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, Athens (423) 745-8486 and Vonore (423) 884-6878.
Center of Emphasis in Instructional Technology
The college embraces the continuing expansion and integration of instructional technologies. The Center of Emphasis (CoE) provides instructional technology assistance to employees for the development and delivery of online course content, podcasting, streaming video production, teleconferencing, multimedia presentations, numerous computer software applications, and professional development.
The CoE director serves as the college liaison to national and statewide instructional technology committees, conferences and planning teams, as well as for the Tennessee Board of Regents and other institutions involved in the development and delivery of instructional materials. 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
Interactive Digital Delivery
Cleveland State offers instruction via CSCClive, a web-conferencing technology provided by Wimba Live Classroom. 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 all Cleveland State campuses: on the lower floor of the Library Building for the Cleveland campus, in the Athens learning center, and in the Vonore 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 three campus locations. The instructor’s presentation is uploaded, in real time, to the Internet, making it immediately available to students possessing the appropriate virtual room ID to enter. 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 oncampus office hours, telephone, e-mail, and virtual office hours that employ the same technology as course delivery.
Examples of classes currently offered via digital distance learning include:
- American History
- Biology
- College Accounting
- Composition I
- Developmental Writing
- Ethics
- Public Speaking
- World History
Online@CSCC Online Course Delivery
Cleveland State Community College offers a variety of courses that are accessible through the World Wide Web as Online@CSCC. Web-based 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 web access. Students who enroll in Online@CSCC courses, however, need to be self-motivated, good time managers, and have a basic knowledge of computers and the Internet. 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 connection (56 kbps or higher). For a survey to determine if web courses are right for you, please go to www.clevelandstatecc.edu/students/web_screening.asp.
Students enroll in Online@CSCC courses the same as enrolling in a ground course. Following enrollment, the student will be provided access to the online course on the first day of classes for that semester. Several online courses require attendance at an orientation session on campus, but there is no additional class attendance required. Tests, if used by the online instructor, may require physical attendance at the proctored Testing Center on campus, or the instructor may employ special security software that integrates with the online course management system housing the course. The current course management system being used at CSCC is Desire2Learn, often referred to by its shorter name: D2L.
Student support is a large part of online course delivery. 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. Through the Media Center and the Library, numerous guided and self-help tutorials are available.
Examples of classes currently offered online include:
- American History
- Business Applications on PC’s
- General Psychology
- Into to Teaching
- Introduction to Sociology
- IT Support Functions
- Supervisory Management
Video Courses Multiple Delivery Formats
Video courses are an alternative form of instructional delivery available at all three Cleveland State Community College campuses. These offerings provide flexibility to self-motivated learners. Although the term “video” at one time was applied exclusively to VHS video tape, current video course content may be delivered in one of three ways: VHS tape, DVD, or streaming video. VHS tapes require the use of standard VHS video tape playback equipment; a limited number of machines are available to be borrowed through the Cleveland State Library. Video delivered via DVD, requires the student have access to a standard DVD player. Streaming video uses a web-based content delivery system providing access to course content on a computer hooked up to the Internet. It is strongly recommended that students electing this content delivery method have a computer with at least an 80 gigabyte hard drive, minimum of one gigabyte of RAM memory, and a DSL or equivalent broadband connection to the Internet.
Several video courses require attendance at an orientation session on campus, but there is usually no additional class attendance required. Most courses, however, require the student to travel to the main campus or off-site learning center for course examinations. Each course is facilitated by a faculty member available at one of the three campus locations: Cleveland, Athens, or Vonore. Faculty members are available to students through on-campus office hours, telephone, e-mail, and virtual office hours using online technologies. Under certain circumstances, videos can be mailed to students. Some instructors may require student enrollment in the Cleveland State learning management system: Online@ CSCC. All students enrolled in video courses should have Internet access with an active email account.
Examples of classes currently offered via video include:
- American Government
- Basic Mathematics
- Comparative Cultures
- Ethics
- General Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology
- Music Appreciation
- Principles of Economics
- World History
- World Religions
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(s) 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 coop 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 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.
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 eight online degree/certificates offered are:
- Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education
- Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
- 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 see a 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 Unity (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 Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) program. |
