Student Policy Handbook

The Student Policy Handbook is a valuable resource for students as they become oriented to the college community. It contains important policies that are not found in other sections of the catalog or in other locations on the Website. It is the student’s responsibility to become familiar with and adhere to these policies. Please review all policies and procedures listed below, as well as throughout the entire Website, to ensure a successful educational experience at Nashville State.

Cell Phone/Pager Policy

The use of cellular telephones, pagers, and electronic devices in the classroom is prohibited at Nashville State. The faculty has determined that these wireless communication systems disrupt the academic process. Students who are required to carry pagers and/or have cell phones for employment and/or family responsibilities must inform the instructor at the beginning of the semester concerning the necessity for pager/cell phones. The instructor and student will discuss the need(s) for the pager/cell phone and a decision will be made by the instructor concerning the use of the pager/cell phone. In cases where pagers/cell phones are required and allowed by the instructor, the pager/cell phone must not disrupt the classroom.

Students who violate the terms of agreement on the use of pagers/cell phones will forfeit the use of the privilege. Students will be responsible for any work that is missed. Students will not be excused to make telephone calls during examination periods. In all cases relating to the use of electronic devices in the classrooms, the instructor will determine appropriate behavior.

Children On Campus Policy

These policies and procedures concern minor children brought on campus and/or left unattended by students. Students may not bring children into instructional settings, such as classrooms, labs, the Testing Center, or the Learning Center. In some instances, children may be allowed to accompany their parents when the parents are on campus to conduct school business, but in no instance will children be allowed to be disruptive.

No child may be left unattended in any part of the college. Anyone observing an unattended child should report the matter to Security who will attempt to locate the parent. No child under 12 years of age will be left unattended in automobiles anywhere on-campus. Anyone observing an unattended child in an automobile should report the matter to Security. If conditions justify, unattended children will be taken to a safe facility and/or Metro police will be notified.

Confidentiality of Student Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as Amended (FERPA), affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. They are:

1. The right to inspect and review information contained in the student’s education records.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records to ensure that they are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy or other rights.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
4. The right to file with the U.S. Department of Education a complaint concerning alleged failures by Nashville State to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

Procedures to Inspect and Review Records

Students wishing to review their educational records should submit to the Director of Records and Registration a written request, which identifies as precisely as possible the record or records he or she wishes to inspect.

The Director of Records and Registration will make the needed arrangements for access as promptly as possible and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. Access must be given in 30 days or less from the receipt of the request.

When a record contains information about more than one student, the student may inspect and review only the records that relate to themself.

Procedures for Requesting Amendment to Education Records

Students who believe that their educational records contain information that is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of their privacy or other rights may discuss their problems informally with the Dean for Student Services. If he/she is in agreement with the student’s request, the appropriate records will be amended. If not, the student will be notified within a reasonable period of time that the records will not be amended. The student will be informed by the Dean for Student Services of his/her right to a formal hearing.

Student requests for a formal hearing must be made in writing to the Dean for Student Services who, within a reasonable period of time after receiving such requests, will inform students of the date, place, and time of the hearing. The hearing panel, which will adjudicate such challenges, will be the individuals who have been designated by the Dean for Student Services’ office to conduct hearings involving students’ petitions. Decisions of the hearing panel will be final, be based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing, consist of written statements summarizing the evidence and stating the reasons for the decisions, and be delivered to all parties concerned.

Disclosure of Student Record Information

Nashville State will disclose information from a student’s education record only with the written consent of the student except when release is authorized by law and by NSCC. Personally identifiable information from the student’s record may be released without consent to school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the student’s education records.

School Officials are those individuals who are employed by the institution in an administrative, supervisory, academic, or support staff position or are designated to administer federal, state, and locally approved education assistance programs for specific NSCC students in coordination and cooperation with the College.

Legitimate Educational Interest is determined by the “need to know” of the school officials who are acting in the student’s educational interest. It will include any authorized interest or activity undertaken in the name of the College for which access to an education record is necessary or appropriate to the proper performance of the undertaking. It is the responsibility of the designated Records Custodian to assess the legitimate education interest or “need to know” of the requesting individual(s).

Student Alcohol or drug possession or use. Public institutions of higher education are required to notify the parent or legal guardian of a student under 21 years old if the student commits a disciplinary violation with respect to use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance.

Directory information concerning students is treated as public information and is released to the public unless otherwise requested by the student.

Directory information includes the following:
Student Name, Address, Date and Place of Birth, Major Fields of Study, Dates of Attendance, Full-Time/Part-Time Status, Degrees and Awards Received, Most Recent Educational Institution Attended, and Participation in Recognized Activities.

Students who desire that any or all of the listed Directory information not be released may complete the appropriate form in the Records Office. This request will remain in effect unless or until revoked by the student.

Dress Code Policy

Students are expected to use good taste in considering appropriate dress on-campus. They should dress in a manner appropriate to their position as college students preparing for professional and career employment. Faculty has the authority to outline and enforce student dress expectations in their classrooms.

Drug/Alcohol Free Communities Statement

This statement is being distributed to all Nashville State employees, including faculty, staff, and students, in compliance with the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. 701, et seq.) and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (20 U.S.C. 3171, et seq.).

Policy

It is the policy of Nashville State to prohibit the illegal use, abuse, manufacturing, possession, sale, or distribution of alcoholic beverages or any controlled substance, including any stimulant, depressant, narcotic, hallucinogenic drug or substance, or marijuana on college-owned, controlled, or temporarily leased property. Such use, sale, or distribution is prohibited also during any college-related activity, including off-campus trips. All employees and students are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws related to this matter. Additionally, any violation of this policy as set forth in the Nashville State Community College Student Conduct Policy (Part 2 (2) (j) (k) (l)) will result in Disciplinary Sanction (Part 4).

Health Risks Associated With Illicit Drugs and Alcohol Abuse

A cursory description of the health risks associated with the use of alcohol and illicit drugs is as follows:

Alcohol
Alcoholism is the most neglected health problem in the United States today. It is a complex, progressive disease that interferes with health and social and economic functioning. Untreated, alcoholism results in physical incapacity, permanent mental impairment, and/or premature death.

Alcohol is involved in one-third of all suicides, one-half of all murders, one-half of all traffic deaths, and one-fourth of all other accidents; and it is involved in over 50 percent of all arrests. Alcohol is the third leading cause of birth defects involving mental retardation. Use during pregnancy may cause spontaneous abortion, various birth defects, or fetal alcohol syndrome.

Drinking is implicated in cancer, heart disease, liver disease, gastrointestinal disease, and other illnesses. Alcoholism reduces life expectancy by twelve years. Regular use of alcohol can damage all body organs, leading to liver, heart, and digestive problems, circulatory system interference, personality disorders, reproductive problems, and such central nervous system disorders as poor vision, loss of coordination, memory loss, loss of sensation, mental/physical disturbances, and permanent brain damage. The physical and psychological changes that occur as a result of addiction to alcohol can pave the way for addiction to mood altering drugs.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act allows Nashville State to disclose to parents of students under 21 years of age (at the time of disclosure) disciplinary violations concerning drug or alcohol use or possession.

Other Drugs
Drugs are natural and synthetic chemical substances used to affect body processes, the mind, nervous system, behavior, and feelings. Drugs used without medical supervision lead to many of the same health risks associated with alcohol abuse. Specifically, however, the illicit use of drugs increases the risk of mental deterioration; death from overdose; physical and mental dependence or addiction; hepatitis and skin infections from needle use; psychotic reactions; inducement to take stronger drugs; brain damage; hallucinations; unconsciousness; deep depression; distortion of time and space; permanent damage to lungs, brain, kidneys, and liver; death from suffocation or choking; anemia, amnesia, AIDS, and other infections. If used excessively, alcohol and drugs may cause death.

Biennial Review

The Biennial Review is a required summary of policies, programs, and assessments concerning the issues of alcohol and other drugs at NSCC. A copy of the Biennial Review is available from the Dean for Student Services.

Information Sources for Treatment and/or Rehabilitation

The Information Desk located in the Student Services Center provides information related to treatment and/or rehabilitation as a service to all employees and students. The purposes of referral are as follows:

1. To encourage the individual with a problem to seek the assistance of a qualified drug/alcohol therapist or seek treatment from a drug treatment center or mental health center.
2. To provide information to individuals regarding treatment resources in the surrounding area and how to secure their services. Descriptive materials are provided when available detailing the facility, length of stay, cost, etc.
3. To assist the employee/student in making the initial contact with an outside agency.

Emergencies

In the event of a medical emergency, the Security Office, 615-353-3273, should be notified first. The Dean for Student Services, 615-353-3268, should then be notified. If the emergency is acute (stopped breathing, heart attack, stroke, heavy bleeding, poisoning, or shock) an ambulance should be called immediately. If the patient is unable to make a request, the patient will be transported to the nearest hospital, which is St. Thomas West Hospital, 4220 Harding Road, 615-988-8043. All expenses incurred for ambulance transportation and subsequent treatment will be the responsibility of the individual. All employee and student accidents are to be reported promptly to the Office of Security, located in the A Building, Office A-34.

Grade Appeal Policy and Procedures

A student who believes that an error has been made in the grade assigned for a course may appeal his/her grade. The appeal must be initiated during the semester immediately following the semester in which the grade was posted (summer semester will be considered in determining the following semester). Grade appeals are allowed only when 1) the instructor has not used criteria stated in the course syllabus, 2) has applied criteria inequitably, or 3) has made errors in the calculation or recording of a grade. In all cases, the student will assume the burden of proof with respect to these issues.

Steps for an Appeal

1. The student must try to consult with the instructor to provide a satisfactory resolution to the appeal. The student must also document his/her contact, or attempts to contact, the instructor. The Student Grade Appeal Form for documenting this step may be obtained from the division Dean, any satellite campus, or www.nscc.edu. The only exception to this step in the process is in the case that the instructor is no longer employed at the college or is unavailable so that it is impossible to contact the instructor. In the event the student cannot contact the instructor, the student may contact the instructor’s division Dean or Campus Director who will attempt to contact the instructor. If both parties are unable to contact the instructor, the Dean/Director may act on the instructor’s behalf in reviewing the grade appeal.
2. If the appeal cannot be resolved between the student and the instructor, the student may appeal, in writing, to the appropriate faculty supervisor: division Dean for NSCC online courses or those on the Nashville campus, or the Campus Director for courses at a satellite campus. To continue the appeal, the student must present the completed Student Grade Appeal Form to the appropriate supervisor. The Dean/Director will attempt to resolve the appeal in consultation with the instructor and/or the student. This step must be completed during the semester following the semester in which the grade was earned and must be documented using the Student Grade Appeal Form. Both the student and the faculty member will be notified of the decision of the Dean/Director in writing, to include the grade appeal form.
3. Both the student and faculty member have 10 business days from the Dean’s/Director’s response to appeal the decision. If the course in question took place on a satellite campus, the next level of appeal is to the appropriate instructional Dean. In such a case, the appeal process will be the same as outlined in 2 above. To continue the appeal further, the student or faculty member must present a copy of the completed Student Grade Appeal Form which clearly explains the basis of the appeal, the evidence of the appeal, supporting documentation, and the signatures of the instructor and division Dean to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Vice President will utilize any resources available to resolve the grade conflict within 15 business days from the date submitted to the office.
4. The Vice President will notify the student, the instructor and the division Dean of their decision in writing, to include the grade appeal form. Both the student and faculty member have 10 business days from the Vice President’s response to appeal the decision, in writing, through a hearing of an Academic Appeals Committee. To appeal, the student or faculty must present a copy of the completed Student Grade Appeal Form which clearly explains the basis of the appeal, the evidence of the appeal, supporting documentation, and the signatures of the instructor, division Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Appeals should be submitted to the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs.
   
   The Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs will call a meeting of the Academic Appeal Committee with, at a minimum, faculty representation from all academic divisions. If necessary, the presence of a non-voting content specialist can be requested by the committee once supporting documentation has been reviewed. The Academic Appeals Committee Chair shall notify the student, the instructor, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs of the time and location of the hearing in writing. The committee shall have the power to allow the assigned grade to stand or to be changed. Its decision must be formally announced to all parties in writing. The time schedule allowed for completion of the action of the Committee shall be 15 business days. The hearing committee procedures will provide due process as outlined in the Nashville State Student Code of Conduct.  Pending resolution of the appeal, consequences of the contested grade will stand.
5. Appeal of decisions of the Academic Appeals Committee can be made in writing within 10 business days, by any party, to the President, whose decision will be final.

Intellectual Property

The Tennessee Board of Regents policy 5:01:06:00 on Intellectual Property applies to students and employees. It provides that works created in the course of a project sponsored by Nashville State or with the significant use of NSCC facilities or equipment are the property of Nashville State Community College.

International (F-1) Student Insurance

Students must purchase this insurance or show proof of having equal or better coverage. Students who are in this category should speak with the Office of Admissions, Student Services Center, 615-353-3219, for information on purchasing insurance.

Internet Usage Policy

The advent of the Internet presents unprecedented opportunities to obtain, exchange, and manipulate data across national borders. Students using Nashville State’s computing facilities are responsible for using them in an ethical, legal, efficient, and effective manner consistent with the mission of the college.

Nashville State will not read or edit the content of your homepage before posting on the Web. However, in posting an electronic publication from college computing facilities on the Web, you are explicitly agreeing to conform to the policies governing student conduct already in place in the college and the Tennessee Board of Regents System. Violations of these policies will be handled in a way consistent with comparable college policy violations that may require disciplinary action. Disciplinary offenses are outlined in this Student Policy Handbook.

Students should at all times follow these guidelines:

• Electronic communication programs (such as electronic mail) are for college-related communications only. Chain letters are strictly forbidden.
• Fraudulent, harassing, threatening or obscene messages and/or materials are not to be sent, stored, posted, or downloaded.

Tennessee laws require that all state colleges actively engage in protecting against electronic piracy. The following is the NSCC policy with regard to downloading music or videos.

• No student, employee or visitor of NSCC is permitted use of its computers or network for the purpose of making illegal downloads.
• Visiting any web sites [i.e. file share, peer to peer (P2P, torrent] in order to make illegal downloads will not be tolerated on any NSCC campus.
• Individuals found to be in violation of this policy will face disciplinary and/or possible legal action.
• No one should make unauthorized copies of copyrighted software.

Computer facilities and accounts are to be used only for the purpose for which they were authorized. Any individual who reveals his or her password to another is responsible for that other person’s use of the account. Individuals are responsible for their own password protection.

No one should deliberately attempt to degrade system performance or prevent an authorized user access to the computer systems. In addition, students must follow the Acceptable Use Policy that is part of the Nashville State Electronic Network. Copies of this policy may be viewed on the website.

Off-campus Speakers

Nashville State recognizes the right of officially recognized student organizations to hear off-campus or outside speakers. However, there is no absolute right to assemble or to make a speech at any time or place regardless of the circumstances, content of speech, purpose of assembly, or probable consequences of such meeting or speech; and the issuance of invitations to off-campus or outside speakers for any meeting, activity or event on-campus shall follow the Tennessee State Board of Regents Policy 1:03:02:50 adopted May 30, 2012.

Any speaker invited to the campus by an officially recognized student club or organization shall be approved by the organization’s faculty advisor and cleared by the Dean of Student Services before the invitation is extended.

Any non-affiliated individual or organization must request and be granted permission to congregate or speak through the office of the Dean for Student Services. The designated area for a non-affiliated individual or organization is the green area on the east side of the Student Services building. Access to this area is limited to when the college is officially open.

Sex Crimes Prevention

The federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act and the Tennessee College and University Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act of 2002 require that whenever a sex offender becomes employed, enrolls as a student, or volunteers at an institution of higher education in the state of Tennessee, he or she must complete or update the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) sexual offender registration/monitoring form and deliver it to TBI headquarters in Nashville. As defined in section 40-39-102 of the Tennessee Code, a “sexual offender” means a person who is, or has been, convicted in this state of committing a sexual offense or who is, or has been convicted in another state or another country, or who is or has been convicted in a federal or military court, of committing an act which would have constituted a sexual offense if it had been committed in this state. A “sexual offense” means the commission of acts including but not limited to aggravated and statutory rape, sexual battery, sexual exploitation of a minor, aggravated prostitution, and kidnapping.

Both acts designate certain information concerning a registered sexual offender as public information and therefore amend and supersede the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other federal and state laws that previously prohibited the disclosure of such personal information. Since the laws require the publication of information pertaining to sexual offenders employed, enrolled or volunteering at an educational institution, said publication does not constitute grounds for a grievance or complaint under NSCC or Tennessee Board of Regents policies or procedures. Students may obtain Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) Sexual Offender Registration/Monitoring forms in the Office of Safety and Security, Office A-34. Effective October 28, 2002, the registry of Sexual Offenders for Nashville State Community College will be housed in the Office of Safety and Security, Office A-70A.

Sexual and Racial Harassment Policy

Sexual and racial harassment constitute a form of discrimination prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. TBR policies 2:02:10:01 and 5:01:02:00 and Guideline P-080 provide parameters, rules, and procedures for campus personnel.

Sexual Harassment

TBR guidelines define sexual harassment as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature when one of the following criteria is met:

1. Submission to such a conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of the individual’s employment or of the individual’s status in a program, course or activity;
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment decisions, a criterion for evaluation, or a basis for academic or other decisions affecting such individual; or
3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or educational work or educational environment.

All Nashville State employees and students will be held accountable for their actions. Sexual harassment will not be tolerated on-campus. Advice in this matter is simple. Do not put yourself, your subordinates, or our students in a position where there is even a hint that an act of sexual harassment might occur. Likewise, do not tolerate unwelcome acts toward yourself, your subordinates, or students.

Racial Harassment

Generally, racial harassment is defined as any person’s conduct, which unreasonably interferes with a student’s status or performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment. Harassment on the basis of race, color, or national origin includes offensive demeaning treatment of an individual, where such treatment is based typically on prejudiced stereotypes of a group to which that individual may belong. It includes, but is not limited to, objectionable epithets, threatened or actual physical harm or abuse, or other intimidating or insulting conduct directed against the individual because of his/her race, color, or national origin.

Other Harassment

Generally, harassment on the basis or religion, disability, or other protected status includes any conduct which has the purpose or has the reasonably foreseeable effect of interfering with a student’s academic efforts, employment, or participation in institutionally sponsored activities. Such harassment also includes any activity that creates an intimidating, hostile or demeaning environment.

Procedures

Any student who believes he or she has been subjected to harassment by a Nashville State student or Nashville State employee shall present the charge to the Dean of Students, Student Services Center. The charge shall include the circumstances giving rise to the allegations, the date(s) of the alleged occurrence(s) and when available, the names of any witness to the alleged occurrence(s). The student who presents the charge shall sign the charge.

The Dean of Students shall investigate and take appropriate action in compliance with Tennessee Board of Regents policies and guidelines relative to harassment and in compliance with federal and state laws that prohibit such discrimination.

Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedures

Prohibition of Sexual Misconduct

Sexual misconduct is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX/EEO. Nashville State is committed to eliminating any and all acts of sexual misconduct and discrimination on its campuses. As set forth in NSCC Sexual Misconduct Policy 7-05-00-00, sexual misconduct includes dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault, including rape. Nashville State strictly prohibits these offenses.

Reporting Sexual Misconduct

The College encourages victims of sexual violence to talk to someone about what happened so they can get the support they need and so that the College can respond appropriately.

To file an institutional complaint regarding an act of sexual misconduct, students should contact the Title IX/EEO Coordinator at 615-353-3305 or the Dean for Student Services at 615-353-3268. The Title IX/EEO Coordinator is available to receive incident reports 24 hours a day. For assistance after hours, call 615-353-3273, Nashville State’s Security Office. Without providing any specific information to the Security Officer, the Complainant should state that he/she wishes to speak with the Title IX/EEO Coordinator and provide his/her telephone number. The TitleIX/EEO Coordinator or the Dean for Student Services will immediately return the Complainant’s call.

Victims have the option to notify or not notify proper law enforcement. The College will not share information with law enforcement without the victim’s consent or unless the victim has also reported the incident to law enforcement. If a rape or other sexual misconduct is reported, the College will offer the victim both medical and psychological care as well as information about prosecuting the suspect through both criminal and Nashville State disciplinary channels.

Though reports to the College will be kept as confidential as possible, the College cannot guarantee the confidentiality of every report or complaint. Students who wish to report confidentially may contact Centerstone Customer Care and Crisis Call Center at 866-696-4267.

A victim of any form of sexual offense is encouraged to seek appropriate medical assistance. If immediate medical attention is warranted, the victim should be transported to Nashville Metro General Emergency Room. It is important that the victim seek medical attention in order to ensure his/her well being and to ensure that any evidence is preserved as possible proof of criminal sexual assault in the event that criminal charges are pursued.

Accuser/Accused Rights

Students accused of sexual misconduct will be charged with violating the Nashville State Student Code of Conduct. Special rights are given to the victim if a suspect in a sexual offense case is a student and that suspect is charged with violating the Code of Student Conduct. Both the accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a campus disciplinary hearing. The victim, therefore, has the right to have counsel of his/her choice present during hearings. Both the Complainant and the Responder shall be informed in writing simultaneously regarding the determination of a charge of sexual misconduct, along with notice on their right to request an institutional hearing on the issue.

Penalties for the violation of any Code of Conduct offense are listed in the Student Policy Handbook. Violations may lead to disciplinary action up to and including permanent dismissal from the College. All reasonable requests by the victim to be removed from contact with the suspect will be granted.

Signs and Poster Policy

All materials posted on bulletin boards must be approved and stamped by the Office of Student Life (S-102) or the Dean for Student Services Office, Student Services Division. Signs, posters, or bulletins will be removed if they are not stamped. Student Services, custodial and administrative personnel may remove signs posted on windows, doors, or in areas other than those designated.

Student Code of Conduct

Click here to view Student Conduct Policy for Nashville State Community College.

The Student Conduct policy includes:
Part 1 Institution Policy Statement
Part 2 Disciplinary Offenses
Part 3 Academic and Classroom Misconduct
Part 4 Disciplinary Sanctions
Part 5 Traffic and Parking
Part 6 Disciplinary Procedures

Student Complaints

The Office of the Dean for Student Services is the official clearinghouse for all student complaints. All complaints shall be in writing to the Dean for Student Services. The Dean will review each complaint and consult with appropriate college faculty/staff to discuss issues related to the complaint. The Dean will correspond in writing with each individual who registers a complaint with the college.

Student Grievance/Complaint Procedure

Grievances under College Policy and this Procedure are limited to adverse action(s), by the College, affecting a student:

1. Violates Nashville State or Tennessee Board of Regents policy, or involves an inconsistent application of these same policies;
2. Violates state or federal discrimination statutes in that the adverse action is based on race, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status; or
3. Violates any constitutional right.

All student complaints, grievances and appeals must be submitted in writing to the Dean for Student Services. Student complaints regarding race, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status discrimination/retaliation will be handled in accordance with Tennessee Board of Regents Policy P-080. Grievances/complaints, including those related to disability determinations and/or accommodations that are not grounded in a claim of discrimination will be conducted pursuant to the following procedure:

All complaints, grievances and appeals must be submitted in writing to the Dean for Student Services or the Section 504 and Title II Coordinator. The dean, coordinator, or his/her designee will investigate all complaints which may include an interview with the complainant. The dean will respond to the complainant in writing within 15 business days. Appeals must be made by written communication to the President who will send a written copy of his or her decision to the student within 10 business days of receipt of the appeal. The decision of the President is final.

Dean for Student Services
Nashville State Community College
Student Services Building – S-202
120 White Bridge Road
Nashville, TN 37209
615-353-3268

Section 504 and Title II Coordinator
Nashville State Community College
Administration Building – W-05
120 White Bridge Road
Nashville, TN 37209
615-353-3305

Student Rights and Freedoms

Academic institutions exist for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the development of students, and the general wellbeing of society. Free inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the attainment of these goals. As members of the academic community, students should be encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment and to engage in a sustained and independent search for truth. Institutional procedures for achieving these purposes may vary from campus to campus, but the minimal standards of academic freedom of students outlined below are essential to any community of scholars. Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The freedom to learn depends upon appropriate opportunities and conditions in the classroom, on the campus, and in the larger community. Students should exercise their freedom with responsibility. The responsibility to secure and to respect general conditions conducive to the freedom to learn is shared by all members of the academic community. Tennessee Board of Regents institutions have developed policies and procedures, which provide and safeguard this freedom. The purpose of this statement is to enumerate the essential provisions for students’ freedom to learn.

Freedom of Access to Higher Education

The admissions policies of each Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Institution are a matter of institutional choice, provided that each institution makes clear the characteristics and expectations of students, which it considers relevant to success in the institution’s program. Under no circumstances should a student be barred from admission to a particular institution on the basis of race. Thus, within the limits of its facilities, each institution should be open to all students who are qualified according to its admissions standards. The facilities and services of a TBR institution should be open to all of its enrolled students.

The professor in the classroom and in conference should encourage free discussion, inquiry, and expression. Student performance should be evaluated solely on an academic basis, not on opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards.

1. Protection of Freedom of Expression. Students should be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled.
2. Protection Against Improper Academic Evaluation. Students should have protection through orderly procedures against prejudiced or capricious academic evaluation. At the same time, they are responsible for maintaining standards of academic performance established for each course in which they are enrolled.
3. Protection Against Improper Disclosure. Certain information about students is protected from public disclosure by federal and state laws. Protection against improper disclosure is a serious professional obligation. Judgments of ability and character may be provided under appropriate circumstances.

Theft of Student Property

Nashville State cannot assume responsibility for loss, theft, or damage of students’ property. All thefts should be reported to Safety and Security. Students may store items in lockers at the White Bridge campus that may be obtained during registration for a nominal fee of two dollars per semester. Students who desire a locker should contact the Bursar’s Office located in the Student Services Center.

Tobacco-Free Campus Policy

Tobacco use is not permitted in any NSCC owned or leased property. This includes all grounds, vehicles, and buildings owned or leased by NSCC.

This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, contractors and visitors of NSCC and is in effect 24 hours a day, year round. This policy applies to all forms of tobacco products including, but not limited to, cigarettes, pipes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and snuff, as well as, smokeless electronic cigarettes and other similar devices.

Penalties for violating this policy are as follows:

Students

Student violations should be reported to Security or Dean of Student Services.

• First offense. Verbal warning from Dean of Student Services
• Second offense. Probation
• Third offense. Suspension
• Fourth offense. Expulsion

Employees

Employee violations should be reported to immediate supervisor.

• First offense. Written record of conversation
• Second offense. First written warning
• Third offense. Second written warning
• Fourth offense. Termination

Voter Registration

In an effort to encourage student participation in the election and voting process, Nashville State provides voter registration forms for any student in attendance at the college. These forms are located at strategic locations on campus and the Student Life Representative’s Office, Student Services Center.

Weapons on Campus Policy

No Nashville State student shall knowingly possess, handle, or transmit any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon while on campus. (Student Conduct Policy Part 2 (2)(h))