All new students, both freshmen and transfer students, must submit an application in order to be admitted to a program of study or courses by the Admissions Office. Those reading this handbook are assumed to be enrolled students; therefore, familiarity with this office should already exist. Admissions procedures, including processes for international students and applicants for Nursing or Health Sciences programs, are provided in the College Catalog and online at midlandstech.edu.
Former Midlands Technical College students who were not enrolled for any of the preceding three academic terms (including summer term) and who wish to re-enroll must complete an admissions application before re-entry. Application forms are available from the Student Information Center. However, submission of an electronic application through the college’s website (midlandstech.edu) is preferred. Electronic applications enhance processing time and accuracy. Students who have attended another college during the interim should request that the college send an official transcript of all academic work to the Admissions Office at Midlands Technical College. Applicants for readmission must meet established assessment and placement guidelines to ensure appropriate course placement and promote student success.
The college reserves the right to refuse admission to any student who has an unacceptable academic or conduct record. Those who have any financial obligations to the college must resolve those obligations before they will be allowed to register for classes.
Students suspended for academic reasons must make an appointment with Counseling and Career Services to obtain a petition for readmission to the program they wish to re-enter. An admissions application must also be completed. Additional testing and enrollment in a college success course may be required. Information concerning readmission of suspended students should be obtained from the Counseling and Career Services office.
Students readmitted to the college may apply for “Academic Fresh Start.” This option is designed for students who have performed poorly in their previous coursework at MTC and have decided to re-enroll after being out of college for at least three years. Students in this category who want an opportunity for a fresh undergraduate start at Midlands Technical College, without the handicap of their prior academic record, may apply for admission under Academic Fresh Start, subject to the conditions set forth by the college. Application for Academic Fresh Start can occur only once. Granting of Academic Fresh Start will not affect or alter a student’s access to financial aid or scholarships from any source unless specific governmental or agency laws and/or regulations prohibit such awards. All prior academic coursework is used to determine Title IV academic progress standards for financial aid and may be used by other colleges to determine transfer GPA. For information about this process, contact Counseling and Career Services.
The South Carolina Illegal Immigration Act of 2008 requires that all students in South Carolina colleges and universities present documentation of legal presence in the United States in order to be enrolled in any credit or non-credit course of the college. If legal presence cannot be verified through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), students will be asked to produce a copy of a South Carolina Drivers’ License after 2002 or other designated documentation to an Enrollment Services representative of the college. Applicants cannot be enrolled in classes until documentation of legal presence is on file with the college.
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The college serves the adult student population through the services of several departments. Students may access services through a virtual center at midlandstech.edu/adultstudentservices.
Additionally, counseling, educational guidance, career planning, child-care options, student-aid resources, workshops, and seminars that help adults to manage the multiple roles of student, family and worker can be accessed in the following offices:
CAREERS
Counseling and Career Services
Educational Opportunity Center
Student Support Services
Academic Success Center
Student Financial Services
For personal assistance regarding these services, contact Counseling and Career Services housed on both the Beltline and Airport campuses in the Student Center. Prospective students should contact the Student Information Centers housed in the Academic Center on Airport Campus and in the Student Center on Beltline Campus.
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Midlands Technical College has established policies and procedures that may allow students to enter certain curriculum programs with advanced standing. In many cases, credit may be awarded through transfer of credit from other post-secondary institutions, challenge examinations, Advanced Placement (AP) exams, the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or military experience. In addition, many of the college’s programs have developed technical advanced placement agreements with secondary institutions in the college’s service area. Students interested in advanced standing should furnish appropriate documentation to the Admissions Office. After this information has been reviewed by the appropriate college personnel, students will be notified regarding academic credits awarded.
CLEP information may be obtained at the Student Assessment Centers on either campus, by calling (803) 822-3659 (AC) or (803) 738-7731 (BC), or by accessing information on the Student Assessment Center website.
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Midlands Technical College seeks to provide a drug-free, healthful, safe and secure work and educational environment. Employees and students are required and expected to report to their work, class or student activities in appropriate mental and physical condition to meet the requirements and expectations of their respective roles.
Midlands Technical College prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of narcotics, drugs, or other controlled substances or alcohol at the workplace and in the educational setting. Unlawful for these purposes means in violation of federal/state/ local regulations, policies, procedures, rules and legal statutes. Workplace means either on college premises or while conducting college business away from the college premises. Educational setting includes both institutional premises and approved educational sites off campus.
To prevent the consequences of alcohol and other drug abuse at the workplace and in the educational setting, Midlands Technical College and the South Carolina Technical College System have implemented this policy to ensure a drug-free work and educational environment.
Midlands Technical College recognizes that chemical dependency through the use of controlled or uncontrolled substances, including alcohol, is a treatable illness. The college supports and recommends employee and student rehabilitation and assistance programs, and it encourages employees and students to use such programs.
The college will implement drug-free awareness programs for employees and students. Such programs will annually ensure employees and students are aware that:
Alcohol and other drug abuse at the workplace and in the educational setting is dangerous because it leads to physical impairment, loss of judgment, safety violations, and the risk of injury, poor health or even death. The health risks and effects of controlled substances and alcohol will be provided to students and employees.
Alcohol and other drug abuse can significantly lower performance on the job and in the classroom, thus adversely affecting the college and the college’s mission, as well as seriously affecting a student’s educational and career goals.
Employees must report any personal conviction under a criminal drug statute for conduct at the workplace to their human resource officer within five days. Management must report to granting agencies any employee conviction for conduct in the workplace within ten days of receiving notice.
It is a condition of employment and admission that all employees and students must abide by the policy on alcohol and other drug use as well as related procedures, statements, laws and guidelines. Violation of any provisions may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion respectively, and may have further legal consequences consistent with federal and state laws and regulations. Additionally, management may require an employee or student to enter an employee/student assistance or drug rehabilitation program as a condition of employment or enrollment. In addition, management is specifically required by law to take appropriate action within 30 days of receiving notice of any employee’s conviction for conduct in the workplace.
Use of employee assistance programs (EAP), student assistance programs (SAP) or drug/ alcohol rehabilitation services is encouraged.
For information on substances that can cause chemical dependence and their side effects and health risks, please visit the Student Life Office on either campus or obtain information online at midlandstech.edu/campuslife, under alcohol/drugs policy.
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Midlands Technical College expects students will attend all scheduled instructional activities. At a minimum, students in all curriculum and Developmental Studies courses must be present for at least 75 percent of their scheduled classes and laboratory meetings to receive credit.
With the approval of the academic vice president, individual departments may set attendance requirements that are more stringent than those stated above.
The specific requirements of a course will be published in the course syllabus. Faculty of the college may grant exceptions to the class attendance policy on an individual case basis when students face extenuating circumstances beyond their personal control, such as extended illness, family illness or death, or other personal crisis.
Students must meet all academic requirements to receive a passing grade, regardless of any exceptions made to the attendance policy.
Students may appeal a faculty member’s decision on absences to the Department Chair, or as outlined under the Student Grievance Procedure. (See “Student Grievance Procedure” in this handbook.)
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To provide students with convenient financial services, automatic teller machines (ATMs) are located on the Airport Campus (cafeteria), and Beltline Campus (cafeteria).
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The Airport Campus Bookstore is located on the first floor of the Airport Student Center and the Beltline Campus Bookstore is on the first floor of the Beltline Student Center. Students may also access the MTC bookstores and purchase textbooks online at mtcbook.com.
The bookstores offer new and used textbooks, reference books, and school supplies, including required drafting, graphics, computer, dental and nursing supplies, and specialty items such as backpacks, imprinted shirts, mugs and snack foods. Computers are also offered through special orders.
The bookstores will buy back textbooks from students at any time during normal operating hours. At the end of each semester, from the last day of class through the exam period, the bookstores will conduct a “book buy” period. Students should watch for published dates and locations in the bookstores or on the bookstore website. During the “book buy” period, books for the upcoming term will be purchased for 50 percent of the current list price until the stock level for each book meets the estimated quantity needed by the departments for the upcoming term. Once the estimated quantity for any book requested by a department has been met, any additional copies of that book presented for “book buy” will be deemed overstock and purchased at prevailing wholesale prices, if any. Wholesale guide prices will be given at all times other than the specified “book buy” period.
Workbooks that have been written in will be purchased only if their reuse is approved by the appropriate department chair. Any books that are missing pages will not be bought back.
The hours of operation are posted at each bookstore and on the website, and operating hours are extended the first two weeks of each term.
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Bulletin boards are located throughout the campus to notify students of upcoming events and activities. Information is available electronically on the college’s website and on electronic MTCVNN displays in high traffic areas on each campus. Notices to be placed by either nonstudents or students must be submitted to the Student Life Office for approval before posting. For further information pertaining to posting policies, contact the Student Life Office on either campus. Copies of the posting guidelines are also available online at midlandstech.edu/studentlife.
Individuals who wish to post flyers/notices on bulletin boards managed by the Office of Student Life must receive approval through the Student Life Office on either campus.
Upon approval by designated staff in the Student Life Office, the material will be stamped and prepared for posting.
Requests for posting material on Beltline and Airport campuses can be granted through either Student Life Office: Beltline Student Center (Room 101 or 201) or Airport Student Commons (Room 126).
Notices pertaining to intercampus clubs/organizations, student services, or academic information can remain on Student Life boards up to one semester upon request. All other approved material will remain on bulletin boards for two weeks. However, any flyer promoting an event on a specific date will be removed after the event.
Student Life reserves the right to remove any item prior to the designated period based on the timing of a specified event, the size of the material to be posted, and space availability. Student-related events, services, and information will receive priority consideration. See Item 12 and Item 13 concerning posting requests from local businesses.
All material promoting or involving gambling, alcohol consumption, drug use, or any other activity prohibited by college regulations or South Carolina law WILL NOT be approved for posting (see Section III entitled Proscribed Conduct, Student Code and Grievance Procedure in the MTC Student Handbook).
The maximum size for flyers or posters is 15 X 24 inches. However, exceptions may occur depending on space availability. Consult with the Student Life Office on either campus for verification.
Twenty-two boards are available on the Beltline Campus and twelve boards are located on Airport Campus. Student Life personnel will post only the number of flyers received, minus one that is maintained for file purposes. Individuals are responsible for making copies of all materials posted.
The Student Life Office assumes no responsibility for the security of material posted at any time during display.
Flyers are posted once a week and/or as space permits on boards. Student Life Office reserves the right to delay posting of any material in question based on existing posting policies and/or available personnel.
The distribution of flyers or other materials must be consistent with orderly assembly as indicated in Section II.B of the Student Code in the MTC Student Handbook. Distribution by means of accosting individuals, shouting, leaving material in stacks in unauthorized areas, or leaving material on cars is strictly prohibited in accordance with the Student Code.
The Student Life Office recognizes the importance of working cooperatively with local business and the community. Businesses that want to offer discounts specific to MTC students can have flyers posted on Student Life bulletin boards upon prior approval. All such materials will be posted by Student Life personnel. However, the posting of promotional flyers for businesses that could otherwise be considered free advertising is prohibited.
Repeat listings of approved business flyers are allowed 90 days from the beginning date of the most recent posting. For example: A flyer posted on March 1 can remain on the boards through March 30. As of June 1 (90 days from March 1), the notice can be posted again for a period of thirty days.
All notices pertaining to part-time employment should be referred to the Student Financial Services Office on either campus. All information pertaining to full-time employment should be referred to Student Employment Services.
All notices pertaining to either full-time or part-time employment with Midlands Technical College should be referred to the Office of Human Resource Management located on the Airport Campus.
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All Midlands Technical College students are assigned an email account upon admission to the college. This student email account is the official form of notification regarding important college information such as registration notices, course cancellations, financial aid transactions, academic probation/suspension notices, student code and grievance communications and notices from faculty. Students are responsible for checking their college email on a daily basis and for maintaining the account. It is the responsibility of each student opting to have their email forwarded to an external account to verify this process is set up correctly to ensure all college emails are sent to the external account designated by the student.
Students who do not have a personal computer or Internet access at home may use computers in the Online Services Centers or Academic Success Centers.
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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 people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, belief in the worth and dignity of all people and adherence to practices that promote campus safety are encouraged. The Midlands Technical College Student Code reinforces this concept and outlines the rights and responsibilities of students.
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Midlands Technical College considers co-curricular and out-of-class programs to be a vital part of the educational process. Students are encouraged to participate in the many MTC programs and activities that support personal development, leadership training, service to the college and community, self-directed activity, the experience of sharing interests, and the opportunity to interact with those from different cultural backgrounds. The college sponsors many co-curricular, social and recreational activities during the year and encourages student participation in these programs. Information concerning these programs can be obtained from the Student Life Office on either campus or online at midlandstech.edu/studentlife.
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(See Security.)
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(See Counseling and Career Services.)
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CAREERS (College Activities Reap Educational Experiences Resulting in Success) offers both financial and educational support services to eligible participants through the Perkins IV Federal Grant. The program serves single parents, displaced homemakers, non-traditional students, students with disabilities and ESL students who are enrolled in a career-related credit program. CAREERS cannot serve Associate in Arts and Associate in Science majors. Qualification for financial resources offered by the program is based on Pell-related financial need and a minimum cumulative 2.25 GPA. Financial services provided by the program include funds for books and special equipment such as tools or childcare assistance. Activities provided to participants include job shadowing, mentoring, industry tours and personal/professional development workshops. Orientations and counseling sessions (group or individual) are held each semester. To learn more about CAREERS, call (803) 738-7694, send an email to CAREERS@midlandstech.edu or visit the CAREERS website at midlandstech.edu/careers.
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Changes in an enrolled student’s academic major (program of study) are handled on a walk-in basis in Counseling and Career Services. Since many student assistance programs (e.g., Student Financial Services, Veterans Affairs, and Workforce Investment Act) have specific guidelines concerning changes in an academic major, the student should contact the appropriate office prior to requesting a change of major with Counseling and Career Services. International students should contact the International Admissions Coordinator in the Beltline Campus Admissions Office prior to requesting a change of academic major. Students enrolled in a Pre-Nursing or Pre-Health Care certificate program should review the policies and procedures required for admission into Nursing and Health Science programs.
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Any student who changes a name, address or phone number should notify the Student Records Office. Official changes to addresses are made to a student’s record only through the student’s official notification to the Student Records Office. Address accuracy is essential for student receipt of registration notices and all other college information. A change of address does not automatically constitute a change in residency status for tuition purposes. (See Change of Residence.)