Division of Student Services
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, Office of Admissions, Advising Center, Records and Registration, Retention Support Services, Student Financial Aid, Testing Center, Athletics and Intramurals, Access Center (Disability Services), Student Engagement and Support, Career Services, TRIO Student Support Services, and Adult Learners & Veterans Affairs.
Admissions
The Admissions Office at Vol State is dedicated to supporting new and prospective students throughout their college journey. Students can reach the office by email at admissions@volstate.edu or by phone at (615) 230-3688. Admission Advisors provide personalized guidance to help students complete the application, select a major, understand the steps to class registration, and answer any questions about the College. To help students explore campus life, the office offers tours throughout the week at all four campus locations. The Admissions team assists students in connecting with resources across the College, ensuring a smooth transition from prospective student to enrolled student. For more information visit the Admissions webpage.
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 Student Success Advisor in the Office of Advising for advising assistance. Students who have declared a major are assigned to a faculty advisor or Student Success 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:
- Answer questions about a student’s selected degree program
- Confirm that students are taking classes in the right sequence per their degree program
- 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 audit of a student’s degree program requirements
The Office of Advising serves students both on campus and virtually. 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 Office of Advising is open for extended hours. Please check the website for current information related to the extended hours schedule.
Students can make an appointment with an academic advisor online at volstate.edu/appointments. They also 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 at advising@volstate.edu.
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 Counseling and Career Guidance - Academic counseling consists of assisting students with curriculum choice, educational planning, and accomplishment of academic goals. Student Success 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. In addition, Student Success Advisors provide referrals to available resources on campus for students who are having difficulty with their courses. Last, the Office of Advising also houses the Career Services Office staff to assist students who are in need of career guidance. Students will meet with a Career Services staff and establish a career plan to be address their individual needs.
Athletics
The intercollegiate athletic program includes men’s and women’s basketball teams, a men’s baseball team, and women’s teams in softball, volleyball, and soccer. 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.
Career Services
The Office of Career Services is committed to equipping students with the skills and strategies needed for academic and professional success. Through individualized appointments, workshops, presentations, and campus events, students gain career readiness tools to confidently navigate their next steps. Our office serves as the central resource for career strategies and connections, fostering collaboration between students, employers, and the community. Employers are encouraged to post job opportunities on Handshake, Vol State’s online job hub, where students can explore available positions.
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 Access Center
- 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 is available to help students with sending transcripts, dropping and adding courses, withdrawals, registration errors, grade appeal forms and questions, enrollment verification, transcript evaluation and awarding of external credit, Fresh Start, graduation, commencement, and changes to a student’s record (such as name, mailing address, email 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
The mission of the Office of Student Engagement & Support (SES) at Vol State is to increase retention and graduation rates of students through engagement and support opportunities. The SES staff provides a holistic quality of services which focus on the whole student through collaborative endeavors both inside and out of the classroom. SES provides student activity events, oversight of clubs/organizations, student leadership opportunities, an array of support resources for students including a food pantry (The Feed), a student emergency assistance program, prevention initiatives, & connections to community mental health resources.
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 TEAS preadmission test for Nursing; graduation exit exams; and faculty exams for Vol State and TN eCampus courses. The Testing Centers also provide remote proctoring services for students enrolled at other colleges and universities, as well as 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. All testing is by appointment only, via the Testing Center’s website.
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 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
- Disability: Registered with the Vol State Access Center
TRIO SSS offers academic advising,individual graduation planning, career counseling, priority registration, financial literacy education, tutoring, mentoring, goal setting, four-year transfer assistance, and access to technology resources. The program also provides enriching educational experiences, including visits to four-year colleges and universities as well as cultural and academic activities that broaden students’ perspectives and support their personal growth.
Students may apply online at TRIO.
Office of Adult Learners and Veterans Affairs
The mission of the Office of Adult Learners and Veterans Affairs (ALVA) is to serve the specific needs of adult learners, veterans, and active-duty military and their dependents and assist them with reaching their professional, personal, and/or lifelong learning goals. This is done by fostering positive relationships, providing excellent customer service, and delivering support services such as advisement, goal setting, and motivation to guide these special student populations to attaining their desired results.
The office assists two special student populations (Adult Learners and Military-Affiliated Students) who are attending or preparing to attend VSCC by supporting their college success. Students are assisted with finding resolutions to challenges and needs which may arise while accomplishing their college goals. Assistance may be provided with guidance on the admissions process, academic advising, career guidance, TN Reconnect information and recruitment, veteran education benefits, community-based agency options/requirements, and other college processes.
Vol State is an approved institution of higher learning for students who receive Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), or Federal and State Tuition Assistance (TA) education benefits. The Office of ALVA has the responsibility of assisting these students with obtaining their benefits and also providing additional information about military training credits.
The Office of ALVA is the location where veterans, military affiliated students, and their dependents are provided information and assistance with applying for and processing benefits, education requirements, establishing career goals, making life/career choices, and assistance with resources for veteran unique challenges as they transition to college. The office is responsible for the college meeting the institutional requirements of being an approved campus such as ensuring that students receiving veteran education benefits are enrolled in a degree/certificate program and only register for courses in their specific program that the Department of Veterans Affairs is authorized to cover the tuition and fees for.
The Dr. Orinthia T. Montague Veterans and Military Family Center is in the Wood Campus Center, Room 101. The center provides a welcoming space where student veterans, active service members, and military families can connect, access resources, and find community. It is a dedicated space that was created to support our military-connected students by providing a place to network, study, or simply relax. The center is equipped with computers, a television, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, snacks, and more, designed with comfort and connection in mind.
Community Based State and Federal Financial Programs
The Office of Adult Learners and Veterans Affairs coordinates services for eligible degree-seeking and technical certificate students by working with local, state, and federal agencies to assist them with receiving financial assistance for job retraining, and employment programs. Community-based state agencies, such as American Job Centers and the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency, offer financial assistance through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), SNAP E&T (Education and Training), or Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA). These agencies may sponsor students enrolled in qualifying VSCC degree or technical certificate programs by providing financial assistance for tuition costs, books, training materials, supplies, travel costs, and/or other wraparound assistance. Student qualification for these programs is determined by the affiliated community-based agency and program criteria. Qualification may be based on various criteria including 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.
Student Conduct and Discipline
The College aims to maintain an environment of integrity, civility, and safety. The expectation is that students behave appropriately, emphasizing 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
- Develop on-the-job-skills such as fiscal management/budgeting, record keeping, and event planning.
- Identify skills on how to collaborate with others and work in a team atmosphere.
- 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:
Social Clubs
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. Livingston, Springfield, and Cookeville campuses each have a CAB Regent that works with the Coordinator of Student Services.
Cookeville Theater Club
The Vol State Cookeville Theater Club will provide a creative platform for students interested in theater arts, fostering their passion for drama, acting, directing, and all aspects of theater production. The club aims to promote collaboration, artistic expression, and a deeper understanding of the performing arts within the Upper Cumberland communities.
Gaming Club
The mission is to support competitive and casual gaming, provide opportunities for skill development, and create a welcoming environment for students by providing an opportunity to find like minded individuals and create a space for all types of gaming.
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 online only to accommodate busy lifestyles.
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.
Philosophy Club
The Philosophy Club hopes to foster an open space for inquiry and discussion for students of Vol State who have a common interest in philosophy.
Psychology Club
The goal of the club is to encourage members to share ideas and experiences; offer support to one another in pursuit of present and future educational goals.
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, Springfield Campus, and Cookeville Campus have SGA positions available called the SGA Regent. Students are encouraged to participate in the campus-wide SGA Stop-By events bi-weekly during the 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.
The Pioneer Press
The Pioneer Press, 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.
Vol State Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
The mission is to provide a Christian community that will provide fellowship & strengthen individuals’ daily walk with Jesus Christ.
Academic Affiliated Clubs
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.
HOSA Future Health Professionals
The purpose of the HOSA Chapter is to empower students pursuing careers in healthcare by offering opportunities for professional development, leadership training, and hands-on experience.
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.
The Vol State Cybersecurity Club
The Vol State Cybersecurity Club hopes to bring an awareness of the opportunities in cybersecurity and expand the knowledge of students in the cybersecurity field via meetings, workshops, and other related events. Students enrolled in the Cybersecurity program are encouraged to participate.
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)
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.
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