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College Programs & General Areas of Study
The programs, curricula, and fees as set forth in this catalog are subject to change at any time at the discretion of Volunteer State Community College or the Tennessee Board of Regents. Volunteer State Community College offers a number of general areas of study to meet the needs of its students through flexible course offerings.
Educational programs are designed to meet the needs of students who plan to transfer their work and continue toward a baccalaureate degree, to prepare students who graduate or receive certificates to enter directly into their chosen field of work, or for students to complete non-credit courses for personal improvement, for employment advancement, or for cultural enhancement. All students pursuing a degree must follow a specific course of study as outlined in the program guide. Students who seek to transfer to a senior institution should familiarize themselves with the requirements of that institution and should plan their program accordingly.
Division of Instruction
For administrative purposes, the credit instructional program at Volunteer State Community College is organized into the following five divisions:
Division of Business and Technology
The Business and Technology Division at Volunteer State Community College offers career credit courses leading to industry-recognized certifications, technical certificates, and degrees for entry into the workforce and for transfer to a four-year college or university. These programs utilize State-of-the-art resources and computer/cyber labs to enrich the students’ learning experiences in preparation for careers in business and technology industries.
Division of Health Sciences
The John B. Wallace Health Sciences Division offers degree and certificate programs which are designed to prepare students for a career in specific health care occupations. The programs range from one semester to two academic years (6 to 24 months) in length.
Division of Humanities
The Humanities Division offers programs designed to provide the foundation students need to succeed at four-year colleges or universities. A radio station, newspaper, recording studio, TV studio, and literary journals are available for students to voice their creativity. The division also offers many visual and performing arts programs where students can develop their talents.
Division of Mathematics and Science
The Division of Mathematics and Science offers innovative programs to prepare students for further pursuit of careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and health care related fields. The division also offers degree and certificate programs designed to prepare students for careers in the animal care and environmental technology industries. Division resources include communal learning environments and well-equipped science laboratory facilities. Students may enhance their experience with a variety of service-learning and research-based opportunities.
Division of Social Science and Education
The Social Science and Education Division offers degree and certificate programs for both entry into the workforce and for transfer to a four-year college or university. These programs provide students opportunities to learn the innermost concepts of the mind to creations of civilizations, our historical past and its relevance to today, from the workings of government, law, and commerce to education and health.
Other Academic Support
Learning Support
At Volunteer State Community College, Learning Support is designed to serve students who need to improve their reading, writing, and mathematics skills as they enter college-level curriculum. Learning Support classes are individualized, so that there is more contact between student and instructor. In addition, tutoring and advising are provided.
The Learning Commons
The Learning Commons provides free tutoring services for all VSCC students in many subject areas. Within the Learning Commons, computer-based instruction and one-on-one tutoring in reading, writing, and math is provided to help students upgrade basic skills for college-level courses. The Learning Commons hosts learning support math courses and supports learning support Reading, Writing, and Math faculty and students. The Learning Commons also provides assistance with eLearn for students taking online courses and for students who are using eLearn as a part of a traditional face-to-face class.
The Learning Commons staff provides:
- Assessment of current academic skill levels
- Individualized tutoring services
- Flexible hours to accommodate work and family schedules
Students may come to the Learning Commons at any time during the semester. Learning Commons staff members are also available to meet the basic skills needs of the community at-large, and high school students may contact the Learning Commons anytime for ACT/SAT preparation. For further information, contact a member of the Learning Commons staff.
The Honors Program
The Honors Program offers high academic achievers opportunities to interact with other students with similar academic standards, small classes to ensure individualized attention, a strong academic program, and an enhanced academic record.
Student new to Volunteer State Community College should have an ACT composite of 26 or higher (applicants with lower ACT scores will be considered on a case-by-case basis). Students already enrolled in the College need a GPA of 3.5 or above and/or a strong recommendation from a faculty member.
Scholarships are available for new and currently enrolled students. The recipient must commit to completing 12 hours of Honors courses over a four-semester period, maintain a 3.0 GPA, complete the Honors leadership course, and attend Honors Program meetings.
Honors courses are listed in the schedule and are designated by an A01 section number. Honors students may receive Honors credit in some non-Honors courses by contract with instructors.
To receive recognition at graduation students must have completed 12 hours of Honors courses, including the Honors leadership course. Those students are presented with a certificate of completion and an Honors medallion.
Community Service Programs
The community service program of the College includes a wide range of activities involving cooperative efforts between College personnel and the community. Included among the activities are campus and cultural events, consulting and advisory services, campus participation in civic organizations and community-based efforts, conferences and institutes, facility utilization, and other specialized services available through individual units of the College. Community service is an integral component of the overall operation of the institution, with all administrative units sharing in the responsibility of service.
Library Services
Thigpen Library supports the academic needs of the College community by providing information resources, research assistance, study spaces, and instruction services
The library’s main location, including its physical collections, is on the Gallatin campus. Additional library services are available at the Cookeville Higher Education Center, Livingston, and Springfield sites. Librarians and library specialists are available at all locations to help with students’ research and information needs and to collaborate with faculty to provide library instruction services.
Each library site provides students with a place to study, collaborate and learn. Thigpen Library in Gallatin features individual and group study spaces to meet diverse study needs and preferences. Items from the library’s physical collections, with approximately 45,000 books and 2,000 DVDs, are delivered to students and employees at the sites or by mail upon request. Other resources circulate to support student learning, including textbooks on course reserve and technology such as graphing calculators and cameras. Computers, scanners, and printers are available in each library.
Thigpen Library’s website, www.volstate.edu/library, provides operating hours and access to services and resources. Online library resources include more than 100 databases containing millions of full text articles, streaming videos, and searchable eBooks. Current students and employees can access these resources 24/7. Librarian-curated research guides help students find the most relevant resources for their courses and research topics, including a guide for citing sources.
Contact information for Thigpen Library is also available on the website (www.volstate.edu/library). Assistance is available during operating hours via phone, text, chat, email, drop-ins, and by appointment. Chat and text services are available 24/7.
Off Campus Sites
Degree-Granting Off-Campus Centers, Cookeville Higher Education Center and Livingston
The College offers the opportunity to complete degree programs at its two degree-granting Centers, Cookeville Higher Education Center and Livingston. A full range of support services is provided. Students interested in pursuing degrees other than those offered at the two centers may be required to complete some coursework on the main campus or online.
Volunteer State Community College at Livingston, located in Overton County, provides all of the coursework for completion of the Associate of Science (General Studies concentration), and the Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Technology. The College offers Learning Support courses in reading, writing and mathematics. Classes are offered during the day and evening hours.
Volunteer State Community College at Cookeville, located in Putnam County, provides all of the coursework for completion of the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Technical Certificate, Emergency Medical Technician Technical Certificate, Associate of Applied Science in Mechatronics, Associate of Science (University Parallel), Paramedic Technical Certificate, Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice Technical Certificate, Associate of Applied Science in Business, and the Associate of Science in Teaching. The College offers Learning Support courses in reading, writing and mathematics. Classes are offered during the day and evening hours.
The goal of the extended services or outreach program is to provide credit courses at multiple sites, on multiple schedules, and through various delivery systems to enhance access to higher education opportunities throughout the service region.
Volunteer State seeks to provide quality educational experiences to its students at approximately thirty off-campus teaching sites, affording them the opportunity to continue their education during the day and/or evening hours at locations convenient to their home or workplace. The College appreciates the cooperative working arrangements with various local school and civic officials in providing the facilities, assistance, and input into the offerings each term. Courses at off-campus teaching sites are staffed by qualified instructors from the academic divisions of the College and are of equal quality to those taught on the main campus. Students may enroll in one or more courses to earn credit toward a college degree and/or to pursue personal and professional goals.
Off-Campus Teaching Sites
Highland Crest, Springfield
Special career classes are offered at other higher education institutions and public facilities through cooperative agreements.
Courses and locations are listed in the Schedule of classes each semester.
Dual Enrollment
Beech HS, Sumner County
Celina HS, Clay County
Cookeville HS, Putnam County
East Robertson HS, Robertson County
Gallatin HS, Sumner County
Gordonsville HS, Smith County
Greenbrier HS, Robertson County
Hendersonville HS, Sumner County
Jackson County HS, Jackson County
Jo Byrns HS, Robertson County
Lebanon HS, Wilson County
Livingston Academy, Overton County
Macon County HS, Macon County
Merrol Hyde HS, Sumner County
Monterey HS, Putnam County
Mount Juliet HS, Wilson County
Pop John Paul II HS, Sumner County
Portland HS, Sumner County
Red Boiling Springs HS, Macon County
Smith County HS, Smith County
Springfield HS, Robertson County
Station Camp HS, Sumner County
Trousdale HS, Trousdale County
Upperman HS, Putnam County
Westmoreland HS, Sumner County
White House Heritage HS, Robertson County
White House HS, Sumner County
Whites Creek HS, Davidson County
Wilson Central, Davidson County
Christian Community HS, Robertson County
Donelson Christian Academy, Davidson County
Mount Juliet Christian Academy, Wilson County
Highland Academy, Sumner County
Distributed Education
Vol State’s Distributed Education program gives students the flexibility to take classes that fit their schedules and lifestyles. Most of the general education core and selected major courses may be completed either online, using our course management system, or as hybrid (blended) courses, which require a combination of online and classroom participation. Additionally, several degrees may be completed via distance courses. Courses are available in traditional and accelerated formats. All hybrid and online courses contain the same outcomes as a corresponding traditional classroom course. Advising, student support, and other forms of student assistance are also available online.
eLearn
ELearn is the name of the Vol State course management system. This is where Vol State online classes happen. Most hybrid and traditional, on-campus course also use eLearn. Within eLearn, many instructors will post announcements, course content, assignments, and grades.
Before classes begin, students will want to check out this list of Technical Requirements and Skills needed to use eLearn. You can find many how-to articles and videos on our knowledge base: eLearn for Students. The website to sign-in and participate in Vol State online and hybrid courses is https://elearn.volstate.edu. New students are encouraged to participate in an optional workshop to learn to use eLearn before classes begin. Contact Distributed Education for more information.
Definitions
Hybrid (Blended) Courses
Hybrid courses are designed to provide students the opportunity to experience a mix of traditional face-to-face and online education. Hybrid classes meet with the instructor at designated dates and times at a specific location and also include a portion of online work. Students are required to participate in both the face-to-face and online portions of the course. Several hybrid class formats are available and include: 75% online and 25% face-to-face; 50% online and 50% face-to-face; 25% online and 75% face-to-face. Dates of required face-to-face classroom participation are listed in the course schedule.
Online Courses
An online course is defined as any course that is offered solely by the means of the Internet using a course management system. No classroom attendance is required. Students may study and complete coursework anywhere with reliable Internet access and at any time within the published course dates. Although online courses offer students great flexibility in completing their coursework, students should also be aware that online courses will still have established due dates and deadlines. Proctored exams may be required.
TN eCampus Online Courses
Vol State is a TN eCampus partner. As a result, VSCC students are provided with access to additional online courses that are delivered through TN eCampus. Students may study and complete TN eCampus coursework anywhere with reliable Internet access and at any time within the established due dates and deadlines of their courses. Proctored exams may be required.
Students who wish to take TN eCampus online courses for college credit must apply for admission to VSCC, and VSCC will also evaluate any transfer coursework. Students may only register for TN eCampus courses that are in the VSCC catalog and schedule. TN eCampus courses have an additional per-credit-hour fee on top of VSCC course fees. For additional information on TN eCampus courses at VSCC, call the Advising Center or visit the TN eCampus website.
TN eCampus online courses have an “R” at the beginning of the section listing in Vol State’s schedule of classes. The website to sign-in and participate in TN eCampus online courses is https://gotoclass.tnecampus.org/.
Desktop Video Conferencing
Some classes may be scheduled each semester which allow students in Livingston, Gallatin, Highland Crest, and other selected sites to meet together with a single instructor through computer-based video. Students in these courses participate from their assigned campus site through the video conferencing software, and students and faculty can see and hear each other.
Consult the VSCC web site (www.volstate.edu) for a current listing of online and hybrid classes available each semester and for information on college admission and enrollment.
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