Academic Information and Policies

Table of Contents

Enrollment and Registration

Registering for Classes

Students register for classes through the MyMHCC portal. 

  • Registration is available until 11:59 p.m. the night before the term begins. 
  • Students may only attend courses in which they are official registered
  • Online classes begin on the first day of the term

See the Registration Calendar for important dates (registration, finals, closures)

Late Registration

After a class begins:

  • Instructor approval is required to add a class
  • Students must ensure the add is processed through Admissions, Registration and Records
  • Tuition and fees still apply in full

Waitlists

If a class is full:

  • Students may join a waitlist
  • If a seat opens before the class begins, students may be automatically added
  • Students will not be added if:
    • There is a schedule conflict
    • They are already enrolled in another section of the same course

Students are responsible for removing themselves from unwanted waitlists.

Attendance

  • Students are expected to attend all enrolled classes
  • Attendance is mandatory during the first week, unless prior arrangements are made with the instructor
  • Students who do not attend may be dropped from courses by the instructor

Dropping and Withdrawing from Classes

Dropping a Class

​→ Non-attendance does not count as a drop and does not remove charges

Withdrawing from a Class

  • After the refund period:
    • Charges remain
    • A "W" (Withdrawal) is recorded on a student's transcript instead of a letter grade
  • Students who stop attending without officially withdrawing
    • Receive a grade
    • Are still responsible for charges
  • Students are strongly encouraged to consult with instructors prior to withdrawal
  • Students receiving veteran's benefits must notify Veteran Services of their intent to drop or withdraw. Failure to do so may result in overpayment that must be repaid to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Students receiving financial aid must notify the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing, as it may impact their eligibility and award status

Withdrawing from MHCC

  • Defined as withdrawing from all classes in a term after the refund deadline
  • Deadline: Last day of instruction before finals
  • After week 7: 
    • Students must request withdrawal via Admissions & Records
    • Students may be asked to complete a withdrawal survey
  • Exceptions for late withdrawal may be considered in extenuating circumstances beyond the student's control
    • Requests for exceptions must be submitted in writing to the Admissions, Registrations and Records office

Administrative Drops

  • May occur for:
    • Unmet prerequisites
    • Non-attendance
  • Instructors have the ability to submit a drop through the end of the fourth week of courses.
  • If after the refund period:
    • Students are still responsible for charges related to the course
    • A grade of "W" will be assigned in place of a letter grade

Tuition, Fees, and Payments

Tuition is based on residency and number of credits. Rates are set by the MHCC Board of Education and may change.

Tuition

Lower Division Courses

Residency Cost
In-District/Out-of-District $132.75 per credit (1-18 credits)
  $66.38 per credit (19 credits or more)
Out-of-State $268.50 per credit
International $287.25 per credit

Upper Division Courses (300-400 level)

Residency Cost
In-District/Out-of-District $232.75 per credit                                     
Out-of-State $368.50 per credit
International $387.25 per credit

Types of Fees

In addition to tuition, students may be charged fees that support college services, resources, and operations. Fees are assessed each term and vary based on enrollment and course requirements. 

College Service Fee: 

Supports general admission processing, graduation processing, transcripts, placement testing, and tutoring services. $3.50-$52.50

Instructional Access and Support Fee: 

Supports distance learning infrastructure and technology, helpdesk services, testing, and faculty training. $3.50-$52.50

Safety and Security Access Fee: 

Supports campus safety, security services, and transportation initiatives. $3.50-$52.50

Student Activity Fee: 

Supports student government, activities, and intercollegiate athletics. $4.50-$67.50

Student Technology Fee: 

Supports technology resources such as software, systems, and wireless access. $7.50-$112.50

Special Fees: 

Additional course-specific fees (e.g., lab kits, tools, art supplies, uniforms). Varies by course

Billing, Payment, and Collections

Business Office—Student Billing | Room AC2253 | 503-491-6070 | mhcc.edu/StudentFinancialServices

Billing and Collections Rights and Responsibilities

These policies establish standards for the timely collection of all monies owed to the college and apply to:

  • Any student (past or present) with a balance owed
  • College personnel responsible for billing and collections
  • third-party collection agencies or legal counsel working on behalf of the college

Student Account Statements

  • Students are notified via Saints email when monthly statements are available
  • Statements can be accessed through MyMHCC
  • Account balances should be reviewed regularly

Payment Due Dates

  • Payment for tuition is due on or before the first day of term
  • If registering after the term begins, payment is due the same day as registration
  • All charges must be paid in full before registering for a future term

Payment Options

Students may pay tuition and fees using:

  • Cash, money order, or check
  • E-check (electronic check)
  • Credit/debit cards (American Express, MasterCard, Discover, VISA)

Additional options:

  • Payment plans: Eligible students may enroll in a deferred payment plan after making a down payment
  • Financial Aid: If aid is awarded and accepted, it will be applied to tuition and fees (typically during the second week of the term)

Special Payment Situations

  • Financial Aid Delays: If aid is not available by the due date or does not cover all charges, students must pay the remaining balance or enroll in a payment plan
  • Veterans Benefits:  Students with a VA certificate of eligibility (COE) or Tuition Assistance (TA) may request a deferral through Veteran Services. 
  • Third-Party Billing: Payment arrangements with an agency or employer must be pre-approved. Students remain responsible for any unpaid balance

Student Billing Responsibilities

By enrolling at MHCC, students agree to:

  • Pay all charges associated with registration, regardless of attendance
  • Drop classes within the refund period to avoid charges
  • Pay all charges by the published due date, even if a billing statement is not received
  • Maintain accurate contact information with the college
  • Follow procedures for disputes or refund requests
  • Pay any collection costs, legal fees, or penalties associated with unpaid balances (even if they are under the age of 18, per Oregon Revised Statutes 348.105)

Student Billing Rights

Students have the right to:

  • Access and review their account information
  • Understand the nature and amount of charges
  • Dispute charges believed to be incorrect
  • Petition for the removal of charges when appropriate
  • Maintain confidentiality of their financial records 
    • If a student wants to share a record of their financial information, they must complete and file a consent form with the Business Office. This Student Consent form will remain valid until revoked in writing by the student
  • Be notified before collection actions are taken
  • Access all policies related to billing and collections

Past Due Account

  • Accounts not paid by the due date are considered past due
  • A late fee may be assessed
    • A student account that has been assessed one late fee is considered a delinquent account
  • Financial holds may be placed on accounts, preventing future registration 
  • The college may require advance payment for students with prior collection history

Returned Checks

  • Returned checks will result in additional fees, including possible collection and legal costs
  • A returned check is treated as non-payment
  • Students may be dropped from current-term classes if payment is invalid
  • After a returned check, future payments may be restricted to cash or card

Collections

  • Accounts more than 90 days past due may be sent to a collection agency
  • Once in collections:
    • Payment arrangements must be made with the agency (not the college)
    • The account may be reported to credit bureaus
    • Tax refunds may be withheld by the Oregon Department of Revenue
  • Educational debt:
    • Is not dischargeable in bankruptcy (per Section 523(a)(8) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code)
    • Has no statute of limitations for collections

Refunds

Non-attendance does not qualify for a refund or cancellation of charges

Financial Aid

503-491-7262 | Room AC2253 | mhcc.edu/FinancialAid

Financial aid helps students pay for college and may include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study. 

General Eligibility Requirements

Students must:

FAFSA Applicants Must Also:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Have a valid social security number
  • Not owe a refund on a federal student grant or be in default on a federal student loan

Visit Apply for Financial Aid for more information.

Academic Policies and Grades

Grades are not mailed. They are available online at my.mhcc.edu.

Grading Scale

Grade Definition
A Excellent: 4 points for each credit hour
B Above Average: 3 points for each credit hour
C Average: 2 points for each credit hour
D Below Average: 1 point for each credit hour
F Failing: 0 points for each credit hour

Grades not included in GPA calculations:

Grade Definition
S Satisfactory
N Not Satisfactory
I Incomplete
K Continuing Progress
X Audit
W Withdrawal
NR Not received from instructor
IP Class still in progress

Grade Point Average (GPA)

MHCC calculates GPA using a four-point system:

  • A = 4 points per credit
  • B = 3 points per credit
  • C = 2 points per credit
  • D = 1 point per credit
  • F = 0 points

GPA is calculated by dividing total grade points by total credits attempted. 

Example:

  • 4-credit class with an A = 16 points (4x4)
  • 4-credit class with a B = 12 points (4x3)
  • Total = 28 points / 8 credits = GPA of 3.5

Grades are assigned based on work completed by the end of the scheduled class. Additional work after the course ends is not permitted unless an Incomplete has been approved. 

Course Repeat

  • Students may repeat a course to improve their grade
  • The first repeat replaces the previous grade in GPA calculation

Repeated courses only count once for credit towards a degree or certificate unless otherwise noted.

Incomplete (I)

An Incomplete may be assigned if:

  • A student has completed a substantial portion of coursework (at least 75%)
  • Circumstances beyond the student's control prevent completion 

Keep in mind for an Incomplete:

  • Students must work with the instructor to complete remaining coursework
  • Work must be completed
    • By the end of the following term, or
    • Within a maximum of four quarters (including summer) if not enrolled
  • Students do not need to re-register for the course
  • If not completed within the timeline, the grade automatically converts to an "F"
  • The instructor is responsible for updating the final grade

Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory (S/N)

  • Some courses allow students to choose S/N grading instead of a letter grade
  • This option must be selected by the end of the 7th week (or equivalent for shorter courses)
  • "S" (Satisfactory) is equivalent to a grade of a C or higher
  • "N" (Not Satisfactory) indicates performance below a C

Students should consult with Admissions and Records for deadlines related to non-standard term courses

K Grade (Continuing Progress)

  • Assigned only in certain Developmental Education courses
  • Indicates the student attended and made progress, but did not complete enough to earn credit

Students who receive a "K" grade must:

  • Re-register for the course
  • Pay for the course again
  • Successfully complete it to earn credit

Audit Option

  • Students may choose to audit a course (no grade, no credit)
  • Must be selected by the end of the 7th week
  • Tuition and fees still apply
  • Participation level is determined by the student and instructor
  • Audited courses are not eligible for financial aid

Standard of Academic Progress

MHCC reviews academic performance at the end of each term. Students with a term GPA below 2.0 will be assigned an academic status and may be required to take specific actions. 

The following statuses can be assigned to a student:

Warning

Assigned to students with a term GPA between 1.5 and 1.99

  • Students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor
  • Status is removed if the next term GPA is 2.0 or higher
  • If performance does not improve, the student may be placed on probation

Probation

Assigned when:

  • Term GPA is 1.49 or lower, or
  • GPA remains below 2.0 for two consecutive terms
  • Students are encouraged to:
    • Enroll in HD101 On Track for College Success 
    • Meet with an academic advisor
  • If the next term GPA is 2.0 or higher:
    • Probation is removed
  • If performance does not improve:
    • Student may be placed on suspension

Suspension

Assigned when a student continues to earn below a 2.0 GPA while on probation

  • Student is not eligible to enroll in classes
  • Suspension typically lasts at least one term

Suspension Appeals

Students may appeal suspension if there are compelling circumstances.

  • Appeal forms are available through Academic Advising
  • Advisors are available to assist with the process

Appeal Decisions

Appeal Approved:

  • Student returns on probation status
  • Must meet required conditions set by the review committee
  • Failure to meet conditions may result in suspension

Appeal Denied

  • Student remains suspended for at least one term
  • Must submit a new appeal to return

Honors

President’s Honor Roll

Awarded to students who:

  • Earn a GPA of 3.85 or higher and
  • Completed a minimum of 12 credits

Dean’s Honor Roll

Awarded to students who:

  • Earn a GPA of 3.65-3.84 and
  • Completed a minimum of 12 credits (or 6 credits for part-time students)

Rho Theta / Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

MHCC's chapter of the international honor society for two-year colleges

Students are eligible if they:

  • Have completed a minimum of 12 credits at MHCC and
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher

Membership is recorded on the student's transcript. Students will receive a certificate and membership number upon acceptance. 

Programs, Graduation, and Credit

Graduation

Students should use the online degree audit system to track progress toward their degree or certificate. All MHCC coursework and evaluated transfer credit apply toward program requirements. Students are encouraged to review their degree audit regularly and meet with an advisor. 

Degree and Certificate Requirements

To earn an associate degree, students must:

  1. Complete at least 90 credits (some programs require more)
  2. Complete all required coursework in a career-technical, general studies, or transfer degree
  3. Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA overall and in major courses
  4. Complete at least 12 credits at MHCC. Non-traditional credit does not count toward this requirement

Double Dipping

Courses may only count toward one general education requirement with the exception of Cultural Literacy.

Graduation Process

  • Apply for graduation two terms prior to completion
  • Use the degree audit to confirm all requirements are met

Transfer credit (including applicable military credits):

  • Must be officially evaluated to apply toward a degree
  • Becomes part of the permanent academic record
  • Does not factor into MHCC GPA

Limited-Entry / Special Admission Programs

Some MHCC programs require additional steps beyond general admission. These programs may have:

  • Separate applications
  • Specific prerequisites
  • Limited enrollment

Admission to MHCC does not guarantee admission to a limited-entry program.

Application Process

  • Applications must be submitted during the designated timeframes set annually 
  • Requirements vary by program

After acceptance:

  • Students must confirm intent to enroll by registering by the program deadline
  • Applications are valid for one academic year only

Selection Process

  • Applications are reviewed by program faculty and/or a selection committee
  • Admission is based on completion of requirements and overall competitiveness
  • Applicants may be:
    • Accepted or
    • Placed as alternates

Course Requirements

  • Program requirements may change each academic year
  • Students must follow requirements for:
    • Their admission year, or
    • Their completion year

Student Progress

Students are expected to:

  • Follow the prescribed course sequence
  • Complete the program within the standard timeframe (typically two years or less)

Additionally:

  • Degrees and certificates are awarded once requirements are verified
  • Students must still apply for graduation to be included in commencement materials

Program Extensions

  • Students unable to complete within the standard timeframe may request a Program Leave of Absence
  • Approval is required from program faculty

Extensions:

  • Are space-available
  • May require completion of updated program requirements

Interrupted Study

  • If a student's studies are interrupted for five years or more, current program requirements may apply
  • Students who do not maintain satisfactory progress may be removed from the program

Transfer into a Limited Entry Program

Some programs may offer advanced standing for students with prior coursework or related credentials, subject to faculty approval. 

Commencement

Students who have applied for graduation during the academic year may participate in the June commencement ceremony even if coursework is not completed by spring term.

Reverse Transfer

MHCC partners with many Oregon universities through the Reverse Transfer Program and allows students to complete an associate degree after transferring by applying eligible university credits back toward MHCC requirements. 

Alternative Ways to Earn College Credit

Up to 45 combined credits may be applied toward a degree or certificate via:

All institutional requirements for certificate and degree programs must be met and no more than 25% of credits applied toward a degree and/or certificate may be earned via Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). 

Student Records

Transcripts

  • Students are responsible for correcting transcript errors within four academic terms
  • Unofficial transcripts are available via MyMHCC
  • Official transcripts may be requested online, by mail, or in person in the Student Services Hub

Records Retention

MHCC follows Oregon state retention requirements and may retain records longer when necessary.

FERPA (Privacy Rights)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights regarding their education records. This includes (but is not limited to):

  • Accessing and reviewing their records
  • Requesting corrections
  • Controlling the disclosure of personal information (with some legal exceptions)
  • Filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education in the event of a FERPA violation

Directory Information

MHCC designates limited information as directory information, which may be released by the college registrar or designee. This includes:

  • Student name
  • Current enrollment status
  • Verification of the certificate or degree earned

Students employed in roles with access to records (e.g., work study or student aide positions) must complete FERPA training and sign a confidentiality agreement prior to access. 

Use and Disclosure of Records

Directory information may be used within the college in accordance with FERPA guidelines. Internal access does not authorize further disclosure to third parties. 

In limited circumstances, student information may be disclosed without consent, including:

  • To the Alumni Office for communicating with MHCC graduates
  • To athletic staff or external parties when a student athlete has provided written authorization
  • As permitted by law in connection with federal investigations, including disclosures authorized under Section 507 of the USA Patriot Act

Restriction of Directory Information

Students may restrict the release of directory information by submitting a request to Admissions, Registration and Records. 

  • Requests take effect within two business days
  • Restrictions remain in place until removal in writing
  • Restrictions continue after a student leaves the college

Without written consent, MHCC will not release information to parents, relatives, employers, or other third parties. 

Exceptions may apply in cases such as:

  • Emergencies
  • Subpoenas or court orders
  • Legitimate educational need within the institution

Access and Identity Verification

Students must present a valid photo ID or a personal identification number (PIN) when requesting information about their records. 

Information will not be released to any individual claiming to be the student without proper verification or authorization. 

Release of Grades

MHCC policy prohibits publicly disclosing grades linked to personal identifiers, including:

  • Student name
  • Student ID number
  • Social Security Number

Grades may only be posted using a non-identifiable system. Instructors are responsible for returning graded work in a manner that protects student identity. 

Solomon Amendment Disclosure

In accordance with the Solomon Amendment, MHCC is required to provide certain student information to military recruiters upon request. This may include:

  • Student name
  • Address
  • Telephone number
  • Date of birth
  • Education level
  • Academic major
  • Degrees received

Students who have requested restriction of directory information will not have their information released, except as otherwise permitted by law or with written consent. 

Social Security Number Disclosure Use

Under Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 589-004-0400, MHCC may request a student's Social Security Number (SSN). 

  • Providing an SSN is voluntary
  • Students will not be denied any right, benefit, or privilege if they choose not to provide it
  • Consent for use may be revoked at any time

Social Security Numbers may be used for:

  • Recordkeeping
  • Research and aggregate reporting
  • Extending credit
  • Collection of debts