Consumer Information

• • 3-D Design, CSC
  • Administrative Support Technology - Medical Office Specialist, AAS
  • Administrative Support Technology, AAS
  • Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, C
  • Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, CSC
  • Bioprocessing Operator, CSC
  • Business Administration, AS
  • Chemical Process Operator, CSC
  • Clerical Assistant, C
  • Clinical Research Coordinator, CSC
  • CMT - Electromechanical Technology Specialization, AAS
  • Computed Tomography (SWCC), CSC
  • Computer Networking Technology, AAS
  • Computer Software Specialist, AAS
  • Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology, AAS
  • Computerized Manufacturing Technology, AAS
  • Construction, CSC
  • Correctional Services, AAS
  • Corrections Management and Supervision, CSC
  • CSS - Mobile Application Development, CSC
  • Cybersecurity, CSC
  • Dental Assistant Certificate
  • Early Childhood Development Special Needs
  • Early Childhood Development, CSC
  • Education, AS
  • Electrical Fabricator, CSC
  • Electricity, CSC
  • Emergency Medical Services Technology, AAS
  • Emergency Medical Technician Advanced, CSC
  • Emergency Medical Technician Plus, CSC
  • Emergency Medical Technician, CSC
  • EMT Advanced and RN Bridge to Paramedic Bridge, CSC
  • Energy Technology - Electrical Emphasis, CSC
  • Energy Technology - Electrical Specialization, AAS
  • Energy Technology - HVAC Emphasis, CSC
  • Energy Technology, AAS
  • Engineering, AS
  • Environmental Science - Water/Wastewater Specialization, AAS
  • Environmental Science, AAS
  • Forest Science, AAS
  • General Studies, AS
  • Geographic Information Systems, CSC
  • Health Information Management, AAS
  • Health Information Technology Analyst, CSC
  • Health Sciences, CSC
  • Help Desk Support, CSC
  • Industrial Maintenance, Cert
  • Law Enforcement Management and Supervision, CSC
  • Legal Office Assisting, C
  • Liberal Arts, AA
  • Machinery Maintenance, CSC
  • Mammography Advanced Studies (SWCC), CSC
  • Management, AAS
  • Mechatronics Technology, CSC
  • Medical Laboratory Technology (WCC), AAS
  • Medical Office Coding and Procedures, C
  • Medical Receptionist, CSC
  • Medical Records Technician, CSC
  • Nursing - Track 1: Two-Year, AAS
  • Nursing - Track 2: Advanced Placement Option for LPN Transition, AAS
  • Nursing - Track 3: Part-Time Evening/Weekend, AAS
  • Nursing - Track 4: Part-Time Evening/Weekend Advanced Placement Option LPN Transition, AAS
  • Nursing Assistant (CNA), CSC
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant (SWCC), AAS
  • Old Time Music, CSC
  • Paralegal Studies, AAS
  • Pharmacy Technician, CSC
  • Phlebotomy, CSC
  • Physical Therapy Assistant (WCC), AAS
  • Police Science, AAS
  • Practical Nursing Leading to LPN, C
  • Radiography Technology (SWCC), AAS
  • Real Estate, CSC
  • Respiratory Therapy, AAS
  • Science, AS
  • Small Business Management, CSC
  • Smart Farming - Crop Production, Management, and Processing, CSC
  • Smart Farming I, CSC
  • Smart Farming II, CSC
  • Software Development I, CSC
  • Software Development II, CSC
  • Software Engineering, AA&S
  • Solar Installer I, CSC
  • Sports Medicine Assistant, CSC
  • Uniform Certificate of General Studies, C
  • Wastewater Plant Operator, CSC
  • Water Plant Operator, CSC
  • Welding Operator I, CSC
  • Welding Operator II, CSC
  • Welding, AAS
  • Welding,C

Click here for Academic Catalog & Student Handbook

• • MECC Degree Program Structure 2024-25

Click here for Pathway information.

Achievement Goal 1

Goal/Target: To achieve 1,500 FTEs annually

Threshold of Acceptability: 1,300 FTEs annually

Source: VCCS

Frequency of Assessment: Annually

Conclusion: Before and during COVID-19, MECC maintained more than 1,500 FTEs. Beginning in 2021 fewer high school graduates attended college in our service region (VDOE); however, we are trending upward toward our goal.

Action Plan: We are actively recruiting new and returning students through marketing. We started a Promise Program in 2023 to increase enrollment of recent high-school graduates in our service region.

Achievement Goal 2

Goal/Target: To achieve a graduation rate of at least 45% within a 150% completion period.

Threshold of Acceptability: 35% graduation rate within a 150% completion period

Source: IPEDS

Frequency of Assessment: Annually

Conclusion: In 2022, 40% of the students in the 2019 graduating cohort completed a degree within 150% of the normal completion period. This does not meet the goal of 45%.

Action Plan: Academic Advisors reach out to students who were not retained in attempt for students to complete their degree.

Achievement Goal 3

Goal/Target: Increase total number of awards conferred by 2% from the previous year.

Threshold of Acceptability: Maintain the total number of awards conferred from the previous year.

Source: VCCS, IPEDS

Frequency of Assessment: Annually

Conclusion: In 2023-2024, MECC conferred 834 awards. This is an increase of 6% from the previous year, meeting the goal of increasing awards conferred by 2%.

Achievement Goal 4

Goal/Target: 100% licensure exam success rate

Threshold of Acceptability: 80% licensure exam success rate

Source: VCCS, IPEDS

Frequency of Assessment: Annually

Conclusion: In 2023-24, 33% of the programs with a licensure exam met the goal of 100% success rate.

Action Plan: Academic Deans are working towards 100% success rates while meeting requirements of each program accreditation.

Mountain Empire measures student success as “students who, by the following fall, had graduated from or were still enrolled at Mountain Empire".

Achievement Goal 5

Goal/Target: 70% of curricular students will have a successful status in the proceeding spring term

Threshold of Acceptability: 65% of curricular students will have a successful status in the proceeding spring term

Source: VCCS

Frequency of Assessment: Annually

Conclusion: In the Spring of 2024, 69% of the Fall 2023 curricular student cohort had a successful status. This does not meet the goal of 70%.

Action Plan: Academic Advisors are taking extra steps to reach out to unregistered students by helping them overcome obstacles that keep them from enrolling.

Achievement Goal 6

Goal/Target: 65% of curricular students will have a successful status in the proceeding fall term

Threshold of Acceptability: 55% of curricular students will have a successful status in the proceeding fall term

Source: VCCS

Frequency of Assessment: Annually

Conclusion: In Fall of 2023, 65% of the Fall 2022 curricular student cohort had a successful status. This does meet the goal of 65%.

Updated by the MECC Office of Institutional Effectiveness 10/28/24

Click here for Annual Security Report

Emergency Operations Plan

Pursuant to §23-9.2:9 of the Code of Virginia, each state institution of higher education shall prepare and maintain a current emergency operations plan (EOP). Each institution is required to conduct a comprehensive review and revision of its EOP every four years to ensure that the plan remains current. The revised plan shall be formally adopted by the board of visitors or other governing body of the institution. In November 2012, the State Board for Community Colleges delegated responsibility for adoption of a college’s EOP to their Local Advisory Board. Documentation of adoption of the EOP must be certified in writing to VDEM.

The President of Mountain Empire Community College has designated the Vice President for Financial and Administrative Services as the emergency management coordinator. Responsibilities of the coordinator include:

• Develop and maintain the EOP;

• Assume relevant duties as directed by the president;

• Develop and implement a test, training, exercise and drill schedule to assure all parties involved in emergency response and recovery are fully prepared to fulfill their tasks. An exercise should be held at least annually; and

• Work directly with Local Government Emergency Managers during an incident or emergency.

The President and Vice President shall review and approve the EOP annually to assure the plan does not require significant policy change or revision. Minor changes shall not require a comprehensive update of the EOP but must be logged to provide a record of the change history.

Emergency Procedures

In the event of any incident on campus call 911. A 911 call from a campus phone will alert security and Designated Emergency Managers. If you call 911 from a cell phone please have someone also dial “0” for the Campus Operator or call Campus Police at 276-523-7473.

Evacuation Procedures

During the day, Emergency Coordinators are in each building to assist with building evacuations or evacuations to designated safe rooms. Please follow the Emergency Coordinator’s directions.

Emergency Procedures posters including evacuation routes from your location should be posted in each classroom and office suite on campus. Notify Campus Police if an Emergency Procedures poster is not posted in your classroom or office suite. Please familiarize yourself with the evacuation route, designated safe room location and designated evacuation assembly area for your classroom or work area. In virtually all cases, the proper escape route leads to the nearest exit. Any unannounced continuous sounding of the fire alarm must be considered an emergency. Make sure you evacuate the buildings in an orderly fashion. WALK, do not run, to the appropriate exit. Provide directions to students or visitors who do not appear to know what to do.

After leaving the building, proceed to the nearest grassy area. DO NOT BLOCK ROADWAYS OR PARKING LOTS. Emergency vehicles may need to use them.

Please remain in these locations until you receive an “ALL CLEAR” signal via the MECC e2Campus text alert system or are given the signal by the Emergency Coordinators to reenter buildings or leave the campus.

1. Godwin Hall (Business Office, Learning Center, Classrooms)
2. Holton Hall (Student Services, Center for Student Outreach and Success, Fox Central, Enrollment Services, Financial Aid, Red Fox Grill and The MECC Bookstore)
3. Dalton-Cantrell Hall (President’s Office, MECC Foundation, Industrial Technology Classrooms and Office)
4. Robb Hall (Wampler Library, Health Sciences Classroom )
5. Phillips-Taylor Hall (Goodloe Center, Business & Information Technology Suite, Academic & Student Services, Workforce Solutions, Computing & Information Technology Office, Community Relations Office & Health Science Office )
6. Goodloe Center
7. Firing Range
8. Tennis Courts
9. Environmental Pond
10. Maintenance Building

Click here for Substance Abuse Policy

Non-Discrimination Statement

Title IX

As a recipient of federal funds, Mountain Empire Community College is required to comply with Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. (“Title IX”), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs or activities, admission and employment. Under certain circumstances, sexual harassment constitutes sexual discrimination prohibited by Title IX. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. The Title IX Coordinator is Kristy Hall,  Vice President of Financial and Administrative Services whose office is located at Godwin 136, and may be contacted by phone at (276) 523‐7478 or by email at khall@mecc.edu.

Policy on Sexual Harassment

Mountain Empire Community College is committed to providing an environment that is free from harassment and discrimination based on any status protected by law. Accordingly, this Policy prohibits sex discrimination, which includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, and stalking. This Policy also prohibits retaliation. This policy supplements the following general policy statement set forth by the Virginia Community College System: This College promotes and maintains educational opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age (except when age is a bona fide occupational qualification), veteran status, or other non‐merit factors. This policy also addresses the requirements under the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, (also known as the Campus SaVE Act), and Virginia law.

This policy is not intended to substitute or supersede related criminal or civil law. Individuals are encouraged to report incidents of sexual and domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking to law enforcement authorities. Criminal and civil remedies are available in addition to the potential remedies that the College may provide.

To view the entire Title XI policy, please visit MECC’s Student Handbook or Employee Policy Manual located on the Employee Portal. 

Notice of Non-Discrimination

Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) is an open entry institution. Its mission is to provide quality higher education and workforce training programs and services that are financially and geographically accessible and meet individual, business, and community needs. The following pathways exist:

• Allied Health
• Arts & Music
• Business
• College Transfer
• Construction
• Education
• Engineering
• Environmental
• Health Sciences
• Manufacturing
• Public Safety
• Technology

MECC is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment and education opportunity. No person shall be discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment, personnel practices, or access to and participation in, programs, services, and activities with regard to race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or membership or activity in a local commission as defined by law.

Harassment of an individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or membership or activity in a local commission has no place in a learning or work environment and is prohibited. Sexual violence has no place in a learning or work environment. Further, MECC shall work to eliminate violence in all its forms. Physical contact by designated system, college, and university staff members may be appropriate if necessary to avoid physical harm to persons or property.

Lack of English skills will not be a barrier to admission or participation.  In order to eliminate barriers, we take appropriate measures to assess each student’s ability to participate and benefit through placement testing and counseling.  Based on the assessment and counseling, students are then provided with campus services or a referral to community services to be better prepared for successful participation.

Nondiscrimination Coordinators:

• Title IX Coordinator – Kristy Hall, Room 136, Godwin Hall, 276-523-7478
• Title IX Deputy Coordinator (Students) – Lelia Bradshaw, Room 133, Holton Hall, 276-523-9107
• Title IX Deputy Coordinator (Employees) – Val Lee, Room 138, Godwin Hall, 276-523-9079
• Disabilities Coordinator – Dale Lee, Room 131, Holton Hall, 276-523-9108

This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities. Consumers with hearing or speech disabilities may contact us via their preferred Telecommunications Relay Service.

Retaliation

No person may intimidate, threaten, harass, discriminate, or take adverse action against any other person for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege provided by this Policy, or because the person has made a report or filed a formal complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, live hearing, or any other process described in the Policy. Action is generally deemed adverse if it would deter a reasonable person in the same circumstances from opposing practices prohibited by this Policy. Allegations of retaliation that do not involve sex discrimination or sexual harassment but are related to a report or formal complaint of sexual harassment for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege provided by this Policy constitutes retaliation. Allegations of retaliation will be investigated and adjudicated as a separate code of conduct violation. Any person found responsible for retaliating against another person is subject to disciplinary or other action independent of the sanctions or interim measures imposed in response to the underlying allegations of violations of this Policy.

MECC does not require vaccinations for general admission. Program specific vaccination requirements are available on program information webpages.

Click here for more information about Paying for tuition, withdrawals & refunds

Click here for more information about student financial assistance programs and eligibility

Click here to log into MyMECC

This Statement explains the Internet Privacy Policy and Security Statement Policy. The college reserves the right to amend this policy at any time without notice. Pages that appear after you click on a link on our webpage may be controlled by a different agency or entity, whose practices are not under the college’s control and this Policy Statement does not pertain to those websites not under the college’s control.

Virginia Law

We protect our records in accordance with our obligations as defined by applicable Virginia statutes, including, but not limited to, the “Government Data Collection and Dissemination Practices Act” Code of Virginia §2.2-3800 et seq., the “Virginia Freedom of Information Act” § 2.2-3700, et seq., and by any applicable U.S. federal laws.

Security Statement

Mountain Empire Community College ensures the integrity of our systems and that the data we store is protected. The college has gone beyond industry standards to protect our systems by using firewalls, IDS/ISP devices, NAC protection, requiring authentication (systems, networks and data), requiring encryption of all sensitive data and applying all physical security possible. We perform monitoring of all systems and networks; network modeling and shaping, employ the latest Anti-virus / Anti-Spam protection, and performing audits of all systems and networks. We instill the concept of security and data protection in everything we do including our day to day business practices; new systems, network and building designs; and as a overall part of the colleges desire to keep our environment and data safe and private.

Web Privacy Statement

It is the policy of the Commonwealth of Virginia that agencies of the Commonwealth will collect and retain personal information about citizens only to the extent necessary to provide the service or benefit desired; collect only appropriate information; provide the reason the information is collected so that citizens shall understand that reason clearly and enable citizens to examine their personal record which is maintained by a public body.

The Mountain Empire Community College Web site:

• May collect one or more of the following pieces of personal information: your email address, name, social security number, date of birth, phone number, or course assignments.  Any of this information is collected to meet your specific online requests. If you choose not to provide this personal information, you will be unable to receive some of the services this Web site offers.

• Collects your IP address, pages browsed, and date and time of your visit.  This information is used for internal College statistical purposes only.

• Uses only temporary cookies (i.e., files which may contain a variety of information) on some Web pages for screen colors and graphics or to track movement on the site but will not place them permanently on your hard drive.  When you exit the Web site, the file is automatically removed.

• May link to other Web sites that may or may not collect data that does not have a relationship to the College through using cookies. You should check for a policy on the linked to Web page.

• Safeguards any information gathered in compliance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and does not supply any gathered information to other individuals or organizations, except in compliance with those laws.

Information We Collect, Including Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

The college endeavors to collect only the minimum amount of information needed to provide its services. If you do nothing during your visit to the Mountain Empire Community College website but browse or download information, we automatically collect and store the following information about your visit:

• the date and time you visited this site

• the pages visited

• if you linked from another website, the address of that

If, during your visit, you send us an e-mail message, we will collect the e-mail address and contents of the message, including audio, video and graphic information formats you send us. This may be to respond to you, to address issues you identify, to further improve our website or to forward your message to another agency for appropriate action.

The information in our Web logs is not personally identifiable and no attempt is made to link it with the individuals that browse our website. We do collect, however, personal information directly from individuals who volunteer to complete forms or participate in surveys, in order to deliver the services requested. We only collect, retain and use personal information where we believe it is essential to administer our business and to provide products, services and other opportunities requested by our customers.

Information We Collect Automatically

All of the information listed above at “Information We Collect, Including Personally Identifiable Information (PII)” is collected and stored automatically by the college through software purchased from a third-party vendor.

Cookies

“Cookies” are small files either stored on a server or sent back to a visiting computer. In certain applications user information is stored as “cookies,” which are then sent back to and stored on the user’s computer.

Some sections of the college’s website use cookies to customize the information presented to you. Cookies are also used to aggregate site usage information to help us improve our users’ experience.

How We Use The Information We Collect

Usage information is used to improve the content of our Web services and to help us understand how people are using our pages. We analyze our website logs to improve the value of the materials available on our site. Routing information is used to send requested Web pages to your computer for viewing. Transaction routing information is used primarily in a statistical summary format to assess content and server performance. We may share this summary information with our contracted vendors who provide analytics for us when needed. We analyze our website logs to continually improve the value of the materials available on our site. The information in our Web logs is not personally viewable and no attempt is made to link it with the individuals that browse our website.

If, during your visit to the college’s website, you send us an e-mail message, we will collect the e-mail address and contents of the message, including audio, video and graphic information formats you send us. This may be to respond to you, to address issues you identify, to further improve our website or to forward your message to another agency for appropriate action.

We do collect personal information directly from individuals who volunteer to subscribe to our services, complete forms or participate in surveys. Collecting personal information is necessary in order for the college to deliver the services requested. We only collect, retain and use personal information where we believe it is essential to administer our business and to provide products, services and other opportunities requested by our customers.

We may keep your information indefinitely, but we ordinarily delete routing information regularly after the Web page is transmitted. However, on rare occasions when a “hacker” attempts to breach computer security, logs of routing information are retained to permit a security investigation and in such cases may be forwarded together with any other relevant information in our possession to law enforcement agencies. We use this transaction routing information primarily in a statistical summary type format to assess site content and server performance. We may share this summary information with our business partners when needed.

Optional information is retained in accordance with the records retention schedules at the Library of Virginia.

Under the “Virginia Freedom of Information Act” (FOIA), any records in our possession at the time of a “Freedom of Information Request” might be subject to inspection by or disclosure to members of the public. However, identifiable personal information will be removed prior to such release in accordance with FOIA.

Customer Comments or Review

If you have questions about this privacy statement or the practices of this website, or if you choose to review or correct any information you previously submitted, please contact us at info@mecc.edu.

Click here for any technology assistance needs

Click here for MECC's Strategic Plan

State/Professional Licensing Examinations

 MECC also considers student performance on state licensing examinations and/or professional certification examinations in its evaluation of student achievement.  Programs that prepare students for licensure exams administered by state boards or professional commissions include Respiratory Therapy, Registered Nursing, Licensed Practical Nursing, Certified Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy, Emergency Medical Technician (Basic, Advanced, & Paramedic). These programs use licensing exam results as a third-party assessment of student achievement. Goals are set for licensure exam pass rates that meet or exceed the minimum thresholds set by the respective accrediting body. Actual pass rates of program graduates are used to track program performance during annual program reviews.

Additional goals and expected outcomes for student achievement are identified in MECC’s current Strategic Plan, as well as its Student Success and Enrollment Management Plan.  Both plans align with the objectives established by the Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System which focus broadly on connection, entry (enrollment), retention (progress) and completion.  The strategic planning process begins with a review of system wide VCCS goals, the College’s mission, vision, and value statements, and concludes with this revised strategic planning document, intended to guide the College’s future directions. The VCCS mission drives both the establishment of VCCS strategic initiatives as well as the MECC mission and strategic goals.  The process involves all members of the College community (faculty, staff, students, and administrators), soliciting input from the community, utilizing institutional effectiveness data, and designing a plan which responds to changing community needs.

Click here for student enrollment and retention data

Mountain Empire Community is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the associate degree. Questions about the accreditation of Mountain Empire Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Normal inquiries about the institution, such as admission requirements, financial aid, educational programs, etc., should be addressed directly to the institution and not to the Commission’s office.

Degree programs are approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, and are also approved for listing in the U.S. Office of Education directories for participation in various federally-sponsored programs of student aid and educational assistance. The College is authorized by the Veterans Administration to certify students to receive veterans’ benefits and is approved by the Department of Health and Human Services for students who receive Social Security and Vocational Rehabilitation benefits. The Health Information Management program is accredited by CAHIIM (Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Health Information Management. The Respiratory Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. The Nursing program is approved by the Virginia State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (3390 Peachtree Rd NE Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326). The Practical Nursing and Nursing Assistant programs are approved by the Virginia State Board of Nursing. The Emergency Medical Services Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The Phlebotomy program is approved by the National Phlebotomy Association. The Pharmacy Technician program is in candidate status for accreditation with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Mountain Empire’s Dental Assisting program is recognized by both Virginia and Tennessee Boards of Dentistry.  MECC is starting the Commission On Dental Accreditation (CODA) review, which is a national recognition honored in all 50 states. 

Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) – Rights and Responsibilities

The Rights of Requesters and the Responsibilities of Mountain Empire Community College under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), located § 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia, guarantees citizens of the Commonwealth and representatives of the media access to public records held by public bodies, public officials, and public employees.

A public record is any writing or recording — regardless of whether it is a paper record, an electronic file, an audio or video recording, or any other format — that is prepared or owned by, or in the possession of a public body or its officers, employees, or agents in the transaction of public business. All public records are presumed to be open, and may only be withheld if a specific, statutory exemption applies.

The policy of FOIA states that the purpose of FOIA is to promote an increased awareness by all persons of governmental activities. In furthering this policy, FOIA requires that the law be interpreted liberally, in favor of access, and that any exemption allowing public records to be withheld must be interpreted narrowly.

Your FOIA Rights

• You have the right to request to inspect or receive copies of public records, or both.

• You have the right to request that any charges for the requested records be estimated in advance. Public bodies must notify the requester in writing that the public body may make reasonable charges not to exceed its actual cost incurred in accessing, duplicating, supplying, or searching for requested records and inquire of the requester whether he would like to request a cost estimate in advance of the supplying of the requested records.

• If you believe that your FOIA rights have been violated, you may file a petition in district or circuit court to compel compliance with FOIA. Alternatively, you may contact the FOIA Council for a nonbinding advisory opinion.

Making a Request for records from MECC

(Requests for records in the possession of individual community colleges or the Shared Services Center should be made directly to those entities.)

• You may request records by U.S. Mail, e-mail, in person, or over the phone. FOIA does not require that your request be in writing, nor do you need to specifically state that you are requesting records under FOIA.

  • From a practical perspective, it may be helpful to both you and the person receiving your request to put your request in writing. This allows you to create a record of your request. It also gives us a clear statement of what records you are requesting, so that there is no misunderstanding over a verbal request. However, we cannot refuse to respond to your FOIA request if you elect to not put it in writing.

• Your request must identify the records you are seeking with “reasonable specificity.” This is a common-sense standard. It does not refer to or limit the volume or number of records that you are requesting; instead, it requires that you be specific enough so that we can identify and locate the records that you are seeking.

• Your request must ask for existing records or documents. FOIA gives you a right to inspect or copy records; it does not apply to a situation where you are asking general questions about the work of MECC, nor does it require MECC to create a record that does not exist.

• You may choose to receive electronic records in any format used by MECC in the regular course of business.

  • For example, if you are requesting records maintained in an Excel database, you may elect to receive those records electronically, via e-mail or on a computer disk, or to receive a printed copy of those records.

• If we have questions about your request, please cooperate with staff’s efforts to clarify the type of records that you are seeking, or to attempt to reach a reasonable agreement about a response to a large request. Making a FOIA request is not an adversarial process, but we may need to discuss your request with you to ensure that we understand what records you are seeking..

To request records from Mountain Empire Community College or to ask questions about requesting records, you may contact Dr. Amy Greear, Vice President of Institutional Advancement or Kristy Hall, Interim Vice-President of Financial and Administrative Services. If you would like to comment on the quality of assistance provided to you by Mountain Empire Community College, you may complete the Freedom of Information Advisory Council’s public comment form, located here: Public Comment Form .

To request records from the Mountain Empire Community College , you may direct your request to Dr. Amy Greear, Vice President of Institutional Advancement or Kristy Hall,  Vice-President, Financial and Administrative Services.    They can be reached at 3441 Mountain Empire Road Big Stone Gap, VA 24219, 276-523-7480 or 276-523-7478.  Email FOIA requests to: foia@mecc.edu. You may also reach out with questions you have concerning requesting records from the System Office.

In addition, the Freedom of Information Advisory Council is available to answer any questions you may have about how FOIA works. The Council was created in the legislative branch of state government to issue opinions on the operation and application of FOIA, to publish educational materials, and to provide training about FOIA. However, please be aware that the Council is not a records repository and does not process records requests on behalf of other public bodies, nor is the Council an investigative or enforcement agency. The Council may be contacted by email at foiacouncil@dls.virginia.gov, or by phone at (804) 698-1810 or toll-free at 1 (866) 448-4100.

MECC’s Responsibilities in Responding to Your Request

• The System Office must respond to your request within five working days of receiving it. “Day One” is considered the day after your request is received. The five-day period does not include weekends or holidays. The five-day period does not include weekends, holidays, or other days when MECC is closed for business.

• The reason behind your request for public records from MECC is irrelevant, and you do not have to state why you want the records before we respond to your request. Nevertheless, FOIA allows MECC to require you to provide your name and legal address. FOIA also allows MECC to deny your request for public records if you are not a citizen of Virginia or a representative of media with circulation in Virginia.

• FOIA requires that MECC make one of the following responses to your request within the five-day time period:

  • We provide you with the records that you have requested in their entirety.

  • We withhold all the records that you have requested, because all of the records are subject to a specific statutory exemption. If all of the records are being withheld, we must send you a response in writing. That writing must identify the volume and subject matter of the records being withheld and state the specific section of the Code of Virginia that allows us to withhold the records.

  • We provide some of the records that you have requested but withhold other records. We cannot withhold an entire record if only a portion of it is subject to an exemption. In that instance, we may redact the portion of the record that may be withheld and must provide you with the remainder of the record. Again, we must identify in writing, the volume and subject matter of the withheld portions and state the specific section of the Code of Virginia that allows portions of the requested records to be withheld.

  • We inform you in writing that the requested records cannot be found or do not exist (we do not have the records you want). However, if we know that another public body has the requested records, we must include contact information for the other public body in our response to you.

  • If it is practically impossible for MECC to respond to your request within the five-day period, we must state this in writing, explaining the conditions that make the response impossible. This will allow us seven additional working days to respond to your request, giving us a total of 12 working days to respond to your request. In the case of criminal investigative files requested pursuant to § 2.2-3706.1 of the Code of Virginia, we are allowed an additional 60 working days to respond to your request, giving us a total of 65 working days to respond to your request.

• If you make a request for a very large number of records, and we feel that we cannot provide the records to you within 12 working days without disrupting our other organizational responsibilities, we may petition the court for additional time to respond to your request. However, FOIA requires that we make a reasonable effort to reach an agreement with you concerning the production or the records before we go to court to ask for more time.

Costs

• A public body may make reasonable charges not to exceed its actual cost incurred in accessing, duplicating, supplying, or searching for the requested records and shall make all reasonable efforts to supply the requested records at the lowest possible cost. No public body shall impose any extraneous, intermediary, or surplus fees or expenses to recoup the general costs associated with creating or maintaining records or transacting the general business of the public body. Any duplicating fee charged by a public body shall not exceed the actual cost of duplication. Prior to conducting a search for records, the public body shall notify the requester in writing that the public body may make reasonable charges not to exceed its actual cost incurred in accessing, duplicating, supplying, or searching for requested records and inquire of the requester whether he would like to request a cost estimate in advance of the supplying of the requested records as set forth in subsection F of § 2.2-3704 of the Code of Virginia.

• You may have to pay for the records that you request from MECC. FOIA allows us to charge for the actual costs of responding to FOIA requests. This would include items like staff time spent searching for, reviewing, copying, scanning, and redacting the requested records, copying costs, or any other costs directly related to supplying the requested records. It cannot include general overhead costs.

• If we estimate that it will cost more than $200 to respond to your request, we may require you to pay a deposit, not to exceed the amount of the estimate, before proceeding with your request. The five days that we have to respond to your request does not include the time between when we ask for a deposit and when you respond.

• You may request that we estimate in advance the charges for supplying the records that you have requested. This will allow you to know about any costs upfront or give you the opportunity to modify your request in an attempt to lower the estimated costs. The five days that we have to respond to your request does not include the time between when we send you the estimate and when you respond. If you do not respond within 30 days, then your request will be deemed to be withdrawn.

• If you owe us money from a previous FOIA request that has remained unpaid for more than 30 days, MECC may require payment of the past-due bill before it will respond to your new FOIA request.

Policy Regarding Fees

It is MECC’s policy to charge for the actual costs of responding to FOIA requests. We charge for staff time spent searching for, reviewing, copying, scanning, and redacting the

requested records, copying costs, or any other costs directly related to supplying the requested records.

MECC does not charge a fee to provide scholastic records that must be made available for inspection pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) if the request for scholastic records is made by a parent or legal guardian of a minor student or by a student 18 years old or older, or for the first hour of time to respond to a FOIA request.

Public records are provided at the costs specified below:

MECC also may charge for the actual cost of the medium by which the information is provided (e.g., CD, DVD, flash drive, etc.) if that medium is requested by the requester, and for the actual cost of mailing the requested records if the cost is above the cost of the standard-sized flat rate envelope.

MECC will apply any costs we incur in estimating the costs of providing the requested records toward the overall costs to be paid by the requester.

Types of records

The following is a general description of the types of records held by MECC:

• Personnel records concerning employees and officials of MECC

• Records of contracts which MECC has entered into

• Scholastic records of former and current students

If you are unsure whether MECC has the record(s) you seek, please contact the FOIA Officer directly.

Commonly used exemptions

The Code of Virginia allows any public body to withhold certain records from public disclosure.  MECC commonly withholds records subject to the following exemptions:

• Personnel records (§ 2.2-3705.1 (1) of the Code of Virginia)

• Records subject to attorney-client privilege (§ 2.2-3705.1 (2)) or attorney work product (§ 2.2-3705.1 (3))

• Vendor proprietary information (§ 2.2-3705.1 (6))

•  Records relating to the negotiation and award of a contract, prior to a contract being awarded (§ 2.2-3705.1 (12))

• Scholastic records (Va. Code § 2.2-3705.4(1)

 Policy regarding the use of exemptions

MECC will invoke the personnel and scholastic records exemptions to protect the privacy of its employees and students. MECC will invoke the contract negotiations exemption whenever it applies to protect System Office’s bargaining position and negotiating strategy

Generally, in order to be eligible for funding under the HEA Title IV student assistance programs, an educational program must lead to a degree or it must prepare students for “gainful employment in a recognized occupation.” With very few exceptions, all educational programs offered at for-profit institutions must lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation. Below are the educational programs designed for “gainful employment in a recognized occupation.”

Click here for gainful employment data.

When it is necessary to change the college schedule­ule due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the announcement will be made by: text message, e-mail, and radio and television stations.  Sign up for text alerts to receive announce­ments of schedule changes. Announcements will only be made if the College is closed or is operating on a delayed schedule. No announcement means that the College is operating on a regular schedule. Click here for the MECC/WCYB weather camera.

Disability Resources and Services

Disability Support Services is provided within the Office of Student Services at Mountain Empire Community College.  Our mission is to support to students with disabilities through services that provide equal access to college classes, services, and events.  Services are open to any student with a disability that provides appropriate documentation. 

Definition of a Disability  

Section 504 of the Rehabilition Act of 1973 defines a person with a disability as a person:

1) with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

2) who has a record of the disability or

3) who is regarded as having the disability

The following guidelines promote adequate time to process requests before the first class meeting:

• Student requesting an interpreter must provide written request to office at least 3 weeks prior to class start.

• The Disabilities Coordinator must review the student’s class schedule at least 2 weeks prior to class start. 

• Student requesting books and/or videos in alternate formats must do so as soon as possible.  Books and/or videos in alternate formats can require up to 6 weeks.

• Student requesting other accommodations must meet with the Disabilities Services Coordinator 2 weeks prior to the beginning of a semester.

• Student requesting accommodations later than the recommended timeframe, will be served as soon as possible, but the Coordinator of Disability Services cannot assure that accommodations will be available for the first or next class.

• Accommodations are NOT retroactive.  It is the responsibility of the student to disclose disabilities to the Office of Student Services prior to the start of coursework.  Any grades obtained prior to disclosure cannot be altered or amended.

Requested accommodations must relate to the disability, and decisions are based on recommendations made by qualified evaluators and/or evidence of past accommodations.  All accommodations are designed to meet individual student needs. 

Please use the following checklist as your guide for completing all steps necessary to receive accommodations.

• Complete application for admission and financial aid.

• Complete college placement testing or transfer requirements.

• Carefully read documentation requirements for your disability.

• Obtain copies of your reports. If your documentation is older than three years, it must be updated. However, you may bring older documentation to your first appointment with the Disabilities Services Coordinator so that an initial contact can be established.

• Provide documentation of your disability at the first meeting with the Disabilities Services Coordinator.

• Bring high school IEP reports, and be ready to discuss accommodations that you received in high school or at another college you have attended.

• Register for classes during your meeting with the Disability Services Coordinator or review you schedule with the Disabilities Coordinator.

• Attend all classes.

• Meet with the Disabilities Services Coordinator if you have questions or problems.

The accommodations that students with disabilities receive are based on recommendations made by qualified evaluators. Requested accommodations must relate to the disability, and the documentation must support the request. Accommodations are designed to meet individual student needs.

Required Documentation

To ensure that accommodations are reasonable, timely, and relevant to individual needs, students should complete the required documentation for services. To access disability services forms:

• Click here for the disability services information e-form.  

Non-Discrimination Statement

Title IX

As a recipient of federal funds, Mountain Empire Community College is required to comply with Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. (“Title IX”), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs or activities, admission and employment. Under certain circumstances, sexual harassment constitutes sexual discrimination prohibited by Title IX. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. The Title IX Coordinator is Kristy Hall,  Vice President of Financial and Administrative Services whose office is located at Godwin 136, and may be contacted by phone at (276) 523‐7478 or by email at khall@mecc.edu.

Policy on Sexual Harassment

Mountain Empire Community College is committed to providing an environment that is free from harassment and discrimination based on any status protected by law. Accordingly, this Policy prohibits sex discrimination, which includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, and stalking. This Policy also prohibits retaliation. This policy supplements the following general policy statement set forth by the Virginia Community College System: This College promotes and maintains educational opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age (except when age is a bona fide occupational qualification), veteran status, or other non‐merit factors. This policy also addresses the requirements under the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, (also known as the Campus SaVE Act), and Virginia law.

This policy is not intended to substitute or supersede related criminal or civil law. Individuals are encouraged to report incidents of sexual and domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking to law enforcement authorities. Criminal and civil remedies are available in addition to the potential remedies that the College may provide.

To view the entire Title XI policy, please visit MECC’s Student Handbook or Employee Policy Manual located on the Employee Portal. 

Notice of Non-discrimination

Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) is an open entry institution. Its mission is to provide quality higher education and workforce training programs and services that are financially and geographically accessible and meet individual, business, and community needs. The following pathways exist:

• Allied Health
• Arts & Music
• Business
• College Transfer
• Construction
• Education
• Engineering
• Environmental
• Health Sciences
• Manufacturing
• Public Safety
• Technology

MECC is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment and education opportunity. No person shall be discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment, personnel practices, or access to and participation in, programs, services, and activities with regard to race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or membership or activity in a local commission as defined by law.

Harassment of an individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or membership or activity in a local commission has no place in a learning or work environment and is prohibited. Sexual violence has no place in a learning or work environment. Further, MECC shall work to eliminate violence in all its forms. Physical contact by designated system, college, and university staff members may be appropriate if necessary to avoid physical harm to persons or property.

Lack of English skills will not be a barrier to admission or participation.  In order to eliminate barriers, we take appropriate measures to assess each student’s ability to participate and benefit through placement testing and counseling.  Based on the assessment and counseling, students are then provided with campus services or a referral to community services to be better prepared for successful participation.

Nondiscrimination Coordinators:

• Title IX Coordinator – Kristy Hall, Room 136, Godwin Hall, 276-523-7478
• Title IX Deputy Coordinator (Students) – Lelia Bradshaw, Room 133, Holton Hall, 276-523-9107
• Title IX Deputy Coordinator (Employees) – Val Lee, Room 138, Godwin Hall, 276-523-9079
• Disabilities Coordinator – Dale Lee, Room 131, Holton Hall, 276-523-9108

This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities. Consumers with hearing or speech disabilities may contact us via their preferred Telecommunications Relay Service.

Retaliation

No person may intimidate, threaten, harass, discriminate, or take adverse action against any other person for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege provided by this Policy, or because the person has made a report or filed a formal complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, live hearing, or any other process described in the Policy. Action is generally deemed adverse if it would deter a reasonable person in the same circumstances from opposing practices prohibited by this Policy. Allegations of retaliation that do not involve sex discrimination or sexual harassment but are related to a report or formal complaint of sexual harassment for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege provided by this Policy constitutes retaliation. Allegations of retaliation will be investigated and adjudicated as a separate code of conduct violation. Any person found responsible for retaliating against another person is subject to disciplinary or other action independent of the sanctions or interim measures imposed in response to the underlying allegations of violations of this Policy.

As citizens, students of MECC will have the same freedom of speech, peaceful assembly and right of petition. As members of the academic community, they are also subject to the obligations granted to them by virtue of this membership.

All students attending Mountain Empire are guaranteed certain rights as follows:

• The right of free inquiry, expression, and assembly is guaranteed.

• The right of students to be secure in their persons, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

• No disciplinary sanctions may be imposed upon any student without notice to the accused of the nature and causes of the charges. Upon request the accused shall be granted a fair hearing which shall include confrontation of witnesses against him/her. The accused may seek the advice of a person(s) of his/her choosing.

• Evaluation of student academic performance shall be neither prejudicial nor capricious. The student is entitled to an explanation of the basis for his/her grades. This is not to be construed as a means to negate either the establishment of standards by this institution or the student’s obligation to meet these standards.

• Students are free to pursue their educational goals; appropriate opportunities for learning in the classroom and on the campus shall be provided by this institution.

• Students have the same rights of privacy as any other citizen and surrender none of those rights by becoming members of this academic community. The institution is neither arbiter nor enforcer of student morals. No inquiry into the activities of students away from campus, where behavior is subject to regulation and control by public authorities is permitted.

• Students are free to support causes by orderly means which do not disrupt the operation of the institution and which comply with the regulations of student conduct. Public expressions and demonstrations of student groups, however, represent the view (s) of the particular group and not necessarily the views of the College.

• Student and campus groups and organizations will be allowed to invite and hear any person (s) of their choosing. Invited speakers shall be subject to all established requirements for the use of College facilities. Neither speakers nor topics of discussion are necessarily endorsed by the college or the sponsoring group.

• Students have the right to peaceful protest. Orderly picketing and other forms of peaceful protest are permitted on the College campus within limitations set by the institution. The institution retains the right to assure the safety of individuals, protection of their property, and the continuity of the educational process. Interference with access to and from institutional facilities, interruption of classes or any college function, or damage to College property exceeds permissible limits.

• Every student has the right to be interviewed on campus by any legal organization desiring to recruit at the institution. Any MECC student, group or organization may peacefully protest against any outside organization provided the protest does not interfere with any individual student’s right to be interviewed.

For more information on student rights and responsibilities, view the MECC Student Handbook.