S.O.A.R. Program

(Support Options for Achievement and Retention)

SOAR (Support Options for Achievement and Retention) is a TRIO Student Support Services Program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The purpose of the SOAR Program is to provide academic, personal, career, and financial assistance to students who qualify based on one or more of the following criteria: low-income status, first-generation college student (neither parent has completed a bachelor’s degree), or a documented disability. The SOAR Program focuses on students’ assets and how to apply them in navigating college life. It provides the support needed to overcome obstacles and connect with resources to reach their goals.

General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) Statement

Section 427 of GEPA requires equitable access to and participation in the SSS Project for persons with special needs, especially those who face six types of barriers that can impede equitable access or participation: gender, race, national origin, color, disability, or age.  The SSS Project at Mayland Community College will adhere to this in the following ways: 1) SSS participants will be selected regardless of gender, race, national origin, color, disability, or age in keeping with the guidelines of the U.S. Department of Education. 2) SSS will be open to persons of all backgrounds, including low-income families. 3) The SSS office will be centrally located on campus and will be accessible to all persons with special needs. 4) All SSS staff members will receive orientation and training in working with students with special needs, and in-service training will be held on a regular basis each project year in order to keep staff informed of SSS Project policies and procedures. 5) SSS staff members will reflect the diverse ethnic population of the Project.

 

Academic Support

The S.O.A.R. Program provides academic support to students whose goal is to complete a degree, diploma, or transfer to a four-year college or university.

Supportive Counseling

The S.O.A.R. Program provides supportive counseling for life issues that affect school performance. Referrals to outside agencies are made for more significant mental health concerns.

S.O.A.R. assists students in finding and applying for financial resources and helps with budgeting and financial management.

Tutoring and Peer Mentoring

S.O.A.R. Tutors and Peer Mentors assist students with coursework, college information, and study skills.

Transfer Assistance

The S.O.A.R. Program’s transfer counselor assists students in transferring to four-year colleges and universities, provides trips to area colleges, advises on course selection to ensure transferability, and helps students find financial resources for their bachelor’s program.

Assistance for Students with Disabilities

Students with documented disabilities may receive reasonable accommodations through Student Services. Services may include tutoring, testing accommodations, note-taking, recorded texts, student advocacy, etc. Students with disabilities may also receive additional support services through the SOAR Program.

Student Records

Upon receipt of the application for admission from a prospective student, a student record file is established by the Office of Records, and Registration. It is the policy of the College that the student record file shall be used throughout the student’s enrollment to collect and maintain pertinent basic data relative to the individual’s admission and academic progress. The contents of the student record file includes, but is not limited to the following: application for admission, transcripts of the student’s previous educational record, placement test results, summaries of admissions and academic progress interviews, residency questionnaire, correspondence related to admission, and academic progress. The contents of the student record file are the property of MCC and are maintained in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.

Housing

Mayland Community College has no dormitory facilities. Students who wish to live away from home must make their own housing arrangements. The College takes no responsibility for locating or supervising student housing.

Student Insurance

All curriculum students and some continuing education students are required to purchase supplemental insurance to cover accidents associated with school activities. This group supplemental insurance cost is $1.20 per semester, and is subject to yearly adjustment. This student insurance plan is secondary to any health insurance the student already has. Students may obtain an insurance claim form from Student Services or mayland.edu.

Student Health Insurance

Community College Student Insurance (CCSI) offers an affordable health insurance plan to community college students in North Carolina. They also offer health coverage for dependents, vision plans, and dental plans. Go to www.studentccsi.com for more information or to enroll.

Student IDs

All students are encouraged to have their Student ID card made. Your ID card serves as a second-form of ID and your MCC student ID number is needed when you charge books and supplies at the bookstore. ID cards are made in Student Services.

Bookstore

The MCC Bookstore is located on the first floor of the Samuel Phillips Building. The bookstore offers textbooks, school supplies, computer software, clothing and gift items. The Bookstore now offers eBooks and rental books to save you money. Year-round Buyback is also available.

Book cost can be found each semester at www.mayland.bkstr.com.

Textbook Return Policy

Textbooks may be returned for a full refund within 5 days of purchase with the original receipt. Shrink-wrapped text sets must be unopened, all enclosures (CDs etc.) must be included. Software included with textbooks must be unopened. All non-textbook items may be refunded or exchanged within 30 days with original receipt and still in original condition.

Selling Books Back to the Bookstore

The Bookstore holds a textbook buy-back the last 3 days of each semester. You can get up to 50 percent cash back for each book, provided the faculty member requests that the textbook be bought back, that the book is in good condition, and is not overstocked in the Bookstore.

Textbooks not bought by the Bookstore may be purchased by a used textbook company if they are of any value.

The Bookstore hours of operation are:

Monday-Thursday:8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Friday:8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Bookstore hours of operation will vary during the weeks of registration and the first week of classes.