May 12, 2024

2024-2025 Catalog

Student Policies and Procedures

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Mountain Gateway Community College holds certain expectations of students to share the responsibility of maintaining a safe, secure, and honest academic environment.

By applying for admission to the College, each student agrees to abide by the policies and procedures governing student conduct. The statement below outlines the rights each student has as a member of the college community as well as the responsibilities each student has to continue within that community.

Each student has the privilege of exercising his or her rights without fear of prejudice provided he/she respects the laws of the Commonwealth, the policies of Mountain Gateway and the rights of others on campus. Such rights include the following:

Students are free to pursue their educational goals. Appropriate opportunities for learning in the classroom and on campus are provided through the curricula offered by the college.
No disciplinary sanctions may be imposed without due process, except as provided in the Student Conduct Policy below.
Students have the right to freedom of expression, inquiry, and assembly provided actions do not interfere with the rights of others or the effective operation of the college.
Academic evaluation of student performance shall be fair- not arbitrary or inconsistent.
Members of the college community, including students, have the right to expect safety, protection of property, and the continuity of the educational process.

Each student, as a responsible adult, shall maintain standards of conduct appropriate to membership in the college community. Such responsibilities include the following:

Each student has the responsibility to demonstrate respect for his or herself as well as faculty, staff, and other students.
Each student has the responsibility to know, understand, and abide by the regulations and policies of the college.
Each student has the responsibility to pay all fines and debts to the college.
Each student has the responsibility to maintain academic integrity and abide by the academic honesty policy of the college.

Student Conduct, Policy Procedure and Sanctions

Disorderly conduct threatens a productive academic environment and will not be tolerated. Disciplinary action by the college shall be limited to conduct that adversely affects the college community’s pursuit of its educational objectives.

Misconduct

Violations of the following list of conduct violations, which is not all-inclusive, are subject to disciplinary action.

Threat to Health or Safety: When the student’s continued presence at the college is deemed to constitute a threat to the health, safety, or welfare of members of the campus community.

Bomb Threat, Fire Alarm, Hoax: When the student activates a fire or lockdown alarm without cause or makes a threat to bomb or damage college property, students, faculty, staff, or visitors; or undertakes a hoax involving use of a supposedly destructive device or substance; or encourages, incites, or solicits any person to commit such a threat or such an act.
Weapons: When the student possesses, on his or her person, or uses weapons, to include guns, knives, or other dangerous objects. No weapons are permitted on campus.
Theft: When the student engages in theft, larceny, embezzlement, or the temporary taking of the property of another without consent.
Riot: When the student incites or engages in a riot or a disorderly assembly.
Drugs: When the student engages in the possession, use, sale, or manufacture of illegal or controlled substances.
Forgery: When the student forges, alters, misuses, or falsifies college documents or records.
Computer Security: When the student makes unauthorized use of computer resources or makes unauthorized efforts to penetrate or modify any computing hardware or software.
Disruption: Interference, interruption, or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, including authorized activities of the college both on-campus and off campus, including field trips. Inappropriate classroom behavior is judged to be a disruption.
Failure to Comply: Failure to comply with a college official appropriately acting in the performance of his or her duties.
Verbal Abuse: Bullying or the threat of such abuse of any person on college premises, through online learning or at authorized college activities. This includes insulting language, bullying, yelling, or other similar behavior as determined by the administration both on-campus or off campus.
Assault, Battery, Fighting: When the student engages in non-sexual assault, battery, or fighting.
Harassment: Harassment, including speech, actions or conduct which has the intent or effect of depriving a member of the community of educational access opportunities or that undermines the integrity of teaching, learning, and workplace relationships.
Property Destruction: When the student destroys, damages, defaces, or misuses public or private property, including, but not limited to, any intentional or unintentional discharge of hazardous or non-hazardous material(s) or debris on campus property.
Illegal Entry: When the student illegally enters or occupies state property.
Gambling: When the student engages in unlawful gambling or gaming.
Alcoholic Beverages: When the student possesses or consumes alcoholic beverages or is legally intoxicated.
Criminal Charges: When the student is formally charged with the commission of a crime.
Misuse of Federal Funds: When the student uses federal funds for someone other than him/herself or uses funds in a way that does not support his/her own educational endeavors.
Electronic Bullying: Cyberstalking or bullying defined as repetitive, hurtful, threatening, harassing, or verbally abusive language in an electronic form to include, but not limited to, college email or Canvas discussion boards or that occur in the context of a class or other college business.
Impersonation or Assuming a False Identity: When a student impersonates or falsely identifies himself/herself/themself.
Sexual Misconduct: Sexual misconduct encompasses a range of behavior used to obtain sexual gratification against another’s will or at the expense of another. Sexual misconduct includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and sexual violence.

Policy Procedure and Sanctions

Any staff, administrative official, faculty member, or student may file a written complaint against any student for misconduct by:

Email Suzanne Ostling (Associate Vice President, Chief Student Affairs Officer): sostling@mgcc.edu
Email April Tolley (Director of Human Resources): atolley@mgcc.edu

Informal Process

If the nature of the allegations does not justify sanctions that would affect the student’s right to an education, informal resolution of the issue prior to beginning the formal process is encouraged. Informal resolution should start with conversations and may include an informal warning letter that continued actions will lead to a more formal allegation.

Investigation

The Associate Vice President of Student Affairs (or designee) will initiate an investigation into the charges. If the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs believes that the alleged violation presents an immediate danger to the college community, the issue will be immediately referred to the Care/Threat Assessment Team. Please see the Care/Threat Assessment Process in the next section.

If not referred to the Care/Threat Assessment Team, the accused student will be contacted by the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs (or designee) via student email to schedule a meeting time to discuss the alleged violation. The discussion will include the nature and sources of the charges and the student’s rights and responsibilities.

As part of the review, the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs (or designee) will determine if the nature of the allegations justifies a sanction that affects the student’s right to an education. If so, the alleged violations will be referred to the Student Conduct Committee.

If the nature of the allegations does not justify sanctions that would affect the student’s right to an education, the Associate Vice President has the option to impose a disciplinary sanction, refer the matter to the Student Conduct Committee, or dismiss the charges as unfounded. The student will be notified of the decision in writing, via student email, within ten business days of the initial meeting between the Associate Vice President and the student. A record of this decision will be forwarded to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Throughout the Investigation, the student may continue to attend classes, unless the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs determines that the student’s continued presence poses a significant disruption to the educational rights of other students. In that case, the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs may place an interim suspension on the student pending an investigation and resolution of the formal complaint. If immediate suspension is determined, the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs will notify the student in writing of the specific facts and circumstances that make the immediate suspension necessary.

Disciplinary Sanctions

Administrative actions available to the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs are as follows:

Warning
Restitution for damages
Exclusion from college extracurricular activities
Refer to Care/Threat Assessment Team
Refer to Student Conduct Committee
Interim suspension until resolution of formal complaint

Appeals Procedure (Associate Vice President’s Adjudication)

A decision of the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs (or designee) may be appealed to the Vice President of Academic Affairs. The Vice President Appeal - Associate Vice President’s Adjudication Form must be completed and be received by the Vice President’s office within five business days after the decision of the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs. The Vice President will review the written record and reach a determination. The decision of the Vice President of Academic Affairs is final.

Student Conduct Committee Procedure

Charges that have not been dismissed or have not received a sanction from the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs (or designee) will be referred to the Student Conduct Committee. The Student Conduct Committee procedure, outlined at the end of this section, will then be followed. If there are pending criminal charges associated with the misconduct charge, the Student Conduct Committee procedure may begin after the criminal charges are resolved.

Disciplinary Sanctions

Disciplinary sanctions available to the Student Conduct Committee are listed below:

Warning: Notice, in writing, that continuation or repetition of conduct found wrongful, within a period of time stated in the warning, may cause more severe disciplinary action.
Exclusion: From college extracurricular activities.
Suspension: Exclusion from classes and other privileges or activities as set forth in the notice for a definite period of time not to exceed two years.
Expulsion: Termination of student status for an indefinite period. The conditions of readmission, if any, shall be stated in the order of expulsion.
Return the student to former status.

All decisions of the Student Conduct Committee will be reviewed by the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs (or designee) prior to submission of the final report of the Committee. If there is a need to revisit the sanctions imposed, the Committee Chair will ask for a voice vote by e-mail notification. The Associate Vice President of Student Affairs (or designee) will contact the student in writing via Mountain Gateway email with the final decision of the Student Conduct Committee.

All incidents of academic misconduct are recorded electronically on the log of incidents kept by the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs (or designee) and the hard copies of documentation will remain on file in the office of the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs for five years. Hard copies of reports will be destroyed at the end of the five-year period. Electronic copies and log are housed and kept indefinitely.

A warning received for student misconduct will not be included in the student’s educational record; however, all other disciplinary sanctions listed above will be a part of the student’s educational record.

Appeals Procedure (Conduct Committee)

A decision of the Student Conduct Committee on student misconduct may be appealed to the Vice President of Academic Affairs. The Vice President Appeal - Student Conduct Committee Form must be completed and be received by the Vice President’s office within five business days after notification of the Student Conduct Committee’s decision from the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs (or designee). The Vice President will review the written record and reach a determination. The decision of the Vice President of Academic Affairs is final.

Threat Assessment/Care Team

If someone is referred to the Care/Threat team then the team will determine if the individual(s) pose, or may reasonably pose, a threat of violence to self, others, or the Mountain Gateway community. The Threat Assessment Team can suspend, dismiss, or provide an intermediate suspension to a student.

Appeals Process for Care/Threat Assessment Team Dismissal

If a student wishes to appeal a Care/Threat Assessment Team dismissal, he/she must submit the Care/Threat Assessment Team Dismissal Appeal Form to the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs (or designee) within five business days of notification of a Care/Threat Assessment Team sanction. The Associate Vice President of Student Affairs will notify the Vice President of Academic Affairs that the student has appealed. The Vice President of Academic Affairs will review the written record and make one of the following decisions:

Support decision of Care/Threat Assessment Team
Warning
Suspension
Expulsion

The decision of Vice President of Academic Affairs is final; there are no further appeals in a Care/Threat Assessment Team dismissal. A student may not attend classes if dismissed by the Care/Threat Team even if appealing the decision.

Academic Integrity, Policy Procedure and Sanctions:

Academic Integrity

Below is a list of violations of academic integrity that are subject to disciplinary action. This list is not all-inclusive.

Cheating on an examination or quiz - either giving or receiving information
Copying information from another person for graded assignments
Using, accessing, or possessing unauthorized materials during tests
Collaboration during examinations
Buying, selling, providing, or stealing papers, examinations, or other work to be submitted for a class
Substituting for another person, or arranging such a substitution for yourself
Plagiarism - the intentional or accidental presentation of another’s words or ideas as your own. This includes:
- Using the exact language of someone else without the use of quotation marks and without giving proper credit to the author. This includes memorizing exact wording but not giving credit to the author on a paper or exam.
- Presenting the sequence of ideas or arranging the material of someone else even though such is expressed in one’s own words, without giving appropriate acknowledgement.
- Submitting a document written by someone else but representing it as one’s own.
- Ignorance of what constitutes plagiarism is not a defense for such a serious infraction.
Collusion with another person or persons in submitting work for credit in class or lab, unless such collaboration is approved in advance by the instructor
Falsifying documentation
Multiple Submissions - It is a violation of academic honesty to submit substantial portions of the same work for credit more than once without the explicit consent of the instructor to whom the material is being submitted
Unauthorized use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other automated writing tools to complete assignments unless otherwise stated by the course instructor
Having knowledge of an academic integrity violation and not reporting the violation to instructor or college personnel

Policy, Procedure, and Sanctions

Faculty members who have evidence of academic misconduct will:

Investigate the matter. Review the facts of the matter and the proposed penalty with the appropriate Program Head.
Faculty may then take one or more of the following actions (this information should be included on the class syllabus):
- Require the work to be accomplished again
- Award a grade of zero (0) for the assignment
- Assign a grade of F for the course
The Associate Vice President of Student Affairs will send the student a copy of the Academic Misconduct Notification Letter by Mountain Gateway email or hand delivery within seven business days of becoming aware of the misconduct. The letter should include the charges and sanctions, notify the student that a Report of Academic Misconduct will be filed with the Program Head, and inform the student of the appeal process.
Complete a Report of Academic Misconduct Form. A copy of this report, a copy of the Academic Misconduct Notification Letter, and all supporting documentation, will be kept in the office of the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs. The incident will be recorded on the log kept by the office of Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and the hard copy will remain on file in the office of the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs for five years. The report will be destroyed at the end of the five-year period. Electronic copies and logs are housed and kept indefinitely. This information becomes a part of the students’ educational record but is not included on academic transcripts.

First Incident of Academic Misconduct

If this is the first incident of academic misconduct, the instructor’s sanction will be the only penalty. A student may not withdraw from a class in which they received a grade of F for academic misconduct. A grade change will be initiated if a student withdraws before final grades are posted. The incident will be recorded on the log kept by the office of Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and the hard copy will remain on file in the office of the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs for five years. The report will be destroyed at the end of the five-year period. Electronic copies and log are housed and kept indefinitely. This information becomes a part of the students’ educational record but is not included on academic transcripts.

Exceptions include:

(1) In the case of a restricted enrollment program, if a signed agreement for entry into the program has specific clauses about the penalties for academic misconduct or the penalties are defined in the program’s student handbook, those will be followed in addition to or instead of the instructor’s sanction.

(2) In cases of falsified documentation, the case will be referred directly to the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs (or designee) for a conduct committee hearing.

Appeals Process for first incident of Academic Misconduct

If a student wishes to appeal a first incident of academic misconduct made by a faculty member, he/she must complete the Appeal of First Incident of Academic Misconduct Form. The form should be submitted to the office of Associate Vice President of Student Affairs within five business days of being notified of the charge by the faculty member. Students may still attend class while making an appeal of academic misconduct to the student conduct committee. Student Conduct Committee hearing will be held to hear the appeal.

Possible sanctions include:

Support the penalty imposed by the faculty member
Award a grade of zero (0) for the assignment
Assign a grade of F for the course
Require the work to be accomplished again
Return the student to former status

Unless the committee returns the student to former status, the report will become a part of the student’s educational record at Mountain Gateway Community College.

All decisions of the Student Conduct Committee will be reviewed by the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs (or designee) prior to notifying the student of the decision. If there is a need to revisit the sanctions imposed, the Committee Chair will ask for a voice vote by e-mail notification within five business days of the review of the Associate Vice President. The Associate Vice President of Student Affairs (or designee) will contact the student in writing via Mountain Gateway email account with the decision of the Student Conduct Committee.

Second Incident of Academic Misconduct

In the case of a second incident of academic misconduct, defined by two reports being filed in the office of the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs (or designee) will refer the case to the Student Conduct Committee to be heard. The committee may take one of the following actions:

Support the penalty imposed by the faculty member
Award a grade of zero (0) for the assignment
Assign a grade of F for the course
Require the work to be accomplished again
Suspension from the college
Expulsion
Return the student to former status

Unless the committee returns the student to former status, the report will become a part of the student’s educational record at Mountain Gateway Community College. A student may not withdraw from a class in which they received a grade of F for academic misconduct. A grade change will be initiated if a student withdraws before final grades are posted.

Third Incident of Academic Misconduct

In the case of a third incident of academic misconduct, defined by three reports being filed in the office of the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, the case will be referred to the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs (or designee) to be heard by the Student Conduct Committee. The decision of the committee will become part of the student’s educational record. The committee may take one of the following actions:

Suspension
Expulsion
Return the student to former status

Unless the committee returns the student to former status, the report will become a part of the student’s educational record at Mountain Gateway Community College.

In the case of a second or third offense, all appeals for previous offenses must be completed before hearings are held on those charges.

Three or More Incidents of Misconduct

If a student receives a total of three or more misconduct reports (academic, student, or a combination of both) then the student will automatically be referred to the Student Conduct committee. Disciplinary sanctions available to the Student Conduct Committee are listed below.

Suspension: Exclusion from classes and other privileges or activities as set forth in the notice for a definite period of time not to exceed two years.
Expulsion: Termination of student status for an indefinite period. The conditions of readmission, if any, shall be stated in the order of expulsion.

Student Conduct Committee Procedure

The Student Conduct Committee will be convened for student misconduct and academic misconduct allegations on the recommendation of the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs (or designee). The following procedure will be followed:

Within five business days of the recommendation of a hearing by the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs (or designee), the student will be sent written notification of the charges and student rights. The written notification will be sent to the student’s Mountain Gateway email account.
From the date the notification is emailed to the student’s Mountain Gateway email address, the student will have five business days to respond to the charges.
A date for the hearing will be scheduled and reported in writing to the student within ten business days of receipt of the student’s response or the end of the period given for the student to respond. The hearing date will be no more than thirty calendar days from the date the hearing notification is emailed. This period may be extended under reasonable circumstances at the discretion of the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs (or designee).
The hearing will be held whether or not the student responds and/or is present.
If the student is unable to make the hearing date for good cause, he/she/they should contact the Chair of the Student Conduct committee within five business days of receiving the hearing notification to reschedule the hearing.
The Student Conduct Committee will consist of a quorum of three or more members, including the chairperson, elected, or appointed at the beginning of the academic year. Substitutions for members who are unavailable may be made by the Student Conduct Committee Chair.
The accused student has the right to be advised by counsel or an advisor who may come from within or outside the institution. Counsel may be present at the hearing and may advise the student during the hearing, but will not be allowed to address the committee.
The hearing will begin no later than five minutes after the appointed time, with or without the student and his/her/their counsel present, as long as a quorum of college representatives is present.
A transcript will be kept of the proceedings. Written transcripts will be retained in the Office of the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs for five years. Electronic copies and the conduct log are stored indefinitely.
The format below will be followed:
- The committee chair will state the purpose.
- All persons present will introduce themselves.
- The committee chair will present the charges.
- The committee chair will present possible sanctions.
- The committee chair will ask involved members of the college to speak.
- The student may ask questions of speakers after all have presented their case.
- The committee may ask questions of the speakers.
- The student will be asked to speak.
- The committee may ask questions of the student or college representatives.
- All parties except the Student Conduct Committee will be excused, so the committee can discuss the case in private.
- A vote will be taken of Student Conduct Committee members. The chair is a voting member. A decision will be made by a simple majority vote.
- Written recommendation will be made by the Student Conduct Committee to the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs.
- Within five business days of receipt of the committee’s recommendation, the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs (or designee) shall act on the recommendations and provide written notification via Mountain Gateway student email to the student and the Student Conduct Committee of the decision.
Findings of the Student Conduct Committee may be appealed to the Vice President of Academic Affairs. The Vice President Appeal - Student Conduct Committee Form must be completed and be received by the Vice President’s office within five business days after the student is notified of the committee’s decision. The Vice President will review the written record and reach a determination.
The decision of the Vice President of Academic Affairs is final. There are no further appeals in student misconduct or academic misconduct cases.
The student will be allowed to continue with the class until the decision is finalized. However, if no decision is made by the end of the academic semester, an interim grade of “I” (Incomplete) will be issued. Once a student conduct committee decision is made and the student is suspended, dismissed, expelled or fails the course then the student is not allowed to continue to attend class unless appealing to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Online and Off-Campus Students

Students who take courses online or at off-campus locations follow the same procedures outlined above. These students may submit all required documentation through their Mountain Gateway student email address. Meetings and hearings can be conducted through a phone call or using web-conferencing technology if the student is not available to come to campus.

Access to Higher Education:

Within the limits of its facilities, MGCC shall be open to all applicants who are qualified according to its admission requirements.
1. The institution shall make clear the characteristics and expectations of students which it considers relevant to its program.
2. Under no circumstances may an applicant be denied admission because of race, creed, gender, national origin, disability, or any other non-merit factor. Specific program admittance may be limited due to space, academic history, and factors relevant to career job performance.

Classroom Expression:

Discussion and expression of all views relevant to the subject matter are permitted in the classroom, subject only to the responsibility of the instructor to maintain order.
1. Students are responsible for learning the content of any course for which they are enrolled.
2. Requirements may include participation in classroom discussion and submission of written exercises.
Academic evaluation of student performances shall be neither prejudicial nor capricious.
Information about student views, beliefs and political associations acquired by persons in the course of their work as instructors and counselors is confidential and is not to be disclosed except with the student’s permission or under legal compulsion. Questions relating to intellectual or skills capacity are not subject to this section except that notice of disclosure must be made to the student.

Campus Expression:

Discussion and expression of all views are permitted within MGCC subject only to reasonable restrictions to ensure that the mission of MGCC is not disrupted and to maintain order.
Students, groups, and campus organizations may invite and hear any persons of their own choosing subject only to the requirements for use of institutional facilities. (See sections 7 and 13.)
Organizations and groups may be established within MGCC for any legitimate and legal purpose. Affiliation with an extramural organization shall not, in itself, disqualify the institution branch or chapter from institution privileges.
The following regulations apply to organizations on campus
1. A group shall become an organization when formally recognized by MGCC. All groups that meet the following requirements shall be recognized.
  1. A group shall submit a list of officers, including an advisor selected from the faculty or staff and copies of the constitution and bylaws to the appropriate institution official or body. All changes and amendments shall be submitted within one week after they become effective.
  2. Where there is affiliation with an extramural organization, that organization’s constitution and bylaws shall be filed with the appropriate institution official or body. All amendments shall be submitted within a reasonable time after they become effective.
  3. All sources of outside funds shall be disclosed.
2. Upon recognition of the organization, the institution shall make clear that said recognition infers neither approval nor disapproval of the aims, objectives and policies of the organization.
3. Organizations of a continuing nature must annually institute proceedings for formal recognition if they are to continue receiving the benefits of Sections 14, 15, 16 and 17.
4. Any organization may conduct on or off campus activities subject to the approval of the Student Government Association and the appropriate college administrators.
5. Any organization which engages in illegal activities, on or off campus, may have sanctions imposed against it, including withdrawal of institution recognition for a period not exceeding one year.
Membership in all institution-related organizations, within the limits of their facilities, shall be open to any member of the institution community who is willing to subscribe to the stated aims and meet the stated obligations of the organizations.
Membership lists are primarily for the use of the organization. Names and addresses of officers and members may be required as a condition of access to institution funds.
Institution facilities may be assigned depending on availability to organizations, groups and individuals within the institution community for regular business meetings, for social programs and for programs open to the public.
1. Reasonable conditions may be imposed to regulate the timeliness of requests, to determine the appropriateness of the space assigned, to regulate time and use and to insure proper maintenance.
2. Preference shall be given to programs designed for audiences consisting primarily of members of the institutional community.
3. Allocation of space shall be made based on priority of requests and the demonstrated needs of the organization, group or individual.
4. The institution may delegate the assignment function to an administrative official.
5. Charges may be imposed for any unusual costs for use of facilities.
6. Physical abuse of assigned facilities shall result in reasonable limitations on future allocation of space to offending parties and restitution for damages.
7. The individual, group or organization requesting space must inform MGCC of the general purpose of any meeting open to persons other than members and must provide the names of outside speakers.
8. Solicitation of funds on or off the college campus will be permitted only with prior approval.
The authority to allocate student activity funds or institutional student fees for use by recognized organizations shall be delegated to a body in which student participation in the decisional process is assured.
1. Approval of requests for funds is conditioned upon submission of budgets to and approval by this body.
2. Financial accountability is required for all allocated funds, including statement of income and expenses on a regular basis. Failure of an organization to submit an accurate financial statement may result in withdrawal of future funding. Otherwise, organizations shall have independent control over the expenditure of allocated funds.
No individual, group, or organization may use the institution’s name without the express authorization of the institution except to identify the institutional affiliation. Institution approval or disapproval of any policy may not be stated or implied by an individual, group, or organization.

Publications:

A student, group, or organization may distribute written material on campus without prior approval providing such distribution does not disrupt the operations of MGCC.
The student press is to be free of censorship. The editors and managers shall not be subject to disciplinary action because of student, faculty, administration, alumni or community disapproval of editorial policy or content. Similar freedom is assured oral statements of views on an institution controlled and student operated radio or television station. This editorial freedom entails a corollary obligation under the canons of responsible journalism, the First Amendment and applicable regulations of the Federal Communications Commission.
All student communications shall explicitly state on the editorial page or in broadcast that the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the institution or its student body.
All constituents of the institutional community are free, individually and collectively, to express their views on issues of institutional policy and on matters of interest to the student body. Clearly defined means shall be provided for student expression on all institutional policies affecting academic and student affairs.

Student Participation and Demonstration:

The role of student government and its responsibilities shall be made explicit. There should be no review of student government actions except where review procedures are agreed upon in advance or those that are required by state or college policy.
On questions of educational policy, students are entitled to a participatory function.
1. Faculty-student committees shall be created to consider questions of policy affecting student life.
2. Students shall be designated as members of standing and special committees concerned with institutional policy affecting academic and student affairs, including those concerned with curriculum, discipline, admissions, and allocation of student funds.
The right of peaceful protest is granted. MGCC retains the right to assure the safety of individuals, the protection of property and the continuity of the educational process.
Orderly picketing and other forms of peaceful protests are permitted on institution premises with the following qualifications
1. Such activities must not interfere with entrance or exit from facilities, movement within institution facilities or interrupt classes or damage property.
2. The institution may choose to impose its own disciplinary sanctions without involving local enforcement bodies.
Orderly picketing and orderly demonstrations are permitted in public areas subject to the requirements of noninterference.
Every student has the right to be interviewed on campus by any organization that has been approved to recruit at MGCC.

Any student, group or organization may protest against any such organization provided that protest does not interfere with any other student’s right to have such an interview.

Violation of Law and Institutional Discipline:

If a student is charged with or convicted of an off-campus violation of law, the matter is of no disciplinary concern to MGCC unless the student is incarcerated and unable to comply with academic requirements or the student represents a clear threat to any member of the college community. The institution may impose sanctions for grave misconduct off campus demonstrating flagrant disregard for the rights of others. In such cases expulsion is not permitted until the student has been adjudged guilty in a court of a law.
The institution may institute its own proceedings against a student who violates a law on campus which is also a violation of a published institution regulation. (Note: Institutional rules and regulations differ from civil and criminal laws.)

Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault (Title IX):

Mountain Gateway Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex in education programs or activities, as required by the United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights. The College informs students and employees of definitions of sexual harassment and sexual violence, the procedures of filing complaints, process for resolution and their rights before, during and after proceedings. Additional information can be found at http://www.mgcc.edu/title-ix-clery-act-vawa.

Sexual Harassment:

Mountain Gateway Community College prohibits the harassment of any male or female, full- or part- time students by any and all MGCC employees or students. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and/or other verbal or physical conduct or written communications of an intimidating, hostile or offensive sexual nature, regardless of where such conduct might occur. Sexual harassment also shall be construed as repeated verbal, physical or written acts that may create a sexually uncomfortable atmosphere.
Complaints of unwelcome sexual advances or repeated sexual expressions creating a hostile environment, threats of penalties in order to gain sexual favors or promises seeking to induce sexual favors may be raised through the following procedures:
1. A report of the incident should be made to the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs if the accused is a student. MGCC’s policy is that the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs will then contact the police. It is the victim’s decision to file charges. If the accused is an employee, the report should be made to the employee’s divisional supervisor. The director/supervisor will inform the accuser of the options for resolution that are available. The options may include mediation, invoking procedures as set forth in the MGCC Code of Conduct, the involvement of law enforcement officials and advising the accuser to seek the advice of an attorney. The anonymity of both the victim and the accuser will be protected whenever possible
2. The director/supervisor will meet with the accused to review the incident and, based on the director’s/supervisor’s findings and options selected by the accuser, take appropriate action. Action taken may include documentation, referring the case to the College’s disciplinary process and/or involving law enforcement officials.
3. If either the accuser or the accused is not satisfied with the decision of the director/supervisor, then an appeal may be made to that person’s supervisor, up to and including the President of the College or designee.

Threat Assessment:

Mountain Gateway Community College is concerned about the safety, health and well-being of students, faculty, and staff. There are tools in place meant to address issues regarding potential threats and activities disruptive to the mission of the College.

The College has a Threat Assessment Team (TAT/Care Team) that meets to address referrals on individuals who may be acting in ways that signal the potential for harm to themselves or to others. The TAT is charged with addressing all reported behavioral or mental health incidents which occur on campus, the Rockbridge Regional Center, classes/training at an off-site location or on an electronic site, including e-mail, blogs, and Blackboard postings.

Anyone may make a referral and a process is in place for handling each case in a proper, prompt and professional manner, respecting the rights and privacy of all parties involved. Questions regarding the TAT may be addressed to the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs at (540) 863-2826.

Bullying:

Mountain Gateway Community College is committed to maintaining a safe and comfortable environment that facilitates learning and other productive activities. As such, no acts of bullying will be tolerated. Encouraging fighting, using profanity, exhibiting obscene gestures or taking any actions to create a climate of imminent danger or instill in others fear of bodily harm are not considered appropriate and will not be allowed. Immediate action will be taken by the administration.

Sexual Assault:

Sexual assault is defined as sexual intercourse without consent, including rape (whether by acquaintance or stranger), sodomy or other forms of sexual penetration. To constitute lack of consent, the acts must be committed by force, threat of force, intimidation or through the use of the victim’s mental helplessness of which the accused was aware or should have been aware. Mental helplessness includes incapacitation by alcohol or other drugs. Sexual assault also includes intentionally touching either directly or through clothing, of the victim’s genitals, breasts, thighs or buttocks without the victim’s consent, as well as touching or fondling of the accused by the victim when the victim is forced to do so against his or her will.
Sexual assault is a crime and as such carries severe penalties as prescribed by law. Due to the criminal nature of the sexual assault, both the accuser and the accused should seek legal advice. It should be noted, however, that the College’s disciplinary proceeding is not a court of law; and as a result, legal representation is not permitted.
The reporting and disciplinary procedures for sexual assault are similar to those for sexual harassment with the following notable exceptions:
1. The accused may be suspended from the College prior to the start of disciplinary procedures. If the accused is an employee, the suspension will be with pay until such time that guilt is adjudged. If the accused is a student and adjudged not guilty, then the student will incur no financial loss resulting from lost tuition.
2. The College may close the disciplinary procedure to the College community.
3. The College may involve law enforcement officials immediately upon notification that an incident has occurred.
4. The College’s disciplinary procedure may be suspended pending the outcome of criminal proceedings.
5. An individual convicted in a court of law of a sexual assault that occurred at the College or at a College supported activity may be expelled regardless of whether charges are brought through the College’s disciplinary procedures.

Accident & Health Insurance:

Certain courses at the College include field/laboratory experiences which require safe and prudent behavior on behalf of students and instructors during travel to and from activities, as well as at on-site activities.

MGCC does not provide accident or health insurance for individual students in these activities. The College assumes no financial responsibility for medical care or emergency services required due to accident or illness of enrolled students.

Students are encouraged and may be required to obtain accident or health insurance or to provide certified proof of such coverage before participating in certain classes and activities.

Animals:

Animals are not permitted in classrooms or other indoor spaces. An exception is made for service animals that accompany persons with disabilities; however, the animal must be under control at all times and the College does not assume responsibility for the care and supervision of the animal. Emotional support animals (ESA) and pets that meet the requirements of Virginia law and local Alleghany County ordinances are permitted in outdoor areas of campus only and cannot be left in vehicles. ESA’s and pets are not permitted inside MGCC buildings and facilities.

Children:

Children are not permitted to accompany their parents to classes and are not to be left unattended on campus. Arrangements should be made for off-campus child care.

Contagious Diseases:

MGCC is committed to the safety, health and well-being of students, especially during the winter season when illnesses are most prevalent. Students should protect themselves and be respectful of others, both at college facilities and throughout the community. Students who are ill should take care of themselves.

Students should not attend classes or other large gatherings if they are ill, and should visit a doctor if it appears that a serious condition may be developing. If college officials observe a student exhibiting symptoms of an illness that may be contagious to others, they may ask that the student leave and return when their symptoms subside.

Dress Code:

As the U.S. Department of Education’s Manual on School Uniforms notes, “Dress Codes and/or Uniforms by themselves cannot solve all of the problems of school discipline, but they can be one positive contributing factor to discipline and safety.” This statement is synonymous with MGCC’s goal of maintaining a school climate that effectively fosters learning, provides a setting preparing students for expectations in the adult workplace, and strives for safety, a sense of community, and respect for others. Therefore, sexually provocative or distracting clothing will not be allowed, and for the purposes of hygiene, MGCC requires the body and feet to be appropriately attired.

NOTE: However dressed, instructors have the prerogative to ask students to leave their classroom setting if the student’s appearance is distracting to the instructor’s learning environment.

HIV/AIDS Policy:

Discrimination against persons who are HIV positive or who may have AIDS is incompatible with the goals of MGCC and will not be tolerated. Students, staff, and faculty who are HIV positive or who have AIDS will be able to remain in the College as long as they are physically and mentally able to perform their role. Persons in the college community who need assistance in dealing with issues of HIV/AIDS are encouraged to seek the confidential services of an advisor in Student Services, who will refer the person to an appropriate community agency. Information concerning an individual’s HIV status will not be provided to anyone without the expressed written permission of the individual.

Inclement Weather/Emergency Closing Policy:

Decisions concerning the closing or late opening of MGCC due to inclement weather will be made by a college administrator in consultation with personnel who live in various parts of the region. The decision is generally made before 5:30 a.m. for day classes and 3:00p.m. for night classes. Students may access this information through local radio and TV stations, the college website, the college switchboard, or an email to official VCCS student email addresses. Students registered with the college’s emergency alert system, MGCC Alert, will be notified of closing or emergencies by text messages, email, and phone (specified by student when registering for MGCC Alert).

Late Openings- During a late opening, MGCC classes will begin meeting as scheduled starting at the late opening start time. For example, if the announcement says that MGCC opens at 10:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. classes will not meet. 10:00 a.m. and later starting classes will met as scheduled.

Students should always check with their instructors for proper guidelines for their particular courses, especially if the course meets for a longer period of time than what is shown in the example.

Radio Stations

WKEY-AM- 103.5 Big Country (simulcast on 1340AM)
WJVR-FM- 101.9 The River (simulcast on 1230AM)
WSLC 610 AM/WSLQ 99 FM-Roanoke
WSLW AM 1310 (SportsTalk 1310) -White Sulphur Springs, WV
WXLK 92 FM-Roanoke
WRON FM 103.1, The Bear- Ronceverte, WV
WRON -AM 1400(Newstalk 1400)- Ronceverte, WV
WVTF (RadioIQ/NPR) 89.1 FM-Roanoke

Television Stations

WDBJ 7-Roanoke
WSLS 10-Roanoke

Students are urged to listen for information concerning school closing or delayed opening. Each student must ultimately decide whether it is possible or safe to come to class when the College is open. Every attempt will be made to work with students who are forced to be absent due to weather.

Substance Abuse:

Unauthorized manufacture, distribution and/or possession of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs or controlled substances are prohibited from campus or campus-related functions by both state and federal laws. Students who violate state or federal laws may be referred by college authorities for criminal prosecution.

Whether or not a criminal charge is brought, a student is subject to college discipline for illegally manufacturing, distributing, possessing, or using any alcoholic beverage, illegal drug or controlled substance. Any student found to have engaged in such conduct is subject to the entire range of sanctions specified by the College, including suspension or expulsion. Additional information can be found at http://www.mgcc.edu/mgcc-drug-and-alcohol-prevention-program.

Tobacco Use:

MGCC buildings are tobacco free. Smoking and the use of all other tobacco products are prohibited. Designated smoking areas are identified throughout the campus grounds and should be used by smokers.
MGCC prohibits the use of tobacco products in all College owned or leased buildings and vehicles. E-cigs (vapor) devices are also prohibited. Designated smoking areas are identified throughout the campus and grounds.

Title IV Crime Statistics Reporting Requirement:

The following information is applicable to the Campus Security Act section of Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. This information sets forth the provisions of compliance of this act to strengthen the security concerns applicable to campus life at MGCC.

The College administration is concerned with the well being and safety of all students and will strictly enforce regulations necessary for the protection of all. Specific policies and crime figures are found on the MGCC web site. Upon request to the Vice President for Finance and Administration or the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, a copy of the Annual Security Report will be provided.

Privacy:

Students have the same rights of privacy as any other citizen and surrender none of those rights by becoming members of the academic community.
The institution is neither arbiter nor enforcer of student morals. No inquiry is permitted into the activities of students away from the campus where their behavior is subject to regulation and control by public authorities.

Photographs: Photographs taken of individual students or groups of students in buildings or outdoors on campus may be used by the College for release to newspapers, online and digital or other media, and for reproduction in the College’s publications. If a student does not want a photograph to be used in promotion of the College, that student must notify the photographer at the time the photo is taken or notify the College Public Relations Officer within 24 hours after the photograph is taken.

By attending MGCC and/or participating in on-campus events such as those held on the Clifton Forge campus and those held at the Rockbridge Regional Center, you consent to being photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded. Your presence constitutes your consent to such photography, filming, and/or recording and to use, in any and all media in perpetuity, of his/her appearance, voice and name for any purpose whatsoever in connection with the production of promotional materials for Mountain Gateway Community College.

Student Records:

The privacy and confidentiality of all student records shall be reserved. Official student academic records, supporting documents, and other student files shall be maintained only by members of the institution staff employed for that purpose. A separate student academic folder will be maintained which may include, but not be limited to, academic records, supporting documents and general educational records; records of disciplinary proceedings; psychiatric records; and financial aid records.
No entry may be made on a student’s academic record and no document may be placed in his or her file without actual notice to the student. Publication of grades, announcement of honors and written correspondence shall constitute notice.
Access to his or her records and files is guaranteed to every student subject only to reasonable regulation as to time, place and supervision.
A student may challenge the accuracy of any entry or the presence of any item by bringing the equivalent of an equitable action against the appropriate person before the judicial body to which the student would be responsible under Section 1.E.
No record may be made in relation to any of the following matters except upon the express written request of the student. The completion of an admission or employment application constitutes permission.
1. Race
2. Religion
3. Political or social views
4. Membership in any organization other than honorary and professional organizations directly related to the educational process.
No information in any student file may be released to anyone except with the prior written consent of the student concerned or as stated below:
1. Members of the faculty, staff and administration may have access for internal education purposes as well as routinely necessary administrative and statistical purposes.
2. The following data may be given any inquirer: school or division of enrollment, periods of enrollment and degrees awarded, honors, major field and date.
3. If an inquiry is made in person or by mail, the following information may be given in addition to that in Subsection B: address and telephone number, date of birth and confirmation of signature.
4. Properly identified officials from federal, state and local government agencies may be given the following information upon express request in addition to that in Subsections B and C: name and address of parent or guardian if a student is a minor and any information required under legal compulsion.
5. Unless under legal compulsion, personal access to a student’s file shall be denied to any person making an inquiry.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 provides for the denial of the release of information in Section B and C by written notification by the student. Notification shall be provided to the registrar at the beginning of each semester. Upon graduation or withdrawal from MGCC, the information contained in the student academic folder will be retained in accordance with the above policy and may be destroyed three years from the date of the student’s separation from the College.

Use of Facilities/MGCC Property

Bulletin Boards: Glass-enclosed bulletin boards are for official use. All notices posted must have the approval of the President or, in his absence, the Vice President for Academic Affairs. All notices posted on the board will stay for a period of no more than one week. Unofficial bulletin boards in the Moomaw Center are used by the Office of Student Services. Students may place notices on these boards after securing approval from the Coordinator of Student Activities.
Lost and Found: Found items should be turned into Student Services where they may be claimed for up to two weeks before being discarded.
Parking Regulations: Parking space is provided for the students subject to the following regulations:
1. No vehicles shall be parked on the campus more than 12 consecutive hours without prior written permission
2. All motorized vehicles shall be operated in compliance with Virginia state law
3. The maximum safe speed on campus is indicated by speed limit signs
4. Illegal parking will be monitored by the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Department and ticketed as appropriate.
Room Use: In order to avoid confusion in the use of rooms for extracurricular activities, all student groups requesting facilities should make application through the Student Activities Office. The request should include the name of the group, time, room number and any special facilities required. There is no charge for campus and course-related usage.
Telephones: Office telephones should not be used by students. Student cell phones must be turned off during class and in the Library. Students should be courteous to others in their use of cell phones at all times.