Student Services

Division of Student Services

Professionally experienced student services specialists within the Division of Student Services provide a variety of services and sponsor many activities which are designed to facilitate the personal growth and development of students and to support the instructional programs of the College.

Services and activities specifically offered for prospective and new students include admissions counseling, educational planning, placement testing, and advising.

Other student services and activities include but are not limited to scheduling assistance for registration, career and personal counseling, tutorial assistance, financial aid and intramural sports.

Offices within the Division of Student Services are: Admissions, Advising Center, Athletics and Intramurals, Disability Services, Evening Services, Records and Registration, Retention Support Services, Special Adult Programs, Student Financial Aid, Student Life/Diversity Initiatives, Testing, TRIO (Student Support Services) and Veterans Affairs.

Admissions
Admission advisors are available to assist new students with the application process. Additionally, these advisors are able to clarify information on the application, answer any questions the student might have and outline the process that leads to registration.

The Advising Center

Students who have not declared a major or who are not seeking a degree or certificate (but wish to enroll in credit classes) are assigned to an Advisor/Counselor in the Advising Center for advising assistance. (Students who have declared a major are assigned to a faculty advisor or Advisor/Counselor.) The Advising Center also screens all transfer and transient students to be sure that required Learning Support assessment occurs and then modifies computer screens to allow enrollment.

Advising - Students should make an appointment to meet with their assigned advisor every semester before registering. An advisor can:

Provide general information about the College and its programs

Explain placement assessment results

Guide students through the registration process

Assist with creating a class schedule

Help students clarify their academic and/or career goals

Provide students with specific information regarding transfer of courses to other colleges and universities

Assist in explaining an unofficial audit of degree requirements

The Advising Center serves students both on and off campus. The normal operating hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students can walk-in to the Advising Center to make an appointment or call (615) 230-3702.  Assistance/Information may also be requested by FAX at (615)230-3692 or by e-mail to Advising@volstate.edu.

Orientation - Orientation is conducted by the Office of Retention and Support Services. All new degree and certificate-seeking students are required to complete orientation prior to fall or spring registration. Students should make reservations to participate in an on-campus session. During Orientation, students are presented with key information about the college, the academic support services available to them, the registration process, etc. After they have completed Orientation, students meet with a faculty advisor or an Advisor/ Counselor in the Advising Center to develop strategies for completion of their degree programs.

Academic and Career Counseling - Academic counseling consists of assisting the student with curriculum choice, educational planning, and accomplishment of academic goals. Advisor/Counselors use necessary intervention strategies to assist students in overcoming difficulties that would hinder performance. Academic counseling guides the student through an exploration of career and academic choices, assists in establishing life goals, and in developing personal plans to achieve educational goals.

Advisor/Counselors provide academic counseling for students who are having difficulty with their courses. While many of these students are referred to the Advising Center by their instructors, Advisor/Counselors will assist any student who is in need of academic counseling. Students can speak with an Advisor/Counselor either by appointment or on a walk-in basis.

The Advising Center can also assist students who are in need of career counseling. Students meet with an Advisor/Counselor who can assist with the development of a plan to determine what career path is best suited for them. After meeting with an Advisor/Counselor, students can make an appointment to take a career assessment in the Testing Center. These assessments are the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. In addition, students can complete an internet-based assessment called Kuder. After completing a career assessment, students should make an appointment to meet with an Advisor/Counselor who will interpret and discuss the results with them.

Other Counseling Services - The Advising Center does not have a licensed counselor on staff. Thus, it is not equipped to handle serious personal counseling matters. However, Advisor/Counselors are trained to provide emergency crisis counseling and will then refer students to an appropriate agency or licensed professional. 

Athletics
The intercollegiate athletic program includes men’s and women’s basketball teams, a men’s baseball team, and women’s softball. These teams compete with teams from other institutions of the same intercollegiate level as Volunteer State Community College. Athletes must meet the eligibility requirements of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Tennessee Junior and Community College Athletic Association.

Disability Services
The Office of Disability Services will assist students with disablities by ensuring the provision of reasonable accommodations. It is the student’s responsibility to voluntarily and confidentially disclose information regarding the nature of the disability. In order to receive assistance, students are encouraged to:

• Register with the Office of Disability Services
• Provide documentation of the qualifying disability

Auxiliary aids, services and accommodations will be provided on an individual basis taking into consideration the nature of the disability and the functional limitations.

Services include isign language interpreters, audio books, notetakers, test proctoring and access to adaptive software and equipment needed by some students to ensure equal educational opportunity. With advance notice, the Office of Disability Services will be responsible for arranging appropriate aids when requested. The College may provide for academic aids deemed necessary for a student’s educational access if they are not available from another source; however, it does not provide for personal aids such as attendant care or individually prescribed devices of a personal nature.

Evening Services
The Office of Evening Services, located in Wood 217, is available to students during the academic term Monday through Thursday until 8:00 p.m. and Friday until 5:30 p.m. This office coordinates services for students who attend classes in the evenings. The Office of Evening Services serves as an agent for Admissions, Records, Advising, Testing, Veterans Affairs, Financial Aid and the Business Office. The Director of Evening Services provides information, makes referrals and assists students in a variety of matters related to his or her student success.  Students and prospective students can pick up or submit a variety of forms which include:  applications, drop/add/withdrawal, transcript requests, change of major and some financial aid forms.  In addition, transactions such as making deferred payments, getting parking decals and photo ID cards are also available through this office.   

Records & Registration

The staff in Records & Registration is available to help students with sending transcripts, dropping and adding courses past the drop/add period, withdrawals, registration errors, grade appeal forms and questions, enrollment verification, transcript evaluation, the graduation process including taking a student’s application and guiding them thru the process, diploma pick up, academic fresh start, and changes to a student’s record (such as address or telephone number). International Student Services and the Veterans Affairs Coordinator are also located in the Office of Records & Registration. For more information about the Office of Records & Registration and the privacy act which governs the records held at our institution, please see the Records section under Instructional Regulations. 

Retention Support Services and College Success

The Office of Retention Support Services and College Success is responsible for Directions:  First Year Programs and retention initiatives developed within the Division of Student Services. Student success is the primary focus of this office.  However, assisting Faculty with their students and creating a conduit between both parties is also a very integral focus. The main objective is to expand and improve existing programming as well as build new programming and services that will enhance student success. The Call Center is a large part of the Office of Retention Support Services and College Success and serves in the role of welcoming students to the College as well as disseminating important information and reminders to students via telephone contact.  The Call Center is also responsible for contacting students who are having difficulties in the semester through our ALERT system.  The ALERT system is a campus collaboration whereby the faculty and staff ALERT the College Success Office and Advising/Counseling Center regarding any student that may be struggling.  Those students referred to the Retention Office via the Early Alert process are intervened with based upon the ALERT referral.  Types of referrals could include academic issues, counseling issues, career goal issues, absenteeism, etc.

Once on campus, students and their Parent/Support Groups will meet with their Academic Division Advising/Faculty staff for an in depth discussion regarding their chosen Program of Study. Upon completion of CAMPUS CONNECT:  The New Student Orientation program, students will be prepared to register for their courses online and learn about fee payment.

Special Adult Programs
The Office of Special Adult Programs coordinates and serves as a liaison with various outside state and federal agencies that sponsor students and provide financial assistance for tuition costs, books, training materials and supplies while attending VSCC. These students qualify for services through income eligibility, employment barriers, including being laid-off from a job, and those who need to retrain to improve job skills. The Office of Special Adult Programs serves as a resource for students during this period of transition, and provides counseling services as needed.  In addition, this office works closely with the Office of Disability Services, in helping students with disabilities meet their educational goals. The Office of Special Adult Programs is located in the Wood Campus Center, room 114. The phone number is 615-230-3449.

Student Life & Diversity Initiatives
The Office of Student Life & Diversity Initiatives strives to foster an educated and civic-minded college community. The office offers educational, cultural, leadership and social activities to meet the needs of a diverse student body. Student Life and Diversity Initiatives coordinates student activities, diversity initiatives, student organizations, student leadership development, diversity initiatives and student ID’s.

The Office of Diversity Initiatives seeks to provide support services for underrepresented, non-traditional, and first-generation students, to assist with retention and graduation to build a sense of community and unity among all students, and to further Volunteer State’s goal of promoting diversity and equality of all persons at Volunteer State.

This office attempts to make the academic and social integration of underrepresented students to college life a seamless process through mentoring and exposure to academic programs and student services. Opportunities for leadership training and attendance to regional and national conferences are also available.

Testing
Testing services are provided by the College through the Office of Testing. For students who have applied to Volunteer State, the Testing Center administers COMPASS Placement Tests, along with English language testing for ESOL students (English for Speakers of Other Languages).  The Testing Center also administers the ACT on national test dates. This office also serves as a testing center for the College Level Placement (CLEP), the College’s Computer Competency Exam (CCE), foreign language placement tests in French and Spanish, the HESI Nursing Exam, the HiSet exam, RODP and online exam proctoring, and the Southern Building Codes exam.  The Testing Center also administers exams for correspondence courses, make-up exams for college faculty, general education exit exams required of all graduates, as well as career counseling tools - Strong Interest Inventory and Myers Briggs Type Indicator.

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS)
The TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program at Volunteer State Community College is a federally funded program through the U.S. Department of Education. The main objective of this program is to provide eligible VSCC students increased educational opportunities in order to promote academic success. The overall goal is to support students through educational support and retention strategies that lead to graduation and/or transfer to a four year institution. In order to participate, students must meet one or more of the following U.S. Department of Education requirements:

•  Family income meets federal guidelines for low income
• Neither parent has earned at least a four-year college degree (first generation) or
• Registered with the Office of Disability Services

Services provided by TRIO SSS include Start-to-Finish Seminar, academic advising, career counseling, financial literacy, tutoring, mentoring, goal setting, laptop check-out, priority registration, learning communities and four-year college transfer assistance. Educational trips are provided for cultural activities and 4-year college tours. You may apply by coming to the TRIO SSS Office located in the Wood Campus Center (Room 211) and completing an application. You may also apply online at www.volstate.edu/trio. Participation is limited. Please call 615-230-3732 for more information.

Veterans’ Affairs
 

The Veterans Affairs (VA) Coordinator is a liaison between the student, the VA, Military, Veterans, and/or qualified dependents of veterans who enroll at Volunteer State and are using the GI Bill, Tuition Assistance, or MYCAA. The Veterans’ Affairs provides assistance in processing benefits, establishing career goals, and making life/career choices. The Veterans Affairs Coordinator assists students by explaining VA educational and Federal Tuition Assistance requirements and acts to ensure all institutional requirements are understood and met.

Approval for the college to offer training to military, veterans, and eligible dependents using these benefits comes with certain requirements and exclusions, such as: students receiving veteran’s benefits are required to be degree/certificate seeking and have a degree/certificate plan.  Any of these benefits programs will only pay for classes that go towards the degree or certificate the student is pursuing. Each semester, students desiring to use these benefits must fill out a Veterans Certification Request Form to request their classes be certified to the appropriate agencies.

Student Housing and Insurance
Volunteer State Community College does not have any housing facilities for its students although a limited number of housing accommodations are available in private homes. Students interested in obtaining a list of such facilities may contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Services in the Wood Campus Center, room 217.

Information on the Student Insurance is available through the Office of the Vice President for Student Services located in the Wood Campus Center, room 217. Insurance policies are issued by a private agency, authorized and approved by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Student Conduct and Discipline
The college student is considered a responsible adult. Enrollment at Volunteer State indicates acceptance of those standards of conduct appearing in detail in the Student Handbook, and Academic standards described in this catalog. Violations of these rules and regulations may result in disciplinary action by an administrative official or an appropriate college committee.

Action by the committee involved may range from exoneration to a recommendation for expulsion from the College. While such actions may be temporary or permanent, except in the most extreme cases, committee actions may be reviewed and the student restored to normal status after a stated period or completion of certain requirements. The principle of due process is followed, and every effort is made to give a positive approach to each situation.

Student Organizations And Activities
Student organizations and activities provide ample opportunities for students to participate in campus governance and leadership opportunities designed to promote their educational, personal and social development. The rules governing student organizations are found in the current Vol State Student Handbook. The College provides budgetary support for the following student organizations and activities.

Student Government Association
The Student Government Association (SGA) was established to provide leadership training in an environment which permits the exploration of a wide array of ideas. This avenue, through which student interests and needs may be expressed, provides students the opportunity to work with College Administrative Officers in matters affecting the welfare of the student body. The SGA works with all student organizations to maintain and improve the quality of student life on- and off-campus. In addition, the Livingston Campus and Highland Crest Campus have SGA positions  (The SGA Regent) available. Students are encouraged to participate in the campus-wide Student Forums held each Fall and Spring semester

Students filling the elected offices of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches of the SGA are elected during the Spring term. Every student enrolled at Volunteer State is a non voting member-at-large but can freely choose to become an active voting member by being elected to an office. All registered full-time and part-time students of Volunteer State possessing a G.E.D. score of 45 or a cumulative high school or Collegiate G.P.A. of 2.75 are eligible to run for offices in the Legislative and Judicial Branches. Students desiring to run for the Office of President, Vice President or Secretary of State must have a cumulative Collegiate G.P.A. of 2.75.  Additional information may be obtained through the Office of Student Life & Diversity Initiatives or the Office of the SGA President.

The Settler
The Settler, the campus student newspaper, is published and distributed each Tuesday of classes during the fall and spring semesters. The Settler is produced exclusively by students for the campus community. Students may participate for credit (COM 292P: 1-3 credit hours) or may volunteer. The instructor of COM 292P also serves as its faculty advisor. The Editor is selected by the advisor and the Coordinator of Student Activities with approval of the Vice-President for Student Services.

SettlerOnline.com
SettlerOnline.com, the campus online student news source, is run exclusively by students for world-wide Internet readers. All staff positions for SettlerOnline.com are filled by students, who may participate for credit (COM 292P: 1-3 credit hours) or may volunteer. The instructor of COM 292P also serves as its faculty advisor. The Media Editor is selected by the advisor and the Coordinator of Student Activities with approval of the Vice President for Student Services.

Intramural Athletics
The goals of the intramural athletic program are to provide facilities, funds and programs to encourage the voluntary participation of men and women at various levels of ability in structured seasonal sports which build a sense of community.

Association of Campus Events (ACE)
The purpose of Association of Campus Events is to develop and offer a variety of social, cultural, educational and recreational programs for all members of the College community.

Any currently enrolled students interested in the planning, production and promotion of activities should contact the Coordinator of Student Activities. The President of ACE is selected by the Coordinator of Student Activities with approval of the Director of Student Life & Diversity Initiatives and the Vice President for Student Services.

Volunteer State Singers
The Vol State Singers was established to provide Volunteer State students with an opportunity to perform in a choral organization. The chorus performs for both on and off campus functions. Most students who participate in the chorus enroll in MUS 154 (Vol State Singers). Students who are able to sing a simple song with correct pitch are invited to enroll in class and participate in rehearsals and performances. This a non-auditioned choral class.  Contact the Visual and Performing Arts Department for more information.

College Theatrical Productions & Delta Psi Omega
Each year the Humanities Division of the College presents a fall and two spring dramatic productions. One of the spring productions is a children’s play and is performed for both on and off campus audiences. Although any VSCC student is eligible to audition or work in the productions, many participants are enrolled in theater classes (THEA 120, 130, 205D or 210) and/or are members of the college’s theatrical organization, Delta Psi Omega. Delta Psi Omega present a student directed production in the summer.  Contact the Visual and Performing Arts Department for more information.

Special Interest Student Organizations
Many organizations have been established to address the special interests and/or needs of students. For students interested in out-of-classroom learning experiences, the following section provides brief statements of purpose for registered student organizations. Some organizations have affiliates at the Livingston Center and Highland Crest Campus.  For additional information, contact the respective faculty advisor or the Office of Student Life & Diversity Initiatives.  Some organizations include but not limited to are:

African-American Student Union (AASU) - an exceptional opportunity for leadership development, camaraderie and friendship is provided to members during weekly meetings and a variety of programs.

Artian’s Alliance - the purpose is to bring student writers together to experience each others’ creativity and receive constructive criticism. Together, the students produce an annual literacy anthology, Squatter’s Rites.

Cheerleaders - provides support to athletics at Vol State and raises the level of fan engagement and excitement for Vol State teams.

Collegiate Ministry - provides experiences which lead to growth in Christian living. Weekly meals and Bible study are enjoyed.

Delta Psi Omega - provides an independent, student driven opportunity for theatrical stage performances. Productions are selected by, directed by, cast by, and often written by Vol State students.

Gaming Club - provides students with the opportunity to participate in and compete against other students on campus.

Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) - provides an open environment to foster dialogue between gay and straight students in a supportive atmosphere.

Geocaching Club (Available at Livingston) - engage students in modern day treasure hunting in the surrounding area. Members will get a change to go hiking and searching for geocaches in a variety of places ranging from rural, natural parks, and urban settings.

Honors Preservation Society (HPS) - The action arm of the honor’s Program: a student organization that seeks to represent those students that take part in the honor’s program, by providing a means for student to meet, share ideas, and engage in collaborative learning.

Music Club (Available in Gallatin and Livingston) - provides students with an opportunity to perform, discuss, and promote music within the community both on and off campus.

National Society of Leadership & Success - promotes student leadership enhancement, while encouraging attainment of personal and educational goals. Students must have a 2.5 GPA and at least 6 college credits to receive an invitation letter from the national office.

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) - the National Honorary Organization for two-year schools, was established in 1918 to recognize academic excellence. This organization, which awards $28 million nationwide in transfer scholarships to active members annually, was chartered on campus in March 1998. While participation in chapter activities is not required, the organization offers opportunities for community service and personal development. Those students who have earned 12 collegiate hours, have a GPA of 3.5, and are working toward an associate’s degree are invited to join each Fall and Spring semester.

Psychology Club - provides academic support, mentorship and educational activities for students majoring in psychology. The Livingston Campus has an extension of this club.

Returning Women Organization (RWO) - provides an opportunity for support, information, personal growth and scholarships for women who have returned to school after several years of absence. The Livingston Campus has an extension of this club.

Service Learning Club - provides opportunities to learn by doing, develop leadership skills, give back to the community, increase awareness of societal issues, broadens prospective of diversity issues, and enhances critical thinking problem solving skills.

Society of Success and Leadership - affiliated with the National Society of Success and Leadership, this organization, also known as Sigma Alpha Pi promotes student leadership enhancement, while encouraging attainment of personal and educational goals. 

Student Paralegal Association (SPA) - an organization that further educates the members of the paralegal profession and encourages a high order of ethical and professional attainment. Lambda Epsilon Chi is a paralegal honor society.

Team Change- promotes environmental responsibility and sustainability in campus and individual decision making.

Vol State International Student Association (VISA) provides an opportunity for its members to interact, support, and socialize with each member. Additionally, its purpose is to raise awareness of their unique cultural, social and academic challenges, and to solicit administrative support to meet needs.

Volunteer State Veteran’s Association (VSVA) - provides military veterans with resources support and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and post-graduation.

Zeta Kappa Lambda; American Criminal Justice Association - promotes professional and academic awareness of criminal justice issues. Also educates students on the high standards of ethical conduct in the profession of criminal justice and higher education in general, provides students connections to career opportunities; and serves the greater VSCC community.


All student organizations at Volunteer State are subject to Chapter 0240-2-4 of the State Board of Regents Rules promulgated pursuant to the Tennessee Uniform Administrative Procedures Act. 

Additionally, all student leadership position, from special interest organizations to the Student Government Association, are held to the criteria of Vol State Policy III:11:03 Qualifying for Student Title/Office:

Purpose
Volunteer State Community College expects academic excellence from all students who hold elected positions or titles of leadership in student organizations or activities. This policy establishes minimal academic and citizenship qualifications for those who seek student leadership roles.
 

Qualifications
Any currently enrolled full-time or part-time student may qualify to run for office or honorary title if he/she:
1.Has a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 at Volunteer State Community College
2.Is a responsible member of the campus community who abides by institutional rules and regulations and by the laws of local, state and national governments
3.Submits a “Qualifying Petition” with the endorsement of fellow students, if applicable

Any student who is elected to office or honorary title must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 throughout the term of office.

Exceptions
A first term student who wishes to qualify to run for office or honorary title must have a high school or transfer cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above and meet all other qualifying conditions for student leaders.

Volunteer State College Foundation

The Volunteer State College Foundation was chartered in 1989 as a 501 (c)(3) charitable corporation separate from the college but organized to provide support for the needs of the College.  The mission of the Foundation is:  To raise and administer funds to support the educational objectives of Volunteer State Community College and to solicit the active involvement of all communities within our service area.

Alumni Relations

The College is proud of its growing Alumni Association and wishes to both maintain contact and nourish support through magazines, personal visits, and alumni activities.  The Alumni Association is governed by a 12-member Advisory Council.  Through the Council’s efforts, the Alumni Association awards one need-based scholarship for family members of Volunteer State College Alum each year. For information on scholarship details and eligibility, please visit http://www.volstate.edu/Alumni/Scholarship.php.