Student Handbook

The Student 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 

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 

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 Admissions and Records Records a written request, which identifies as precisely as possible the record or records he or she wishes to inspect.

The Director 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 her- or himself.

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 Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. 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 Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management of his/her right to a formal hearing.

Student requests for a formal hearing must be made in writing to the Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management 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 Associate Vice President of Student Affairs 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 may 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 Nashville State 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, Email 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 

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 (Nashville State Student Conduct and Disciplinary Sanctions Policy 03-04-00).

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 Nashville State. A copy of the Biennial Review is available from the Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.

Information Sources for Treatment and/or Rehabilitation

The Student Success Center staff provide 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 Police/Security Office, 615-353-3273, should be notified first. The Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, 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 (9-911). If the patient is unable to make a request, the patient will be transported to the nearest hospital.  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 Police and Security. The closest hospital by campus is as follows:
•    White Bridge Road - St. Thomas West Hospital – 4220 Harding Road, 615-222-2111. 
•    North Davidson -Skyline Medical Center – 500 Hospital Drive, 615-769-2000
•    Southeast - Southern Hills Medical Center – 391 Wallace Road, 615-781-4000
•    Clarksville – Tennova Healthcare – 651 Dunlop Lane, 931-502-1000
•    Dickson - Horizon Medical Center – 111 US-70E, 615-446-0446
•    Humphreys - Three Rivers Hospital – 451 TN-13, 931-296-4203

Grade Appeal Procedure

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 director, or can be found on the college website at 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 who will attempt to contact the instructor. If both parties are unable to contact the instructor, the Dean 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 division Dean using the Student Grade Appeal form. If a student wishes to appeal a final grade earned is a TN eCampus course the Student Grade Appeal form should be submitted to the TN eCampus Student Liaison. TN eCampus Student Liaison contact information can be found at the Online Learning section of the college website. To continue the appeal, the student must present the completed Student Grade Appeal Form to the appropriate Dean, who 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 in writing, to include the grade appeal form.
3. Both the student and faculty member have 10 business days from the Dean’s response to appeal the decision. 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 of 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 of Academic Affairs 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 of Academic Affairs. Appeals should be submitted to the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs.
   
   The Associate Vice President of 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 of 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 Welcome Center staff or call, 615-353-3219, for information on purchasing insurance.

Internet Usage 

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 college 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.

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 Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management 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 Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. Access to campuses is limited to outside areas and to when the college is officially open.

Discrimination and Harassment

It is the intent of Nashville State Community College that no individual shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age (as applicable), status as a covered veteran, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal or state civil rights law.

Policies Related to Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct

Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment or Sexual Misconduct

It is the intent of Nashville State Community College that the institution shall fully comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, §485(f) of the HEA, as amended by §304 of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, the regulations implementing these Acts found at 34 CFR §668.41, §668.46 and Appendix A to Subpart D of Part 668; and Sections 799A and 845 of the Public Health Service Act and Regulations issued pursuant thereto found at 45 CFR Parts 83 and 86.  The policies in the area are adopted to address such compliance.

Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Policy

It is the policy of Nashville State Community College that, pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 799A and 845 of the Public Health Service Act, and Regulations adopted pursuant thereto, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, no institution shall discriminate on the basis of sex in the education programs or activities of the institution, including health-related training programs or in the terms and benefits affecting employment.

Discrimination and Harassment Policy

The purpose of this guideline is to supplement TBR Policy 6.02.00.00 and TBR Policy 5.01.02.00 relative to the orderly resolution of allegations of discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation/gender identity/expression, disability, age as applicable, status as a covered veteran, genetic information and any other category protected by federal or state law.

Race, Ethnicity or National Origin Discrimination Policy

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d. It is the intent of Nashville State to Community College that the institution shall fully comply with Title VI and Regulations issued pursuant thereto. 

Sexual Misconduct Policy

Sexual misconduct is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX.  Nashville State Community College is committed to eliminating all acts of sexual misconduct and discrimination on its campuses.  As set forth in this policy, sexual misconduct includes Title IX Sexual Harassment, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Stalking and Sexual Assault.  Nashville State Community College strictly prohibits these offenses.  Any allegation of sexual misconduct as defined herein will be investigated according to this policy.

Sexual Misconduct

Sexual misconduct is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by both Title IX and College policy.  The College encourages victims of sexual misconduct, or sexual violence, to talk to somebody about what happened so they can get the support they need and so the College can respond appropriately.  Though reports will be kept as confidential as possible, the College cannot guarantee the confidentiality of every report or complaint.  The following provisions detail the reporting options available to victims.

Making an Institutional Report

Reports and complaints of sexual misconduct should be made to the Title IX Coordinator.  A report of sexual misconduct can be made any time, including during non-business hours, by contacting the Title IX Coordinator:

Jill Ferrand, Director of Human Resources

120 White Bridge Road

Ellen Weed Building, Suite D-27

Nashville, TN  37209

Phone: 615-353-3305

24/7 by Email: titleIXcoordinator@nscc.edu

Although reports and complaints of sexual misconduct may be made at any time, reports should be made as soon as possible so that the institution is best able to address the allegation.  After receiving a report of sexual misconduct, regardless of whether the report is a Formal Complaint, as defined by the sexual misconduct policy, the Title IX Coordinator will contact the Complainant to discuss available interim and/or supportive measures, inform the Complainant of the availability of such measures and to consider the Complainant’s wishes with regard to available measures.  The Title IX Coordinator will also explain the process for filing a Formal Complaint.  A Complainant who wishes the College to investigate and act in accordance with the sexual misconduct policy must file a Formal Complaint alleging sexual misconduct.

Victims of sexual misconduct are strongly encouraged to report the incident to law enforcement in addition to making an institutional report.  To report sexual misconduct to law enforcement, you may contact Campus Police at 615-353-3273.

Making a Confidential Report

If a victim reports an incident of sexual misconduct to an employee of Nashville State Community College, the College will initiate and pursue an investigation of the incident.  If a victim instead wishes to report an incident of sexual misconduct in a confidential manner, may contact Centerstone Customer Care and Crisis Call Center at 866-696-4267.  If the victim chooses to report the incident in a confidential manner, the College may be unable to investigate the matter or pursue disciplinary action against the alleged offender. 

Immediate Actions a Victim of Sexual Assault Should Take

Immediately following an incident of sexual misconduct, the most important thing is for the victim to get to a safe place.  When a feeling of safety has been achieved, the victim should seek medical attention, regardless of his/her decision to report the crime to law enforcement.  It is very important for the victim of sexual assault to seek medical attention immediately so that the victim can be screened for sexually transmitted diseases/pregnancy/date rape drugs, obtain emergency contraception and receive treatment for any physical injuries. 

A victim has the right to decline any or all parts of a medical exam.  However, critical evidence may be lost or missed if not collected or analyzed.  Valuable physical evidence can be obtained from the victim and the victim’s clothing.  A victim should make every effort to save anything that might contain the offender’s DNA.  Therefore, a victim should not:

·         Bathe or shower;

·         Wash his/her hands;

·         Brush his/her teeth;

·         Use the restroom;

·         Change clothes;

·         Comb hair;

·         Clean up the crime scene; or

·         Move anything the offender may have touched

Even if the victim has not yet decided to report the crime, receiving a forensic medical exam and keeping evidence safe from damage will improve the chances that police can access and test the stored evidence later.  Victims of sexual misconduct are further encouraged to preserve all other evidence, such as saving text messages, instant messages, social media/networking pages and other communications and by saving pictures, logs or other documents, if they exist, as these may be useful in an investigation.

Interim Measures

In situations that require immediate action because of safety or other concerns, the College will take any reasonable administrative action that is appropriate.  These remedies may be applied to one, both or multiple parties involved.  Examples of interim measures may include, but are not limited to:

·         Providing an escort to ensure that the victim can move safely between classes and activities;

·         Ensuring that the victim and alleged offender do not attend the same classes;

·         Providing referral to counseling services;

·         Providing or assisting in providing medical services;

·         Providing academic support services, such as tutoring; or

·         Arranging for the victim to re-take courses or withdraw from a class without penalty

Investigation Procedures and Individuals’ Rights

All proceedings pertaining to complaints of sexual misconduct will include a prompt, fair and impartial investigation and result.  The College will provide the alleged offender and victim equitable rights during the investigative process.  Mediation between the victim and alleged offender will never be considered an appropriate resolution in cases of sexual misconduct.

Once an incident of sexual misconduct is reported, the assigned Title IX investigator shall notify the victim in writing of his/her rights and request a meeting.  The investigator shall also notify the alleged offender in writing of the complaint, as well as his/her rights, and schedule a meeting.  The investigator shall advise the victim, alleged offender and all other individuals interviewed during the investigation that retaliation is strictly prohibited and may be grounds for disciplinary action.  The investigator shall also instruct the participants that the investigation shall be treated as confidential and that any discussions regarding the investigation outside of the interview may constitute retaliation.  In addition, the investigator shall advise all participants to report any activity that they perceive as retaliatory to the Title IX Coordinator.

Possible sanctions for sexual misconduct include, but are not necessarily limited to, termination of employment, suspension or expulsion or other appropriate disciplinary or corrective actions. 

Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness

In compliance with the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 and the Campus SaVE Act, Nashville State has partnered with Everfi to provide learning opportunities that address important issues related to sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking and sexual harassment.  If you or someone you know has been victimized on campus, you are encouraged to report the incident to the Title IX Coordinator.

Disclosure of Criminal Records

In accordance with the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act of 2000, which amends the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act, the Jeanne Clery Act and the Family Educational and Privacy Act of 1974, Nashville State Community College is providing a link to the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry.  This act requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where to obtain information provided by State law enforcement concerning registered sex offenders in that state.  It also requires registered sex offenders to provide notice of their registry to an institution of higher education in the state in which the person is employed, carries a vocation or is a student.  Members of the campus community may obtain the most recent information from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) concerning sex offenders employed, enrolled or volunteering at this institution from the TBI’s website listing of sex offenders.  Unlawful use of the information for purposes of intimidating or harassing another person is prohibited and willful violation shall be punishable as a Class 1 Misdemeanor.

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 institutional or Tennessee Board of Regents policies or procedures. 

Nashville State Community College does not inquire as to whether students entering the college have been arrested or convicted of a crime.  However, if such information is brought to the College’s attention, the student’s attendance at the college will generally be reviewed by appropriate administrators on a case-by-case basis. 

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 Vice President of Student Affairs, 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

The Student Code of Conduct (Nashville State policy 03-04-00 Student Conduct & Disciplinary Sanctions) is through the college website or the office of the Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.

Student Complaints

The Office of the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs is the official clearinghouse for all student complaints. All complaints must be in writing to the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs.  The Student complaint form can be found at Student Records & Forms – Nashville State Community College (nscc.edu). All complaints, including those related to disability and/or accommodations that are not grounded in a claim of discrimination, will be investigated by the Associate Vice President or his/her designee, and may include an interview with the complainant.  The Associate Vice President will respond to the complainant in writing within 15 business days. Appeals to complaint determinations 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.   

Student Grievances

Grievances are defined and limited to adverse action(s), by the College, affecting a student which  

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 grievances, other than those associated with sexual misconduct, should be submitted in writing to the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs. Student grievances regarding race, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status discrimination/retaliation will be handled in accordance with Tennessee Board of Regents Guideline P-080. The Associate Vice President or his/her designee will investigate all complaints which may include an interview with the complainant. The Associate Vice President 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.  

Associate Vice President of Student Affairs
Nashville State Community College
Student Services Center, Room 202
120 White Bridge Road
Nashville, TN 37209
615-353-3148 

For information and reporting of complaints and grievances concerning sexual misconduct, please refer to Sexual Misconduct within the Student Handbook.  

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. as outlines in Nashville State Student Rights and Freedom Policy 03-03-00 and the Tennessee Board of Regents Policy 3.02.04.00. 

Theft of Student Property

Nashville State cannot assume responsibility for loss, theft, or damage of students’ property. All thefts should be reported to Police and Security station at your respective campus.  For White Bridge Road campus go to E-14 and for all extended campus see the campus director.   Some campuses have lockers where students may store items during classes. Students may place a lock on the locker at their own expense. If the College needs to enter the locker when the student using the locker is not available, the lock will be cut off at the lock owner’s expense. 

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 to the Vice President of Student Affairs.

• First offense. Verbal warning from the Associate Vice President of Student Services and Student Life
• 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 in the Student Life Office. Student Life also regularly hosts voter registration drives on campus for students to register and ask questions.  Date of these events are available from the Office of Student Life at studentlife@nscc.edu.

Weapons on Campus Policy

No Nashville State student shall knowingly possess a firearm or any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon while on college property. (Nashville State Firearms and Other Weapons on Campus Policy 07-03-00.)