Academic Affairs

The educational programs at Motlow are planned and implemented by the nine academic departments in conjunction with the Academic Affairs Office.  These departments are Business and Technology, Career Readiness, Education, Humanities, Languages, Mathematics, Nursing and Allied Health, Natural Science, and Social Science.  They are complemented by Library Services and a full array of academic support services.

Each semester, numerous credit courses are offered at night, on the weekends, online, or in accelerated format in order to meet the needs of the students. These courses, which are described in other sections of this catalog, are available to full-time and part-time students at several locations for the convenience of the students and these schedules make it possible to complete a degree through a variety of options.

The purpose of the Extended Services unit includes several functions such as managing Campus Facilities Requests, issuing Continuing Education certificates, supporting non-credit company and government training, and serving as the Motlow College point of contact for the TBR Regents On-line Continuing Education (ROCE) initiative.  

Specifically, this unit administers the “Use of Campus Property and Facilities Reservation” program by ensuring Policy & Procedure No 3:02:02:00 is adhered to, and utilizing the “Facilities Request / Student Event / Visiting Speaker” electronic form.  From this, we serve as the Motlow College point of contact to off-campus individual or group requests, including the negotiation of room rental charges. Requests are submitted, reviewed, and approved through Motlow’s online Facilities Request system.  The Facilities Request form can be found on the Extended Services web page or click here: Submit a Facility Request 

When requested, Extended Services delivers continuing professional education programs by meeting the non-credit training needs of businesses, industries, and governmental agencies. As a service to our customers, we issue Continuing Educational Units (CEU’s) certificates of completion. Extended Services keeps pace with managerial and technological changes that require training and retraining of the workforce. 

Furthermore, this unit serves as the Motlow College point of contact for the TBR Regents On-line Continuing Education (ROCE) initiative, under the Regents On-line Campus Collaborative (ROCC) program. Additionally, this unit provides classes in ACT Preparation for High School students and Motorcycle Safety courses throughout the year. 

THE CONTINUING EDUCATION UNIT (CEU)

The Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is awarded upon successful completion of certain training courses or activities. The CEU is defined as “ten contact hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction.”

To meet conditions for satisfactory completion, participants must:

1. Be properly registered and pay all fees
2. Attend a minimum of 75 percent of scheduled classes
3. Achieve a “satisfactory” rating from the instructor and receive a certificate

CONTACT FOR EXTENDED SERVICES

The Extended Services unit is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and is located upstairs in the Marcum Technology Center, room 209.   The phone contacts are 931-393-1760, or 931-393-1601.

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.

First-year degree-seeking students may obtain academic advisement from their assigned completion coach or a full-time faculty members within the academic department of their program of study.  A listing of completion coaches is included on the advisement webpage.  This listing includes coachs’ office locations and extensions.  Second-year students will be assigned a full-time faculty member within the academic department.

An Advisement Center is located on each campus and is a resource area for all Motlow students. The centers have coaches available to assist students who might need guidance or assistance with academic goals, major and career choices, and GPS plans.

Completion coaches and academic advisors are responsible for assisting students in interpreting, planning, and completing the requirements for a particular program of study.  Completion coaches are generally available Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30. Check with your campus location for times and availability.  Faculty advisors maintain regularly scheduled office hours which are prominently posted on their office doors or with their curriculum chairs or academic deans. Students should consult with their assigned coach/advisors:

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

Motlow College is divided into nine academic departments and offers a variety of courses and programs for students who want to seek employment at the conclusion of one or two years of study as well as for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution. Each department supports the general education core of the college with English, Mathematics, Natural Science and Social Science courses and readies the under-prepared students through the learning support program when necessary. Certificates of Credit may be completed in the areas of mechatronics and early childhood education.

The instructional areas included within the individual departments are:

Business and Technology Department Visit Department Page  

Career Readiness Visit Department Page  

Education Department Visit Department Page  

Humanities Department Visit Department Page  

Languages Department Visit Department Page  

Mathematics Department Visit Department Page  

Natural Science Visit Department Page  

Nursing and Allied Health Department Visit Department Page  

Social Sciences Department Visit Department Page  

ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES

THE CLAYTON-GLASS LIBRARY

The Clayton-Glass Library is located on Ledford Mill Road between the Ingram and Marcum buildings across from the baseball field. The Library supports the institutional mission by answering information inquiries, providing research tools, and promoting informational literacy to students, faculty, staff, and the community. The library staff brings both experience and knowledge to the support of the college’s instructional programs. Services (circulation, collections, and databases) and staff are available at the campus locations:  the Moore County campus, the McMinnville Center, the Fayetteville Center, and the Smyrna Center, or through the Internet. Students can receive materials from any site/center by requesting resources and services from staff via e-mail (library@mscc.edu) or at any campus location.

The Library’s Internet-accessible catalog, eBook, and periodical and reference databases http://mscc.edu/library> provide access to Motlow College’s collection of over 70,000 print volumes, 178,000 eBooks, 22,600 audio-visual materials, and 22,000 full-text newspapers and magazine and journal titles (print, microforms, and e-resources).  Students may access all library databases from the library’s home page either from a Motlow campus location or remotely with any computer connected to the Internet using their Motlow user name and password. Interlibrary loan services are available to all users. Computers with printers are available for student research and other instructional needs. Other equipment for library users includes: copiers, microform equipment, televisions, VCR’s and DVD players, and audio equipment. Comfortable seating and reading space can be found in each library.

Library Hours Fall and Spring Semesters

Hours for summer terms and interim periods are posted at each of the libraries.

Center for Academic Technologies (CAT)

The Center for Academic Technologies provides technology support for Motlow faculty and staff. Services include:

• Equipment for check-out (cameras, laptops, LCD projectors, clickers) in the Digital Media Center (DMC) Room MT242
• Audio/Visual recording and editing
• Training and workshops on a variety of desktop and online applications
• Support of faculty use of ITV classrooms and Smart classrooms
• Support for course management system Desire2Learn (D2L)

Writing Center

The Motlow State Community College Writing Center is a free resource available to all Motlow students, faculty, and staff. The Writing Center offers traditional and online appointments with knowledgeable, attentive tutors. They can assist writers with any project at any stage in the writing process. For hours and locations, see www.mscc.edu/writingcenter.

 

The scope of the academic program at Motlow State Community College provides the following alternatives for students: (1) an associate degree program designed for transfer purposes, or (2) an associate degree program designed for immediate career application, or (3) a concentrated, short-term certificate program. For each program of study completed toward receiving  the Associate of Arts degree, the Associate of Science degree, or the Associate of Applied Science degree, a student will identify a major and will select, when applicable, an area of emphasis/concentration in that major. The following chart is an inventory of programs available and the academic departments that oversees each program.

INVENTORY OF PROGRAMS

UNIVERSITY PARALLEL

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN TEACHING

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

MAJORS

UNIVERSITY PARALLEL MAJOR (ASSOCIATE OF ARTS/ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE)

At Motlow State Community College, a student planning to transfer to a baccalaureate program may earn an Associate of Arts Degree or an Associate of Science Degree. The University Parallel Major in the associate degree program is the transfer program within which a student selects an area of emphasis. The General Studies area of emphasis provides students an opportunity to complete general education requirements before moving into specialized study. The specific areas of emphasis in the University Parallel Major are:

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN TEACHING
 

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE

BUSINESS MAJOR

Motlow State Community College offers a Business major with the following concentrations: Accounting, Business Office, Management, and Programming.  This major prepares students for a variety of positions in the broad field of business. The Accounting concentration prepares students in a broad range of accounting fields, including accounting systems, record keeping, financial statements, tax accounting, budgeting, and other accounting areas. The Business Office concentration prepares students for a variety of positions in the field of business data processing. These two-year programs are for the student who does not intend to transfer to a four-year institution. The Associate of Applied Science is awarded.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION MAJOR

Motlow 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 Basic Technical Certificate and Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Basic Early Childhood Education are embedded in the Associate of Applied Science Degree.  The college offers an accelerated evening degree program to serve persons already employed in Early Childhood Education. Contact the Education Department for additional information about this scheduling option.

TECTA (Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance)

Motlow State Community College is part of the Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance, (TECTA) a statewide training system based on the belief that early childhood education personnel need to acquire recognized professional knowledge and skills to provide appropriate care and education for young children. TECTA is approved and sponsored by the Tennessee Board of Regents and funded through Tennessee State University (TSU) by the Department of Human Services (DHS) using federal funds. There are consortia of higher education institutions that serve all ninety-five Tennessee counties. Motlow is part of the consortium with Middle Tennessee State University that acts as the lead institution and TECTA center for Motlow. Classes are held at various Motlow locations. For more information, Tracy Harper 615-277-1695 work, 615-243-3059 mobile or email her at tharper1@tnstate.edu

Information Systems Technology, A.A.S.

The AAS in IST is designed to prepare students for careers in information and office systems involving computer usage. Students will have an option to focus on becoming a specialist in computer applications or Office management. Two concentrations are offered.

1. Information Systems Specialist Concentration
This career program will introduce students to the field of Computer Support Specialist. Successful students will gain knowledge of essential computer hardware and software components and their functions, proficiency with software applications and business-related programming languages and an understanding of basic business concepts. This program is designed for the student who does not intend to transfer to a four-year institution.

2. Office Information Technology Concentration
This career program will introduce students to the field Office Management. Successful students will gain proficiency with software applications and business-related programming languages and an understanding of basic business concepts. This concentration will have the same general education and core course requirements as the ISS concentration above. This program is designed for the student who does not intend to transfer to a four-year institution.

NURSING MAJOR

Motlow State Community College offers a nursing major in a program leading to the Associate of Applied Science Degree. Admission to the nursing program is selective. 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.

TN eCampus ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM

Motlow College, in conjunction with the other Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) colleges and universities, is a participant in the TN eCampus formally Regents Online Degree Program (RODP). The mission and purpose of TN eCampus is to improve access to high-quality, affordable, student-centered learning opportunities through the use of technology. TN eCampus allows students to earn a college degree entirely online. Courses offered as part of TN eCampus 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 TN eCampus 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.

TN eCampus courses are open to all Motlow College students. Courses completed as part of TN eCampus will be reflected as collegiate-level credit on the student’s Motlow transcript. Motlow students who wish to pursue a TN eCampus degree, or who simply wish to complete individual TN eCampus 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 TN eCampus and regular on-campus courses, and based on approved articulation agreements, can use specifically designated TN eCampus courses to satisfy certain identified Motlow State Community College program requirements. To determine which TN eCampus course(s) will articulate for which Motlow course(s), students should contact their academic advisor or the Office of Admissions and Records.

The TN eCampus 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 TN eCampus, to include the individual programs of study, specific course requirements, and individuals to contact for assistance, go to the TN eCampus link on the Motlow College website at www.mscc.edu or contact the Motlow State Community College TN eCampus Contact at 931-393-1630 (toll free 1-800-654-4877 ext. 1630).

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN TEACHING

The 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:

1. Attainment of a cumulative 2.75 grade point average
2. Successful completion of the Core Academic Skills for Educators (or a composite score of 22 or greater on the enhanced ACT or a combined verbal and mathematical score of 1020 or greater on the recentered SAT),
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.

CERTIFICATE OF CREDIT PROGRAMS

A 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 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.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES EDUCATION

The purpose of the EMS Education is to prepare an EMS professional who demonstrates the competencies necessary to assume the role of emergency personnel as defined by the Tennessee Department of Health, Division of Emergency Medical Services and to provide competent, qualified candidates eligible for licensure to meet the needs of the college’s eleven county service area.

Classes are completed in an intense setting utilizing lecture, lab and clinical training. Class size is limited and is filled on a first to qualify basis (EMT/AEMT). Paramedic is filled in a selection process with limited class size. Courses have the EMSA, EMSB AND EMSP discipline code.

Motlow State Community College offers four tracks of educational training in emergency medical services.

1. Emergency Medical Technician – students take 16 credit hours which includes fundamentals, skills and clinical/field experience. Upon successful conclusion of the course, students may take the National Registry Exam to obtain national certification as an EMT.
2. Advanced Emergency Medical Technician – students take 16 credit hours which includes fundamentals, skills and clinical/field experience. Upon successful completion of the course, students may take the National Registry Exam to obtain national certification as an AEMT.
3. Paramedic - students take 43 credit hours which include fundamentals, skills, and clinical/field experience. The paramedic training is completed in three semesters. Upon successful completion of the training, the student is eligible to take the National Registry Exam to obtain national certification as an EMT-Paramedic.
4. A.A.S. in Emergency Medical Services- students can take an additional 17 hours of General Education courses to complete the A.A.S. in Emergency Medical Services. These courses will allow the student to further their education in obtaining a college degree.

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

The apprenticeship program is a group of courses designed to satisfy the 40-semester-credit-hours related studies requirement to obtain the journeyman’s card in the machinists’ trade from the U.S. Department of Labor. Completion of 8,000 hours of an on-the-job training component must be negotiated between the student’s employer and the U.S. Department of Labor. Most of the related studies courses are listed with an IAT discipline code. For information about the apprenticeship program, contact the Curriculum Chair of Business and Technology.

PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT (PLA)

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) - PLA is a term used to describe learning gained outside a traditional academic environment.  Put another way, it is learning and knowledge students acquire while living their lives, such as by working, participating in employer training programs, serving in the military, studying independently, volunteering or doing community service, and studying open source courseware.  In short, PLA is the evaluation and assessment of an individual’s life learning for college credit, certification, or advanced standing toward further education or training.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) allows the student to earn up to a maximum of 30 hours of collegiate credit for prior experiential learning upon documentation and review by the PLA instructor. A prospective PLA student must contact the appropriate curriculum chair/director and explain the experience that would qualify the student for PLA. The curriculum chair/director will establish a special section of the course and have the student administratively enrolled. The student must work with the curriculum chair/director to develop a portfolio of the student’s work and experience that would equate with the experiences of a traditional course. Once complete, the curriculum chair/director will establish a committee comprised of the curriculum chair/director and faculty who teach the particular course to be assessed. Once the committee has reviewed the portfolio, the curriculum chair/director will assign a P or F grade.

The maximum amount of alternative sources of credit allowed from all sources is 30 total credit hours required for graduation, unless otherwise modified by State legislative mandates or policy changes required by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission or the Tennessee Board of Regents.

ADULT COLLEGE EXPRESS

The Adult College Express (ACE) Program is a fast-track program designed for the highly motivated, independent adult student focused on completing his or her degree. Classes are held one night each week for 5 weeks and last for 4 hours each night (except 4 hour courses which meet extra evenings) with additional group study nights. Students only take one ACE class at a time. The program normally takes 24 months to complete (excluding any required learning support courses). For more information about this program, contact the ACE Director at 931-668-7010.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM OF STUDY

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.

PROGRESSION STANDARD FOR COMPLETING THE ENGLISH REQUIREMENT

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 (learning support, 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.

PROGRESSION STANDARD FOR COMPLETING THE LEARNING SUPPORT MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT

A first-time college student requiring learning support mathematics who is registering as a full-time student (12 or more semester hours) must register for the appropriate learning support mathematics course during the student’s first semester of eligibility and remain in a mathematics course each semester until the learning support mathematics competency is completed.

STUDENT LOAD

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 campus dean. 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 campus dean. 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.

STUDENT CLASSIFICATION

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.

CATALOG SELECTION

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 2016-2017 catalog expires after five years and thus cannot be used for graduation after August 2021.

INTENT TO GRADUATE

Completing the Intent to Graduate process and participating in the graduation ceremony require that the student meet the following criteria:

1. Complete all learning support.
2. For Spring and Summer Graduates - Be able to complete all program requirements described in the catalog of record by end of summer semester following the spring semester in which he/she plans to participate in the graduation ceremony.
3. For Fall Graduates - Be able to complete all program requirements described in the catalog of record by end of summer semester following the spring semester in which he/she plans to participate in the graduation ceremony.
4. Have a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in all collegiate-level courses attempted at the time the Intent to Graduate form is filed.
5. Pick up “Intent to Graduate” form (which includes Cap and Gown Measurement form) from the Admissions and Records Office (Moore County) or Administrative Office (satellite campuses).
6. Print and attach Graduating Planning System (GPS) degree audit to the Intent to Graduate form.
7. Meet with an advisor to discuss graduation requirements and complete the Intent to Graduate form. An advisor must sign the Intent to Graduate form signifying that you have met all degree requirements.
8. Have your advisor assist in completing any necessary substitution, waiver, and/or repeat forms.
9. Student should complete “Cap and Gown Measurement Form.”
10. Complete and submit the following completed documents to the Office of Admissions and Records office (Moore county) or Administrative Office (satellite campuses): 

• GPS degree audit
• Intent to Graduate Form
• Substitution waiver and repeat forms, if necessary
• Cap and Gown Measurement Form

FORMS ARE DUE IN THE ADMISSIONS AND RECORDS OFFICE PRIOR TO THE DEADLINE:

11. Complete competency examinations. Register (via MyMotlow) and complete the ETS Proficiency Profile (Exit Exam).All students are required to take tests designed to measure general education achievement. In addition, some students majoring in career programs may be required to take competency tests applicable to the chosen major for the purpose of evaluation of academic programs. Unless otherwise provided for in an individual program, no minimum score or level of achievement on these tests is required for graduation.

(Intent to Graduate forms for students who fail to complete all requirements by the end of summer term following spring graduation is VOID. Students MUST submit a new Intent to Graduate form prior to the stated deadline immediately prior to their next anticipated date of graduation.)

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.

INTENT TO RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE OF CREDIT

An Intent to Receive a Certificate of Credit form must be completed by November 2 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 2 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.

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:

1. Complete curriculum requirements for the specific degree and major (and concentration or area of emphasis, if applicable) selected. No course or courses may be used to meet more than one requirement in a given program. These items apply to all programs completed for a degree:
   1. Not fewer than sixty (60) semester hours of college-level credit.
   2. A minimum of twenty-five percent (25%) of coursework must be completed in residence at Motlow State Community College.
   3. A cumulative grade point average of not less than 2.00 (“C” average) for the degree program excluding all hours earned in learning support courses.
   4. All Learning Support course requirements must be met and all high school deficiencies must be removed.

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 ENGL1020 and each of the Mathematics (MATH) and Education (EDU) courses in the curriculum.

2. An Intent to Graduate form and Cap and Gown Measurement form, should be filed with the Office of Admissions and Records no later than the following dates:
   Spring Semester - March 15, Summer Semester - July 1, Fall Semester - November 1 by anyone who plans to receive a degree in May, August, or December, of the current academic year.
3. Students who complete requirements by August should plan to participate in graduation the preceding May. Those who will not complete degree requirements until fall term must wait until the following spring to take part in the graduation ceremony.
4. REQUIRED STUDENT ASSESSMENT AND PROGRAM EVALUATION: all graduating students are required to take the ETS Proficiency Profile test designed to measure general education achievement, and graduates of career programs are required to take competency tests applicable to the chosen major for the purpose of evaluation of the career program, as required by public policy. Unless otherwise provided for in any individual program, no minimum score or level of achievement is required for graduation. Participation in testing is required for all graduating students. In order to comply fully with this provision, the student must authorize the release of his or her scores to Motlow College. Individual student scores will be treated as confidential.

ETS Proficiency Profile (Exit Exam)

The ETS Proficiency Profile (Exit Exam) is required for all degree programs. This exam must be taken in the same semester that the final coursework is completed. For example, students who complete coursework in the summer term must take the ETS Exit Exam during the summer, even if the student participated in the graduation ceremony. Failure to take the ETS Exit Exam in the appropriate semester will result in a hold on the student’s account; thereby, the student’s transcript and/or diploma will not be released.

Business and Education Field Tests

Students seeking any Business related degree must take an additional test. To register for this test, please see an advisor/instructor within the Business and Technology department.

Students seeking the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in the Early Childhood Education (ECED) must take an additional test. To register for this test, please see an advisor/instructor within the Education department.

CERTIFICATE OF CREDIT COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS

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:

1. All students must complete curriculum requirements for the specific certificate of credit program selected. A cumulative grade point average of not less than 2.00 (“C” average) is required excluding all hours earned in learning support courses.
2. An Intent to Receive a Certificate of Credit form must be filed with the Office of Admissions and Records no later than November 1 if the program is to be completed by May, August, or December of that year.
3. A Cap and Gown form must be completed.

AWARDING DEGREES OR CERTIFICATES OF CREDIT

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.

RECEIVING A SECOND ASSOCIATE DEGREE

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.

AWARDS AND HONORS

Students graduating with an inclusive combined grade point average will receive the corresponding honor designation on their diplomas: 

DEAN’S LIST

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.

HONOR ROLL

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.

HONORS PROGRAM

HONORS PROGRAM

The Honors 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 interaction with other equally qualified students and highly motivated, qualified faculty. Any eligible student may take any honors course without committing to the Honors Program as a whole.

COMPLETING THE HONORS PROGRAM

Honors students should satisfy the requirements for any Tennessee Transfer Pathway or Area of Emphasis, graduate with a minimum 3.0 grade point average, and earn twenty-one hours from honors courses with at least six hours in English and three hours of Interdisciplinary Studies seminar honors courses (IDSH 1020, IDSH 1021, IDSH 1022, or IDSH 1023), and at least one hour of community/service learning (IDSH 1001).

HONORS COURSES ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Students seeking admission to honors courses are eligible for Honors courses on the basis of past performance as measured by ACT scores, high school records, previous college-level coursework, and/or college professor recommendations. Students may be admitted to a course as follows:

1. Students under 21 years of age must complete the ACT. A composite score of 23 or above is ideal, and the student must present documented eligibility for collegiate level courses except mathematics and a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.  Students may request an exception to the minimum ACT score from the Honors Director.

2. Students who are 21 years of age or older must take the English, reading, and mathematics portions of the COMPASS test and score high enough to be exempt from learning support requirements in English and Reading.

3. Students eligible for dual and/or joint enrollment may enroll in Honors courses.

4. Students who have taken collegiate courses in dual and/or joint enrollment arrangements and maintained a 3.0 collegiate average or students who have Advanced Standing credit in English, Advanced Placement credit, or CLEP credit may enter the Honors Program but will be required to complete the same number of Honors hours as any other Honors scholar.

5. Students who fail to meet the requirements listed above may still enroll in honors courses upon the recommendation of the Honors Director or the faculty member teaching the Honors course in which the student wishes to enroll.

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.

Honors courses are generally not offered in the summer session.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS WAIVER AND SUBSTITUTION

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 curriculum chair/director. A form for this approval is available in the office of the appropriate curriculum chair/director. The completed Course Waiver and Substitution form with necessary signatures is to be submitted to the office of Admissions and Records by the student.

INCOMPLETE COURSE WORK

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:

1. The deadline for students to complete and submit required work to the faculty member will be the time established for mid-term examinations in the semester following the term in which the “I” was received. The mid-term examination schedule is given in the class schedule. Students who receive an “I” in the spring semester will observe the schedule for the following fall semester.
2. An “I” in Nursing (NURS) 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.
3. When required work has been submitted to the faculty member no later than one week after the deadline for removing an “I,” the faculty member will file a completed Change of Grade form in the Office of Admissions and Records. The grade change will be updated on the student file prior to semester grade processing.
4. Under extenuating circumstances, a faculty member can request, by memorandum to the Director of Admissions and Records, an extension of the “I” without punitive effects on the student’s cumulative grade point average. The extension will extend to the next semester’s deadline.
5. If a faculty member does not submit a completed Change of Grade form or a request for an extension of an “I,” the “I” will be replaced by an “F” to be computed into the grade point average.
6. Students who receive an “I” for learning support level coursework may not enroll in the next higher level course in the sequence until the “I” is removed from the transcript.

REPEATING A COURSE

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 appropriate campus dean 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 appropriate campus dean 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:

1. Only the last grade received in repeating a course will be used in computing the cumulative grade point average provided that the number of repeats of any single course does not exceed two (three attempts). In the event a student repeats a course more than twice, the grade received in the third attempt and all subsequent attempts will be used in computing the cumulative grade point average.
2. The hours attempted in repeating a course are subtracted from the total hours attempted before dividing to compute the cumulative grade point average provided the number of repeats of any single course does not exceed two (three attempts). In the event a student repeats a course more than twice, the hours attempted in the third attempt and all subsequent attempts will be included in the total hours attempted before dividing to compute the cumulative grade point average.
3. The credit hours earned for a course will be included only one time in the cumulative hours earned no matter how many times the course is completed.
4. All grades received for a course will remain on a student’s transcript. A notation is added to indicate that the course has been repeated. The information showing the grade received when the course was repeated is given in the report for the semester during which the course was re-repeated. If a course is repeated and no completed Repeat Form is submitted to the Office of Admissions and Records, appropriate reductions in cumulative hours earned will be made when the academic record is revised. In order to keep academic records up to date and avoid inflating cumulative hours earned, students must complete a Repeat Form and submit it at the time of registration.

GRADING SYSTEM

The following grading system is used at Motlow State Community College: 

*This grade is not used for any learning support.
**The FA grade indicates that the student earned a grade of F (failing) and accumulated excessive absences (non-school-related) 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: 

Subsequent August 2016, any outstanding grades of IP will be converted to a grade of “F.”

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 (NURS) 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.

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 no effect on quality hours attempted (even though a “W” does constitute a course attempt in Learning Support 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.

APPEAL OF A GRADE

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:

1. The student addresses the concern directly with course instructor.
2. In the absence of a successful resolution, the student may submit an appeal to the appropriate Dean within five (5) business days of the attempt to resolve the issue with the instructor. The appeal should include a written statement (using the Grade Appeal Procedure Form) identifying the element(s) of concern; justification for appeal; and attachment of any and/or all supporting rationale.
3. The appropriate Dean will review the appeal, perform whatever investigation is deemed necessary, and notify the student of the decision in writing within ten (10) business days.
4. Should the student after following the above procedure feel that circumstances warrant further appeal, the student may appeal in writing to the Vice President for Academic Affairs within five (5) business days of the Dean’s decision. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will review the appeal, conduct any investigation deemed necessary, discuss the issues with the student, and notify the student of the decision in writing within ten (10) business days. The decision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs is final.

ACADEMIC FRESH START

“Academic Fresh Start” is a plan of academic forgiveness which allows undergraduate students who have experienced academic difficulty to make a clean start upon returning to college after an extended absence. The Academic Fresh Start allows eligible students to resume study without being penalized for his/her past unsatisfactory scholarship and signals the initiation of a new QPA/GPA to be used for determining academic standing.

Readmitted students who were formally enrolled in the institution, as well as transfer students who meet institutional requirements for admission, and who have been separated from all institutions of higher education for a minimum of four (4) years are eligible for the Fresh Start.  Institutional policies governing the readmission of former students and admission of transfer students must be in compliance with TBR policy 2:03:00:00 Admissions.  This policy requires that the “transfer applicant’s grade point average on transferable courses must be at least equal to that which the institution requires for the readmission of its own students. A student may utilize the Academic Fresh Start only once. The Fresh Start will be formally applied on the day after the 14th day (census date) for the institution in which the student remains enrolled.

To qualify for the Fresh Start the student must:

1. Be separated from all collegiate institutions for at least four years (8 semesters);
2. Apply before the end of the first semester of attendance;
3. File a formal request with the Director of Admissions and Records to be submitted to the Vice President for Academic Affairs office;
4. Be a degree seeking student.

Once the Fresh Start is granted:

1. The student’s permanent record will remain a record of all work completed;
2. Courses taken and previously failed will be excluded from the calculation of GPA;
3. Courses with grade of D will be excluded from the GPA calculation when a grade of C or better is required for the student’s major; and
4. The student’s GPA and credit hours will reflect courses for which passing grades were earned and retained.
5. The current major will be considered the major the student has currently selected when the Fresh Start is formally applied on the day after census (14th) enrollment date.  Courses excluded from the calculation will not be reviewed or reconsidered should the student change majors following the application of the Fresh Start.

An Academic Fresh Start will not remove Financial Aid eligibility standards under Satisfactory Academic Progress rules.  All attempted hours will be counted for Financial Aid and Tennessee Lottery standards. 

All Tennessee Board of Regents institutions will honor a Fresh Start provision granted at another TBR institution. A student who plans to transfer to a non-TBR institution should contact that institution to determine the impact of Academic Fresh Start prior to implementing the program at Motlow State.  If assistance is needed the student should contact the Office of Admissions and Records.

GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA)

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:

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 Learning Support courses. Each of these averages is used in the following manner:

The “college only” GPA is used in

1. Calculating the required cumulative GPA for graduation
2. Determining graduation honors
3. Determining term honors
4. Academic Fresh Start

The overall “combined” GPA is used in

1. Determining suspension and probation
2. Determining financial aid eligibility
3. Determining athletic eligibility
    

ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMS

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. 

CERTIFICATE OF CREDIT PROGRAMS

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. 

PROBATION AND SUSPENSION

A student who fails during any term to attain a cumulative “combined” grade point average at or above the level indicated in the Retention Standards 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 (listed under Retention Standards above) 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.(listed under Retention Standards above)

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.

APPEAL OF ACADEMIC SUSPENSION

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 or go to www.mscc.edu/forms/docs/academic-suspension-appeal.pdf, complete the form as indicated, and return it with a copy of his/her college transcript to the Dean of Students prior to the day scheduled for hearing appeals. Appeals are heard by the Student Affairs Committee; decisions of the Committee are final.

The Vice President for Student Affairs has the authority to remove suspension status for students when recommended by the Student Affairs Committee.

ACADEMIC SCHEDULE

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 http://www.mscc.edu/schedules.aspx. 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.

CLASS SCHEDULE AND SCHEDULE ADDENDUM

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 class listing for students, and communicated to advisors as they occur. Students should check with their advisors or appropriate academic campus dean for schedule changes and updates.

CLASS CANCELLATION

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.

DISCIPLINE CODES

Attention to the symbols and abbreviations below may help in understanding class schedules as well as the catalog. 

LEARNING SUPPORT PROGRAM

The purpose of the Learning Support program is to identify students who are under-prepared for college-level studies and to prepare them for entry into that curriculum. Each learning support course is a co-requisite with a college-level course. The student must be enrolled in both the learning support and college-level course during the same semester with both courses having the same semester start and end dates. The needed skills in mathematics, reading, and writing are divided into learning modules and are presented in a computer-assisted, instructor-facilitated laboratory environment.

It is imperative that students speak with an advisor prior to enrolling to ensure correct placement.

LEARNING SUPPORT ASSESSMENT

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 requirements in the applicable subject area. Listed below are the applicant categories and placement criteria.

• Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment students must place into college-level work via ACT, ACT Plan or Compass scores.

Dual enrollment students who are rising Juniors and who have not taken the ACT or SAT must submit ACT Plan or PSAT scores before eligibility for the dual enrollment program can be determined. Current Juniors and rising Seniors must submit a valid ACT or SAT scores. If a student does not have ACT, ACT Plan SAT, or PSAT scores, the student can take the ACT residual test in the Motlow College Testing office. 

Prospective dual enrollment students with valid ACT or SAT scores less than the required minimum scores for college-level reading, writing/English, and/or math may challenge their placement by taking one or more portions of the COMPASS test.  The first challenge using COMPASS is free of charge.  Subsequent attempts are $10.00 per section or $20.00 for the entire test and payable at the time the test is taken. Students can purchase review material and/or software to help review content.  Students can challenge placement no more than two times. Students who present ACT Plan or PSAT scores may not challenge placement through the COMPASS test.

• First time Freshman Under the Age of 21

As an initial assessment, students entering Motlow College, who are under twenty-one (21) years of age, must present a valid ACT or SAT score. To be valid the scores must be earned within three (3) years prior to the first day of the student’s entering term. The highest score on all valid assessments is used for placement into college-level or learning support classes. 

ASSESSMENT AND LEARNING SUPPORT 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.

Students who are placed into learning support by COMPASS or ACT sub-scores can “challenge” in an attempt to improve their placement by taking one or more portions of the COMPASS test. The first challenge using COMPASS is free of charge.  Subsequent attempts are $10.00 per section or $20.00 for the entire test and payable at the time the test is taken. Students can purchase review material and/or software to help review content. Students can challenge placement no more than two times. Should a student seek an additional challenge, he or she must speak with the Chair of Languages or his/her designee for reading or writing learning support challenges or with the Chair of Mathematics or his/her designee for math learning support challenges.

• First time Freshman Over the Age of 21

As an initial assessment, students entering Motlow College, who are twenty-one (21) years of age and older as of the first day of the student’s entering term, who are seeking regular admission, and who do not have a valid ACT or SAT score, must take all portions of the COMPASS test. Should the student have a valid ACT or SAT score, he or she may present those scores for initial assessment. To be valid the scores must be earned within three (3) years prior to the first day of the student’s entering term. The highest score on all valid assessments is used for placement into stand-alone college-level courses or into college-level/learning support co-requisite classes.

Students who are placed into learning support by COMPASS or ACT sub-scores can “challenge” in an attempt to improve their placement by taking one or more portions of the COMPASS test. The first challenge using COMPASS is free of charge.  Subsequent attempts are $10.00 per section or $20.00 for the entire test and payable at the time the test is taken. Students can purchase review material and/or software to help review content. Students can challenge placement no more than two times. Should a student seek an additional challenge, he or she must speak with the Chair of Languages or his/her designee for reading or writing learning support challenges or with the Chair of Mathematics or his/her designee for math learning support challenges.

• Degree-seeking Transfer Student

Degree-seeking transfer students who have not previously been assessed or who have not earned credit in college-level English composition or a reading-intensive course, or a college-level mathematics must take the appropriate portion(s) of the COMPASS test before they can enroll unless they are under twenty-one (21) years of age and otherwise exempt by ACT scores. Performance on the COMPASS test results in placement into stand-alone college-level/learning support co-requisite classes.

Students who are placed into learning support by COMPASS or ACT sub-scores can “challenge” in an attempt to improve their placement by taking one or more portions of the COMPASS test. The first challenge using COMPASS is free of charge.  Subsequent attempts are $10.00 per section or $20.00 for the entire test and payable at the time the test is taken. Students can purchase review material and/or software to help review content. Students can challenge placement no more than two times. Should a student seek an additional challenge, he or she must speak with the Chair of Languages or his/her designee for reading or writing learning support challenges or with the Chair of Mathematics or his/her designee for math learning support challenges.

• Non-degree Seeking/Certificate Program Students

Certificate seeking students entering without transferable college level English composition will be assessed prior to enrollment in a college-level English course or any course with an English prerequisite. Assessment will be made by COMPASS scores or a valid ACT/SAT if the student is less than twenty-one (21) years of age.

Certificate seeking students entering without transferable college level credit from a reading-intensive general education course, will be assessed in reading. Assessment will be made by COMPASS scores or a valid ACT/SAT if the student is less than twenty-one (21) years of age.

Certificate seeking students entering without transferable or college-level mathematics will be assessed prior to enrollment in a college-level mathematics course or in any course with mathematics as a prerequisite. Assessment will be made by COMPASS scores or a valid ACT/SAT if the student is less than twenty-one (21) years of age.

Students who are placed into learning support by COMPASS or ACT sub-scores can “challenge” in an attempt to improve their placement by taking one or more portions of the COMPASS test. The first challenge using COMPASS is free of charge.  Subsequent attempts are $10.00 per section or $20.00 for the entire test and payable at the time the test is taken. Students can purchase review material and/or software to help review content. Students can challenge placement no more than two times. Should a student seek an additional challenge, he or she must speak with the Chair of Languages or his/her designee for reading or writing learning support challenges or with the Chair of Mathematics or his/her designee for math learning support challenges.

Non-degree seeking students who are taking courses for professional development or personal enrichment must speak with the Learning Support Director or his/her designee about the need for assessment. A determination of need for assessment will be made on a case-by-case basis.

ASSESSMENT AND LEARNING SUPPORT 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.  This does not apply for students enrolled in Dual Enrollment high school classes.

COMPASS Test Information

The COMPASS test assesses 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 responses to software are designated 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 students’ ability to recognize appropriate vocabulary, to isolate main ideas, to locate explicit textual information, and to draw inferences. 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 test is not a pass/fail test. 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. 

The COMPASS test is given free of charge to students for whom COMPASS test scores provide initial placement. As previously noted, students may use the COMPASS test to challenge any or all of their initial placement into learning support. Subsequent attempts are $10.00 per section or $20.00 for the entire test and payable at the time the test is taken. The highest score on all valid assessment is used to determine final placement.

The COMPASS test is given regularly at the Motlow sites in Moore County, Fayetteville, McMinnville, and Smyrna. Special test accommodations are available for students who need them. The Testing Center should be contacted for information about the placement tests, test dates, and special accommodations. 

LEARNING SUPPORT COURSES AND POLICIES 

Students who need learning support work are encouraged to take these courses in their first semester of enrollment. Students may enroll in college-level courses concurrently if they do not need learning support in that subject and/or there are no learning support prerequisites for the class or classes. Learning support courses may not be taken for audit, and students may not enroll in these courses unless they have been placed into these courses based on test results.   

Student participation in learning support is mandatory. Credit hours earned in learning support may not be used to meet any degree requirements. These credits are institutional credits only and become “add-on” hours. The grades earned in learning support become a part of the academic record and will be used in determining semester GPA and cumulative GPA for retention, probation, and suspension, 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.

Each Learning Support course is paired with a co-requisite college-level course. Students must enroll in both courses during the same semester and may not drop one course of the co-requisite pair without also dropping the other. Moreover, the student must enroll in a learning support and a college-level course having the same start and end dates (a student may not enroll in a full term college-level course and a shorter term learning support course or vice versa). In the unlikely event that a student passes the college-level course but does not earn a passing grade in the co-requisite learning support class, the student will nonetheless have his/her learning support competencies marked as completed for that learning support course, and the student will not be allowed nor required to repeat the learning support class despite his/her failing grade.

Documented passing of learning support competencies taken at other Tennessee Board of Regents institutions will be accepted by Motlow College. However, the student is expected to complete the entire schedule of assignments for the subsequent learning support course.

INTERINSTITUTIONAL ARTICULATION

The Tennessee Board of Regents has established guidelines to provide for collegiate articulation between community colleges and universities in the system. 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 office at Motlow State Community College for interinstitutional articulation is the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Applications, catalogs, and course equivalency information from many Tennessee colleges and universities are available in the Admissions and Records and Student Success 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 Tennessee Transfer Pathway 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 that is outlined as a Tennessee Transfer Pathway, the university shall grant credit toward completion of the baccalaureate degree as outlined in the agreement.  Full details for the agreement can be found at www.tntransferpathways.org, which is the official website for the pathways. 

When a student has been awarded an associate degree not designed for transfer, only courses within the program of study that are designed as transfer will be considered for transfer by a university.  Generally, these courses are general education core courses and not courses in the field of study.