At MCLA, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and productive learning environment. This page provides access to essential information, guidelines and regulations that help ensure a safe and effective academic experience for all students, faculty, and staff.
HEOA stands for the Higher Education Opportunity Act which requires that all higher education institutions that participate in federal financial aid programs disclose certain information to current and perspective students as well as college employees. This page provides these disclosures in a single location. Use the links below to access information on each of the topics listed. Questions should be directed to the specific office, department or individual who oversees the area in question.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is committed to ensuring accessibility of its website and intranet to people with disabilities.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NICHE).
Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the Commission indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality decennially through a peer review process. An accredited institution is one which the Commission deems has the necessary resources available to achieve its stated purposes through its educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.
No matter where you go and what you do in life, you’re going to leave footprints. Start at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), where our approach to education will provide the foundation to turn each of your footprints into something bigger: an impression. As Massachusetts’ public liberal arts college, we welcome applications for admission from motivated students, no matter who they are or where they come from.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) has developed many articulation agreements, or transfer pathway programs with community colleges across the state as well as from the New England and New York region. These agreements facilitate the transfer process for students and ensure the transfer of courses to MCLA. Present articulation agreements exist between MCLA and Berkshire Community College and Hudson Valley Community College (NY), and many others are in the process.
College Navigator is a website from the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) of the U.S. Department of Education. For Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), this website provides verified information in formats that are useful and accessible to educators, parents, policymakers, researchers, and the public. The link below goes to an non-MCLA website.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) computer and network users must adhere to acceptable use policies, and includes the proper use of Peer to Peer (P2P) sharing or file sharing programs. Copyrighted materials such as music, movies, TV shows, pictures, books and software should never be transferred internally ot externally through file sharing to another computer and network user. MCLA is committed to taking appropriate action to avoid this misuse from occurring on their college network. All users are reminded that MCLA's Network User Agreement explicitly mentions their responsibility to observe copyright and other applicable licensing restrictions.
Patrick Connelly
Dean for Institutional Assessment and Continuing Improvement
Office Location: Mark Hopkins Hall, Rm. 210
Email: patrick.connelly@mcla.edu
Mailing Address: 375 Church Street, North Adams, MA 01247
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. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) follows the guidelines set forth by the US Department of Education.
The Cost of Attendance is the budget for a student, not actual billed costs. At Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) this is made up of direct costs (tuition, fees, housing and meals) and indirect costs (books, transportation, travel, miscellaneous expenses). The Cost of Attendance minus Student Aid Index (SAI) from the FAFSA determines the financial need.
Whatever career dream you wish to fulfill – whether it’s in the arts, sports medicine, education, business, the sciences, technology – or any other field you can imagine – we offer more than 50 areas of study that will take you where you want to go.
MCLA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to students with documented disabilities. We work to provide students with equitable access to all MCLA programs and services. Our philosophy and programs assist eligible students in fostering independence in college to the fullest extent possible, embracing self-advocacy, and in developing skills to transition and succeed in their careers. We believe that disability is a natural part of human variation and an essential aspect of diversity. The Office of Disability Resources provides students with individualized support services based on the nature of the documented disability. An accessible testing center proctors exams for students with approved testing accommodations. Disability Resources also provides one-on-one personalized training on general technology and on assistive technology hardware/software.
At the heart of our academic excellence are our highly qualified faculty. They represent a wide range of disciplines and expertise. Our faculty plan and lead travel courses during our breaks, design courses based on student interest for our college-wide Honors Program, and venture off campus into local service agencies as part of our integrated service learning curriculum. In addition, with each passing year, more and more faculty are mentoring students in original research.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), grants students certain rights regarding their educational records. Students at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) have the right to have some control over the disclosure of information from their records. Colleges and universities are responsible for preventing the improper disclosure of personally identifiable information from the records.
As community members of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts you are expected to follow these procedures and be aware of the various malicious threats common place with the information systems that we use on the internet. Tech Help at MCLA has created a Guide and video to explain how to follow best practices to protect you and the College from information security threats.
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See the policy page found on the Student Financial Services website here.
Yes, there’s someone here who shares your interests. And yes—there are plenty of people here who can help you become the leader you are meant to be. If you’re like most MCLA students, you’ll want to be involved in multiple clubs and activities. We have over 50—and if you don’t see anything that suits you, it’s easy to start your own. Visit the Activities and Organizations web page to learn more.
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The MCLA Bookstore is located on-campus Amsler Center Campus Center and online at https://www.bkstr.com/massliberalartsstore/home for textbook information, purchases and rentals, and other related merchandise.
We welcome students who choose to complete their bachelor's degree after attending a community college, as well as those who wish to transfer to MCLA from a four-year institution. MCLA enrolls close to 300 transfers annually. Admission is available for both fall and spring terms. For more information visit the Transfer to MCLA web page here.
Transfer of graduate credits from another institution will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The decision criteria include currency, relevance to the MBA curriculum, and the quality (accreditation) of the institution at which the course was completed. Any potential transfer credit must have earned a grade of B or better. Requests for transfer credit (maximum of six credits) must be submitted to the Program Director.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is strongly committed to protecting the
privacy and safety of all visitors of www.mcla.edu. We created the following privacy
policy to explain to you our policy on using and disclosing information gathered on
visitors to the site. By visiting the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts' web
site you are accepting the practices described in this privacy policy.
Visit this page to learn more about the undergraduate procedures of withdrawal from a course or the College. This page contains the current policy as well.
Students who have been accepted into the MBA program may defer admission for up to one year. If the student does not enroll in courses within that year, he/she must formally withdraw from the program by completing a Withdrawal from College form obtained from Advising Services. The form must be signed by the Program Director.
This online version of the MCLA annual academic catalog is searchable for programs and courses, academic policies and procedures, student services, financial aid, academic calendars, and more. View the online 2024-2025 Academic Catalog here.
MCLA withdrawal information from Course and College is found under the Academic Policies and Procedures page.
MCLA is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the Commission indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality decennially through a peer review process. An accredited institution is one which the Commission deems has the necessary resources available to achieve its stated purposes through its educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.
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Title II is part of the Higher Education Act, passed by US Congress in 1998, that requires colleges with teacher preparation programs to publish an annual report of their programming and assessments.
The Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act requires co-educational institutions of postsecondary education that participate in a Title IV, federal student financial assistance program, and have an intercollegiate athletic program, to prepare an annual report to the Department of Education on athletic participation, staffing, and revenues and expenses, by men's and women's teams. Click here to view the MCLA report.
The Equity in Athletics Data Analysis Cutting Tool is brought to you by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education. This analysis cutting tool was designed to provide rapid customized reports for public inquiries relating to equity in athletics data.
Whether you're an undergraduate, graduate, degree completion, or certificate program student, you should follow these basic steps each academic year. You must be formally accepted into your program of study and be enrolled at least half time to be eligible, and you must also maintain satisfactory academic progress to keep your aid. Click here for more information.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts through the CARES Act (HEERF I) was allocated $1,374,325 and certified with the U.S. Department of Education that $654,699 went directly to students through block grants and the Resiliency Fund. In addition, MCLA is required to publicly report the Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting under CARES Act Sections 18004(a)(1) Institutional Portion. To learn more click here..
Office of Student Financial Services
413.662.5219
FinAid@mcla.edu
Bonnie J. Howland
Director of Student Financial Services
Bonnie.Howland@mcla.edu
Carrie L. Alibozek
Assistant Director of Student Financial Services
C.Alibozek@mcla.edu
Lori Keating
Student Loan Coordinator
Lori.Keating@mcla.edu
Catherine L. Obrzut
Accountant & Systems Coordinator
Catherine.Obrzut@mcla.edu
Becky Lincoln
Student Financial Services Clerk
Rebecca.Lincoln@mcla.edu
Visit College Navigator undergraduate student financial aid records by academic year.
Managing Student Loan Debt After MCLA
When you graduate, withdraw/take a leave of absence, or drop below half time (<6 credits
for undergraduates, <5 for graduates), your loan servicer is notified and you enter
repayment. To prepare you when this happens, Student Financial Services will send
you important information to your MCLA email. This information includes your cumulative
loan borrowing, who your loan servicer is, and other requirements you need to complete,
such as Exit Counseling. To view this information click here.
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If you have been selected for verification and have any questions on what forms are needed or what information you need, please contact Financial Aid at 413-662-5219 or finaid@mcla.edu. To learn more click here.
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The Code of Conduct is to govern the education lending practices of Massachusetts public colleges in an effort to help ensure integrity in all aspects of the student educational loan program. This policy formalizes long- standing code of conducts practiced by public institutions of higher education in their efforts to provide affordable access to higher education. Read more here
The MCLA Net Price Calculator is intended to provide estimated net price information (defined as estimated cost of attendance - including tuition and required fees, books and supplies, room and board (meals), and other related expenses - minus estimated grant and scholarship aid) to current and prospective students and their families based on what similar students paid in a previous year. To get started click here.
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Before you apply for a credit-based loan, we encourage you to apply first for federal grants and loans that have more favorable terms and conditions than a private educational loan. To help you complete an alternative loan application, here are the estimated costs of attendance. However, Student Financial Services recommends that you apply for a loan after you receive your bill. Bills are mailed in early July and mid-November. To learn more click here.
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Faculty members offering travel courses will submit a breakdown of all costs to the Financial Aid Office. The cost of the trip will be figured into the student’s ‘Cost of Attendance’ for that semester. This may increase a student’s need and could result in additional Federal Direct Student Loan eligibility. To learn more click here.
The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors is our top priority. The Department of Public Safety is committed to providing the highest level of professional police and public safety services to foster a safe learning and working environment for all. Our devotion to being part of the community and building relationships, helps us to better understand the importance of cooperation, education, and police-citizen partnerships. Our commitment towards this style of policing allows us to be part of the fabric of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and assists us in cultivating true partnerships with our community. Visit the website for more information the department.
The MCLA Community Standards and Student Conduct Program (also referred to as the Student Handbook) provides students with information on many aspects of college life such as policies and procedures, community resources, organizations, and services. This document applies to all students enrolled in one or more classes at MCLA. Each year, the College updates the Community Standards document to ensure students are provided with the most accurate references and resource information.
Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with this document, as rules and regulations are outlined which govern the standards the College community. It is the belief of the institution that the information provided in the Community Standards also serves to enhance the experiences and highlight the resources available to students of the College. This document does not contain all rules and regulations now in effect at MCLA. Students are also referred to the MCLA Catalog, Residence Life & Housing publications, and other department policy documents for further institutional information.
A full copy of MCLA Community Standards and Student Conduct Program can be found here.
MCLA makes every effort to ensure that effective drug and alcohol abuse prevention information is made available to students and employees. Assistance is provided to students through the Counseling Services and Health Services. Employees may seek assistance through the College’s EAP program.
No student or employee may engage in the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on the College’s property or as part of any of its sponsored activities. Such unlawful activity by students may be considered sufficient grounds for serious punitive action, including expulsion. Violations by employees shall result in disciplinary action in keeping with MCLA’s Alcohol and Drug Information and Resources. MCLA complies with the federal Drug Free School and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 (Public Law 102- 226). Any violation should be reported to the Chief Human Resources Officer or Dean of Students.
A full copy of MCLA’s Alcohol and Drug policy can be found here.
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The Department of Public Safety - Campus Police, in conjunction with the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts administration, makes every effort to ensure emergency notifications or timely warnings regarding any extraordinary event(s) that may pose a potential, ongoing or continuing threat to campus community members or its property, are distributed to the same when deemed appropriate and necessary. The purpose of such notification is to ensure the highest regard for health, safety and the protection of life and property is maintained within the campus community.
In the case of an emergency or other urgent event, students, faculty, and staff will be contacted through a variety of different methods. These may include telephone and cell phone voice calls, cell phone text messages, voice-mail messages, telephone intercom paging, e-mail announcements, campus websites, community postings, local media sources, and direct notification through staff. In addition, MCLA has bolstered its internal and external emergency communication capabilities with RAVE Guardian - emergency notification technology that enables the rapid and seamless distribution of information using all of the communication methods noted above. To learn more about these methods and about other procedures visit the Emergency Notification page.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is required by federal law to produce and make available by October 1st of each year, an annual report containing campus safety and security procedures, as well as statistics related to criminal offenses reported to the police and college officials for the last three consecutive years. This report includes information regarding fire safety policies and annual statistics. The MCLA Department of Public Safety – Campus Police prepares and distributes this report to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. To read the current Clery Report click here.
All campus community members are urged to make immediate notifications of any student (on-campus or off-campus) who may be a missing person to the MCLA Department of Public Safety – Campus Police by using the department's Emergency Line at (413) 662-5100 or by dialing 911. Personnel designated as Campus Security Authorities (Campus Police, Residence Life & Housing staff, Student Affairs staff managing student conduct matters and student activities, Athletic Coaches and Human Resources staff) are mandated by federal law to immediately make such notifications to Campus Police. Read more at the Missing Student Policy page here.
MCLA is committed to fostering and sustaining a safe environment for each and every member of our community. When any member of our community is impacted by sexual violence and/or discrimination, the Office of Title IX and EO strives to provide them with the resources they need to achieve accountability, healing, and support. To learn more about Title IX at MCLA and the policies and procedures associated with sexual violence, visit the Title IX page.
MCLA is a tobacco-free campus. Smoking and other tobacco use is prohibited on all property owned or operated by Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA). This consists of all buildings, all grounds, including exterior open spaces, parking lots, on-campus sidewalks, roadways and driveways, recreational spaces and practice facilities; and in all College-owned or leased vehicles. Tobacco use is also prohibited in private vehicles, located anywhere on campus. To read the entire policy click here.
The Code of Massachusetts Regulations requires that all full-time (those taking 9 or more credits) undergraduate and graduate students under age 30 and ALL full and part-time Health Science students, regardless of age, submit documentation of the following immunizations to Health Services prior to the students arrival on campus. Please also include the completed health forms and a copy of your most recent physical exam.
Additionally, the Public Health Student Information page serves as a resource for information on public health issues and communicable illnesses for the MCLA community. This page contains the latest alerts and resources for the MCLA campus community.
* MCLA is a member of the MASCAC and does not offer athletic aid to students
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Information regarding student retention is available through the Performance Measurement Reporting System (PMRS). The PMRS provides a comprehensive examination of the performance of each of Massachusetts’ community colleges and state universities on a set of key indicators focused on Access & Affordability, Student Success & Completion, Workforce Alignment and Fiscal Stewardship. This tool is intended to prompt constructive conversations about performance and accountability between and among DHE/BHE, the campuses, boards of trustees, legislators and others, and ultimately to contribute to the discovery of insights that point to actions that lead to results—and a better public higher education system for the Commonwealth.
Information regarding student success and completion is available through the Performance Measurement Reporting System (PMRS). The PMRS provides a comprehensive examination of the performance of each of Massachusetts’ community colleges and state universities on a set of key indicators focused on Access & Affordability, Student Success & Completion, Workforce Alignment and Fiscal Stewardship. This tool is intended to prompt constructive conversations about performance and accountability between and among DHE/BHE, the campuses, boards of trustees, legislators and others, and ultimately to contribute to the discovery of insights that point to actions that lead to results—and a better public higher education system for the Commonwealth.
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MCLA joins colleges and universities across the in annually recognizing Constitution and Citizenship Day. The federal holiday was established in 2005, recognizing the signing of the US Constitution on September 17, 1787, in Philadelphia, PA. The college honors Constitution Day by hosting a special presentation for students and community members.
Information regarding voting including how to register will be found on the state's website at Voting | Mass.gov.
The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts values its students and is committed to resolving student complaints in a fair and efficient manner. MCLA is required to provide students enrolled in online learning with procedures and steps to filecomplaints. A complaint is defined here as an academic concern related to an online course in which the student is currently enrolled, including concerns about the learning experience, course policies, and related academic matters. Complaints about online courses should be submitted no more than 14 calendar days after completion of the online course. To learn more about this policy and procedure click here.
The Commission has two means of hearing from students, faculty, staff, and members of the public about its member institutions: (1) Public Comments and (2) Complaints. Both offer important opportunities for the Commission to hear from individuals about the quality of affiliated institutions.
Neither the Public Comment nor the Complaint process is designed to offer a remedy for personal grievances. In no case are anonymous submissions accepted.
A student has the right to lodge a complaint or grievance. The institution should ensure that all concerns and complaints of students are addressed fairly and are resolved promptly. Student complaints relating to consumer protection laws offered under the terms and conditions of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), must first be filed with the institution to seek resolution. To learn more about this procedure click here.
