Dec 13, 2024  
2012-2013 Catalog & Student Handbook 
    
2012-2013 Catalog & Student Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Student Responsibilities



Student Rights, Responsibilities & Due Process

Students, employees and visitors at Midland College, by the nature of their citizenship and residence, have certain individual rights and freedoms established by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, the State of Texas and the respective communities where they live. The possession of the personal rights is neither increased nor diminished by reason of a person’s association with Midland College.

  1. Midland College recognizes and accepts the following rights and freedoms as being essential to the educational process:
    1. Freedoms of expression in the classroom consistent with commonly accepted standards of decency and respect for others;
    2. Freedom from improper, unfair, or capricious academic evaluation;
    3. Freedom from unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment;
    4. The right to have one’s personal record kept in professional confidence;
    5. Freedom of association;
    6. Freedom of inquiry and expression consistent with commonly accepted rules governing libel, slander and good taste;
    7. Freedom of exercise in the rights and responsibilities of citizenship;
    8. Guarantee of procedural due process in disciplinary proceedings; and
    9. The right to distribute or post printed material in compliance with the college’s posted policy.
  2. Midland College expects employees, students, visitors and guests of the College to accept the following responsibilities:
    1. Compliance with and support of duly constituted civil authority;
    2. Respect for the rights of others and cooperation to insure that such rights are maintained, whether or not one agrees with the views of those exercising such rights;
    3. Maintenance of ethical and commonly accepted standards of decency and respect for others and stewardship of college resources while using electronic communication devices;
    4. Cooperation to insure that the will of the majority is implemented after due consideration, but not to include the suppression of the minority;
    5. To exercise disagreement in a responsible manner and within the framework compatible with the orderly resolution of differences;
    6. Knowledge of and active support of college regulations.
  3. Students with identified disabilities should report their need for accommodation to the Student Services Office. Students with grievances related to discrimination on the basis of a disability may contact the Student Services Office or follow the directions on the posted notices for grievances.


Midland College Fitness Center located in the Physical Education Building
The Fitness Center is free to all students with a valid Midland College student ID card.

I. Scholastic Dishonesty and Academic Misconduct

Midland College encourages high academic standards, including student responsibility for original work. As a part of this stance, Midland College endorses the following definitions and guidelines regarding scholastic dishonesty and academic misconduct, including the areas of cheating, plagiarism, and collusion.

Academic Misconduct

Academic misconduct is the actual or attempted tampering or misuse of academic records or materials such as transcripts and examinations. Examples are: stealing, buying, or otherwise obtaining all or part of an unadministered test or academic exercise; selling, buying, or giving away all or part of an unadministered academic exercise or any information about it; changing or altering a grade book, test, “drop form,” or other official academic record of the college; unauthorized entry into a building or office for the purpose of changing a grade or tampering in any way with grades or examinations.

Cheating

Cheating is defined as the deliberate use of unauthorized materials and/or actions or fraudulent acquisition in order to obtain information for an examination or assignment.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is defined as the appropriation, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another’s work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one’s own written work offered for credit. A student commits plagiarism if he/she:

  1. Fails to acknowledge the sources of any information in a paper which is not either common knowledge or personal knowledge. A student can acknowledge a source through in-text citations cross referenced to a works cited page, attribution lines, footnotes, or other forms of documentation approved by the instructor. (Common knowledge is the basic information within a field or discipline, as well as most historical dates and facts, and many ordinary observations.)
  2. Fails to acknowledge direct quotation either by using quotation marks or (for longer passages) indentation. Without the quotation marks or indentation, passages copied directly from a source might be considered plagiarized even if it is followed by an in-text citation or a footnote. The citation or footnote acknowledges that there is a source, but it does not indicate that the writer has used someone else’s exact words.
  3. Merely paraphrases the original words of the source. Some students think they can avoid a charge of plagiarism by changing a few words in each sentence that they copy or by rearranging the shape of phrases or the order of sentences in a paragraph. This is not true. When taking notes students, must be careful to put ideas in their own words or to use direct quotations when relying on phrases directly taken from a source.
  4. Uses the ideas, examples, or structure of the source without acknowledging it. A student can be guilty of plagiarism if he/she systematically borrows the ideas and organization of a source, even if the language of the piece is on a major news event, by using exactly the same ideas in the same order as they appear in an article in any popular news magazine.
  5. Takes, buys, or receives a paper written by someone else and presents it as the student’s own.
  6. Uses one paper for two different courses, or re-uses a paper previously submitted for credit, without the prior approval of the instructor or instructors.

Collusion

Collusion is defined as the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work offered for credit or collaboration with another person to commit a violation of any section of these rules on scholastic dishonesty. A student commits collusion if he/she:

  1. Allows someone else to edit papers or correct assignments without the instructor’s knowledge or permission. It is scholastically dishonest for students to employ tutors to correct, edit or modify papers or assignments in any substantive fashion. The same reservations and restrictions apply, within reason, to any outside assistance a student may receive from a parent, friend, roommate, or academic tutor. Any changes, deletions, rearrangements, additions, or corrections made in papers or assignments should represent the student’s own work. (Midland College provides many tutorial services. Tutors in these college facilities offer advice without editing or completing the required work.)
  2. Reveals test information to another student enrolled in the same course.

Penalties

If a student has any questions or doubts about the way he/she is employing sources or assistance in any given assignment, he/she is advised to consult the instructor before handing in the assignment. The penalties for any type of scholastic dishonesty described in this statement can be severe and can adversely effect the student’s permanent academic record. The instructor has the primary responsibility for recommending the penalty in cases of academic dishonesty after consultation with the Division Dean and the student. Students may seek review of the decision or redress of a grievance related to their participation in college programs or activities.

The instructor does have the right to enforce any one of the following penalties for scholastic dishonesty at his/ her discretion and in response to each particular case:

  1. Failure of the assignment;
  2. Failure of the course;
  3. Recommendation for disciplinary action, including institutional suspension or dismissal.

II. Other Student Conduct Regulations

Midland College has declared that the following actions constitute an interference with the lawful and orderly use of the College premises, facilities and activities to accomplish the objectives of the College. These actions are therefore strictly prohibited on the Midland College campus and other college property and facilities and during all college-sponsored activities wherever occurring:

  1. Disrupting or obstructing or attempting to disrupt or obstruct, any lawful activity of the college.
  2. Interfering with, or attempting to interfere with, the lawful exercise of freedom of speech, freedom of movement, freedom of peaceable assembly, or other rights of individuals or groups.
  3. Illegally possessing, using, selling, or being under the influence of dangerous drugs, narcotics or alcohol.
    • The College prohibits possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages on Midland College property.
    • The College strictly enforces the state law that prohibits the possession and consumption of alcohol by those under the age of 21.
    • The College strictly prohibits attending classes while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
    • The College prohibits possession or use of controlled substances or alcohol in its residence halls or at any off-campus college-sponsored event.
    • The College strictly enforces the local, state, and federal laws which prohibit the sale of controlled substances on its campus.
  4. Possessing or using firearms, weapons, or explosives, unless authorized by the College. A person commits an offense if he or she intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possesses or goes with a firearm, illegal knife, club or prohibited weapon on the physical premises of a school or educational institution, any grounds or building on which activity sponsored by a school or educational institution is being conducted, or a passenger transportation vehicle of a school or educational institutional, whether the school or educational institution is public or private, unless pursuant to written regulations or written authorization of the Midland College Administration (Texas Penal Code 46.03). This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, fireworks of any kind, illegal knives, clubs and razors.
    • In addition, Midland College prohibits the same weapons from being brought onto any campus of the College.
    • Lockers and vehicles on any campus of Midland College may be inspected by school personnel if there is reasonable cause to believe that they contain weapons, drugs or other contraband items.
    • In the event a student possesses a license to carry a concealed handgun under state law, the possession of such weapons on any campus of the college is prohibited.
    • Only local, state and federal authorities are authorized to carry firearms on their person when on the campus of Midland College, either as a visitor or a student.
  5. Conduct on the part of any member of the college community which constitutes unlawful harassment shall not be tolerated. Unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment as defined below, or failure to carry out responsibilities specified below, may result in disciplinary action. Participating in sexual harassment is expressly prohibited and offenders are subject to disciplinary action. Sexual harassment may be defined as either unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other expressive or physical conduct of a sexual nature, when:
    • Submission by a student to such conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a term or condition of status in a course, program, or activity; or
    • Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for academic decisions affecting the student; or
    • Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with a student’s academic performance; or
    • Such conduct, in intent or effect, creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for learning.

Students who perceive that they have been sexually harassed may address their questions or complaints to their appropriate counselor/advisor, supervisor, Division Dean, or other administrator. In such cases, the Vice President of Student Services or his or her designee should be contacted immediately for consultation. Resolution of the complaint will then be handled according to the usual procedures for grievances.

  1. Advocating the overthrow by force or violence of any legally constituted governmental body, system, or any local, state, or federal law, or any rule, regulation or policy of the Board of Trustees and administrative officials of the College.
  2. Engaging in physical assault, harassment, or obscene, profane, reckless, tumultuous, destructive or unlawful course of conduct.
  3. Hazing in all forms, as defined and prohibited in the Texas Education Code Sections 37.151 to 37.157 and any addendum thereto.
  4. Academic cheating or plagiarism; willfully submitting false information with the intent to deceive; forgery, alteration, or misuses of college documents or records.
  5. Initiating malfeasance in an elective or appointive office of any college endeavor.
  6. Refusing to present an appropriate appearance in dress and grooming while participating in or attending a college activity. Students who dress so unconventionally or bizarrely that it causes disturbances, disrupts campus life, or calls undue attention to itself will be asked to conform to a more conventional form of dress. At Midland College, individual members of faculty and staff are given a considerable amount of discretion in determining what is appropriate for the educational activity under their responsibility. Whatever is clearly stated by those responsible as being appropriate or not appropriate will be the prevailing standard in that particular area of activity.
  7. Refusing or failing to comply with lawful order of any college or public official acting in the performance of duties in the administration and enforcement of these policies.
  8. Participating in theft, vandalism, defacement or destruction of college or student property.
  9. Failing to meet financial responsibilities to the institution promptly including, but not limited to, passing a worthless check in payment to the institution.
  10. Failing to return, defacement of, or destruction of, college property which has been issued as educational equipment, such as, but not limited to, tools, cameras, recorders, musical instruments, etc.
  11. Violating an established safety and health requirements in laboratory, shop or other educational settings.
  12. Violating campus housing regulations.

III. Student Discipline

  1. Any student violating policies and general rules on student rights, responsibilities, conduct and privacy shall be subject to immediate removal from any college premises, facilities, or activities. Such removal or exclusion shall not prejudice or interfere with subsequent disciplinary action by the College. There are occasional exceptional situations where a student’s physical or psychological condition is such that action needs to be taken to withdraw the student from the College. The action could occur, for instance, if the conditions were such that the student could not benefit from the educational program, was threatening to self and/or others, or was disruptive to others.
  2. Complaints regarding student behavior may be originated by students, faculty, staff members, or citizens outside the college community. The Vice President of Student Services or his or her designee will investigate any complaints and notify the student in writing of all charges, the name of the person lodging the charge, the disciplinary action, and the right to a hearing.
  3. Disciplinary action may include:
    1. admonition and warning
    2. formal written warning
    3. fines
    4. loss of privileges
    5. formal disciplinary probation
    6. suspension
    7. expulsion

College-imposed sanctions are additional to any action taken by law enforcement officials.

IV. Student Due Process

Midland College provides due process procedures for students to assure that specific problems are addressed in a fair, reasonable, and timely manner. Students may seek review of decisions or redress of grievances related to participation in college programs or activities including:

  • disciplinary action
  • assignment of a final course grade (see Grade Appeal Policy);
  • denial of admission to, dismissal from, or denial of readmission to a limited access program, or
  • perceived discriminatory action based on race, color, age, natural origin, sex, handicap, marital status, religion, or any other condition prohibited by law

Students are encouraged to seek informal resolution of problems by discussing issues directly with the College staff member involved and/or that individual’s supervisor. In the event that informal discussions do not resolve disputed issues, students may request a formal hearing. The decision in dispute and related circumstances will be reviewed, and students will have an opportunity to present their viewpoints

  1. Hearing Procedures
    1. Students seeking a formal hearing of a disputed decision must file a statement of grievance and written request for hearing with the Vice President of Student Services within 15 working days of the event in question. The request must describe the disputed act, the parties involved and the action requested.
    2. The Vice President of Student Services will assure that appropriate College personnel are informed, and a hearing will be scheduled within 15 working days of the filing of a grievance. A due process facilitator will be appointed to conduct the hearing and provide information to all parties involved.
    3. The hearing panel will consist of a balanced group including a member of the department or division involved, an individual outside the department or division involved, and a representative from the instructional area or the Student Services area, as appropriate. The student may present information and/ or arrange, with permission of the facilitator, for others to present information. A student advocate will be available if the student needs assistance in the hearing procedure. The Midland College employee involved in the dispute may do likewise. All materials to be considered in the hearing must be submitted to the Vice President of Student Services 48 hours prior to the scheduled hearing. It is the policy of the College that legal counsel will not be involved in dispute resolution until all internal remedies have been exhausted.
    4. The hearing panel may uphold, overturn or revise the disputed decision, and the facilitator conducting the hearing will provide all involved parties with a written statement of the panel’s decision.
    5. Actions which result from disputed decisions and which affect student status or participation in Midland College programs or activities will be deferred until after a formal hearing unless otherwise directed by either the Vice President of Instruction or the Vice President of Student Services.
    6. When either the Vice President of Student Services or the Vice President of Instruction has been directly involved in the disputed action with a student, he or she shall designate a representative to serve in his or her stead during hearings or appeals.
  2. Appeals
    1. Either party may appeal the due process action taken by the hearing panel. Only procedural matters will be addressed in subsequent review.
    2. A student seeking to appeal the decision of the hearing panel must file a written request with the Vice President of Student Services within10 working days of receipt of the hearing panel’s decision. This request must state the grievance and the requested action and will be forwarded to the appropriate Vice President for review.
    3. If a need for an appeal hearing is determined, the Vice President of Student Services and the Vice President of Instruction will handle appeals in each other’s areas of supervision including selecting balanced panels to hear appeals and chairing appeal hearings.
    4. A decision will be given regarding an appeal within 10 working days of filing the request.

Academic Responsibilities

Absences

It is the responsibility of students to know the policies and procedures associated with absences. These policies are set by instructors. Excused absences may include, but are not limited to, illness, severe weather, and death in the family. Instructors will determine whether or not an absence is excused.

Three consecutive classroom hours of unexcused absences or a total of 6 classroom hours of unexcused absences as reported by the instructor may result in students being dropped. When a class is longer than one hour in length, a proportionately fewer number of absences is allowed. Midland College reserves the right to deal at anytime with individual cases of non-attendance.

In the case of excused absences, it is the obligation of the student to notify the instructor as soon as possible and make up all missed work.

When a student represents Midland College at an official event and will miss class, the student must notify instructors prior to the event.

Student Withdrawals

Requests for withdrawal must be made using the College’s accepted withdrawal methods. Students must complete an official withdrawal form either in person in the Student Services office, online or by written request. Midland College reserves the right to decline approval of a withdrawal request for any reason. Such reasons may include, but are not limited to: submitting incomplete information on the request, not submitting current contact information for the student, not resolving any questions concerning the authenticity of the document, disciplinary actions, outstanding debts, TSI liability, etc.

Students who withdraw and have outstanding debts in any area of the College will not be given clearance to re-enroll until these debts are paid. Students who receive warning notices concerning non-attendance may complete the withdrawal request portion of the notice and return it to Student Services. TSI Liable students must meet with Dean of Adult or Developmental Education before withdrawing from TSI classes.

The last day for withdrawal for each registration period is published in the catalog and the current course schedule. Online withdrawal requests must be made on or prior to the dates listed.

Section 51.907 of the Texas Education Code- Limiting the Number of Course Drops for Undergraduate Students at Public Institutions of Higher Education in Texas.

Beginning with new state college and university enrollments in the Fall 2008 semester, a student may drop no more than six courses over the duration of his/her collegiate experience. This six-course limit applies cumulatively to all Texas public institutions of higher education in which the student has been enrolled. The following are the only exceptions to this legislative limit:

  1. A severe illness or other debilitating condition that affects the student’s ability to satisfactorily complete the course;
  2. The student’s responsibility for the care of a sick, injured, or needy person if the provision of that care affects the student’s ability to satisfactorily complete the course;
  3. The death of a person who is a member of the student’s family or who is otherwise considered to have a sufficiently close relationship to the student that the person’s death is a showing of good cause;
  4. Active duty service as a member of the Texas National Guard or the armed forces of the United States of either the student or a person who is a member of the student’s family or who is otherwise considered to have a sufficiently close relationship to the student that the person’s active military service is a showing of good cause; or
  5. A change in the student’s work schedule that is beyond the control of the student, and that affects the student’s ability to satisfactorily complete the course.

Please be aware of this policy as you consider dropping any courses during the semester.

Incomplete Grade

A student who does satisfactory work in a course but does not finish due to extenuating circumstances may be eligible to receive an Incomplete (“I”). An “I” grade is given after the student has had a conference with the instructor and an Incomplete Contract has been completed and signed. The contract states the conditions that must be fulfilled. The time permitted for the work to be completed can be no later than the end of the next regular semester. After the work is completed or the time has expired, a final grade will be assigned by the instructor or the division dean if the instructor is not available.

In exceptional cases, the deadline may be extended. An incomplete may only be extended once. An extension will only be granted after a conference between the student, faculty member, and the dean. Final approval must be given by the division dean. Appeals may be pursued according to student rights and due process procedures.

Grade Appeal Policy

Students are strongly encouraged to discuss their concerns regarding a grade directly with the involved faculty. If the disputed issue is not resolved, the next step is an informal meeting with the academic dean who is the direct supervisor of the involved faculty.

If the issue has not been resolved after a final course grade has been filed with the registrar, the student may request a formal hearing. During the hearing, the student and the faculty member will have an opportunity to present their viewpoints and relevant materials. Actions which result from disputed decisions and which affect student status or participation in Midland College programs will be deferred until after the formal hearing unless otherwise directed by the Vice President of Instruction.

A student seeking a formal hearing of a disputed action must submit a written notice to the appropriate Associate Vice President of Instruction within 30 business days of the beginning of the academic semester following the filing of the grade. The request must describe the disputed act, the parties involved, and the action requested.

The Associate Vice President of Instruction will inform appropriate college personnel, including the Vice President of Student Services, and a campus facilitator, of the hearing. The Vice President of Student Services or the designee will provide the student with a list of approved campus advocate to assist the student with the appeal procedure. Facilitators and resource persons will be selected by the appropriate Associate Vice President of Instruction and will receive training in grade appeal procedures and standards.

A hearing will be scheduled within 15 business days of the student’s written request. The facilitator will schedule the hearing, receive information from the parties involved, assemble a panel and distribute relevant information to the panel members. Panel members will include a member of the division involved, an individual outside the division involved, and a representative from Student Services.

The hearing panel shall render its final decision regarding the disputed grade and the facilitation shall provide a written statement of its decision to all involved parties. Either party may appeal the panel’s decision, based only upon procedural issues arising out of the hearing, to the Vice President of Instruction.

Students requesting a grade change after the stated appeal period shall submit a request in writing to the appropriate Associate Vice President of Instruction. If the Associate Vice President determines that a grade change is warranted, a panel shall be convened following the complete procedures outlined above, beginning with Associate Vice President of Instruction Responsibilities.

Student Records

A permanent record is defined as a student’s accumulated academic record including data confirming a student’s eligibility for admission and proof that registration requirements have been met. Procedures for the preparation and maintenance of all records are thorough and in keeping with standard practices. The permanent records are kept in the Office of the Registrar.

The transcript of college work is an official copy of the student’s permanent record in the computer bearing the college seal and the signature of the Registrar. Copies of a student’s transcript are available upon written request from the Office of the Registrar.

Students’ Rights Under FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:

  1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the college receives a request for access. A student should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The college official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the college official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
  2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.
    1. A student who wishes to ask the college to amend a record should write the college official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed.
    2. If the college decides not to amend the record as requested, the college will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
    3. Student academic records are maintained in the office of the Registrar. Financial records are maintained in the Business Office and the Financial Aid Office. The Vice President of Student Services is responsible for the supervision of student records and the implementation of this policy.
  3. The right to provide written consent before the college discloses personally identifiable information from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

    Authorized Access to Student Records as provided in PL 93-380, the following will be provided access to student’s records without consent from the student; and no record thereof will be maintained.
    1. Officials, faculty, staff of Midland College who have a legitimate educational interest in the student’s record.
    2. Officials of other schools in which the student seeks or intends to enroll. The student is entitled to a copy of the record forwarded to the other institutions if she/he so desires.
    3. In connection with a student’s request for or receipt of financial aid, as necessary to determine eligibility, amount or conditions of the financial aid, or to enforce the terms and conditions of the aid.
    4. State or local officials to which educational data must be reported.
    5. Legitimate organizations developing, validating, or administering predictive tests or student-aid programs. Such data is not to be released in any identifiable form and will be destroyed by the organization after the research has been completed.
    6. Accrediting agencies.
    7. To parents or an eligible student who claim the student as dependent for income tax purposes.
    8. To comply with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena.
    9. Representation of the Comptroller-General of the United States, Secretary of Health education and Welfare (HEW), administrative heads of educational agencies, or state education authorities.
    10. Emergency situations where the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of some person.
    11. All other individuals, agencies, or organizations which request or obtain access to a student’s record must have prior written consent from the student involved.
  4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:
    Family Policy of Compliance Office
    U.S. Department of Education
    600 Independence Avenue, SW
    Washington, D.C. 20202-4605

Maintenance of Student Records

The retention of records has been established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. The schedule establishes mandatory minimum retention periods of student records. Midland College adheres to the schedule as provided. A copy of the Retention Schedule for Records of Public Junior Colleges is available online: http://www.tsl.state.tx.us./slrm/recordspubs/jc.html.

Directory Information

This is the information which may be released to the general public without the written consent of the student. A student may request that all or part of the general information be withheld from the public by contacting the Admissions Office. The following is included as general information:

  1. name
  2. date and place of birth
  3. address
  4. telephone
  5. major field of study
  6. number of hours currently enrolled
  7. classification
  8. participation in officially recognized activities and sports
  9. weight and height of athletic team members
  10. dates of attendance
  11. degrees candidacy, degrees, and awards received
  12. most recent educational agency or institution attended
  13. photographs that may be used in Midland College publications, videos or internet
  14. Midland College email address

Student Security

All thefts, accidents, offenses, criminal activity, and incidents requiring police investigation must be reported immediately to the College Police Department at (432) 685-4734. If there is no answer, the call will be forwarded to the Department cell phone. If for some reason the cell phone is not answered, the caller should call 911 and talk with the City of Midland dispatcher. The dispatcher will contact our officer on duty, or one of their officers will respond. The College Police Department is located in the Scharbauer Student Center, room 136. Midland College police officers can be contacted by telephone or radio during all hours in which classes are in session. On weekends the campus is patrolled by security personnel employed by Midland College and can be reached by calling the regular number of (432) 685-4734. These officers will respond to any call and make referral if necessary to a college police officer or the Midland Police Department.

Crime warning procedures, statistical reports and all other Midland College Police Department information is available online at www.midland.edu.

Premises owned, rented or leased by Midland College, and areas within 1,000 feet of the premises are “gang-free” zones. Certain criminal offenses, including those involving gang-related crimes, will be enhanced to the next highest category of offense if committed in a gang-free zone by an individual 17 years or older. See Texas Penal Code, Section 71.028 for the consequences of engaging in organized criminal activity within “gang-free” zones.

Lost and Found

All articles found on campus should be taken to the Midland College Police Department office located in the Scharbauer Student Center, room 136.

Miscellaneous Information

Designated Areas For Food, Drink and Smoking

No food, drinks, or tobacco products are permitted in the Murray Fasken Learning Resource Center or the Allison Fine Arts Wagner & Brown Auditorium. Instructors in any area are allowed to consume liquids in their classrooms, if necessary. Subject to the approval of the instructor, students may consume drinks in classrooms. The consumption of food in classrooms is discouraged. Tobacco products are forbidden in any classroom. Smoking is prohibited inside any Midland College building. Designated smoking areas are located adjacent to campus buildings.

Computer Usage

Midland College provides data and communications services for students in residence halls, classrooms and labs. On the main campus and at some remote facilities, data access is also provided via a secure wireless network. Midland College provides data network and the connection to the Internet to enhance the College’s programs and services. Only authorized devices may be connected to the College’s network. Authorization is obtained through the Technical Services office of the Information Technology and Facilities department. Certain activities on the College’s network are prohibited. Engaging in prohibited activities may result in the loss of computer privileges. Among these activities are:

  1. Unauthorized access of third-party computers using MC computer equipment or facilities.
  2. Destruction, theft, alteration, or any other form of sabotage of MC computer equipment or facilities including, without limitation, software and data files.
  3. Using hacker programs and trying to access computer systems using hacker techniques.
  4. Attempting to hack into external computer systems using MC computer equipment or facilities.
  5. Running “file share” software on computer equipment or facilities.
  6. Using MC computer equipment or facilities to store or transmit junk mail or other unsolicited commercial e-mail.
  7. Using MC computer equipment or facilities in any manner that violates federal, state or local laws or other policies of Midland College, including harassment, intimidation or attempts at such.

Bad Weather Procedures

In case of weather conditions that may cause Midland College to delay or cancel classes, please tune in to local TV stations, call the main number, (432) 685-4500 or check the MC website at www.midland.edu. The message will state one of the following:

  • Midland College is OPEN for classes today and tonight.
  • Midland College is CLOSED for classes today and tonight.
  • Midland College has DELAYED classes until (specified time).

Because driving conditions may vary by geographical area, students have the right to make their own determination regarding whether or not it is safe for them to drive. They will not incur unexcused absences, nor be held responsible for their inability to come to campus.

Bike Lanes, Skateboarding and Animals on Campus

  • A bike lane is clearly marked on the Circle Drive. Bicyclists must move in the same direction as traffic in their lane.
  • Skateboarding is not permitted inside, breezeways or on the steps of any building.
  • Midland College enforces the City of Midland leash law. All animals must be on a leash.

Solicitations and Sales on Campus

All solicitations, including sales of publications, on the campus of Midland College, must have some benefit for the College, its students, faculty and staff, in its primary educational mission. If the purpose of a solicitation project is to raise money, it shall be clearly identified in terms of its contribution to the educational, intellectual, or cultural growth and development of the institution and/or its members of the academic community. Persons may not solicit on the campus without the permission of the Vice President of Student Services or designee.

  • Solicitation is defined as requesting money, seeking agreement to pay, taking subscriptions, selling merchandise or tickets, and offering any other comparable materials and privileges in person, by handbills or the like, to promote sales.
  • Examples of exceptions allowed: sales intended to provide community-wide benefits such as symphonies, and theater productions, service projects, solicitations or contributions for charitable purposes, public or particular.
  • Individuals not affiliated with Midland College (i.e., either student, faculty or staff) may not distribute handbills, leaflets, or any type of printed materials on the campus. All announcements and posters shall be subject to the following regulations:
  1. No advertising of a commercial nature shall be allowed. Notice of a benefit performance for a worthy group, however, will be accepted.
  2. Approved announcements of a personal nature (item for sale or rent, roommate wanted, etc.) may be placed on the bulletin boards in the Scharbauer Student Center and the Allison Fine Arts Building.
  3. Posters shall not ordinarily exceed 24” x 28” in size. Exceptions may be approved by the Student Activities Coordinator.
  4. Posters may be placed in the Scharbauer Student Center and in other locations as designated by the Student Activities Coordinator.
  5. Leaflets, activities announcements or other material displayed should be approved by the Vice President of Student Services.