic programs and services, and employment of disabled individuals in that no otherwise qualified person will be denied these provisions on the basis of a disability. Dr. Ronald Rhames has been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in section 35.107 of the Department of Justice regulations, section 504 and Title IX regulations. Information concerning the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the rights and privileges thereunder are available from the ADA/EEOC coordinator. He can be reached at: Midlands Technical College, P.O. Box 2408, Columbia, SC 29202, (803) 822-3261.
Midlands Technical College faculty and staff intend to provide current, accurate information on programs and services to all students, whether they are attending classes on campus or are enrolled in distance education courses. Prospective and enrolled students can access current information on Midlands Technical College’s homepage at midlandstech.edu.
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After being accepted into Midlands Technical College, you must meet with an advisor who will help you select, plan and complete your academic goals. You will work closely with an advisor to plan your program of study and to take the required courses of your major in the proper sequence.
If you have never attended college before and are entering MTC for the first time, your first meeting with an advisor will be in the New Student Advisement Center unless you are majoring in a program that requires advisement by faculty in that department. If you are transferring credits from another college or if you are re-entering Midlands Technical College, you will be assigned to a faculty advisor within your program of study.
The following guidelines will help you achieve maximum benefit from your advising experience:
Give thoughtful consideration to your personal, educational and career goals.
Become familiar with your academic program requirements and accept responsibility for course choices and decisions.
Contact and keep in touch with your advisor each term.
Be on time for all scheduled advising appointments, and call if you must change or cancel an appointment.
Discuss problems encountered with college work, study habits and academic progress.
Ask questions concerning information and procedures you do not understand.
Develop a tentative schedule of classes before meeting with your advisor.
Ask about other available support services. Your advisor will refer you to the appropriate campus resource to help meet your individual needs.
Inform your advisor and the Student Records Office of any change in your address and/or phone number.
If you are planning to transfer to a four-year college, contact an advisor in your prospective major at that institution to obtain appropriate information about requirements for your future degree.
Some departments allow continuing students to register for courses over the web. Your advisor will help you determine if online registration is appropriate for you.
(See Appendix I, Student Code, Section III-C.)
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(See Admissions.)
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(See Honors.)
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To ensure the highest quality education, Midlands Technical College sets certain limitations on its academic procedures. Please read the section below for current limitations.
A student’s scores on appropriate tests for placement in courses or admission to programs will be acceptable for three years from the date the test is taken.
Applicability and time limitations on transfer coursework will be determined by the appropriate program’s department chair or designee.
Normally, a student’s grade in a course may not be changed later than one term following the award of the grade. The grade may be changed only by the course instructor or the department chair. Students should contact the course instructor to question a grade or initiate a grade change.
Exceptions to these policies may be made only by the appropriate vice president.
Students admitted to the college are granted the right to complete programs as stated in the College Catalog at the time of initial matriculation to the program. As long as the student is eligible to re-enroll, the student maintains these catalog rights.
The college reserves the right to change courses so long as the total number of credits required for completion of the program is not increased. A student who must reapply for admission comes into the college under the catalog in effect at the time of readmission.
College and program policies, procedures and fees may be adjusted as needed and are not linked to rights for courses. Students are encouraged to consult the college’s webpage for updates to policies, procedures and fees.
Courses may be cancelled due to inadequate enrollment or lack of instructors. Students are encouraged to check their online schedule immediately prior to the start of classes to confirm course offerings, dates and times.
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Midlands Technical College faculty and staff want students to succeed and make academic progress toward their goals. The college has adopted the following progress standards and support activities to assist students in successfully moving toward graduation.
To remain in good standing, students pursuing a degree, diploma or certificate who are enrolled in regular curriculum classes must maintain a minimum credit hour grade point average (GPA) according to the following scale:
|
Cumulative |
Cumulative |
|
Credit Hours Earned |
Minimum GPA |
|
0-20 |
1.5 |
|
21-30 |
1.8 |
|
More than 30 |
2.0 |
The above cumulative GPA scale is used to place students on probation or suspension. Some programs may require higher GPAs each term to remain in good standing. If the student is not placed on probation or suspension using this scale, the term and cumulative GPAs below 2.0 will also place a student on warning. Students on warning are advised to discuss their academic situation with their advisor, seek additional supportive resources such as the Academic Success Centers and Counseling Services as needed, and take reduced course loads until academic performance improves. The college is considering a proposal to raise GPA to 2.0 for all credit hours. Students will be notified of any changes through their MTC email account.
Students who fail to earn the required GPA as specified will be placed on probation during the next term in which they enroll in the college. While on academic probation, students should enroll in no more than 13 credit hours during the fall and spring terms, and no more than 10 credit hours during the summer term. As part of these hours, students should enroll in the College Skills class (COL 103) or the Personal and Career Assessment class (IDS 102) during their first term on probation unless they have already successfully completed both courses. Special advisement/counseling services will be available to students on probation.
Students on probationary status who do not earn the required GPA will be suspended from the college the term following probation. Students on academic suspension are ineligible to enroll in college credit courses for one term. Students returning from suspension will continue on probation and all probationary procedures will apply during this term. Those who earn the required GPA will be removed from probationary status.
Students who achieve the required GPA for the probationary term but whose cumulative GPA remains below the required level will remain on probation for one additional term. By the end of the second probationary term, students who achieve a 2.0 minimum GPA for the term but whose cumulative GPA remains below the required level will remain on probation for one additional term. By the end of the third probationary term, the student will be suspended unless the cumulative GPA reaches the prescribed level or the term GPA is 2.5 or higher.
Students on probation shall not serve in college-wide elective offices nor be appointed to any administrative or social committees during the probationary period.
Students enrolled in Developmental Studies (DVS) courses or enrolled in both DVS and curriculum courses must meet standards of academic progress as defined below. Additional standards of progress are required of financial assistance recipients. Please see the Student Financial Services portion of this handbook or reference the online procedures on satisfactory academic progress at midlandstech.edu/sfs/sap.html.
Students enrolled in all zero-level courses must receive grades of A, B or C in at least half of their courses to remain in good standing. DVS students who do not meet this requirement will be placed on probation during the next term in which they enroll in the college.
Students enrolled in all zero-level courses who are on probation and who do not earn grades of A, B or C in at least half of their courses will be suspended from the college the term following probation. Those who do earn grades of A, B or C in at least half of their DVS courses will be removed from probationary status.
Students taking both zero-level and curriculum courses must earn the required GPA as outlined above and pass at least half of their courses. Students who do not meet both of these requirements will be placed on probation during the next term in which they enroll in the college. All probationary guidelines as outlined in the Standards for Academic Progress will apply.
Students on probation who do not earn the required GPA or who do not earn grades of A, B or C in at least half of their DVS courses shall be suspended from the college the term following probation. Those who earn the required GPA and earn grades of A, B or C in at least half of their DVS courses will be removed from probationary status.
Special advisement/counseling sessions are available to students on probation.
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The Airport, Beltline and the Batesburg-Leesville campuses have Academic Success Centers open to all enrolled MTC students. Since available resources differ by campus, feel free to call before coming to be sure the center has what you need – Airport at 822-3545, Beltline at 738-7871 or Batesburg-Leesville at 604-1639.
All students have access to computer resources for the purposes of academic computing. The availability of software packages is determined by the courses taught at the college and by the programs supported by IRM. Available resources include productivity and development software in both microcomputer and mainframe environments, email, the Internet, Microsoft Office products and a wide variety of interactive educational software.
Tutoring is available to assist students who experience difficulties in selected courses, usually developmental studies courses, general education courses or introductory courses in a program of study. Mathematics, writing, and reading are the major areas for tutoring, but tutoring is also offered for foreign languages and selected computer, accounting and science courses.
In addition to computer access and tutoring, the Academic Success Center provides a variety of supplemental materials and “Supplemental Instruction” to assist students in becoming independent learners. These materials include videotapes of lessons from MTC faculty as well as textbook supplements, models for anatomy, microscopes, slides and selected handbooks.
Airport and Beltline
Monday through Thursday — 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday — 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday — 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sunday — 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Batesburg-Leesville
TBA
Hours of operation may be changed as needed in response to student usage and the operating budget.
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Any student having a disability requiring special accommodations should make their request with Counseling and Career Services within 30 days of the event. Students desiring special accommodations are requested to register with Counseling and Career Services with appropriate documentation:
Airport Campus: 822-3505, TTY 822-3021
Beltline Campus: 738-7636, TTY 738-7164
Email: counseling@midlandstech.edu