Student Resources

Academic Honor Society

Cleveland State Community College has an active chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society of Two-Year Colleges. The society seeks to promote scholarship, develop leadership and service and cultivate fellowship on campus and in the community. Membership in the Cleveland State Community College Chapter, Omega Omicron, is by invitation to students on the basis of academic achievement.

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.

Athletics

Cleveland State Community College is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Tennessee Community College Athletic Association and maintains a strong program of intercollegiate sports. Recognition has included state and regional championships and national rankings. Team sports of Baseball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s Golf, Women’s Volleyball and Women’s Softball are available. NJCAA player eligibility standards apply.

Students have the opportunity to benefit from a variety of activities and programs devoted to healthful living through the CSCC Fitness Center. Hours for the Fitness Center are posted at the beginning of each semester. There are both cardiovascular and weight training equipment available. The Fitness Center is available free to all students, faculty and staff.  For more information about the CSCC Fitness Center, contact the Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation.

Students have the opportunity to benefit from a variety of activities and programs devoted to healthful living through the CSCC Fitness Center, located in G-109. Hours for the Fitness Center are posted at the beginning of each semester. There are both cardiovascular and weight training equipment available. The Fitness Center is available free to all students, faculty and staff.  For more information about the CSCC Fitness Center, contact the Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation.

Staff in Athletics and Campus Recreation coordinate intramural events during the fall and spring semesters. Intramural events promote student engagement through participating in events like 3 on 3 Basketball Tournaments, Pool Tournaments and Ping Pong Tournaments.  A schedule of intramural events can be obtained from the Fitness Center. 

ATM Services

An ATM machine is located in the George L. Mathis Student Center just outside the Enrollment Services Office.

Bookstore

The Bookstore at Cleveland State is located in the George L. Mathis Student Center.  The Bookstore stocks textbooks, e-books and school supplies.  The store also maintains a supply of other items such as Cleveland State gifts and apparel.  Financial Aid can be used during set times to purchase books and supplies at the Bookstore.  The dates when students can utilize this feature varies based on each semesters’ first day of class.  Please check with the Bookstore to learn more about the dates and details of this process.  Deliveries of Bookstore purchases and rentals can be made to the McMinn Higher Education Center in Athens for pickup as an added convenience for our students.  The store is open extended hours during the first week of classes each semester.  For more information on anything mentioned, including current and upcoming store hours, please visit the Bookstore online at www.csccshop.com, by phone at 423-473-2276 or by email at bookstore@clevelandstatecc.edu.

Campus Identification Cards

All students are required to have an ID Card. IDs are made at the Library on the main campus and in the front lobby at the McMinn Higher Education Center in Athens. The ID card is required to utilize the services of the library, labs, fitness center and bookstore. It also allows students to attend all college-sponsored student activities and athletic events at no charge. While on campus, students/employees are expected to have ID card on their persons. There is a $5 replacement fee for additional cards.

Students must present proper government-issued photo identification before a student ID card may be issued.

Campus Tours

Campus tours are available to anyone interested in Cleveland State. Prior to the campus tour, a general information session will take place with a Cleveland State representative, then the campus tour will take place.  Campus tours must be scheduled in advance at mycs.cc/campustour, or by calling (423) 473-2366 or (800) 604-2722, Ext. 366. 

College Locations

In addition to its main campus in Cleveland, Cleveland State provides additional locations to serve students in the northern counties of our service area:  the McMinn Higher Education Center in Athens, Tennessee and the Monroe County Center in Vonore, Tennessee.  Both of these locations offer students the opportunity to work toward a college degree or certificate with the added convenience and financial savings of being closer to home or work.

At the McMinn Higher Education Center, approximately 32 programs of study can either be completed in full or in combination with one or two classes within the program taken online or on-site at the main campus in Cleveland, Tennessee.  Progress can also be made toward any other program offered by the college with the successful completion of general education courses.  Some of the concentrations that can be fully completed at this location are Accounting, Agribusiness, Business Administration, Early Childhood Education, Education, EMT - Basic and Advanced EMT, Information Systems, Management, Marketing, and Administrative Professional Technology.  A number of student organizations meet at the McMinn Higher Education Center, and a wide array of student events and activities are held annually as additional student engagement opportunities.  The McMinn Higher Education Center is a lively and welcoming place to learn.

At the Monroe County Center, degree and certificate programs focus on the specific workforce interests and needs of the local community.  Current programs include Mechatronics, Electrical Maintenance,  Welding, and the Business A.A.S ADVANCE program for the working adult.  New Programs may be added in response to demand.  To meet the needs and demands of surrounding business and industry, the Monroe Center also offers customized training as well as open enrollment non-credit training.  Contact the friendly staff at the Monroe County Center for more information about what may be available for you.

In addition, students may conduct much of their college business at these sites.  Support services offered at the McMinn Higher Education Center and the Monroe Center include assistance with the online application, ID cards, career counseling, orientation, advising, registration, financial aid and scholarship counseling, cooperative education, tuition and fee payment, library services including research and information support, and testing services. Library books and resources are delivered for student pickup at both centers.  Bookstore purchases including textbook purchases and rentals can be completed online, and then delivered to the off-campus center for student pickup. 

The McMinn Higher Education Center can be contacted by calling (423) 745-8486 or more information can be found at mycs.cc/mhec. The Monroe County Center may be reached at (423) 884-2338.

Cooperative Education

The cooperative education program integrates classroom theory with practical work experience. This program provides students with the opportunity to bridge their academic preparation with on-the-job work experiences. Classes are available to help students develop job search strategies, essential work ethics, professionalism, and enhancing soft skills for the workforce (CPED 1011 and 1012). Courses with job shadowing opportunities are also offered (CPED 1100). Students also have the opportunity to develop and increase expertise and skills in their career field through a major-related work or volunteer/internship placement.

For information about these courses or help identifying a co-op/internship placement, call (423) 473-2288 or stop by the Cooperative Education Office, located in the Student Center building, room U-118G.  Email inquiries can be sent to coopeducation@clevelandstatecc.edu. Additional information and answers to frequently asked questions can be obtained from the college’s WKBL website.

Counseling, Testing and Career Services

The Counseling, Testing and Career Services department located in the Student Center, Room 118, provides a variety of programs and services that promote personal development, well-being and academic success. Students can meet with a counselor, take a variety of career assessments, and explore occupational information to assist with deciding on a major or career.  Students experiencing personal difficulties can speak with a counselor and be referred to appropriate local or tele-health agencies, if needed.  Counselors regularly offer personal development and mental health awareness programs (i.e. sexual assault awareness, suicide prevention) but do not provide professional counseling/therapy sessions. Stop by or call (423) 478-6217 to make an appointment.

Disability Services

The Coordinator of Disability Support Services, located in Room 118 of the Student Center, provides appropriate accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. If a student believes they have a mental, physical, or learning disability that would impact academic achievement, please contact our office or visit Disability Support Services for documentation requirements and assistance. Students are encouraged to make early contact prior to the beginning of their first semester so that documentation and accommodations will be in place at the beginning of classes. Students who need support services or accommodations for entrance testing should contact this office prior to enrollment.

Dual Enrollment

The Dual Enrollment Program allows qualified high school students to take college courses for which they receive both college and high school credit simultaneously. Courses are offered on the high school campuses, Cleveland State campuses, and online. All courses are taught by credentialed Cleveland State instructors. 

 A prospective Dual Enrollment student must:

• Be a high school student,
• Complete the Dual Enrollment admissions process,
• Have parent approval if under 18, and
• Meet satisfactory test scores for the subject area they are interested in taking.

Enrollment Services Center

The Enrollment Services Center (ESC), located in Room 117 of the Student Center, houses Admissions, Student Success, Dual Enrollment, Early College, Records and Recruitment Offices. The ESC is usually the first contact students have with the college and is dedicated to serving students on the journey to pursue their educational goals.

Financial Aid

Financial aid at Cleveland State Community College is designed to help students who would find it difficult or impossible to attend college without assistance. Cleveland State Community College offers a comprehensive program of financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, part-time employment and loans. Emphasis is placed upon students’ financial need and academic achievement. Students may apply for one type or a combination of types of financial aid available.

Food Services

Grab and go items such as chips, sandwiches, coffee, etc. are available year-round in the campus bookstore located within the Student Center. In addition, most buildings contain vending machines with both drinks and snacks.

Fundraising

External solicitation for funds to support any program or activity related to Cleveland State Community College must be coordinated through the Director of Institutional Advancement and comply with Cleveland State Community College Policy No. 3:02:02:02. Such requests must be made at least 30 days prior to the projected fund-raising activity and must be approved by the President of the College.

All internal solicitation for funds on campus or fundraising activities must be approved by the Vice President for Student Services and comply with all requirements of Paragraph III of Tennessee Board of Regents Policy No. 3:02:02:00.

Cleveland State Community College Form, “Request for Fundraising Activity,” must be utilized for all fundraising requests. These forms are available on-line under “Admissions” - “Campus Life” - “Clubs & Organizations”.

Grade Point Averages - Minimum Requirement

(See the Academic Information section in the College Catalog for additional information on grading and quality point average calculation.)

Academic

Minimum Grades Required to Remain in Good Standing
Refer to the Academic Probation and Retention Standards in the Academic Information section of the College Catalog.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Student Activities

Hours for Student Services

To serve our students, the following offices are open on a regular basis Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.* during the fall and spring semesters.  Offices work remotely on Fridays from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.  Summer hours are determined in May of each year.

• Admissions, Recruitment and High School Programs
• Athletics
• Counseling, Testing and Career Services
• Financial Aid
• Registrar’s Office
• Student Engagement and Support
• Student Success
• Vice President for Student Services

*Note:  Extended hours during peak enrollment times and by appointment.

Library

The library is your gateway to information of all types. Librarians are available to provide individualized and group research help and reference assistance in person, via email, through online chat, and by phone. All library electronic resources are available 24/7 to currently enrolled students via CougarNet and the library website - http://www.clevelandstatecc.edu/library.

The library also offers opportunities and space to work, socialize, and relax. There are two computer labs, as well as designated areas for quiet study, media viewing, and group collaboration.

• Resources - books; e-books; electronic and print journals, magazines, and newspapers; course reserves; course DVDs; government documents; microforms; wireless internet access; document creation software; creative software; graphing calculators; Chromebooks; hotspots; and webcams
• Services - research and reference help, citation assistance, interlibrary loan for books and articles not owned by Cleveland State, borrowing privileges at Tennessee public and private college and university libraries participating in the Tennessee Academic Library Cooperative (TALC).  Contact the Cleveland State Library for more information about TALC.
• Programs and Events - detailed information about upcoming programs and events can be found at https://clevelandstatecc.libguides.com/events.

Library Contact Information

Library hours are posted on the library’s homepage at http://www.clevelandstatecc.edu/library.  Ask a Librarian Online Chat is accessible from the homepage as well.  Telephone: (423) 478-6209  Email: library@clevelandstatecc.edu

Library Circulation

Books in the General Collection and Children’s Collection may be checked out for two weeks. Videos and print periodicals may be checked out for one week. Items placed on reserve for use in conjunction with courses are available at the circulation desk. The loan period for reserve items is set by the instructor and varies from room use only to one week. Textbooks and items in the Reference Collection are available for room use only. Library materials may be renewed online through Primo, in person at the circulation desk, by phone at (423) 473-2277, or through email at library@clevelandstatecc.edu . When the library is not open, books, print periodicals, and videos may be returned to a book drop. Book drops are located on the sidewalk between the George L. Mathis Student Center and the Mary T. Barker Humanities Building and on the sidewalk in front of the Career Education Building. 

The library also has Chromebooks, hotspots, TI-83 graphing calculators, and webcams available for checkout. To borrow Chromebooks or hotspots, students must provide proof of enrollment, present their CSCC ID, and complete a Borrower Responsibility Agreement. Chromebooks, hotspots, calculators and webcams are loaned for the semester and must be returned to a library staff member at the circulation desk on or before the due date.

Library Fines

Late fees are accrued at a rate of $0.25 per day per item for all non-tech items.  There is a 5-day grace period for all items except technology and items on Reserve.  During the grace period and on days when the library is closed (weekends/holidays/breaks), no fines accrue. The amount levied for all items except technology and items on Reserve will not exceed the price of replacement. If an item is more than 30 days overdue, it will be marked as lost and the borrower will be responsible for the cost of replacing the item. 

Lost and/or Damaged Books

Library books are protected under the Tennessee Code Title 39-Section 14. The charge for lost or damaged books is based on the replacement cost of the item and may include a processing fee. Damages to materials will be assessed on an item-by-item basis by library staff.  Charges for lost or damaged videotapes and DVDs are equal to the replacement cost of the item.  The charge for lost or damaged technology will be stipulated in the Borrower Responsibility Agreement completed when the item is initially borrowed.

New Student Orientation

Starting college with a strong understanding of its demands and rewards is very important to student success.  The Student Services Division provides a thorough orientation program so new students can be aware of the many services, resources, and programs available at Cleveland State.  All new students are required to attend an orientation session.  Required First Year Seminar classes provide additional support for incoming students.  Welcome Week activities are held in the Fall Semester and serve to further acclimate new students to the college.  Questions about orientation should be directed to the Student Services Office, Room 110 of the George L. Mathis Student Center.

Student Engagement and Support

Student Engagement and Support, located in room 102 of the George L. Mathis Student Center, provides engagement and support for student clubs/organizations and implements out-of-class activities and programs for the college’s diverse student population including underrepresented, and first-generation students.  This office includes the Director, the Student Engagement Coordinator and the Coordinator of Veterans Services and Student Support. The Coordinator of Veterans Services and Student Support is located in room 100 of the George L. Mathis Student Center.

Official Means of Communication with Students

Cleveland State prefers to communicate with students via CougarNet and/or campus email. All notices, disclosures, etc. are sent via email.  It is important that all students check their campus email regularly.

Public Information Services

The Communications and Public Relations Office coordinates external communications efforts and directs all press releases to the media. Individuals and groups are encouraged to contact this office as they become aware of newsworthy events. The Communication Director’s office is located in Room 211 of the Administration Building, (423) 614-8748.

Resources for Student Issues and Concerns

Service-Learning

Cleveland State Community College is committed to providing students with the opportunity for experiential learning through community service activities. Many courses in various disciplines incorporate Service-Learning activities, providing students with an opportunity to connect what they are learning in the classroom with service in the community, including First Year Seminar (GEN 1010) and  Service-Learning Exercise (SRVL 1100). Additionally, Introduction to Service-Learning (SRVL 1020) is a three-credit hour General Education Social/Behavioral Sciences class that provides students with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities to illustrate the concepts of social justice, diversity, personal and civic responsibility. By investing service time with nonprofit and other community focused partners, or by creating their own unique service projects, students will develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and reflective skills that will increase their understanding of community and societal needs. Students will complete thirty hours of individual and five hours of group volunteer service during the semester. 

Service-Learning opportunities are curriculum-based and structured to help students acquire a sense of civic and social responsibility, learn about their community, apply classroom learning, expand critical thinking and problem-solving skills and reflect on their experiences. At the same time, the college hopes that the service of student volunteers will assist with many needs of our community and students will choose to continue serving their communities long after their college years. Students who participate in Service-Learning may be eligible to earn a Service-Learning Recognition Award when they graduate.  Students should contact the Service-Learning Department for details about the award program.

Starfish Early Alert

The academic early alert program is coordinated through the Office of Student Success. Early alert is designed to facilitate communication between students, instructors, advisors, and student support staff. Instructors use the system to email students positive feedback and about any problematic academic issues. Advisors, instructors, and support staff will follow up with students to offer support and referrals as deemed appropriate.

Student Center

The George L. Mathis Student Center is open on class days and evenings for the enjoyment of students, staff and visitors. The facilities include the bookstore, game tables, ATM machine, the Cougar Den Food Pantry, the TVEC Lounge, the Student Senate Office, the Veteran’s Resource Center, the Office of the Vice President for Student Services, the Enrollment Services Center, Counseling, Testing and Career Services, and the Office of Student Engagement and Support.

Student Services Office

The Office of Student Services coordinates many services designed to provide assistance to students and groups with matters affecting student well-being and out-of-class life. In addition, the Vice President and other staff members work with academic offices to aid in the development of academic programs to help meet the total needs of the students.

Student Success

The Office of Student Success, located in suite 117 of the Student Center, includes a team of Success Coaches to assist new students with transitioning to college and completing admissions and financial aid requirements. The Success Coach will serve as the academic advisor for the first year for new degree-seeking students and advise the new certificate-seeking student during the first semester.  Each Academic Career Community has an available Success Coach to work with students through the
use of phone, email, virtual and in-person meetings. The Success Center offers an individualized experience for students by helping them prioritize responsibilities and providing them with structure and motivation to persist through the challenges of completing a degree. 

Success Coaching is also available at our Athens location, students will be assigned the Athens Success Coach based on their northern county address.

Contact the Office of Student Success at 423-473-2422.

Telephone for Student Use

A courtesy telephone for local calls only is provided for student use at the main Information Desk located in the D.F. Adkisson Administration Building. Use of this phone should be limited to three minutes.

Tennessee Valley Early College (TVEC)

TVEC is for grades 9-12, and is a dual enrollment/dual credit high school experience.  The school is a collaboration between Cleveland State and surrounding area school systems, as well as homeschool students. Upon acceptance, students take college courses and receive high school and college credit simultaneously. Students enroll at Cleveland State and their high school as a student. Classes are housed at Cleveland State locations (main campus or the McMinn Higher Education Center) as well as our surrounding area high schools. TVEC students have the opportunity to graduate with a high school diploma and an Associate Degree.

The application process includes:

• TVEC Application through their respective high school.
• Approval from high school confirming maturity and academic dedication to devote to a rigorous program and freedom of a college campus.
• Students need to take the ACT during their sophomore year in preparation for full-time dual enrollment courses junior and senior year.

Testing Services

The Testing Center on the main campus (Cleveland) is located in Room 116 of the Student Center and can be reached at (423) 473-2477. You can reach the Testing Center at our Athens location at (423) 745-8486. You may contact staff at both locations by sending an email to testing@clevelandstatecc.edu.  Both testing centers administer a wide variety of tests for students and community members.  All tests require an appointment and a photo ID.   You must schedule your testing appointment at least 24 hours in advance in Cleveland and at least 12 hours in advance at the McMinn County Higher Education Center. Go to http://mycs.cc/testing to schedule an exam.  If you have questions about appointment availability and exam delivery options please contact us.  For additional testing information please visit  http://www.clevelandstatecc.edu/admissions/testing-services/index.html.

The Media Center at the Center of Dynamic Instruction

The Media Center offers a wide variety of professional audio and video production services for the students, staff, faculty and administration at Cleveland State. This includes media-related technical support for all buildings on campus, event production, live-streaming,  media distribution and video/ audio production services.

In Studio 105, students have the opportunity to explore the world of video and audio production using the latest technology. Four studio sets are available to accommodate a wide variety of needs. The Media Center also houses a fully equipped podcasting room for quality audio production. Two PC based editing suites are available for student use. The Media Center maintains a limited inventory of equipment for faculty, staff and student checkout, including high definition video cameras, web-cams and portable LCD projectors. 

Use of copyrighted materials is subject to federal copyright laws and Media Center personnel are required to adhere to these laws. 

TN eCampus Student Liaison

Students who have questions or encounter any issues related to taking TN eCampus courses may contact the TN eCampus Student Liaison in person in Room 118C of the Student Center, by phone at (423) 473-2360 or via e-mail at tnecampus@clevelandstatecc.edu.

Tutoring and Learning Center (TLC)

Located in the Library, Room 209, the TLC is responsible for FREE on-site academic tutoring and Supplemental Instruction (SI) for CSCC students. Updated on-site tutoring and SI schedules for both the main campus and the McMinn Higher Education Center will be posted on the TLC web page at www.clevelandstatecc.edu/tlc. No appointment is needed for tutoring at either location. Tutoring is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.

In addition to on-site tutoring, current students have access to free 24/7 online tutoring through Tutor.com located within myCS Courses. Tutor.com provides live, one-to-one online tutors in practically every subject taught at CSCC, including nursing. It also offers a document review (drop-off essay) feature wherein students can upload their paper and receive feedback within 12 hours. Students may access Tutor.com through myCS Courses  at no cost for up to eight hours per semester.

Any student who is having difficulty in a class is encouraged to meet first with the instructor of the class to find out how the instructor may assist the student. Students should also be aware that many course textbooks have CDs, website resources, or other electronic help available. Instructors may recommend tutoring or SI to support the learning process, but no referral is required to take advantage of tutoring and/or SI sessions. For more information about on-site tutoring, online tutoring, and/or SI, go to www.clevelandstatecc.edu/tlc or call (423) 473-2354.

Veterans Services

The Veterans Resource Center (VRC), located in Room 100 of the Student Center, houses both the Veterans Services office and a veteran student lounge.  The VRC provides individualized assistance to military members, veterans, and their immediate family members.  Our School Certifying Official is available to assist with the process of completing and filing the necessary documents to access VA Educational Benefits.  The School Certifying Official is also responsible for enrollment verification, change of status, monitoring progress and maintaining files for our veteran students.

Veterans Services staff also helps our veteran students with enrollment and advising as well as directing them to additional resources, such as tutoring.  The Veterans Services office acts as an advocate on campus for matters of policy that relate to our student veteran population.  The Veterans Services office sponsors veteran clubs and activities, and facilitates campus events such as the Veterans Day celebration.

Wellness Rooms

Wellness Rooms are located in the Health and Science Building (Rooms 112 and 230) on the main campus and at the McMinn Higher Education Center in Athens (Room 171) for the purpose of accommodating the health and wellness for students and employees. Wellness rooms also serve as a space for nursing mothers in accordance with the Department of Labor guidelines under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of the Fair Labor Standards Act.