2023-24 General Catalog & Highlander Guide

Welcome to McLennan Community College's General Catalog. This website will help you find information about MCC policies, procedures, programs, and courses. This website serves as the MCC student handbook, which was once called the Highlander Guide. 

Learn about how to become a student, financial aid options, degrees and certificates offered, and much more.

For more information, visit our About McLennan site (https://www.mclennan.edu/about/) or How to Become a Student page (https://www.mclennan.edu/admissions/become-a-student/), or call Highlander Central (http://www.mclennan.edu/highlander-central/) at 254-299-8622.


Our Mission

Our mission is to educate our students - improving their lives and enriching our community.

Our ultimate goal is the success of our students and McLennan Community College. Students are central to the mission of the College. We will always be mindful of the effect our actions have on our students, colleagues, and community. We will strive to build a community of people who love their work and seek to serve both students and each other. Each employee of the College accepts responsibility to live out these values and beliefs in all interactions with students and with each other. Our relationships with others will reflect our commitment to respect, civility, and collegiality. We will support building bridges rather than barriers. We will have an attitude of service toward our students and our fellow employees. We will work to ensure our operations are efficient and effective.


Core Values

People matter – We will be honest, humble, respectful, and gracious to our students and to each other. We best serve our students, colleagues, and community when we work as a team.

Inclusiveness matters – We will seek to appreciate and understand our students and each other, actively seeking different viewpoints. We will work to create a civil, welcoming environment where our diverse community of students and employees learn, teach, and work together.

Integrity matters – We will work with the highest level of integrity, taking responsibility for all of our actions. We will tell the truth and seek to be fair in our decision-making and actions.

Communication matters – We will be open, collegial, and courageous in our communications with students and with our colleagues. We will listen before we speak. We will communicate decisions and the reasons for them.

Excellence matters – We will strive for excellence in all that we do. We will actively plan for the future, seeking new and innovative ways to accomplish our mission.


Equal Educational Opportunity

Policy G-IX (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/G-IX.pdf Policy Manual)

McLennan Community College provides equal educational opportunity for all qualified students and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, age, veteran’s status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other unlawful factors in its educational programs, activities or employment as required by Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1978.


Equal Employment Opportunity

Policy F-V-f (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/F-V-F.pdf)

Equal employment opportunity shall be provided all applicants for employment and employees, without regard to their race, color, creed or religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or other factors which cannot be the lawful basis for a personnel decision.


Non-Discrimination Statement

Policy E-XXXIV (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/E-XXXIV.pdf)

McLennan Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Dr. Claudette Jackson, Director, Accommodations & Title IX, 1400 College Drive, 254-299-8465, titleix@mclennan.edu.

McLennan Community College no discrimina a ninguna persona independientemente de la raza, color, origen nacional o étnico, género, discapacidad, o edad en sus programas, actividades o empleo. Para obtener información sobre el cumplimiento de esta política de no discriminación por parte de la institución, comuníquese con el siguiente administrador: Claudette Jackson, Directora de Acomodaciones y Título IX, 1400 College Drive, 254-299-8465, titleix@mclennan.edu.


Title IX Statement

We care about your safety and value an environment where students and instructors can successfully teach and learn together. If you or someone you know experiences unwelcome behavior, we are here to help. Individuals who would like to report an incident of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment are encouraged to immediately contact the Title IX Coordinator by using the contact information below. Individuals may also contact the MCC Police Department at 254-299-8911.

Contact information:
titleix@mclennan.edu

Claudette Jackson, Title IX Coordinator
Director, Accommodations & Title IX
McLennan Community College
Student Services Center, Suite 319
1400 College Drive
254-299-8465
cjackson@mclennan.edu

Individuals who wish to speak with a confidential resource may contact Student Counseling Services at MCC by calling 254-299-8210.

Any student may report alleged sexual misconduct or harassment anonymously by visiting the following website: http://www.lighthouse-services.com/mclennan/

Staff and Faculty should report alleged sexual misconduct or harassment or pregnancy/parenting situations by emailing titleix@mclennan.edu


Accreditation and Recognition

McLennan Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Sciences, and Associate of Arts in Teaching degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of McLennan Community College. For the most current information, visit our  Accreditation webpage at https://www.mclennan.edu/about/accreditation.html.

Recognition has been given to McLennan Community College by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The College is approved for the training of veterans and foreign students.


Disclaimers

This catalog was prepared based on the best information available at the time of creation; however, all information is subject to change without notice or obligation. This catalog is for informational purposes and does not constitute a contract.

The College often photographs and videos its students and employees for use in McLennan Community College publications, public relations efforts, marketing materials, and online media. Anyone who does not want his or her photograph/image used for these purposes should file a written request with the Marketing & Communications Office (ADM 311, 254-299-8640).


Public Disclosure and Consumer Information

McLennan Community College, in compliance with the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA), must provide the following link to all students and employees (current and prospective) to view our Student Consumer Information (http://www.mclennan.edu/student-consumer-information/).

In order to obtain a paper copy of this report, please contact the Marketing & Communications department at 254-299-8640 or by e-mail at marcom@mclennan.edu.


Academic Pathways

McLennan Community College embarked on a major redesign of its student support and academic programs in 2017 in support of student success. The concern we were facing was the number of students either completing a 2-year degree in 4 to 6 years or dropping out of college. Moreover, we were finding students were completing 90+ credit hours without a degree or certificate. As they sort through their options, student will take courses that will not suit them and lose ground in both time to graduation and in increased college costs.

In our review of the data, we found we have traditionally offered too many degree and/or certificate options that students must choose from during their first time on campus – a confusing and difficult task for any student. The academic pathway initiative tackles all of these challenges: condenses  abstract decisions students face at the beginning of their academic journey, provide continual guidance through advising and academic support structures, career exploration and mentoring to help students identify options and viable career choices that best meet their abilities and allow for adequate graduation timelines.

What are Academic Pathways?

An academic pathway model is an integrated, system-wide approach to student success that builds a clear, educationally coherent program map of coursework and contextualized support structures for students within six major career/professional concentrations in which the student can explore degree options yet remain on track to graduate within the minimum required time. Each academic pathway helps students narrow their choices at the start of their academic journey while they learn about different disciplines and career options. As a student becomes more aware of the options and their interests, the pathway broadens the scope of degree/certificate options. Pathways are also in partnership to industry credentials or transfer agreements with four-year institutions. This ensures a student understands that from the start of their academic journey at MCC, their degree and/or certificate will seamlessly transition into the workplace and/or transfer to the student’s four-year institution of choice.

The Six Academic Pathways at McLennan Community College are:

  1. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) (Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Geology, Physics, Computer Science, Math, Engineering, Agriculture, and Pre-professional programs)
  2. Business & Industry (Accounting, Marketing, Business Management, Real Estate, Supply Chain and Operations Management, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Entrepreneurship, Computer Information Systems [Network Administration with Cybersecurity, Information System, and Applications], Office Technology, Health Information Technology [Coding Specialist, Health Information Informatics, Data Analytics, and Health Information Specialist], Multimedia and Web Technology [Graphic Design or Development Tracks], and Paralegal)
  3. Creative Arts (Music, Theatre, Music Industry Careers, and Visual Art)
  4. Liberal Arts (History, Government, Anthropology, Communication Studies & Journalism, Education, Geography, Physical Education & Health, Speech, Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, English, and Languages)
  5. Public Service (Law Enforcement Academy, Criminal Justice, Education, Activity Director, Child Studies & Education, Mental Health, Social Work, Fire Protection Technology, Interpreter Training, EMT/Paramedicine, and Cosmetology)
  6. Health Professions (Associate Degree Nursing, Health Information Technology, EKG Technician, Licensed Vocational Nursing, Massage Therapy, Medical Assistant, Medical Coding Specialist, Medication  Aide, Nurse Aide, Phlebotomy, Pharmacy Technician, Surgical Technology, Veterinary Technology, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapy Assistant, Medical Lab Technology)

MCC has also worked to integrate the pathway model into our high school programs such as dual credit, early college high school, and early admission. The pathway model ties directly into the five endorsements implemented in public high schools since 2016. By advising all high school students to a pathway, we ensure that every one of the courses completed with us transfers into a degree or certificate program.

What do the Pathways mean for students?

Academic pathways simplify the decision process for entering students regarding their academic choices until they are better able to decide what best suits their abilities and interests. This process allows students to explore various areas while not losing pace in their progress to graduate. Each pathway will have curriculum and support services to meet the needs of students as they progress through their academic journey. This will also include intensive advising and career counseling with all of the pathways. It will also help build learning communities/cohorts of students with similar interests.

Why are Pathways important?

Academic pathways serve both the student and the college in being more successful by:

  • Helping students not be overwhelmed when considering college and the decisions they must make when enrolling;
  • Helping students make better informed decisions on career/professional goals with the support of faculty and advisors without losing time or coursework;
  • Helping students stay on path toward completing their degrees or certificates;
  • Ensuring students are learning;
  • Building closer ties among high school, college, and 4-year institutions of higher education degrees;
  • Managing course scheduling and student demand more effectively;
  • Providing multiple entry and exit points for promoting lifelong learning opportunities; and ultimately,
  • Improving student persistence, retention, and graduation rates.
An example of an Academic Pathway:

The STEM Pathway’s includes degrees and certificates focused on the disciplines of science, math, engineering, agriculture, and technology or computer science.

For the first two semesters, students will learn about careers and professions available through the STEM Pathway which will provide them an opportunity to try different areas while working closely with student development and faculty mentors through advising. All students entering this pathway are required complete their Math requirement with a Calculus course.  In addition, students must register for other requisite STEM courses for applicable majors. This will ensure the student continues moving forward with their coursework and is able to explore several options without losing coursework during the process. Once students better focus their interests, they will be advised and registered for STEM metamajors with specific selection and sequencing of courses leading to their preparation in a specific discipline or area of study. All pathways curricula will be transferrable to partner 4-year institutions and/or align with local industry standards.

For more information, go to http://www.mclennan.edu/pathways/.

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