ADVANCE Business Option
Accelerate Your Future!
The Associate of Applied Science in Business is offered in a cohort schedule for working adults to complete their degree in 16 to 18 months by attending Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. It is highly recommended, if possible, that students start this program in the Summer cohort since they will only focus on two courses at a time starting the Summer semester. There is also a Fall semester start cohort but choosing this start would require the addition of a third class to focus on during the semester. Each semester is broken into five-week terms so students can focus on only two to three courses at any given time during the semester. In the Advance Business Option, students take their courses in a block scheduling format as a group. Classes are accelerated, meeting virtually on Thursday nights with cohorts based in either Cleveland, Athens or Monroe County.
Working towards your degree as a group has proven to dramatically improve graduation rates. Students are in class with “like minded” people who are very focused, determined and self-disciplined. As working adults, students have real world work experience to share and draw on in applying business theories. In this program, students form strong connections with other students and their instructors. Many students go on to complete their bachelor degree in business upon completion of the Business degree program.
Students must contact the Business Department for more information or for acceptance into this option advance_business@clevelandstatecc.edu or 423-478-6245.
For more information and to view classes contained in this accelerated scheduling option, visit mycs.cc/advance.
The Advanced Technologies Institute is an Earn While You Learn program designed for students majoring in Advanced Technologies programs. Select students will work in a classroom setting while supplementing that learning with real-world training in a professional setting while being paid.
Local industries in the advanced technologies field have partnered with Cleveland State to offer a true Cooperative Education experience for select Advanced Technologies students. These students will be attending classes 2 days a week and working in a real-world setting the other 3 days a week.
The starting pay rate for students is set at a minimum of $15-16 per hour after fulfilling all admissions and company requirements. This institute will not only allow for students to earn wages while in college but also prepare students for careers in manufacturing, engineering or IT.
The Advanced Technologies Institute has specific admission requirements due to its limited placement positions with industry partners. Students seeking admission to the Advanced Technologies Institute must submit the following.
- Application for Cleveland State Community College
- Application for Advanced Technologies Institute (found on CougarNet)
- Written essay showing communication skills (prompt on ATI application)
- Transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation (not from a relative) stating the student’s desire to work/advance in the advanced technologies field and/or the student’s commitment to work in a team and problem-solving environment
- Required hands-on practical pre-testing prior to formal interview
- Interview with industry partners if not currently employed with an industry partner (date to be set and communicated by CSCC representative after applications are complete)
Applications are due April 1 each year and the program will begin each fall semester. This will include a 2-week First Year Seminar (FYS) bootcamp the weeks prior to the beginning of the fall course schedule. The selected students will also participate in team meetings throughout the length of the program in order to:
- Build relationships and networks with other ATI students
- Grow soft skills such as time management, customer service, attitude, and other essential workplace skills
- Learn leadership principles and apply those in the workplace
- Build presentation skills and earn service hours through recruitment efforts
For more information visit mycs.cc/ati or email ATI@clevelandstatecc.edu.
CSCC @ A Distance
Cleveland State offers many convenient ways to take courses beyond the traditional classroom experience. No matter what your situation is, Cleveland State has an option for you that offers convenient learning experiences that allow you to take courses where and when you need them.
There are six main modes of distance courses that we offer: Hybrid Synchronous and Asynchronous, Online Synchronous and Asynchronous, Synchronous Video and TN eCampus.
- Hybrid Synchronous Courses: These courses use a mix of instructional methods where no one method equals over 90 percent of the content delivery. A portion of the course meets in person at a specific on-ground location and specific meeting time and a portion is delivered online at a specific meeting time. Hybrid Synchronous courses are designated by a 200-series section number (ex. PSYC 1030 201).
- Hybrid Asynchronous Courses: These courses also use a mix of instructional methods where no one instructional method equals over 90 percent of the content delivery. A portion of the course meets in person at a specific on-ground location at a specific time. The remaining portion requires coursework to be completed online with no specific meeting time. Hybrid Asynchronous courses are designated by a 300-series section number (ex. PSYC 1030 301).
- Online Synchronous: In these courses, all instruction is delivered remotely utilizing web-based technology. There is no specific meeting location but there is a specific meeting time. Online Synchronous courses are designated by a 500-series section number (ex. PSYC 1030 501).
- Online Asynchronous: In these courses, all instruction is delivered remotely utilizing web-based technology. There is no specific meeting time or location. All coursework is completed online. Online Asynchronous courses are designated by a 600-series section number (ex. PSYC 1030 601).
- Synchronous Video: Synchronous Video courses are live broadcasts with an instructor teaching at one location and the students receiving the information at another campus, home or any other location. These classes are real time and have specific days and times associated with the delivery of the class. These classes run through a virtual meeting platform. Synchronous video courses are designated by an 800-series section number (ex. PSYC 1030 801).
- TN eCampus: TN eCampus courses run similarly to the regular online courses. The difference is that your instructor could be from a different Tennessee college or university. You will also login to a different site to access your course. There are additional fees associated with taking TN eCampus courses. TN eCampus courses are designated by an “R” in the section number (ex. PSYC 1030 R50).
Technical requirements:
Students participating in any of these distance methods should have access to the following specifications:
- a recent model computer and
- at minimum a reliable broadband internet connection, although cable, DSL or fiber is preferred.
Cooperative Education
The Cooperative Education Program at Cleveland State Community College strives to prepare students for the world of work, bridging the student’s academic preparation with hands-on experience in his/her field. A variety of independent study courses available include:
- Cooperative Education
- Career Exploration
- Job Search Skills
- Soft Skills in the Workforce
Working in conjunction with the student and the student’s academic advisor, the Cooperative Education Office assists the student in identifying a placement related to his/her college major for Cooperative Education (CPED 1010 and 1020 ). Students develop learning objectives and projects with their supervisor and complete a 150-hour placement during the semester. These three credit-hour courses can be taken for up to four semesters. Students who need assistance in locating a co-op placement need to schedule an appointment with the Cooperative Education Office in advance. Two credit-hour versions (CPED 2100 and 2200 ) are also available and require a 100-hour/semester placement.
Students looking for a job-shadowing opportunity while also learning fundamental work-based skills can enroll in Career Exploration (CPED 1100) for one semester. Students will develop goals with their business or industry mentor to improve their shadowing experience, while also completing coursework such as a resume portfolio and soft skill discussions with their peers. This one-credit hour course can be taken for one semester, and students who need assistance in locating a job-shadowing placement need to schedule an appointment with the Cooperative Education Office in advance.
In Job Search Skills (CPED 1011) , students receive assistance in developing a resume portfolio, interviewing skills and an individual job search strategy. In Soft Skills in the Workforce (CPED 1012) , students learn about the importance of successfully navigating the work world and the importance of soft skills communication, time management, problem solving, teamwork and customer service skills. Both CPED 1011 and 1012 are one credit-hour courses and like other CPED classes are offered in an independent study format.
Cooperative Education:
- Connects academic training with the work setting
- Helps in career decision-making to be sure the student’s chosen career field is a good fit
- Enhances skills and increases the student’s expertise
- Provides valuable work experience that can help strengthen the student’s resume portfolio
- Develops workplace responsibility
- Encourages students to persevere and complete a college degree
Library
The mission of the Cleveland State Library is to foster the development of our users’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills by providing an inclusive and responsive learning environment and to serve our community by being their first and best choice for information.
Resources: The library affords patrons the opportunity to expand their academic and personal horizons by providing access to a collection of over 33,000 print books and 300,000 e-books, as well as print and electronic journals, magazines, and newspapers. All library electronic resources are available 24/7 to off-site students, faculty, and staff from CougarNet and the library website - www.clevelandstatecc.edu/library.
Library patrons can use our PCs to work on class assignments and to access library e-resources, myCS Courses, CougarNet, and email. At our print station, patrons can copy, scan, and print in black and white or in color. For students, faculty, and staff working remotely, Chromebooks, hotspots, and graphing calculators are available by the semester.
Services: Librarians work with faculty to offer information literacy instruction and to create online guides and videos to help students meet course research requirements. Librarians also provide individualized and group research help in person, via email (library@clevelandstatecc.edu), through online chat, and by phone at (423) 473-2481.
Students attending classes at the McMinn Higher Education Center or Monroe County Center may borrow any circulating item from the library and have it delivered to the preferred campus through the library’s Inter-Campus Item Request Service.
Interlibrary Loan Service enables students, faculty, and staff to borrow books and articles not owned by Cleveland State from other libraries at no cost. The Tennessee Academic Library Cooperative (TALC) provides the campus community borrowing privileges at and access to the libraries of participating Tennessee public and private colleges and universities.
The library’s hours and contact information can be found on the library website, along with additional information about all of the library’s resources and services.
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. Additionally, Introduction to Service-Learning (SRVL 1020) is a three-credit hour General Education Social/Behavioral Science 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. Contact service_learning@clevelandstatecc.edu for more information.
Small Business Development Center
Tennessee’s economic growth and stability depends largely on the small business community and its ability to get products to market. However, getting a new business on solid ground is no easy feat. That’s why the Small Business Development Center at Cleveland State Community College was created. Dedicated to helping entrepreneurs every step of the way, the Small Business Development Center turns small business dreams into reality.
What Is the Small Business Development Center?
Cleveland State’s Small Business Development Center is one branch of Tennessee Small Business Development Centers, a network of professional business consultants with 14 centers throughout the State of Tennessee. The TSBDC provides expert business advice to all types of businesses, whether you’re running a manufacturing, retail, service or professional business. In other words, the TSBDC and the Small Business Development Center at Cleveland State are here to help you help your business.
Over 80,000 businesses have received TSBDC’s expert counsel in countless areas, from accounting, banking and finance to advertising, human resources and sales to location analysis, exit strategies and international trade. How can we help your business?
Personalized One-on-One Counseling
You will be assigned a personal consultant to work with on your business. Your consultant is your point person, the person who will know everything pertinent to your situation. No matter if you need financial, marketing, operations, management or other business advice or services, your personal consultant will work with you on those issues.
The Small Business Development Center offers training for you and your staff on many relevant business subjects, including the following:
- Starting & Managing a Small Business
- Writing a Business Plan
- Assistance Preparing Financial Statements for Small Businesses
- Marketing & Branding
- Finding Funding
- E-Commerce
Referrals to Professional Services and Agencies
The TSBDC has extensive resources available which are used to find the answers to your business questions.
Confidential No-Cost Business Counseling and Training
Your one-on-one counseling and consulting services are provided to your business at no cost! Most business seminars are offered at no cost, but some of the more specialized events may come with a small fee. Visit our website for training information and to request business consulting services: http://www.tsbdc.org/clscc.
Still have questions? Here are answers to some of the most common questions we field:
Who can benefit from the Small Business Development Center?
Anyone who currently owns a small business or is interested in opening a business.
Do you have a bilingual small business specialist?
No. However, with advance notice, we can arrange for a translation services.
How do I make an appointment?
The easiest and most efficient method is to visit the website at www.tsbdc.org/clscc and request business consulting online. You may also call the Small Business Development Center at (423) 478-6247.
Where are you located and what are your hours of operation?
The Small Business Development Center is located on the Cleveland State Community College campus in Cleveland, Tennessee, at 3535 Adkisson Drive in the Technology Building, Suite 126. We operate by appointment only. Appointment options are in-person, by phone, or by Zoom, arranged in advance. There are options for in-person appointments in public locations in all five service area counties.
TN eCampus
The online education offered through TN eCampus mirrors the same education offered at the physical campus locations. You need to select a college campus as your home school and meet the admission requirements. All campuses in the collaboration are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), while several programs have national accreditation status.
Students can be enrolled in TN eCampus and traditionally structured classes at the same time. These TN eCampus courses are available for all Cleveland State students; however, an additional charge is added per credit hour for TN eCampus classes.
Many instructors are located at campuses across the state and may require you to take your mid-term and final exams at an approved proctor site, such as your home school’s testing center.
You will need to purchase your textbook at the TN eCampus bookstore and log in to class at the site identified as TN eCampus on your CougarNet account.
To learn more about TN eCampus, please visit: http://tnecampus.org.
If you need assistance with registering for a class, contact your advisor. The TN eCampus liaison may be reached at 423-478-6229.
Students enrolled in courses at Cleveland State Community College (CSCC) are encouraged to take advantage of FREE tutoring available at the main campus in Cleveland and at the McMinn Higher Education Center in Athens. The Tutoring and Learning Center (TLC) on the main campus is located in Room 209 in the Library and serves as the main “hub” for tutoring needs. Tutoring is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. No appointment is needed.
We provide on-site and online tutoring. On-site we have peer tutors and CSCC instructors scheduled to assist our students in Writing, English, Spanish, Accounting, Nursing, Biology, and Chemistry. Supplemental instruction is provided in Anatomy and Physiology.
Tutor.com provides 24/7, free online tutoring for our students in every subject.
The TLC is here to support the empowerment of CSCC students to succeed academically and become confident, independent learners by providing tutoring and study sessions in an encouraging and relaxed atmosphere with knowledgeable and respectful staff who incorporate transferable skills and strategies in the learning process.
Workforce Development and Continuing Education
Cleveland State Community College is committed to providing training solutions to assist in meeting the needs of business and industry. Cleveland State Workforce Development and Continuing Education team offers training to businesses, companies, and organizations on a customized, contracted basis as well as scheduled open enrollment education programs. Our team is committed to providing solutions with new and existing advanced manufacturing industries to provide relevant skills training encompassing both employability and technical skills. Our vision is to recruit, identify, screen, assess, and train a highly skilled workforce in advanced manufacturing, industrial maintenance and workforce to meet immediate employer requirements.
Cleveland State Community College has a dedicated Workforce Development Department committed to collaborate with business and industry to provide training solutions and close skill gaps. Cleveland State Community College has a trained and certified faculty and staff qualified to assess candidates for hire using Scientific Management Techniques (SMT) hands-on, scientifically validated, assessment machines. These machines assess mechatronic skills in mechanical, electrical, PLC, CNC, Process Control skills and mechanical aptitude. These are hands on assessments and the scored reports identify specific skill courses of study, which will close skill gaps. We can provide industrial skills assessments which can accurately predict candidate success on the job. Assessments are used in the hiring process globally for the selection and evaluation of maintenance mechanics, Machine Operators, Industrial Electricians, PLC technicians, Electro-mechanical, Process Control, and CNC personnel.
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