Student Affairs

Motlow State Community College recognizes that it is the student who brings to full realization the goals and objectives of a college program. Each person who is involved in the total effort at Motlow endeavors to demonstrate that the college is willing to work toward the success of each individual who comes to participate in the program of his or her choice.

Motlow State Community College subscribes to the open door policy for admission. Prospective students seeking admission to the college must meet the admission requirements listed for the type of student that they will be when entering the college. The student types identified for admission purposes are given on the following pages. Each type is defined, specific requirements for admission of each type are listed, and additional information appropriate to that type is given.

All correspondence regarding admissions should be mailed to the Office of Admissions and Records, Motlow State Community College, Department 520, P. O. Box 8500, Lynchburg, TN 37352-8500.

FINAL ACCEPTANCE 

All requirements for admission to the college must be met prior to the student registering for classes. When all admission requirements have been met, the applicant will be notified by email sent to the student’s Motlow email account indicating full acceptance for admission. If further action is necessary in order to establish eligibility for admission, the student will be advised. If any requirement is not completed during the first semester of attendance, the student will not receive a grade report for that semester; the student will not be allowed to register for an additional semester, nor will copies of the student’s transcript be released until all admission requirements have been met.

NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS 

The admission requirements for non-residents of Tennessee are the same as those for Tennessee residents. For the purpose of paying fees and tuition, all classifications will be made by the Office of Admissions and Records according to the policy set forth by the Tennessee Board of Regents. Copies of these policies are available from the Office of Admissions and Records upon request.

GENERAL INTEREST COMMUNITY SERVICE STUDENTS 

A general interest community service student is enrolled in non-credit continuing education courses. Enrollment requires completion of forms in the Office of Community Services during the registration process and payment of the fee appropriate to the selected course(s).

REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIAL PROGRAMS 

Certain instructional programs of the college are subject to special admission requirements which are in addition to the general admission requirements and are subject to change due to the availability of institutional resources.

HONORS ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Students are selected on the basis of past performance as measured by ACT scores, high school records, diagnostic writing samples, and/or college instructor recommendations. Students who have a valid ACT composite score of 23 (22 on ACT taken before October 1989) are prime candidates. Sophomores must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 with 3.5 in the specific Honors area to be eligible for Honors courses. Students who do not have a recent ACT test score may be admitted to Honors classes by consulting with the assistant vice president of academic affairs to determine if they meet Honors requirements. Class discussion and interaction are integral parts of the Honors experience. No courses for Honors credit are offered in the summer session. Additional information about the Honors program is available from the Honors Coordinator.   

NURSING PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS 

Students wishing to apply for admission to the nursing program must satisfy all admission requirements of the college and, in addition, complete a nursing application, take the Nursing Entrance Examination, and comply with all provisions of the Developmental Studies Program (DSP). For information concerning testing dates, contact the Director of Nursing Education. Final selection of successful applicants will be reviewed by a screening committee comprised of the Director of Nursing Education, the Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, the Provost / Vice President for Student Affairs,  a nursing faculty member, and at least one nursing student.

One nursing class is admitted annually in the fall semester. Students may enter the college to pursue the general education courses prior to planned entrance into the nursing program. Advisement by the nursing faculty is recommended to plan an appropriate program of study.

Transfer or readmit students who wish to enter the nursing program must have a two-year currency in nursing courses and a recommended five-year currency in required mathematics and natural sciences.

DEGREE AND CERTIFICATE-OF-CREDIT SEEKING STUDENTS

A degree or certificate-of-credit seeking student is defined as a student taking courses for credit who intends to complete an associate degree or certificate of credit at Motlow.

STUDENT TYPES FOR ADMISSION

The following student types have been identified at Motlow State Community College for admission purposes: New Freshman Student, Transfer Student, Readmit Student, Audit-Only Student, Special Student for Credit, Joint Enrollment Student, Dual Enrollment Student, Transient Student, 60-Year-Old or Older Audit Student, 65-Year-Old or Older Credit Student, International Student, Academically Talented/Gifted Student, Totally Disabled Student.

On the following pages, each of the student types named above is defined, the specific requirements for admission are listed, and additional information appropriate to that type is given. A prospective student seeking admission to the college must complete the requirements for the student type which he/she has chosen for entry into the college.

It is a Class A misdemeanor to misrepresent academic credentials. A person commits the offense of misrepresentation of academic credentials who, knowing that the statement is false and with the intent to secure employment at or admission to an institution of higher education in Tennessee, represents, orally or in writing that such person: (1) Has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one or more degrees or diplomas from an accredited institution of higher education; (2) Has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one or more degrees for diplomas from a particular institution of higher education; or (3) Has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one or more degrees or diplomas in a particular field or specialty from an accredited institution of higher education.

Any student enrolled in one of the student type categories who wishes to change categories must meet the admission requirements for the new student type category.

NEW FRESHMAN STUDENT

A new freshman student is a student who is pursuing a degree or certificate-of-credit program at Motlow and has never attended college. To be admitted as a new freshman student, the applicant must complete the following:

1. Application

Submit a completed Application for Admission form and a $25.00 non-refundable application fee to the Office of Admissions and Records.

2. Proof of High School Graduation

   1. Applicants with a regular high school diploma should request that the high school send their official transcript noting a graduation date and proficiency examination passing scores directly to the Office of Admissions and Records at Motlow.
   2. Applicants with a General Education Development (GED) examination diploma must request that the testing center send evidence of satisfactory completion of the exam; satisfactory completion is a comprehensive score of 45, if taken before 2002, or 450, if taken after 2002.
   3. Applicants with an American Council on Education (ACE) External Diploma (EDP) diploma must request a transcript showing the completion of the 65 required competencies be sent from the Board of Education where the diploma was awarded to the Office of Admission and Records at Motlow.
   4. Applicants who graduated from nonpublic high schools (including private schools, home schools, and church-related schools) must submit an official transcript showing credits earned and date of graduation. The transcript of a home school applicant must be an official copy from an affiliated organization as defined by state law (T. C. A. 49-50-801) or be accompanied by a certification of registration with the superintendent of the local education agency which the student would otherwise attend. Applicants who cannot provide a satisfactory secondary school credential must provide acceptable scores on the GED examination.
   5. Applicants who received a high school certificate or a diploma of special education may be admitted on the basis of passing GED or EDP scores accompanied by ACT scores and high school transcripts. 

3. ACT/SAT Scores

Provide an official ACT/SAT report if the applicant is younger than 21 years of age. (The ACT/SAT report is not required of applicants who are 21 years old or older.) ACT/SAT scores must be less than three years old as of the first day of the admitting term. Applicants who are under 21 years of age without ACT/SAT scores or whose ACT/SAT scores are more than three years old should contact the Motlow College Office of Testing (931-393-1762) to schedule an ACT test. ACT/SAT scores on the high school transcript that are less than three years old are acceptable. If the scores are not on the high school transcript, the applicant must request an official ACT report be sent directly from the American College Testing Program, Box 451, Iowa City, IA 52243 to the Office of Admissions and Records at Motlow. (For more information, contact ACT directly at 319-337-1320.)  

4. MMR Immunization

Applicants who enroll as full-time students who were born in 1957 or later must provide proof of immunization with two doses of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccines administered on or after their first birthday, unless they graduated from a Tennessee public high school in 1999 or later. 

5. Hepatitis B Immunization

Applicants must complete and submit the Hepatitis B Immunization Health History form to the Office of Admissions and Records. Applicants are not required to complete the shot series. Students under the age of 18 must submit to the Office of Admissions and Records the form with a parent or legal guardian’s signature prior to registering for classes.

6. Draft Registration

Male applicants, born in 1960 or later, who have attained the age of 18 must have registered for the draft before registering for classes at Motlow College. If a male applicant is under the age of 18 at the time of admission, the applicant must provide proof of registration with Selective Service upon turning 18 years of age if still enrolled at Motlow College.  Draft registration may be completed online at www.sss.gov.

7. Placement Testing

All degree-seeking students are required to take a placement test unless exempted by ACT/SAT scores or transfer credit. See section entitled “Developmental Studies Program (DSP) for COMPASS test information.

TRANSFER STUDENT

A transfer student is a degree or certificate-of-credit seeking student who has not previously attended Motlow and is coming to Motlow from another college or university. (A student who has previously attended Motlow and transfers from another institution is a “readmit” student.) To be admitted as a transfer student, a person must do the following:

1. Submit a completed Application for Admission form and a $25.00 non-refundable application fee to the Office of Admissions and Records.
2. Request that an official transcript from each college or university previously attended by the applicant be forwarded directly to the Office of Admissions and Records at Motlow. An official transcript has the granting institution’s seal and is either mailed, is hand delivered in a sealed school envelope, or faxed with a cover from the prior institution directly to the Admissions Office.  All transcripts must be on file prior to registration.                                                         
3. For any student in the Associate of Science, Associate of Art, and the Associate of Science in Teaching:  All transfer applications who graduated from high school after 1988 must submit a high school transcript unless a Baccalaureate degree has been earned.  Students who wish to transfer from another college or university to Motlow State Community College must fulfill admission requirements described previously.  Transfer students must be eligible to re-enter the school from which they are transferring.  Transfer students who wish to enter the nursing program must have a two-year currency credit in nursing and a recommended five-year currency for credit in required mathematics and natural science courses.  All nursing applicants must have a high school transcript on file in the Admissions Office.
4. See section entitled “Developmental Studies Program (DSP)” for COMPASS test information.                                                            

All collegiate-level transfer coursework for each student who is degree-seeking or certificate-of-credit seeking will be evaluated according to the following criteria: (1) course similarity within the programs enrolled in at Motlow; (2) courses with similar content taught at the same level as Motlow; and (3) same credentialing requirements for faculty at the transferring institution. Credit toward degree or certificate program requirements will be given for transfer coursework that meets all criteria. Grades for any course accepted as transfer credit will be used in computing the cumulative grade point average. A copy of the transcript evaluation will be mailed to the student as soon as the evaluation is completed. All questions regarding transfer coursework, including appeals, should be directed to the Director of Admissions and Records. 

A transfer student who is not academically eligible to re-enter the institution from which he/she is transferring may appeal the suspension to the Student Affairs Committee at Motlow through the Office of the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs if he/she feels there are unusual circumstances which have contributed to the suspension from the previous institution. A transfer student who is allowed to enter Motlow through this appeal process may be advised to reduce his or her load, repeat certain courses, or change program of study. The student will enter on probation. 

To appeal, the student must request a suspension appeal form from the Office of Admissions and Records and bring or mail the completed form along with a copy of a transcript reflecting all previous college work to the Office of Student Affairs prior to the appeal day. Appeals will be heard by the Committee beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the day before the first day of regular registration each semester. The Student Affairs Committee reserves the right to alter the date for appeals based upon the number of appeals to be heard. The student should confirm the date with the Office of Student Affairs at 393-1690. The student should report to the cafeteria in Forrester Student Center on the Moore County campus by 8:30 a.m. on the day of appeals. 

Through the Office of Student Affairs, the suspension status for a student may be removed once the appeal is approved by the Student Affairs Committee. 

READMIT STUDENT 

A readmit student is a student who has previously taken credit classes at Motlow College but did not attend the preceding term (summer excluded). To be admitted as a readmit student, a person must do the following:

1. Submit a completed Application for Readmission to the Office of Admissions and Records (no fee). 
2. Request that an official transcript be forwarded directly to the Office of Admissions and Records from each institution attended since last attending Motlow. All transcripts must be on file prior to registration.
3. See section entitled “Developmental Studies Program (DSP)” for COMPASS test information.

AUDIT-ONLY STUDENT

An audit-only student is a student who is enrolled with audit status in every class for which he/she is enrolled. Basic or developmental level courses may not be taken for audit status. A student who attends a class with audit status will receive no credit and no grade. Enrollment with audit status is reflected on the academic record as AU for “audit.” To be eligible for enrollment as an audit-only student, the person must have attained the age of fourteen (14) years prior to the semester in which he/she plans to audit a course. To be admitted as an audit-only student, a person must submit a completed Application for Admission form and a $25.00 non-refundable application fee to the Office of Admissions and Records.

A student who is eligible to enroll for credit may change from audit to credit or from credit to audit during the period of time designated for adding a class in the schedule of classes for the semester or a student who has audited a course may take it for credit at a later time. However, a student will neither be allowed to change from audit to credit nor credit to audit after the last day to add a class as designated in each semester’s class schedule. Students auditing college-level English or mathematics courses may not change to credit status unless they have undergone placement testing or are otherwise exempt from placement testing. Enrollment for audit may be subject to space availability. Basic or developmental level courses may not be taken for audit status.

SPECIAL STUDENT FOR CREDIT 

A special student for credit is a student who is taking one or more courses for credit at Motlow but is not pursuing a degree or certificate-of-credit program. To be admitted as a special student for credit, a person must do the following.

1. Submit a completed Application for Admission form and a $25.00 non-refundable application fee to the Office of Admissions and Records.
2. Provide proof of high school graduation by (1) high school transcript noting either regular diploma or state proficiency tests passed (TN residents only) and graduation date; (2) GED test scores of 45 or more, if taken before 2002 or 450, if taken after 2002; or (3) a student copy of the most recent college transcript. (Note: If the student has attended a college/university within one calendar year prior to the beginning of the term, an official transcript is required.) 

Special students for credit may not enroll in a college-level English or mathematics course, or in a course that has an English or mathematics prerequisite, until they have provided appropriate ACT, assessment scores, or prior college coursework showing evidence of adequate preparation for these courses. See section entitled “Developmental Studies Program (DSP)” for COMPASS Test information.

Special students for credit who change to degree-seeking status must meet all admission requirements for the degree-seeking student category which they are pursuing.

TRANSIENT STUDENT

(Summer Semester Only)

A transient student is a student from another institution who takes classes during the summer term at Motlow and transfers the credit to the home institution. A transient student must submit an official request to the Office of Admissions and Records at Motlow to have an official transcript forwarded to the home institution at the end of the summer term. Transient students must be eligible to re-enter the home institution. To be admitted as a transient student, a person must do the following:

1. Submit a completed Application for Admission form and a $25.00 non-refundable application fee to the Office of Admissions and Records; or, in the event that the student has previously attended Motlow, submit a completed Application for Readmission form to the Office of Admissions and Records.
2. Request that an official transcript be forwarded directly to the Office of Admissions and Records at Motlow from the college or university where the applicant is regularly enrolled. All transcripts must be on file prior to registration.

SIXTY-YEAR-OLD OR OLDER AUDIT STUDENT

This student type is a student who is sixty (60) years old or older and is domiciled in Tennessee and who is enrolled only as an audit student. This student type may audit credit courses without payment of a maintenance fee. Enrollment without payment of the full maintenance fee will be subject to the availability of space in the class being requested. To be admitted as a sixty-year-old audit student, a person must do the following:

1. Submit a completed Application for Admission form and a non-refundable $25.00 application fee to the Office of Admissions and Records.
2. Submit proof of age.

SIXTY-FIVE-YEAR-OLD OR OLDER CREDIT STUDENT

This student type is a student who is sixty-five (65) years old or older and is domiciled in Tennessee who is enrolled for credit. This student type may enroll for credit courses without payment of the full maintenance fee but will be assessed a service fee of one-half the current per-semester-hour maintenance fee rate for each semester hour of enrollment up to a maximum of $70.00 per semester. Enrollment without payment of the full maintenance fee will be subject to the availability of space in the class being requested. To be admitted as a sixty-five-year-old student, a person must do the following:

1. Submit a completed Application for Admission form and a $25.00 non-refundable application fee to the Office of Admissions and Records.
2. Submit proof of age.
3. Request any one of the following be forwarded directly to the Office of Admissions and Records:
   
   1. an official report of a comprehensive GED score of 45 or more, if taken before 2002, or 450, if taken after 2002,
   2. an official high school transcript or other proof of graduation from high school,
   3. an official EDP transcript indicating the 65 required competencies, or
   4. evidence of graduation from a college or university.

TOTALLY DISABLED STUDENT 

This student type is a person who is domiciled in Tennessee and is totally disabled, as defined by the Tennessee Board of Regents. This student type may audit credit courses without payment of a maintenance fee and may enroll for credit courses without payment of the full maintenance fee but will be assessed a service fee of one-half the current per-semester-hour maintenance fee rate for each semester credit hour of enrollment up to a maximum of $75.00 per semester. Enrollment without payment of the full maintenance fee will be subject to the availability of space in the class being requested. To be admitted as a permanently and totally disabled student, a person must do the following.

1. Submit a completed Application for Admission form and a $25.00 non-refundable application fee to the Office of Admissions and Records.
2. Submit certificate of disability or affidavit from a physician or agency compensating the disabled person.
3. Request any one of the following be forwarded directly to the Office of Admissions and Records:
   
   1. an official high school transcript indicating receipt of a regular high school diploma as specified by the Tennessee State Department of Education,
   2. an official report of a comprehensive GED score of 45, if taken before 2002, or 450, if taken after 2002,
   3. an official EDP transcript indicating the 65 required competencies, or
   4. evidence of graduation from a college or university.
4. Provide an official ACT/SAT report if applicant is under 21 years of age. (The ACT/SAT report is not required of applicants who are 21 years old or older.) ACT/SAT scores must be less than three years old as of the first day of the admitting term. Applicants without ACT/SAT scores or whose ACT/SAT scores are more than three years old should contact the Motlow College Testing Office to schedule an ACT test. ACT/SAT scores on the high school transcript that are less than three years old are acceptable.
5. See section entitled “Developmental Studies Program (DSP)” for COMPASS Test information.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

An international student is a student who is a citizen or a permanent resident of a country other than the United States. To be admitted as an international student, a person must do the following:

1. Submit a completed Application for Admission form and a $25.00 non-refundable application fee to the Office of Admissions and Records.
2. Request that an official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) report with a score of at least 500 on the paper-based test or at least 173 on the computer-based test or at least 61 on the Internet-based test or an official Michigan Test with a score of 72 or greater be forwarded to the Office of Admissions and Records at Motlow. (The TOEFL  and Michigan Test are not administered at Motlow.)
3. Submit a completed financial statement form. This form can be obtained in the Office of Admissions and Records.
4. Submit evidence of high school graduation, an official report of a comprehensive GED score of 45, if taken before 2002 or 450, if taken after 2002, an official EDP transcript indicating the 65 required competencies, or graduation from a college or university.
5. Request that transcripts be forwarded to the Office of Admissions and Records from each educational institution previously attended. Applicants must furnish transcripts of all secondary school and college level studies accompanied by official English translations. The applicant is responsible for paying any cost for official translation of foreign language transcripts.
6. Provide an official ACT/SAT report if applicant is under 21 years of age. (The ACT/SAT report is not required of applicants who are 21 years old or older.) ACTSAT scores must be less than three years old as of the first day of the admitting term. Applicants without ACT/SAT scores or whose ACT/SAT scores are more than three years old should contact the Motlow College Testing Office to schedule an ACT test. ACT/SAT scores on the high school transcript that are less than three years old are acceptable.
7. Submit copies of appropriate examination certificates to the Office of Admissions and Records.
8. All international students applying for admission pursuant to a student visa shall submit a certificate from a licensed physician or other qualified medical authority verifying freedom from tuberculosis within thirty days from the first day of classes, and failure to submit such certification shall result in denial of further enrollment or admission. In the event that a student either has tuberculosis or has potential tuberculosis requiring medical treatment, continued enrollment will be conditioned upon the determination by a licensed physician that further enrollment does not present a risk to others and upon the student’s compliance with any prescribed medical treatment program.
9. International students without valid ACT/SAT scores must complete the entire COMPASS test. See section entitled “Developmental Studies Program” (DSP) for COMPASS Test information.
10. All international students must obtain health and accident insurance as a condition of admission and continued enrollment at Motlow. Minimum requirements for coverage set up by the Tennessee Board of Regents are specified on the insurance form provided by the Admissions and Records Office.

Motlow State Community College provides for admission of select students who are still involved in an educational program in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. Three categories—Joint Enrollment, Dual Enrollment, and Academically Talented/Gifted—are defined to provide the opportunity for early admission.

JOINT ENROLLMENT

Joint enrollment is the enrollment of a high school student in one or more college courses for which the student will earn only college credit. The joint enrollment category is for the student who has completed the sophomore year in high school and is still involved in a high school program of study. The following conditions must be met for a student to be eligible for enrollment at Motlow as a joint enrollment student:

1. The 9th and 10th grades have been completed.
2. The cumulative grade average (excluding deportment grades) beginning with the ninth grade and including all high school work completed at the time of enrollment at MSCC is a minimum of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent.
3. When a content area in the high school curriculum corresponds to the coursework to be completed at MSCC, the grade point average in the content area must be a minimum of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent.
4. The high school principal and the student’s parent or guardian must approve the student for joint enrollment by signing the dual/joint enrollment application or by submitting a letter of recommendation to the Director of Admissions and Records at MSCC.
5. The student must provide an official ACT/SAT report with a composite score of 19 or higher. The sub-scores for specific disciplines should be 19 or higher for entry into collegiate level courses. Higher level courses may have discipline-specific scores. ACT/SAT scores on the high school transcript are acceptable. Applicants without ACT/SAT scores or with ACT/SAT scores that are more than three years old should contact the Motlow College Testing Office to schedule an ACT test.

When the above conditions have been met, the prospective joint enrollment student must do the following:

1. Submit a completed Application for Admission form and a $25.00 non-refundable application fee to the Office of Admissions and Records.
2. Request that the high school send an official transcript directly to the Office of Admissions and Records at MSCC. If a letter of approval and recommendation from the principal have not been previously submitted, such a letter should accompany the transcript at this time.
3. Letter of approval and high school transcript must be on file prior to registration.

Courses taken must be chosen by the student in consultation with his/her high school counselor in order to supplement, and not overlap, the total high school program. Such courses will not necessarily count toward the high school diploma, and they will not count as part of entrance requirements for regular admission to MSCC.

DUAL ENROLLMENT

Dual enrollment is the enrollment of a high school student in one or more specified college courses for which the student will be awarded both high school and college credit. Dual enrollment opportunities are available for students whose high schools have consensual agreements with the college to offer college-level courses for which both high school units and college credits are awarded simultaneously. To be eligible for dual enrollment courses, the student must:

1. Meet the same eligibility requirements as students entering under the joint enrollment category;
2. Submit a completed Application for Admission and pay a $25.00 non-refundable application fee to the Office of Admissions and Records; and
3. Request that an official high school transcript be sent directly to the Office of Admissions and Records. If the application for dual/joint enrollment with approval from the high school principal and parent or guardian has not been previously submitted, the application should accompany the transcript. Transcripts and applications must be on file prior to registration.

ACADEMICALLY TALENTED/GIFTED STUDENTS

Chapter 395 of the Public Acts of 1983 specifies as follows:

“Academically talented/gifted students enrolled in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 in public or private high school in Tennessee may, with the recommendation and approval of the high school principal and appropriate higher education institution personnel, enroll in and receive regular college degree credit from a Tennessee postsecondary institution if such a student has a grade point average equivalent to 3.2 on a 4.0 maximum basis and if such a placement is a part of the student’s planned Individual Education Program (IEP) as established by the multidisciplinary team process.”

The following conditions as described in Chapter 395 must be met for a student to be eligible for enrollment at MSCC as an academically talented/gifted student:

1. The student is enrolled in grade 9, 10, 11, or 12. If a student is in the 9th grade, he/she has completed at least one grading period.
2. The cumulative grade average (excluding deportment grades) beginning with the ninth grade and including all work completed at the time of enrollment at MSCC is equivalent to 3.2 or more on a 4.0 maximum basis.
3. Enrollment in course at MSCC is part of the student’s planned Individual Education Program (IEP) as established by the multidisciplinary team process.
4. The high school principal must approve the student for academically talented/gifted enrollment at MSCC and submit a letter of recommendation, a transcript, and a copy of the student’s Individual Education Program to the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. Courses to be taken are to be identified in the IEP.

The school principal will be notified of action taken on the recommendation. If the proposed enrollment is approved by the Assistant  Vice President for Academic Affairs, the prospective student should submit a completed Application for Admission form and a $25.00 non-refundable application fee to the Office of Admissions and Records. Courses taken must be those courses specifically identified in the student’s Individual Education Program. Such courses will not necessarily count toward the high school diploma, and they will not count as part of entrance requirements for regular admission to MSCC. 

Effective Fall Term, 1989 (A89 Requirements)

BACKGROUND

In December, 1982, the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) of the State University and Community College System endorsed–as part of its review of teacher education–the “basic academic competencies” and “the basic academic subjects” described by the College Board in its Educational Equality Project. Subsequently, as part of the Comprehensive Education Reform Act of 1984, Tennessee expressed legislative intent that the same College Board document would provide a benchmark for measurable improvement in K-12 instructional programs. Section 99 of that Act states:

SECTION 99: Within five (5) years after passage of this act it is the legislative intent that the instructional program shall be improved to provide measurable improvement in the subjects of Chapter II “The Basic Academic Competencies,” Chapter III “Computer Competency: An Emerging Need,” and Chapter IV “The Basic Academic Subjects,” all as set out in Academic Preparation for College: What Students Need to Know and Be Able to Do, published by the College Board, 888 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York, 10106, 1983.

By its action TBR asserted the position that college-level work should presume the College Board competencies and that admitted students unable to pursue studies at that level are by definition under prepared. 

For students with the goal of a baccalaureate degree–which includes university students and those in transfer programs at community colleges–TBR asserts that those subject outcomes acquired ideally from high school study fall in six (6) areas: English, the arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and foreign language.

The requirements listed for TBR universities apply to all students graduating from high school in the spring 1989 or thereafter and entering a TBR university fall 1989 or thereafter as freshman applicants for regular admission. Undergraduate transfer applicants for regular admission who are deficient in any of these areas must have college courses that remove the deficiency.

Community colleges will remain open admission institutions admitting all high school graduates. However, Motlow State Community College recommends that students seeking admission to programs at Motlow designed for transfer pursue the high school curriculum required for university graduation. With the exception of foreign language, collegiate level courses used to remove admissions deficiencies may also be used to satisfy degree requirements; these requirements should be met at the associate degree level.

Students who graduate with an associate degree, but without meeting the foreign language requirement will be required to do so before earning the baccalaureate degree at a Tennessee Board of Regents University or a U.T. System University.

Beginning with the fall term 1989 all TBR universities require that first-time undergraduate freshmen who graduate from high school spring 1989 and thereafter have the high school subject units listed below for regular admission. Students who received the General Educational Development (GED) Certificate in 1989 or thereafter are considered to have met all high school unit requirements except those in foreign language and visual or performing arts, and those indicated by DSP testing. However, students entering with the GED credential must complete the entire battery of DSP tests unless they have valid ACT scores of 26 or greater (ACT is optional for students 21 years of age or older). All TBR community colleges recommend, but do not require, the same subject units for freshmen admitted to programs designed for transfer to baccalaureate schools. The deficiencies may be removed by completing specifically designated courses, through achieving satisfactory scores on examinations (CLEP in subject areas or COMPASS Test), or completing the appropriate developmental courses with a grade of “C” or better. See the following pages for details of courses and examinations.

One unit is one year of high school study of a given subject. Applicants who attended high schools not offering the required courses may be admitted to a university but must remove the deficiencies prior to receiving a baccalaureate degree. With the exception of foreign language, collegiate level courses used to remove admissions deficiencies may also be used to satisfy degree requirements; these requirements should be met at the associate degree level.

Students who graduate with an associate degree, but without meeting the foreign language requirement will be required to do so before earning the baccalaureate degree at a Tennessee Board of Regents University or a UT System University.

Unit deficiencies may be removed by one of the following methods: (1) scoring at the college level on the ACT, SAT, or COMPASS test, (2) passing the CLEP test in the subject areas, or (3) completing the required DSP Developmental course(s) with a minimum grade of “C.” Hours earned in Developmental course(s) may not be used to satisfy any hours required in any degree program.

Students must try to remove at least one unit deficiency each semester by passing a course or earning CLEP credit. Students must complete unit deficiencies before enrolling in any course for which the deficient subject is a prerequisite.

USE OF COMPASS TESTING FOR STUDENTS WITH DEFICIENCIES IN ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Students with high school unit deficiencies may be admitted to community colleges and, through alternative admission, to TBR universities. ACT, SAT, or COMPASS test scores may remove unit deficiencies. Students in the following categories may take the COMPASS test:

1. Students entering with the GED credential who have not taken the ACT must take all parts of the COMPASS test for placement.
2. International students must complete all parts of the COMPASS if not placed by ACT or SAT scores.
3. Students age 21 or older who have not taken the ACT test must take all parts of the COMPASS test for placement.
4. Students with high school unit deficiencies in English or algebra must take the appropriate COMPASS English or mathematics tests.
5. Transfer students with high school English or mathematics unit deficiencies must take the appropriate COMPASS English or mathematics tests.

NOTE: Students with a valid Enhanced ACT composite score of 26 or higher are considered to have met all high school unit requirements except those in foreign language and visual or performing arts. Students with an Honors Diploma in General Education from a Tennessee public high school are considered to have met all high school unit deficiencies.

ENGLISH - 4 units required

ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENTAL COURSES: A student deficient in English will be required to take the reading and English portions of the COMPASS test unless the student’s valid ACT composite score is 26 or greater. If assessment indicates deficiency based on existing cutoff scores correlated to criteria for college-level work, the student will be required to enroll in Developmental courses and follow all established requirements for Developmental courses. Students will be restricted in the types of courses they may take while enrolled in Developmental courses. Successful performance on the COMPASS test or successful completion of Developmental courses meets the requirements for removing the deficiency in this subject area. Credit hours earned by completing developmental level courses are add-on hours and will not be used as any part of the total hours required to earn an associate degree or certificate of credit.

ALGEBRA I AND II - 2 units required and GEOMETRY - 1 unit required

ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENTAL COURSES. A student deficient in algebra will be required to take the appropriate mathematics portions of the COMPASS test unless the student’s valid ACT composite score is 26 or greater.

If assessment indicates deficiency based on existing cutoff scores, the student will be required to enroll in Developmental courses and follow all established requirements for Developmental courses. Students will be restricted in the types of courses they may take while enrolled in Developmental courses. Successful performance on the COMPASS test instrument or successful completion of Developmental courses meets the requirements for removing the deficiency in this subject area. Credit hours earned by completing developmental level courses are add-on hours and will not be used as any part of the total hours required to earn an associate degree or certificate of credit. The Geometry requirement is removed when the student completes the collegiate level math requirement in the program of study.

NATURAL/PHYSICAL SCIENCES, INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE UNIT, WITH LAB, OF BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, OR PHYSICS - 2 units required

Students deficient in one or two units of high school science should consult with their advisors before selecting the course or courses needed to remove high school deficiencies. Students may remove the deficiency(ies) by completing any one or two (as needed) listed below:
 

The awarded hours remove the A89 deficiency(ies) and are used to meet degree requirements as outlined in the student’s area of emphasis.

CLEP EXAMINATION; A student deficient in science may remove the deficiency by completing a CLEP examination in biology with a minimum score of 50. If the CLEP examination is successfully completed, eight semester hours of credit are awarded to remove the deficiency. If a student is deficient in two units of science, the eight hours awarded through CLEP will remove the deficiency and will be used to meet degree requirements.

UNITED STATES HISTORY - 1 unit required

A student deficient in United States History may remove the deficiency by completing the appropriate History requirement in his/her program of study.

CLEP EXAMINATION: A student deficient in United States History may remove the deficiency by completing a CLEP examination in American History with a minimum score of 50. If the CLEP examination is successfully completed, six semester hours of credit are awarded. Six awarded hours remove the deficiency and are used to meet degree requirements.

SOCIAL STUDIES - 1 unit required

A student deficient in Social Studies may remove the deficiency by completing the appropriate Social/Behavioral requirement in his/her program of study.

CLEP EXAMINATION: The social studies deficiency may be removed by completing a CLEP examination in Psychology or Sociology with a minimum score of 50. If the CLEP examination is successfully completed, three semester hours of credit are awarded for either PSY 1310, General Psychology I, or SOC 2110, Introduction to Sociology, as appropriate. The awarded hours remove the deficiency and are used to meet general education or area of emphasis requirements as outlined in the student’s program of study.

VISUAL/PERFORMING ARTS - 1 unit required

A student deficient in one unit of visual/performing arts may remove the deficiency by completing ART 1030 Art Appreciation, MUS 1030 Music Appreciation or COM 1030 Theater Appreciation. The awarded hours remove the deficiency and are used to meet the Humanities/Fine Arts requirements in the general education core.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE - 2 units required

SPAN 1001, SPAN 1002, ELEMENTARY SPANISH I AND II; FREN 1001, FREN 1002, ELEMENTARY FRENCH I and II (introductory language courses especially designed to remove foreign language deficiencies); SPAN 1010, SPAN 1020, BEGINNING SPANISH I and II; FREN 1010, FREN 1020, BEGINNING FRENCH I and II. A student deficient in two units of foreign language may remove the deficiency by completing the first year sequence of either French or Spanish. A student deficient in one unit of foreign language may remove the deficiency by completing the second semester of the first year sequence of either French or Spanish. To enroll in the second semester of the sequence, the student must demonstrate proficiency in the first semester course. If the student cannot demonstrate proficiency, the entire first year sequence must be completed. In the event that a student has one unit of high school foreign language other than in French or Spanish, the two-course first year sequence in French or Spanish must be completed.

NOTE:

Any student who graduates with an associate’s degree, but without meeting the foreign language requirement, will be required to do so before earning the baccalaureate degree at a Tennessee Board of Regents University.

CLEP EXAMINATION: A student deficient in foreign language may remove the deficiency by completing a CLEP examination in French, German, or Spanish with a minimum score of 50. If the CLEP examination is successfully completed, six semester hours of credit are awarded. If a student is deficient in two units of foreign language, the six hours awarded through CLEP will remove the deficiency and will be used only as elective hours. If a student is deficient in only one unit, three hours of credit remove the deficiency and become part of elective hours, and the three remaining hours may be used in meeting program requirements.

Motlow State Community College is a state-supported institution and, therefore, maintains modest matriculation and incidental fees. Expenses are charged and payable by the semester since each semester is a separate unit of operation. A student may enroll at the beginning of any semester. Registration for each semester is not complete until all required fees have been satisfied, and no student may be admitted to classes without having met his or her financial obligation. Payment of fees may be made by cash, check, MasterCard or VISA credit card, or electronically by phone with a credit card. A deferred payment plan is also available. Information regarding deferred payment is available in the Business Office.

Students are classified as residents or non-residents for the purpose of assessing tuition charges. The definition of residency as determined by the Tennessee Board of Regents will apply. Information about residence classification may be obtained from the Office of Admissions and Records.

The Tennessee legislature has declared that a limited number of residents of Jackson, Madison, and Limestone Counties in Alabama may attend Motlow State Community College for the same rates as residents of Tennessee. Contact the Office of Admissions and Records for details.

MAINTENANCE AND TUITION FEES

THESE FEES AND ALL OTHER FEES GIVEN IN THIS CATALOG ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE BY POLICY OF THE TENNESSEE BOARD OF REGENTS. For current fees visit www.mscc.edu

At the Tennessee Board of Regents meeting, a fee increase was approved and became effective in the fall 2009 semester. The effect of this increase for Motlow State Community College is as follows:

NOTE: RODP degree courses are all charged at a per-hour rate and viewed separately from on-campus courses. RODP fees are not included in the full-time cap applicable to all other types of courses.

Pursuant to TCA 49-7-113, the Tennessee legislature has provided specific exceptions for payment of registration fees for certain disabled and elderly students domiciled in Tennessee as outlined below. The privilege to enroll under these exceptions may be denied based on space availability.

For credit enrollment, a nonrefundable service fee of $53.50 per semester will be charged to persons with a permanent total disability, and persons who will become sixty-five (65) years of age or older during the academic semester and who are domiciled in Tennessee. This fee includes maintenance fees, campus access fees, student activity fees, and technology access fees; it does not preclude an application fee. For audit enrollment, no fee is required for persons with a permanent total disability or persons who become sixty (60) years of age or older during the academic semester and are domiciled in Tennessee, and persons who have retired from state service with thirty (30) or more years of service, regardless of age.

Pursuant to TCA 49-7-102, certain statutory fee exceptions exist for dependents and spouses of military personnel killed, missing in action, or officially declared a prisoner of war while serving honorably as a member of the armed forces during a period of armed conflict.

Registration and tuition fees for the summer semester will be the same as for the other two semesters. Fees for auditing a course will be the same as the fees paid if taking courses for credit. Enrollment for audit may be subject to space availability.

Enrollment under employee fee waiver programs, i.e., State of Tennessee, Tennessee Board of Regents, and University of Tennessee, is subject to the availability of space in the class being requested. Students enrolled under fee waiver programs may pre-register no earlier than four weeks prior to the first day of classes.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND PARKING

Any regular student, faculty member, or staff member who expects to operate and park a privately owned vehicle on campus must register the vehicle with the Business Office and obtain an official registration hangtag, valid from August 1 through July 31 of the following year. If needed, students may obtain additional hangtags at the Business Office.

Designated parking areas are provided for students with disabilities. A special parking hangtag for students with disabilities is available from the Office of Disability Services upon the recommendation of a physician or based on an evaluation of the disability by the Director of Disability Services.

In an extreme emergency when a non-registered vehicle is necessary for a limited time, the student must secure a temporary parking permit from the office of Student Affairs in order not to be subject to a charge for parking violation. This means even for one day.

The first and second parking violation, during each academic year, except disabled parking violations, will result in a $5.00 charge for each violation. The charge for each regular violation thereafter will be $10.00 and a warning of disciplinary action. A $200.00 charge will be assessed for the each disabled parking violation. Failure to resolve parking violations by payment in the Business Office or by appeal will result in an official hold being placed on all student records. Students, therefore, will neither be able to receive their grades for the current semester nor register for subsequent semesters.

APPEAL OF A CITATION FOR VIOLATION OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND/OR PARKING REGULATIONS

Any student may appeal his or her notice of a vehicle registration/parking violation to the Office of Student Affairs. Appeals must be made within one week of the time of the citation for the violation. Ignorance of parking regulations will not be considered as a reason for appeal.

RETURNED CHECKS

There is a $30.00 charge for any check tendered for payment to the college that is subsequently dishonored and returned by the bank. Returned checks received for the payment of registration fees, if not redeemed within ten calendar days from the postmark date of the institution’s letter of notification, shall result in the disenrollment of the student. A late fee of $25.00 will also be assessed for any returned check that was tendered for registration fees, unless the student registered late initially.

For other returned checks cashed on campus, an opportunity to redeem the check shall be allowed; and, if the check is not then redeemed, a formal notice will be sent by registered mail to the drawer. Failure to redeem the check after formal notice shall result in the initiation of further action by the college.

No student may re-enroll, graduate, receive grades, or receive a transcript of his or her record until all accounts are settled. The term “account” includes any indebtedness to the college.

The above policy on returned checks is in accordance with recommended and approved policies of the State University and Community College System of Tennessee.

REFUNDS AND REPAYMENTS

A student may be eligible for a refund of institutional charges, based on a change in enrollment status due to: (1) dropping a course or courses, (2) withdrawing from college, (3) cancellation of a class by the institution, or (4) death of the student. Refund processing requires three to four weeks for completion. Students receiving Federal Title IV grants, loans, and state grants/scholarships are required to notify the Financial Aid Office upon changing enrollment status by dropping any class or upon withdrawing from the institution.

INSTITUTIONAL FEES

1. Seventy-five percent of fees will be refunded for drops or withdrawals that occur within the first 14 calendar days (unless the class begins on Saturday.  See # 5 below) of an academic term, beginning with and inclusive of the first official day of classes, or within an equivalent period for a short-term course. Twenty-five percent of fees will be refunded following expiration of the 75 percent refund period, to the point in time when 25 percent of the term is completed. No refunds will be made beyond the 25 percent point.
2. One hundred percent of fees will be refunded for classes canceled by the institution.
3. One hundred percent of fees will be refunded for withdrawals prior to the first day of classes for the regular academic terms and summer sessions.
4. One hundred percent of fees will be refunded in case of death of the student.
5. One hundred percent of fees will be extended when the first day of the academic term falls on a Saturday through the weekend untill the following Monday morning (12:01 a.m.).

Fees discussed above include Maintenance and Technology Access Fees only. All other fees are non-refundable.

Summer term refunds will be based on the above procedures with time periods for half-summer terms being prorated as a percentage of a regular term.

No refunds will be made for a general interest class unless the class is canceled.

DEFERRED PAYMENT PLAN

A deferred payment plan is available to allow students to pay registration fees in installments. The plan does not apply to books or to non-credit classes and is available for fall and spring semesters only. All students in good financial standing are eligible to participate in the deferred payment plan. Total fees eligible for deferment must be at least $600 after application of any financial aid awarded to student. (Fees not eligible for deferment include application fee, campus access fee, student activity fee, late registration fee, and any account balance from prior terms.)

• To participate in the deferred payment plan, you must complete the Deferred Payment Application on MyMotlow.
• The plan requires an initial payment consisting of all ineligible fees and 50% of deferred fees plus a $25 administrative fee at the beginning of the term. The remaining balance will be paid in equal installments. (Due dates will be specified in the Deferred Payment Contract which must be completed by the student to initiate participation in the plan.)
• A late fee of $25 will be charged for any installment payment that is returned
• Students who fail to pay the required initial payment by the appropriate (preregistration or regular registration) last day to pay fees specified in the term calendar will be deleted from the class rolls.
• Students who fail to pay the second and/or third installments will have their records placed on hold. The College will proceed with collection procedures as required by the Tennessee Board of Regents, Guideline B-010, including submission to a collection agency, if necessary.
• Initial payment and subsequent installments will be paid by auto deduction.
• Withdrawal from classes does not forgive any remaining balance due except to the extent that any refund, as determined by the College’s refund policy, will be applied to the balance due. Refunds for students on deferred payment contracts are calculated based on the total fees assessed, not the portion of the fees actually paid at the time of the refund.
• A student who fails to make timely payments in a previous term may be denied the right to participate in the deferred payment plan in future enrollment periods.

FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID RETURN TO TITLE IV

Federal Title IV regulations require Motlow College to recalculate the federal financial aid eligibility for each student who withdraws from the institution at or before the 60 percent point of the term. Eligibility is based on the number of calendar days completed in the term at the point of withdrawal. Students who stop attending classes without initiating the formal Motlow College withdrawal process will be assigned a withdrawal date based on their documented last-date-of-attendance in their classes.

Example:

A student withdraws on the 30th day of the term, which is 120 days in length. The student has completed 25 percent of the term, thus, is only eligible for 25 percent of the federal financial aid awarded for that term. Therefore, Motlow College must return 75 percent of the federal aid originally retained by the college to satisfy the student’s institutional fees. As a result, the student will receive a billing statement from the Motlow Business Office for that portion of the fees no longer covered by federal financial aid. Students are not required to make repayments of fifty dollars or less.

In addition, the student is required to repay a portion of the federal financial aid received for personal and living expenses for the term. The initial amount to be returned in this example is based on a 75 percent calculation; however, to ease the repayment burden on the student, the following guidelines apply:

1. The student is required to repay only 50 percent of the portion of the initial repayment amount that is attributable to Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant funds disbursed directly to the student. The student will be billed for the required amount and must make repayment arrangements with Motlow State Community College. Failure to make repayment within 30 days of notification will result in the matter being referred to the U.S. Department of Education Debt Collection Service, and the student will be unable to receive future federal financial aid funds from any educational institution until repayment has been satisfied.
2. The student is required to repay 100 percent of the portion of the initial repayment amount that is attributable to Federal Direct Loan funds disbursed directly to the student. However, payment of this amount will be made in accordance with the original terms of the promissory note associated with the loan.

All required repayments to Federal Title IV programs will be distributed in the following order: (1) Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, (2) Federal Direct Subsidized Loan, (3) Federal Pell Grant, (4) Academic Competitive Grants, (5) Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and (6) any other applicable programs (ex. TELS, TSAA, etc.)

Any refunds calculated for students who received financial assistance from sources other than Federal Title IV funds will be refunded according to each source’s policy.

Motlow State Community College School Code: 006836

The Financial Aid Office of Motlow State Community College is located in the Forrester Student Center on the Moore County Campus, (phone: 1-800-654-4877, ext. 1553, or (931) 393-1553); financial aid personnel are available during regular hours to discuss any student’s financial need with him/her and assist with the financial aid process for students on any Motlow Campus. Additionally, student services staff at Fayetteville, McMinnville, and Smyrna will assist with the financial aid process.

The following financial aid sections outline current provisions; but since regulations and funding for institutional, state, and federally supported programs are subject to change, the College reserves the right to administer the programs accordingly.

The primary purpose of the financial aid program at Motlow College is to provide assistance to students who, without such aid, would find it difficult to attend the College successfully. Motlow College adheres to a nationally established policy and philosophy of financial aid for education. Basically, this policy is that students and parents have the first responsibility for financing an education. However, when it is determined that a family cannot meet the educational costs, financial assistance may be available. Motlow College provides this assistance through federal, state and private sources. All students are encouraged to apply for aid if they feel they have the need. To determine if there is need for assistance, students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the United States Department of Education, which takes into consideration the factors that affect a family’s financial status. The FAFSA can be filed on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

HOW TO APPLY

Students receiving financial assistance are responsible for completing all necessary paperwork in advance to assure proper credits to their accounts. Student not meeting this requirement may be required to pay in advance of receiving any financial assistance.

1. Financial Aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The priority deadline for fall term at Motlow College is March 1st.
2. The student must apply and be accepted for admission to Motlow College. Final high school transcripts or GED transcripts must be in place with Admissions and Records prior to any financial aid being processed. Transfer students must have all previous college transcripts in place with the Admissions and Records office prior to any financial aid being processed.
3. The student must be enrolled as a regular student and must be working toward an approved degree or certificate program. Students who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher are not eligible to receive federal or state grants.
4. To receive full consideration for all funds available through Motlow College, all applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application process is FREE and can be located on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The school code to have information sent to Motlow State Community College is 006836. All information received in the Financial Aid Office is kept in strictest confidence. Questions concerning the FAFSA can be directed to the Federal Processor at 1-800-4-FED-AID.
5. THE STUDENT MUST REAPPLY FOR AID EACH YEAR BY SUBMITTING A NEW FAFSA.
6. Students interested in applying for scholarships and other grants must complete and submit a Motlow State Community College Scholarship Application, according to directions, on or before March 1st. Go to www.mscc.edu for the on-line application.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Motlow College uses the results from the FAFSA in awarding all federal and need-based programs, including the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Program. The student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the processor by mail or e-mail depending on how the FAFSA was filed. The college receives a similar report from the federal processor provided that Motlow was listed as one of the schools the student was interested in attending. Some students will be selected by the processor or by the school for a process called verification. If the application is selected, additional worksheets and documentation will have to be supplied to the Financial Aid Office prior to the student receiving financial assistance. Students can review their status on-line at anytime by logging into their MyMotlow account.

Motlow College calculates financial need by deducting the estimated family contribution (EFC) from the cost of attendance (COA). The EFC is provided on the Student Aid Report (SAR) from the Department of Education. The COA is based on an allowance for tuition and fees, room and board estimates, books and supplies estimates, transportation estimates, and miscellaneous expense estimates along with other calculations depending on the student situation (COA may be prorated for students who are not full time or enrolled in special programs). Information on the Cost of Attendance budget is available in the financial aid office or on-line by logging into MY MOTLOW. Once financial need is calculated the Pell Grant and the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship are awarded if the student is eligible, followed by other resources. Other resources include but are not limited to Vocational Rehabilitation benefits, VA benefits, WIA benefits, TRA benefits, private and institutional scholarships, discounts and fee waivers, federal supplemental educational opportunity grant (FSEOG), federal work study, Tennessee Student Assistance (TSAA), Academic Competitiveness Grant, loan programs, etc. Motlow College reserves the right to adjust any award because of changes in eligibility or enrollment status. Any adjustments resulting in a balance due on the student account is the full responsibility of the student to repay. Financial aid recipients are required to inform the Financial Aid office of any resources awarded to them, such as scholarships, loans, grants, etc., by any source other than Motlow College. Failure to do so may result in later reductions or cancellations of assistance.

All awards are contingent upon (1) the number of hours for which the student enrolls each academic term; (2) student’s ability to maintain satisfactory academic progress as outlined later in this section of the catalog; (3) the availability of federal, state, and institutional funds; and (4) Motlow receipt of those funds. Thus, Motlow College reserves the right to adjust student awards accordingly. All awards, with the exception of Federal and Campus Work Study (if applicable), will be credited to the student Business Office account each academic term and applied toward institutional charges. Any funds remaining will be made available to the student generally within seven business days via a check, which the student may pick up at the Business Office. Students at the off-campus locations may have a longer delivery time on checks. To pick up a financial aid check, the student must present a photo ID. Checks not picked up within 30 days of the print date may be voided, and the funds returned to the appropriate financial aid program(s).

Students must be enrolled in a degree or a certificate program in one of the following areas: Associate of Science, Associate of Science in Teaching, Associate of Arts, Associate of Applied Sciences, or Technical Certificate. Financial aid is available only for one of the degrees/certificates. A second degree will be considered if it is in a different degree. A completed financial aid appeal form will be required for this consideration. Please contact the financial aid office for additional details.

RETURN TO TITLE IV

Students who received or could have received federal financial aid must be processed through the Return to Title IV calculation if they withdraw officially/unofficially prior to completing 60% of the academic term. As a result the student could be required to return all or a portion of financial aid funds received. For additional information, please refer to the Refund and Repayment section of this catalog under the heading Financial Aid Return to Title IV. If students experience any difficulties while attending Motlow, please contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss options before stopping class attendance or initiating the formal withdrawal process. Students who stop attending all classes prior to the end of the term are considered to have withdrawn unofficially.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS

All students at Motlow College who receive federal financial aid must make satisfactory academic progress toward completion of their degrees/certificates within a reasonable period of time. The College Financial Aid Committee has approved the following standards defining satisfactory progress, in accordance with regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Education. Satisfactory academic progress is measured at the end of each term of enrollment utilizing the standards stated below. Other federal, state, private, and institutional assistance programs may have the same or other satisfactory progress requirements not shown.

Students are considered to be making satisfactory progress if he or she:

• Is admitted and enrolled as a degree/certificate student
• Meets the minimum academic retention standard required for financial aid recipients
• Maintains measurable progress toward the completion of the degree/certificate
• Complete degree/certificate requirements within a reasonable length of time

ACADEMIC RETENTION STANDARDS

In order to maintain the minimum scholastic requirements, the student must maintain a minimum GPA based on the number of hours attempted on the following scale (including transfer credit and remedial/developmental credit):

MEASURABLE PROGRESS REQUIREMENTS

In order to maintain measurable progress toward the completion of their degrees/certificates, students must successfully complete 67 percent of all hours attempted. (Hours attempted include completed hours, repeated courses, dropped courses, withdrawals, incomplete courses, and all transfer courses).

REASONABLE LENGTH OF TIME REQUIREMENT

At Motlow College, a reasonable length of time for completion of a degree program is defined as no more than 90 hours of college-level work to complete a degree program. The reasonable length of time for completion of a certificate is defined as no more than 40 hours of college-level work to complete a certificate program. Students who are required to take remedial/developmental courses for their degree/certificate program may receive federal financial aid for a maximum of 30 hours of remedial/developmental.

PROCESS FOR APPEALING DENIAL OF FINANCIAL AID

Students who are ineligible for financial aid because they did not maintain satisfactory academic progress may reapply for financial aid when they have cleared the deficiency and are again progressing satisfactorily according to the requirements outlined above. When special circumstances are involved, students may appeal this decision. To do so, the student MUST:

• Print and complete a Financial Aid Appeal form by going to www.mscc.edu.
• Submit the completed Financial Aid Appeal form, according to the outline, with the supporting documentation.
• Submit the appeal within one week after notification of financial aid suspension, but no later than seven calendar days from the first day of the fall/spring terms and two calendar days from the first day of full term classes for the summer term.

Appeals may be approved without provision, or they may be approved conditionally. Appeals may also be denied. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate any appeal for financial aid eligibility. Appeals for academic reinstatement do not constitute reinstatement of financial aid eligibility. Appeal denials are final, and/or decisions by the Financial Aid Committee are final.

TYPES OF AID

The college provides financial assistance to students through four basic types: employment, grants, loans, and scholarships. Most of these funds come from programs sponsored by the federal and state governments. In order to be entitled to receive federal and/or state student assistance benefits, a student must maintain satisfactory academic progress in the program of study he/she has selected. More detailed information on aid programs and student rights and responsibilities is available in the publication, “Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid” available online at www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov.

The following sources of financial assistance are discussed on the following pages:

EMPLOYMENT

FEDERAL WORK-STUDY PROGRAM

The Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs on campus for students who need financial assistance as determined from information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and institutional applications. Job opportunities depend upon the skills, needs, and interests of the student as well as the needs of the offices or departments on campus hiring the student worker. This program gives students a chance to work up to 15 hours per week and earn a part of their educational expenses. Students are paid monthly through direct deposit accounts.

GRANTS

FEDERAL PELL GRANT

The Federal Pell Grant Program a federal aid program provides money to help undergraduates pay for their education. Eligibility is determined by the Department of Education using a standard formula to evaluate the information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This grant provides the “foundation” of financial aid to which other aid may be added; therefore, all students needing assistance should apply for the grant each year. Students must be regular, degree-seeking undergraduates. The application can be filed on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a federally funded, institutionally controlled grant program. Eligibility is based upon financial need. Students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will automatically be considered for the grant. Funding for this program is limited and students are encouraged to apply early.

TENNESSEE STUDENT ASSISTANCE AWARD

The Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA) is a state need-based grant. Funds are appropriated annually by the Tennessee General Assembly and administered by the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC). Tennessee students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid will automatically be considered for the award. To qualify for funding under this program the student must be enrolled in at least six (6) credit hours per semester. Funding for this program is limited and students are encouraged to apply early. The priority deadline is March 1.

ACADEMIC COMPETITIVENESS GRANT

The Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG) were created by the Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005. The grant encourages students to take more challenging courses in high school. In addition to the Pell Grant amount, up to $750 will be awarded to eligible first-year ACG students and up to $1,300 to second-year ACG students. Students and others can learn more about these new student-aid programs at www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov.

LOANS

WILLIAM D. FORD FEDERAL DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM–Students may apply for a William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Motlow College Federal Direct Loan Request Form. The Motlow College Federal Direct Loan Request Form is available on-line at www.mscc.edu under the financial aid quick link.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan–The results of the processed FAFSA must indicate that the student has financial need. Recipients of this loan do not have to pay interest on the loan while enrolled in school at least half time (six semester hours) and during specified deferment periods. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester and be making satisfactory academic progress.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan–Certain students may receive this loan regardless of their financial need. Recipients of this loan are responsible for the interest while in school and during deferment periods; however, a student has the option of letting the interest capitalize (i.e., adding unpaid accumulated interest to the loan principal). Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester and be making satisfactory academic progress.

The maximum subsidized loan amount available during an academic year is $3,500 for a freshman student (has earned fewer than 28 semester hours) and $4,500 for a sophomore student (has earned 28 semester hours or more). Developmental semester hours are not included in determining the student’s classification as freshman or sophomore. Awarded loan amounts may be less than the above maximums based on a student’s Cost of Attendance. Motlow College does not participate in the Federal Direct PLUS Loan Program for parents.

SCHOLARSHIPS

TENNESSEE EDUCATIONAL LOTTERY SCHOLARSHIPS (TELS)

The TELS programs consist of Tennessee HOPE Scholarship, General Assembly Merit Scholarship, Aspire Award, Tennessee Hope Access Grant, Tennessee Non-traditional Lottery Scholarship, and Tennessee Hope Foster Care Grant. To receive the most current information and to learn more about the individual programs, go to www.CollegePaysTN.com.

All TELS program recipients must—

• Be a Tennessee resident for one year by September 1 of the senior year in an eligible high school For students beginning spring and summer terms, residency is determined by February 1.
• Dependent children of U.S. military or Tennessee National Guard, or Department of Defense employees, who maintain Tennessee residency while stationed out-of-state, are eligible.
• Apply with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
• Applications must be received by September 1 for fall semester and February 1 for spring and summer semesters. Early application is recommended.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
• Maintain a minimum part-time enrollment (not less than 6 hours in fall and spring semesters).
• Maintain enrollment status for every semester. If the student begins the semester as a full-time student, he or she must finish the semester with at least 12 hours. If the student begins the semester as a part-time student, he or she must maintain at least 6 credit hours. Dropping or withdrawing from one or more classes may result in the permanent loss of eligibility.
  • The student may file a Tennessee Lottery Appeal if he or she fails to meet enrollment requirements due to extenuating personal or medical circumstances. Eligibility may be reinstated based on the appeal and supporting documentation.

Note:

• Award amounts for part-time enrollment will be prorated based on credit hours attempted.
• Award amounts are subject to reductions based on lottery revenue.
• The only valid ACT scores are tests from national test dates.
• Cumulative TELS GPAs are evaluated at 24, 48, 72, and 96 attempted hours.
• Credits gained through dual enrollment, Advanced Placement, or other tests do not count in the TELS GPA or TELS attempted hours.
• All classes taken after high school graduation count in the TELS GPA and attempted hours, including repeated classes which Motlow excludes from the institutional GPA.
• The TELS GPA and TELS attempted hours may differ from the Motlow GPA and attempted hours , due to the exclusions mentioned in the preceding item. The student should check the TELS GPA and attempted hours in the Tennessee Lottery information section on the web account frequently to determine progress.
• The student may exercise a one-time only Regain Option to regain eligibility for the TELS award, if the scholarship is lost to GPA by meeting the GPA requirement at a future bracket while continuing to met all other eligibility criteria for each semester. The student should notify the Office of Financial Aid to use this option by submitting a TELS Eligibility Appeal form, available at www.mscc.edu.
• The student may receive a Tennessee Eligibility Lottery Scholarship for up to 5 years or 120-hour maximum of attempted hours.
• The student will be eligible for the full one-semester scholarship, as long as at least one hour of eligibility remains. The award amount will be based on the hours of enrollment rather than on the hours of eligibility for that semester.

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

Please review the most current scholarship information at www.mscc.edu.

INSTITUTIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

ACADEMIC SERVICE SCHOLARSHIPS

High school seniors are eligible to apply for Academic Service Scholarships if they have a composite score of 19 or above on the American College Test (ACT) and a minimum high school grade point average of 2.9 on a 4.0 scale. The above are minimum qualifications. Scholarships will be awarded based on the amount of funds available and number of applicants. The applicant must be enrolling in at least 12 credit hours each semester. The award is for four semesters only. Recipients have a work obligation of up to 75 hours per semester and must maintain a minimum semester grade point average of 2.5. This scholarship is not available during summer terms. Applications are available online at www.mscc.edu. March 1 is the priority deadline.

GED SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP

New applicants with outstanding GED scores are eligible to apply. A Motlow Scholarship Application must be completed. Scholarships will be awarded based on the amount of funds available and number of applicants. The applicant must be enrolling in at least 12 credit hours each semester. The award is for four semesters only. The GED Service Scholarship is an Academic Service Scholarship requiring up to a 75 hour per semester work obligation and a 2.5 semester grade point average for renewal. Applications are available online at www.mscc.edu. March 1 is the priority deadline.

FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS

G. NELSON FORRESTER SCHOLARSHIP is awarded to an outstanding full-time incoming freshman intending to graduate from Motlow with a university parallel major and pursue a baccalaureate degree. The recipient must be from the immediate Motlow College service area with a minimum high school GPA of 3.2 and have leadership activities in high school. A 3.0 college GPA must be maintained.

A. FRANK GLASS SCHOLARSHIP is awarded to an outstanding full-time incoming freshman intending to graduate from Motlow with a university parallel major and pursue a baccalaureate degree. The recipient must be from the immediate Motlow College service area with a minimum high school GPA of 3.2 and have leadership activities in high school. A 3.0 college GPA must be maintained.

SAM INGRAM SCHOLARSHIP is awarded to an outstanding full-time incoming freshman intending to graduate from Motlow with a university parallel major and pursue a baccalaureate degree. The recipient must be from the immediate Motlow College service area with a minimum high school GPA of 3.2 and have leadership activities in high school. A 3.0 College GPA must be maintained.

MORRIS SIMON SCHOLARSHIP is awarded to an outstanding full-time incoming freshman intending to graduate from Motlow with a university parallel major and pursue a baccalaureate degree. The recipient must be from the immediate Motlow College service area with a minimum high school GPA of 3.2 and have leadership activities in high school. A 3.0 college GPA must be maintained.

HARRY D. WAGNER SCHOLARSHIP is awarded to an outstanding full-time incoming freshman intending to graduate from Motlow with a university parallel major and pursue a baccalaureate degree. The recipient must be from the immediate Motlow College service area with a minimum high school GPA of 3.2 and have leadership activities in high school. A 3.0 college GPA must be maintained.

LINDSEY AND ELEANOR HALL SCHOLARSHIP is awarded to a high school graduate from Bedford County, depending on interest funds in the account. The recipient must be an incoming, full-time freshman intending to graduate from Motlow College.

LINDSEY HALL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP is awarded, depending on interest funds in the account, to a high school graduate from Bedford County.

WARD AND JANICE HARDER SCHOLARSHIP is awarded to an African American or female student with demonstrated financial need along with other criteria. Approved areas of study are business, math, communications, or computer science.

JOHN AND MARGARET SHUTT SCHOLARSHIP is a competitive scholarship available to a full-time incoming freshman from Lincoln County. Students with a Girl-Scouting or Boy-Scouting background and financial need are given additional consideration.

MOTLOW HONORS SCHOLARSHIP is awarded to qualifying students who exhibit outstanding academic achievement and potential for college experience. The applicant must enroll in at least 12 credit hours per semester and maintain a semester grade point average of 3.0. To graduate as an Honors Scholar, the applicant must achieve a 3.3 cumulative GPA.

PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP The Motlow College Foundation has established the Presidential Scholarship, a competitive, two-year (four semesters) scholarship for outstanding high school graduates. Applicants must be entering freshmen, have a 3.25 grade point average or higher from high school and have at least a 27 composite score on the ACT to be considered for this scholarship. The value of the scholarship is $3,000 annually. Recipients must maintain at least 12 credit hours each term with a 3.0 grade point average. Recipients must participate in co-curricular or extracurricular leadership activities. The scholarship is not available during summer terms. Applications are available online at www.mscc.edu. March 1 is the priority deadline.

OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS

ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP may be available to students who participate in athletic programs at Motlow College. Application should be made to the Athletic Director.

MOTLOW ART SCHOLARSHIPS are awarded through the art department.

MOTLOW MONITOR SCHOLARSHIPS are awarded to editors of the student newspaper.

MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP applications should be made through the music department.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIPS are awarded to students elected as SGA President and SGA Executive Vice President at Fayetteville, McMinnville, Smyrna and Moore County campuses.

Edscholars Scholarship

Edscholars are selected from eligible candidates. Criteria to be met include the following:

• Be a Tennessee resident
• Have a minimum 3.25 GPA for the first 7 semesters of high school or ACT composite of at least 23 or SAT score of at least 1070
• Have financial need as indicated on the FAFSA
• Be involved in community service/leadership activities.

To maintain the Edscholars scholarship beyond the freshman year, students must attend full-time and be in good standing. Applications are available at www.mscc.edu.

Student Discounts: Student discounts will be calculated and applied to the student account by the business office. The service obligation will be pro-rated for students who are part time, have tuition discounts, or fee waivers. (Note: Any Teacher Dependent Discount does not include on-line fees in the calculation.)

VETERANS AFFAIRS

Motlow State Community College cooperates with the Veterans Administration in providing educational opportunities for veterans and other eligible persons under appropriate public laws. Veterans and other eligible persons desiring to attend Motlow under appropriate federal legislation should contact the Office of Admissions and Records.

To start receiving veteran’s benefits, the appropriate forms must be completed. These are available in the Office of Admissions and Records. A certified copy of the DD 214 must be submitted, as well as marriage certificate, divorce papers, and birth certificates of dependent children. A veteran must be approved by the VA for an educational objective, such as a specific degree. A veteran must enroll in classes directly related to his/her approved program. Courses not required for graduation or exceeding the number of elective hours required will not be approved to or by the VA. A change of status may reduce the payment from the VA.

A change of program is subject to VA approval. A form available in the Office of Admissions and Records should be completed and submitted for program change approval.

Veteran students will receive a maximum four semester credit hours (4 hours physical education) for military service time based on active military service in the Armed Forces of the United States. The veteran must present a certified copy of the DD 214 (if not already on file at Motlow) to the Office of Admissions and Records. (One semester hour of credit will be granted for every six months of active service to a maximum of four semester hours.) Veterans will receive credit for coursework completed while in the military if credit is recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE). The VA Coordinator in the Office of Admissions and Records can assist veterans in requesting their military transcripts.

The Veterans Administration will not provide for Developmental Studies courses taken through alternative delivery such as Internet, video, interactive video, etc.

A veteran who wishes to contact the VA Central Office may do so at the Educational toll free number: 1-888-442-4551 or the following address: www.gibill.va.gov then go to WAVE link or phone 877-823-2378.

The Office of Admissions and Records has on-campus responsibility for Veterans Affairs.

ELIGIBILITY FOR DEFERMENT OF PAYMENT OF TUITION AND FEES BY CERTAIN ELIGIBLE STUDENTS RECEIVING U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OR OTHER GOVERNMENTALLY FUNDED EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE BENEFITS

Service members, veterans, and dependents of veterans who are eligible beneficiaries of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits or other governmentally funded educational assistance, subject to the conditions and guidelines set forth in Tennessee Code Annotated 49-7-104 as amended, may elect, upon formal application, to defer payment of required tuition and fees until the final day of the term for which the deferment has been requested. Application for the deferment must be made no later than 14 days after the beginning of the term, and the amount of the deferment shall not exceed the total monetary benefits to be received for the term. Students who have been granted deferments are expected to make timely payments on their outstanding tuition and fees balance once education benefits are being delivered, and eligibility for such deferment shall terminate if the student fails to abide by any applicable rule or regulation, or to act in good faith in making timely payments. This notice is published pursuant to Public Chapter 279, Acts of 2003, effective July 1, 2003.

REGISTRATION FOR COURSES

The academic year begins in August and is divided into three semesters–fall, spring, and summer. Students may enter at the beginning of any semester.  Registration dates, times, and locations will be announced prior to any registration for that semester. Students may register on-site at Moore County, Fayetteville, McMinnville, or Smyrna location, or by accessing the web at http://www.mscc.edu. All students are expected to complete registration by the dates announced.

Students who were in attendance the previous term, readmit students, and new students whose applications for admission or readmission have been processed by the Office of Admissions and Records will receive notification of registration through their MYMOTLOW email account.  Each student is assigned an academic advisor who provides academic advisement prior to or during a registration period throughout enrollment. Students should meet with their advisors prior to and/or during registration periods to discuss progress through programs and to select courses. Advisors will continue to assist the student in completing his/her educational program at Motlow.

A student is not officially enrolled until all the requirements of registration have been completed, including payment of fees.

Students taking courses in Fayetteville, McMinnville, or Smyrna may complete any of these transactions at the center/site administration office.

CHANGE OF REGISTRATION

After official registration is completed, a student may change his/her schedule by adding classes, dropping classes, changing audit enrollment to credit enrollment, or changing credit enrollment to audit enrollment. There is no fee for a change of registration.

ADDING A CLASS

For a defined period of time following official registration each semester, a student may add classes. The last day that a student may add classes for a specific semester will be stated in the schedule of classes for that semester and posted in the Office of Admissions and Records. A student who attends a class without officially registering or following the prescribed procedures for adding a class will not receive credit for that class.

The following procedures is used in adding a class:

1. Access the web at www.mscc.edu, click on “My Motlow,” then click on “Student login,” then enter ID and pin numbers, then follow prompts to add a class.
2. Obtain a Change of Registration Form from the Office of Admissions and Records (Moore county) or the administrative office at each of the off campus sites (Fayetteville, McMinnville and Smyrna), THEN
3. Submit the completed form, and registration fee, if applicable, to the Business Office (Moore county) or the administrative office at each of the off campus sites (Fayetteville, McMinnville and Smyrna).

DROPPING A CLASS

When a student no longer wants to be enrolled in a given class, that student may officially drop that class unless a grade in the class already has been assigned. If a grade has been assigned, dropping the class is not an option. The drop process is used to reduce a class load. If all classes are discontinued, see withdrawal procedures. Students who stop attending a class and fail to follow the prescribed procedures for dropping that class will receive an “F” in the course.

To drop a class:

1. Access the web at www.mscc.edu, click on “My Motlow,” then click on “Student login,” then enter ID and pin numbers, then follow prompts to drop a class.
2. Obtain a Change of Registration Form from the Office of Admissions and Records (Moore County) or the administrative office at each of the off campus sites (Fayetteville, McMinnville and Smyrna), THEN
3. Submit the completed form, and registration fee, if applicable, to the Business Office (Moore County) or the administrative office at each of the off campus sites (Fayetteville, McMinnville and Smyrna).

   Officially dropping a class will affect the academic record of a student at Motlow in one of the following ways:

1. Dropping a class during the time up to, and including, the last day to be deleted from the class roll (indicated in the official college calendar for that semester) will result in no indication on the academic record that the student was enrolled in the class that semester.
2. Dropping a class after the last day to be deleted from the roll and no later than ten weeks into the semester for fifteen-week courses and no later than two-thirds into shorter courses in the term will result in a “W” on the academic record for the class(es) dropped. The “W” which indicates “withdrew” is not used in computing the grade point average.
3. After the drop deadline date, students may not drop or withdraw without one of the following causes:
   1. Illness/injury of the student or serious personal problem verified by the student’s physician or psychologist;
   2. Necessary change in the student’s work schedule, including new employment for the student, verified in writing by the student’s employer; or
   3. Death in the immediate family as verified by the student’s minister or physician.
4. When any of the above circumstances are verified, the student may drop or withdraw and receive a “W” in each affected class.
5. All requests to drop a class(es) after the drop deadline date should be submitted in writing to the office of Student Affairs.

Specific dates which apply to the above timetable during a given semester will be published in the class schedule for that semester and will be posted in the Office of Admissions and Records.

CHANGING TO OR FROM AUDIT ENROLLMENT

A student may change his/her enrollment status in any class (except basic/developmental courses) from audit to credit or credit to audit during the period of time designated for adding a class. The last day to add a class and, therefore, to change to or from audit status in a given semester is stated in the class schedule for that semester.

The following procedures are necessary for changing to or from audit status:

1. Complete the audit form available in Admissions and Records.
2. Submit the completed form and fee to the Business Office.

Basic or developmental level courses may not be taken for audit status.

WITHDRAWAL FROM THE COLLEGE

When all classes that are being taken are being dropped, the process of withdrawal from the college must be completed. The process of withdrawal is not an option for a class in which the grade has already been assigned. Students finding it necessary to withdraw from the college should do so officially to maintain good standing. The withdrawal process is not completed until appropriate forms are completed and processed in the appropriate offices, and all obligations to the college have been met. Official withdrawal may be completed by the student or by a person designated to act on his/her behalf. A student needing to withdraw, who cannot come to the campus and does not have a person to designate to complete the withdrawal process for him/her, should call the Office of Admissions and Records, explain the circumstances, and ask that the withdrawal process be completed for him/her.

A student may withdraw in person in the Office of Admissions and Records on the Moore County Campus or in the administrative offices at the Fayetteville, McMinnville, or Smyrna location or by accessing the web at www.mscc.edu. Clicks on “MYMOTLOW,” then click on “Student login,” then enter ID and pin numbers, then follow prompts to drop a class.

The Business Office will verify clearance of all obligations to the college and will initiate steps for any appropriate refund of fees. A student who stops attending all classes without completing the official withdrawal process will receive a failing grade (F) in each course in which he/she is enrolled.

Official withdrawal from the college will affect the academic record of a student at Motlow in one of the following ways.

1. Withdrawal during the time up to, and including, the last day to be deleted from the class roll (indicated in the official college calendar for that semester) will result in no indication on the academic record of attendance during the semester.
2. Withdrawal after the last day to be deleted from the class roll and no later than ten weeks into the semester for fifteen-week courses and two-thirds through shorter courses in the term will result in a “W” on the academic record for each class in which the student is enrolled at the time of withdrawal. The “W” is not used in computing the grade point average.
3. After the withdrawal deadline date, students may not withdraw without one of the following causes:
   1. Illness/injury of the student or serious personal problem verified by the student’s physician or psychologist;
   2. Necessary change in the student’s work schedule, including new employment for the student, verified in writing by the student’s employer; or
   3. Death in the immediate family as verified by the student’s minister or physician.
4. When any of the above circumstances are verified, the student may drop or withdraw and receive a “W” in each affected class.
5. All requests to withdraw after the withdrawal deadline date should be submitted in writing to the office of Student Affairs.

Specific dates which apply to the above timetable during a given semester will be published in the class schedule for that semester and will be posted at the Office of Admissions and Records

CREDIT IN RESIDENCE

Credit classes are scheduled by Motlow at a variety of locations and in a variety of delivery formats. All credit earned in classes scheduled by Motlow is defined as credit in residence. Twenty-five percent of credit granted toward a degree from Motlow must be earned in residence at Motlow.

TRANSCRIPT OF ACADEMIC RECORDS

Academic records of each student are kept on permanent file in the Office of Admissions and Records. Copies of a student’s academic record will be furnished free of charge. All requests for transcripts must be submitted in writing; therefore, no requests by telephone will be honored. In response to a written request, an official transcript will be sent directly to another educational institution or business. To request an offical copy of a transcript, log into MYMOTLOW at www.mscc.edu; enter user id and password; click on students, then student records, then request printed transcript, then follow the prompts prior to clicking submit request.  In all cases, a student’s obligations to the college must be fulfilled before a transcript will be issued. Student grades will not be posted publicly by faculty at the close of any term. See section entitled “Privacy Rights of Students” concerning confidentiality of records and privacy rights of students.

IDENTIFICATION CARDS

Student Identification cards (ID card) are issued to all students. These cards are used for cashing checks and bookstore transactions, admission and identification for athletic events, social functions, library check-outs, and other college activities. Students are required to carry a current, validated ID card with them while on campus. Information about obtaining or replacing an ID card is available in the library on the Moore County campus.  Ids can be made in the libraries at all campus locations.  There is a $5.00 charge for replacement cost of an ID.
 

CHANGE OF NAME OR ADDRESS

The Office of Admissions and Records should be informed of all changes in the student’s legal name because of marriage or other reasons, place of residence, mailing address and telephone number. If the student is requesting a name change, a Change of Record form must be completed and supporting documentation turned into the Office of Admissions and Records on the Moore County Campus or in the administrative offices at the Fayetteville, McMinnville, or Smyrna location. The college is not responsible for a student’s failure to receive official information due to failure to notify the college of any changes stated above.

DISTANCE EDUCATION

Distance Education, as defined by Tennessee Board of Regents’ policy, “…occurs where there is a physical separation of the teacher and the learner and when communication and instruction take place through, or [are] supported by, any technological means such as telephone, radio, television, computers, satellite delivery, interactive video, or any combination of present and future telecommunication technology.” Motlow College has several forms of distance education including Internet courses, video courses, and interactive television. Classes that are conducted via distance education are identified in the current Schedule of Classes.

MSCC Online

A select number of Motlow classes are offered in the online format. These classes are taught by Motlow faculty members and billed at the same rate as an on campus class. The class is listed in the schedule of classes each term as “Online” or “TBA.” If a student needs assistance with an online Motlow class, the student should contact the Motlow Help Desk at 931-393-1510 or contact the instructor as indicated in the course syllabus.

Regents Online Degree Program (RODP)

Motlow College offers courses leading to the Associate of Arts, the Associate of Science, and the Associate of Applied Science degrees as part of the Regent’s Degree. These classes are taught by a faculty member employed at any TBR college or university, and the class is billed to the student at a higher rate that includes an RODP class fee. For detailed information about degrees through RODP, access the Tennessee Board of Regents website at www.rodp.org or contact the Motlow RODP contact at 800-654-4877, ext 3027.

CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT

Concurrent enrollment describes a student’s attending more than one institution in the same term. Students who concurrently enroll in two or more institutions are advised to take no more than a combined total of 21 hours per term. The student must request that a transcript of hours attempted at another institution be mailed to the Office of Admissions and Records at Motlow. Additional information on concurrent enrollment is available in the Office of Admissions and Records.
 

ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF CREDIT

Advanced credit may be granted by Motlow for courses in areas for which a student has demonstrated satisfactory achievement and proficiency. Sources of advanced credit include:

Advanced Placement Examination Program
Advanced Standing Credit in English
Applied Technical Studies Credit
Armed Services Credit
Certified Professional Secretary Rating
Challenge Examination Program
College Level Examination Program
Correspondence Courses
Credit by Assessment
Licensed Practical Nurse Licensure

The maximum amount of advanced credit allowed from all sources is one-fourth of the total number of credit hours required for graduation. For additional information about alternative sources of credit, contact the Office of Admissions and Records at Motlow.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMINATION PROGRAM CREDIT

Motlow College participates in the Advanced Placement Examination Program (APEP) of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB). The maximum amount of advanced credit allowed from all advanced credit sources, which includes Advanced Placement Examination Program Credit, is one-fourth of the total number of credit hours for graduation; credit may be given to qualified students in any two of the following subject areas:

ADVANCED STANDING CREDIT IN ENGLISH

Students under 21 years of age with an ACT subscore in English/Writing of 27 to 30 or an SAT subscore in Writing of 610 to 680 will be given 3 hours of advanced standing credit for ENGL 1010.   Students under 21 years of age  with an ACT subscore in English/Writing of 31 or an  SAT subscore in Writing of 690 or higher will be given 6 hours of advanced standing credit for ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020.  The maximum amount of advanced credit allowed from all advanced credit sources, which includes advanced standing credit in English, is one-fourth the total number of credit hours required for graduation.

ARMED SERVICES CREDIT

Veteran students who have received an honorable discharge after serving active duty with the armed forces may request credit by submitting a valid DD214 form. Up to four (4) hours of physical education credit may be granted. Students will receive one credit for each six (6) months of active duty. These credits meet the physical education activity requirements for all programs of study.

In evaluating armed services credit, Motlow State Community College uses as a reference the Guide to the Evaluation of Education Experience in the Armed Services published by the American Council on Education. Contact the Office of Admissions and Records for additional information.

CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL SECRETARY RATING CREDIT

After successfully completing 12 semester hours at Motlow State Community College (excluding developmental hours which earn institutional credit only and may not be used to meet any degree requirements, a (CPS) may receive a maximum of 12 semester hours credit from the following courses for which college credit has not already been received:

Upon receipt of formal application, verification will be made of the 12 hours credit already received from Motlow and the CPS rating. Credit for the requested course(s) will then be recorded. The maximum amount of advanced credit allowed from all advanced credit sources, which includes Certified Professional Secretary Rating Credit is one-fourth of the total number of credit hours required for graduation. The application for credit is available in the Office of Business and Technology.

This acceptance of the CPS rating for credits is subject to change whenever (1) the content of the CPS exam is revised so that it does not correspond with the content of the courses designated for credit or (2) the courses at Motlow are revised substantially.

CHALLENGE EXAMINATION PROGRAM CREDIT

Students who have achieved competence equivalent to that offered in a course through on-the-job training, previous instruction, or other methods may receive credit for selected courses as designated by the department head in conjunction with the faculty member administering the challenge examination. The challenge exam process is not applicable to courses which are part of the basic/developmental program or to remove a high school unit deficiency as defined in section “A89 Requirements.” To receive credit by challenging a course the student must:

1. Enroll in the course for credit.
2. Apply for credit by examination by completing the upper portion of the Challenge Examination Application. This form and further instructions may be secured in division offices. With this form, the student must submit evidence that he/she is qualified to challenge the course.
3. Take an examination during the first two weeks of classes prior to the last day to drop a class and be deleted from the roll for that term. (If the student intends to add a class upon receiving the results of the challenge exam, then the exam should be completed before the last day to add a class as specified in the class schedule.) The examination will cover major aspects of the course as determined by the faculty member.
4. Attend class regularly until the proficiency examination is given. Failure to attend class regularly may disqualify a student from taking the examination.

A letter will be sent by the chair of the appropriate disclipine to the student to notify him/her of the test results. If the examination is successfully completed, the student will not be required to attend the class for the remainder of the term. The student will receive the credit hours with a grade of “P”, which will not be used in computing grade point average. The maximum amount of advanced credit allowed from all advanced credit sources, which includes Challenge Examination Program Credit, is one-fourth of the total number of credit hours required for graduation. If the examination is not successfully completed, the student should either withdraw from the class or continue in attendance for the remainder of the course. A student may challenge a specific course only once, and this challenge program may not be used to remove an “I” or an “F” grade or to improve a grade already earned.

Contact the appropriate department chair for additional information concerning challenge of specific courses. Procedure for challenge of selected nursing courses is outlined in the Nursing Program section of this catalog.

COLLEGE LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM CREDIT

The maximum amount of advanced credit allowed from all credit sources, which includes College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Credit, is one-fourth of the total number of credit hours required for graduation. The acceptable score on the CLEP to receive credit is 50. Motlow has been approved as a limited CLEP Testing Center. An application and a fee must be submitted through the Office of Counseling and Testing at least four weeks prior to the test date. This office should be contacted for any additional information. CLEP results may not be used to remove an “I” or “F” or to improve a grade already earned.

The following is a list of the CLEP subject examinations administered at Motlow State Community College and for which credit is granted by the college. Opposite the examinations are the Motlow State Community College course equivalents. Motlow College does not grant credit on the basis of the CLEP general examination.

CORRESPONDENCE COURSE CREDIT

Credits earned by correspondence and extension may be accepted toward graduation subject to the following:

1. The credits earned must be from a college which is a member of the National University Extension Association or the Teachers College Association for Extension and Field Services.
2. Students in residence enrolled in eighteen or more hours at Motlow may not earn credit in correspondence courses at the same time.

The maximum amount of advanced credit allowed from all advanced credit sources, which includes Correspondence Course Credit, is one-fourth of the total number of credit hours required for graduation.

CREDIT BY ASSESSMENT

The college has established agreements with secondary schools to award credit for courses taught at the secondary level and articulated at Motlow.  This credit is awarded based on the student’s successful completion of an assessment examination that is prepared and evaluated by the college.  The fee for each exam is $55.00.  The student must be enrolled in Motlow and complete 15 hours of coursework at this institution in order to receive this credit.

The maximum amount of credit allowed from Credit by Assessment, is one-fourth the total number of credit hours required for graduation.

COUNSELING

Prospective students and enrolled students may receive counseling services in the areas of academic planning, career choices, and personal growth. The professional staff are trained and certified to perform college counseling duties. They are committed to serving Motlow students as an integral part of the college support program for student enrichment.

SMARTHINKING

Smarthinking offers live, online, personalized learning assistance in math, writing, foreign language, business, and science. Tutors are available up to 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Students may log into Smarthinking on the Motlow website www.mscc.edu. If the student encounters problems with the log in process, phone the Help Desk at 931-393-1510.

COOPERATIVE EDUCATION

Motlow College provides a cooperative education program as an integral part of its efforts to link practical work experience to the student’s educational program. Students who successfully complete the cooperative work assignments will be awarded two semester hours of credit for a maximum of two terms. The work assignment must be related to the student’s program of study or career goals and approved by the program coordinator. The cooperative education classes are graded; 2/3 of the grade is determined by the cooperative education instructor and 1/3 reflects the evaluation of the work supervisor. For more information on course requirements, see the course descriptions section of this catalog. Additional information is available from the Director of the Education Department, 931-393-1810.

DISABILITY SERVICES

Motlow State Community College is committed to meeting the needs of qualified students with disabilities by providing equal access to educational opportunities, programs, and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate. This commitment is consistent with the college’s obligations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Together, these laws prohibit discrimination against qualified persons with disabilities.

All students seeking assistance through Disability Services must self-disclose the presence and nature of a specific disability to the Director of Disability Services. Before receiving requested accommodations, students are required to obtain documentation of disability. Documentation may include records or written statements from a professional who is licensed to practice in the field appropriate for diagnosing and/or treating the disability in question–a physician, optometrist, audiologist, physical or occupational therapist, psychologist, etc.

The Director of Disability Services coordinates services for students with disabilities at all Motlow College campuses and serves as an advocate and liaison for disabled students attending the college. The office is located in Simon Hall, Room S129. For assistance, call 931-393-1765.

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

A comprehensive online New Student Orientation program is available through the Motlow College website at www.mscc.edu for all new students each semester. All first-time freshmen are required to complete New Student Orientation before proceeding to advisement and registration. New Student Orientation is designed to introduce new student to college life and to explain the general operating procedures of the college. Topics included in the orientation program are classroom expectations, student rights and responsibilities, student activities, tutorials for online services and classes, and student services. After the first-time freshman applies for admission to the college, the student will receive directions necessary to access online New Student Orientation. For more information concerning New Student Orientation, contact the Assistant Director of Student Services at any Motlow campus.

ADVISEMENT AND CAREER PLANNING CENTER

The Advisement and Career Planning Center located on the Moore County campus is a valuable college resource where faculty, students, and community members recieve information and materials about the following: College admissions, programs of study, course selection and scheduling, course transferability, as well as career planning and other numerour resources to assist with job preparation and placement.

Staff in the Center provide advising services in conjunction with the Assistant Directors for Student Services at other teaching locations in McMinnville, Fayetteville, and Smyrna.  Information is also available from the following Motlow web pages at www.mscc.edu/advisement and www.mscc.edu/career. 

ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT

Academic advising is accomplished through one-on-one interaction between students and their academic advisors. Academic advising is an institutionally initiated support service designed to assist students in meeting their short-term and long-term educational and career goals.

Degree-seeking students may obtain academic advisement from full-time faculty members within the academic department on their program of study.  A listing of advisors for each program of study is included on the advisement webpage.  This listing included advisor’s office locations and extensions.

The Center is located on the Moore County campus is a resource area for all Motlow students who, upon admission to the college, are unable to select a specific major.  The center has advisors available to help those who might need guidance or can direct you to an advisor who can assist you.  At off-campus locations (Fayetteville, McMinnville, and Smyrna), advisement may also be provided by full-time faculty members or by seeing the Assistant Director of Student Affairs at each location.

Academic advisors are responsible for assisting students in interpreting, planning, and completing the requirements for a particular program of study.  Students may consult with advisors who maintain regularly scheduled office hours which are prominently posted on their office doors or with their department chairs or site directors. Students should consult with their advisors:

• Prior to registration, if a first-time degree seeking student.
• At leasr annually, or more often if necessary, to enhance academic success.
• Prior to completion of the Intent-to-Graduate form.

CAREER PLANNING AND PLACEMENT

Motlow offers career development and job placement services to all students.  The Center staff provide the students with resources in career planning, including interest inventory test, job-seeking strategies, employment interviewing, and resume preparation.  The primary objective is to assist the student in effective planning for employment which will develop a satisfying career.

The Center is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p. m., and students are encouraged to call for appointments at 931-393-1612.

STUDENT HEALTH AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE

Motlow offers a non-compulsory student health and accident policy which will provide protection for students at a very competitive rate. For policy information, contact the Student Health Center or the Office of Student Affairs on the Moore County campus or the director’s office at the Fayetteville, McMinnville, and the Smyrna campuses.

EMERGENCY MESSAGE SERVICES

On occasion when an emergency message needs to be delivered to a student, who is at one of the college locations, that message should be directed as follows:

LOST AND FOUND

Information concerning lost articles should be directed to the Office of Community Relations in Simon Hall (or the Library after 4:30 p.m.) on Moore County Campus and the administrative office at the Fayetteville, McMinnville or Smyrna Site. Any article found should be turned in to the respective office as well.

TESTING SERVICES

The Counseling and Testing Office provides a wide range of services to both the College and the community. As a service to Motlow students, to other local students, and to residents of the community, the Counseling and Testing Office participates on a regular basis in the testing programs described below.

AMERICAN COLLEGE TESTING PROGRAM (ACT)

Motlow State Community College serves as a residual test center of the American College Testing Program (ACT). Tests are given twice per semester prior to registration and monthly during the summer. Applications, a listing of scheduled testing dates, and the test fee, are available from the Counseling and Testing Office. A general interest course entitled “ACT Preparation” is scheduled fall and spring semesters. Information concerning this course may be obtained from the Office of Community Services.

COLLEGE LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM (CLEP)

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) gives students the opportunity to obtain college credit by examination. CLEP is computer-based and scores are returned immediately after testing. The maximum amount of advanced credit allowed is one-fourth of the total number of credit hours required for graduation. Motlow has been approved as a limited CLEP testing center that administers only subject area tests. There is a fee for each subject test. An additional fee for all CLEP tests is charged for anyone who is not a Motlow student. Students planning to take a CLEP test must submit a completed registration form with the fee to the Counseling and Testing Office at least four weeks prior to the test date. The testing dates for the CLEP examination are arranged between the Director of Counseling and Testing and the individual students. Further information concerning CLEP is available from the Counseling and Testing Office. A listing of CLEP subject areas which may be tested at Motlow appears in section entitled “College Level Examination Program Credit.”

GENERAL EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT TEST (GED)

Adults who have not received a high school diploma and wish to apply for a certificate of equivalency may take the General Education Development test. Motlow has been established as an official GED testing center. The GED test is administered twice each month at Motlow. Applications and a listing of scheduled testing dates are available from the Counseling and Testing Office,  931-393-1762. There is a nonrefundable test fee. Persons who feel inadequately prepared to take the GED test can obtain assistance from their local superintendent’s office or Adult Basic Education Supervisor.

PRAXIS: PRE-PROFESSIONAL SKILLS TEST (paper-based PPST) and COMPUTER-BASED ACADEMIC SKILLS ASSESSMENTS (CBT)

Students pursuing the Associate of Science in Teaching degree are required to take the PPST/CBT during their sophomore year. The Computer-Based Academics Skills Assessment (CBT) is offered by appointment through a national network of Sylvan Technology Centers (those nearest to Motlow College located in Franklin, TN and in Chattanooga, TN), selected institutional sites, and Educational Testing Service Field Offices. Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee Technological University and some Sylvan Learning Centers administer the test. Students may order PPST/CBT study guides through the Tipps (Motlow College) Bookstore. For registration information visit www.ets.org and click on PRAXIS.

MEASURE OF ACADEMIC PROFICIENCY AND PROGRESS (MAPP)

For information concerning this exam, contact the Testing Office.

BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY MAJOR FIELD TEST

For information concerning this exam, contact the Testing Office.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION MAJOR FIELD TEST COMPASS

For information concerning this exam, contact the Testing Office.

NURSE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

For information concerning this exam, contact the Testing Office.

STUDENT CENTER FACILITIES

Forrester Student Center on the Moore County campus houses the Tipps Bookstore and the cafeteria. Commercial television viewing is available in the cafeteria. A cafeteria, located in Forrester Student Center, is operated by a private vendor. Breakfast and lunch, as well as short order snacks, are served. Drink and vending machines are located in all buildings on all campuses.

BOOKS AND SUPPLIES

Students attending Motlow State Community College have several options when purchasing textbooks and supplies. Motlow College Bookstore, operated by Follett Higher Education Group, Inc., carries all required textbooks and student supplies which are selected and officially approved by the faculty. Motlow College Bookstore locations include the Tipps Bookstore on the Moore County Campus, the McMinnville Campus Bookstore at the Tennessee Technology Center in McMinnville, the Fayetteville Campus Bookstore at the Fayetteville Center, and at the Smyrna Campus Bookstore. All students’ academic needs may be served by ordering textbooks and supplies online at www.motlow.bkstr.com using a credit card. A nominal fee is charged for shipping. Textbooks and supplies may be reserved online at the bookstore online address.

REFUND POLICY

Textbooks may be returned for full credit if the book is (1) accompanied by a sales receipt; (2) unmarked (if purchased new); and (3) returned within specified time. Regular term textbooks may be returned for full credit up to 15 calendar days from the opening day of classes (or within 2 days if purchased thereafter). Summer term textbooks may be returned for full credit within 7 calendar days from the first day of classes. All textbooks with defective publication will be replaced throughout the term. There are no refunds for textbooks purchased during the last week of classes or during final exam week.

BUY BACK POLICY

Cash is paid for used books throughout the year. The buyback price is determined by the future class use of the book at Motlow College and the inventory levels at the bookstore. Up to 50% is paid on all textbook editions which have been adopted for the next term (as long as the demand equals or exceeds the supply). To receive maximum value of a textbook, the textbook should be sold as soon after the last class as possible, the time when inventory is most depleted and need is the greatest. For example, by the first day of class a book may not be worth 50% because the inventory level may be adequate. As an additional service, non-adopted textbooks which are current editions and in good condition will be purchased at the current market value based upon a national college textbook market guide.

Bookstore Hours

Tipps Bookstore. The Tipps Bookstore business hours are Monday and Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday–closed.

McMinnville Center Bookstore. The McMinnville Campus Bookstore hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Fayetteville Center Bookstore. The Fayetteville Center Bookstore business hours are posted at the beginning of the semester.

Smyrna Site Bookstore. The Smyrna Site Bookstore business hours are posted at the beginning of the semester.

An announcement regarding bookstore holidays, summer hours and extended hours will be posted at the beginning of each term.

ATHLETICS

The college sponsors intramural and intercollegiate athletics under the supervision of the faculty in health, physical education, and recreation.

The intramural program operates throughout the year and provides men and women students with opportunities to compete in seasonal sports either as individuals or as members of teams from the various student organizations. All students are encouraged to participate in the intramural program.

The intercollegiate program sponsors teams in men’s basketball and baseball and women’s basketball and fast pitch softball. These teams compete in a regular schedule with teams from other recognized institutions of the same scholastic levels as Motlow State Community College. To participate in intercollegiate athletics, students must meet the eligibility requirements of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Tennessee Junior and Community College Athletic Association.

SOCIAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

A variety of social events is an important part of the total student life experience at Motlow. Almost all events are planned by students for their enjoyment. Many cultural and intellectually stimulating events are open to interested area citizens. Any student interested in planning or promoting social events should contact the Office of Student Affairs.

A social event is defined as any activity planned by the college-approved student group. A social event must be scheduled with the Office of  Student Affairs. A request for approval of any proposed event shall be submitted on student event forms which are available in the Office of Student Affairs. The event shall not be publicized until final approval has been granted.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Motlow State Community College is committed to the concept of student government because of its democratic ideals and creative implications. Every student becomes a member of the student government when he/she enrolls. Student-faculty committees provide close liaison between the student government and the college administration.

The student government at Motlow is divided into an executive and a legislative branch. The executive branch is composed of the President, Vice-President, appointed cabinet officials, and special committees. Elections for the executive branch are held each spring. The legislative branch is called the Student Senate. The Senate is composed of freshman and sophomore officials. Sophomore members are elected in the spring, and freshmen members are elected in the fall.

The President of the Student Government Association serves as a liaison among SGA on each campus. The Smyrna, McMinnville and Fayetteville campuses maintain a separate administrative structure for the Student Government Association; each led by an executive vice president on the respective campus. Each addresses issues unique to that campus including student activities, student concerns, and community projects. Officers are elected from the freshman and sophomore classes. More information is available from the SGA advisors on those respective campuses.

Information regarding specific election dates and a copy of the Constitution of the Student Government Association of Motlow State Community College may be obtained from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. The constitution outlines the duties of each student government official, gives procedures and regulations for elections, and includes by-laws which govern the day-to-day activities of the SGA. Those wishing to become involved in SGA activities should contact the SGA president, the campus vice president, or staff advisor at each campus.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

A well-rounded, integrated program of student activities is provided through student organizations. Students may choose from a variety of organizations depending upon individual interests. These organizations include scholastic honoraries, discipline groups, service organizations, and special interest groups. Registration with the office of Student Affairs is required for all student organizations on the campus. Registration forms may be secured from the office of Student Affairs.

The following information must be provided for official registration of student organizations:

1. Name of organization
2. Name of faculty sponsor(s)
3. List of current officers
4. Statement of purpose
5. Copy of constitution, charter, or by-laws, as applicable
6. Letter verifying receipt of registration materials by the office of Student Affairs.

The college shall require an annual written report of each officially registered student organization evaluating its activities. Continued recognition of the organization will depend on the receipt and approval of such an annual report in addition to compliance with college rules and regulations affecting student organizations.

Many clubs and other organizations, in addition to the Student Government Association, sponsor a variety of worthwhile cultural and intellectual assemblies. Students, staff, and interested area citizens are encouraged to attend on such occasions. The following organizations are chartered on the various Motlow campuses:

A special event, Club Day, is set aside at the beginning of the fall semester for new students to become acquainted with campus organizations. In addition, organizations and meetings are advertised on campus bulletin boards and on Stall News. For more information about specific organizations, contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.

PRESIDENTIAL STUDENT LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

The Presidential Student Leadership Institute was formed by the President of the Motlow College to provide opportunities to students who are committed to increasing their roles as leaders. The Institute allows students to learn principles and theories of leadership, to interact with college and community leaders, to participate in a major college project and community leadership activities, to build leadership skills, and to develop networking relationships. The institute meets a minimum of eight times during the fall and spring semesters. Student participants must have full-time status and have completed at least 24 hours of collegiate-level classes with a cumulative 2.5 GPA. Applications are available each spring in the office of the Assistant Director of Student Services at each campus.

STUDENT PUBLICATIONS

The following constitutes the operating procedures of all student publications.

1. Purpose of Student Publications

Motlow Monitor, the student newspaper, is edited and published by students during the year to inform students and staff of pertinent upcoming events, to provide students with an expression of opinions and views, and to increase student awareness of campus life. The student newspaper is assisted financially by the college and is provided at no charge to the student body.

The Mosaic, the student literary magazine, is organized and assisted financially by the college and the Literary Club to promote interest in the literary efforts of the students of Motlow College (only student writing is in The Mosaic).

All publications produced by students at Motlow College 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.

2. Organization and Governance

The editor and associate editor of the Motlow Monitor are appointed from applicants by the Motlow Monitor advisor. Other staff members are appointed by the editor from the applicants. The editor and the advisor have administrative responsibility for publication of the newspaper, with the office of Student Affairs acting as consultant.

All college and Tennessee Board of Regents’ financial and administrative policies and procedures shall be followed in establishing and maintaining the operation of the Motlow Monitor.

The Mosaic shall be published as a project of the Literary Club. This club must have at least one Motlow College faculty/staff advisor-editor. Students for staff and editorial positions will be selected by the literary magazine’s advisor(s).

The Tennessee Board of Regents and the college administration recognize that all student publications at Motlow College are guaranteed First Amendment freedom and that student editors have control of the content of student publications. However, the editor also has responsibility to be knowledgeable of the meaning of First Amendment freedom and to work closely with the advisor.

The Student Affairs Committee will hear and review plans, requests, or grievances and recommend appropriate action regarding student publications.

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. PREAMBLE

Academic institutions exist for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the development of students, and the general well-being of society. Free inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the attainment of these goals. As members of this academic community, students are encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment and to engage in a sustained and independent search for truth.

Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic conditions in the classroom, on the campus, and in the community. Students should exercise their freedom with responsibility.

2. STUDENT RIGHTS
   
   
   1. Freedom of Access to Higher Education
      
      Motlow State Community College is open to all students who are qualified according to its admissions standards.
       
   2. Evaluation in the Classroom
      
      Students are free to pursue their educational goals. Appropriate opportunities for learning in the classroom and on the campus are provided by the college. Student performance will be evaluated solely on an academic basis, not on opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards.
       
   3. Protection of Freedom of Expression
      
      Students are 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 in which they are enrolled.
       
   4. Protection Against Improper Academic Evaluation
      
      Students 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.
       
   5. Protection Against Improper Disclosure
      
      The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 provides safeguards regarding the confidentiality of and access to student records, and this Act is adhered to by the college.

PRIVACY RIGHTS OF STUDENTS

The education records of current and former students at Motlow State Community College are maintained as confidential records pursuant to The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 as amended. Students have the right of access to their own education records as hereinafter set forth, and personally identifiable education records of students are not released to persons, agencies, or organizations without the consent of the student unless release is authorized by law and by this institution.

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: the student’s name, address, email address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, class schedule, full-time/part-time status, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, and the degrees and awards received by the student. Directory information is released to other students for car pool purposes. At the time a student registers for courses, the student may request in writing that any or all directory information concerning the student not be released as public information. This request for non-disclosure shall be made each semester to remain in effect. If the student does not wish directory information to be released, the student’s name will not appear in public listings released by the college such as Dean’s List, Honor Roll list, or Graduation list.

A student’s right to access his/her education records includes the right to inspect and review content of such records. A request by a student for access to his/her education records should be directed to the office of Student Affairs and will be granted within a reasonable period of time not to exceed forty-five days after the request has been made. The student has the right to seek amendment of the records that the student believes to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights.

The student has the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:

Family Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
600 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605

Any student who believes that information contained in the education records is inaccurate or misleading or violates the privacy rights of the student may request that the records be amended. After a reasonable period of time, if the institution decides to refuse to amend the education records, the student shall be informed in writing and shall be advised by the Vice President for Student Affairs of his or her right to a hearing and the procedures for the hearing. Following a hearing, if the institution decides that the records should not be amended, the student shall have the right to place a written statement in the records concerning the contested information; this statement shall be maintained by the institution as long as the contested information is maintained and which shall be disclosed to any party to whom the contested information is disclosed.

Information concerning education records which is personally identifiable with a particular student, other than directory information shall not be released to persons, agencies, or organizations other than those hereinafter described unless:

1. There is written consent from the student specifying the records to be released, the reason for the release, and to whom the information is to be released, with a copy to the student if requested; or
2. Such information is furnished in compliance with a judicial order or subpoena, provided that advance notice of the receipt of the order or subpoena shall be provided to the student prior to compliance, if possible. Personally identifiable education records may be released to other school officials of the institution, including members of the faculty who have legitimate educational interest.

In addition, such information may be released to the following described persons, agencies, and organizations:

1. MSCC officials — A college official is a person employed by the college in an administrative, supervisory, academic, or support staff position; a person or company with whom the college has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agency); a person serving on staff at the Tennessee Board of Regents; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another college official in performing his or her tasks. A college official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility;
2. Officials of other schools in which the student seeks or intends to enroll;
3. Auditors or evaluators of compliance with educational programs, including accrediting agencies;
4. Those involved in connection with a student’s application for receipt of financial aid;
5. Organizations conducting studies on behalf of the institution;
6. Appropriate persons in connection with an emergency if such knowledge is necessary to protect the health or safety of a student or other person;
7. Law enforcement officials in compliance with a judicial order or subpoena;
8. Officials serving the student in the juvenile justice system;
9. Directory information;
10. Disclosure to an alleged victim of any violence, as that term is defined in Section 16 of Title 18, United States Code, of the results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by the college against the alleged perpetrator of the crime with respect to that crime.

A record of access shall be maintained by the institution in the Office of Student Affairs reflecting all individual agencies or organizations having requested or obtained access to a student’s education records and specifying the legitimate interest of the party obtaining the information; this record shall be available to the student.

CLASS ATTENDANCE

Unless prevented by circumstances beyond his/her control or absent on the basis of an institutionally approved absence, a student is expected to attend regularly all classes for which he/she is registered. Regardless of the cause or nature of the absence, the student is responsible for the material covered or assigned during the absence.

Each faculty member is responsible for explaining, in writing, at the beginning of each course his/her practice in the treatment of absences. When regular attendance is a definite part of the total performance expected for the satisfactory completion of a course, an unsatisfactory attendance record may adversely affect the final grade recorded for the course.

Students may be given an institutional excuse for absence on the basis that the student represents the college at a public event in the interest of the college or is engaged in an activity such as a field trip, which contributes to the education of the student. In granting an institutional excuse for absence, the college does not excuse the student from the responsibility for material covered or assigned during the absence.

SUBMITTING A GRIEVANCE

Each student has the right to express an opinion, make a suggestion, or submit a grievance (in addition to and seperate from a grade appeal). For the simplest and most direct action, the student will use the channel of communication in the order listed below:

1. Director of the unit providing the service
2. Appropriate Vice President of the unit providing the service

If the student does not receive satisfaction through the informal steps listed above, a formal written complaint should be lodged with the Office of Student Affairs who will meet with the student to determine the nature of the complaint and, in turn, will investigate the entire incident, determine a resolution, and respond in writing to the student within ten working days. If the student is unsatisfied with the resolution, the student must appeal within five working days. If an appeal is received, the Student Affairs Committee, composed of four faculty members, one administrator, and two students, to hear the appeal within five working days. The decision of the Student Affairs Committee can be appealed in writing to the President of the College. The decision of the President is the final resolution of the complaint. All written complaints with resolutions will be kept on file in the Office of Student Affairs.

MINORS ON CAMPUS

As an institution of higher education, Motlow State Community College must preserve conditions which will permit a proper learning and work environment at all times. Students, faculty, and staff are not approved to leave minors unsupervised on campus. It is not the intent of this policy to prevent children in the accompaniment of an adult from visiting the campus. However, consideration for the learning environment of the students, the work routine of staff employees, and the safety of the children requires that if children on campus with their parents become disruptive, their parents will be asked to remove them. When extenuating circumstances occur, children will be allowed to accompany parents to class only with the prior approval of the instructor.

In certain circumstances, children may be on campus for classes held for their benefit (programs for the academically talented, field trips, etc.). At such times, it is expected that the instructor or responsible adult will supervise the activities of the children and that before and after the class an area will be designated for the children to await their parents’ arrival. It is the responsibility of the supervisor/instructor of these activities to explain these restrictions to the children and to monitor the enforcement where feasible.

In all circumstances related to children on campus, it is the expectation of the institution that good judgment be exercised in preventing disruption of the office routine or learning environment while at the same time exhibiting concern about the safety of children who are visitors to the campus. Where conditions exist which do not appear to be covered by this policy, inquiry should be made on the Moore County campus to the Office of Student Affairs during the day classes and the Division of Extended Services during evening classes and the center or site director at other Motlow locations.

ACCEPTABLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

Faculty, students, and staff at MSCC routinely use college-owned computers, software, networks, and computerized information. This technology is used to further college-related educational activities. In addition, some individuals may have special administrative or technical responsibility for a computer, network, or database.

This section serves as an introduction and condensed version of MSCC Policy 1:08:10:06 to the issues and responsibilities of legitimate use, information security, and privacy that arise in the use of computers, software, and electronic information. The responsibilities noted in this section strive to balance the individual’s ability to benefit fully from these resources and the college’s responsibility to maintain a secure and reasonably allocated computing, information technology, and networked environment.

THE COLLEGE’S RESPONSIBILITIES

The college owns most of the computers and all internal computer networks used on campus. The college also has various rights to the software and information residing on, developed on, or licensed for these computers and networks. The college has the responsibility to administer, protect, and monitor this aggregation of computers, software, and networks. Specifically, the purposes of the college’s information technology are:

1. To establish and support reasonable standards of security for electronic information that college members produce, use, or distribute, and to ensure the privacy and accuracy of administrative information that the college maintains;
2. To protect college computers, networks, and information from destruction, tampering, and unauthorized inspection and use;
3. To ensure that information technology resources are used to support activities connected with instruction and administration;
4. To delineate the limits of privacy that can be expected in the use of networked computer resources and to preserve freedom of expression over this medium without countenancing abuse or unlawful activities;
5. To ensure that college computer systems do not lose important information because of hardware, software, or administrative failures or breakdowns (To achieve this objective, authorized systems or technical managers may occasionally need to examine the contents of particular files to diagnose or solve problems.);
6. To communicate college policies and individuals’ responsibilities systematically and regularly in a variety of formats to all parts of the college community;
7. To monitor policies and propose changes in policy as events or technology warrant;
8. To manage computing resources so that members of the college community benefit equitably from their use (To achieve this, authorized staff may occasionally need to restrict inequitable use of shared systems or the network. For example, the college reserves the right to require users to refrain from using any program that is unduly resource-intensive.);
9. To enforce policies by restricting access in case of serious violations. (For example, in appropriate circumstances, the Director of Information Technology and Telecommunication Services or the Director of the Center for Information Systems may find it necessary to lock a user’s account. In such circumstances, if a student’s account is involved, the student must meet with the Vice President for Student Affairs before his/her account can be accessed again.)

THE INDIVIDUAL’S RESPONSIBILITIES

MSCC supports networked information resources to further its mission of instruction and to foster a community of shared inquiry. All members of the college community must be cognizant of the rules and conventions that make these resources secure and efficient. The following list of user responsibilities is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. Subject to conformance with Federal and State of Tennessee law and with State of Tennessee and Tennessee Board of Regents policies, MSCC is authorized to supplement the user responsibilities contained herein. For a more detailed description of responsibilities, please refer to MSCC Policy 1:08:10:06.

1. To respect the right of others to be free from harassment or intimidation to the same extent that this right is recognized in the use of other communication media;
2. To respect copyright and other intellectual property rights (Unauthorized copying of files or passwords belonging to others or to the college may constitute plagiarism or theft. Modifying files without authorization (including altering information, introducing viruses or “Trojan horses,” or damaging files) is unethical, may be illegal, and may lead to sanctions);
3. To maintain secure passwords; users should establish appropriate passwords, change them occasionally, and not share them with others;
4. To use resources efficiently and to accept limitations or restrictions on computing resources–such as storage space, time limits, or amount of resources consumed–when asked to do so by system administrators (Additionally, students must receive specific permission from the Director of Information Technology and Telecommunications Services or the Director of the Center for Information Systems prior to loading any software on any computer owned by MSCC);
5. To recognize the limitations to privacy afforded by electronic services (Users have a right to expect that what they create, store, and send will be seen only by those to whom permission is given. Users must know, however, that the security of electronic files on shared systems and networks is not inviolable – most people respect the security and privacy protocols, but a determined person can breach them. Users must also know that systems or technical managers, as part of their responsibilities, may occasionally need to diagnose or solve problems by examining the contents of particular files);
6. To learn to use software and information correctly (Users should maintain and archive backup copies of important work. Users are responsible for backing up their own files.);
7. To abide by security restrictions on all systems and information to which access is permitted (Users should not attempt to evade, disable, or “crack” passwords of other security provisions; these activities threaten the work of others and are grounds for immediate suspension or termination of privileges and possible further sanctions.).

MSCC extends these principles and guidelines to systems outside the college that are accessed via the college’s facilities (e.g., electronic mail or remote logins using the college’s Internet connections). Network or computing providers outside MSCC may impose their own additional condition of appropriate use for which users at this college are responsible.

SANCTIONS

Individuals or groups who act in a manner contrary to existing policy and accepted standards for computer use are subject to the sanctions and disciplinary measures normally applied to misconduct or lawbreaking. Computing policy violations are handled by established college procedures.

Whenever it becomes necessary to enforce college rules or policies involving students, the Vice President for Student Affairs with the assistance of the Director of Information Technology and Telecommunication Services may disallow network connections by certain computers (even departmental); require adequate identification of computers and users on the network; undertake audits of software or information on shared systems where policy violations are possible; take steps to secure compromised computers that are connected to the network; or deny access to computers, the network, and institutional software and databases. Users are expected to cooperate with investigations either of technical problems or of possible unauthorized or irresponsible use as defined in these guidelines; failure to do so may be grounds for suspension or termination of access privileges.

All infringements matters involving students will be referred to the Vice President for Student Affairs; matters involving faculty will be referred to the appropriate deans; matters involving staff will be referred to the immediate supervisor or the director of the unit. In addition, certain kinds of abuse may entail civil or criminal action.

CONCLUSION

To obtain more information about individual responsibilities, users should contact the Director of Information Technology and Telecommunication Services, Marcum Technology Center, 393-1583.

College students are citizens of the national, state, and local governments, and of the academic community and are, therefore, expected to conduct themselves as law-abiding members of each community at all times. Admission to an institution of higher education carries with it special privileges and imposes special responsibilities apart from those rights and duties enjoyed by non-students. In recognition of the special relationship that exists between the institution and the academic community which it seeks to serve, the Tennessee Board of Regents has authorized the Presidents of the institutions under its jurisdiction to take such action as may be necessary to maintain campus conditions and preserve the integrity of the institution and its educational environment.

Pursuant to this authorization and in fulfillment of its duty to provide a secure and stimulating atmosphere in which individual and academic pursuits may flourish, the Tennessee Board of Regents has developed the following Regulations which are intended to govern student conduct on the several campuses under its jurisdiction, and which regulations may be expanded or supplemented by each institution subject to Board approval. In addition, students are subject to all national, state, and local laws and ordinances. If a student’s violation of such laws or ordinances also adversely affects the institution’s pursuit of its educational objectives, the institutions may enforce their own regulations regardless of any proceedings instituted by other authorities. Conversely, violation of any section of these Regulations may subject a student to disciplinary measures by the institution whether or not such conduct is simultaneously violative of national, state, or local laws.

DISCIPLINARY OFFENSES

1. CONDUCT DANGEROUS TO OTHERS. Any conduct which constitutes serious danger to any person’s health, safety, or personal well-being, including any physical abuse or immediate threat of abuse;
2. HAZING. Participation of students in hazing activities: any intentional or reckless act, on or off institutional property, by one student, acting alone or with others, which is directed against any other student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student, or which induces or coerces a student to endanger his or her mental or physical health or safety, and includes treatment of a violent, abusive, shameful, insulting or humiliating nature. Such action is prohibited when connected with initiation into, affiliation with or continuing membership in a group or organization and does not include participation in customary athletic events or similar competition;
3. DISORDERLY CONDUCT. Any individual or group behavior which is abusive, obscene, lewd, indecent, violent, excessively noisy, disorderly, or which unreasonably disturbs other groups or individuals;
4. OBSTRUCTION OF OR INTERFERENCE WITH INSTITUTIONAL ACTIVITIES OR FACILITIES. Any intentional interference with or obstruction of any institutional activity, program, event, or facilities (including computer facilities), including the following:
   1. Any unauthorized occupancy of institution or institutional controlled facilities or blockage of access to or from such facilities.
   2. Interference with the right of any institution member or other authorized person to gain access to any institution or institutional controlled activity, program, event, or facilities.
   3. Any obstruction or delay of a campus security officer, fireman, or any institution official in the performance of his or her duty.
5. MISUSE OF OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. Any act of misuse, vandalism, malicious or unwarranted damage or destruction, defacing, disfiguring or unauthorized use of property belonging to the institution including but not limited to, fire alarms, fire equipment, elevators, telephones, institution keys, library materials, computer equipment, and/or safety devices; and any such act against property belonging to a member of the institution community or a guest of the institution;
6. THEFT, MISAPPROPRIATION, OR UNAUTHORIZED SALE. Any act of theft, misappropriation, or unauthorized possession or sale of institution property or any such act against a member of the institution community or a guest of the institution;
7. MISUSE OF DOCUMENTS OR IDENTIFICATION CARDS. Any forgery, alteration of or unauthorized use of institution documents, forms, records or identification cards, including the giving of any false information, or withholding of necessary information, in connection with a student’s admission, enrollment, or status in the institution;
8. FIREARMS AND OTHER DANGEROUS WEAPONS. Any unauthorized or illegal possession of or use of firearms or dangerous weapons of any kind. Even individuals with handgun permits may not carry handguns onto Motlow campuses; however, any law enforcement officer, policeman, bonded and sworn deputy sheriff may carry such handguns at all times pursuant to a written directive by the executive supervisor of the organization to which the person is or was attached or employed, regardless of the person’s regular duty hours or assignments;
9. EXPLOSIVES, FIREWORKS, AND FLAMMABLE MATERIALS. The unauthorized possession, ignition, or detonation of any object or article which could cause damage by fire or other means to persons or property or possession of any substances which could be considered to be and used as fireworks;
10. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. The use and/or possession, distribution, sale or manufacture of alcoholic beverages or public intoxication on property owned or controlled by the institution, at an institution-sponsored event, on property owned or controlled by an affiliated clinical site, or in violation of any term of the Motlow Drug-Free Schools and Communities Policy Statement;
11. DRUGS. The unlawful use, possession, distribution, sale or manufacture of any drug or controlled substance (including any stimulant, depressant, narcotic, or hallucinogenic drug or substances, or marijuana), being under the influence of any drug or controlled substance, or the misuse of legally prescribed or “over the counter” drugs on property owned or controlled by the institution, at an institution-sponsored event, on property owned or controlled by an affiliated clinical site, or in violation of any term of the Motlow Drug-Free Schools and Communities Policy Statement:
12. GAMBLING. Gambling in any form;
13. FINANCIAL IRRESPONSIBILITY. Failure to meet financial responsibilities to the institution promptly including, but not limited to, knowingly passing a worthless check or money order in payment to the institution or to a member of the institution community acting in an official capacity;
14. UNACCEPTABLE CONDUCT IN HEARINGS. Any conduct at an institutional hearing involving contemptuous, disrespectful, or disorderly behavior, or the giving of false testimony or other evidence at any hearing;
15. FAILURE TO COOPERATE WITH INSTITUTIONAL OFFICIALS. Failure to comply with directions of institutional officials acting in the performance of their duties;
16. VIOLATION OF GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS. Any violation of the general rules and regulations of the institution as published in an official institutional publication, including the intentional failure to perform any required action or the intentional performance of any prohibited action;
17. ATTEMPTS AND AIDING AND ABETTING THE COMMISSION OF OFFENSES. Any attempt to commit any of the foregoing offenses, or the aiding and abetting of the commission of any of the foregoing offenses (an “attempt” to commit an offense is defined as the intention to commit the offense coupled with the taking of some action toward its commission);
18. VIOLATIONS OF STATE OR FEDERAL LAWS. Any violation of state or federal laws or regulations prescribing conduct or establishing offenses, which laws and regulations are incorporated herein by reference.

Disciplinary action may be taken against a student for violations of the foregoing regulations which occur on institutionally owned, leased, or otherwise controlled property, or which occur off-campus when the conduct impairs, interferes with, or obstructs any institutional activity or the missions, processes, and functions of the institution. In addition, disciplinary action may be taken on the basis of any conduct, on or off-campus, which poses a substantial threat to persons or property within the institutional community.

For the purposes of these Regulations, a “student” shall mean any person who is registered for study in any institution in the State University and Community College System of Tennessee for any academic period. A person shall be considered a student during any period which follows the end of an academic period which the student has completed until the last day for registration for the next succeeding regular academic period, and during any period while the student is under suspension from the institution.

ACADEMIC AND CLASSROOM MISCONDUCT

The instructor has the primary responsibility for control over classroom behavior and maintenance of academic integrity and can order the temporary removal or exclusion from the classroom of any student engaged in disruptive conduct or conduct violating the general rules and regulations of the institution. Extended or permanent exclusion from the classroom or further disciplinary action can be effected only through appropriate procedures of the institution.

Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. Students guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly through participation or assistance, are immediately responsible to the instructor of the class. In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions which may be imposed through the regular institutional procedures as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign an “F” or a zero for the exercise or examination or to assign an “F” in the course.

If the student believes that he/she has been erroneously accused of academic misconduct and if his/her final grade has been lowered as a result, the student may initiate an appeal through the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs who will fully explain all appeal options and assure due process.

DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS

1. RESTITUTION. A student who has committed an offense against property may be required to reimburse the institution or other owner for damage to or misappropriation of such property. Any such payment in restitution shall be limited to actual cost of repair or replacement.
2. WARNING. The appropriate institutional official may notify the student that continuation or repetition of specified conduct may be cause for other disciplinary action.
3. REPRIMAND. A written reprimand, or censure, may be given any student or organization whose conduct violates any part of these Regulations. Such a reprimand does not restrict the student in any way but does have important consequences. It signifies to the student that he/she is in effect being given another chance to conduct himself/herself as a proper member of the institution community, but that any further violation may result in more serious penalties.
4. RESTRICTION. A restriction upon a student’s or organization’s privileges for a period of time may be imposed. This restriction may include, for example, denial of the right to represent the institution in any way, denial of use of facilities, parking privileges, participation in extracurricular activities, or restriction of organizational privileges.
5. PROBATION. Continued enrollment of a student on probation may be continued upon adherence to these regulations. Any student placed on probation will be notified of such in writing and will also be notified of the terms and length of the probation. Probation may include restrictions upon the extracurricular activities of a student. Any conduct in violation of these regulations while in probationary status may result in the imposition of a more serious disciplinary sanction.
6. SUSPENSION. If a student is suspended, he/she is separated from the institution for a stated period of time with conditions of readmission stated in the notice of suspension.
7. Expulsion entails a permanent separation from the institution. The imposition of this sanction is a permanent bar to the student’s readmission to the institution.
8. INTERIM OR SUMMARY SUSPENSION. Though as a general rule, the status of a student accused of violations of these regulations should not be altered until a final determination has been made in regard to the charges against him/her, summary suspension may be imposed upon a finding by the appropriate institutional official that the continued presence of the accused on campus constitutes an immediate threat to the physical safety and well-being of the accused, or of any other member of the institution community or its guests, destruction of property, or substantial disruption of classroom or other campus activities. In any case of immediate suspension, the student shall be given an opportunity at the time of the decision or immediately thereafter to contest the suspension, and if there are disputed issues of fact or cause and effect, the student shall be provided a hearing on the suspension as soon as possible.
9. COUNSELING/REHABILITATIVE TREATMENT. Counseling sessions with Motlow State counseling personnel or mandatory participation in, and satisfactory completion of, a drug or alcohol abuse program or rehabilitation program may be recommended.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

The principle of due process in student discipline is assured at Motlow State Community College. Any student accused of a disciplinary offense or academic misconduct will be afforded an opportunity to contest the charge through procedures initiated by and coordinated with the Vice President for Student Affairs.

TENNESSEE UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT. All cases which may result in (i) suspension or expulsion of a student from the institution for disciplinary reasons, or (ii) revocation of registration of a student organization during the term of the registration are subject to the contested case provisions of the Tennessee Uniform Administrative Procedures Act and shall be processed in accordance with the uniform contested case procedures adopted by the Board of Regents unless the student waives those procedures in writing and elects to have his/her case disposed of in accordance with College procedures established by these rules.

COLLEGE PROCEDURES

The student can elect to choose disposition by the Vice President for Student Affairs or to be heard before the Student Affairs Committee.

1. Disposition by the Vice President for Student Affairs. A student may request that the Vice President for Student Affairs adjudicate the case. If such a decision is made, the following procedures shall apply:
   1. The Vice President for Student Affairs shall advise the student in writing of the alleged charges against him/her and proceed to gather information concerning the case.
   2. The investigation of the case shall include interviews with all relevant parties (accused, accuser, and possible witnesses, etc.).
   3. The Vice President for Student Affairs shall review the evidence, make a determination of innocence or guilt, and decide upon a proper disciplinary sanction.
   4. The accused student and the Vice President for Student Affairs shall meet to discuss the Vice President’s findings and recommended disciplinary sanction. The findings shall cite specific disciplinary offenses and specific sanctions as described in these.
   5. The student may accept the Vice President’s findings or he/she may request a hearing before the Student Affairs Committee.
2. Hearing before the Student Affairs Committee. A student accused of violating an offense may choose to have the case heard by the Student Affairs Committee. If such a hearing is initiated, the following procedures shall apply:
   1. The Vice President for Student Affairs shall advise the student in writing of the alleged charges against him/her and initiate an investigation.
   2. At the conclusion of the investigation, the accused student shall be informed in writing of the date, time and place of the hearing not less than ten (10) days prior to the day of the hearing and shall be advised of the following rights:
      1. the right to present his/her case;
      2. the right to be accompanied by an advisor;
      3. the right to call witnesses in his/her behalf;
      4. the right to confront witnesses against him/her.
   3. The Chairperson of the Student Affairs Committee shall preside at the hearing.
   4. The Vice President for Student Affairs shall present the result of the investigation and when appropriate make a recommendation to the Committee. Witnesses and/or statements from witnesses may be entered as evidence.
   5. The accused shall have an opportunity to present his/her case in exercising any of the rights cited above.
   6. Members of the Committee shall have an opportunity to ask questions.
   7. After all presentations and examinations of witnesses, the Committee shall retire to discuss the case and render a decision.
   8. The decision shall be announced by the presiding officer of the hearing.
   9. The student shall be advised of his/her right to appeal the decision of the Student Affairs Committee to the President of the College.

CASES OF ALLEGED SEXUAL ASSAULT. In cases involving alleged sexual assault, both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the following:

1. Both the accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunity to have others present during a disciplinary proceeding; and,
2. Both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding involving allegations of sexual assault.

SEXUAL, RACIAL, OR OTHER HARASSMENT. Sexual harassment and racial harassment have been held to constitute a form of discrimination prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Any student, applicant for employment, or employee who believes he or she has been subjected to harassment at Motlow College should present the charge to the Affirmative Action Officer whose office is located in the Ingram Administration Building (telephone number 931-393-1542). The complete text of Guideline P-080 is available on line, in the Human Resources Office, and in the library.