In accordance with the college policy on campus environment, Midlands Technical College intends to provide a safe and supportive learning and working environment for its students, faculty and staff. The college affirms the principle that students, faculty and staff have the right to be free from any forms of harassment, including sexual assault and sexual harassment. Harassment, which includes sexual assault and sexual harassment, are violations of the Midlands Technical College Student Code and the Employee Harassment Policy, as well as violations of state and federal law. The college has developed a statement addressing harassment to inform students, faculty and staff of their rights and the services available. Sexual assault and harassment is included under this statement.
Sexual assault is any physical contact of a sexual nature, up to and including rape, that occurs against a person’s will and/or without a person’s consent.
Sexual harassment is unwelcome attention directed toward a person’s sexuality or sexual identity. Sexual harassment includes demands for sexual favors in exchange for benefits or the creation of a hostile environment. A hostile environment occurs when sexually offensive conduct creates an intimidating, abusive or unpleasant learning or working environment that unreasonably interferes with a student receiving an education or an employee doing their work.
Other forms of harassment can include disparaging personal remarks, intimidating, threatening and abusive behaviors directed toward another person or group of individuals.
The college provides programming to enhance the awareness and prevention of harassment, including sexual assault and sexual harassment, throughout the year. Designated staff members and community experts give presentations and provide resources on request. In addition, pamphlets, brochures and other literature are distributed throughout the campus via newsstands, bulletin boards, activity fairs, student newspapers and employee newsletters.
In cases of sexual assault, victims should not change clothes or bathe before seeking medical attention or reporting the crime. This action will ensure the evidence is preserved.
If a sexual offense happens off campus, victims are encouraged to report the incident to the local police immediately. The police will provide guidance concerning evidence collection, legal procedures and other support resources.
When a sexual offense occurs on campus, members of the college community should immediately contact and file a report with Campus Security. The Vice President for Student Development Services or designee investigates allegations involving students, and the Vice President for Business Affairs or designee investigates allegations involving faculty and staff. Complaints of sexual assault will be responded to promptly and equitably. The right to confidentiality of all members of the college community will be protected to the extent possible under law. Retaliation against individuals filing sexual assault and/or sexual harassment charges is prohibited.
Convicted sexual offenders are required by law to register with Campus Security.
Campus Security and the investigating party will advise victims of their option to file criminal charges with local law enforcement authorities. They will also assist victims with transportation to the nearest designated sexual assault treatment center. The college will provide victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment with counseling and information about victim support services, such as the Rape Crisis Network. Counseling and Career Services will provide students counseling and referral assistance and Human Resource Management will assist employees in seeking counseling through the Employee Assistance Program.
The college will grant victims’ requests for reasonable and appropriate alternative accommodations to allay their security and safety concerns. Possible accommodations may include alternative classes, campus relocation, work reassignments and/or schedule changes.
The victim may choose to exercise the option to file formal disciplinary actions against the alleged assailant under the Student Code, the Student Grievance Procedure, or the Employee Disciplinary Actions Policy.
Midlands Technical College strictly prohibits hazing, as defined in the South Carolina Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act. Any act in which a student or employee treats another student or college employee in a tyrannical, abusive, shameful, insulting or humiliating nature, with intent of bodily harm, is a violation of the Midlands Technical College Student Code and college employee policy. If an investigation reveals that an individual is guilty of hazing after being accorded appropriate due process, that individual will be subject to disciplinary action, in accordance with college disciplinary procedures.
Victims may initiate the college disciplinary process by filing a complaint with Campus Security, the Vice President for Student Development Services (for students) or the Vice President for Business Affairs (for college employees). Victims of sexual assault and/or sexual harassment should provide a detailed written statement to the investigating party. If evidence is sufficient, charges will be filed against the accused. Due process under established college disciplinary procedures will be accorded all parties.
Disciplinary actions imposed for sexual assault and sexual harassment offenses will vary according to the severity of the conduct and may include expulsion of a student from the college or termination of employment of a staff or faculty member. Other possible disciplinary actions include those cited in the Student Code and the Employee Disciplinary Actions Policy.
Both the complainant and the accused have the rights to due process and counsel during the disciplinary proceedings; however, counsel is solely to advise. Both parties will be notified of the resolution of any college disciplinary proceeding resulting from a sexual assault and/or sexual harassment charge and of their right to appeal findings through all stages, up to the review by the college President.
As with any crime, if charges of sexual assault and/or sexual harassment are prosecuted, criminal penalties could result in addition to disciplinary actions taken by the college.
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As a nonresidential college, Midlands Technical College expects students will normally secure medical services through a private physician or medical facility. It is, however, the policy of Midlands Technical College to provide all students involved in accidental injury with emergency services, accidental death and dismemberment insurance for any accidents incurred while on college premises or involved in college-sponsored activities. In addition, the college sponsors a health awareness program to support good health and wellness. Referral information for accessing health insurance and local health services is provided through the Student Life Office on the respective campus.
Accidental insurance covers all curriculum students and those continuing education students who are enrolled in health programs while on the premises when college is in session and during college-sponsored and supervised activities.
As a nonresidential college, Midlands Technical College does not provide health insurance to students; however, students are provided with information on obtaining health insurance coverage. Referral information for accessing health insurance and local health services is provided through the Student Life Office on the respective campus. Students wishing to purchase student health insurance should contact the Office of Student Life to obtain health insurance information packets.
Any student involved in an accident requiring medical treatment at an emergency center, hospital or physician’s office should take appropriate action as follows:
If a student requires immediate service, contact 911 first and then call security at (738)-7199. Contact the dispatcher at (738)-7850 for other injuries. (In-house telephones require only the last four digits of a telephone number and provide free calls.) Security will determine interim emergency assistance, as needed. Security personnel will complete an incident report, and the student will be given a Student Accident Insurance Claim form. The student should submit the claim form to the office of the Vice President for Student Development Services (VPSDS). Assistance with completing the claim form will be provided through the VPSDS office. Benefits provided under the accident insurance cover medical claims submitted within 90 days of the date of the accident. The insurance provider may not recognize claim forms submitted more than 90 days after an accident has occurred; therefore, timely filing is essential.
Any student who is ill or becomes ill and needs immediate medical attention should take whatever actions are appropriate, such as:
Midlands Technical College supports the concept that good health and wellness contribute to enhanced student learning. Through the Student Life Office, the college offers a variety of health information and awareness activities throughout the year. Alcohol and drug information, AIDS awareness, health screenings and other such services help students develop positive health habits and healthy lifestyles. Information and upcoming events are posted in the online Pony Express, the College’s online student newspaper and on the Student Life web site at www.midlandstech.edu/studentlife.
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To be eligible for Academic Honors, students must be pursing a degree, diploma or certificate and receive no grades of “I”, “NC”, or “WF” during the term. Grades for zero level courses are not included in the GPA calculation or the required credit hours for academic honors.
President’s List — Each semester, students who achieve a 4.0 grade point average in at least 12 credit hours (excluding zero-level courses) earned at Midlands Technical College will be placed on the President’s List for the semester and given appropriate recognition. Developmental Studies courses (0-level courses) are not used in determining honors.
Scholars List — Each semester, students who earn a 3.5-3.99 grade point average in at least 12 credit hours (excluding 0-level courses) will be placed on the Scholars List for the semester and given appropriate recognition.
Part-Time Student Honor Roll — Each semester, students who earn a 3.8 grade point average or better in 3 to 11 credit hours (excluding 0-level courses) will be placed on the Part-Time Student Honor Roll and given appropriate recognition.
Associate Degree with High Honors — This honor is awarded to associate degree recipients who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.8-4.0.
Associate Degree with Honors — This honor is awarded to associate degree recipients who have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.5-3.79.
Certificate/Diploma with Honors — This honor is awarded only to certificate and diploma recipients who have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above in at least two semesters of work at the college.
Departmental honors in specific academic programs may be granted at the discretion of the academic department.
Midlands Technical College seeks to challenge all students to achieve their academic potential, and the college provides continued extracurricular stimulation for those who are exceptional achievers.
Students in an associate degree program with a 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA after earning a minimum of 12 credit hours at MTC will be eligible to join Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), an international honor society for two-year college students. Phi Theta Kappa sponsors college forums on relevant issues and provides a wide array of scholarship opportunities for PTK students.
The college also seeks to recognize outstanding students in Career Programs through membership in the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS). After completing 12 semester hours of curriculum-only coursework while maintaining a 3.0 GPA, students are eligible to seek faculty recommendations for induction into NTHS.
The Midlands Technical College Ambassador Assembly is a group of 15 to 25 high-achieving student representatives who have been selected to represent Midlands Technical College at college and community events. Academically eligible students who have earned at least 12 credit hours of college-level work and a 3.5 GPA are invited to submit applications in the spring of each year.
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Midlands Technical College is a nonresidential institution and does not maintain residential facilities. Therefore, students are expected to provide their own off-campus housing. The Student Life Office keeps copies of the Apartment Finders Magazine and the Apartment Guide available for students and posts notices for anyone interested in listing an apartment for rent or looking for a roommate. This information can also be accessed at www.midlandstech.edu/studentlife.
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In support of campus safety and security, all enrolled students are required to maintain and carry a current MTC ID, and show it upon request. ID cards are required to access some college services, such as the Library and Academic Success Centers. After registering for classes, students should arrange to receive a student ID card. To receive ID cards, students should bring their fee-paid receipt for tuition, a picture ID, and vehicle make and tag information. The initial card issued is free. Replacement cards are $5. Student Life issues IDs during the following hours:
Mondays (ASC 126) — 1:00-6:30 p.m.
Tuesdays (ASC 126) — 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Wednesdays (BSC 121) — 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Thursdays (BSC 121) — 1:00-6:30 p.m.
IDs will not be processed during Late Registration, Priority Drop/Add, Schedule Change or when classes are not in session.
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(See Health Services.)