Student Rights and Responsibilities

Student Resources

There is a place for every student at MHCC, and we are committed to connecting you with the resources needed to support you on the way to your certificate, degree or other academic goals. Students are encouraged to use these resources to help overcome challenges that may get in the way of their success.

Student Rights

MHCC provides citizens access to higher education, giving them the ability to make life choices; adapt to change; build strong communities; contribute to and derive benefit from the new economy; and become part of a skilled workforce. Administrative Regulation 7040-D entitles students to the following:

  1. Classroom Freedom
  2. Out of Class Student Freedom
  3. Off-campus Freedom of Students

Limitations: In order for MHCC to function as an institution of higher learning, it must be protected from disruption. For that reason, students may be suspended or expelled where their acts or actions threaten or cause a substantial disruption or material interference with normal College activities.

Filing a Complaint 

Students have the right to file complaints when the believe they have not received services commensurate with the mission and values of Mt. Hood Community College. Student complaints are reviewed by the Student Development Office and routed to the appropriate manager for resolution. 

No retaliation

No one at the College may reprimand, discriminate or otherwise retaliate against an individual who initiates an inquiry or complaint in good faith, nor against other individuals who share information related to the complaint.

Title IX and Affirmative Action

Mt Hood Community College takes all claims of discrimination and harassment seriously. If you feel that you have been discriminated or harassed based on race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran, please contact the Title IX Coordinator or Affirmative Action Officer by one of the following methods:

Student Code of Conduct

mhcc.edu/coc

Students at MHCC assume a responsibility to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the College's function as an educational institution. Although MHCC is dedicated to an open, free society, there are actions inappropriate in an institution of higher learning. The Student Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behavior expected of every student at MHCC. The policies and procedures outlined have been designed to further the College's educational mission and to assist students in the pursuit of knowledge and personal development.

A person voluntarily becomes a student at MHCC and thereby assumes the obligation of abiding by the standards prescribed in the Student Code of Conduct. The College maintains the authority to impose sanctions for behaviors that violate the Student Code of Conduct.

The College has an interest in behavior, subject to the Student Code of Conduct, separate from that of the civil or criminal authorities and, therefore, has the right and responsibility to exercise its jurisdiction and take such action as is appropriate to protect its interest. Whenever appropriate, the College may report a discipline matter to civil or criminal authorities.

Summary of Civil and Criminal Penalties for Violation of Federal Copyright Laws

Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement.

Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or "statutory" damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For "willful" infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorneys' fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505.

Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense. For more information, please see the website of the U.S. Copyright Office at copyright.gov.

Students in violation of this policy are also subject to Mt Hood Community College’s student conduct process, which may result in disciplinary action including, but not limited to, a written warning, disciplinary probation or suspension, loss of privileges, restitution, or even expulsion from the College (see Student Code of Conduct, Article VIII, for more information).