Admissions and Records

Admissions and Records

The mission of the 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 all admission documents are received in the Office of Admissions and Records, the applicant will be sent a letter indicating acceptance for admission or will be advised if further action is necessary in order to establish eligibility for admission.

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 an in-state or out-of-state resident 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 any 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. Complete and submit an application for admission along with a one-time non-refundable $20 application fee.
2. Provide official transcripts and test results as applicable.
3. a) Complete and sign Health Information Waiver regarding Hepatitis B vaccinations. b) 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. c) Effective July 1, 2011, provide proof of varicella (chickenpox) for students born after January 1, 1980. Students registered in fewer than 12 hours do not need to provide the varicella information.
4. Males, between ages 18-26, must be registered with the selective service.
5. 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.
6. EVEA Requirement: Provide a copy of divers license or birth certificate for proof of citizenship.

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 General Equivalency Diploma (GED) 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. A form for this purpose is available from the Enrollment Services Office. Transcripts from states other than Tennessee will be evaluated on an individual basis.
   2. High School Equivalency: Applicants may present official General Equivalency Diploma (GED) scores or the American Council on Education (ACE) external diploma in lieu of a high school diploma. GED graduates from states other than Tennessee may be required to provide further documentation, if graduation is not clearly indicated on the GED 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 three 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): EMT Exception
      
      1. Applicants for admission as first-time freshman 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 required to complete further diagnostic testing to determine appropriate course placement. (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 the COMPASS test. 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 three 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 COMPASS assessment or 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.
   5. High School course requirements for University Parallel Programs: Applicants for admission to associate of arts (AA) or associate of science (AS) degree programs who graduated from high school or earned a GED in 1989 or thereafter, must have completed the 14 high school units outlined in the State University and Community College System 1989 requirements as follows:

Students with an Enhanced ACT composite score of 26 or higher, or students who received a GED in 1989 or thereafter or an American Council on Education (ACE) External Diploma, are considered to have met all high school unit requirements except those in foreign language and visual or performing arts.

Completion of High School Requirements:
Students deficient in the high school unit requirements should successfully complete approved college courses to remove the deficiencies within the first 30 hours of enrollment. A minimum grade of “D” is required to satisfy the deficiency. The following list of courses will satisfy high school deficiencies for students who graduated from high school in 2003 or after. Students graduating high school prior to 2003 should contact the Enrollment Services Center for deficiency information.

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. Provide an official high school transcript showing completion of the 14 required high school units if graduated from high school or received a GED in or after 1989. (See Section A.5 above for additional information.) Applicants in the following categories are exempt from the 14-unit requirement:
      
      1. Students working toward a certificate or associate of applied science (AAS) degree.
      2. Students with an associate degree (AA or AS) transferable to a four-year institution.
      3. Students with 60 or more hours of transferable credit.  Students with less than 60 hours of transferable credit who still have high school unit deficiencies are eligible for degree admission.  Students are encouraged to remove high school unit deficiencies as early as possible in their enrollment at Cleveland State Comunity College.
   4. Participate in any required COMPASS and/or diagnostic testing.
   5. EVEA Requirement: Provide a copy of drivers license or birth certificate for proof of citizenship.
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) and 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 $19,100. (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. Regents Online Degree Program (RODP)
   The degrees offered through the Regents Online Degree Program are the Associate of Applied Science in Professional Studies Concentration in Information Technology, Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education, Associate of Arts in General Studies (University Parallel), Associate of Science in General Studies (University Parallel) and Associate of Science in General Studies (University Parallel) for Teacher Aides and Paraprofessionals. The admission requirements for Regents Degree students are identical to the requirements for other degree-seeking students. For more information about RODP refer to http://www.tn.regentsdegrees.org/campus/clscc.

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. Complete and submit an application for admission along with a non-refundable one time $20 application fee.
2. Complete and sign a Health Information Waiver regarding Hepatitis B vaccinations. 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 drivers license or birth certificate for proof of citizenship.

Additional Requirements by Category

1. High School or GED 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 GED. 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 GED 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 or a letter of good standing from the institution of regular attedance.
   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 COMPASS 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 nondegree
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 in 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 sub-test score in the subject they wish to take (English-18, Math-19, Reading-19). Comparable SAT scores are accepted.
      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 consists of awarding college credit to secondary students pursuing a certificate or associate of applied science degree at Cleveland State Community College. High school students in certain career and technical education programs that complete specific secondary courses may receive credit for the comparable Cleveland State course upon successful completion of an assessment evaluation with an 85 percent or better grade. Faculty/instructors from Cleveland State and the eleven high schools in our service area have reviewed the list of competencies for these courses and have established a Dual Credit assessment process.
   
   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 information about Dual Credit, please contact your high school career and technical education director or instructor, your high school guidance counselor or the Cleveland State Dual Credit office in the Enrollment Services Center telephone number (423) 614-8743.

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 and Records to be readmitted to the college. The application fee is not required for readmission. Degree seeking students must also submit complete transcripts of all college credit received at any other college since leaving Cleveland State Community College.

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. 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 web site along with instructions for on-line 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 the Athens and Madisonville locations as well as the main campus.

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

Students with registration holds due to financial obligations such as parking tickets and library fines will not be allowed to register for credit courses until holds are removed.

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).
2. Withdrawal from a Course(s)
   Failure to attend class or discontinued attendance is NOT considered an official withdrawal. Withdrawal from courses may be submitted on “CougarNet” or by completing an Add/Drop/ Withdrawal form in 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 and submitting it to the Enrollment Services Center or by following the appropriate steps on “CougarNet.” 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 and submitting it to the Enrollment Services Center, or by following the appropriate steps on the “CougarNet” link. 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 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 upon presentation of a written request signed by the student.
2. E-mails for transcripts will be accepted as official request only when the transcript is being sent to another educational institution.
3. Copies of a student’s academic transcript are provided free of charge (offical only).
4. No academic records or transcripts will be released until all financial obligations to the college have been met.

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 other than the following:

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 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 Cleveland State Community College 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. Only level I (freshman and sophomore level) courses will be considered for transfer. Exceptions may be granted by the Registrar, in cooperation with the academic divisions, if the course content of a higher level course is equivalent to or exceeds the course content of a level 1 CSCC course which is required in the students academic major.
4. All level I (freshman and sophomore level) courses are posted to the Cleveland State transcript.
5. Departments may require a probationary period before transfer credit is awarded. The Enrollment Services Center will monitor the student’s progress during the probationary period and transfer credit will be awarded upon successful completion of 15 semester credit hours with a 2.00 GPA or higher.

Credit for Non-Traditional Learning

Cleveland State Community College recognizes that in addition to formal classroom instruction, there are alternate ways of learning. In order to assist students to progress through the curriculum and meet program requirements expeditiously and with the least amount of redundancy, the college encourages students to demonstrate acquired learning and competencies through any of the following methods: college proficiency examinations, external examinations and life experience credit. In each case, academic credit is awarded upon demonstration of proficiencies specified in the official course syllabus. The recognized alternate methods of earning academic credit are as follows:

1. Credit by Proficiency Examination (Internal Examination)
   A student may obtain credit for certain courses by proficiency examinations. Courses in which credit may be earned through proficiency testing are listed below; no other proficiency exams are available.
   1. Conditions and Restrictions
      1. A student may take the proficiency examination for a course only once.
      2. Proficiency examinations may not be taken to repeat course work or be used in lieu of the “I” or “F” grades.
      3. No more than 12 hours credit may be earned for courses completed through proficiency examination.
      4. The examination must be completed within the academic term but no earlier than the fifth day of a semester and no later than the fourteenth day of a semester.
      5. Proficiency examinations are under the control of the faculty, may be standardized or prepared by college faculty and are administered under the supervision of the appropriate faculty representatives.
      6. The student must achieve a “B” or higher score as specified by the discipline in order to be awarded credit by proficiency exam. The credit is recorded as “A” or “B” at the end of the term.
      7. If the student’s examination does not meet the CSCC standard, no credit will be awarded. The student may either complete the course or officially withdraw within the period specified by the official calendar and course syllabus.
      8. Successful completion of the Proficiency Exam may impact financial aid, as federal financial aid programs do not cover classes taken by proficiency.
   2. Procedures for Proficiency Examinations
      1. Student pays the regular registration fee. No other fees will be charged for proficiency examinations.
      2. Student meets with the appointed examiner and schedules the exam, which must be completed within the designated time frame.
      3. Student must be currently enrolled in order to complete test.
   3. Courses Available Through Proficiency Testing 

2. Credit by External Examination, Credit for Life Experience and Credit for Work Taken on a Non- Credit Basis
   1. General Limitations
      1. Credit is awarded only for documented learning which demonstrates achievement of all outcomes for specific courses in an approved degree and/or certificate program being pursued by the student.
      2. Credit is awarded only to matriculated students.
      3. A maximum of 25 percent of the total hours required for a student’s program of study may be earned through Credit by External Examination, Credit by Life Experience, Credit for Non-Credit Coursework or by a combination of these methods.
      4. Credit may not duplicate credit already awarded or replace a failing grade.
      5. Credit does not apply toward meeting residency requirements for graduation.
      6. Though available to students pursuing an associate of arts or associate of science degree, such credit is not designed for the University Parallel emphasis, as senior institutions vary widely in their awarding of credit.
   2. Credit by External Examination
      College credit may be awarded to students presenting acceptable scores earned for approved examinations available through the following testing programs:
      1. American College Testing Program (ACT)
      2. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
      3. College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
      4. Advanced Placement Program (AP)
      5. CPS/CAP certification (for specifically related degrees/certificates) Credit earned by external examination will be identified on the transcript by the specific examination and a grade of “P” (pass), which will not be calculated in the GPA.
   3. Credit for Life Experience
      Enrolled students may request consideration of Credit for Life Experience. Credit is reserved for well-documented existing knowledge and competencies that cannot be readily assessed for credit through external exams, such as AP, CLEP and examinations administered by the college, such as Proficiency Examinations and is awarded only to matriculated students. Credit for Life Experience will be noted on the transcript as Credit for Life Experience and a grade of “P” (pass), which will not be calculated in the GPA.
   4. Credit for Non-Credit Coursework:
      CSCC awards credit taken on a non-credit basis in the following cases:
      1. Documented military training courses as indicated by the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Forces, American Council on Education.
      2. Documented non-credit courses as indicated by the National Guide to Educational Credit by Training Program, American Council on Education. Credit for non-credit course work will receive a grade of “P” and will not be calculated in the GPA.
      3. Credit is awarded only to matriculated students.

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. 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 Office of Admissions and Records at Ext. 265. Participant in the “Yellow Ribbon” Program.

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.

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.

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 http://www.tbr.edu/offices/academicaffairs.aspx?id=2930&ekmensel=e2f22c9a_608_706_btnlink.