Midlands Technical College Student Portal Guide: Navigating Your Success

This comprehensive guide aims to assist Midlands Technical College (MTC) students in effectively utilizing the student portal and related resources for a successful academic journey. It covers essential aspects, from accessing support services to understanding testing procedures and basic needs resources.

Maverick Support: Your One-Stop Shop for Assistance

Inside and outside the classroom, resources are available to ALL MTC students. MTC calls that Maverick Support! No question is too simple…or too complex. MTC is committed to providing comprehensive support to its students.

Accessing Testing Accommodations

Faculty Notification Letters

At the beginning of each term, students are responsible for sending Faculty Notification Letters to notify instructors that they plan to use alternative testing accommodations.

Scheduling Exams at the Testing Center

The MTC Testing Center, located in the Green Center, 2nd floor, Suite 240, provides a conducive environment for students taking exams. Schedule the exam within three (3) business days, or up to 5 days for extenuating circumstances, between 8am and 5pm, considering your class schedule. It is not required for class scheduling conflicts. Students who need to edit or reschedule an exam request will need to go into AIM to modify the exam request.

Important Reminders for Testing

IMPORTANT: DO NOT COME TO THE TESTING CENTER IF YOU ARE SICK. Scheduling a makeup exam, with professor approval, due to absence from the regular test time.

Read also: Comprehensive ETAR Guide

Addressing Basic Needs Insecurities

This guide was created to help individuals who may be experiencing basic needs insecurities here at Midlands Technical College. On this guide, you can learn more about Basic Needs Insecurities as well as find information about various organizations and agencies that may be able to offer guidance or resources.

Understanding Basic Needs Insecurity

According to the Ohio State Student Wellness Center, basic needs insecurity can be defined as a lack of consistent access to food, shelter, clothing, utilities, childcare, and security (both financial and physical). In today’s society, many would also argue that lack of access to technology and stable Wi-Fi fall into this category as well.

Who is Impacted?

Students attending colleges and universities are not immune from experiencing food or basic needs insecurity. A 2019 report from the Hope Center found that 42% of students at 4-year institutions and 47% of students at two-year institutions are impacted by food insecurity.

Risk factors for basic needs insecurity include (Association of American Colleges and Universities, 2019):

Students who are employed
Students with longer enrollment
Part-time students versus full-time
Divorced students
Students with children
Students financially independent from their parents

Impact on College Students

There is no shortage of research demonstrating the adverse effects of basic needs insecurity on college students. Facing basic needs insecurity can result in numerous barriers for students, such as distraction in class, deteriorating mental health, dropping or discontinuing classes, and lower grades.

Read also: Accessing the Cal Poly Portal

Resources for Basic Needs Support

Department of Agriculture: Offers funding to eligible individuals.
Department of Housing and Urban Development: Provides vouchers to those that qualify. Said vouchers may cover all or part of a household's rent payments for both public and private properties.
Rapid Shelter Columbia: Is partnering with several provider agencies throughout the Midlands to provide primary care, mental health, substance use, and overall physical/mental well-being support. Individuals are chosen for the Pallet shelters on a referral basis only.

Work-Study Opportunities

The program encourages community service work and work related to the student's course of study. There are many work-study opportunities within numerous departments at Midlands Technical College.

External Resources and Partnerships

Goodwill

Goodwill's mission services create opportunities for individuals to develop skills, overcome barriers, and advance in the workplace. For 120 years, Goodwill has helped people learn skills and gain employment in their communities.

The COMET

If you're a student of one of our partner schools, you likely qualify for free rides on The COMET! Students of Richland One, Richland Two, Lexington-Richland Five, Columbia College, and Midlands Technical College can ride The COMET!

Madison College: A Model for Student Success (Reference Information)

The following information, while not directly related to MTC, provides a broader context of student support and success strategies implemented at another institution, Madison College.

Academic and Training Pathways

Choose the path that will help you reach your end goal. Discover:

Read also: Accessing the MUSD Student Portal

Career training in 11 areas of study, from architecture to gender studies to welding
Transfer options to UW-Madison and beyond
Skill refreshers for a new beginning
New places through our Study Abroad program
The power of research in our Honors Program
Opportunities for high school students
Learning for fun
Professional Growth

Online Classes

Wondering how to fit Madison College into your busy life? Online classes are a great way to go! Flexible scheduling. Technology access if you need it. Support along the way. "Being able to learn in the comfort of my own place was a huge help. I was able to fit my classes and schoolwork into my schedule."

University Transfer

"Madison College gave me the best of both worlds. I had an awesome time as a student, especially in my internship. When I transferred to UW-Madison, I felt totally ready for university life." - University Transfer Graduate

Paying for College

Pay less for tuition for a respected education. Fill gaps with financial aid, scholarships and more. We'll help you with the process. Owe less so you can take home more! (Source: College Navigator)

Student Life

There's more to college than what you learn in the classroom. There are clubs to join, games to attend, field trips to take and so much more. Make the most of your time here and get involved. Active students are successful students. Find out more about life at Madison College:

Campuses
Sports
Student services
Diversity
Clubs and organizations

First Day Experiences

"Right away on day one, I started learning! Madison College is definitely helping me achieve what I want to do in the future."