ADVANCE Scheduling Option
Associate of Applied Science Business and Management Concentration Business Concentration
ADVANCE represents an accelerated scheduling option for completing a college degree. This option is suitable for highly motivated and mature adults that are seeking an AAS in the Business and Management Concentration–Business Concentration. Many ADVANCE students obtain their AAS in two and a half years at CSCC and continue to pursue their BS in two additional years at a selected four-year college or university.
The typical ADVANCE student might be an individual that has experienced limited job promotions and wants to increase his/her opportunities for a different or higher paying career which requires a college degree. The courses are predetermined, which makes the registration process easy. Most classes meet seven times during a five-week period and classes are always in the evening. Accelerated course work (fewer classroom hours combined with team, independent or online study) and Cooperative Education credit for on-the-job learning allow completion of college course requirements for an associate degree in only two and a half years. Prior credit from Cleveland State, other accredited colleges or the Tennessee Technology Centers may be applicable. Also, this AAS degree program offers a number of electives, which allows the student to “tailor” his/her program for emphasis in such areas as accounting, human resources, etc.
The associate of applied science degree can help open the door to a new employer, to a job promotion, to a business of your own or entrance to a bachelor degree program. The associate of applied science degree offered through ADVANCE is transferable into various bachelor degree programs at many four-year colleges and universities. Articulation agreements exist for CSCC’s ADVANCE student graduate and Bryan College’s Aspire Program (BS in Business Administration, Organizational Management or Business Management). Tennessee Wesleyan College (BAS in Business Administration or General Management); and Tusculum College (BS in Organizational Management).
The ADVANCE schedule also allows students to meet full-time enrollment requirements for financial aid. For ADVANCE information or an appointment, please call Cleveland (423) 478-6245 or (800) 604-2722, Ext. 245 and Athens (423) 745-8486.
Center of Emphasis in Instructional Technology
The college embraces the continuing expansion and integration of multiple instructional technologies. The Center of Emphasis (CoE) provides instructional technology equipment, facilities, training, and assistance for the integration of instructional technology into traditional on-ground classes as well as the development and delivery of online courses, podcasting, streaming video production, phone and web conferencing, multimedia presentations, computer applications tutoring, and course archiving.
The CoE director serves as the college liaison to national and statewide instructional technology committees, conferences, and planning teams and with the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) endeavors related to the development and delivery of online or virtual instructional materials. The director also works with other TBR colleges to monitor and improve the state-of-the-art of instructional design and delivery locally and across the state. Cleveland State has been an active member of the Regents Online Degree program initiative through these statewide relationships.
The Center of Emphasis in Instructional Technology is made possible by a grant from the State of Tennessee and with matching funds provided by Cleveland State Community College.
Distance Learning
The term “distance learning” typically refers to course work provided and/or conducted, totally or in part, without an instructor physically present. To accommodate the many types of students and their various learning styles, Cleveland State Community College offers distance learning courses in a variety of formats employing several different technologies. The main distinctions used to describe distance learning courses include traditional online instruction using a Learning Management System (LMS), virtual courses employing real time interactive audio/video, and video courses.
Traditional Online Instruction
Cleveland State community College offers numerous courses that are accessible any time of day through the World Wide Web (WWW) on the Internet. These web-based courses utilize the “asynchronous” statewide Learning Management System called Desire2Learn, or D2L, which is accessible to Cleveland State students and faculty by clicking on the Online@CSCC icon inside the CougarNet portal. Online@CSCC courses typically carry the Section label “www” in the class schedule; they are not the same as RODP online courses.
Online@CSCC courses offer maximum flexibility to students in terms of being available to students at any time of day, as often as they want to log on, from any location that offers Internet web access. As convenient as “anytime, anywhere” course access sounds, experience suggests that students who enroll in Online@CSCC courses need to be self-motivated, good time managers, and have a basic knowledge of computers and the Internet. For a survey to determine if web-based courses are right for you, please go to www.clevelandstatecc.edu/students/web_screening.asp.
Additionally, Online@CSCC students should have a relatively recent model computer at home and be connected to the Internet through a reliable Internet Service Provider (ISP). It is strongly recommended that the minimum Internet connection be a “high speed dial-up” connection of at least 56kbps. A “broadband” or “DSL” (digital subscriber line) connection is preferred.
Students enroll in Online@CSCC courses the same as enrolling in a face-to-face ground course. Following enrollment, the student will be provided access to the online course—using the Online@CSCC icon located in the CougarNet portal—on the first day of classes for that semester. Several online courses require attendance at an orientation session held on campus, but there is no additional on-campus class attendance required after that. Tests may require physical attendance at the proctored Testing Center located at either campus; or, the instructor may employ special security software that integrates with the Learning Management System.
Student support is a large part of online course delivery. In addition to the 24-hour, 7-day-a-week Help Desk associated with Online@CSCC, faculty members are available to students through on-campus office hours, telephone, e-mail, and, in some cases, “virtual” online office hours. The Academics tab inside the CougarNet portal provides access to a variety of guides and self-help tutorials. Additionally, help navigating and using Online@CSCC is available in the eLearn Lab located in the Media Center under the Library.
Virtual Courses
Cleveland State community College offers a growing number of “synchronous” (real time) courses that are accessible live by way of audio/video web-conferencing on the Internet. These web-based courses utilize a special digital application called Elluminate. Web-based Elluminate courses typically are designated with a V (e.g., 7V0) in the Section label of the class schedule.
Virtual web-based courses offer maximum flexibility to students in terms of being in a live class without having to travel to the college campus. Typically, there are two ways to enter a Virtual course: (1) by “invitation” from the instructor; typically you will receive an e-mail with a link that brings you directly into the live virtual classroom; or (2) by entering your virtual classroom at Online@CSCC, where you will locate and click on the Elluminate icon. As convenient as a Virtual course access sounds, experience suggests that students who enroll in Virtual Courses need to be self-motivated, good time managers, and have a strong basic knowledge of computers and the Internet. For a survey to determine if web-based courses are right for you, please go to www.clevelandstatecc.edu/students/web_screening.asp.
The use of live online audio/visual courses places certain demands on students in terms of the hardware needed to participate. Students should have access to a recent model computer with at least: a 1.6 GHz central processing unit, a 100 GB hard drive, and 2-3 GB of RAM memory. A microphone and speaker set (or headset with microphone) is required; a good quality webcam with microphone is better, but not always necessary. The computer’s operating system must be at least Windows XP. Additional software will be needed, but that will be installed as you proceed through the Setup Wizard associated with the first time use of Elluminate. Finally, connection to the Internet through a reliable Internet Service Provider (ISP) is critically important. It is strongly recommended that nothing less than a “broadband” or “DSL” (digital subscriber line) connection be used.
In the event that you wish to enroll in a Virtual Course but do not have access to the technology required, some accommodations are available at the campuses in Cleveland and Athens. In Athens, several computer stations in the computer lab are equipped for Virtual Course participation. In Cleveland the Library has several computer work stations equipped for Virtual Course participation; and, the Media Center has two complete web conferencing labs that students can use by reservation. Additionally, some programs have their own Virtual Course labs for students to use.
Students enroll in Virtual Courses the same as enrolling in a face-to-face ground course. Following enrollment, on or before the first day of class, the student will be contacted by email from the instructor inviting the student to join the Virtual Course. Most Virtual Courses require attendance at an orientation session held on campus, but there is no additional on-campus class attendance required after that. Tests may require physical attendance at the proctored Testing Center located at either campus; or, the instructor may employ special security software that integrates with Elluminate.
Student support is a large part of all online course delivery, synchronous and asynchronous. In addition the 8:00am-4:30pm help available through the Media Center, faculty members are available to students through on-campus office hours, telephone, e-mail, and “virtual” online office hours. The Elluminate website provides access to a variety of guides and self-help tutorials: http://www.elluminate.com/support/index.jsp. Additionally, help navigating and using Elluminate is available in the eLearn Lab located in the Media Center under the Library.
Video Courses
Video courses are an alternative form of instructional delivery available at both the Athens and Cleveland campus of Cleveland State Community College. These offerings provide flexibility to self-motivated learners. Although the term “video” at one time was applied exclusively to VHS videotape, current video course content may be delivered in one of three ways: VHS tape, DVD, or online streaming video.
VHS tapes require the use of standard VHS videotape playback equipment; a limited number are available to be signed out and borrowed through the Cleveland State Library. Video delivered via DVD requires the student to have access to a standard DVD player. Streaming video, which is becoming the preferred method for video content distribution, uses a web-based delivery system requiring access to a computer hooked up to the Internet. It is strongly recommended that students using this delivery method have access to a computer with a 1.6 GHz central processing unit, 100 GB hard drive, 2 GB of RAM memory, and at least a DSL or equivalent broadband connection to the Internet. Video courses are designated with an 800 number in the Section label of the class schedule.
Students enroll in a Video Course the same as enrolling in a face-to-face ground course. Following enrollment, on or before the first day of class, the student will be contacted by the instructor. Most Video Courses require attendance at an orientation session held on campus, but there is no additional on-campus class attendance required after that. Tests, if used by the instructor, typically require physical attendance at the proctored Testing Center located on either campus.
Student support is a large part of all course delivery. Each Video Course is facilitated by a faculty member available at one of the campus locations: Athens or Cleveland. In addition, faculty members are available to students through on-campus office hours, telephone, e-mail, and, for some, “virtual” online office hours. Under certain circumstances, videos can be mailed to students. Some instructors may require student enrollment in the Cleveland State leaning management system, Online@CSCC—please read the section above related to Traditional Online Instruction. Additionally, help understanding the operation of a VHS, DVD player, or accessing streaming videos is available in the eLearn Lab located in the Media Center under the Library.
Interactive Digital Delivery
Cleveland State offers instruction via a web-conferencing technology provided by Elluminate. Although the use of a web-based content delivery system makes instruction available anywhere there is an Internet connection, dedicated distance learning facilities are available at both Cleveland State campuses: on the lower floor of the Library Building for the Cleveland campus and in the Athens learning center,. Each distance learning facility is envisioned as a real time virtual group learning center. The centers are connected by web-conferencing hardware and software so that the instructor and students can see, hear, and text each other as well as share computer applications and desktops across multiple locations. Sessions can even be archived for later access and review.
Typically, a faculty member is physically located at one of the campus locations. The instructor’s presentation is uploaded, in real time, to the Internet, making it immediately available to students possessing the appropriate access. Alternatively, guest presenters from anywhere in the world can address students at any of the distance learning locations. In essence, using CSCC distance learning capabilities, an instructor creates a fully featured live virtual classroom supported by an interactive digital whiteboard, audio, video, text chatting, polling, content display, webpage access, and application sharing by which the instructor can release a project to students from his or her desktop to theirs. All or any part of each instructional session can be archived and made accessible to students 24-hours a day through the Internet.
Student support is a large part of the distance learning program. A trained distance learning aide is available in each of the distance learning facilities to assist students with the equipment, help with navigating the web interface, and to report connectivity or other service problems to the appropriate college departments. Faculty members are available to students through on campus office hours, telephone, e-mail, and virtual office hours that employ the same technology as course delivery.
Cooperative Education
The Cooperative Education Program at Cleveland State Community College strives to prepare students for the world of work, bridging the student’s academic preparation with hands-on experience in their field. A variety of independent study courses available include:
- Cooperative Education
- Workforce Development
- Job Search Skills
- Succeeding on the Job
Working in conjunction with the student and the student’s academic advisor, the Cooperative Education Office assists the student in identifying a placement related to their college major for Cooperative Education (CPE 1010, 1020, 2010 & 2020). Students develop learning objectives and projects with their supervisor and complete a 150-hour placement during the semester. These 3 credit hour courses can be taken for up to four semesters. Students who need assistance in locating a co-op placement need to schedule an appointment with the cooperative education director in advance.
Students working in jobs not related to their college major can enroll in Workforce Development for one semester. Students set goals with their employer to expand and improve their transitional work skills such as teamwork, leadership, communication, responsibility, and time management. Course material focuses on developing a strong work ethic. A 150-hour placement is required for the 3 credit hour class (CPE 2000) and a 75-hour placement is required for the 2 credit hour class (CPE 1015).
In Job Search Skills (CPE 1011), students receive assistance in developing a resume portfolio, interviewing skills, and an individual job search strategy. In Succeeding on the Job (CPE 1012) students learn about the importance of successfully navigating the world and the importance of communication, time management, problem solving, teamwork, and customer service skills. Both CPE 1011 and 1021 are 1 credit hour courses and like other CPE classes are offered in an independent study format.
Cooperative Education:
- Connects academic training with the work setting
- Helps in career decision-making
- Enhances skills and increases the students’s expertise
- Provides valuable work experience that can help strengthen the student’s resume portfolio
- Develops workplace responsibility
- Encourages students to persevere and complete a college degree
Service-Learning
Cleveland State Community College is committed to providing students with the opportunity for experiential learning through community service activities during their collegiate experience. A number of courses in various disciplines at the college incorporate service-learning activities, providing students with an opportunity to connect what they are learning in the classroom with service in the community. Service opportunities are structured to help students acquire a sense of civic and social responsibility, gain exposure to culture and socioeconomic differences, apply classroom learning, learn new skills, and reflect on their experiences. These service-learning activities are designed to advance the college’s mission of enhancing quality of life and encouraging civic involvement.
Cleveland State has developed new elective courses for students who would like to be involved in a community service project as part of their college experience. SLE 2400 and 2500 are 3-credit hour courses requiring 50 hours of service for the semester and SLE 2410, 2420 and 2430 are 1-credit hour classes requiring 20 hours of service. All SLE classes are independent study courses and involve monthly reflection seminars, online discussions and reflection journals. Students may elect to work with an agency in their own community or may want to address a community need by developing their own service project. The college can assist with community service placements as well.
Dual Credit
The Dual Credit program was developed to:
- Guide students into courses that will provide a firm academic and technical foundation.
- Meet the need of more students to enter the workplace with a certificate or associate in applied science degree.
- Prepare students for the future workforce and to be able to compete in the global market.
- Integrate secondary education with postsecondary education through Dual Credit.
The Dual Credit program is a cooperative effort between Cleveland State Community College and each of the eleven high schools in our service area allowing students enrolled at Cleveland State to receive credit for skills and competencies mastered in high school.
The program objectives are to:
- Encourage secondary career and technical education students to pursue a postsecondary education.
- Reduce repetition of mastered competencies between secondary career and technical education and Cleveland State.
- Provide a smooth transition from secondary career and technical education to community college education.
- Provide students with more advanced occupational skills.
- Reduce student time needed to prepare for entry into an occupational career.
- Build mutual respect and trust between faculty/ instructors at both educational levels.
- Align programs to compliment each other.
- Reduce student and state costs.
- Use performance-based competencies and an assessment given by Cleveland State faculty to measure the student’s skill levels.
Major areas at Cleveland State Community College where Dual Credit may be applied are:
- Business and Management
- Criminal Justice
- Early Childhood Education
- General Technology
- Industrial Technology
- Office Administration
There will be no charge to the student for the Dual Credit if granted. This process is subject to all current requirements at Cleveland State. Transfer of this Dual Credit to other institutions is at the discretion of the receiving institution.
A complete listing of courses can be found under Dual Credit in the Admissions and Records section of this catalog. For further information about Dual Credit, please contact your high school career and technical education director or instructor, your high school guidance counselor or the Cleveland State Dual Credit office in the Technology Building; telephone number (423) 473-2314.
Regents Online Degree Program
The ACCESS Center is the initial contact for anyone who is considering taking classes through the Regents Online Degree Program. Through a consortium of Tennessee Higher Education institutions, the Tennessee Board of Regents offers this online degree program. The seven online degree/certificates offered are:
- Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education
- Associate of Applied Science in Professional Studies, Concentration in Information Technology
- Associate of Applied Science in Web Technology
- Web Authoring Technical Certificate
- Associate of Arts in General Studies (University Parallel)
- Associate of Science in General Studies (University Parallel)
- Associate of Science in General Studies (University Parallel) for Teacher Aides and Paraprofessionals Designed for teacher aides interested in completing their A.S. online. Elective courses customized to address the course credentialing of paraprofessionals for the “No Child Left Behind” requirements.
The Regents Online College and University Courses have been designed for a 15-week semester–in an interactive, asynchronous (accessing courses at your convenience) format. All of the courses contain the same content and rigor as courses offered on campus.
The Regents Online Faculty and Staff have been highly trained in teaching, learning and assessing the needs of online students. Student services such as advising, registration, library services, student center, bookstore, tutorial labs, career advising and other student support have also been designed for online delivery.
Would you like to experience a free sample course? Come participate by using the following information: https://elearn.rodp.org (user name: Music.City / password: Nashville).
Students can be enrolled in RODP and traditionally structured classes at the same time. These RODP courses are available for all Cleveland State students; however, an additional charge is added per credit hour for these classes. Course syllabi for these classes may be reviewed at www.rodp.org. For additional information a podcast is available on the CSCC website or you may call (423) 472-7141, Ext. 393 or (800) 604-8722, Ext. 393.
Small Business Development Center
The Small Business Development Center at Cleveland State Community College provides free counseling services to small businesses in a five-county area which includes Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe and Polk.
The center is designed to provide management and technical assistance, as well as educational programs, to new small-business ventures and existing small business firms. It maintains a complete file of current small business management aid booklets, business startup guides and a library of small-business management books. All materials are available to clients seeking specialized information. Services are free and completely confidential. Services include:
- Counseling and advice to small business owners and entrepreneurs to help them solve organizational, financial, marketing, technical and other problems they might encounter.
- Training and workshops on topics designed to meet specific business and industry needs.
The center is located in the Technology Building and may be reached by calling (423) 478-6247.
Training and Continuing Education
Contract Training
Cleveland State’s goal is to partner with area businesses, industries and government agencies to assess, design and deliver an array of training activities resulting in improved talent management and development at all levels of the organization. The college is available to offer credit classes, non-credit classes, workshops and seminars. Recent popular training topics have included electro-mechanical courses, Spanish for supervisors, English as a second language, computer applications, customer service and supervisory management. Classes are available at Cleveland, Athens and Vonore or at arranged business locations. CEU’s are available when needed for professional certification and/or licensure. A nationally recognized Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is offered for all non-credit courses.
ACT WorkKeys Services
The college is an authorized WorkKeys provider offering the full range of assessments. Through the ACT WorkKeys Service, the college provides assessment and targeted instruction for prospective and current employees. The assessments determine an individual’s job skill level for comparison to required job skills. Targeted instruction of the college addresses the gaps that exist between the applicant’s or employee’s skill levels as determined through assessment and the skills required for a specific job. Cleveland State is also a participant in the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) program. |
