Section 07: Academic and Student Policies

Academic and student policies, including policies on grading, financial aid, student behavior, etc., are published in the Meridian Community College Academic Catalog.

7.1 Definition of a Semester Credit Hour

In compliance with the definition set forth by the Mississippi Community College Board, a semester credit hour in the traditional classroom is defined as a minimum of 750 minutes of student-teacher contact with an additional 2 hours of outside coursework assigned. Credit hours of laboratory experiences are defined as a 2:1 ratio for minutes of contact to hours awarded, i.e., 1500 minutes of laboratory experience equals one credit hour; clinical experiences are awarded on a 3:1 ratio, i.e., 2250 minutes of clinical experience equals one credit hour. Courses delivered through non-traditional methods such as late start, half-term, distance education, etc., are required to adhere to this definition through equivalency of Student Learning Outcomes. Because students are required to master the same content, credit hours associated with courses delivered through non-traditional means are equivalent to credit hours awarded for traditional instruction.

7.1.1 Zero-credit Hour Policy

The purpose of the zero-credit hour policy is to establish the circumstances for which the inclusion of zero-credit hour courses as requirements for program completion is reasonable and appropriate. Zero-credit courses typically allow students the opportunity to engage in experiences beyond the designated credit hours of a program. The course is primarily student-driven and/or experiential in nature. Programs may develop zero-credit courses for internships, participation in research, experiential learning, career preparation, faculty advisement, or other enhanced learning experiences.

• A zero-credit hour course should be developed only when a for-credit course is not an option. 
• The course may not be included in an asynchronous online program of study. 
• Students will primarily work independently to complete the course activities. 
• The course has a required syllabus with student learning outcome(s).
• Students will not complete course activities outside designated class time.
• Grading is accomplished with minimal assessment; letter grades are not assigned.
• Minimal use of the College’s resources is required for the course.
• The course will not be included in a student’s GPA calculation.

Zero-credit courses already in the catalog are exempt from this policy. As with all courses, if a course change is pursued, it is reconsidered under current policies. Exceptions to this policy will be considered if a justification is included in the proposal for curriculum committee review.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 (Board Approved, July 2024)

7.2 Graduation Ceremony Honors

Students who attain a 3.25-3.49 GPA on all work attempted at Meridian Community College are eligible to graduate with “honors.” Students who earn a 3.50-3.74 MCC GPA are eligible to graduate with “high honors.” If a student attains an MCC GPA of 3.75-4.00, he/she is eligible to graduate with “highest honors.”

Circle of Excellence

At each graduation ceremony, outstanding MCC graduates are recognized with “Circle of Excellence” awards.

7.3 Early Final Exam Requests

If a student can justify a need to take his/her final exams early, s/he is expected to submit a request for an early final exam by contacting a dean for the appropriate form. All additional directions will be provided by the appropriate dean.

7.4 Technology Lending Library

Meridian Community College’s Technology Lending Library (TLL) is a service that provides computers and other devices on loan for eligible students. A subcommittee of the standing Technology Committee reviews applications each semester for students interested in applying for a loaner computer/device to consider eligibility and approval. A limited number of computers/devices are available for loan. Devices are loaned on a per-semester basis and must be returned at the end of each semester/term. Prior approval of device loan does not guarantee approval in future semesters. Applications for loaner computers/devices are available in Eaglenet, and students must adhere to the College’s Student Behavior Code, Academic Policies, and Network Policies and Procedures as found in the College Catalog and Policy and Procedure Manual at all times. A Temporary Student Technology Loan agreement must be signed by the student. The TLL program will adhere to the College’s Inventory Control and Equipment policies as found in the Policies and Procedures manual. (Board approved 7/14/2020) 

7.5 Short-Term Disability for Students

Purpose: To establish a process for short-term disability including, but not limited to, pregnant and parenting students to request and obtain reasonable accommodations to educational programs and activities. Students with pregnancy related disabilities (or any student with a short-term or temporary disability) are entitled to reasonable accommodations so they are not disadvantaged in their course of study.

Reasonable accommodations may include (but not limited to):

• Making modifications to the physical environment

• Extending deadlines and/or allowing student to make-up tests and assignment missed for pregnancy related absences

• Offering remote learning options

• Excusing medically-necessary absences • Granting medically necessary leave

• Allowing breastfeeding students reasonable time and space to pump breast milk in a location that is private, clean, and reasonably accessible.

Procedures:

1. Requests for Accommodation for Pregnant and Parenting Students (reasonable accommodations may vary based on program/course requirements and required student learning outcomes). 

a. A student in need of an educational accommodation should submit a request to the Office of Accessibility Services. If requesting leave, the student’s healthcare provider must deem the absence medically necessary. If a student is unable to submit a request because of their condition, a representative may submit a request on the student’s behalf, and the student will approve the request when they are able to do so.

b. Information from healthcare providers should include student’s name, healthcare provider’s contact information, anticipated date of delivery, any medically necessary restrictions, dates of appointments or hospitalizations, duration of the medical need or anticipated end date.

c. The Office of Accessibility Services will consult with student and appropriate College officials including faculty members, program coordinators, division chairs, and Deans to coordinate a reasonable accommodation for the student. The academic standards of the course/program will be considered.

d. Students requesting to remain enrolled will discuss any reasonable accommodation that may be necessary to continue the course/program with the Office of Accessibility Services and program faculty. Reasonable accommodations will be documented on the short term leave form and signed by the student and appropriate Dean/VP.

2. Medically Necessary Leave of Absence

a. An educational accommodation may include an excused leave of absence for as long as medically necessary. To request a leave of absence under this policy, a student will follow the request procedure outlined above.

b. If reasonable, a student may be given extra time to make-up course work, and tests missed during the leave of absence, and/or be given alternate assignments. In some situations, the course may be completed on-line or taken at a later date. Whether it is reasonable to grant a student extra time to make up course work and tests, be given alternate assignments, or complete the course online will be determined by the instructor, Dean, and appropriate college officials. This determination will be based on the length of absence requested, the ability of the student to complete coursework outside the classroom, and course requirements, and student learning outcomes.

c. In situations such as clinical rotations or labs, MCC will work with the student to devise an alternate path to program completion, if possible. In progressive curricular programs, medically-necessary leaves are sufficient cause to permit the student to shift course order, substitute similar courses, or join a subsequent cohort when returning from leave. Some programs require in-person instruction which means the course may need to be taken at a later date if the student is not able to participate in-person in a specific semester.

d. If a student is unable to perform class assignments and clinical activities in excess of 25% of the scheduled class, the College will reinstate the student in a later semester.

e. If it is unreasonable for a student to receive extra time to complete a course, the student will be given the option to be withdraw. Students should seek counsel from the Financial Aid office prior to withdrawal or as soon as possible in the event of an emergent situation.

f. If a student granted leave does not return to complete the course, the first day of leave becomes the withdrawal date.

g. Pregnant or parenting students who take a medically necessary leave will be allowed to return to the same academic and extracurricular status as before the leave began. Students should be guided by the specific academic/program requirements based on their course of study.

h. Nothing in this policy requires modification to essential elements of an academic program.

i. Students who are unable to complete a course in Career and Technical programs due to a medically necessary leave of absence will be required to meet with the program coordinator prior to returning in a subsequent semester.  (Board Approved 11/08/2022)

7.6 Unearned Tuition Assistance Policy

The Institution will commence processing returns of any unearned tuition assistance (TA) once a qualified military student properly notifies the institution and the institution completely assesses when a student stops attending during a qualified enrollment period.

(Board approved 10/23/2023)

7.7 Compliance with Title 38 United States Code Section 3679(e)

Meridian Community College complies with Section 3679(e) of Title 38, U.S. Code. This provision prohibits the institution from imposing penalties on students using Chapter 31 (Veteran Readiness and Employment) or Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®) benefits due to delayed payments from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Covered individuals must submit a valid Certificate of Eligibility or other required documentation to the Office of Military and Veteran Services. Upon receipt, the college allows these individuals to attend or participate in courses while awaiting VA payment, for a period of up to 90 days from the date the institution certifies tuition and fees.

During this time, Meridian Community College will not:

• Assess late fees,
• Deny access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or
• Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding.

(Board approved 05/13/2025)

7.8 Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Policy

Purpose and Overview

Meridian Community College Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Policy Meridian Community College (MCC) is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) may be approved as a reasonable accommodation for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to College housing. This policy outlines the procedures, expectations, and responsibilities related to the approval and presence of ESAs in campus housing.

Eligibility and Approval Process

All Emotional Support Animal requests must be submitted to the Accessibility Services Office. Students must complete the intake form and provide documentation from a licensed healthcare provider who is not related to the student stating the student’s disability, the student’s disability-related need for an ESA, and what symptoms or effects of the disability that the ESA alleviates.

Students must also provide a current vaccination record for any animal species that receives vaccinations, and a recent veterinary wellness report confirming that the animal is clean, healthy, and free of communicable diseases.

Once the Accessibility Services Office decides if the ESA is approved, this documentation will then be sent over to Campus Housing for their approval.

An ESA will not be permitted in Campus Housing that:

• Has not been approved by the Accessibility Services Office.
• Poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
• Would cause substantial physical damage to college property or the property of other residents.
• Would create an undue administrative or financial burden.
• Would fundamentally alter the nature of MCC’s housing operations.

Standards for Approved Emotional Support Animals

Approval will be granted for one (1) Emotional Support Animal per student.

An ESA may be a dog (most common), cat, small bird, rabbit, hamster, gerbil, fish, or other small domesticated animal traditionally kept in the home for companionship and pleasure. Under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, reptiles, barnyard animals, monkeys, and other nondomesticated animals are not considered common household animals. Non-traditional animals such as tropical fish, parakeets, bearded dragons, hedgehogs, and ferrets may have been bred by humans for multiple generations, but are not considered domesticated animals.

There are no restrictions on animal breeds; however, animal breeds and animal sizes will be approved on a case-by-case basis to ensure compatibility with the housing environment.

All approved animals must comply with all applicable college and local regulations regarding animal health, care, and safety.

Standards of Behavior by Animal and Owner

Health, safety, and behavioral standards must be maintained at all times:

Animals require daily food, water, attention, and routine health checks.

Animals must not be left unattended overnight at any time.

Students who leave campus overnight must take their ESA with them or arrange off-campus care.

ESAs are permitted only within the student’s assigned residence and may not enter classrooms, offices, administrative spaces, or public common areas.

Animal waste must be cleaned promptly and disposed of properly in exterior dumpsters. Waste may not be disposed of in campus trash bins or plumbing systems.

Cats must have litter boxes cleaned and changed regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Any accidents inside the residence must be cleaned immediately using appropriate cleaning products.

Residents must maintain sanitary conditions to prevent odor, pests, and health hazards.

Flea or pest infestations must be addressed promptly at the owner’s expense.

Animals must not disrupt others through noise, odor, or aggressive behavior.

The owner assumes all liability for damages or injuries caused by their animal.

Cleaning and Damages

At the end of the housing contract, or when the student no longer owns the animal, Campus Housing will inspect the living space to assess cleanliness and any damage attributed to the ESA. Students are responsible for restoring their residence to its original condition. This includes carpet cleaning, odor removal, and repair or replacement of damaged items. Any associated cleaning or repair costs will be billed to the student’s account. 

Removal of Animals and Violations

MCC reserves the right to require the removal of an ESA if:

The animal poses a threat to the health, safety, or property of others.

The student fails to meet the responsibilities outlined in this policy.

The animal’s presence results in substantial disruption or damage.

Students will receive written notice if an ESA must be removed. Continued noncompliance may result in disciplinary action and/or termination of the housing agreement.

Contact Information

Ashley Garrett

Accessibility Services Coordinator

601.484.8777

ashley.garrett@meridiancc.edu

Office: Todd 141