Student Services

Division of Student Services

The Division of Student Services provides a variety of services and sponsors 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 counseling, tutorial assistance, financial aid, and intramural sports.

Offices within the Division of Student Services are: Enrollment Management which includes the Office of Admissions, Advising Center, Records and Registration, Retention Support Services, Student Financial Aid, and Testing Center.  The Offices of Athletics and Intramurals, Disability Services,Student Engagement and Support, Diversity & Inclusion, Career Services, TRIO Student Support Services, and Adult Learners & Veterans Affairs are also a part of this Division.

Admissions
Students can contact the Admissions office at admissions@volstate.edu. 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 students might have and outline the process that leads to registration. The Office of Admissions offers campus tours for prospective students Monday through Thursday at either 9:30 am or 2:30 pm during the spring and fall terms. Visit volstate.edu/admissions for more information about applying to the College or to schedule a campus tour.

The Office of Advising
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 a Full-Time Advisor/Counselor or Completion Advisor in the Office of Advising for advising assistance. Students who have declared a major are assigned to a faculty advisor, Advisor/Counselor, or Completion Advisor. The Office of Advising also screens all transfer and transient students to be sure that required Learning Support assessment occurs and then modifies computer screens to allow enrollment. 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 Office of Advising serves students both on and off campus. The normal operating hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. There are times during the year, however, when The Advising Center is open extended hours.  Please check the website for current information related to the extended hours schedule.

Students can walk in to the Office of Advising to make an appointment or call (615) 230-3702.  Assistance and information may also be requested by FAX at (615) 230-3692 or by e-mail. 

The Office of Advising is also responsible for making all advisor assignments.  If students would like to be assigned to a new advisor, they should make that request by contacting the Office of Advising. 

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

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

The Office of Advising can also assist students who are in need of career counseling. Students will meet with an Advisor/Counselor or Completion Advisor 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 or Completion Advisor, students can make an appointment to take a career assessment in the Testing Center. These assessments include the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. In addition, students can complete internet-based assessments called Kuder and TypeFocus. After completing a career assessment, students should make an appointment to meet with an Advisor/Counselor or Completion Advisor who will interpret and discuss the results with them.

Other Counseling Services - The Office of Advising does not have a licensed counselor on staff. Thus, it is not equipped to handle serious personal counseling matters. However, Advisor/Counselors and Completion Advisors are trained to provide immediate, short-term assistance 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 Community College Athletic Association.

Access Center
The primary goal of the Access Center is to promote full access and participation of students with disabilities in all programs, activities and facilities of Volunteer State Community College. Access Center staff help students participate more fully in educational programming, benefit from an accessible environment, and achieve greater success by facilitating educational access. We provide information and guidance to students, evaluate student disability documentation, and determine appropriate accommodations to remove academic barriers created by an inaccessible environment.  Additionally, we serve as a resource for faculty to assist them in the provision of accommodations in the classroom to remove potential barriers, and the creation of a more accessible learning environment.  It is the student’s responsibility to voluntarily and confidentially disclose information regarding the nature of the disability. In order to benefit from the services provided in the Access Center, students are asked to:

• Complete an Access Center application at www.volstate.edu/access
• Provide/upload professional documentation of a disability
• Assist in identifying the academic barriers encountered
• Follow through with each step of the accommodation process

Auxiliary aids, services and accommodations are provided on an individual basis taking into consideration the nature of the student’s disability and functional limitations, as well as the specific barriers encountered in each class. As appropriate, services may include sign-language interpreters, alternate-format textbooks, note taking support, alternative testing, and access to adaptive software and equipment needed to ensure equal educational opportunity. While the College provides academic aids deemed necessary for a student’s educational access, it does not provide personal aids and services such as attendant care or individually prescribed devices for personal use or study.

Records and Registration
The staff in Records & Registration are 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 and awarding of external credit, the graduation process upon receipt of application and guiding them thru the process, diploma pick up, and changes to a student’s record (such as address or telephone number). For more information about the Office of Records & Registration and the privacy act which governs the records held at our institution, please see Student Records and Academic Regulations.

Student Engagement and Support
Office of Student Engagement and Support is responsible for engaging and supporting students as they navigate their higher education experience academically, socially, and personally.  The Office is primarily responsible for the following areas:  Career Services, Student Support and Prevention Initiatives, Student Leadership, Student Activities, and the Student Government Association. Student success through engagement and leadership is the primary focus of this office; collaborating with faculty and staff to promote a more well-rounded student is also a very integral focus. A main objective of this office is to expand and improve existing programming as well as build new programming and services that will enhance student success. The Office of Student Engagement and Support has a call center.  The center serves in the role of welcoming students to the College as well as disseminating important information and reminders to students via telephone contact. 

Diversity and Inclusion
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion exist to provide cultural awareness and education while helping to enhance diversity through programming, activities and training for the Vol State Community. Collaborating with faculty, staff, and students, this office in the Division of Student Services, endeavors to offer programming to support and expand how we view and understand diversity and inclusion within the College’s mission and strategic priorities. This diverse community is continually evolving thus our standard is to stay abreast of cultural changes to ensure an ever more diverse and inclusive campus environment. 

In collaboration with the Diversity and Cultural Awareness committee, the office supports and executes initiatives which seek to develop an intellectually agile and globally engaged student body while fostering a campus community where every person feels welcome, physically safe, a sense of belonging, feel they are valued and contributing and perhaps most importantly, see that every person enjoys the freedom to challenge and the responsibility to be challenged.

Testing Services
Testing services are provided by the College through the Testing Centers at all Vol State campuses in Gallatin, Cookeville, Livingston, and Springfield. Testing Services include placement tests for admission to Vol State, including English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL); foreign language placement tests in French and Spanish; the Computer Competency Exam (CCE); the TEAS preadmission test for Nursing; graduation exit exams; faculty exams for Vol State and TN eCampus courses; and career assessments. The Testing Centers also provide remote proctoring services for students enrolled at other colleges and universities, and it serves as an official testing center for the ACT National, the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET), Microsoft certification exams, and Business and Industry Certification and Licensure exams.

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 Vol State students increased educational opportunities that 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:

• Low-Income:  Pell Grant Eligible
• First Generation:  Neither parent has earned a four-year college degree or
• Disability:  Registered with the Vol State Access Center

Services provided by TRIO SSS include Start-to-Finish Seminar, academic advising, graduation planning, career counseling, financial literacy, tutoring, mentoring, goal setting, laptop check-out, digital recorder/calculator check out, priority registration, and 4-year college transfer assistance. Educational trips are provided for cultural activities and 4-year college tours. Students may apply by coming to the TRIO SSS Office and completing an application. Students may also apply online at www.volstate.edu/trio.

Office of Adult Learners and Veterans Affairs
The mission of the Office of Adult Learners and Veterans Affairs is to provide assistance to all adult learner students, including veterans (and their dependents), military, and other qualifying adult students who are attending or preparing to attend VSCC by supporting their college success.  This office assists these students with finding resolutions to challenges and needs which may arise while accomplishing their college goals.  This may be through guidance on the admissions process, academic advising, career guidance, veterans benefits, local career center benefits, or basic college processes.

This office coordinates services for these students by working with state and federal agencies to help qualified students with financial assistance from local agencies, job retraining, and employment programs.  This office also provides assistance with Veterans Affairs educational benefits, military federal tuition assistance and military spouse financial aid.  As an added benefit, this office manages the Vol State Veterans Center. This office is also a source of information for college services such as advising, locations for tutoring, or guidance to external resources such as Veterans’ agencies or other adult support services.

Veterans Affairs
The Veterans Affairs (VA) section in the Office of Adult Learners and Veterans Affairs, is the location for veterans, military, or qualified military dependents attending VSCC to submit requests for certification of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), or Federal Tuition Assistance benefits.  This office provides assistance in processing benefits, establishing career goals, making life/career choices, and assistance with resources for veteran unique challenges as they transition to college. This office also assists students by explaining educational requirements and ensures all institutional requirements are understood and met.

Approval for the college to offer training to military, veterans, and eligible dependents VA or DoD educational benefits comes with certain requirements and exclusions.  One requirement is that 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 courses that apply to the academic program the student is pursuing. Each semester, students desiring to use these benefits must fill out a Veterans Certification Request Form (VCRF) to request their classes be certified to the appropriate agencies.

Community Based State and Federal Financial Programs
The Office of Adult Learners and Veterans Affairs also coordinates services with various community-based state agencies offering financial assistance through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) or Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA).  These agencies may sponsor students enrolled in VSCC by providing financial assistance for tuition costs, books, training materials and/or supplies.  Students qualify for services based on income eligibility and employment barriers such as being laid-off from a job or needing to improve job skills through retraining or other approved eligibility requirements.  This office also functions as a resource center for students during periods of transition to college.

Student Housing
Volunteer State Community College does not have any housing facilities for its students although we have a list of available housing in the community. Students interested in obtaining a list of such facilities may contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Services.

Student Conduct and Discipline
The College aims to maintain an environment of integrity, civility, and safety.  Students are expected to behave appropriately with emphasis on self-respect and respect for others. Enrollment at VSCC indicates acceptance of those standards of conduct appearing in detail in the Student Conduct and Disciplinary policy. Violations of these rules and regulations may result in disciplinary action by an administrative official or an appropriate college committee. The College recognizes each student’s rights to fair procedures and due process, including notice that specifies the alleged violation(s) of the Student Conduct and Disciplinary policy, an opportunity to respond to the allegations, and an appeal process appropriate to the nature and potential consequences of the violation.

Intramural Sports & Cheerleading
Intramurals
The goals of the intramural sports 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. Additional information can be obtained through the Athletics department.

Cheerleading
Cheerleaders provide support to the athletic programs at Vol State and raises the level of fan engagement and excitement for Vol State teams.  Please contact the Athletic Department for additional information.

Student Clubs/Organizations

Student organizations and activities provide ample opportunities for students enrolled in for-credit courses to participate in and promote their educational, personal and social development.

Students who participate in clubs/organizations on campus will

1. Develop on-the-job-skills such as fiscal management/budgeting, record keeping, and event planning.
2. Identify skills on how to collaborate with others and work in a team atmosphere.
3. Recognize professionalism through personal accountability such as time management, attitude, and work ethic.

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, Highland Crest Campus, and Cookeville Campus have SGA positions available called the SGA Regent. Students are encouraged to participate in the campus-wide Student Forums held each Fall and Spring semester

Students filling the SGA Executive Cabinet are elected and/or interviewed during the Spring term.  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 apply for the Office of President, Vice President, Secretary of State, Secretary of Treasury, CAB Chair, Attorney General, and Senior Senator.  Additional information may be obtained through the Office of Student Engagement & Support.

Campus Activity Board (CAB) 
The purpose of the Campus Activities Board (CAB) is to develop and offer a variety of social, cultural, educational and recreational programs for all members of the College community.  Any students currently enrolled in for-credit courses interested in the planning, production and promotion of activities should contact the Coordinator of Student Activities. The CAB Chair, CAB Representative, and CAB Marketing Representative are selected through an interview process by the Coordinator of Student Activities with approval of the Manager of Student Engagement and Support.

Civitan Criminal Justice Club
This club provides fellowship and knowledge to its members and service to its community.  Members of the club meet together regularly for the purpose of acquiring a broader knowledge of public affairs and community needs; and through instruction, discussion and study, become better prepared for intelligent leadership and cooperation in solving civic and community problems.

National Society of Leadership & Success (NSLS)
NSLS promotes student leadership enhancement, while encouraging attainment of personal and educational goals. The society offers leadership training, SMART goal instruction, and guidance on how to succeed and balance school, work, and life in general. Students join by invitation only with the requirement of a minimum GPA of 2.5 and six college credits. Members who finish all steps (attending one orientation, one leadership training day, three speaker broadcasts, and submitting three SNT goals) receive a certificate of completion and become an inducted member of NSLS. The organization is active at the Gallatin and Cookeville campuses.

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) 
The international Honor Society for two-year colleges 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 minimum GPA of 3.5, and are working toward an associate degree are invited by invitation to join each Fall and Spring semester.

Dental Assistants
The Dental Assistants serve as a public relations group for the Dental Assistants in the Middle Tennessee area. The club participates in social activities and educational seminars with the First District Dental Assistants Association. Students must by in the Dental Assistants Program to be a member.

Future Educators Club
A group of students who are interested in education, specifically becoming educators in the future. Through this club, we hope to make changes in children’s lives and encourage other future educators to get more involved in their local schools and communities.

The Settler
The Settler, the campus student newspaper, is published virtually each week. It is produced exclusively by students for the campus community.  The Editor is selected by the advisor and the Coordinator of Student Activities with approval of the Vice-President for Student Services.

National Association of Veterinary Technicians’ in America (NAVTA)
NAVTA promotes the Vet Tech club and exposes the students to more educational opportunities, as well as, the humane medical care and treatment of animals. Students must be in the Vet Tech Program to be a member.

Returning Student Organization (RSO) 
RSO provides an opportunity for support, information, and personal growth for any student who has returned to school after several years of absence.  RSO helps connect new and current students to available resources to connect with each other, as well as, find resources and familiarize students with the Vol State campus and facilities to improve their college experience.

SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA will assist members with their growth and development through leadership opportunities in educational, vocational, civic, recreational, and social activities.

The Green Team
This organization was established to implement eco-friendly sustainable projects at Vol State Cookeville Higher Education Campus.

Vol State Veteran’s Association (VSVA)
VSVA provides military veterans with resources, support and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and post-graduation.  The organization offers camaraderie and networking among Vol State student veterans and their dependents. VSVA is active at the Gallatin and Cookeville campuses.

Volunteer Club
Service Learning provides support toward best practices for service-learning programs on campus. The club strives to identify and address the needs of the community within the service area.

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 for Student Government Association (SGA) Leaders

Any full-time or part-time student currently enrolled in for-credit courses may qualify to run for office or honorary title if the following conditions are met:  1. Has a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or above 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. Does not have any misconduct open cases and does not show up with routine class ALERTS (missing classes, missing assignments, failed tests, etc.) Submits a “Qualifying Petition” with the endorsement of thirty (30) fellow students (applicable for SGA President & Vice President Only)

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 SGA office or honorary title must have a high school or transfer cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or above and meet all other qualifying conditions for student leaders.