College Catalog Scavenger Hunt
- List 3 types of information you can access from the College Catalog.
- In the MCC Catalog, click on “Student Code of Conduct and Title IX.” In the menu that opens click on “General Conduct Rules and Regulations,” briefly summarize the following:
- Alcohol policy
- Smoking policy
- Substance (drug use) policy
- Weapons policy
- Definition of “harassment” and three groups mentioned as being protected from harassment
- Any other two policies (not listed above)
- In the MCC College Catalog, under Student Handbook find and list:
- three actions that are prohibited under the Computer Use Policies
- the steps in the complaint or grievance process
- three rights you have as a student
College Policies
A college campus is almost like a small town or country unto itself. The campus has its own police force, government, stores, ID cards, parking rules, and so on. Colleges also have their own policies regarding many types of activities and behaviors. It is important to become familiar with your college’s policies, so you know your rights and responsibilities as a student.
To foster a safe and healthy learning environment, colleges have policies about academic honesty, alcohol and drug use, sexual harassment, hazing, hate crimes, and other areas. Residence halls have policies about noise limits, visitors, hours, structural and cosmetic alterations of college property, and smoking, to name a few. The Office of Student Accounts has policies about course add and drop dates, payment schedules, refunds, and the like. Such policies are designed to ensure that all students have the same access to quality education.
Here are links to the MCC Student Handbook, which gives you information on everything from student conduct rules to student rights.
- MCC Student Handbook
- Academic Honesty
- Code of Conduct for Educational Loans
- Code of Conduct for Users of College Computer Systems
- Discrimination Complaint Procedure
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- Rights and Freedoms of Students
- Services for Students with Disabilities
- Student Consumer Information
- Students’ Right Regarding their Educational Records
- Title IX Policies for Individuals Reporting Sexual Harassment and Misconduct
- Title IX Policy on Absence Due to Pregnancy
What Do I DO If I have a Problem In One Of My Courses?
According to the MCC Student Handbook, when a student believes there are grounds for an academic complaint, these procedures shall be followed by all parties. The failure of any College personnel at any level to communicate a decision to the aggrieved student within the proper time limits shall permit the student to proceed to the next step of the process. Students should note the process is not anonymous.
All academic complaints should follow this process:
- Students must attempt to resolve the concern directly with the appropriate faculty member. The student shall make an appointment with the faculty member to discuss the concern outside of class time (not before, during, or after class).
- If the faculty member is not available in a timely manner or if the student is not satisfied with the outcome of that meeting, the student shall make an appointment to speak with the faculty member’s department chair. Some departments require a written statement of the complaint. The department chair will initiative the resolution process by investigating the complaint within five (5) working days.*
- If the student feels the complaint has not been resolved by the department chair, the student shall make an appointment with the faculty member’s academic dean within ten (10) working days.
- If the complaint has not been resolved at the dean level, the student may submit a written appeal to the Provost and Vice President, Academic Vice President (hereafter “the Provost”) within (10) working days from receipt of the decision by the dean. The appeal must reasonably establish that:
- The established procedures were not properly followed; or
- An adequate opportunity to present evidence was not allowed; or
- The evidence was not substantial enough to justify the decision or resolution.
- The Provost will issue a written decision within five (5) working days. The decision is final.
*”Working day” is defined as any day (Monday-Friday) that the College is officially open.
To think proactively about what you would do if you had an academic complaint, locate resources you could use to help you list the “chain of command” for a course you are currently taking. Based on your course schedule, you likely have the name of the course and faculty member name, so explore resources you could use to help you locate the name of the department chair, the dean, and the Provost.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Monroe Community College expects students to remain in good academic standing, and MCC reviews satisfactory academic progress (SAP) by term (fall, spring, summer). Students are expected to earn a GPA of 2.0 or higher and maintain progress towards degree completion. Cumulative GPA is defined as the average of a student’s course history at MCC and only includes credit-bearing course work. When reviewing academic progress, however, TRS and other non-credit classes, as well as repeated courses, are included. A student who falls below satisfactory academic progress standards and/or does not complete the required percentage of courses for the term will be placed on Academic Warning. Persistent SAP concerns will result in students being placed on Academic Restriction. Students who appeal may be placed on Academic Probation. The following are the three requirements MCC expects from students to meet satisfactory academic progress:
- Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, including TRS, non-credit, and repeated courses.
- Students’ credit completion must equal 67% of attempted credits in the current term.
- Students must complete their educational program in no longer than 150% of the published length of the educational program.
College Resources
To be successful in college, students need to be fully informed and make wise decisions about enrolling in appropriate courses, following college policies, and accessing additional resources. Always remember that your college wants you to succeed. If you have any questions or are experiencing difficulties, there are college resources available to help you find answers or assistance. This is true of both academic and personal issues that could potentially disrupt your college experience. Never hesitate to ask for help.
The College Catalog and Student Handbook have already been mentioned as a great source of many kinds of information. You should know where to find it online and the kinds of information it contains.
The college’s website is the second place to look for help. Students are often surprised to see how much information is available online, including information about college programs, offices, special assistance initiatives, and helpful information such as suggestions for study, personal health, financial help, and other resources. Take some time to explore your college’s website and learn what is available so you’re prepared for any issues that may arise in the future.
The following are some of the resources at Monroe Community College:
- Academic Advisement: Brighton Campus 1-231, Downtown Campus Advisement Center 300, and Student Engagement Center 310. This office helps students choose courses each semester based on their programs or degrees.
- Bookstore: Brighton Campus Building 3, Downtown Campus, 1st Floor. In addition to required textbooks, the Bookstores sell paperbacks and magazines, calculators, school and stationery supplies, software, sportswear, candy, greeting cards, and other items.
- Campus Center Services Desk: Brighton Campus Building 3 Atrium, Downtown Campus 1st Floor. Offers services such as check cashing, locker rentals, and printing tickets to college-wide events.
- Career Services: Brighton Campus 3-108, Downtown Campus Student Engagement Center 310. This center can help you find a student job or internship, plan for your career after graduation, and receive career counseling.
- Child Care Center: Brighton Campus Building 22. The Richard M. Goun Child care Center believes that children’s healthy physical, emotional, cognitive development is supported through a partnership with families, The Center is committed to affirming strong attachments between children, families, and caregivers.
- Counseling Center: Brighton Campus 3-103, Downtown Campus Student Engagement Center 210. The Counseling Center staff are dedicated to providing a professional and confidential setting for the physiological, emotional, and developmental support of students as they pursue academic goals and explore personal growth and development.
- C.O.V.E: The Center for Outreach and Volunteer Engagement (COVE) serves as the first point of contact for students interested in becoming involved in community outreach, civic engagement, and volunteer programming.
- CSTEP (The Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program) is an academic support services program aimed at increasing the number of students from under-represented groups who are pursuing professional licensure /careers in Science Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and health-related fields.
- Disability Services: Brighton 3-103, Downtown, Student Engagement Center 310. Disability Services staff are dedicated to providing accommodations and equal access for students on an individual basis.
- Electronic Learning Center: Brighton Campus 11-106, Downtown Campus Learning Commons 440. Students can access computers and printers in a centralized location.
- EOP (Educational Opportunity Program) is for NYS residents who are academically and economically disadvantaged. Available to primarily full-time matriculated students, the program supports students throughout their college career with services such as a summer program, counseling, and tutoring. Priority is given to students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Financial Aid Office: Brighton Campus 1-221, Downtown Campus 210. If you are presently receiving financial aid or may qualify for assistance, you should know this office well.
- First-Year Experience: Brighton Campus 3-129, Downtown Campus 216. A student-based organization focused on welcoming and supporting students as they pursue their educational goals at MCC,
- Fitness Center: Brighton Campus 10-112, Downtown Campus 236. Students, faculty, and staff have access to weights and exercise equipment.
- Global Education and International Students (GEIS): Brighton Campus. This office promotes cultural awareness on campus, runs special programs, and assists international students with adjusting to campus culture.
- Learning Commons: Brighton Campus Library 2-200, Downtown Campus 440 Tutoring Services 442. The Learning Commons (LC) provides MCC students with access to the library, tutoring, and technology services in a central location.
- Lost and Found: Brighton Campus 1-102. If you lose property on campus, go to the lost and found office or call (595) 292 -2900. If you find unattended property, turn it in to the office or call the Dispatcher at 292-2912 so an officer can pick up the property from you. Always put your name inside your books, folders, calculators, and other belongings so that our office can contact you should you misplace your property. If you think your property has been stolen, report it immediately by calling the Public Safety Dispatcher at 292-2912 so an officer can take a report.
- MCC Libraries, the LeRoy V. Good (LVG) Library and DC Library: Brighton Campus Building 2, Downtown Campus Learning Commons 440. The library’s highest priority is student success.
- Residence Halls: West Canal Hall, 1st Floor. This is the office of campus residential housing.
- Rising Eagles pairs adult students with seasoned student mentors and provides support services through training, speakers, etc. Contact Yolonda Steward at ysteward@monroecc.edu if interested.
- Student Account Office: Brighton Campus 6-201, Downtown Campus 210. Students make tuition and fee payments at this office.
- Student Health Services: Brighton Campus 3-165. Clinical services are delivered through appointments daily. You may also drop in to have registered nurses assess and evaluate health care concerns and provide basic first aid for injuries and illness. Wellness Promotions Center at the Downtown Campus 226.
- Student Clubs and Organizations: Brighton Campus 3-126, Downtown Campus SEGA Leadership Office 218D. Participating in a group of like-minded students often supports academic success.
- Tutoring and Academic Assistance Center (TAC): Brighton Campus, Learning Commons Downtown Campus Learning Commons 440. Free tutoring is available for all classes offered at MCC.
- Veteran Services: Brighton Campus 3-108, Downtown Campus Student Engagement Center 310. This center helps veterans navigate through traditional college processes and provide them with a comprehensive overview of VA educational benefits.
- Wellness Services: Downtown Campus 226. the Wellness Center aims to improve student’s well-being by incorporating the Six Dimensions of the Wellness Wheel model into programming (Physical, Intellectual, Spiritual, Emotional, Career, and Social).
- Your instructors: It never hurts to ask an instructor if he or she knows of any additional college resources you haven’t yet discovered. There may be a brand new program on campus, or a certain department may offer a service not widely promoted through the college website.
Remember that all the resources at MCC were designed with your success as a student in mind. They were created for you, so don’t hesitate to use them. If you’re not sure where to find the help you need, talk to your COS instructor, an instructor in one of your other classes, or a staff member at any resource location.
Identifying resources
Where on campus would you first go for help:
- Choosing your courses for next term?
- With your math class?
- For a problem coping with a lot of stress?
- To learn about your options for student loans?