What should I do if I have to miss a class?
If you anticipate having to miss a class for any reason, you should contact your instructor beforehand. Determine the instructor's policy for contacting them at the first class meeting. You should also make arrangements with the instructor or another student to get the information that you missed. Instructors determine their own attendance policies, so you should be aware of the rules governing absence from class. Absences may count against your grade.

How do I drop a class?
Students may withdraw from courses without penalty up to the final drop date as specified in the academic calendar. Courses dropped prior to the first fourteen calendar days of the fall/spring semester are removed from the official class roster. Courses dropped within this period will not appear on the student's transcript. Full tuition refund is granted only if the course is dropped by the last business day before school opens. During the first fourteen (14) days of the semester, only 50% of the tuition is refunded for a dropped class. Fees are non-refundable. For summer and winter session classes, full tuition refund is granted only up to the last business day before the session begins. There is no refund after the session begins.

To drop a course, the student must complete appropriate forms available in the Records Office. Dropped courses will not appear on the student's transcript if the drop takes place before the 6th week of the semester. The student should consult the college calendar each semester for the drop date deadlines.

How do I use a computer on campus?
The computer lab (Wheaton 305) is available for student use from 8:30am - 9:00pm, Mon - Thurs and Saturdays 10:00am - 2:00pm. Computers are also available in the college library. The Meriden Center has computers available for students to use during its day and evening hours from Monday to Friday.

What is the Student Identification Number?
All students receive their student identification number with their letter of admissions. This number identifies individual students in the Connecticut Community College Banner student information system. This number is to be used for registration and when obtaining a library card. Students who need a card should stop in the college library at the Middletown campus.

What if I need to withdraw from the college?
Students needing to withdraw from the college should meet with their advisor or a counselor, if possible. An exit interview may be beneficial for students to clarify their current educational status, and their future plans. Students may withdraw from one or more classes for any reason until the end of the fifth week of classes by submitting a withdrawal form to the Records Office. After the fifth week of classes, students must also obtain the signature of the instructor. Failure to attend class is not an acceptable method of either dropping or withdrawing. This will result in a failing grade of "F" on the student's transcript and can seriously effect future reinstatement, financial aid or transfer to another college.

Are there day care services for my children?
A quality licensed and accredited (National Association for the Education of Young Children) pre-school program for children ages 3-5 is held at the Middlesex Community College Pre-school. Enrollment is open to students attending classes, and also to community members on a space available basis. Full day/full-week and partial day/part-time options are offered. A sliding fee scale for working parents may be available for Middletown residents under the school readiness program.

I'd like to come to an orientation. What should I do?
New student Orientation takes place prior to the start of classes in August (fall semester) and in January (spring semester). You should receive a letter indicating the date of the orientation or you can call the college at 860-343-5800.

Where can I go for Academic Assistance?
Middlesex's faculty, counselors, and staff provide individual assistance to students through the following free services:

The Career Development and Counseling Center (Founders Hall - Room 121) offers counseling related to academic issues. You may make an appointment with a counselor to discuss study strategies, time management, college adjustments, course selection, transfer and referral to other college services. You may call them at 860-343-5826 for more information. The office of Academic Support Services also provides academic assistance (Founders Hall - Room 127) 860-343-5715.

The College Learning Center - Middletown Campus (Chapman Hall - Room 711) provides free tutoring in all subjects, assistance with study groups, academic resources and the Basic Skills Assessment. An on-line Learning Strategies series to provide you with information on note taking, time management, test taking and learning styles. You can call the Learning Center at 860-343-5770 or visit its website to access more information about its academic resources.

Reading/Writing Lab (Chapman Hall - Room 717) Help with writing assignments, note taking, reading textbooks, exam preparation and other academic success strategies is available from the writing lab staff. Call 860-343-5808 for more information.

Where can I get help selecting a career?
Visit the Career Development and Counseling Center at the Middletown campus. The staff assists students in selecting a career and major, information on self assessment and career alternatives, access to computerized interactive guidance systems, critique on resumes and cover letters, support in interviewing techniques/job search strategies, and information on labor market trends. Individual sessions on an appointment or walk-in bases are also provided.

Where do I go for help with a personal problem?
The professional staff of the Career Development and Counseling Center and the office of Academic Support Services provides comprehensive and confidential services in the areas of academic, career, personal and special needs issues. They are available on a drop-in or appointment basis. For an appointment, call the Center at 860-343-5826 or Academic Support at 860-343-5715.

Are tutors available?
Free course tutoring is available from the Learning Center (860-343-5770) and at the Meriden Center (203-238-6202). Tutoring is also available online for various academic subjects. Contact the College Learning Center for more information.

What do I do in case of an emergency, medical or otherwise?
Students with potentially serious medical conditions are encouraged to notify instructors and counselors as a precaution at the beginning of each semester.

In case of a medical emergency, students should contact the nearest Administrative Office. If a college administrator cannot be reached, call 911. Any emergency or crime observed should be reported immediately to any of the following numbers:

• Dean of Administration 860-343-5704
• Building Maintenance Supervisor 860-343-5864
• College Information & Communication Center 860-343-5800 or 800-818-5501
  

What if I have a physical or learning disability?
Middlesex is committed to providing an equal educational opportunity to students with disabilities as defined in section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992. Any student enrolled who has a documented disability is eligible for services. To receive services, students must provide documentation, and register with the Learning Specialist at 860-343-5879.

Is public transportation available to Middlesex Campus?
Middletown Area Transit (MAT) schedules daily bus stops to the campus from downtown Middletown. Bus routes and scheduled times of operation are available from MAT. Call 860-346-0212 for more information. The Meriden Transit District, (203-235-6851) provides information on the schedule and bus routes to the Meriden Center.

Public transportation is also between Middletown and Meriden.
The Middletown/Meriden Link bus service is available with transfer from the downtown Middletown terminal. Call either bus company for more information on the schedule.

How can I get to Middlesex?
Directions and map to the campuses are available at the college's website.

Is there a student health insurance plan available?
There is a Health Insurance Program for all students of Connecticut Community Colleges. This Health Insurance Program has been designed to give students and their dependents maximum benefits at minimum cost. All students are automatically covered under the School Time Only Accident Insurance Plan. Students are also eligible to subscribe to the Optional 24 Hour Accident and Sickness Plan for themselves and their dependents. Applications and additional information are available through the Dean of Learning and Development Office located in Founders Hall.

How can I find distance learning courses?
Distance learning courses are clearly indicated under each discipline area of the catalog. A distance learning course is computer based and offers you a convenient way to earn college credit. Middlesex is a member of the Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium. (CTDLC) Visit the CTDLC website for additional information.

What types of clubs and organizations can students join?
Student programs are an important part of the educational process that provide a means for students to enter into extra and co-curricular experiences. The wide variety of student clubs and organizations offer additional opportunities for learning in which intellectual, leadership, social and emotional growth can evolve. Student participation within the wide variety of organizational offerings provides a valuable educational laboratory where commitments and a progression of new skills, knowledge, and friendships can take place.
All students pay a student activity fee (saf) every semester. These funds are used to support organization events as well as provide educational, cultural and recreational activities.

Is there Student Government at Middlesex?
The Student Senate is the governing body which administers the student activities funds, using the fees to develop and support co-curricular activities and events sponsored by and for students. In addition to the administering of this fund, the Student Senate represents the student views and opinions in dealings with college administration. Students involved in the Senate have the opportunity to serve on various committees including the following: President's Leadership Team, Senate Programming Committee, MxCC College Council, and many others. The Student Senate meets weekly to conduct business during the academic year.

Elections for the Senate are held in September and April of each year. Active involvement in the Student Senate by students insures that the activities meet the needs and interests of the student body.

The Senate office is located in Founders Hall. Students are encouraged to become involved in activities here on campus and to stop by for further information.

Are there Student Clubs and Organizations?
Clubs and organizations at MxCC provide students with the opportunity to meet and socialize with others who have common interests. Some of the active groups at MxCC include: SPECS (a club for students in the Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing program), Peace & Justice Club, Human Services Student Association, and Phi Theta Kappa International Honor society (Beta Gamma Xi Chapter) among others.

If you have an interest in any of the clubs noted above, or you have a special interest and would like to form a new club, stop by the Student Activities Office for additional information and assistance.