Student Handbook

General Information

Photo of students in courtyard

Computer and Internet Usage

Mitchell provides computer, network, and Internet access to students for academic purposes only. Use for other purposes is not acceptable. Computer, network, and Internet access is a privilege which may be revoked at any time for abusive conduct. Abusive conduct includes, but is not limited to: altering equipment or peripherals; installing a “virus” or other software; running files to alter the system; placing unlawful information on a system; using abusive or objectionable language in messages; hindering other users’ ability to work; causing congestion on the networks; using other people’s computer resources without authorization; violating software license copyrights; entering accounts without full authorization; using College resources for a commercial venture or for personal profit; allowing others to use a password or account other than their own; violating system security; transmitting any unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, hateful, racial, ethical or otherwise objectionable material; distributing advertisements; displaying materials which may be construed as obscene; misrepresenting the identity of the user; or using the network for game playing.

Mitchell buys licenses for copyrighted computer software. The College does not own the copyright on this software or its related documentation and, unless authorized by the software developer, does not have the right to reproduce it. Any student who makes, acquires, or uses unauthorized copies of computer software on campus shall be subject to disciplinary action. Illegal reproduction of computer software can be subject to civil damages up to $100,000 and criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment. For more information go to mitchellcc.edu.


Participation in Promotional Activities

For its promotional activities through media such as print, publicity, multimedia productions or the Internet, the College frequently uses student likenesses, words or biographical materials. Unless a student expressly prohibits the College from using their photographic images or voice/ statements, the College assumes implied authorization. For students to revoke this authorization, they must complete an Opt-Out form available from the Coordinator of Student Activities. Photographs taken at a public events or photographs where your image is not recognizable are not covered by this opt-out. If you are in a situation where a College representative is taking photos, we recommend that you advise the photographer of your request to help ensure your privacy. The College commits to honor, to the extent that it's practical, any request to cease in the use of a photograph.

Smoking

Mitchell is a tobacco-free campus. That means that smoking and/or using other forms of tobacco products is prohibited anywhere on Mitchell’s property. No vaping or electronic cigarettes are allowed. Smoking is also prohibited in any College-owned or leased vehicles.

Solicitation and Fundraising

Mitchell buildings and campus spaces may not be used to raise funds for individuals or organizations except for officially recognized College projects or organizations that have obtained prior approval from the President or his/ her designee. Classes, clubs, or other groups planning to solicit contributions or sell goods or services must get approval in advance from the Coordinator of Student Activities and the Vice President for Student Services before the fundraising begins. Forms are available at the Student Activities Office in the Montgomery Student Union.

Drugs and Alcohol

The use of drugs or alcohol on campus is strictly prohibited. Students violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. Click here for a copy of the Mitchell Drug and Alcohol Policy or request a copy from the office of the Human Services Department.

Confidentiality and Access to Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 provides safeguards regarding the confidentiality of and access to student records. This Act will be adhered to by the College. Students and former students have the right to inspect and review their official records and to request a hearing if they challenge the contents of these records. No records shall be made available to unauthorized personnel or groups outside the College without the written consent of the student involved, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure with consent or under legal compulsion. Students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Dept. of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with requirements of the act. The office that administers FERPA is the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Dept. of Education, 400 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20202-5901.

Academic Suspension

A student who does not maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above for two consecutive semesters will be placed on academic suspension. A suspended student is prohibited from enrolling in the College until he or she has petitioned the Academic Review Board to receive permission to re-enroll.

Academic Probation

Since 2.0 is the minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) required to graduate, curriculum students who fail to maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA at the completion of any semester will be placed on academic probation for the following academic term. The Registrar will notify students and their advisors by College email or letter of probationary status and will advise those students to make an appointment with their academic advisor or, if a Special Credit student, to make an appointment with an admissions specialist.

Food Services

Snack and drink machines are available in the Student Union on the Statesville Campus, in the Cyber Café at the Mooresville Campus, and in the Gym area at the Continuing Education Campus.. Water stations for refilling bottles are available throughout our campuses. 

Food trucks are on campus during lunch hours Monday-Thursday during the spring and fall semesters. Please see the website for the full food truck schedule.

ADA Grievance Procedure

Mitchell Community College complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

How to File a Complaint

Office of Accessibility Services

Eason Student Services Building

500 West Broad Street, Statesville, NC 28677

Phone: (704) 878-3364

 

Include your contact information and a brief description of your concern. Submit within 15 business days when possible.

What to Expect

A prompt and equitable review

Investigation as appropriate

Response within 30 business days

Requesting a Review

If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may request reconsideration within 10 business days. Submit your request to the Vice President of Student Services.

Additional Options

You may also file a complaint with a federal agency. Using this process does not limit your rights.


Health and Wellness

Students are encouraged to tell their instructors of medical conditions and to provide an emergency contact on their application for admission. If you miss class because of sickness, you need to contact your instructor.

First Aid and Medical Emergencies: Mitchell has no facilities for medical treatment other than minor first aid. A first aid kit is available in each building. If a medical or life-threatening emergency exists, go to the nearest phone and dial “911 then call Campus Security at (704) 878-4367. Responsibility for medical services rests with the student. The College uses the Iredell County EMS and the Emergency Care units of Iredell Memorial Hospital and Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital for medical emergencies.

Communicable Disease Policy. The College does not want to spread communicable diseases, so we will maintain a safe and healthy work environment and educate staff, students and the community. The College will comply with all state and federal laws or regulations regarding these issues.

Disposal of Medical Waste. All medical waste, including needles, diabetic blood and urine testing material, must be disposed of properly. For exact locations of approved medical waste disposal containers, contact Campus Security at (704) 878 – 4367.


Parking

Students may park in any student parking area on campus. Refer to the Campus Maps to find parking lots and other approved parking areas.

Use of an accessible space requires the display of an accessibility placard or tag.

Parking is not permitted in a fire lane, loading zone, reserved space or grassy area. The Statesville or Mooresville police departments may issue citations for vehicles parking improperly in accessible zones or fire lanes.

Improperly parked cars are subject to tow-away at full expense to the owner. If your car is towed, see the receptionist in the Student Services Center (704) 878-3201or contact the Security Office (704) 878-4367 to get contact information for the towing company.

If all campus parking is filled, legal parking is available on Statesville streets surrounding the campus. The College has an overflow parking lot at 633 West End Avenue, one block west of campus. Parking is also available in the Health Science Building Cherry Street lots and in the lots by the Continuing Education and Workforce Development Center on Front Street. The City of Statesville has “All Day” parking on Walnut Street, east of Mulberry Street.

During the first two weeks of school, arrive at least 30 minutes early to find a parking space and avoid being late for class.


Lost and Found

Campus Security provides lost and found services. When an item is found, the security officer notifies the Campus Security Office. Items valued at more than $20 are immediately turned over to the Campus Security Office while items valued at less than $20 are held at the reception desk for one day prior to being secured in the Campus Security Office. Contact Campus Security to inquire about lost items

In Statesville, contact the Security Office at (704) 878-4367. In Mooresville, call (704) 663-1923.

Academic Re-Instatement

A suspended student seeking readmission must petition the Academic Review Board prior to the beginning of the semester. This written statement should include the reasons the student wants to be admitted, work schedule, proposed course load, educational goals and any other information that might provide an explanation of the circumstances that led to the academic suspension.

The Academic Review Board will review the petition and any other supporting documentation submitted by the student and will notify the student of the decision.

Re-enrollment may be contingent on the student taking specific courses or activities as required by the Academic Review Board. The sole intent of the Board is to provide the student the greatest possible opportunity for academic success. The petition and supporting documents should be submitted using the following link: Academic Reinstatement Petition.

Important Note for Students Receiving Financial Aid: The Academic Review Board can grant permission to re-enroll but does not make decisions regarding financial aid eligibility. Students who have been granted permission to re-enroll will need to contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss the status of their financial aid.


Academic Integrity

Mitchell Community College is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity across all instructional programs. Any violation of our academic integrity policy is unacceptable and will lead to appropriate disciplinary measures.


Definitions:

Academic Misconduct:

Willfully committing an act of cheating, plagiarism, or fabrication.

Facilitating Academic Misconduct:

Intentionally helping or attempting to help another to commit an act of cheating, plagiarism, or fabrication.

Cheating:

Deliberately utilizing unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise.

Plagiarism:

Knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as one’s own in any academic exercise.

Fabrication:

Purposely falsifying or inventing information or citations in an academic exercise.

                                                    

Acts such as plagiarism, cheating, unauthorized collaboration, submitting work completed by another person or tool, or using artificial intelligence tools in ways not permitted by the instructor are subject to disciplinary action.

Closing and Delays

In the event of adverse weather, the College will determine whether to delay classes, cancel classes or close. A decision will be made by 6 a.m. for day classes and by 3 p.m. for evening classes. For more information, you can check Mitchell's inclement weather web page (mitchellcc.edu/inclement-weather), Mitchell's social media, or sign up for emergency notifications at mitchellcc.edu/emergency-notification. Information will also be provided to local television, news, and radio stations for posting and announcements.

Classes Delayed means classes will not meet during the time of the delay. Students and faculty will resume a regular schedule at the time announced the College will open. That means late openings will start with classes normally taught at that hour. For examples, in the case of a two-hour delay:

  • Classes that run from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. OR 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. would be canceled.
  • Classes that run from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. would start at 10 a.m.

Classes Canceled means no classes for students. Employees have the choice to report to work or take annual leave.

College Closed means neither students nor employees are to report to the College. The College will decide how canceled classes will make up the work.

Students, faculty and staff must assume responsibility for deciding if conditions are too dangerous to allow safe driving on public roads.