Student Services

The purpose of the Student Services division is to provide comprehensive student services that will assist students in achieving educational objectives and enable students in developing relationships and experiences that promote intellectual, social, and emotional growth.

Student Services is organized into departments to serve the needs of students outside the classroom. Students should become familiar with opportunities that these offices provide and should develop an educational plan that includes solid academic preparation, student activities, and social and professional organizations.

Academic Advising Policy

Students must personally assume the responsibility for completing all requirements established by the college for their degrees or certificates. A student’s advisor may not assume these responsibilities.

Any substitution, waiver, or exemption from any established requirement or academic standard may be accomplished only with appropriate approval.

Faculty advisors are active participants in the academic, career, and life-planning services of the college. Advisors are also available to assist students on an individual basis with problems and challenges that arise while they are enrolled in college. Degree seeking students are assigned faculty advisors and should meet with faculty advisors each semester before registering for classes. Students can find their advisor through myNSCC by clicking on the “My Major and Advisor” tab.

Registration Procedures

Students may register for classes by registering online using myNSCC. To access myNSCC, go to NSCC’s home page, www.nscc.edu.

Registration periods for fall, spring, and summer semesters are published in the Academic Calendar . Students are strongly encouraged to register early during registration periods and follow these procedures:

1. All new and re-admit students must complete an Application for Admission or Re-Admission and submit proper credentials. All new students are encouraged to attend an orientation session. Placement testing is required of all new or re-admit degree seeking students. The test is administered by the Testing Center in the Student Services Center. Students should contact their faculty advisor prior to registration each term. Registration is not complete until fees have been paid. Deadline dates for paying fees are published in semester schedules.
2. The first day of classes is noted in the Academic Calendar. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase books and materials and be prepared to begin class work on the first day of classes.

New Student Orientation

All new degree-seeking students should attend a New Student Orientation session. Students will be advised, registered, and assigned a faculty advisor at this orientation session. Before attending, students should submit an application to attend the college, send required transcripts, complete inoculation requirements and complete any required testing in the Testing Center. Students whose applications are incomplete will not be able to register for classes at the orientation session. Students may register for New Student Orientation on the NSCC Web site. If a student is unable to attend an in-person New Student Orientation session, he or she may attend an online session. The online orientation session can be accessed at www.nscc.edu/orientation. Students must attend an in-person session to receive help with advising and registration.

Initial Course Placement

The Tennessee Board of Regents requires that students either demonstrate the appropriate skill levels in reading, writing and/or math before enrolling in college-level courses or that students enroll in appropriate co-requisite experiences with college-level courses to develop the necessary competency in those skills while performing college-level work. ACT/SAT scores, COMPASS test scores, or other relevant information determine whether a student needs to enroll in co-requisite courses in reading, writing, and/or math. Students who place into the lowest levels in reading, writing and math should take the necessary course and co-requisites in reading and writing before attempting mathematics.

Students who test into a co-requisite experience in reading, writing or math may challenge the initial test placement by retaking the COMPASS placement test. Forms to take the COMPASS can be obtained from the Admissions office. COMPASS testing takes place in the Testing Center. ACT is phasing out the COMPASS test with the last administration in December 2016. Information about the replacement for the COMPASS will be updated when available.

Prerequisites and Co-requisites for NSCC Courses

All entering students will be assigned to a placement level in English (Writing), Math, and Reading depending on their ACT, COMPASS, or SAT scores in those areas. Successful completion of Level 1 progresses students to Level 2. Students who completed all Learning Support competencies in those areas prior to Fall 2015 are categorized as Level 2.

Levels for English

Levels for Mathematics

Levels for Reading

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Students who speak English as a second language may receive special assistance in the Learning Center and from ESL specialists at the college. For further information, contact the ESL Coordinator on the Main campus at 615-353-3380 or on the Southeast Campus at 615-916-5591, or visit www.nscc.edu/admissions/esl.

Access Center

The Access Center (formerly Student Disability Services) provides assistance to students with documented physical, emotional, and/or learning disabilities. Access Center personnel assist eligible students and serve as a liaison between students and faculty.

Access Center personnel also assist in testing and securing appropriate technology as needed for students. A minimum of two weeks is usually required to arrange classroom accommodations. For further information, contact the Access Services Coordinator in the Student Services Center at 615-353-3721 or 615-353-3741, or visit www.nscc.edu/access-center.

Housing

The college does not have residence halls. Therefore, students should begin efforts to obtain housing at an early date. Any student needing assistance in securing housing may contact the Student Life Representative at 615-353-3026.

Student Activities

Nashville State has honor, social, and professional clubs. Charters of all organizations are on file in the office of the Director of Special Projects and Student Life (S-115) as well as the Dean of Students (S-202). Any organization not chartered is not recognized as part of the college community.

The organization and administration of student activities is a function of the Director of Special Projects and Student Life under the supervision of the Dean for Student Services.

Student Government Association

Student Participation in Campus Decision-Making

The Student Government Association represents the student body at Nashville State. The SGA serves the vital role of liaison between the campus administration and the student body. A designated member of the SGA is a member of the Nashville State Executive Committee, which is the policy-making committee of the college.

The SGA is charged with the responsibility of communicating the ideas and opinions of the student body at-large to the administration of the college. Members of the SGA are elected by popular vote and serve for a term of one year.

The SGA office is located in the Student Services Building, S-110, or e-mail sga@nscc.edu.

All standing committees at the college include a student representative. It is the responsibility of each standing committee chair to appoint, with the President’s approval, a student representative to each campus committee.

Student Life Council

The purpose of the Student Life Council is to promote cooperation and communication among student organizations. The Council consists of faculty/staff advisors and student representatives of each registered organization. The Student Government Association Officers preside over the Council meetings.

Student Publications

The Bridge, NSCC’s college newspaper, is edited and published periodically by students during the year. Students who are interested in contributing to the paper should contact the Office of Student Life at 615-353-3026 or e-mail TheBridge@nscc.edu more information. The Bridge advisory board and Student Life staff work with the newspaper staff.

Tetrahedra is an independent, nonprofit journal published annually by Nashville State. The journal recognizes the artistic talents of the college community through the publication of selected poems, short fiction, and essays, promoting the humanities at the college. Current students, alumni, staff, and faculty are encouraged to submit manuscripts/artwork for publication in this journal. For more information, please contact Patricia.Armstrong@nscc.edu, Dean of English, Humanities, and Arts.

All student publications at Nashville State may serve as forums for expression of ideas concerning issues and events of interest. Views expressed in the publications are not necessarily the views of the student body as a whole, the college, or the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Student Organizations

ACCESS Club (Adapt, Create, Community, Engage Student Success)
Architectural and Civil Engineering Student Association

Art Club
Campus Crusade for Christ

Cinema Arts Society
Country Music Association Education Association
Creative Writing Society
FUTURO

Future Ladies in Technology
Green Sleeves

History Association (Clarksville Campus)
Honors College Association

International Student Association
 (Southeast Campus)
Kappa Beta Delta

Karate Club
 at Southeast Campus
Kung Fu Society
LGBTQ Alliance
Mathematics Club

Music Society

National Society of Leadership and Success
Phi Theta Kappa
Philosophy Club
Political Times
Psychology Club (Clarksville Campus)
Science Student Association

Social Work Club
Society of Photography Students

Southern Word at NSCC
Student Government Association (S.G.A.)

Student Occupational Therapy Assistance Organization
Surgical Technology Student Organization

Tau Alpha Pi

Theater Club
The Bridge: Student Newspaper
Toastmasters at NSCC
Visual Arts Society

Many students are also involved in Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL)

For more information, contact Student Life at 615-353-3026, or visit www.nscc.edu/student-life.

Student Photo ID

Student identification cards (Student ID) display a photo and name of student cardholder and are valid as long as the student is actively enrolled in classes. The student photo ID cards are used for library privileges, admittance to some college-sponsored activities, student elections, and other college services.

Although having a photo ID is not mandatory, students and employees are encouraged to obtain a card during their first semester.

The initial student photo ID card will be issued free of charge. There will be a $10 replacement fee assessed for cards that are lost, damaged, stolen, or those that require a name change.

To receive a student photo ID the student must provide proof of current registration and one of the following items:

1. A driver’s license with a photograph
2. A valid State of Tennessee photo ID
3. An original birth certificate
4. A passport

To update the student photo ID card to include subsequent enrollments, the student must present the student photo ID card and proof of the current semester enrollment.

Satellite campus student photo ID services are offered for each individual campus. For more information please contact the Director’s Office for that campus.

For more information, contact Student Life at 615-353-3026, the Student Life Director’s Office at 615-353-3233, or visit www.nscc.edu/student-life. The Student Photo ID Office on the Main Campus is located in the Student Services Center, Room S-107. Please visit www.nscc.edu/photo-id for hours of operation.

Study Abroad

Nashville State is a member of the Tennessee Consortium for International Studies (TnCIS). Study Abroad takes students around the world for summer semester experiences. To participate in Study Abroad, students must be at least 18 years old, have completed 12 credits at Nashville State Community College, and be in good standing. For details about the programs, visit www.tncis.org. NSCC offers a scholarship of 50% of the TnCIS program cost. The scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis. If you are interested in study abroad or the study abroad scholarship, visit the Dean for Student Services in the Student Services Building, Room S-202, or call 615-353-3261 for an appointment.

Costs associated with Study Abroad are eligible to be paid by financial aid. It is necessary to plan the use of aid, usually a year in advance, to allow that eligible funds are available to pay for the program. Students should contact the Financial Aid office at 615-353-3250 to discuss the possibility of using their aid package for this purpose.

Student Right to Know Policy

Information about graduation rates of Nashville State Community College students is available from the Office of Institutional Research. The college complies with the Student-Right-to-Know legislation.

College Liability

Nashville State Community College is not responsible for bodily harm and/or death to participants in any voluntary organizations or activities, including activities in which risk is incurred. Nashville State Community College, as an agency of the State of Tennessee, is not liable for claims resulting from injury and/or death incurred in such participation. Members of college faculty and staff may not be held liable unless personal negligence occurs.

Rights and Responsibilities of Nashville State Community College

The college shall have such rights and responsibilities as are necessary and desirable for the college to achieve its purposes. The Tennessee Board of Regents specifically confirms the following rights to the college:

1. To establish regulations concerning the use and abuse of college property and to assess students with claims of damage of such abuse.
2. To withhold grades and transcripts of credit until all claims have been paid.
3. To dismiss, in the absence of specific regulations, any student, at any time, for cause deemed by the college to be in the best interest of the student’s emotional or physical safety or the well-being of the college community.
4. To establish standards of conduct and manners on the campus within range of convention of good taste.
5. To establish traffic regulations on campus, provide for registration of all vehicles using the campus, and enforce such regulations as established.
6. To supervise the scheduling of meetings and activities of student organizations.

This list is not all-inclusive and in no way limits the rights, responsibilities, and authority the college now has. It simply describes some of the rights, responsibilities, and authority which have been vested in it.

Security Procedures

Nashville State Community College makes available to all students information relative to the NSCC security policies and procedures. The Security department’s crime statistics and policies may be found online at www.nscc.edu/safety-and-security. In the event any student should require the services of security personnel, officers are on duty 24 hours a day to ensure the safety and security of both students and campus facilities.

The Security Office is located in A-34, and the Security Station is in the lobby of the Student Services Center, adjacent to the campus bookstore. Information about on-campus crime rates is available online (PDF).

Student Complaints, Grievances and Appeals

Procedures exist to handle student complaints, grievances and appeals. Information about the procedure is available in the Student Policy Handbook  or from the Dean for Student Services at 615-353-3268 or 3261.

Student Code of Conduct

Nashville State Community College students are citizens of the community and are expected to maintain acceptable standards of conduct. Admission to Nashville State Community College carries with it privileges and responsibilities.

The Tennessee Board of Regents has authorized institutions under its jurisdiction to take action as may be necessary to maintain campus conditions and preserve the integrity of the institution and its educational environment.

In an effort to provide a secure and stimulating atmosphere, Nashville State Community College has developed a Student Code of Conduct which is contained in the Nashville State Community College Student Policy Handbook . The Student Code of Conduct is intended to govern student conduct on the campuses of Nashville State Community College.

Additionally, students are subject to all local, state, and national laws and ordinances. Should a student violate such laws or ordinances in a manner which adversely affects the institution’s pursuit of its educational objectives, the college may enforce its own regulations regardless of any proceedings instituted by other authorities. Conversely, violation of any section of the Code of Conduct may subject a student to disciplinary measures by the institution whether or not such conduct is simultaneously a violation of local, state, or national laws.

Generally, through appropriate due process procedures, institutional disciplinary measures shall be imposed for conduct which adversely affects the institution’s pursuit of educational objectives, which violates or exhibits a disregard for the rights of other members of the academic community, or which endangers property or persons on college or college-controlled property.

When students are unable to pursue their academic work effectively, when their behavior is disruptive to the educational process of the college or detrimental to themselves or others, they may voluntarily withdraw, be involuntarily withdrawn, or be temporarily suspended from the college. Disruptive or detrimental behavior may, for example, be due to drug and/or alcohol abuse, apparent physical disturbance, and/or psychological disturbance.

Statement of Values

Policy on Sexual Orientation

It is the policy of Nashville State Community College that neither its students nor its employees shall be discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation. Such a policy helps ensure that only relevant factors are considered and that an equitable and consistent standard of conduct and performance will be applied.

A student who has an academic complaint involving discrimination based on his or her sexual orientation should contact the Office of the Dean for Student Services. Any individual who has an employment discrimination complaint based upon his or her sexual orientation should contact the College’s EEO/AA Compliance Officer.

John E. Mayfield Library

(Phone: 615-353-3555)

The John E. Mayfield Library facilitates learning and research for Nashville State students, staff, and faculty by providing:

• An extensive collection of books, periodicals, audio-visual materials, and equipment to cover course needs;
• Information literacy instruction both in-person and online;
• Research and computer skills workshops both in-person and online;
• Research assistance available on a walk-in basis, via instant messenger, email, phone, and text;
• Access to open computers, scanners, and printers; and
• Space for private and group study.

Library resources are available 24 hours a day and are accessible from anywhere. All electronic resources can be accessed with a student A# and myNSCC password. The library houses over 70,000 print resources, but places a high value on electronic resources including ebooks and electronic databases. The library is proud to provide a technology-rich learning environment with laptops, iPads, cameras, and other equipment available for student checkout. The library offers a variety of workshops on research and computer skills throughout the semester. For more information on library services visit nscc.libguides.com/libraryservices.

To access materials not available at Nashville State, the library provides interlibrary loan services for current students and faculty. Nashville State students may also be issued a TALC card, which enables them to utilize any other TBR/UT library with check-out privileges.

The John E. Mayfield Library hours are as follows during fall and spring semesters:

(During fall and spring break and between semesters, hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00am–4:30pm)

The Testing Center

(Phone: 615-353-3564; Email: testing.center@nscc.edu; Website: www.nscc.edu/testing-center )

The Testing Center on the NSCC Main Campus is located in the Student Services Center, Room S-217. The Testing Center provides multiple testing services for students, faculty, and staff. The Testing Center supports the Tennessee Board of Regents’ admission requirements by providing assessment testing, the ACT Compass, for students enrolling in college. International students are required to take the Michigan Test for reading and writing and the ACT Compass test for math. For more information regarding the Michigan Test please contact Wendy Dierberger, ESL Coordinator, at 615-353-3380 (Main Campus), 615-916-5591 (Southeast Campus), or e-mail Wendy.Dierberger@nscc.edu.

Additionally, the Testing Center administers a variety of exams for different departments on campus. The Testing Center proctors classroom individual departmental make-up exams, NSCC Web course exams, the Graduation Exit Exam, TN eCampus (RODP) Web course exams, TEAS V nursing testing, and a variety of other assessments. The CLEP exams are offered to students who are attempting to substitute lifelong learning skills or professional training for regular credit course work.

The Testing Center hours vary throughout the semester. Please visit the Testing Center at www.nscc.edu/testing-center for hours.

Saturday test dates are available by appointment only. Saturday testing is only available on the Main Campus in Nashville.

For tests requiring an appointment, you can call or make an appointment for testing on any Nashville State campus at:

All campus testing hours and availability vary for each campus. Each campus varies on whether it is a walk-in or appointment Testing Center. Please contact the campus closest to you for specific hours and testing availability. Please make sure to call the campus testing contact or check On-Off Campus Testing Center Schedules (PDF) for testing availability.

No minor children are allowed to be left on campus while a student is taking a test in the Testing Center. For more information, see the Children on Campus Policy .

Please review the Testing Center Guidelines (PDF) for more information.

The Learning Center

(Phone: 615-353-3551)

The Learning Center, located inside the John E. Mayfield Library, offers all NSCC students free, drop-in academic assistance with courses in which they are currently enrolled at the college. Services include access to computers for research, e-mail, etc. In addition, tutors are available to help in many subjects, especially mathematics, writing, and accounting. Free online tutoring is also available to students.

The Learning Center’s hours are as follows during fall and spring semesters:

Children are not allowed in the Learning Center.

Career Services Office

The Career Services Office assists students and graduates with their employment needs. Businesses use the office to locate qualified job applicants from the college. The Career Services Office assists with part-time and full-time employment opportunities. The office staff is here to support you through exploring your career options, and preparing you for your job search. You are in control of your career search and we are here to help guide you through the process.

While the Career Services Office does not operate as an employment agency nor does it guarantee employment to those individuals utilizing the services provided, the office provides continuous service in matching the job needs of graduates and employers. Detailed descriptions of available positions and statistics on graduate employment/salaries are available in the office.

Employers with job opportunities may list a position with the office by e-mailing a job description to the address below:

Career Services Office (Room S-206)
120 White Bridge Road • Nashville, TN 37209
615-353-3248 Phone • CareerServices@nscc.edu (E-mail)
www.nscc.edu/career-services (Web site)

Career Assistance for A.A.S. and Technical Degree Seeking Students

It is extremely important that our graduates in the A.A.S. Degree and Technical Certificate programs are hired and employed in their chosen fields of study. All graduating seniors are encouraged to register with the Career Services Office at the beginning of their final semester. Résumes may be submitted electronically in Microsoft Word format to the Career Services Office at Ejobs@nscc.edu or in person by appointment. Office personnel will review and approve all résumés submitted.

Career services are available to graduates within one year of graduation. Limited services may be available for alumni after that year to be determined by the Director of Career Services based on staffing availability, the economy and job availability.

NSCC Job Network

The NSCC Job Network is an interactive job vacancy bulletin that allows A.A.S. Degree and Technical Certificate graduates to complete their entire career search process on line including posting their resume, searching position listings and applying on-line for these positions. Contact the Career Services Office for your login and password to this system.

Cooperative Education (Co-op) Program/Internships

Cooperative Education is a partnership between the college and the business community that enables students to work in areas related to their major fields of study, earning academic credit as well as a paycheck. Students interested in the co-op program must meet all eligibility requirements.

Co-op requirements and applications are available online at our website, or may be picked up in the Career Services Office.

The Career Services Office will interview and screen co-op applicants. Only students who meet all eligibility requirements as well as those who exhibit sincerity, adequate skills and ability to fill a co-op position will be recommended by the Career Services Office to potential employers. All guidelines of the cooperative education program must be followed in order for students to be eligible to participate in the program.

Workforce and Community Development (WCD)

Corporate Training

WCD of Nashville State Community College offers tailored, high-quality and innovative training that gives companies the competitive edge. Whether a company has five employees to be trained or 5000, WCD helps them hit new levels of efficiency.

WCD listens to companies’ specific needs, and collaborates with them to design the most effective learning programs to train, advance, and retain their employees.

Continuing Education

Nashville State’s WCD offers continuing education courses to re-skill or advance the current workforce. WCD empowers companies and individuals to compete and thrive in today’s economy by offering the most up-to-date skills training available.

WCD offers a wide spectrum of classes for personal enrichment to help people develop their best selves. Programs are open to anyone in the community, including retirees, and family members of all ages. Anyone can find something captivating and educational at Nashville State’s WCD.

For the full catalog of Workforce and Community Development courses, see www.workforce.nscc.edu, call 615-353-3456 or 1-800-272-7363 ext. 3456.