MC Syllabus

Mississippi College

MC Syllabus

Dear MC Student:

The MC Syllabus informs you of important policies that are relevant to every course at Mississippi College. The official policies of the University described below will take precedence over those found elsewhere. Each class will have a course-specific syllabus providing learning expectations, assignments and activities, and additional responsibilities which are in addition to the general MC Syllabus. 

In addition to reviewing the information below, I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the deadlines and timelines outlined in the University’s official Academic Calendar.  

Best wishes for a successful semester.

Michael J. Highfield, Ph.D., CFA, CTP
Provost and Executive Vice President

Academic Integrity

Mississippi College students are expected to be scrupulously honest. Dishonesty, such as cheating or plagiarism, or furnishing false information, including forgery, alteration or misuse of University documents, records or identification, will be regarded as a serious offense subject to severe penalty, including, but not limited to, loss of credit and possible dismissal. See the Mississippi College Student Code of Conduct and University Policy 2.19 for specific information regarding definitions of academic dishonesty and penalties associated with dishonest behavior at Mississippi College.

Statement on Artificial Intelligence

Mississippi College supports and engages in scholarship and creative activities that advance knowledge and encourage students to utilize their skills, talents, and abilities as they pursue meaningful careers, lifelong learning, and service to God and others (MC Mission Statement). While we acknowledge the benefits and opportunities that Artificial Intelligence (AI) affords the learning community, we recognize the need and responsibility of students to learn and synthesize information individually. We also recognize the inherent risks the use of AI presents to cognitive development, academic integrity, and data security. Therefore, where AI use is allowed in the academic setting, its use should be documented appropriately. 

Student Conduct

In step with the vision of Mississippi College, the Office of Student Conduct seeks to promote academic excellence in a Christ-centered learning environment. Students enrolled at the University are subject to all rules and regulations as specified in the Student Code of Conduct as well as other university policies.

Mississippi College expects its students to treat one another with respect and to avoid harassing, disruptive, or offensive behaviors that might hinder others from accessing education programs and activities.  Should an instructor determine that a student’s conduct is distracting or disruptive, the professor may impose the student’s immediate removal from the classroom until the student can conduct himself or herself in an appropriate manner.  If the professor is unable to obtain the cooperation of the student, the student may be referred for disciplinary action.

Copies of all student policies may be accessed at the following: https://www.mc.edu/students/student-experience-policies. Failure to read these policies does not excuse students from the requirements and regulations contained therein.

Student Success/Early Alert System

Mississippi College has adopted the practice of identifying students early in the semester who may be exhibiting behaviors that could ultimately have a negative impact on their academic progress. These behaviors are often called “red flag” behaviors and include, but are not limited to, tardiness, excessive absences, poor test grades, and lack of class participation or evidence of non-engagement. Identifying these behaviors early gives the instructor the opportunity to raise the “red flag” on behalf of a particular student so that the student can take the appropriate action to redirect his/her progress. Students may receive a meeting request from a faculty advisor or other academic official to address the concern.

These messages and meetings are intended to help a student recognize an area of concern and to encourage him/her to make some choices to improve the situation. When a student receives an Early Alert message, the student must quickly make an appointment to talk with the messenger about the situation. Also, students can make full use of the Office of Academic Affairs and the Office of Student Success to set academic goals and connect to campus resources.

Accessibility Services

Students requesting accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 must contact the Office of Accessibility Services. Qualified students have the right to reasonable accommodations whether classes are hosted in person or online. Students requesting special accommodations must provide documentation of their disability to the Office of Accessibility Services: accessibility@mc.edu or 601.925.3852. Further instructions and explanations regarding Accessibility Services is available at the following: https://www.mc.edu/offices/accessibility-services/.

Mental Health Services

Students in need of counseling services: If you would like to speak with a counselor due to a mental health concern, please reach out to MC Mental Health Services at 601.925.7790 or visit us on the web at Student Mental Health Services.  If you are experiencing a mental health crisis after hours, please contact 988 or 911 or call our Mental Health Services after hours crisis line at 601.926.2346 and a counselor will be glad to assist you.  

Title IX

Mississippi College does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex in any of its educational or employment programs and activities, and it does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, sexual misconduct, or sexual violence. This policy prohibits sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking intimate partner violence, and retaliation (collectively referred to as prohibited conduct). For more information on how to report an allegation of prohibited conduct, contact the Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Kristena Gaylor, by phone 601.925.3415 or email at kgaylor@mc.edu. Her office is Self Hall, Suite 308. You may also access additional resources about the university's Title IX policy and procedures at the following: https://www.mc.edu/title-ix/.

Student Athletes may wish to contact Ms. Susan Musselwhite, Deputy Title IX Coordinator at 601.925.3362 or musselwh@mc.edu.  Students at the School of Law may wish to contact Ms. Kim Pfifer, Director of Student Services and Deputy Title IX Coordinator, at 601.925.7151 or kphifer@mc.edu. If you believe you are in imminent danger, you should contact the Office of Public Safety at 601.925.3204 or the Clinton Police Department 601.924.5252.

The Title IX Office understands the sensitive nature of these situations and can provide information about available resources to assist students or employees. Mississippi College faculty and staff have an obligation to report information to the Title IX Coordinator about potential sexual harassment or other forms of sexual misconduct.  Students wishing to discuss these matters in a confidential manner may contact the Office of Mental Health Services at 601.925.7790 or scss@mc.edu to arrange an appointment.

Military Connected Students

Mississippi College is committed to honoring U.S. Armed Forces veterans, current service members, and veteran dependents and survivors with veteran-focused educational and student support services. Veterans and active-duty military personnel are welcomed and encouraged to communicate, in advance if possible, with professors and the Disability Services Office about any known special circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployment, drill requirements, disability accommodations). You are also encouraged to contact the Veterans Outreach Office with any questions at 601.925.3272 or at tlhill@mc.edu.

Campus Safety and Emergency Response Information

Mississippi College values the safety of all campus community members. Students are automatically registered for MC Alert, the University’s online resource for information regarding campus alerts and emergency notifications. To report suspicious activity or to request a courtesy escort while on campus, call the Office of Public Safety at 601.925.3204, or in case emergency, call 911. For more information regarding campus safety, please visit the following: https://www.mc.edu/offices/safety. You may also report concerns of a non-emergency nature at the following: https://www.mc.edu/students/student-experience-policies/report-incident.

MC Alert is Mississippi College's online resource for information regarding campus alerts and emergency notifications. During emergencies, the MC Alert icon will appear at the top of the www.mc.edu homepage with a link to MC Alert. When additional high-priority information must be communicated, a pop-up box will appear on the homepage as well. Members of the campus community will also receive text messages and emails from MC Alert during emergency situations. These messages communicate important information. Please note the following situations and the appropriate responses:

“Lockdown” Situation: Violence/Active Shooter

If an active shooter incident is taking place near you, and it is safe to do so, call MC Public Safety at 601-925-3204 or 911 and provide information to include the location and number of assailants, description of assailant(s), weapons used, and number of potential victims. In the event of an active shooter, take these actions:

• Run: Run off campus if you are sure you can get away. Leave belongings behind and try to warn others if possible. Do not delay, and call MC Public Safety at 601.925.3204 or 911 once it is safe to do so.
• Hide: If you are aware of the shooter’s whereabouts, hide out of the shooter’s view, behind a locked door. Block entry into your hiding place. Turn off the lights and silence your phone (including vibrate). Remain quiet. The hiding place must appear locked and empty.
• Fight: As the last resort and when your life is in danger, fight. Act with as much physical aggression as possible. Improvise weapons or throw items at the shooter. Attempt to incapacitate the shooter.

“Evacuate” Situation: Fire

If you see a fire, remain calm, alert others, and pull the nearest fire alarm. If you are in a building when a fire alarm is sounded, please remember the following:

• NEVER IGNORE A FIRE ALARM!
• All fire alarms require mandatory evacuation of the building immediately.
• Do NOT use elevators when evacuating a building.
• Call MC Public Safety at 601.925.3204 when it is safe to do so.
• Gather at the predetermined “Evacuation Rally Point” shown below.
• Do NOT re-enter the building until authorized by the Clinton Fire Department

“Seek Shelter” Situation: Tornado

Thunderstorms are the most common type of severe weather in the Clinton area; however, tornadoes can and do occur in central Mississippi. In the event of a “seek shelter alert, please remember the following:

• Move to the “Seek Shelter Point” shown below, or find the innermost and lowest level of the building, away from exterior windows.
• Get under sturdy furniture or along an interior wall, if possible.
• Use your arms and hands to protect your head and neck.
• Wait for the “All Clear” before leaving your “Seek Shelter Point.”

For more information about MC Alert, please visit https://www.mc.edu/mcalert.

Modifications to Course

Mississippi College reserves the right to modify this class at any point during the term. Potential changes include the implementation of safety protocols, the mode of course delivery, or any other aspects of the course which may become reasonably necessary.

Continuity of Instruction

If face-to-face classes are suspended due to extenuating circumstances, such as weather, the instructor will continue instruction in a manner that best supports the course content and student engagement. In this event, instructors will notify students of the change via their university email address (the official vehicle for communication with students). At that time, they will provide details about how instruction and communication will continue, how academic integrity will be ensured, and what students may expect during that time that face-to-face classes are suspended. If a student becomes unable to continue class participation due to extenuating circumstances, (e.g., health and safety, loss of power, etc.) the student should contact their instructor and advisor for guidance.

General Agreement

Enrollment in this and other classes at Mississippi College affirms your agreement to abide by the rules, policies, procedures, regulations, mission, and standards of Mississippi College, including requirements and limitations implemented at any time for health and safety. Failure to abide by the rules, regulations, and limitations may result in suspension from the class, the university, or termination of enrollment.

Students are expected to be familiar with the content and information contained within the appropriate student catalog. The provisions of the catalog are subject to change and should be considered for informational purposes rather than as an irrevocable contract between the university and the student. Please contact the Registrar's Office for older catalogs not archived at the following: https://www.mc.edu/academics/academic-resources/catalogs.

Mississippi College, professors, and instructional faculty reserve the right to change assignments with sufficient notice.

Copyright

Copyrighted materials are only for the use of students enrolled in the course for instructional purposes and may not be further disseminated.

Mississippi College School of Law

MC Law Syllabus

In addition to the University policies outlined in the MC Syllabus, students enrolled in courses offered by the MC School of Law (MC Law) are expected to be aware of and comply with the MC Law Syllabus which includes the following additional polices and standards of professional conduct.

Student Conduct – Law School

Law School Students are expected to maintain acceptable standards of conduct in their personal and professional activities at all times. These standards of conduct may be accessed at the following: https://law.mc.edu/academics/catalog-1. Failure to read these policies does not excuse students from the requirements and regulations contained therein.

Workload Expectation – Law School

At MC Law, a typical class meets 55 minutes per week per credit hour for 13 weeks, followed by an exam period. For instance, a three-credit course meets 170 minutes per week (three 55-minute blocks or two 85-minute blocks) for 13 weeks followed by a three-hour final exam. The minimum length of the exam is tied to the credit hours for the course. For example, the exam for a three-credit course is typically three hours in length. 

Students should expect a minimum of two hours and fifteen minutes of work per week for every fifty-five minutes of class. For a three-credit course, this would be six hours and forty-five minutes of out-of-class work attributed to reading, reviewing, outlining, studying, completing homework assignments, etc.

Accommodations for Disabilities – Law School

Law School Students requesting accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must contact the Office of Student Services (OSS). Qualified students have the right to reasonable accommodations whether classes are hosted in person or online. Students requesting special accommodations must provide documentation of their disability to the Director of Student Services, Ms. Kim Phifer. Ms. Phifer’s office is located on the third floor of the Law School Administration Building. You can reach her at 601.925.7151 or kphifer@mc.edu. Further instructions and explanations regarding Disability Services can be accessed at the following: https://www.mc.edu/offices/accessibility-services/.

Honor Code – Law School

MC Law students are expected to be scrupulously honest. Dishonesty, such as cheating or plagiarism, or furnishing false information, including forgery, alteration or misuse of University documents, records or identification, will be regarded as a serious offense subject to severe penalty, including, but not limited to, loss of credit and possible dismissal. You are expected to comply with the Honor Code of the MC Law School at all times which is available at the following: https://law.mc.edu/students/honor-code.

Generative Artificial Intelligence – Law School

Generative AI is software, for example, ChatGPT, that can perform advanced processing of text at skill levels that at least appear similar to a human’s. Generative AI software is quickly being adopted in legal practice, and many internet services and ordinary programs will soon include generative AI software. At the same time, Generative AI presents risks to our shared pedagogical mission and can be an unreliable source of information. For this reason, we adopt the following default rule, which enables some uses of Generative AI but also bans uses of Generative AI that would be plagiaristic if Generative AI’s output had been composed by a human author. 

The class of generative AI software:

• May be used to perform research in ways similar to search engines such as Google, for correction of grammar, and for other functions attendant to completing an assignment. The software may not be used to compose any part of the submitted assignment unless you quote it.

• May not be used for any purpose in any exam situation.

• Never may be employed for a use that would constitute plagiarism if the generative AI source were a human or organizational author. For discussion of plagiarism, see MC Law Honor Code Section VII. C. (https://law.mc.edu/application/files/5215/4869/1931/honor-code.pdf)