Academic Information

Academic Information

Cleveland State Community College provides quality instruction in Tennessee Transfer Paths, career-technical programs and learning support. Academic support services are available to assist students in the pursuit of their educational objectives. Academic standards reflect the institution’s concern for excellence and integrity.

General Regulations Information

The following notices, regulations and rules govern the grading system, degree requirements, credit awards and miscellaneous academic matters.

Grading System and Quality Point Calculation

The quality of student performance in individual courses is indicated on the student’s permanent record by a letter grade. The scholastic standing and progress of a student is expressed in terms of a Quality Point Average (QPA), which is calculated for the semester and cumulatively. The semester QPA is calculated by dividing the total number of quality points by the total number of quality hours (excluding withdrawals) attempted during the semester. The cumulative QPA is calculated by dividing the total number of quality points earned by the total number of quality hours (excluding transfer hours and withdrawals) during the student’s entire academic career.

All grades become part of the student’s permanent scholastic record.

1. Use of Quality Point Average (QPA)
   1. A student transcript shows a QPA for collegiate level courses excluding transferred hours (designated by “Total Institution”) and a combined QPA for Developmental Studies and collegiate level work (designated by “Institution Combined”).
   2. TBR Policy No. 2:03:01:01 requires:
      1. That a combined QPA for Developmental Studies and collegiate level work be used to determine academic probation and suspension, financial eligibility and athletic eligibility;
      2. That the QPA for collegiate level courses be used to determine graduation eligibility;
      3. That the QPA for collegiate level courses be used to determine eligibility for graduation honors, Dean’s and President’s lists and departmental awards.
2. Calculation of the Quality Point Average. The following chart indicates the number of quality points assigned for each letter grade per semester credit hour (SCH) earned.

E (Extension) - The grade of E is used in learning support courses only and does not count as hours attempted in determining the GPA for the semester in which the grade is issued. The extension allows the student to reenroll in the course in the subsequent semester. When the student reenrolls in the course, the final grade is issued for that semester and the previously awarded E grade remains unchanged.

FA (Failure - Non-attendance) - Awarded when student stops attending a course without officially withdrawing from the course.  Refer to TBR Policy 2:03:01:01.

I (Incomplete) - Indicates that the student has not completed all the work of the course for a reason acceptable to the instructor. The instructor will complete an agreement outlining the assignments, examinations or other work that must be completed by the student in order to remove the Incomplete. The student and the instructor will sign the agreement, both will receive a copy for their files and the original will be filed in the division dean’s office. A student may not be granted an Incomplete unless he/she has a reasonable expectation of passing the course when the Incomplete is requested. A student who receives an Incomplete should not re-register for the course but must contact the instructor no later than two weeks from the beginning of the succeeding semester, excluding summer, and must make up the incomplete within eight weeks from the beginning of the succeeding semester, excluding summer. Upon the student’s completion of the required work, the instructor will calculate the student’s grade, complete a change of grade form and file it with the Record’s Office. The hours for the “I” grade will not be calculated into the student’s quality points or GPA until removed or until the time limit for removal has expired. Failure to resolve the “I” grade by the end of the subsequent semester (excluding summer) will result in automatic failure, and a grade of “F” for the course will be recorded on the student’s permanent record.

W (Withdrawn) - Indicates that a student has officially withdrawn from a course or courses during the official withdrawal period as published in the Academic Calendar . Beginning with the second week of classes, 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” grade. “W” grades are not used in the computation of the GPA. Beyond the date specified in the Academic Calendar, a student may only withdraw with approval of the Late Withdrawal Committee if it can be demonstrated and documented that an unusual condition or hardship exists. Unusual conditions or hardships may include severe illness, sudden change in work requirements or other legitimate reasons that may be approved by the Late Withdrawal Committee. Late withdrawal forms are available in the Enrollment Services Center and via Student Portals, CougarNet.  Completed late withdrawal forms must be returned to the Academic Affairs Office.

3. Other markings which may appear on the grade reports and transcripts are as follows:

AU (Audit) - Indicates that the student elected to enroll in the course for no grade or credit. Audits do not replace grades previously issued.

P (Pass) - Indicates that the student has successfully completed a course. Credit indicated by “P” counts toward meeting graduation requirements but has no effect on the QPA. The grade “P” is subject to the stipulations for Alternate Credit as published in the catalog.

NP (No pass) - Indicates a student did not earn credit. This grade is not computed in the grade point average. Students may not change from the “P/NP” option to another grading option once the option has been exercised.

PR (Proficiency) - Indicates that the student earned credit by taking a proficiency examination. The grade is not computed in the QPA. Effective with the 2001 - 2002 catalog, a grade of “A” or “B” will be assigned and will be computed in the QPA. See “Credit for Non-Traditional Learning” for detailed information.

E (Excluded Course) or I (Included Course) - Indicates that the student has repeated a course. When computing the GPA of a student who has repeated one or more courses, the college will count only the last grade received in the repeated course(s) and count hours attempted only once provided that the number of repeats in any single course does not exceed two (three attempts totaled). If a student repeats a course more than twice, the grade in the third and subsequent attempts shall be used in determining the GPA. Students may not repeat a course in which a “B” or higher grade was earned unless approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

4. Grade Changes

Instructors may change an officially recorded grade by submitting a Grade of Change Form. Approval of the division dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs is required for changes outside of the term immediately following the course in question’s term.

5. Grade Reports

Grade reports are available for each student at the end of each term; grades are recorded on the student’s permanent record approximately one week after the final examination period.

6. Academic Transcripts and Other Records

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

1. Please refer to Academic Transcripts and Other Records .

Academic Fresh Start Policy

The “Academic Fresh Start” is a plan of academic forgiveness which allows undergraduate students who have experienced academic difficulty to make a clean start upon returning to college after an extended absence.  It allows eligible students to resume study without being penalized for his/her past unsatisfactory scholarship and signals the initiation of a new GPA to be used for determining academic standing.

Readmitted students, as well as transfer students, who have been separated from all institutions of higher education for a minimum of four years, are eligible for the Academic Fresh Start.  An exception was approved for students who attended during the period of Spring 2020 through Summer 2021.  Please refer to the Academic Fresh Start policy.

The student’s permanent record will remain a record of all work; however, courses taken and previously failed will be excluded from the calculation of the GPA.  Courses with a “D” grade will also be excluded from the calculation when a grade of “C” or better is required in the student’s current major.

The current major will be considered the major of record at the time of submission of the Academic Fresh Start application.  Courses excluded from the calculation will not be reviewed or reconsidered should the student change majors following the application of the Academic Fresh Start.

Any courses used for a previously awarded degree or certificate are not eligible for Academic Fresh Start.

Previously satisfied placement test requirements will not be forfeited.

Academic Fresh Start may be awarded only once, and when granted, is irrevocable.

All Tennessee Board of Regents institutions will honor an Academic Fresh Start provision granted at another TBR institution.  Non-TBR institutions may or may not accept the GPA as it is calculated with the Academic Fresh Start.

Students will be notified by email once an Academic Fresh Start has been awarded.

Academic Fresh Start does not guarantee financial aid eligibility.  Please refer to the Financial Aid Office for additional information.

Awards and Honors

Students graduating with the following GPAs will receive the corresponding honor designation on their diplomas:

3.80 - 4.00 With Highest Honors
3.60 - 3.79 With High Honors
3.30 - 3.59 With Honors

In addition, each semester the President will recognize students achieving a 4.0 average by placing their names on the President’s List. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will recognize outstanding students each term by placing their names on the Dean’s List (3.50 - 3.99) or the Honor Roll (3.0 - 3.499). To qualify for these awards, a student must have completed at least 12 credit hours of college-level courses during the term. This status is recognized only once per semester and status is granted based on the GPA as of the finalization of grades. (P/NP grades are excluded from the computations applicable to these honors.)

The Distinguished Graduate Award will be given at spring commencement ceremonies to the graduating student who has contributed most to the advancement and betterment of Cleveland State Community College. The Cleveland State Community College Foundation provides a stipend to the honored student.

The Distinguished Faculty Award is bestowed annually upon the instructor judged to reflect the highest standards of professional excellence in service. A Foundation stipend accompanies the award.

The Distinguished Staff Award is given to the college staff member who is judged to have contributed most to maintaining the highest standards of excellence in service to the institution and its constituencies. A Foundation stipend accompanies the award.

Several Student Awards are given to students who have distinguished themselves in their major areas of study or service. A public Awards Night ceremony is conducted each spring to honor these outstanding students.

Honors College

The Honors College is for students who have a desire to explore in greater depth the major topics covered in the curriculum. Designed to augment the coursework required for a degree, the core honors curriculum includes specially designed honors courses as well as honors-level sections and components of standard courses.  Students who successfully complete the Honors College curriculum will earn recognition at graduation and on their transcripts.

The honors courses are designed to challenge academically motivated students while introducing and reinforcing the experiential learning outcomes of the Honors College, which are:

• Demonstration of academic excellence;
• Demonstration of in-depth subject exploration in a chosen field;
• Public presentation experience;
• Leadership experience and exploration of leadership styles;
• Service to the campus and/or community.

Honors Diploma Requirements

To receive the Honors designation on their diploma, a student must complete the required honors coursework designated by their honors track: 

• Civic Scholars: FYS: Honors Colloquium, Leadership Development Studies, Honors Capstone, and at least 9 hours of honors general education courses.
• Honors Experience: Leadership Development Studies, Honors Capstone, at least 9 hours of honors general education courses
• Honors Nursing: Leadership Development Studies and Honors Capstone
• Honors Business Advance: Leadership Development Studies and an Honors capstone experience in Cooperative Education II
• Honors Mechatronics: First Year Seminar: MHI, and Capstone project (completed as part of final semester coursework)

All honors students must maintain a GPA of 3.25 or higher and meet their associate degree requirements at graduation.  The diploma and transcript will carry a seal bearing the designation “HONORS.”

 Honors Program Qualifying Criteria

To participate in the Honors College, a student must meet criteria as outlined below. (Any exceptions to the criteria must be approved in writing by the Honors Curriculum Committee and the Dean of the Honors College.):

• First Time Freshman - must have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Currently Enrolled Student - must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher after completing a minimum of 12 semester credit hours of college-level hours of which 9 must be Cleveland State hours.
• Transfer Student - must transfer from an accredited institution’s honors program or college with recommendation of its director and meet all Cleveland State requirements with the exception of residency; or must transfer from an accredited institution with a minimum of 12 hours college-level credit and a GPA of 3.25 or better, a written recommendation from a faculty member at the transfer institution and approval of the Honors Curriculum Committee.
• Military Veterans - College-ready veterans are eligible for the Honors College. 
• All learning support requirements must be satisfied prior to admission to the Honors College.

For information about honors course descriptions, please see the catalog. Contact the Director of the Honors College at (423) 472-7141, ext. 304, for additional information.

International Achievement Recognition

Students completing the course requirements listed below with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better, while meeting the associate degree (AA or AS), will receive an “International Achievement” notation on their transcript.

Academic Probation and Retention Standards

The minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) required to achieve the associate degree or certificate is 2.0. Additional requirements are made for continued enrollment in the Medical Assistant and Nursing programs.

Consistent with the standards of good academic practice and in compliance with Tennessee Board of Regents policy No. 2:03:01:01, Cleveland State Community College reviews the academic standing and progress of students at the close of each semester. The minimum requirements for progression and graduation are described below.

1. Graduation. The minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) required for earning an associate degree or a certificate at Cleveland State Community College is 2.0. Only college level courses completed at Cleveland State Community College are used in determining the graduation GPA.
2. Progression. In order to be eligible for continued enrollment in good standing and to progress toward degree completion, a student must have earned a minimum 2.0 GPA.
3. Academic Probation. A student who fails during any term to attain a cumulative 2.0 GPA for the credit hours attempted will be placed on academic probation for the subsequent term.
4. Academic Suspension.
   1. If a student on probation fails to attain a 2.0 GPA for the term of the probation, the student will be placed on suspension in the following manner:
      1. A student receiving a first suspension at the end of the fall semester will not be eligible to re-enroll at Cleveland State until the following summer semester.
      2. A student receiving a first suspension at the end of the spring semester will not be eligible to re-enroll at Cleveland State until the following spring semester.
      3. A student receiving a first suspension at the end of the summer semester will not be eligible to re-enroll at Cleveland State until the following spring semester.
   2. When a student re-enrolls at Cleveland State following a suspension, his/her status will be considered post-suspension probation. During post-suspension probation the following applies:
      1. A student who attains the cumulative standard above shall be in good academic standing.
      2. A student who attains a 2.0 GPA during the post-suspension probation but is still below the cumulative standard shall remain on probation.
      3. A student who does not attain a 2.0 GPA for that term and is still below the cumulative standard shall be placed on a 12-month (three terms including summer) suspension.
5. Appeal of Academic Suspension. A student may appeal his/her suspension. Appeals must be submitted in writing along with supporting documentation to the Registrar who may convene the Admissions and Records Subcommittee for deliberation. If the appeal is successful, the student will be placed on post-suspension probation. In this case, the guidelines for post-suspension probation under D.2. above will apply.
6. Repeated Suspensions. Any suspension subsequent to a previous suspension will be a 12-month (three terms including summer) suspension unless otherwise specified by the Registrar.

Academic standing is not recalculated, even if grade changes are received, once the next semester begins. Academic standing would only be recalculated in the event of a college error.

Requirements for Degrees and Certificates

NOTICE: Degree and certificate requirements shall remain in effect for a maximum of seven years from the beginning of the first academic term covered by this catalog. Subject to the seven-year limit, students may choose to graduate under the provisions of the catalog in effect the year they entered Cleveland State Community College or under a later catalog in effect for any term they are enrolled. Students may not elect catalogs from years they were not enrolled for at least one term. The seven-year provision does not apply to programs which have been terminated or phased out.

Graduation Procedures and Requirements

1. Intent to Graduate Form - Students are encouraged to complete the Intent to Graduate form during the semester prior to their anticipated graduation completion. Students must file an Intent to Graduate form by the last day of the semester of their anticipated graduation as outlined in the college calendar and on the website. Intent to Graduate forms are processed through the Records Office.
2. Graduation Residency Requirements - At least 25 percent of semester credit hours applied toward a degree or certificate must be completed at Cleveland State Community College.
3. Graduation and Educational Requirements - To be eligible for graduation and receive a degree or certificate from Cleveland State Community College, the student must meet the following requirements:
   1. The cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) for all college credit coursework completed at Cleveland State Community College must be a 2.0 or higher.  Learning Support is not considered college-level and therefore, is excluded in this GPA calculation.  Effective for Fall 2001, transfer work is also excluded.
   2. The minimum number of semester credit hours required for a degree is 60. Certificates may vary in credit hour requirements.
   3. Course requirements set forth in the appropriate curriculum guide must be satisfied.
   4. Substitutions for required courses in student’s curriculum must have the advisor clearly state in writing the desired substitution and reason for the request. Course substitutions must be approved by the student’s Academic Advisor, Department Chair and Dean of the department housing the course. Course Substitution forms are available on the student’s My Account Tab/Records Forms link via CougarNet.
   5. All deficiencies identified through ACT or placement testing must be resolved before a degree may be awarded.
   6. The maximum number of allowable externally earned credits cannot be exceeded.  Please refer to the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) information provided in the Enrollment Services section  section of the Catalog.
   7. All obligations, financial or otherwise, to the college must be resolved and all library and college materials returned before diplomas are released to students.
4. Required Testing - All graduates in degree programs must take a graduation exit exam. In addition, any or all students may be required to take one or more tests designed to measure general education achievement and achievement in major areas as prerequisites to graduation and for the purpose of evaluation of academic programs. Unless otherwise indicated in an individual program, no minimum score or level of achievement for exit testing is required for graduation. Participation in testing may be required of all students, of students in selected programs and of students selected on a sample basis. To comply fully with this provision, students must authorize the release of their scores to the institution.
5. Multiple Degrees or Certificates - Students cannot receive multiple AA or AS degrees at a TBR institution. However, students may receive multiple AAS degrees and/or certificates either simultaneously or at separate times provided all requirements are met. Additional AAS degrees cannot be awarded within the same program of study as the initial AAS credential.  Students may also receive a combination of degrees such as AS and AA, AA and AAS, AS and AAS, AFA and AS, AFA and AA and AFA and AAS. The following stipulations apply:
   1. Additional degrees require completion of at least 16 hours of credit that is not applicable to the first degree. The minimum GPA requirement of 2.0 applies to each degree awarded. Students may earn more than one emphasis within a program of study, but would be awarded only one degree.  All areas of emphasis would be noted on the transcript.
   2. Students may earn multiple certificates without restrictions provided course and GPA requirements are satisfactorily completed.
6. Commencement Ceremony - Commencement is the formal conferring of a degree or certificate upon the student who has satisfied all requirements. Degrees are conferred at the end of each semester. Graduation ceremonies are held at the conclusion of spring and fall semesters and are open to students who have completed all requirements since the previous commencement. Summer graduates will participate in the spring commencement prior to their term of completion.

Advising

Academic advising is a proactive and collaborative relationship with an intentional focus on building a positive rapport, fostering inclusion and providing an equitable experience between the student and the advisor. Advising guides students through curricular pathways toward the successful completion of academic and career goals, while identifying and cultivating students’ strengths to eliminate barriers to student success through intervention strategies such as case management, onboarding, peer mentoring, early alert, major exploration, career assessment and placement. Advising is an institutionally initiated support service designed to assist students in developing and meeting their short-term and long-term academic goals. Academic advising is accomplished through one-on-one and small group interactions between students and advisors, supplemented with the use of technology.

Academic advising is mandatory for all part-time and full-time degree- and certificate-seeking students. First-time students are assigned a Success Coach, based on their Career Community, who serves as their advisor until they are transitioned to their faculty advisor. They are then assigned to a faculty advisor for the second half of their program. Transfers and readmits are assigned a faculty advisor in their program of study during the enrollment process. All students receive an Advising Syllabus, which includes advisor/program information and expectations for students and advisors, as well as student resources.

CSCC believes that academic advising is a partnership between advisors and students and must include: creating an environment supportive of the learning process, enhancing intellectual and personal growth, defining educational/career goals, developing an educational plan, utilizing efficient and effective course selection and completing certificate/degree requirements.

Calendar and Credit System

Cleveland State Community College operates on the semester system with the standard academic year consisting of two terms of 15 weeks each. There are selected accelerated alternatives provided throughout the year. The standard credit is by the semester hour.

Cancellation of Classes

Any scheduled class may be cancelled by the college. Students will not be financially penalized for a class cancelled due to low enrollment.

Classification of Student

A degree-seeking student will be classified as a freshman until the completion of 30 semester hours, after which the student will be classified as a sophomore. Those not seeking degrees at Cleveland State Community College will be classified as Non-degree Special Students.

Maximum Load

The normal credit load for a full-time student is 15 - 18 credit hours per semester. The maximum full-time student load without special permission is 20 credit hours per semester. Any student desiring an overload (above 20 hours) must have prior approval of the appropriate Academic Dean.

General Education Purpose

The purpose of the Tennessee Board of Regents’ General Education Core is to prepare every student to navigate a world of evolving opportunities.  It is unbounded by academic discipline and challenges students to discover the inherent interconnectedness of knowledge and the intersection of self and society.

The General Education Core develops skills in acquiring, evaluating and using information as well as communicating ideas through digital, written, oral, artistic, scientific and mathematical expression.  It challenges students to think independently, write clearly and speak effectively, and to employ logical and critical reasoning to solve problems even when faced with incomplete, ambiguous or conflicting data.

The Core encourages students to develop a curiosity for learning, an appreciation of conceptual complexity and a deepened sense of self-awareness regarding their own beliefs and values.  It helps students discover the richness of cultural diversity and instills a respect for people with contrasting life histories, opinions and worldviews.  It fosters an appreciation for human commonality and teaches individuals the ethical implications of living in a global, social ecosystem.

Ultimately, the Core’s purpose is to equip every student to pursue a challenging career, experience a rewarding personal life and inspire others to do the same.

General Education Goals

The goal of the Communication requirement: To enhance the effective use of the English language essential to students’ success in school and in the world by way of learning to read and listen critically and to write and speak thoughtfully, clearly, coherently and persuasively.

The goal of the History requirement: To develop in students an understanding of the present that is informed by an awareness of past heritages, including the complex and interdependent relationships between cultures and societies.

The goal of the Humanities and/or Fine Arts requirement: To enhance the understanding of students who, as citizens and educated members of their communities, need to know and appreciate their own human cultural heritage and its development in a historical and global context. Also, through study of humanities and/or fine arts, students will develop an understanding, which they otherwise would not have, of the present as informed by the past.

The goal of the Mathematics requirement: To expand students’ understanding of mathematics beyond the entry level requirements for college and to extend their knowledge of mathematics through relevant mathematical modeling with applications, problem solving, critical thinking skills and the use of appropriate technologies.

The goal of the Natural Science requirement: To guide students toward becoming scientifically literate. This scientific understanding gained in these courses enhances students’ ability to define and solve problems, reason with an open mind, think critically and creatively, suspend judgment and make decisions that may have local or global significance.

The goal of the Social/Behavioral Sciences requirement: (a) To develop in the student an understanding of self and the world by examining the content and processes used by social and behavioral sciences to discover, describe, explain and predict human behavior and social systems; (b) To enhance knowledge of social and cultural institutions and the values of this society and other societies and cultures in the world; and (c) To understand the interdependent nature of the individual, family and society in shaping human behavior and determining quality of life.

General Education Course Requirements

Every Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) institution incorporates 41 semester hours (listed below) into its Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degree program requirements and 35 semester hours (listed below) into its Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) degree program requirements and accepts all courses designated as meeting these requirements. The TBR has eliminated unnecessary repetition of these courses for students transferring to institutions within the TBR system. Because each TBR institution has a unique mission and its own distinctive curriculum, an institution may require students to complete additional courses in the minimum degree subject areas and in other areas that may comprise an institutional general education program. Students planning to receive a Bachelor of Arts or Associate of Arts degree must demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language as prescribed in the institutional degree requirements. The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is not designed to transfer to baccalaureate programs; however, a general education component (15 - 17 core semester hours) is required.

Although the courses fulfilling the minimum degree requirements may vary in actual design among institutions, many contain similar content. These courses are identified by common course rubrics (prefixes) and numbers in all TBR institutions to facilitate transferability. The actual courses designated by each institution to fulfill the minimum degree requirements, including courses that may not be a part of the common course prefix and numbering pattern, are denoted within course descriptions in catalogs by the ♦ symbol. A complete matrix of the current courses that satisfy the minimum degree requirements at all TBR institutions and an explanation of the common course rubric and numbering system are available on the TBR website. However, students are advised that the TBR general education core curriculum changed effective Fall 2004 and degree requirements began changing in Fall 2005.

General Education Courses

Communication

History¹

¹Students who lack the required one unit (one year) of American History from high school as an admissions requirement must complete six semester hours of American History or three semester hours of American History and three semester hours of Tennessee History to fulfill the history requirement in general education. Otherwise, students may choose from among the history courses approved at a particular institution to fulfill the six semester-hour requirement in history.

Humanities/Fine Arts

Mathematics

Natural Sciences²

²lab required

Social/Behavioral Sciences

Academic Categories

For TBR general education courses, consult the previous section for approved courses. Students should consult their advisor and curriculum guide for assistance. Senior institution catalogs should be consulted for program requirements and transferability of courses.

Certain majors may specify computer courses appropriate to the major. Students should consult advisor and curriculum guide.