2019-2020 student handbook - mstc.edu - Mid-State Technical College
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2019-2020
student
handbook
mstc.edu
888.575.6782college overview
CORE VALUES
The College and all of our employees MISSION
are guided by a set of core values Mid-State Technical College transforms lives
that have been part of Mid-State’s through the power of teaching and learning.
past and will continue to be part of
VISION
its future. We are convinced that
Mid-State Technical College is the educational
the key to creating a truly great
provider of first choice for its communities.
organization is an intense focus on
the values that guide our actions.
As members of the Mid-State Technical College
community, we work diligently to weave our core NEW EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
values into the fabric of everything we do to positively In addition to specific job-related training, Mid-State
impact those who seek our services. Mid-State has identified a set of employability skills that are
Technical College and its employees operate with transferable and go beyond the content of a specific
allegiance to the following core values. course. The College supports the following skills for all
STUDENT CENTEREDNESS graduates of Mid-State:
We value and respect all students as unique individuals. • Behave Responsibly—Both Individually and
We assist students in identifying and realizing Cooperatively
their educational goals and work hard to create
an accessible and dynamic learning environment. • Communicate Effectively
Providing students with a positive educational • Demonstrate Effective Cultural, Social, and Global
experience is of vital interest to each of us. Awareness
COMMITMENT • Demonstrate Effective Critical and Creative Thinking
Our actions reflect our dedication to the people we
serve and to the College. The success of Mid-State • Use Appropriate Technology
depends upon our skills and abilities to communicate,
promote, and support our educational offerings, and to ACCREDITATION
meet the current and emerging needs of our students Mid-State Technical College is accredited by the Higher
and other stakeholders. We invest the time and energy Learning Commission. Mid-State was first accredited by
necessary to fulfill the mission of the College and to the Higher Learning Commission in 1979 and has been
provide a healthy and safe environment. continually accredited since that time.
ACCOUNTABILITY You may contact our accreditor at the Higher Learning
We understand and value our individual roles in Commission, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500,
the College. We take responsibility for processes, Chicago, Illinois 60604-1411 (Phone: 800.621.7440 /
decisions, and outcomes within our scope of 312.263.0456, Fax: 312.263.7462, Website:
influence. We work hard to communicate effectively https://www.hlcommission.org).
and apply our expertise to continuously improve our
systems and strengthen organizational performance. Accreditation means that Mid-State has been found
to meet the Commission’s requirements and criteria
RESPECT and that there are reasonable grounds for believing
We embrace individual differences and diverse opinions that it will continue to do so. Accreditation provides
and work together to create a mutually supportive public certification of acceptable institutional quality
environment. We treat each other with dignity and and an opportunity and incentive for Mid-State to
appreciate the contributions of all employees. continuously improve.
INTEGRITY
Our actions and words signal the institutional integrity
of our college. We embrace honesty and base our
decision making on a combination of high ethical
standards and practical considerations.
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
We create and improve relationships through positive
interactions with others. United by a common purpose
to support and improve learning, we collaborate to
provide lifelong learning opportunities that enhance the
well-being of individuals, businesses, and communities.
2 Mid-State Technical College 2018-2019 Student Handbookcollege overview
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, HARASSMENT, AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
Mid-State Technical College is committed to complying with state and federal equal opportunity laws and
regulations and does not discriminate in its services, employment programs, and/or its educational programs and
activities. Discrimination and harassment by supervisors, co-workers, students, non-employees on the basis of
race, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, or other protected class is prohibited by the
College. This policy is intended to comply with all applicable state and federal laws, as well as express the College’s
commitment to the principles of equal opportunity for all.
The College will seek continuous compliance with the following laws: Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of
1964 as amended; Equal Pay Act of 1963 as amended; Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 and 1975;
Title IX of Education Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Vocational Education
Amendments of 1976; Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987; Civil Rights Act of 1991; Carl D. Perkins Vocational Career
and Technical Education Act; Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended; Wisconsin Fair Employment
Law; Chapter 38.23 of the Wisconsin State Statutes; and the Office for Civil Rights Guidelines for the Elimination of
Discrimination and Denial of Services on the Basis of Race, Color, National Origin, Sex, and Handicap in Vocational
Programs (34 CFR, Part 100, Appendix B).
Inquiries regarding this equal opportunity/non-discrimination policy may be directed to:
Karen Brzezinski, Equal Opportunity Officer
Mid-State Technical College • 500 32nd Street North, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 • 715.422.5325
A copy of this policy is available online at https://www.mstc.edu/about-us/policies/administrative-policies or by
contacting Human Resources.
academic support services
ADVISING THE LINK
Academic advising at Mid-State Technical College We’re here to help! LiNK services are available at all
is required for all students. It provides academic, Mid-State locations and can help you prepare for your
enrollment, and career advising from application future. Each location offers day and evening hours.
through graduation. It is a partnership—intentional Hours of operation vary by location. LiNK services
and collaborative—between student and advisor that are tuition-free to individuals 18 and over. There are
empowers you to meet your educational and career no admission requirements or tuition costs for LiNK
goals. Your academic advisor will work with you to services. You decide when to begin, develop your own
develop an academic plan with specific goals and attendance schedule, and work at your own pace to
proactively support you in following it and staying on reach your goals.
track to graduation.
Pre-Program Preparation
See your academic advisor for: If your goal is to enter a program at Mid-State, LiNK
• Career and program planning instructors can help you develop your academic skills to
• Class scheduling meet program and entrance requirements.
• Program changes or additions • Enroll in preparatory classes to improve math,
• Dropping a class communication, and reading skills.
• Academic struggles
• Improve study skills, time management, and
Students who receive more individual academic test-taking skills.
advising are more likely to graduate on time with less • Use free materials and resources in the LiNK labs.
college debt.
• Continue to receive assistance with coursework in the
Your academic advisor is determined by your LiNK after you have enrolled in Mid-State courses.
degree program. To schedule an appointment, call
888.575.6782. Visit https://www.mstc.edu/about-us/
policies/administrative-policies for more information.
mstc.edu / 888.575.6782 3academic support services
GED/HSED Preparation LIBRARY SERVICES
LiNK instructors help you prepare for Students are encouraged to investigate and use the
GED/HSED testing. many resources and services available in the Mid-State
• Use free study materials and computer resources LiNK. Library services are available in the LiNK at each
to prepare for the General Education Development campus location. Services include a book collection,
(GED®) Certificate or High School Equivalency periodicals, online resources, and assistance from LiNK
Diploma (HSED). staff. Library resources support all program areas and
other community interests.
• Get help from instructors who guide you through the
testing process.
TUTORING
• Learn job-seeking skills. Mid-State offers several approaches to tutoring to
ensure that students have options that fit their learning
English Language Learner Classes needs. We offer tutor labs, peer tutoring, and small
English language learner (ELL) classes help individuals tutor groups. Tutoring services are no cost to currently
learn English and how to navigate in American society. registered students. To arrange tutoring, visit the LiNK
• Develop reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. at your location.
• Gain skills to enter the workforce.
TESTING CENTER
• Receive assistance in preparing for the US The Testing Center, located in Room A109 on the
citizenship exam. Wisconsin Rapids Campus, provides a number of
• Get help entering college or a program. services on all campuses, including Accuplacer and
General Educational Development (GED®)/High School
Program Student Support Equivalency Diploma (HSED) testing.
Have a problem with a paper for class? Don’t
understand the assignment? Need some additional help Accuplacer is offered at each location. To schedule, stop
with math? The LiNK is here for you. by any Mid-State location or call 888.575.6782.
• Assistance with general academic tasks GED/HSED testing is available at each campus for
• Instruction in note-taking, summarizing, reference individuals who wish to earn a General Educational
skills, and time management Development (GED) certificate or High School
• Help with résumés and job-seeking/employability skills Equivalency Diploma (HSED). To learn more about GED
and HSED options, visit the LiNK for the mandatory
• Building basic computer skills orientation session. Once orientation is complete,
testing is scheduled at http://ged.com.
CAREER AWARENESS AND ASSESSMENT
Career Awareness is a tuition-free, non-credit class Free preparation assistance for Accuplacer and GED/
that allows adults the chance to explore a wide variety HSED testing is available in the LiNK at each location.
of careers that match their personal and professional
Testing accommodation services are available on each
skills, interests, and values. This is an active and dynamic
campus for eligible students with disabilities referred
opportunity to participate in activities designed to help
by Disability Services. In Wisconsin Rapids, eligible
answer the questions:
students referred for testing with accommodations may
• Who am I? schedule appointments in the Testing Center by stopping
• Where am I going? in or calling 715.422.5443, or they may work with their
instructors to set up testing appointments outside of
• How do I get there? class. Testing accommodations at locations without a
Individual student results are matched with occupations Testing Center are coordinated by the instructor, student,
and labor market research to assist the student in and Disability Services on an individual basis.
determining a career path that is right for them. Career Assistive technology services are available on each
Awareness is offered online continuously. To enroll, campus for students with disabilities referred by
please contact the LiNK. You must be 18 years of age Disability Services.
or older to participate unless special permission is
obtained. Special accommodations can be made for
students with disabilities.
4 Mid-State Technical College 2018-2019 Student Handbookstudent handbook
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY drop/add. Section changes done in and programs they are no longer
The Mid-State Board, after the first week of a course interested in. Each student is allowed
administration, faculty, and staff must be approved by a dean or a maximum of two active programs.
believe that academic honesty associate dean and the instructor.
Program changes can be submitted
and integrity are fundamental to • One hundred percent of tuition at any time during a semester, but
the mission of higher education. and fees must be paid. If the they are only processed for the next
All students are expected to reduction in tuition/fees for the available term.
maintain and promote the highest dropped course exceeds the
standards of personal honesty fees for the added class, the
and professional integrity. These student is issued a refund. If
AGE REQUIREMENT FOR
standards apply to all examinations, the added course exceeds the ENROLLMENT
assigned work, and projects. tuition/fees of the dropped class, Mid-State complies with all
Therefore, a student who is found the student is required to pay education statutes and policies
to have been dishonest, fraudulent, the additional amount owed at regulated and promulgated by the
or deceptive in the completion of the time of registration. If the Department of Public Instruction.
work, is willing to help others to be student is enrolled in a payment Programs may possess age criteria
so, or is found to have plagiarized plan or is receiving financial for admission based on licensing/
(presented the work of others aid, adjustments are made certification requirements. All
as his or her own) is subject to accordingly. students who seek to enroll at
disciplinary action up to and Mid-State are subject to the
• Students who do not attend
including suspension. course prerequisites and program
the first class period without
admission requirements as outlined
notifying the instructor or
admissions and academic dean of their reason
in the program information guides.
enrollment for non-attendance may be
dropped from the class without
Under Age 18
Questions regarding under-age-18
ADDING/DROPPING prior notification. The vacancy
attendance or home-schooled
created by their drop may be
COURSES filled by other students seeking
students should be directed to the
• Classes may be added through Student Services & Information
to enroll in the class.
the first week of class meetings. Center at any Mid-State location.
(Exceptions include summer • Public and private high school
ADMISSION TO THE students age 18 and older may
and winterim sessions.) Classes
added after the first week require COLLEGE attend Mid-State courses and
instructor/dean approval. Mid-State maintains an open-door programs at any time during
admissions policy in alignment with the day if they have met the
• Classes dropped before 10 statutory requirements, Wisconsin
percent of the class meetings applicable prerequisite or
Technical College System policies, program admission requirements.
have occurred will not appear on and licensing and accrediting
the student’s transcript. Attendance during the school
organizations. The College’s day for students enrolled in
• A grade of “W” (withdrawal) is complete admissions policy can be public/private schools must be
issued if the class is dropped found at https://www.mstc.edu/ done with the written permission
after 10 percent but before 90 about-us/policies/admissions. of the school principal and the
percent of the class meetings parent/legal guardian.
have occurred. The effective Re-Admission to Mid-State
The College will inactivate • Public and private high school
date of a drop is determined by students ages 16–18 may attend
the date the registrar’s office a student’s enrollment and
program status after a period of undergraduate day classes
receives the Drop/Add Form or with written consent from their
phone call from the student, or three consecutive semesters of
nonattendance. The student may parent/guardian and high school
the date the student completes principal. Financial aid cannot be
the drop transaction for class reapply at any time.
awarded to high school students
online. Grades and refunds are Program Change/Limitation on who have not graduated from
calculated based on the effective Number of Active Programs high school.
date of the class drop. Students may elect to change the
• An equivalent section is defined program in which they are currently Under Age 16
as a course offered for the same admitted. To do so they must With parental consent, public
credit value, is subject to the meet with an academic advisor or private high school students
same dollar amount of student to complete a Program Change under the age of 16 may attend
fees, and is at substantially Form. The student must identify postsecondary courses for
the same point in the course programs they want to remain active which they meet prerequisites.
curriculum at the time of the Students under 16 years of age
mstc.edu / 888.575.6782 5student handbook
are not allowed to enroll in certain instructors, responsible for making by standardized examination;
courses due to safety, certification, up class work that is missed. Any military occupational experiences/
licensing, or policy requirements. student deciding that he or she no training; or other life experience
Hazardous areas include use of longer wishes to attend class must and articulated high school credit.
hoisting apparatus, logging, motor officially drop the class. Students Mid-State has agreements with
vehicle drivers and outside helpers, failing to drop a class remain many area high schools to grant
usage of firearms, manufacturing responsible for class costs and are advanced standing for select high
or processing, and classes involving issued a failing grade. school courses.
hands-on applications for skill
Students are expected to attend Students are required to complete
development in areas identified as
the first class period or notify the a minimum of 25 percent of
hazardous in DWD 270.14 (3)
class instructor. Students who do the technical studies (associate
Student Learner. Consult a
not attend the first class period or degree programs) or occupational-
Mid-State academic advisor or
provide appropriate notification specific studies (technical diploma
college outreach coordinator for
may be administratively dropped programs) at Mid-State. The
information on courses for which the
from the class. remaining 75 percent of coursework
student under 16 may be eligible to
may be completed with the various
enroll. The following conditions must
CLASS CANCELLATION types of credit for prior learning.
be met for students under the age of
16 to enroll at Mid-State: On occasion a class will be Students must meet the
canceled. Students will be competencies of the specific course
• The individual has the written
contacted by the College to for which they request credit for
permission of his/her parent
consider placement into another prior learning. All students seeking
or guardian. A signed and
class. Mid-State reserves the any form of credit for prior learning
dated letter from the parent or
right to cancel classes due to low will begin the process with the
guardian needs to accompany
enrollment. Mid-State cannot Student Services & Information
the registration form.
guarantee the refund of books Center. Student Services will then
• The individual will not be purchased through a third-party refer the request to the Credit for
attending during the hours of the for canceled classes. Prior Learning coordinator. After the
normal school day established
evaluation is completed, the student
under Wisconsin Compulsory
COURSE NUMBERING will be notified in writing regarding
Attendance laws.
SYSTEM the result of the evaluation. If
The first two digits of the course credits are granted, they will be
Home-School Attendance entered on the student’s permanent
number identify the degree level of
Mid-State complies with all transcript record. An appeal of the
the coursework.
education statutes and policies as final decision may be made through
regulated and promulgated by the • 10 – Associate degree level
(e.g., 10809198) the Academic Appeals process.
Department of Public Instruction.
Students under 18 years of age must Exception: catalog numbers with Credit for Prior Learning
also follow the age requirement the 3rd and 4th digit equal to 83 Definitions
guidelines noted above. are developmental courses (e.g., Articulated Credit–Advanced
• Home-schooled students are not 10835103) placement for courses taken in
eligible for federal financial aid • 30, 31, 32 – Technical diploma high school (AC)
until completion of their high level (e.g., 30543300, 31509309, Through a cooperative program
school degree. 32404307) between area high schools and Mid-
Questions regarding home- State, qualified students can receive
schooled students should be CREDIT FOR PRIOR credit at Mid-State for selected high
school courses. Students must have
directed to admissions at any Mid- LEARNING
State location. completed specific requirements
Mid-State’s Credit for Prior Learning
in high school and have obtained a
Policy provides an opportunity for
3.0 out of a 4.0 grade point average
ATTENDANCE students to receive credit for their
(GPA) in the articulated coursework
Class attendance is considered knowledge and skills gained from
to receive technical college credit.
essential to the learning process. experience other than through
For more information, contact the
Therefore, regular, punctual course offerings at Mid-State in
Mid-State Credit for Prior Learning
attendance is expected of all order to accelerate the completion
coordinator.
students. Students are responsible of their degree, diploma, or
for discussing absences with their certificate. Credit for Prior Learning Credit by Standardized
instructors and, when permitted by credits may include transfer of Examination (CE)
credits from regionally accredited, Mid-State staff will review test
postsecondary institutions; credit results from the College-Level
6 Mid-State Technical College 2018-2019 Student Handbookstudent handbook
Examination Program (CLEP), Transfer of Credits from Regionally 50-minute periods (or 900 minutes)
subject examinations, Advanced Accredited, Postsecondary of instruction for each credit hour.
Placement (AP) exams, and other Institutions (TR) Student outside effort is two hours
third-party administrators for • Credit for courses may be for each period of instruction, (or
possible credit toward completion accepted from regionally 1,800 minutes) for each credit hour.
of a degree, diploma, or certificate. accredited institutions of higher The unique environment in online/
Credit toward a credential will education, provided the student hybrid classes combines the
be awarded only for courses has received a letter grade of instructor-to-student contact with
that fulfill a published Mid-State “C” (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) recorded the outside effort, so for each credit
graduation requirement or that are on an official transcript and the hour of a class, you can expect to
an acceptable degree elective at course credit and content are spend three hours of learning per
Mid-State. College staff will use the similar to the course content at week* in the online environment.
guidelines published by the testing Mid-State.
agencies to identify appropriate 1 Credit = approximately
• Students who plan to take
test scores for credit recognition. 3 hours per week*
courses at another institution
Students must provide Mid-State 2 Credits = approximately
and transfer them to Mid-State
with an official, sealed transcript 6 hours per week*
toward program requirements
of test results from the testing 3 Credits = approximately
are strongly encouraged to meet
agency for a review to occur. Credit 9 hours per week*
with their academic advisor to
awarded for successful performance
review how the coursework from *These numbers are based on a
will appear on a Mid-State
the other college/university normal semester. Accelerated and
transcript as “CE” for “Credit by
would be applied to their Mid- summer courses will be adjusted
Examination.” This credit will not be
State program. accordingly.
part of a student’s GPA calculation.
The appropriate academic dean is • The student must provide an
responsible for the final decision on official transcript in a sealed DISMISSAL/SUSPENSION
the recognition of credit. envelope or request that the If there is reasonable cause to
credit-awarding school send believe a student has pursued
For specific scores related to it electronically to the Credit a course of conduct requiring
Mid-State courses, go to https://www. for Prior Learning coordinator. suspension or dismissal, the student
mstc.edu/sites/default/files/2019-03/ Transcripts must include the may be suspended or dismissed
cplexaminationcredit.pdf. credits earned as well as an by the class instructor, dean of
official description of the student support, campus dean, or
Credit for Life Experience (EX) courses(s) for which the credit is school dean. The student will be
Students initiate the process requested. informed of the specific charges
of applying for credit for life in writing without unreasonable
• The grade from the transferred
experience (military, occupational, delay. A student may be withdrawn
course will not show on the Mid-
or other life experience) with from a class or a program under
State transcript. Courses that do
the Credit for Prior Learning the following circumstances:
not meet program requirements
coordinator. Students are then disciplinary reasons, code of
may be accepted by Mid-State
referred to the dean/associate conduct violation, past-due financial
for elective credit.
dean for the evaluation of obligations, and failure or refusal to
prior learning. Students must • For credits earned at nationally
obtain professional help and/or to
demonstrate proficiency in the accredited institutions, please
accept professional advice.
course competencies by methods see guidelines for credit for life
of evaluation that will be identified experience.
by the dean/associate dean. A prior
ELECTIVES
Program electives may be fulfilled
learning assessment fee is required. CREDIT HOURS by successfully completing a
This fee is due from the student Classroom presentations are
Mid-State associate degree-
prior to determining the award specifically planned learning
level course or through various
of credit and is due regardless of experiences based on identified
credit for prior learning options.
whether credit is awarded. For objectives, direct instructor
See Credit for Prior Learning for
additional information about credit involvement, and instructional
additional information. Pre-college
for prior learning and credit for delivery through physical or
courses may not be used to satisfy
life experience, go to https://www. electronic learning environments.
electives. Pre-college courses are
mstc.edu/admissions/credit-for- Instructor-to-student contact
those courses with an eight-digit
prior-learning. including presentations, labs,
catalog number beginning with
demonstrations, and discussion
1083 (example: Intro to Writing
is the equivalent of eighteen
10831103).
mstc.edu / 888.575.6782 7student handbook
ENROLLMENT STATUS documentation of required health Grade GPA
CLASSIFICATION work to Certified Background, a A.............................................................4.00
• Full-time student: A student private vendor. Fees may vary. A-.............................................................3.67
who is enrolled in 12 or more • Material fee: Varies with each B+............................................................3.33
undergraduate semester credits. course and covers the cost of
B.............................................................. 3.00
• Part-time student: A student materials used by a student in
each course. B-.............................................................2.67
who is enrolled in less than 12
undergraduate semester credits. • Textbooks and supplies: C+............................................................2.33
• Undeclared: A student who is not Textbook costs vary by book. C............................................................. 2.00
admitted into a degree, diploma, Visit the Mid-State Bookstore C-..............................................................1.67
or certificate program but is website for up-to-date
information about books and D+.............................................................1.33
taking undergraduate classes.
costs. Students are required to D.............................................................. 1.00
Although a student is considered purchase their own textbooks D-............................................................ 0.67
full-time by carrying 12 semester and supplies. In accordance
F..............................................................0.00
credits, a semester course load of with the Higher Education
15–18 credits is typically needed Opportunity Act (HEOA), No credits or grade points are
to complete a one-year program students have access to the cost awarded for the following grades:
within one year, or a two-year and, when applicable, the ISBN AC............................. Articulated Course
program within two years. Students number for required textbooks Advanced placement for courses taken in high school
may choose to extend the length and supplemental materials. This AU.......................................... Audit Status
of their program by taking a lighter information is available on the
course load. CE....................... Credit by Examination
students’ online Class Schedule.
EX..................................... Life Experience
• Student ID: The first student
FEES AND OTHER ID card is issued at no charge. IC...............................................Incomplete
EXPENSES Should a replacement ID card IP............................................... In-Progress
Mid-State’s fee structure was be required, there is a $5 fee R.................................... Repeated Course
established in accordance with the for each additional card. IDs are
available in campus LiNKs. S...... Satisfactory (non-credit course)
Wisconsin Technical College System
and state statutes. Fees may SP......................... Satisfactory Progress
vary annually and are subject to GRADING TR...................................... Transfer Credit
change. Payment of fees is required Grade Point Average U......Unsatisfactory (non-credit course)
to complete the admission and Grade point averages (GPAs)
registration process. Refer to UP.................... Unsatisfactory Progress
are figured on a 4.0 scale. When
https://www.mstc.edu/tuition/ calculating the GPA, the sum of W........................ Withdrawn from Class
tuition-and-fees for more all points awarded is divided by Audit Status (AU)
information. the total credits attempted. Grade Audit (AU) status means the student
• Tuition: Per credit is subject to point averages are calculated on attends class but does not receive
change annually and is charged a cumulative basis as well as for a grade for the class. Only during
for all associate, technical, and the individual semester. Upon the first 10 academic days for 16-
apprenticeship credits. Visit graduation from an associate week courses (or within the first 10
https://www.mstc.edu/tuition/ degree program or technical percent of the class) may a student
tuition-and-fees for more diploma program, the program- change from credit-to-audit or
information on tuition and fees. specific GPA is indicated on the audit-to-credit status. Audit students
• Activity fee: Six percent per student’s official transcript. The are required to pay the same tuition
credit. Charged each semester letter grading scale used at Mid- and fees as credit students and a
to help cover student activities, State is as follows: permanent record is maintained.
such as student government, and Students are required to process
to help support various clubs and any change through the Student
student activities. Services & Information Center. Audit
• Online fees: $10 per credit. status is dependent upon instructor
Charged for classes delivered approval. Classes taken for audit
online or in a hybrid model. are not applied toward enrollment
• Criminal History Record check: status, graduation, and/or financial
For some programs, students aid eligibility.
need to pay for a criminal
background check and provide
8 Mid-State Technical College 2018-2019 Student Handbookstudent handbook
Incomplete (IC) Withdrawal (W) SERVICE MEMBER PRIORITY
An incomplete grade may be The “W” grade will be applied to REGISTRATION
awarded when a student is a dropped class according to the Wisconsin Act AB201
unable to complete a course due percent of class contact hours Priority registration allows eligible
to extenuating circumstances. having met at the time the class is service members to register for
Incomplete grades must be made dropped, as follows: Mid-State classes one day ahead of
up before the end of the eighth • 0–10 percent — No record of the official open registration date
week following the course end the class will appear on the for any given semester. Eligible
date for 16-week courses. For less transcript. service members are those who
than 16-week courses, an IC must have served, are serving, or are
• 11–89 percent — “W” grade
be made up within 50 percent of on active duty under honorable
appears on transcript.
the course length. Failure to do conditions in the US Armed Forces.
so will convert the IC grade to “F.” • 90–100 percent — Grade of “F”
Service members do not need to be
Students are not allowed to register appears on transcript.
using veteran benefits in order to
for advance sequential courses See https://www.mstc.edu/ be eligible for priority registration.
until incompletes are made up in registration-and-records. Priority registration is extended
preceding prerequisite. to service members only and not
In-Progress (IP) HOLD their spouses or dependents. To
An in-progress grade is awarded A hold is placed on a student’s learn more about receiving service
in cases where the end-date of the account for any amount of tuition, member priority registration,
course follows the official end-date fees, library fines, bookstore visit https://www.mstc.edu/
of the semester in which it was charges, financial aid repayment, or registration-and-records/service-
offered (e.g., independent study, any other outstanding balance due member-priority-registration or call
flexible online learning courses). If the Mid-State until such charges have 888.575.6782.
student fails to complete the class, been satisfied. This status prevents
the IP grade is converted to “F.” the student from registering for STUDENTS CALLED TO
classes and prevents the release of,
Repeated Course (R) ACTIVE MILITARY
and online access to, transcripts/
Students may retake a course to Students who are ordered or
grades and diplomas/degrees.
improve a grade. The most recent inducted into active service in the
grade a student has earned in a Armed Forces of the United States,
NO-SHOW POLICY or requested to work for the federal
course is the grade that is used to
The No-Show Policy is instituted government during a national
calculate a student’s semester and
during the first week of classes emergency, or a limited national
cumulative grade point averages.
each semester. Faculty identify emergency, shall be afforded one of
Students must request a grade
students who are appearing on the options below:
replacement through the Office
their class rosters but not attending
of the Registrar for the original • The student may withdraw from
(in-person classes) or participating
grade and a recalculation of their college receiving a 100 percent
in an academically related activity
GPA. Course catalog numbers for refund of tuition and fees upon
(online classes). These students are
the original and repeated courses presentation of a document
referred to as No Show students.
must match in order for a grade demonstrating a call to active
An attempt will be made to contact
replacement to occur (exceptions: duty to the registrar. The refund
No Show students to determine
some Microsoft Office and math will not include books. No grades
if they will be attending classes.
courses). The student’s most will be assigned to the classes.
Classes will be dropped with
recent course grade will appear on Students choosing this option
all tuition charges removed for
transcripts. Previous enrollments in may be readmitted to Mid-State
those students who will not be
the same course are listed with a at the start of the next term and
attending or who were unable to
grade of “R,” indicating repeat will be placed in the first spot of
be contacted. Students who have
of course. any programs with waiting lists.
received financial aid and failed to
attend classes have not established • The student may receive a grade
eligibility to receive financial aid. of IC (Incomplete) which will
Therefore, No Show students must allow the student to complete
repay in full any funds received. the coursework with instructional
Besides complying with federal support upon return from active
financial aid regulation, the No Show military duty. There is no refund
Policy also helps prevent students with this option.
from accruing unwanted balances
and possible collection activity as
well as receiving final grades of “F”
on their permanent records.
mstc.edu / 888.575.6782 9student handbook
The student must contact the determined by the date that the If the student and the division dean
Financial Aid Office for advisement registrar’s office receives the Drop/ are unable to reach an agreement,
regarding the handling of financial Add Form or the date the student the student may appeal in writing
aid processing and awards. completes the drop transaction to the vice president of Academics
online. Grades and refunds are within five school days after
TUITION REFUND POLICY calculated based on the effective meeting with the dean.
Refunds are issued per the official date of withdrawal from college.
An Ad Hoc Appeals Committee
refund schedule available at any The student will receive a copy
convened by the vice president
Student Services & Information of the completed, date-stamped
of Academics will meet with the
Center. Refund amounts are Drop/Add Form; it is the student’s
student. The vice president of
determined by the Wisconsin responsibility to retain a copy of
Academics will inform the student
Technical College System (WTCS) the form.
in writing of the decision of the Ad
Refund Policy and federal financial Hoc Appeals Committee within five
aid regulations. Refunds will be appeals school days of the meeting. The
issued to the student unless a decision of the Ad Hoc Appeals
documented third-party sponsorship APPEALS PROCESS Committee is the final decision, and
or contract exists. In such cases Mid-State seeks to ensure fair no further appeals are available.
the refund will be returned to the and just treatment of students.
sponsor or contracting party. Opportunities are available to Final Grade
appeal academic and non-academic If a student believes that the final
The refund policy can be found at decisions. Before an academic grade in a course is inaccurate
https://www.mstc.edu/registration- appeal is filed, the student is or unjustified, an appointment
and-records/payment-and-refund- required to contact the instructor should be made with the instructor
policies. or other staff member directly to present the appeal in writing
• 100 percent of student fees shall involved with the decision to clarify and discuss the reason(s) for the
be refunded if a student applies the issue(s). Every effort to resolve appeal. Every effort to resolve the
for a refund before the first the issue(s) should be made at this issue should be made at this level.
class meeting that the student is level. Opportunities for appeal are The final grade appeal process
scheduled to attend. detailed in the following policies must occur within 90 days of the
• 80 percent of all applicable and procedures. issuance of the grade.
student fees are to be refunded Misconduct If the student and instructor are not
if application for refund is made Students who wish to appeal a able to reach an agreement, the
before or at the time 10 percent decision pertaining to sanctions student may request in writing, no
of the course’s potential class for classroom misconduct later than five school days after the
meetings of instruction have (e.g., dismissal, suspension) meeting with the instructor, that the
been completed. may use the appeal process school dean arrange a meeting. The
• 60 percent of all applicable outlined in the Student Code school dean, the instructor, and the
student fees are to be refunded of Conduct. This process can student will meet within five school
if the application for refund be found at https://www.mstc. days of this request to attempt
is made after 10 percent but edu/sites/default/files/2019-01/ to resolve the issue. The student
before more than 20 percent StudentCodeofConduct_2.pdf. will receive written notice of the
of the course’s potential class decision within five school days of
meetings of instruction have Credit for Prior Learning Appeal the meeting.
been completed. Students not satisfied with the
decision regarding transfer credit, If the issue is still unresolved, the
• No refund is to be made if the life experience credit, military or student may appeal in writing to the
application for refund is made occupational experience credit, vice president of Academics within
after 20 percent of the course’s or other credit for prior learning five school days of receipt of the
potential class meetings of awarded may submit a formal decision. The written appeal should
instruction have been completed. written appeal to the dean of the describe in detail the events leading
area where the decision was issued. up to the appeal.
WITHDRAWAL FROM The written request must be made An Ad Hoc Appeals Committee
COLLEGE no later than 10 school days after consisting of the vice president of
It is highly recommended that receiving the decision and should Academics, an academic dean, and
students wishing to withdraw from contain rationale for reconsideration a faculty member will meet with
the College meet with an academic of the decision. A meeting with the student to attempt to resolve
advisor to discuss personal, the school dean and student will the issue. The vice president of
financial, and grading implications be held within five school days of Academics will inform the student
of this decision. The effective date receipt of the request. in writing of the decision within ten
of the withdrawal from college is
10 Mid-State Technical College 2018-2019 Student Handbookstudent handbook
school days of the meeting. The be completed by the student with • To be assured confidentiality
decision of the Ad Hoc Appeals all supporting documentation in accordance with the federal
Committee is the final decision, and attached and submitted: Family Education Rights and
no further appeals are available. • In person Privacy Act.
Financial Aid Appeal Any Mid-State Student Services The review process outlined in the
If a student believes a financial & Information Center Student Code of Conduct will be
aid action is inaccurate, he or • Mail followed. Once completed, the
she may file a written appeal to Office of the Registrar outcome will be communicated in
the Financial Aid manager. The Mid-State Technical College writing to both parties involved
appeal should include detailed 500 32nd Street North within five school days. Any
information on the inaccuracy or Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 disciplinary action will take effect
extenuating circumstances along • Fax on the date of notification.
with supporting documentation. 715.422.5561
For specific information on
Attention: Student Records
If a student and the Financial Aid the appeal process, please
manager are unable to reach an The appeal will be reviewed by an consult the Student Code of
agreement, the student may appeal Ad Hoc Student Account Appeals Conduct at https://www.mstc.
in writing within five school days of Committee. Appeals are reviewed edu/sites/default/files/2019-01/
receiving notification to the dean biweekly. The student will receive StudentCodeofConduct_2.pdf.
of Student Support. The dean of written notification within two
Student Support will meet with weeks following the appeals Complaint Procedure-Mid-State
the student and the Financial Aid meeting. Technical College (Mid-State)
manager within five school days of Mid-State is committed to
Student Conduct Appeal
receipt of the appeal. The student providing a positive environment
(non-academic)
will be notified in writing of the and educational experience for
Whenever possible, alleged
decision within five school days of students. This environment includes
misconduct issues should be
the meeting. incorporating feedback from
resolved informally through a
students, employees, partners, and
Graduation Requirements conference with the complainant
the public into College operations.
Students who wish to appeal a and the alleged student. The parties
Mid-State uses feedback to make
decision pertaining to graduation may ask a neutral party (e.g.,
continuous improvements.
requirements may use the appeal campus dean, dean of Student
Please use the following form to
process outlined in the Credit for Support) to act as a mediator.
submit a compliment, suggestion
Prior Learning Appeal section.
In the event that alleged or concern: https://www.mstc.
misconduct cannot be resolved edu/form/student-complaint-
Student Account Appeal
informally, faculty/staff/ form. Completing this form with
Students are responsible for
administrator/student may initiate a concern will initiate the first
charges and payments to
action by filing an incident report. steps of the complaint procedures.
their account. In extenuating
Any faculty/staff/administrator/ Should you have a concern or
circumstances a student may be
student of the College community problem, please discuss it with
eligible for a refund or a reduction
may charge a student with alleged your instructor, counselor, advisor,
in outstanding charges outside of
acts of misconduct. The faculty/ or campus dean to attempt to
the general tuition refund policy
staff/administrator/student will resolve the matter. If this action
determined by the Wisconsin
submit the incident report to the does not resolve the problem, a
Technical College System. Before a
dean of Student Support or campus formal complaint can be presented.
student account appeal is filed, the
dean and forward a copy to his/her Typically, a formal complaint is a
student should seek assistance from
dean/supervisor. written allegation of an inequity.
the Student Services & Information
An inequity may involve either the
Center regarding charges and Students accused of conduct academic or the non-academic
payments on their account. violations are entitled to the function of Mid-State. Students
following protections: who believe that they have cause
The student account appeals
process must be initiated within 90 • To be informed of the charge and to make a formal complaint should
days of the charge being posted relevant evidence. send a letter to:
to the student’s account or within • To respond to the charge. Dean of Student Support
90 days of the official semester • To request that the dean of Mid-State Technical College
start date, whichever is later. To file Student Support or campus dean 500 32nd Street North
an appeal, the Student Account resolve the case in an informal Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Appeal Form (https://www.mstc. disciplinary meeting.
edu/sites/default/files/2019-04/
StudentAccountAppeals.pdf) must
mstc.edu / 888.575.6782 11student handbook
Complaint Procedure-Wisconsin filing a complaint with DLAB, and To be eligible for accommodations,
Technical College System (WTCS) the process to file a complaint students are required to provide
Students who attend a college with DLAB, see DLAB’s student documentation of a disability that
that is part of the WTCS can file complaint process at http://www. substantially limits one or more
complaints at the state level in heab.state.wi.us/dlab/students.html. major life activities, show a history of
three categories defined by US such impairment, or be regarded as
Department of Education:
disability services having such an impairment. Reports
from medical doctors, licensed
• Complaints that allege violations
of Wisconsin consumer It is the policy of Mid-State to psychologists, the Division of
protection laws, including, but comply with Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation, a licensed
not limited to, false advertising Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the social service agency, or high school
Americans with Disabilities Act exceptional education needs (EEN)
• Complaints that allege violations
(ADA). Individuals with disabilities staff are examples of acceptable
of Wisconsin laws related to
are provided with reasonable and documentation. When requested,
the licensure of postsecondary
effective accommodations, when Mid-State Disability Services works
institutions
requested, to afford equal access in collaboration with community
• Complaints relating to the quality to educational opportunity at Mid- agencies in coordinating services for
of education or other state or State. Services are provided to students with disabilities.
accreditation requirements prospective and enrolled students
Students with questions about
A student who reasonably believes who are otherwise qualified with
availability of disability support
that a violation has occurred in one or without accommodations for
services or establishing eligibility for
or more of these categories may admission and participation in
services should contact Disability
file a written complaint. Complaints postsecondary education.
Services at the campus the student
must be signed by the student and To access reasonable and effective attends. Mid-State does not provide
submitted on the official Student accommodations, students can self- testing to diagnose disability but
Complaint Form. Complaints must identify their disability and directly can refer students to appropriate
be filed within one year from the contact Disability Services for agencies for testing. If a student
date of the alleged violation or the assistance. Personnel are available suspects they have a disability,
last recorded date of attendance, on each campus and have offices staff will discuss procedures for
whichever is later. The WTCS in Student Services. In addition to getting evaluated. Provisional
will review complaints only after self-identification, an instructor can accommodations may be provided
students attempt to resolve the make referrals to Disability Services pending evaluation results.
matter through applicable college after a student has begun classes.
appeals or complaint processes. Reasonable and effective
Disability Services staff, the student, accommodations are individually
The Student Complaint Form can and individual instructors together determined and based on
be found at https://wtcsystem. determine what services and disability. Disability Services
edu/about-us/governance/system- accommodations are needed and how works with students, faculty,
office/educational-services/student- they are to be provided. Although and staff to provide adjustments
complaints. students can self-refer or be referred and modifications within our
at any time, adequate and reasonable educational environment that
Complaint Procedure-Distance time is required to develop and provide students with disabilities
Education Conducted Across provide appropriate accommodations, an equal access to education and
State Lines which are provided at no cost the ability to participate. They are
Mid-State Technical College to the student. When possible, not designed to give students with
participates in the State accommodations should be requested disabilities an unfair advantage over
Authorization Reciprocity a semester before they are to be put other students. Accommodations
Agreement (SARA). As a member in place. However, Disability Services provide students with disabilities an
of SARA, any current or former will assist students at any time to equal opportunity to demonstrate
student of a distance education provide services in a timely manner. their abilities.
program offered by Mid-State may Students may use accommodations
file a complaint with Wisconsin’s Appeal Procedure: Please see
starting the date they are approved.
Distance Learning Authorization the Student Discrimination Policy.
Coursework and exams that have
Board (DLAB) for Mid-State A copy of this policy is available
occurred prior to approval are
distance education activity online at https://www.mstc.
considered completed and are not
conducted across state lines under edu/about-us/policies/student-
eligible for accommodations. Mid-
specific and limited circumstances. discrimination.
State does not provide attendant care
For more information on the services. Students in need of personal
types of complaints handled by care are expected to make their own
DLAB, steps to be taken before arrangements for these needs.
12 Mid-State Technical College 2018-2019 Student Handbookstudent handbook
financial aid Wisconsin Grant
State grant based on multiple
• Federal Direct Unsubsidized
Stafford Loan: This loan assists
Financial aid is designed to criteria including state of Wisconsin students with their education
supplement the resources of the residency, a student’s Expected if they are ineligible for a
student and/or family to help Family Contribution, availability Subsidized Stafford Loan or
students achieve their educational of state funding, and the date of in addition to the Subsidized
and career goals. Every student in FAFSA completion. Eligibility is Loan. Conditions are the same
an approved program is eligible limited to 10 semesters. with one exception: interest
to apply for financial aid. Student starts accruing immediately.
Supplemental Education
financial aid is based on financial The student has the choice to
Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
need. This need is established by pay the interest monthly while
Federal need-based grant awarded
an analysis of the Free Application in college or it can be deferred
to students with the highest
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). and added to the principal of the
financial need. Funds are limited
Students complete the FAFSA loan. A student must complete
and awarded based on a random
every year to determine eligibility. the FAFSA and be considered for
selection of students who have
all types of financial aid prior to
Financial aid is offered to students completed a FAFSA file, are
receiving a Federal Unsubsidized
only after they have been accepted enrolled, are eligible for a Pell
Loan.
for admission into an eligible Grant, and have a zero Expected
program of study. Department Family Contribution. Students are • All loans will have a 30-day delay
of Education regulations require randomly awarded until funds are in disbursement. Mid-State will
courses funded by financial aid be depleted. disburse all loans 30 days after
required toward graduation for that the first day of the semester. This
College Work-Study (CWS) practice ensures that students
program of study.
Part-time jobs provided on campus won’t have a loan to repay if they
with faculty and staff or off campus don’t begin classes or if they
Application for Financial Aid
at community service sites, such as withdraw during the first 30 days
To apply for federal aid, you must
public libraries, Boys & Girls Clubs, of classes.
complete a Free Application for
and Head Start. Worksites are also
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). • Double-Disbursement of
established through elementary
You can apply online at https:// Loans: All student loans must
and secondary schools for tutors
studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa. Paper be paid to the student in two
in math and reading as part of the
FAFSA applications are available disbursements, one each
America Reads program. Students
by calling 1.800.4FED.AID or by semester. If a student is only
are paid biweekly. Job postings and
printing a PDF copy at https:// enrolled for one semester, or
information on how to apply can
studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/filling- has accepted a loan for one
be found at https://www.mstc.edu/
out#options. Students must have term, loans must be double
student-life/work-study.
a high school diploma, HSED, disbursed—half on the standard
GED, or home school completion Student Loans disbursement date and half at
to be eligible for federal and state • Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford the mid-point of the semester.
financial aid. Loan: A student may borrow up Students must be enrolled
to $3,500 for the first year and and attending at least six
Types of Financial Aid Available at credits at the time of each loan
Mid-State $4,500 for the second year if
working towards an associate disbursement. If tuition is still
Pell Grant degree, depending on need. owed, it will be deferred until
Federal grant based on financial The federal government pays loan funds are disbursed as long
need. Grants are a form of “gift aid” the interest while the student as the student completes the
that are not paid back. Eligibility is enrolled at least half-time. In Master Promissory Note and
is based on a student’s Expected addition, effective July 1, 2013, Entrance Loan Counseling and is
Family Contribution (obtained the Department of Education is enrolled and attending classes.
by completing the FAFSA) and monitoring all new borrowers or • Private-Alternative Loans
the student’s enrollment status. A first-time borrowers’ loan periods. for Education: All loans for
student can receive Pell Grants up If the borrower exceeds 150 education must be calculated
to a 12-semester lifetime limit (or its percent of the published length as a resource towards meeting
equivalent). of their academic program, the the student cost of attendance
borrower becomes ineligible according to federal regulations.
to receive additional Direct Students are encouraged to
Subsidized Loans and becomes apply for federal and state
responsible for accruing interest grants and the federal loan
during all periods as of the date program prior to considering
the borrower exceeds the 150 private-alternative loans due
percent limit. to the repayment provisions
mstc.edu / 888.575.6782 13You can also read
