Admissions and Records

Admissions and Records

The mission of the office of Admissions and Records is to admit, register and graduate students in an efficient fashion in accordance with guidelines and procedures, to maintain accurate student records, to provide information and statistics to numerous constituencies and to foster a positive working environment by providing quality service to campus and external communities.

Cleveland State Community College (CSCC) subscribes to the open-door policy for admission and welcomes applications from all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability. The following information will explain procedures for admission to CSCC. When an admissions application has been submitted, the applicant will be sent a letter or email indicating acceptance to the college and will be advised if further action is necessary to complete their admission’s file.

It is a Class A misdemeanor to misrepresent academic credentials. A person commits the offense of misrepresentation of academic credentials who, knowing that the statement is false and with the intent to secure employment at or admission to an institution of higher education in Tennessee, represents, orally or in writing, that such person: 1) Has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one or more degrees or diplomas from an accredited institution of higher education; 2) Has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one or more degrees or diplomas from a particular institution of higher education; or 3) Has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one or more degrees or diplomas in a particular field or specialty from an accredited institution of higher education.

Upon admission to the college, students are classified as in-state or out-of-state residents for fee payment purposes. Cleveland State adheres to the policies and regulations set forth by the Tennessee Board of Regents concerning residency classification for fee payment purposes. Proof of relevant information may be required as a part of the classification review. Applicants will be advised regarding testing, counseling and registration. If you have questions, you may contact the Enrollment Services Center at (423) 473-2310 or (800) 604-2722, ext. 310.

Degree Admission Requirements

Students who intend to pursue a degree or certificate at Cleveland State Community College or earn credits toward a degree at another institution should comply with the following requirements:

1. Submit an application for admission at www.clevelandstatecc.edu.
2. Provide official transcripts and test results as applicable.
3. a) Provide proof of immunization with two doses of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccines if born in or after 1957. By state law, immunizations are not required if they conflict with religious beliefs and practices, affirmed under the penalties of perjury. A qualified physician may certify that administration of this immunization would be harmful to the individual involved to exempt the student from this requirement. Students registered in fewer than 12 hours do not need to provide the MMR information. b) Effective July 1, 2011, provide proof of varicella (chickenpox) with 2 doses (same as MMR) for students born after January 1, 1980. Students registered in fewer than 12 hours do not need to provide the varicella information. Students graduating from a Tennessee high school after June 1, 2016 are exempt from this requirement.
4. Males, between ages 18 and 26, must be registered with the selective service.
5. Resident Aliens must submit a copy of the front and back of the Permanent Resident Card. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) may be required for students with a native language other than English.
6. EVEA Requirement: Provide a copy of drivers license or birth certificate for proof of citizenship. Students born outside Tennessee are required to provide both documents.

Additional Requirements by Category

1. First-Time Freshmen
   A first-time college student will qualify for degree admission provided he/she meets the following requirements:
   1. Graduation from High School: Provide an official transcript showing graduation from high school. The transcript of a student graduating from a Tennessee public school must include date of graduation, diploma type, cumulative GPA and a notation that the student passed the required proficiency examination. Students with a special education diploma require completion of High School Equivalency (HSE) for admission purposes. The transcript of a Tennessee home-schooled student must be an official copy from an affiliated organization as defined by state law (Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-50-801) or be accompanied by certification of registration with the superintendent of the local education agency that the student would otherwise attend. Transcripts from states other than Tennessee will be evaluated on an individual basis.
   2. High School Equivalency: Applicants may present official High School Equivalency (HSE) scores or the American Council on Education (ACE) external diploma in lieu of a high school diploma. HSE graduates from states other than Tennessee may be required to provide further documentation, if graduation is not clearly indicated on the HSE score sheet.
   3. Standardized Examination Scores (not required for students pursuing a certificate): Applicants for admission as first-time freshmen who are under 21 years of age must present Enhanced ACT or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores. Cleveland State will not use the scores to determine eligibility for admission, but shall use them for advisement and placement purposes. Valid ACT/SAT scores are those earned within five years prior to the first day of the first term of enrollment. The ACT code number for Cleveland State Community College is 3999. This number should be used to request that scores be sent to CSCC.
   4. Placement Testing (not required for students pursuing a certificate), any student, any age, can take the placement test in lieu of ACT/SAT: Agriculture and EMT Exception
      1. Applicants for admission as first-time freshmen who are under 21 years of age, and who have ACT/SAT scores less than 18 in English and 19 in Math and Reading, will be placed in appropriate courses. (SAT scores are converted to ACT scores.)
      2. Applicants for admission as first-time freshmen who are 21 years of age or older must take all parts of a placement test. Valid placement scores are those earned within five years prior to the first day of the first term of enrollment. Although students 21 years of age or older are not required to present ACT/ SAT scores, those who elect to submit valid scores (scores less than five years old) will be screened for placement in Learning Support courses according to the regulations applied to students under 21 years of age.
      3. No Learning Support placement is required of any student with a valid ACT score of 18 or higher in English and 19 or higher in Math and Reading.

2. Transfer Student
   A student who has completed college course work at another institution of higher learning will qualify for degree admission and must meet the following requirements:
   1. Provide official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning previously attended.
   2. Have a grade-point average on all courses that is at least equal to the progression standards of Cleveland State Community College. Transfer students not meeting this criterion may be admitted on scholastic probation.
   3. Participate in any required placement testing.
   4. EVEA Requirement: Provide a copy of drivers license or birth certificate for proof of citizenship. Both are required for students not born in Tennessee.
   5. Permanent Residents are required to provide an unexpired green card.
3. International Student
   A student whose citizenship is retained in a country other than the United States and Puerto Rico and who has not attained resident status in the United States will be classified as an International Student. This student must meet the requirements for degree admission, along with the following additional requirements, before admission and enrollment:
   1. Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) may be required for students with a native language other than English. If tested, must attain a minimum score of 500 on the paper exam, 173 on the computer-based exam, or 61 on the internet-based exam. (Not required if native language is English.) Students may also satisfy this English proficiency requirement by submitting a transcript showing graduation from an American high school or another U.S. institution showing satisfactory completion of English composition.
   2. Provide official copies of academic records from secondary schools, colleges or universities accompanied by notarized or certified English translations of these documents.
   3. Be certified by a medical authority to be free of tuberculosis.
   4. For F-1 students, evidence of financial resources adequate for all expenses for at least one year of enrollment is required. The first-year fees and expenses total approximately $22,000. (This figure is an estimate and is subject to change.)
   5. Provide all transfer forms and other government documents required by U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.
   6. Provide evidence of medical insurance or enrollment in the student insurance program.
4. TNeCampus (Formerly Regents Online Degree Program-RODP)
   The degrees offered through the TNeCampus Program are the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice, Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education, Associate of Arts in General Studies, and Associate of Science in General Studies. The admission requirements for TNeCampus students are identical to the requirements for other degree-seeking students. For more information about TNeCampus refer to http://tnecampus.org/institutions/93/overview.

Non-Degree Admission

This classification includes any student who wishes to take credit courses on a limited basis, for credit and/or audit, but is not seeking a degree or certificate.

General Requirements for Non-Degree Admission

NOTE: Non-degree students are not eligible for financial aid.

1. Submit an application for admission at www.clevelandstatecc.edu.
2. Provide immunization records as described in the Degree Admission section.
3. If Resident Alien, submit a copy of the front and back of the Permanent Resident Card. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) may be required for students with a native language other than English.
4. EVEA Requirement: Provide a copy of driver’s license or birth certificate for proof of citizenship. Students born outside Tennessee are required to provide both documents.

Additional Requirements by Category

1. High School or HSE Graduate
   This classification includes students taking courses for credit but not pursuing a degree or certificate at Cleveland State Community College or any other institution.
2. Non-High School Graduate, Non-Degree Student
   This classification includes any student who wishes to take approved college courses designed to upgrade job skills but does not qualify for degree admission because he/she has not presented a high school diploma or a HSE. The student may earn college credit subject to the following conditions:
   1. Must be 18 years of age or older and not currently enrolled in high school.
   2. Enroll in no more than 15 credit hours.
   3. Meet all prerequisites for college level courses attempted.
   4. Upon completion of 15 credit hours, must meet the requirements for degree admission.
   5. Applicants 18 years of age or older who have not earned a high school diploma, and are not currently enrolled in high school, may enroll in Learning Support courses to prepare for HSE testing.
3. Transient Student
   This classification includes any student who is regularly attending another college or university and is taking courses at Cleveland State Community College that will transfer towards his/her degree at the home college or university. The student must:
   1. Provide transcripts of all college coursework, a letter of good standing from their current institution, or a transient approval form.
   2. Students will be allowed to take classes for which prerequisites have been met or as specified on the Transient Approval Form.
   3. Students must reapply and provide a current Transient Approval Form or letter of good standing in order to continue attending Cleveland State for any future term.
4. Audit Student
   This student attends classes without being required to take examinations and does not receive either a grade or credit. After submitting an application for admission and any required immunization records, the student may register to audit courses on a space-available basis beginning with the first day of classes for the semester.
5. Personal or Professional Enrichment Students
   This category includes students who wish to enroll as a non-degree student for personal or professional reasons. The student must:
   1. Submit an application and any required immunization records.
   2. If the student decides to work toward a degree or certificate, transcripts must be furnished. If the student has earned a degree or certificate that is based on fewer than 60 hours and does not include college-level English or algebra-based mathematics, the student will be assessed through placement testing.

Early Admission Program

Freshman Early Admission (High School Senior)

A student who has completed the 11th grade in high school may apply for early degree admission and must meet the following requirements:

1. Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.2 based on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent.
2. Have an Enhanced ACT composite score of at least 22.
3. Provide a statement signed by his/her high school principal that recommends the student’s enrollment and a suggested college course load. This report must identify any college courses that will be substituted for any or all of the remaining high school courses that are needed for high school graduation.
4. Provide written endorsement from his/her high school counselors and from his/her parents or guardian.
5. Provide an official high school transcript showing all high school units completed at the time of enrollment.

Pre-College Programs

Special Non-Degree Admission

High school students may apply for special non-degree early admission for college credit in the following programs:

1. Academically Talented/Gifted Student
   An academically talented/gifted student enrolled in grades 9, 10, 11 or 12 in a public or private high school in Tennessee may, with the recommendation and approval of his/her high school principal and appropriate higher education institution personnel, enroll in and receive regular college degree credit from a Tennessee post-secondary institution. The student must:
   1. Have a quality point average equivalent to or greater than a 3.2 on a 4.0 maximum scale.
   2. Demonstrate that enrollment for college credit at Cleveland State Community College is a part of the student’s planned Individual Education Program (IEP) as established by the multidisciplinary team process.
2. Dual/Joint Enrollment
   In cooperation with local boards of education throughout the college’s service area, dual/joint enrollment gives students an opportunity to earn college credit before graduating from high school. In dual enrollment the student will earn college and high school credit for a specified college course. In joint enrollment only college credit is earned for a specified college course. You may enroll in the General Education and/or Business Technology program. The General Education program allows you to take a variety of courses to meet your future college curriculum needs, such as composition, mathematics, history, speech and psychology. Students taking Business and Technology courses can begin earning credit toward a technical certificate. For more information call (423) 614- 8734 or visit the Student Center, Room 117.
   1. Eligibility
      To participate in the dual/joint enrollment programs, students must have a recommendation from his/her principal or counselor and the approval of a parent or guardian.
      1. Criteria for General Education Dual/Joint Enrollment
         • Cumulative 3.0 high school GPA (based on a 4.0 point scale) or a 4.0 in the previous four semesters in the subject they wish to take.
         • Have an appropriate ACT or ACT PLAN, SAT or PSAT sub-test score in the subject they wish to take (English-18, Math-19, Reading-19).
      2. Criteria for Business/Technical Dual/Joint Enrollment
         • Cleveland State screen interview.
         • Scores from ACT or ACT PLAN.
         • Students who meet criteria for General Education dual/joint enrollment or
           1. One year of Algebra, Technical Math or Technical Algebra with a minimum grade point average of 2.5. Plus,
           2. Technology Department courses require one year of Physics, Chemistry, Principles of Technology or Physical Science with a minimum grade point average of 2.5.
           3. Business Department courses require one year of English or Applied Communications with a minimum grade point average of 2.5.
      3. Learning Support Courses
         • Appropriate ACT or ACT PLAN scores.
         • Cumulative 2.5 high school GPA (based on a 4.0 point scale).
         • Cleveland State screening interview.
3. 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 at CSCC.
• Reduce student costs and time for degree completion.
• Meet the need for more students to enter the workplace with a certificate or associate in applied science.
• 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 CSCC.
• Align programs to complement one another.
• Prepare students for the future workforce and to compete in the global market.

Articulated major areas at Cleveland State Community College in which credit may be applied are:

• Business and Management
• Computer Information Systems
• Criminal Justice
• Early Childhood Education
• General and 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. For further information about Dual Credit contact your high school career and technical education director or instructor, your high school guidance counselor or the Cleveland State Enrollment Services Center.

Readmission to the College

A previously enrolled student who has not been enrolled at Cleveland State Community College in the past three consecutive terms (including summer) must submit an updated application to Admissions to be readmitted to the college. Degree-seeking students must also submit complete transcripts of all college credit received at any other college or institute of higher learning since leaving Cleveland State Community College. All items detailed on student’s admission acceptance letter must be turned in before registering for classes.

Admission and Progression for Specific Programs

General admission to Cleveland State Community College does not guarantee admission or continuance for specialized programs of study. The following programs have special admissions requirements: Medical Assistant, Nursing Programs, Law Enforcement Training and Emergency Medical Technician Certificate and Paramedic. Admission and progression requirements are outlined with the individual program curriculum guides. Please refer to individual program listings for page numbers in the index located in the back of the catalog.

Registration

The college follows a mandatory advising policy for all degree and certificate-seeking students. These students are assigned an academic advisor who will assist with developing career/educational goals, preparing a class schedule and providing the necessary alternate pin to permit the registration of classes. The assistance of the advisor does not, however, relieve the student of the responsibility of studying the catalog and fulfilling all of the requirements of his/her goal.

Students who wish to enroll in credit courses are expected to complete registration during the announced registration period. Announcements are made through public media, published in the school catalog and class schedules and are posted on the Cleveland State website along with instructions for online registration. Students must observe registration procedures and are not officially enrolled until all requirements for registration are completed, including full payment of fees. Students may register, pay fees and speak with personnel that can offer guidance and other services at designated off-campus centers, as well as the main campus.

Students with an incomplete admission status must obtain special permission from the Director of Enrollment Services before being allowed to register for credit courses.

Students with registration holds due to financial obligations will not be allowed to register for credit courses until holds are resolved.

Schedule Adjustment Period

Students may adjust their schedules during the Schedule Adjustment Period designated in the college catalog. Adding courses after the Schedule Adjustment Period is not permitted except with special permission from the instructor(s) of the course(s) the student intends to take and the division dean(s). A late registration fee is required unless officially waived due to extenuating circumstances.

Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Classes

After the official registration period is over, enrolled students may make adjustments to their schedules through the process of adding, dropping or withdrawing from courses. Students may choose to add/drop and/or withdraw from classes (within the specified dates in the academic calendar) via the Web or by completing the appropriate paperwork in the Enrollment Services Center. Dual Enrollment students do not have this option. They must speak with the Dual Enrollment Office to add or drop any course. The official add/drop period is indicated in the academic calendar for the particular semester or term and is published in this college catalog. Students enrolled in classes that are cancelled by the college will not be financially penalized. It will not be necessary for a student to drop/withdraw from a class that is cancelled by the college. Each of these processes is governed by specific policies and procedures. Failure on the part of the student to observe such policies and procedures may result in financial or academic penalties or both.

1. Adding and Dropping Courses
   Students may add and drop a course(s) within the published Schedule Adjustment Period. Courses dropped within the Schedule Adjustment Period are not recorded on the student’s transcript. If adding a class after the last day of the Schedule Adjustment Period, permission and signatures must be obtained from the individual instructor(s) and the division dean(s). With the exception of courses which begin later than the first official day of the term, no new course(s) may be added to a student schedule after the 5th day of instruction for the term.
2. Withdrawal from a Course(s)
   Failure to attend class or discontinued attendance is NOT considered an official withdrawal. Withdrawal from courses requires completion of an Add/Drop/Withdrawal form, with the appropriate signatures, and submitting it to the Enrollment Services Center. Dual Enrollment students must contact the Dual Enrollment Office to withdraw. Failure to withdraw officially from a course in which the student no longer wishes to be enrolled will result in the student’s receiving a failing grade for each course affected.
   1. After the second week of classes, which begin and continue through the full semester, and not later than the end of the 10th week of the semester, a student may officially withdraw from a course(s) and receive a “W.” Official withdrawal is accomplished by completing the appropriate “add/drop/withdrawal” paperwork, with the appropriate signatures, and submitting it to the Enrollment Services Center. The “W” does not count as hours attempted in the calculation of the grade point average (GPA). (Exact dates are specified in the academic calendar.)
   2. During the summer term that operates on a varied schedule, the academic calendar should be consulted for withdrawal deadline dates.
   3. Students who want to withdraw from a course(s) after the “Last day to withdraw from individual classes or for complete withdrawal from the college” date specified in the academic calendar must make a formal application by completing a “Late Withdrawal Request Form” including obtaining instructor and advisor signatures and providing any necessary supporting documentation. This form must be submitted to the Office of Academic Affairs for review by the Late Withdrawal Committee. If the instructor indicates the student is passing in the course(s) being dropped, the student will receive a “W” in the course(s) after approval by the Late Withdrawal Committee. The student will receive a failing grade (“F”) in the course(s) failing unless it can be clearly demonstrated and documented that unusual condition or hardship exists following the guidelines as specified in CSCC Policy No. 2:04:03:00 and on the Late Withdrawal Form.
   4. For short courses that meet less than the entire semester, the withdrawal deadline is stated on the course syllabus.
3. Withdrawal from the College
   Failure to attend class or discontinued attendance is NOT considered an official withdrawal. Failure to withdraw officially will result in the student receiving a failing grade for the course(s) involved.
   1. After the second week of classes and, not later than the end of the 10th week of the semester, a student may officially withdraw from the college and receive a “W” grade for each class. “W” grades do not count as attempted hours in the calculation of the GPA. Official withdrawal is accomplished by completing the appropriate “add/drop/withdrawal” paperwork, with the appropriate signatures, and submitting it to the Enrollment Services Center. Dual Enrollment students must contact the Dual Enrollment Office.
   2. During the summer term, which operates on a varied schedule, the academic calendar should be consulted for withdrawal deadline dates.
   3. Students who want to withdraw from the college after the “Last day to withdraw from individual classes or for complete withdrawal from the college” date specified in the academic calendar must make a formal application by completing a “Late Withdrawal Form” including obtaining instructor and advisor signatures and providing any necessary supporting documentation. This form must be submitted to the Office of Academic Affairs for review by the Late Withdrawal Committee. If the instructor indicates the student is passing in the course(s) being dropped, the student will receive a “W” in the course(s) after approval by the Late Withdrawal Committee. The student will receive a failing grade (“F”) in the course(s) failing unless it can be clearly demonstrated and documented that unusual condition or hardship exists following the guidelines as specified in CSCC Policy No. 2:04:03:00 and on the Late Withdrawal Form.

Academic Transcripts and Other Records

All records pertaining to the student admission and academic progress are maintained in the Enrollment Services Center.

1. Official copies of the college transcript are provided to the student or will be mailed directly to another college, firm, agency or other responsible addressee using the methods below:

Students that attended 1987-current:

• Complete the online transcript request form through CougarNet.  The Records Office, 423-473-2451, can assist with login questions.

Student that attended prior to 1987:

• Complete the online Transcript Request Form through Dynamic Forms.

2. Official copies of a student’s academic transcript are provided free of charge.
3. No academic records or transcripts will be released until all financial obligations to the college have been met.
4. We do not accept faxed requests.

Confidentiality of Student Records

The social security number of applicants will be secured when the application is processed. An alternative campus identification number is assigned through our records system. Students are advised to keep the campus ID number available and use it instead of their social security number. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, Cleveland State Community College students have the right to review, inspect and challenge the accuracy of information kept in a cumulative file by the institution unless the student waives the right. The law further ensures that records cannot be released except in emergency situations or in response to a subpoena without the written consent of the student, the following items do not ewquire a release from the student:

1. to other school officials, including faculty within the educational institution or local educational agency who have legitimate educational interests;
2. to officials of other schools or school systems in which the student intends to enroll, upon condition that the student be notified of the transfer, receives a copy of the record if desired and have an opportunity for a hearing to challenge the content of the record;
3. to authorized representatives of (1) the Comptroller General of the United States, (2) the Secretary, (3) an administrative head of an educational agency or (4) state educational authorities;
4. in connection with a student’s application for and receipt of financial aid; and
5. in cases of information classified as “directory information.” The following categories of information have been designated by the college as directory information: name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, photograph, major field of study, full-time/part-time status, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received and the most recent previous educational institution attended by the student. If the student does not wish such information released without consent, the student should notify the Enrollment Services Center.

Questions concerning this law and the college’s policy concerning release of academic information may be directed to the Assistant Director of Enrollment Services/Registrar.

Transfer Credit

Cleveland State Community College will review credits from all institutions of higher learning for currently matriculated, degree-seeking students. Transfer evaluations are conducted in the Enrollment Services Center in cooperation with the academic divisions, which have final authority.

In some cases, transfer of credit may require an extended departmental review, specifically if credit was earned at an institution for which CSCC does not have a recent transfer history. For such a review, documentation on a completed Petition for Transfer of Credit/Course Substitution form is mandatory. The review process will include, but is not limited to, a scrutiny of the content and depth of the course, the credentials of the issuing faculty and the appropriateness of the course to the degree sought by the student. The student is responsible for providing course descriptions and other documentation (such as a course syllabus, textbooks used, etc.) required for the departmental transfer review.

All, none or a portion of the credits from the transferring institution may be accepted based upon the following transfer evaluation considerations:

1. Transfer credits will be combined with credits earned at CSCC for classification purposes and for satisfying certificate/degree requirements. However, only courses taken at CSCC will be used in calculating the student’s grade point average.
2. Credit hours awarded for a transfer course may not exceed the credit hours of the CSCC equivalent course.
3. All transfer work is posted to the CSCC transcript, but may not necessarily be considered for graduation/completion purposes. It may be necessary to submit a petition for credit/course substitution form to the appropriate academic division for upper division courses to be considered for graduation/completion purposes.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

Introduction to Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a term used to describe the assessment of college level learning that is gained outside a traditional academic environment. It is learning and knowledge students acquire while living their lives, such as by working, participating in employer training programs, serving in the military, studying independently, volunteering or doing community service, and studying open source courseware. PLA is a means of evaluating what a student already knows at the college level, derived from these experiences, which can determine competencies for advanced standing toward further education or training and/or college credit.

Pathways for Prior Learning Assessment

A maximum of 50 percent of the total hours required for a specific program of study may be earned through any combination of PLA. The recognized forms of PLA considered are as follows:

1. Credit by external exam - (ACT, SAT, CLEP, AP, DANTES, DSST, NOCTI, CPS, CAP, International Baccalaureate Credit, Cambridge International Exam)
   Note: External exams not listed and any exams or certifications, which have not been reviewed for concordance with specific course credit, may be submitted for portfolio reviews for consideration of credit.

Advanced Placement Program (AP)

2. Military Experience/Training - College credit for military training may be awarded through the American Council on Education (ACE) College Credit Recommendation Service or through direct evaluation of the student’s service school transcripts.
3. Dual Credit - Dual credit may be awarded from a postsecondary course, taught in high school by certified secondary instructors, which prepares students to sit for a postsecondary challenge exam. The postsecondary exam is administered under the supervision of postsecondary faculty. Statewide dual credit provides academically challenging high school courses which are aligned to postsecondary standards. Students have the opportunity to earn credit that can be applied to any TN public postsecondary institution.
4. Portfolio Review Credit - Credit by a Portfolio Review may be requested when the student submits documents verifying existing knowledge and competencies that cannot be readily assessed for credit through other forms of PLA.
5. Institution Course Challenge Exam - Course Challenge Exams may be developed by academic programs, where no other form of PLA exam exists, that assess competencies outlined in the particular course syllabus.

Courses Available Through Proficiency Testing

Limitations and Criteria

To be eligible to earn PLA credit, students must be currently enrolled and meet all the requirements of a Cleveland State Community College student in good standing. Students should not have previously taken or attempted the course for which prior learning credit is being sought.

Application and Awarding of PLA Credit

Inquire in Enrollment Services Center.

PLA Associated Fees

• $25 CLEP Test Center fee for on campus testing
• $25  Institution Course Challenge Fee
• $125 Portfolio Assessment Fee
  
  *Important note - Students, who are considering scheduling an external exam, should discuss PLA credit options with an Academic Advisor/Dean. The correct exam must be chosen for required credits needed for program of study. Refer to Cleveland State website www.clevelandstatecc.edu for more detailed information on PLA process and awarding of credit.

Veterans Educational Assistance

Cleveland State Community College maintains an Office of Veterans Affairs on campus. Personnel cooperate with the Veterans Administration in providing education opportunities for veterans and eligible persons under appropriate public laws. The office is responsible for maintenance of all veterans’ forms related to education benefits, recruitment of veterans’ as students, presentations to organizations concerned about veterans benefits, counseling and tutorial assistance to eligible persons on campus. College credit is awarded for military experience after reviewing the DD214 form using the ACE guide or upon receipt  of the military transcript. Upon accepting veterans’ education assistance, the student assumes responsibility for complying with applicable rules and regulations of the Veterans Administration. Questions regarding VA benefits should be directed to the certifying official at ext. 265.

Pursuant to TBR tuition policy, we offer out-of-state fee waivers for active duty military personnel, spouse and children. You will be charged the in-state tuition rate regardless of where you live as long as you are on active duty within our service area.

Governor Bill Haslam has signed a bill into law that would give out-of-state veterans in-state tuition.  It’s called the Veterans Education Transition Support (VETS) Act.  The law applies to veterans eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits or Montgomery GI Bill benefits.  Veterans also have to enroll in a college or university with three years of the day they are discharged.

For full details click on VETS Act via VA Quick Links from the college website.  Go to Admissions, Veterans Educational Assistance, then VA Quick Links.

Students called to active duty in the Armed Forces during a semester will be entitled to a full refund of tuition and fees upon presentation of official orders. In addition, the student will be allowed to officially withdraw from classes even if the report of duty falls outside the official withdraw date.

Veterans Affairs Deferment Eligibility

Eligibility for Deferment of Payment of Tuition and Fees by Certain Eligible Students Receiving U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Other Governmentally Funded Educational Assistance Benefits

Service members, veterans and dependents of veterans who are eligible beneficiaries of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits or other governmentally funded educational assistance, subject to the conditions and guidelines set forth in Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-104 as amended, may elect, upon formal application, to defer payment of required tuition and fees until the final day of the term for which the deferment has been requested.

Application for the deferment must be made no later than 14 days after the beginning of the term. Students who have been granted deferments are expected to make timely payments on their outstanding tuition and fees balance once education benefits are being delivered, and eligibility for such deferment shall terminate if the student fails to abide by any applicable rule or regulation or to act in good faith in making timely payments. This notice is published pursuant to Public Chapter 279, Acts of 2003, effective July 1, 2003.  The form is available on CougarNet under “My Account”, “Registration Tools”, “Business Office Forms”.  Complete the form and sign electronically.

Transferability

Tennessee Board of Regents colleges and universities include:

Austin Peay State University
East Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University
Tennessee State University
Tennessee Technological University
University of Memphis
Chattanooga State Technical Community College
Cleveland State Community College
Columbia State Community College
Dyersburg State Community College
Jackson State Community College
Motlow State Community College
Nashville State Technical Community College
Northeast State Technical Community College
Pellissippi State Technical Community College
Roane State Community College
Southwest Tennessee Community College
Volunteer State Community College
Walters State Community College

Tennessee Transfer Paths (TTPs) transfer to all TBR and UT system schools as well as many private institutions.  Visit http://www.tntransferpathway.org/ for more information.

Effective Fall Semester 2004, each institution in the State University and Community College System of Tennessee (the Tennessee Board of Regents) shared a common lower-division general education core curriculum of 41 semester hours for baccalaureate degrees and the associate of arts and the associate of science degrees. Lower-division means freshman and sophomore courses. The courses comprising the general education curriculum are contained within the following subject categories:

¹Foreign language courses are an additional requirement for the Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees. Six hours of foreign language are required for the A.A. degree and 12 hours are required for the B.A.

²Six hours of English composition and three hours in English oral presentational communication are required.

³Students who plan to transfer to Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) universities should take six hours of United States history (three hours of Tennessee history may substitute). Students who plan to transfer to University of Tennessee System universities or to out-of-state or private universities should check requirements and take the appropriate courses.

Although the courses designated by Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) institutions to fulfill the requirements of the general education subject categories vary, transfer of the courses is assured through the following means:

• Upon completion of an AA or AS degree, the requirements of the lower-division general education core will be complete and accepted by all public higher education (TBR and UT system schools) in the transfer process.
• If an AA or AS is not obtained, transfer of general education courses will be based upon fulfillment of complete subject categories. (Example: If all eight hours in the category of natural sciences are complete, then this “block” of the general education core is complete.) When a subject category is incomplete, course-by-course evaluation will be conducted. The provision of block fulfillment pertains also to students who transfer among TBR universities.
• Institutional/departmental requirements of the grade of “C” will be honored. Even if credit is granted for a course, any specific requirements for the grade of “C” by the receiving institution will be enforced.
• In certain majors, specific courses must be taken also in general education. It is important that students and advisors be aware of any major requirements that must be fulfilled under lower-division general education.

Courses designated to fulfill general education by Cleveland State Community College are published in Academic Information . A complete listing of the courses fulfilling general education requirements for all system institutions is available on the TBR website at https://www.tbr.edu/academics/general-education-courses-community-colleges.