Family FAQ

The Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act is a federal law which protects the privacy of student educational records.  This gives parents certain rights regarding their child’s educational records.  It is important for parents to realize, however, that these rights transfer to the student once he turns eighteen or attends a school beyond high school.  This means that, without written permission from your student, you will probably not have access to his/her academic records – including grades.  It also means that, without that written permission, faculty members and administrators of the College will not discuss your child’s progress with you. Our advice is to cultivate an open relationship with your son or daughter so that they will share their academic progress with you.

Students can also give you access to their “Highlander Hub Account” – the online site where all of their records are stored. Students may choose but are not required to share portions of their information (course schedules, completed course grades, transcripts, addresses, account balances, etc.) with individuals who are designated as relatives in Highlander Hub. Highlander Hub allows you to update your permanent address and phone numbers through your account rather than relying on your student to update this information. Keeping this contact information current enables you to continue to receive this newsletter and other communications, as well as to receive important information from Maryville College regarding your student, especially in the case of an emergency.

For questions about Highlander Hub, please contact the Registrar’s Office at 865-981-8212 or registrar@maryvillecollege.edu.

The faculty/student ratio is 12/1 and the average class size is 20. Some first-year classes are a bit larger while others smaller.   Composition classes typically have 20 students, while others may have as many as 30.  Students find that as they progress in their major, the classes become smaller. Maryville prides itself on strong relationships between faculty and students, and our small class sizes support this.

If a student is struggling in a class, he/she should schedule an office meeting with the professor. They can discuss academic challenges, note-taking and test-preparation strategies, and tutoring opportunities.

Every student has an academic adviser to guide her or him along the path to graduation and beyond.  These advisors not only assist students in scheduling courses, they mentor their advisees in making career choices and provide networking opportunities for internships and beyond.

The Academic Success Center brings many services into one office.  Students may find personal tutors, group help sessions, advice on time-management, tips for studying more effectively, assistance in writing, services related to disabilities—in sum, a supportive environment that either provides a service directly or connects a student to the appropriate place to meet the student’s need.

The Office of Disability Resources and Accessibility offers a wide variety of services to students with disabilities that include, but are not limited to testing accommodations, providing access to adaptive computer technologies, and acting as a liaison to campus services.

All first-year students are contacted by email during the summer and encouraged to begin selecting courses for the fall semester. Students are notified of a list of required and recommended courses based on their major or fields of interest. During SOAR (June/July), each student meets with a faculty advisor to finalize this schedule and has an opportunity to ask questions. During Orientation (August), each first-year student will meet with his/her faculty advisor to reconfirm the schedule and make any adjustments. Thus, most students meet with academic advisors twice before the semester begins to confirm that their courses fit their personal academic and career goals.

All first-year students are advised by their First Year Seminar instructors during their first semester at Maryville College. This means the students will have frequent contact with their advisors and will know exactly who to contact regarding questions about academic advising, course selection, tutoring, and other topics.

First Year Seminar (FYS 110) is a required course for all first-year students. The course serves several important functions including: a) helping students with study skills, time management, and other academic adjustments and strategies, b) introducing activities related to the MC Works program (e.g. beginning a resume, completing a career assessment, and exploring potential career options), and c) providing an introduction to the liberal arts through the lens of a section-specific topic. Each section of FYS 110 has a different topic. Some of examples of recent topics include: Food, Getting Outdoors, Infinity, So You Think You Want to Teach?, Darwin & Philosophy, and many others.

First Year Seminar sections are small classes – usually about 17 students. The instructor of each FYS section is also those students’ academic advisor. This allows the advisor to have first-hand knowledge of how each student is adjusting and progressing throughout the first semester and each student knows exactly who to ask when they have questions about classes, tutoring, advising, etc. Overall, the goal is to help each student make a smooth transition to the rigors of college-level work and the liberal arts tradition.

Even students who have done exceptionally well in high school find college work challenging. Students spend less time in class and more time in preparation. College professors demand much more, and course material is covered at a faster pace. One of the advantages of a small school like MC is that students can get help from their professors. There are also numerous support programs in place like Group Study, the Writing Center, and Supplemental Instruction. But the first step is for the student to speak to the professor, one-on-one. The second step is to NOT WAIT until grades drop to take advantage of Group Study sessions or the Writing Center.

May Term is a three-week mini-term that occurs in May. Classes during this academic session occur after the spring semester and typically begin on the Monday following Commencement. Since the length of the term is compressed, classes are longer and more frequent (generally between 9 a.m. and noon or between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. each day) for more intense and concentrated study. Students enroll in one course during May Term and usually earn three credit hours, which are applied toward the total credit hours needed to fulfill general education requirements. Off-campus trips scheduled as part of course syllabi can last an afternoon or two weeks and can take students places as near as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or as far away as South Africa.

The Business Office notifies students when statements are ready to view and pay via their Highlander Hub account, typically around July 6 for the fall semester and November 3 for the spring semester. The statement includes all charges and all anticipated financial aid based on the information the student has provided regarding enrollment status, room and board plans, and financial aid awards up to that date. If there is an error on your statement, contact the Business Office at 865-981-8249 or Financial Aid at 865-981-8100 immediately.

Effective with the Fall of 2015, statements are no longer mailed.  Each student has a Highlander Hub account that accesses the most recent statement, reflecting payments, changes to room and board, and changes to actual and/or anticipated financial aid.  Electronic billing is the College’s official billing method, and students/parents are responsible for viewing and paying student accounts by the scheduled due date.

Payment is due in early August for the fall semester and in early December for the spring semester. An $110 late fee will be added to all accounts not paid by the due date. We accept electronic payments by using students’ Highlander Hub account. Students will be unable to move into a campus residence facility, use the meal plan, or register for classes if the bill is not paid in full. Failure to complete financial aid paperwork or failure to make necessary room and board changes is not an acceptable reason for waiving this requirement. If a student adds classes after the payment due date that have an additional fee, the additional fee will be due at registration.

Payment arrangements include the following:

• Monthly Payment Plan through our third party vendor.
• Financial Aid deferments (loans, scholarships, etc)
• Notification to the Business Office by AUGUST 5th of the following other payments: RA, Bonner, veteran education benefits, letter from outside source (church, civic organization, etc.)

Find more information on the Student Statements FAQ page.

The 1098-T form is used by eligible educational institutions to report information about their students to the IRS as required by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. Eligible educational institutions are required to submit the student’s name, address, and taxpayer identification number, enrollment and academic status. Beginning with 2003, educational institutions must also report amounts to the IRS pertaining to qualified tuition and related expenses, as well as scholarships and/or grants, taxable or not. A 1098-T form must also be provided to each applicable student. This form is informational only. It serves to alert students that they may be eligible for federal income tax credits. It should not be considered as tax opinion or advice. While it is a good starting point, the 1098-T does not contain all of the information needed to claim a tax credit. There is no IRS requirement that you must claim the tuition and fees deduction or an education credit. Claiming education tax benefits is a voluntary decision for those who may qualify.

Your student’s Form 1098-T will be mailed to your home address in late January. The Business Office provides a “Frequently Asked Questions” section on the website to assist you with this form. We will be the first to admit that the Form 1098-T is confusing because of the timing of the tuition/fee charges and the corresponding financial aid. However, the vast majority of higher education institutions use this same billing process (i.e., billings for fall semester in July, Financial Aid credited in September, billings for spring semester in December, Financial Aid credited in February), so we are not alone. A color-coded chart found on our Q&A page helps illustrate the process (#04: “Why is Box 7 checked?”).

You can access the 1098-T via the following website (select “Access My Record,” and then follow the prompts). NOTE: Please be advised that Maryville College can not provide legal, tax or accounting advice to students or parents. We urge you to check with your tax advisor about this and other tax-related matters.

• The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the primary application for federal financial aid.
• It is used by the federal government, states, and most colleges to determine your eligibility for various forms of aid, including grants, loans, and work-study.

• You should fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible after it becomes available each year on October 1^st.
  • Oct. 1 Mandate
• Early filing is recommended, as some state and institutional aid may be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Yes, you need to resubmit the FAFSA each year you’re enrolled in college to continue receiving financial aid.

• You’ll need demographic information, high school and college details, federal income tax returns (from the prior-prior year), bank statements, and investment records.
• The 2025-26 FAFSA will use 2023 tax return information.

• Even if you don’t qualify for need-based aid like grants, you might still be eligible for federal student loans or other aid programs.
• It’s always recommended to fill out the FAFSA to explore all your options.

• Grants: Money that generally doesn’t have to be repaid, often based on financial need.
• Scholarships: Free money awarded based on academic merit, talent, need, or specific criteria.
• Work-Study: A program allowing students to earn money for school through part-time jobs.
• Loans: Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest, including federal and private options.

• Federal Aid >
• TN State Aid >
• Institutional Aid >
• Other aid sources >

• Completing the FAFSA is free.
• Applying early is crucial for maximizing your aid opportunities.
• Utilize available resources and don’t hesitate to reach out to financial aid offices for assistance.

Students are encouraged to check the “Calendars & Dates” page on the Maryville College website.

Students are also encouraged to read “Today@MC for Students,” MC’s daily electronic newsletter that communicates important information and current/upcoming activities for students. The newsletter is emailed to all MC students at 7am on Mondays through Fridays.

Student Name
MC # Box Number  (New students receive this via email in late summer.)
502  E. Lamar Alexander Parkway
Maryville, Tennessee  37804

Maryville College has a U.S. Post Office on campus, and all students have locking P.O. Boxes.

As a small college, MC provides personal attention for its students.  Faculty and staff know the students as individuals and can support and challenge each student based on his or her own needs and strengths.  In addition, students can easily engage in many activities, clubs, or organizations, enriching their experience in college, making them well-rounded individuals, and teaching them valuable organizational and leadership skills.

As a liberal arts college, MC provides the key elements for a successful career and a meaningful life.  Employers agree that they look for individuals that can work in teams, analyze complex problems, write and speak clearly, and develop solutions to real world problems.  These are the very skills emphasized by the liberal arts—and here at MC, epitomized by the Senior Study.

This is a difficult question, and the answer often depends on whom you ask.  There are several computer labs available in classroom buildings and the Library.  However, most MC students will say that they like having their own computer.   Most campus buildings provide wireless internet access.

In a word, yes. However, it may not always be as convenient as your student wants to park, which is usually next door to a particular building.  If your student complains, remind him or her that the MC campus is quite small, so a walk from one end to the other takes about 5 minutes.  Also, be aware that parking citations are given to students, faculty, and staff who park in areas not designated for them.  These citations carry with them a $30 fine (more if the person parks illegally in a handicap or fire zone).

The online vehicle information and registration form must be completed by all Maryville College students, regardless of whether or not they have a vehicle on campus. This lets us know who has a car and who does not – and who needs a parking decal. A current MC parking decal must be displayed on your student’s vehicle in order to park the vehicle on campus, and the form allows the student to get a parking decal. Students may register up to four vehicles.

In the event that classes are cancelled or delayed due to adverse weather conditions, students are advised to check the Maryville College website for detailed information. MC is equipped with an emergency communications system that emails, texts and calls students, faculty and staff in case of a campus emergency or closure. Additionally, area radio and TV stations will be notified by 7 a.m. on the day in question. Because we are a residential campus, essential staff will still report to work, so certain services, including dining services, will not close or cease operations. As for rehearsals, performances, practices, games, etc., students should check with faculty and staff in charge of those areas. More information can be found on the MC website.

All first-year students are required to complete an on-line course called AlcoholEdu at the beginning of their college career as part of their new student orientation program. AlcoholEdu is not a values-based course but is, instead, a factual presentation about the effects of blood alcohol content on physical, social, and mental functioning. Because students take it privately on-line, there are different versions for drinkers and non-drinkers, male and female. Through the course, students are reminded of the dangers and costs of alcohol abuse, and they are provided with skills to cope with the presence of alcohol and the choices they will have to make. In addition to AlcoholEdu, policies related to alcohol are strictly enforced on campus, and repeat offenders face suspension from the College. Substance abuse counseling is also available on campus to students.

The team physician provides free physicals to all athletes before the season’s practice begins. Consult the coach or team trainer for more details.

Emergency Medical Care

If you have an illness or injury that requires emergency care, Blount Memorial Hospital is located nearby. The hospital is directly across Highway 321 from the main entrance to the College. If you go to the emergency room, you will have to pay for the visit or file with your insurance.  Call 865-981-8112 (Security) or 865-981-8002 (Staff Member on Duty) for assistance while on-campus.

Non-Emergency Medical Care

River Valley Health (RVH) is Maryville College’s primary healthcare partner for students! Through this partnership, students can receive quick access to high-quality, comprehensive medical services. RVH’s Alcoa Health Center has same-day primary care appointments available for students. Whether students prefer to meet with a medical professional in-person or virtually*, RVH is prepared to help students optimize their health. RVH also has an on-site pharmacy that can provide students with medications. Services are available for everyone, regardless of health insurance status.
*First visit must be done in person.

In addition to trails in the College Woods for biking or running, the Alumni Gym has a Fitness Room with a variety of equipment, and a recreation area for all students. Also, free fitness classes are offered to students and staff throughout the year. Last but not least, Mountain Challenge at MC offers a full schedule of outdoor activities for all fitness levels including climbing, canoeing, caving, rafting and so on.  Check the website for details.

It is important for MC parents to have the Maryville College Security phone number on hand.  It is 865-981-8112, and Security is available 24/7.  If you are unable to reach your student, or if you need emergency assistance, don’t hesitate to call College Security.

Flex Dollars can be purchased through the College’s Business Office and put on the student’s ID card.  This declining balance provides deeply discounted prices at Isaac’s Café, and Pearsons Dining Hall (including the Market).

Parking lots are clearly labeled throughout campus, and several administrative parking lots are designated for visitor parking. You can also contact College Security, 865-981-8112, and pick up a visitor tag for your car.

Maryville College depends on the generosity of its alumni and friends, including parents/families of current students, and there are giving opportunities at all levels that range from current gifts to estate gifts. If you would like to donate, contact College Advancement at 865-981-8204 or go on the web site.

The answer to this question depends on many factors:  how strong academically is the student?  What is his/her course load?  Are the work hours off campus flexible? (Many classes have required activities and events outside of class.) Is there enough time set aside for studying?

It is a good idea for your student to plot the week’s activities on a schedule that includes time in class, studying (at least two hours for every one hour in class), sleeping, eating, down time, athletics (if applicable), etc.  Are there enough hours left to work off campus?

ALL students participate in Maryville College Works, our premier program which “links the liberal arts to Career”. The four year program guides students through vocational exploration, job skill building, and job placement, and it includes a required internship or other significant practical experience in the workplace. For more information, visit the Maryville College Works page.

The answer to this question depends on the spending habits your student brings to college. Actually, many needs are provided for on campus at no additional charge: food, laundry facilities, clinic services, cable movies, to name a few. Many students want to go off campus for meals, snacks, movies, entertainment, but they do not have to do so. We recommend that you and your student discuss and work out a budget on paper early on and amend it as needed during the first year. And avoid unnecessary expenses like too many drives to Knoxville or too many trips to Taco Bell at midnight!

Maryville College is a residential college and thus most of our students live on campus. Each year, we accommodate around 850-900 students in our on-campus housing, representing approximately three-fourths of our student body. The remaining one-fourth either commute from their parents’ homes or are non-traditional students.

All students are required to complete either a On-Campus Housing Application or a Commuter Application. Incoming students will apply through their MVP portal and Returning Students will visit the Highlander Hub Residence Life Page.

The timing of your assignment depends on when your application was submitted. The first round for first-year students will be released in mid-June, with subsequent assignments continuing biweekly until all students are assigned. Housing and roommate information will be sent to your Maryville College email.

Your assignment information will include your residence hall name, room number, roommate’s name, and roommate’s email.

We encourage you to email your roommate to exchange phone numbers, then call, video chat, or meet in person to get to know each other. This approach promotes more direct and meaningful communication. Contacting your roommate more directly helps build a stronger and more personal connection, reducing the chances of misunderstandings that can arise from written messages via text or social media.

Refer to Residence Life’s “Important Dates” page for comprehensive details regarding residence hall opening and closing dates, as well as check-in dates and residence hall breaks.

Please be aware that Maryville College Residence Halls close during Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, and Spring Break. Students are not permitted to remain on campus during these periods unless they have received prior approval from Residence Life. Residence Halls remain open during Fall Break.

Each student will have a Resident Assistant (RA) who lives on their floor and oversees 20-30 residents. RAs are exemplary upper-level students selected, hired, and trained to assist our residents. They help students adjust to campus life, address concerns or conflicts, and organize events and activities. RAs also provide academic support and encourage campus involvement.

Each residence hall also has a Resident Director (RD), a professional staff member who lives on campus and supervises the RAs. RDs manage the residence hall, handle serious issues, and mentor the RAs, ensuring a safe and positive living environment. The combination of RAs and RDs provides comprehensive support for students living on campus.

The RDs serve on a rotational on-call schedule called Staff Member on Duty (SMOD) and offer emergency support during weekends and holidays when students are on campus. There is always a professional staff member on call to help with emergency concerns. Non-emergency resident concerns should be taken to an RA, who will escalate to their RD if needed.

Yes, all residential students are required to have a meal plan. We offer a variety of meal plan options for our students. Prices and additional information are available on our website here.

Students who wish to change their meal plans before the semester starts can do so on the Highlander Hub Residence Life Page.

Students should familiarize themselves with the Student Handbook/Code of Conduct before arriving to campus. These documents contain detailed information on expected conduct and community standards, serving as indispensable references for fostering a positive and respectful environment within the Maryville College Community.

You can find our Residence Hall policies and procedures here.

It’s important for all students to review and understand these policies, as they are in effect throughout the entire school year.

Resident Assistants will cover these polices during hall/floor meetings at the beginning of the year and will provide reminders throughout the year.

Residence Halls also feature a “policy wall” with posters reminding students of the policies and procedures.

Two computer connections are located in each residence hall room for those wishing to connect to the internet using an Ethernet cable.

Maryville College is a wireless campus, so any device that has wi-fi capabilities will also work.

Overnight, between 8 pm and 8 am, please call the residence hall duty phone to reach a resident assistant who can assist you in obtaining a key to access your room.

• Carnegie/Beeson: (865) 755-1465
• Copeland Hall: (865) 755-1484
• Davis Hall: (865) 755-1571
• Gamble Hall: (865) 755-1494
• Gibson Hall: (865) 755-1622
• Pearsons Hall: (865) 755-1582
• Lloyd Hall: (865) 755-1457

During the daytime hours of 8 am and 8 pm, please call Security at 865-981-8112.

Residential students will incur a $10 fine for each instance of being locked out of their room, as Resident Assistants, Resident Directors, Security, or SMOD must respond to provide access.

While our college’s mailing address is 502 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804 and should be used for any and all packages, it will send your food delivery straight to the center of campus, not to your residence hall.

To make sure your food gets to the right place, use the specific address for your residence hall below. Don’t forget to meet your delivery driver outside, as they are not permitted to enter the building without a host. Meeting them in person will also prevent your food from being left outside and possibly going missing!

IMPORTANT: DO NOT use the residence hall addresses below for shipping packages. They will not work, and your package will likely not arrive.

Food Delivery Addresses for Campus Residence Halls:

• Beeson Village: 550 Maryville College Circle Dr. Maryville, TN 37804
• Carnegie Hall: 534 Maryville College Circle Dr. Maryville, TN 37804
• Copeland Hall: 712 Howee Ave. Maryville, TN 37804
• Davis Hall: 425 Maryville College Circle Dr. Maryville, TN 37804
• Gamble Hall: 327 Maryville College Circle Dr. Maryville, TN 37804
• Gibson Hall: 321 Maryville College Circle Dr. Maryville, TN 37804
• Lloyd Hall: 319 Maryville College Circle Dr. Maryville, TN 37804
• Pearsons Hall: 433 Maryville College Circle Dr. Maryville, TN 37804

Remember: These addresses are for food delivery only. Do not use them for shipping packages!

Laundry facilities in all residence halls are provided at no extra cost. Students are required to bring their own liquid or pod detergent, as powder detergent may cause issues with the machines.

In Copeland, Gamble, Davis, and Carnegie Halls, washers and dryers can be found on the ground/basement level.

Gibson and Lloyd Halls feature two laundry rooms on each floor, each equipped with a washer and dryer.

In Beeson Village, a laundry room is situated on the ground floor of Memorial Hall (building A), facing Court Street, below apartment A1.

Please note that only residential students are permitted to use the laundry machines within the residence halls.

Submit all residential maintenance requests using the Residential Maintenance Request Form.

Please refrain from submitting multiple maintenance requests for the same issue in your room, as it does not expedite the resolution process.

Additionally, if you encounter a high urgency maintenance need such as Flooding or Severe Water Leak, Electrical Hazard, Bio-Hazard, Broken Window or Door, Elevator Malfunction, o No Heating or Cooling in Extreme Weather, please contact Security and/or Staff Member on Duty (SMOD) immediately. This ensures that urgent situations are addressed promptly.

Conflict is an unavoidable aspect of life. While becoming close friends with your roommate is desirable, it’s often unrealistic. We recognize that differences may arise, and we’re here to support you in navigating those challenges.

To minimize roommate conflicts, establish clear boundaries together early on. We suggest creating a roommate agreement together, outlining shared expectations regarding noise levels, guests, cleaning schedules, shared food or other items, and other relevant aspects. This agreement should reflect your personal preferences while also adhering to college policies, such as quiet hours.

If conflicts persist:

1. Initiate an in-person conversation with your roommate, focusing on expressing your feelings without blaming. Use I statements such as “I feel”
2. If not already done, draft a comprehensive roommate agreement to clarify expectations and boundaries of the room.
3. Seek assistance from your Resident Assistant (RA), who can mediate discussions and provide guidance. They can also help facilitate your roommate agreement.
4. If issues persist, your Resident Assistant will involve your Resident Director (RD) for further assistance and potential room mediation.

Remember, any desire to change living arrangements within the residence halls requires adherence to established procedures:

1. Consult your RA to discuss the situation and to help mediate.
2. Meet with your Resident Director to address the situation and explore potential solutions.
3. Finally, consult the Housing Coordinator to plan and implement any approved room changes.

Exceptions to this process will be considered on a case-by-case basis by Residence Hall staff, in consultation with the Director of Residence Life.

Maryville College does not offer storage for personal belongings over the summer.

We highly encourage students to take advantage of a number of affordable commercial storage facilities located in and around Maryville.