Consumer Information
In accordance with the regulations set forth in the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, below is a summary of the consumer information that must be made available to prospective and current students at Southwestern Michigan College. Please review the website listed or link provided for each topic for the most complete information.
Section 1: Information About the College
College Navigator including Student Right to Know information on Graduation, Pell Recipients, Transfer Rates, Diversity, and Retention Data.
Academic Programs
Post Graduation Employment and Transfer Outcomes
Retention/Persistence, Credit Students
Instructional Facilities
Instructional Personnel
Cost of Attendance
Transferring of College Credits to SMC
Refund and Withdrawal Policies
Request for Exception of Late Refund or Withdrawal
Accreditation Information
Southwestern Michigan College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The Commission may be found at 200 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois 60604. They may be reached by telephone at (800) 621-7440. Southwestern Michigan College is also a member of the American Association of Community Colleges.
Services for Disabled Students
Campus Safety and Security
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report-Dowagiac
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report-Niles
Section 2: Financial Aid Information
Overview of Financial Aid Programs
Michigan Competitive Scholarship
Federal Direct Loan including Federal Stafford Loan Program annual limits
Private Alternative Education Loan including Preferred Lender list
Code of Conduct for Education Loans
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
Section 3: More Rights and Responsibilities
Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
It affords students certain rights related to their educational records.
Copyright Infringement Policies and Sanctions
Agreement of Guidelines for Classroom Copying in Not-For-Profit Educational Institutions
The Relationship between the Student and SMC
Southwestern Michigan College is committed to the highest standards of academic and ethical integrity. All members of our academic community are encouraged to promote and value an ethic of common respect and civility. SMC defines civility as the demonstration of respect for others, basic courtesy, reciprocity (treating others as we wish to be treated) and behaviors that create a positive environment in which to learn and to work.
Membership in any community is enhanced by a concern for the common good for all who belong to that community. Each individual may possess different ideas as well as different ways of communicating those ideas, particularly in a community as varied and diverse as a college. Because of these differences, respect and civility are integral to maintaining the quality of the academic environment and free inquiry. Respect and civility should, therefore, be afforded to all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, family status, socioeconomic level, educational background, veteran status, or position at the college.
Student Code of Conduct
The Student Code of Conduct describes the rules and expectations established by the College for student conduct. The due process system defines the procedures to be used in cases of student violations of the Code of Student Conduct. It provides a system for the appeal of sanctions/decisions imposed by the College and for resolution of issues.
Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct for further information on Academic and Behavioral Conduct, including cheating, disruptive behavior, discrimination, harassment, drug and alcohol violations, and non-compliance.
Student Grievance Procedure
SMC Student Academic or Financial Grievance Procedure.
State of Michigan Department of Attorney General Consumer Protection Information.
Web Accessibility
Web Accessibility Complaint Form