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ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCEBUSINESS TECHNOLOGY MAJORMotlow State Community College offers a business technology major with the following concentrations: accounting, business computer applications, business management, and computer programming. The general technology major provides the professional studies concentration. These two-year programs are for the student who does not intend to transfer to a four-year institution. The Associate of Applied Science Degree is awarded. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION MAJORMotlow State Community College, as part of the Tennessee Board of Regents’ Vision 2003: Tennessee Head Start’s Academic Excellence Model, offers an Early Childhood Education major. The purpose of this model is to create a Head Start statewide early childhood academic degree and professional/career development model that supports the Head Start Reauthorization Act degree requirements for Head Start teachers/staff. This initiative builds on the established Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance (TECTA) model. The academic coursework and practicum prepare students for CDA (Child Development Associate) assessment and credentialing. The major is not limited to Head Start personnel but is open to all persons wishing to gain professional expertise in childcare from infant to children in the third grade. The Technical Certificate in Early Childhood Education and the Associate of Applied Science Degree are awarded. NURSING MAJORMotlow State Community College offers a nursing major in a program leading to the Associate of Applied Science Degree. Upon completion of the program, graduates who are eligible, per criteria of the Tennessee Board of Nursing, may write the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN) for licensure as a Registered Nurse. Eligibility is based upon graduation from an approved nursing school, payment of required fees, satisfactory completion of required application forms, and no evidence of reasons (for example, a criminal record) for the Board of Nursing to refuse to allow writing of the exam. REGENTS ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAMMotlow College, in conjunction with the other Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) colleges and universities, is a participant in the Regents Online Degree Program (RODP). The mission and purpose of the program is to improve access to high-quality, affordable, student-centered learning opportunities through the use of technology. The RODP allows students to earn a college degree entirely online. Courses offered as part of the RODP are offered and conducted by the different colleges and universities within the TBR system, and consequently, maintain the same content and rigor as all other college courses. All RODP courses are taught online (Internet) in an interactive, asynchronous format. This allows students to pursue a college degree without having to attend traditional on-campus classroom instruction. RODP courses are open to all Motlow College students. Courses completed as part of the RODP will be reflected as collegiate-level credit on the student’s Motlow transcript. Motlow students who wish to pursue an RODP degree, or who simply wish to complete individual RODP courses as part of their Motlow program of study, can do so by following the same admissions and enrollment procedures as required by any other Motlow program or course. Students can simultaneously be enrolled in RODP and regular on-campus courses, and based on approved articulation agreements, can use specifically designated RODP courses to satisfy certain identified Motlow College program requirements. To determine which RODP course(s) will articulate for which Motlow College course(s), students should contact their academic advisor or the Office of Admissions and Records. The RODP faculty and staff have been specifically trained in teaching and assessing the needs of online students. Student services such as admissions, registration, advising, library services, bookstore, tutorial services, and other related student support services are also offered online, as is 24-hour, 7 day-a-week technical support for accessing course material and handling computer software and/or hardware problems. For more detailed information about the RODP, to include the individual programs of study, specific course requirements, and individuals to contact for assistance, go to the RODP link on the Motlow College website at www.mscc.edu. ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN TEACHINGThe Associate of Science in Teaching degree has been implemented throughout the Tennessee Board of Regents system to facilitate entry of transfer students from community colleges into university teacher education programs. A common curriculum applicable to all community colleges and acceptable to all TBR universities is prescribed. Admission, retention, and graduation requirements are the same as those published in the Graduation Requirements section of this catalog with the additional requirement that students who qualify for the AST must satisfy the following:
CERTIFICATE OF CREDIT PROGRAMSA certificate of credit program enables the college to provide a short-term program in a concentrated area to develop specific career skills. Certificate of credit programs are available in business information systems, computer programming, general business, mechatronics, and early childhood education. Certificate of credit programs are designed for the student who does not intend to transfer to a four-year institution.
In response to special needs of persons in its service area, Motlow College develops special credit courses or identifies special groups of courses designed to meet specific educational objectives without a degree or a certificate of credit. Among these individual courses are emergency medical technology and a cluster of courses identified as the apprenticeship program.
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ACADEMIC POLICIES AND STANDARDS |
Each student is responsible for selecting an academic program of study at Motlow. Programs are defined in terms of a degree with a major and a concentration or area of emphasis, as applicable, or a certificate of credit. The Associate of Arts degree and the Associate of Science degree are earned with the University Parallel Major for transfer. The Associate of Science in Teaching degree is also earned for transfer. The Associate of Applied Science degree is earned with a selection of a career major. The curriculum requirements for each available program of study are outlined in section entitled “Program of Study—Core Curricula.” The student who plans to follow an area of emphasis in the University Parallel Major should secure a copy of the catalog of the institution to which he/she plans to transfer and use it in planning a program of study at Motlow. The selection early in a student’s academic career of a curriculum designed to meet educational objectives will increase the satisfaction the student will realize from his/her educational experiences. Faculty advisors and counselors are prepared to assist the students in program planning and course selection.
A first-time college student who is registering as a full-time student (12 or more semester hours) must register for the appropriate English course (basic, developmental, or collegiate) within the full-time load during the first semester of attendance and remain in an English course each semester until the appropriate English requirement is completed.
A first-time college student requiring basic or developmental mathematics who is registering as a full-time student (12 or more semester hours) must register for the appropriate basic or developmental mathematics course within the full-time load during the first semester of attendance and remain in a mathematics course each semester until the appropriate basic or developmental mathematics requirement is completed.
For administrative purposes, an individual is considered to be a full-time student when enrolled for a minimum of twelve (12) semester hours credit. Sixteen (16) to seventeen (17) semester hours is the normal student load per semester. Nineteen (19) semester hours is the maximum student load allowed without approval of the appropriate department chair. The maximum load for one (1) semester which will be approved is twenty-two (22) semester hours. Factors considered for approving enrollment beyond nineteen (19) semester hours include the classification of the student, the cumulative grade point average of the student, and the anticipated date of graduation.
STUDENT LOADS FOR SUMMER SEMESTER: The summer semester is composed of four separate, but overlapping terms. These terms are the full term (FT), two half terms (1H, 2H) and Maymester. A student may schedule classes in combination of these terms, but credit hours are limited to no more than eight (8) hours during any half term and sixteen (16) hours during the full semester. Sixteen (16) semester hours is the maximum student load allowed without approval of the appropriate department chair. Similar guidelines are defined for a selection of courses which mix summer terms. The maximum load for summer semester which will be approved is nineteen (19) semester hours.
For administrative purposes, a student is classified as a freshman until the completion of twenty-eight (28) semester hours; after this time, the student is classified as a sophomore. Those not accepted as degree- seeking students or certificate of credit students are classified as special students for credit.
Students are allowed to graduate or receive certificates of credit by the requirements of the catalog under which they entered, the catalog in effect when a change of major form is filed, or any subsequent catalog, provided the catalog containing the program being followed is not more than five years old based on the date of completion of graduation requirements. For example, the 2010-2011 catalog expires after five years and thus cannot be used for graduation after August 2016.
Completing the Intent to Graduate process and participating in the graduation ceremony require that the student meet the following criteria:
The graduation ceremony is held at the end of spring semester each year. Students who have completed all degree requirements and those who will complete degree requirements in the summer term of the current year will be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony. Those who will not complete degree requirements until fall term must wait until the following spring to take part in the graduation ceremony. Transcripts for students who complete degree requirements will be appropriately posted following the term in which the degree requirements are completed.
An Intent to Receive a Certificate of Credit form must be completed by November 1 in the fall semester before the certificate of credit is to be awarded in December, May or August of the current academic year. A student may obtain the form in the Office of Admissions and Records or in any department office. The completed form will indicate the certificate of credit to be received, the effective catalog year, and the projected date for completion of all program requirements. The student should verify the required information with the academic advisor and confirm with the advisor that all certificate of credit requirements will be met by the projected date of graduation. The completed form with the signature of the advisor is to be submitted to the Office of Admissions and Records by November 1 of the completion year. If a student does not finish the certificate of credit requirements during the year that the Intent form is filed, he/she should contact the Office of Admissions and Records during the term that requirements will be completed.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS |
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To earn the Associate of Arts, the Associate of Science, the Associate of Science in Teaching, or the Associate of Applied Science Degree at Motlow State Community College, students must do the following:
To earn the Associate of Science in Teaching Degree at Motlow State Community College, students must meet each of the requirements listed above with the additional requirement that students who qualify for the AST must satisfy the following:
1. Attainment of a cumulative 2.75 grade point average
2. Successful completion of the PRAXIS I
3. Achievement of satisfactory rating on an index of suitability for the teaching profession
4. Achievement of “C” or better in ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 and each of the Mathematics (MATH) and Education (EDU) courses in the curriculum.
The student who receives a certificate of credit may participate in graduation exercises. To receive a certificate of credit at Motlow State Community College, students must do the following:
When a student has met all graduation or certificate of credit requirements, the transcript will be posted to indicate that the degree has been awarded, and a diploma or certificate of credit will be issued. The date of the award will correspond to the term in which the student completed all requirements. Students in degree programs who participate in graduation exercises and subsequently complete all other requirements will receive diplomas following the term in which all requirements are met.
A second degree will be awarded only when a student has completed a second associate degree of a different designation – Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Science in Teaching, or Associate of Applied Science. The second degree provision applies only to the designation, not to additional majors, concentrations, or areas of emphasis. The student will be governed by the provisions of the catalog in effect at the time work toward the second degree is initiated. The $25 graduation fee must be paid for the second degree. The requirement for participating in the graduation ceremony will be waived upon student request.
Students graduating with the following cumulative grade point averages will receive the corresponding honor designation on their diplomas:
3.80 - 4.00 | Summa Cum Laude |
3.50 - 3.79 | Magna Cum Laude |
3.30 - 3.49 | Cum Laude |
The Dean’s List each semester includes names of full-time students who have a 3.50–4.00 GPA for collegiate-level courses for the semester.
The Honor Roll each semester includes names of full-time students who have a 3.00–3.49 GPA for collegiate-level courses for the semester.
The Honors Scholar Program provides a path to excellence for academically talented students who want to derive maximum benefit from their educational experience. The Honors curriculum helps students achieve their goals through intensive individual and group study and through interaction with other equally qualified students. Any eligible student may take any honors course without committing to the Honors Scholar Program as a whole.
Honors students should satisfy the requirements for any Area of Emphasis, graduate with a minimum 3.3 grade point average, and earn eighteen hours from honors courses with at least six hours in English honors and three hours in Interdisciplinary Studies honors courses.
Students seeking admission to honors courses are selected by individual honors course faculty and reviewed by the Honors Committee on the basis of past performance as measured by ACT scores, high school records, diagnostic writing samples, previous college-level coursework, and/or college instructor recommendations. Students may be admitted to a course as follows:
After admission to honors course(s) and successful completion of said course(s) with a 3.0 or better, students are eligible for continued enrollment in specific sequential honors courses.
Additional information about the Honors Scholar Program is available in the Languages Department.
No honors courses are offered in the summer term.
When sufficient cause necessitates a program of study change to enable a student to graduate, a course requirement waiver and/or substitution may be processed. Course waivers and/or substitutions should be determined in conference with the student’s advisor and require the approval of the student’s advisor, a faculty member from the applicable discipline, and the appropriate department chair. A form for this approval is available in the office of the appropriate department chair. The completed Course Waiver and Substitution form with necessary signatures is to be submitted to the office of Admissions and Records by the student.
Course waivers and/or substitutions approved as of June 1, 2009, will expire five years from the date of approval by the appropriate department chair. Course waivers and/or substitutions approved prior to June 1, 2009 are not subject to the five-year limit.
The “I” for “incomplete” may be assigned by the course instructor, indicating that the student has not completed all course requirements because of illness or other circumstances beyond his/her control, especially those which may occur toward the close of the term. Failure to make up work or to turn in required work on time does not provide a basis for the “I” unless extenuating circumstances noted above exist. The following guidelines apply to removing an “I” from the academic record:
A student may repeat a previously taken course in which he or she received a final grade of “C” or lower. Students may be permitted to repeat a course in which a grade of “B” or higher was earned only with the approval of the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs as an exception to the policy. A request for approval to repeat a course in which a “B” or higher was made should be submitted in writing to the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs prior to the term during which the course is to be repeated. A request must include the reasons for the request. A written response to the request will be sent to the student.
The grade received in repeating a course (other than “NC” or “W”) is credited in the semester in which the course was repeated. To be effective in the cumulative grade point average (GPA) for the current term, a Repeat Form (for all courses being repeated) must be filed in the Office of Admissions and Records no later than three weeks prior to the end of the semester in which the course is being repeated. Repeating a course will affect a student’s academic record in the following ways:
The following grading system is used at Motlow State Community College:
Grade | Grade Points Awarded Per Semester Hour | |
A | Outstanding | 4 |
B | Above Average | 3 |
C | Average | 2 |
D* | Passing | 1 |
F | Failing | 0 |
FA** | Failure with Absences | 0 |
*This grade is not used for any basic developmental studies, nor does it remove any A89 deficiency.
**The FA grade indicates that the student earned a grade of F (failing) and accumulated excessive absences (non-school-related absences totaling more than fifteen percent (15%) of the total number of times a class meets during the semester).
Other markings which may appear on the grade report and/or transcript are as follows:
I Incomplete | P Passed | U Unsatisfactory |
AU Audit | S Satisfactory | |
IP* In Progress | W Withdrew |
*This grade applies only to remedial and developmental studies courses.
The “I” indicates that a student has not completed all course requirements because of illness or other circumstances beyond his or her control, especially those which may occur toward the close of the term. Failure to make up work or to turn in required work on time does not provide a basis for the “I” unless extenuating circumstances noted above exist. The “I” is not included in computing the grade point average in the semester for which it is assigned. An incomplete may be removed during the succeeding semester excluding summer, or the “I” may be extended by the faculty member. If the “I” is not removed or extended, a grade of “F” is automatically entered.
An “I” in nursing (NET) courses must be removed by the end of the second week of the semester following the term in which the “I” was received, including summer term.
An In Progress (IP) grade may be assigned to a student’s grade report when all of the following exist: a student 1) has not previously been assigned an “IP” grade in the course for which the “IP” grade is being considered, 2) has not withdrawn (W) from the college or course for which the “IP” grade is being considered, 3) has not previously failed the course for which the “IP” grade is being considered, 4) has put forth his or her best effort to pass the course, 5) has a strong likelihood of passing the course during the next attempt, and 6) has attended at least 85% of the class meetings throughout the term. Students who receive an “IP” must repeat the course in the following semester or the “IP” converts to an “F.” Students who receive an “IP” in the spring semester will observe the schedule for the following fall semester.
The “AU” is used when a student requests audit status for a course and receives no credit and no grade.
The grades “P” and “F” are used for courses with the Pass/Fail grading option. The “P” is used when a student receives credit for a course. The “P” is not used in computing the grade point average. When a “P” is assigned, the hours earned are increased, but total hours attempted and quality points earned are not affected. The “F” is used in computing the grade point average by including the number of hours of the course in the hours attempted total and including zero grade points in the grade points earned.
The “S” is used only for reporting a general interest community service course and indicates successful completion of that course and receipt of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or any course offering the Satisfactory (“S”) or Unsatisfactory (“U”) grade option.
The “W” is used when a student drops a class or withdraws from the college after the last day to be deleted from the roll and no later than ten weeks into the semester. The “W” is not used in computing the grade point average. The “W” has is no effect on quality hours attempted (even though a “W” does constitute a course attempt in Basic/Developmental Studies classes), hours earned, or quality points earned.
The “U” is used for reporting unsatisfactory completion of any course which offers the Satisfactory (“S”) or Unsatisfactory (“U”) grade option.
The grade assigned by the course instructor is final unless there is evidence that an error has occurred. The student shall assume the burden of proof with respect to the allegation. The student has thirty (30) calendar days from the end of the term during which the grade was earned to initiate the appeal.
Steps for Appeal of a Grade:
The Academic Fresh Start Program is available to any person who has not been enrolled in a college or university for a period of four (4) years, who has not earned a degree, who makes application for the Academic Fresh Start Program during the first 15 collegiate level semester hours of enrollment as a degree-seeking student, and who attains a cumulative GPA of 2.000 by the time the fifteen (15) collegiate hours are earned. The Academic Fresh Start disregards grades on all prior credit coursework except credits earned to satisfy COMPASS requirements if the Academic Fresh Start is approved. In order to utilize this option, the student must submit a request in writing to the Director of Admissions and Records to be submitted to the Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs. The earlier coursework will not count toward meeting requirements for graduation, but will appear on the student’s transcript.
An Academic Fresh Start will not remove Financial Aid eligibility standards under Satisfactory Academic Progress Rules. All attempted hours (even Academic Fresh Start hours) will be counted for financial aid eligibility and Tennessee Lottery standards.
A student who plans to transfer to another institution should contact that institution to determine the impact of Academic Fresh Start prior to implementing the program at Motlow. If assistance is needed, the student should contact the Office of Admissions and Records.
The academic standing of a student is expressed in terms of a cumulative grade point average (CGPA). When a course is completed, the number of grade points earned is determined by multiplying the credit hours earned for that course by the grade points assigned to the letter grade earned. The cumulative grade point average is determined by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of credit hours which the student attempted except for credit hours in courses from which the student withdraws in good standing or for courses in which the student received grades which are not considered when determining the CGPA. Credit hours and grades which are not used in computing the CGPA include (1) hours attempted in a repeated course, provided the number of repeats does not exceed two (see section entitled “Repeating A Course”), (2) hours attempted in a course for which the grade “I” is in effect, and (3) hours attempted in a course for which the grade “IP” is in effect.
Assigned grade point values per letter grade are: A - 4 points, B - 3 points, C - 2 points, D - 1 point, and F - 0 points.
Example:
3 hrs. course completed with grade A: | 3 x 4 | = | 12 grade points earned |
5 hrs. course completed with grade C: | 5 x 2 | = | 10 grade points earned |
1 hr. course completed with grade B: | 1 x 3 | = | 3 grade points earned |
4 hrs. course completed with grade B: | 4 x 3 | = | 12 grade points earned |
3 hrs. course completed with grade F: | 3 x 0 | = | 0 grade points earned |
16 hours completed | 37 grade points earned | ||
In the example given: GPA = 37 divided by 16 = 2.31 (no hours repeated) |
With the exclusions described above, two pairs of grade point averages are calculated: (1) a “college only” GPA–a cumulative GPA and term GPA comprised only of hours taken in courses numbered 1000 and above and (2) a “combined” GPA–a cumulative GPA and term GPA comprised of both hours taken in courses numbered 1000 and above and hours taken in Basic/Developmental studies courses. Each of these averages is used in the following manner:
The “college only” GPA is used in
The “combined” GPA is used in
RETENTION STANDARDS |
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The minimum cumulative “college only” grade point average required to achieve the associate degree or receive a certificate of credit is 2.0.
In order to establish a measure of academic standing, a table of minimum retention standards has been established. The table below describes minimum retention standards in terms of the minimum cumulative “combined” grade point average required for the credit hours attempted and is designed to serve as a guide to students who fall below the 2.00 cumulative “combined” grade point average.
A student who fails during any term to attain a cumulative “combined” grade point average at or above the level indicated in the table for the credit hours attempted will be placed on academic probation for the subsequent term. At the end of the next term of enrollment, a student on academic probation who has failed to attain either a cumulative “combined” grade point average at or above the cumulative standard given in the table or a 2.00 “combined” grade point average for that term will be suspended.
Semester Hours Attempted | Minimum Cumulative GPA |
00.1 - 14.0 | 1.0 |
14.1 - 26.0 | 1.4 |
26.1 - 40.0 | 1.7 |
40.1 - 48.0 | 1.8 |
48.1 - 56.0 | 1.9 |
56.1 - and above | 2.0 |
The minimum cumulative “college only” grade point average required to receive a Certificate of Credit is 2.0. The table below describes minimum retention standards for Certificate of Credit programs in terms of the minimum cumulative “combined” grade point average required for credit hours attempted.
A student who fails during any term to attain a cumulative “combined” grade point average at or above the level indicated in the table for the credit hours attempted will be placed on academic probation for the subsequent term. At the end of the next term of enrollment, a student on academic probation who has failed to attain either a cumulative “combined” grade point average at or above the cumulative standard given in the table or a 2.0 “combined” grade point average for that term will be suspended.
Semester Hours Attempted | Minimum Cumulative GPA |
00.1 - 08.0 | 1.0 |
08.1 - 14.0 | 1.3 |
14.1 - 18.0 | 1.7 |
18.1 - and above | 2.0 |
A student who fails during any term to attain a cumulative “combined” grade point average at or above the level indicated in the table for the credit hours attempted will be placed on academic probation for the subsequent term. At the end of the next term of enrollment, a student on academic probation who has failed to attain either a cumulative “combined” grade point average at or above the cumulative standard given in the table or a 2.00 “combined” grade point average for that term will be suspended.
The period of academic suspension is as follows: first suspension – one semester; second and subsequent suspensions – one calendar year. A student who is suspended for the first time at the end of the spring term will not be readmitted to the following summer or fall terms.
A student who is (enrolled) on academic probation and attains a 2.00 “combined” grade point average in the term of the probation will continue to be enrolled on academic probation until attaining a cumulative “combined” graded point average at or above the standard given in the table.
Transfer students are subject to Motlow retention standards for admission or readmission to Motlow. A transfer student must be eligible to re-enter the school from which he/she is transferring. A transfer student whose cumulative grade point average at the time of entry into Motlow is below the Motlow cumulative standard for the semester hours attempted will enter on a probationary basis.
Students who are being admitted or readmitted to Motlow after having been suspended will enter on a probationary basis.
A student who is suspended from Motlow College or another institution for academic reasons may appeal his or her suspension to the Student Affairs Committee if he or she feels there are extenuating circumstances or hardships which have contributed to his or her suspension. A student who is allowed to re-enter college through this appeal process may be advised to reduce his or her load, repeat certain courses, or change program of study. The student will continue on academic probation.
The student appealing academic suspension must contact the Office of Student Affairs. The student should request a suspension appeal form from the Office of Student Affairs, complete the form as indicated, and return it with a copy of his/her college transcript to the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs prior to the day scheduled for hearing appeals. Appeals are heard by the Student Affairs Committee; decisions of the Committee are final.
The Provost/Vice President for Student Affairs has the authority to remove suspension status for students when recommended by the Student Affairs Committee.
Motlow State Community College operates on the semester system, having three academic semesters: fall, spring, and summer. The projected calendar for each term of the academic year appears on the Motlow College website www.mscc.edu under calendar in the A-Z index. The calendar for each term is confirmed in the Schedule of Classes when published. Credit granted for each course generally corresponds to the number of hours (50 minutes lecture time = 1 class hour) a class meets each week. Activities such as laboratory courses and physical education courses may require more than one hour for each credit hour.
Prior to the beginning of each semester, a class schedule is published online at www.mscc.edu/schedules.html. Courses in the schedule are listed by a discipline code, a course number, a call number, course description, room number, days of the week the class meets, period or time of day, the credit for each course, and the instructor assigned to the course.
Each course has a separate number. Students should attempt to identify the discipline code, course number, and call number when registering or when communicating with college personnel about a course.
Changes in the Schedule of Classes may occur between the publication of the schedule and the opening of the semester. These changes are reflected online, in MYMOTLOW listing for students, and communicated to advisors as they occur. Students should check with their advisors or appropriate director/department chair for schedule changes and updates.
Any class listed in the curriculum may be discontinued by the college. The right is reserved to cancel any class scheduled for a given semester when the number enrolled is considered insufficient. Other factors which may contribute to the cancellation of a class include the availability of qualified instructors and the availability of appropriate facilities.
When a class is canceled, students may withdraw via the web and are encouraged to contact their advisors regarding alternate course selections.
Attention to the symbols and abbreviations below may help in understanding class schedules as well as the catalog.
Business and Technology | Nursing | |||
ACT | Accounting | NET | Nursing | |
BUS | Business Technology | Humanities | ||
CST | Computer Science | ART | Art | |
ECON | Economics | COM | Communications | |
EMT | Emergency Medical Technology | MUS | Music | |
ERG | Pre-Engineering/Engineering | |||
IAT | Industrial Technology | |||
IMT | Industrial Management | Languages | ||
INFS | Information Systems | DSPR | Developmental Studies Program-Reading | |
MECH | Mechatronics | |||
RES | Real Estate | DSPS | Developmental Studies Program-Study Skills | |
Education | ||||
COP | Cooperative Education | DSPW | Developmental Studies Program-Writing | |
ECED | Early Childhood Education | |||
EDU | Education | ENGL | English | |
HPE | Health & Physical Education | ESL | English as a Second Language | |
PHED | Physical Education Activities Courses | FREN | French | |
SPAN | Spanish | |||
Mathematics | ||||
DSPM | Developmental Studies Program-Mathematics | |||
MATH | Mathematics | Social Science | ||
ANT | Anthropology | |||
Natural Science | CJA | Criminal Justice Administration | ||
AGR | Agriculture | GGY | Geography | |
BIOL | Biology | HIST | History | |
CHEM | Chemistry | IDS | Interdisciplinary Studies | |
GEOL | Geology | POL | Political Science | |
PHYS | Physics | SOC | Sociology | |
PSCI | Physical Science |
In 1985, all Tennessee Board of Regents universities, colleges, and technology centers implemented the Developmental Studies Program as a condition for enrollment. All policies and procedures for assessment and placement under this program have been implemented at Motlow State Community College along with a full complement of developmental courses. The purpose of this program is threefold: (1) identify students who are underprepared for college-level studies, (2) provide programs of instruction designed to remove academic deficiencies, and (3) prepare students for entry into the college-level curriculum.
The provisions for assessment and placement apply to all degree-seeking applicants, some returning/re-admit students, and special students for credit. Additionally, other students enrolling in English or mathematics for the first time are subject to assessment/placement requirements in the applicable subject area. Listed below are applicant categories subject to assessment/placement provisions:
ACT SUB-SCORE AREA | ACT SUB-SCORE | PLACEMENT |
Writing
|
1-14 |
DSPW-0700 DSPW-0800 ENGL-101 |
Math
|
1-14 15-16 17-18 19-36 |
DSPM-0700 DSPM-0800 DSPM-0850 College Math |
Reading
|
1-11 12-18 19-36 |
DSPR-0700 DSPR-0800 None Required |
Learning Strategies (Study Skills) | Required if a student test into any combination of two placement subject areas | DSPS 0800 |
Students who gain regular admission to the college without assessment and who later prove to be underprepared for college-level work will be referred to the DSP coordinator for assessment in the appropriate subject area. These students must enroll in the course(s) appropriate to their assessment results. Students who are enrolled in a college-level course for which they lack prerequisite skills must drop that course and enroll in the appropriate basic developmental studies course. Students who have previously taken the COMPASS test must take the COMPASS test (or portions of it) if their previous test scores are three or more years old and if the students have not completed their placement requirements at the admitting institution or any other TBR institution. Referred students must comply with all operational guidelines relevant to their progression through the Developmental Studies Program.
Exceptions to mandatory assessment and placement may be granted by the DSP coordinator in individual cases in which a student’s level of readiness for college-level course(s) is not considered detrimental to his/her academic progression. Such exceptions to mandatory assessment/placement will be permitted only after thorough evaluation of student records and documented performance. All exceptions will be adequately documented by the DSP coordinator.
In fall 1999, the Developmental Studies Program implemented the COMPASS test to assess students’ readiness for college-level work. COMPASS is a computer testing system which assesses students to determine their academic readiness in reading, writing, and mathematics. Interactive response software is designed to determine academic readiness and to record student results in institutional records for appropriate placement. The reading skills portion of the COMPASS is designed to measure the student’s reading comprehension. This component assesses the student’s ability to recognize appropriate vocabulary, to isolate main ideas, locate explicit textual information, and draw inferences. This test also provides a reader profile to assist instructional programming. The writing skills component assesses the student’s knowledge of mechanics, language, and rhetorical skills. The mathematics portion measures the student’s ability to solve problems in pre-algebra/numeric skills, elementary algebra, and intermediate algebra.
The COMPASS is not a pass/fail test, and test results do not determine whether or not a student is admitted to the college. Instead, test results determine which courses are best suited to the student’s level of readiness. Each test component has a separate score which determines student placement. Students who transfer to other Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) institutions may have their test results forwarded. Additionally, test results are included in student transfer information sent to other TBR institutions.
COMPASS Placement Scores | ||||
Subject Placement | Basic | Developmental | Intermediate | College |
Writing | COMPASS 1-37 |
COMPASS 38-74 |
COMPASS 75-99 |
|
Reading | COMPASS 1-48 |
COMPASS 49-79 |
COMPASS 80-99 |
|
Mathematics | COMPASS Pre-algebra 1-29 |
COMPASS Pre-algebra 30-99 Algebra 20-27 |
COMPASS Algebra 28-49 |
COMPASS Algebra 50-99 |
Learning Strategies (Study Skills) | Required if a student test into any combination of two placement subject areas |
The COMPASS test is given free of charge to students for whom COMPASS test scores provide initial placement. Students who feel their COMPASS test results have placed them incorrectly may challenge their initial placement scores by retaking the entire COMPASS test or portions of it. Students who used ACT/SAT scores for their initial placement may also take the COMPASS test to challenge their placement. The highest score on all valid assessments is used to determine final placement into college-level or basic developmental studies courses. Students may not challenge their placement after they have enrolled in a DSP course or earned a letter grade in a DSP course. Exceptions to these guidelines must be approved by the DSP coordinator. The college charges $10 to challenge each portion of the test or $20 to challenge the entire test. Fees are payable at the time the challenge test is taken.
The COMPASS test is given regularly on the Motlow campuses in Moore County, Fayetteville, McMinnville, and Smyrna. Special test accommodations are available for students who need them. The Counseling and Testing Center should be contacted for information about the placement tests, test dates, and special test accommodations.
The Developmental Studies Program includes developmental courses in writing, mathematics, and reading, and a developmental course in learning strategies. These courses are designed to provide learning experiences which help students prepare for success in their college-level courses.
Applicants who are placed in developmental studies will be admitted to the college on a controlled-admission basis. Applicants who are found to be deficient in a basic academic competency at the level of developmental studies may not enroll in a regular college-level course which requires that competency as a prerequisite until the exit criteria of the appropriate developmental studies course have been met. Developmental courses may not be taken for audit (see section entitled “Developmental Curriculum.”)
DSP Courses as Prerequisites. Students who need DSP courses must enroll in and satisfactorily complete these courses during their initial terms of enrollment. Students may concurrently enroll in college-level courses that do not require prerequisite DSP skills for completion.
Student Participation. Student participation in DSP courses is mandatory. Instructors may impose grade penalties at their discretion for student absence or lack of participation. Excessive absences will be reported to the Vice President for Student Affairs for review and subsequent action. The only exceptions to this policy are extenuating circumstances which must be verified by the DSP coordinator.
Student Failure. A grade of “C” or higher is necessary for students to successfully complete basic developmental studies courses. Students who earn a grade lower than “C” in a basic developmental studies course must repeat the course before enrolling in a higher-level course.
Credit Hours and Grades Earned in Basic Developmental Studies Courses. Credit hours earned in basic developmental studies courses may not be used to meet any degree requirement. These credits are institutional credit only and become “add-on” hours. The grades earned in basic developmental studies courses become part of the academic record and will be used in determining semester GPA and cumulative GPA for retention, probation, and suspension purposes, as well as eligibility for financial aid and athletics; but these grades will not be used when determining eligibility for the honor roll, dean’s list, or graduation honors.
Grade Assignments. Letter grades assigned to basic developmental studies courses are as follows: A, B, C, F, FA, I (Incomplete), IP (In Progress) and W (Withdrawal). (See Student Failure above.) A grade of Incomplete (I) is awarded only under extenuating circumstances. Students who receive an “I” in a developmental course may not enroll in the next higher-level course in the sequence until the “I” is removed from the transcript. An In Progress (IP) grade may be assigned to a student’s grade report when all of the following exist: a student 1) has not previously been assigned an “IP” grade in the course for which the “IP” grade is being considered, 2) has not withdrawn (W) from the college or course for which the “IP” grade is being considered, 3) has not previously failed the course for which the “IP” grade is being considered, 4) has put forth his or her best effort to pass the course, 5) has a strong likelihood of passing the course during the next attempt, and 6) has attended at least 85% of the class meetings throughout the term. Students who receive an “IP” must repeat the course in the following semester or the “IP” converts to an “F.” Students who receive an “IP” in the spring semester will observe the schedule for the following fall semester. Students are not permitted to audit developmental courses.
Prohibition Against Placement in Basic Developmental Studies Courses Without Assessment. Students may not enroll in basic developmental studies courses unless they have been assessed and placed according to their test results. Exceptions must be approved by the DSP coordinator.
Student Appeal of Placement. Students may appeal placement if, in the judgment of the DSP coordinator, placement results are inconsistent with student performance or other diagnostic test results. Students’ placement may be changed holistically according to the coordinator’s determination. For students admitted with high school unit deficiencies in English and mathematics, the DSP coordinator may re-evaluate initial placements and correct placements within DSP through alternate placement practices when such corrections are warranted. Students cannot be holistically placed out of DSP into the college-level curriculum.
Transfer of Credit of Basic/Developmental Studies Courses. Credits earned in developmental courses at other Tennessee Board of Regents institutions are normally accepted. Motlow reserves the right to place transferring students who have not completed their basic developmental studies requirements into courses commensurate with their level of progression.
Follow-up on Students Completing the Basic Developmental Studies Program. Files on all students who undergo placement assessment and enroll in any basic developmental studies course are maintained for as long as students are enrolled in college or for six (6) years.
The Tennessee Board of Regents has established guidelines to provide for collegiate between community colleges and universities in the State University and Community College System of Tennessee. The guidelines are intended to promote the orderly progress of students who transfer from the community colleges to baccalaureate degree programs in the universities, while protecting the integrity of the university and community college programs.
The contact person at Motlow State Community College for advisement and for interinstitutional articulation is the Coordinator of Academic Services. Applications, catalogs, and course equivalency information from many Tennessee colleges and universities are available in the Admissions and Records and Advisement offices. Faculty advisors also have information to assist students in making decisions related to academic programs of study designed to transfer.
The programs designed for transfer are identified under the University Parallel Major section of the catalog with areas of emphases. Career technology programs and certificate of credit programs are designed for students who do not intend to transfer to a baccalaureate degree program. This information is indicated for each of the career programs.
When a student has satisfactorily completed an associate degree designed for transfer to a university in the Tennessee Board of Regents System, with an area of emphasis which corresponds to the degree major to be pursued at the university, the university shall grant credit toward completion of the baccalaureate degree for all courses completed for the associate degree, subject to the provisions of the next paragraph, provided that credit need not be granted for any course which would not be acceptable by the university for its native students. When a student has been awarded an associate degree not designed for transfer purposes, each university shall accept those level one (freshman and sophomore) courses completed at a community college which have been determined to be equivalent to level one courses offered by the university, as creditable toward completion of relevant requirements for degree programs at the university, to the same extent that the courses would be creditable toward completion of the degree programs by the university’s native students with the same degree major.
There shall be no limit to the number of credits transferred from a community college to a university within the system. However, the application of these credits to meet degree requirements will vary according to the degree sought, and transferring students must meet the requirements for level two work and residency at the university.
Transfer students shall have the same privileges of catalog options as native students at the receiving institution, i.e., the option of complying with the catalog for the transfer student’s freshman year to the extent that this privilege is provided for native students.
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