Student Affairs

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

ADMISSION TO THE COLLEGE

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

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

FINAL ACCEPTANCE 

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

NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS 

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

REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIAL PROGRAMS 

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

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 931-393-1810.

HONORS ENTRY 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.

NURSING PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS 

Students wishing to apply for admission to the nursing program must satisfy all admission requirements of the college and, in addition, complete a nursing application, take the HESI Nursing Entrance Examination, and comply with all provisions of the Learning Support Program.  For information concerning testing dates, visit the nursing web page @ www.mscc.edu/nursing, Click the link to the HESI entrance exam.  Upon review of all applicants to the Nursing Program who have completed the admission procedure, the Director of Nursing & Allied Health will compile a list of applicants ranked according to admission criteria. This list of candidates for the program as well as those applicants not chosen will be submitted to a Selection Committee for review. The Selection Committee will be comprised of:
• Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs
• Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs
• Director of Nursing Education
• Nursing Faculty Member
• One graduating second year generic and one LPN transition student chosen by the Director of Nursing & Allied Health

The committee will verify test scores and calculations using student name and ID number without any other distinguishing characteristics. (Policy No. NURS-03-01, Revised 7/05/05)

The generic nursing class is admitted annually in the fall semester. The LPN bridge class is admitted annually in the summer semester. Students may enter the college to pursue the general education courses prior to planned entrance into the nursing program. Academic Advisement is recommended to plan an appropriate program of study.

Transfer or readmit students who wish to enter the nursing program must have a two-year currency in nursing courses and a five-year currency in required natural sciences, as well as meet all other requirements for transfer or readmission as outlined in the Nursing Student Handbook.

DEGREE AND CERTIFICATE-OF-CREDIT SEEKING STUDENTS

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

STUDENT TYPES FOR ADMISSION

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

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

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

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

NEW FRESHMAN STUDENT

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

1. Application

Submit a completed Application for Admission form to the Office of Admissions and Records.

2. Proof of High School Graduation

   1. Applicants with a regular high school diploma should request that the high school send their official transcript noting a graduation date and proficiency examination passing scores directly to the Office of Admissions and Records at Motlow.
   2. Applicants with a General Education Development (GED) examination diploma must request that the testing center send evidence of satisfactory completion of the exam; satisfactory completion is a comprehensive score of 45, if taken before 2002, or 450, if taken after 2002, or if taken after January, 2014, the score of 150 or higher in each subject area. The HiSET examination diploma must request that the testing center send evidence of satisfactory completion of a score of 45 or higher.
   3. Applicants with an American Council on Education (ACE) External Diploma (EDP) diploma must request a transcript showing the completion of the 65 required competencies be sent from the Board of Education where the diploma was awarded to the Office of Admission and Records at Motlow.
   4. Applicants who graduated from nonpublic high schools (including private schools, home schools, and church-related schools) must submit an official transcript showing credits earned and date of graduation. The transcript of a home school applicant must be an official copy from an affiliated organization as defined by state law (T. C. A. 49-50-801) or be accompanied by a certification of registration with the superintendent of the local education agency which the student would otherwise attend. Applicants who cannot provide a satisfactory secondary school credential must provide acceptable scores on the GED examination.
   5. Applicants who received a high school certificate or a diploma of special education may be admitted on the basis of passing GED/HiSET or EDP scores accompanied by ACT scores and high school transcripts. 

3. ACT/SAT Scores

Provide an official ACT/SAT report if the applicant is younger than 21 years of age. (The ACT/SAT report is not required of applicants who are 21 years old or older.) ACT/SAT scores must be less than three years old as of the first day of the admitting term. Applicants who are under 21 years of age without ACT/SAT scores or whose ACT/SAT scores are more than three years old should contact the Motlow College Office of Testing (931-393-1763) to schedule an ACT test. ACT/SAT scores on the high school transcript that are less than three years old are acceptable. If the scores are not on the high school transcript, the applicant must request an official ACT report be sent directly from the American College Testing Program, Box 451, Iowa City, IA 52243 to the Office of Admissions and Records at Motlow. (For more information, contact ACT directly at 319-337-1320.)  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.

4. Varicella Immunization (Chicken Pox)

Applicants who enroll as full-time students who were born in 1980 or later must provide:

-  Documentation of 2 doses of Varicella vaccine given at least 28 days apart, excluding doses given earlier 4 days before the first birthday, or
-  History of chicken pox illness diagnosed by a health care provider or verified by a physician, advanced practice nurse or physician assistant to whom the illness is described, or
-  Documentation of blood test (serology) showing immunity to Varicella.

5. MMR Immunization

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

6. Hepatitis B Immunization

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

All Allied Health and Nursing students are required beginning 2010-2011 to submit proof of Hepatitis B Immunization.

7. Proof of Citizenship

Show proof by valid regular Tennessee driver’s license (Temporary driver license is NOT acceptable) or an official birth certificate issued by a U.S. state, jurisdiction, or territory.
For more information go to:  http://www.mscc.edu/admissions/DocumentationForCitizenship.pdf

8. Draft Registration

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

9. Placement Testing

All degree-seeking students are required to take a placement test unless exempted by ACT/SAT scores or transfer credit. See section entitled “Learning Support Program” for COMPASS test information.

TRANSFER STUDENT

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

1. Submit a completed Application for Admission form to the Office of Admissions and Records.
    
2. A high school transcript is required unless a Baccalaureate degree has been earned. 

3. Request that an official transcript from each college or university previously attended by the applicant be forwarded directly to the Office of Admissions and Records at Motlow. An official transcript has the granting institution’s seal and is either mailed, is hand delivered in a sealed school envelope, or faxed with a cover from the prior institution directly to the Admissions Office.  All transcripts must be on file prior to registration.                                                        

4. Proof of Citizenship: Show proof by valid regular Tennessee driver’s license (Temporary driver license is NOT acceptable) or an official birth certificate issued by a U.S. state, jurisdiction, or territory. For more information go to:  http://www.mscc.edu/admissions/DocumentationForCitizenship.pdf

5. Two Varicella Immunizations (Chicken Pox) (See additional requirements under New Freshman Student type above)
    
6. Two MMR Immunization (See additional requirements under New Freshman Student type above)

7. Hepatitis B Immunization (See additional requirements under New Freshman Student type above)

8. Draft Registration (See additional requirements under New Freshman Student type above)

9. See section entitled “ Learning Support Program” for COMPASS test information.                                                            

All collegiate-level transfer coursework for each student who is degree-seeking or certificate-of-credit seeking will be evaluated according to the following criteria: (1) course similarity within the programs enrolled in at Motlow; (2) courses with similar content taught at the same level as Motlow; and (3) same credentialing requirements for faculty at the transferring institution. Credit toward degree or certificate program requirements will be given for transfer coursework that meets all criteria. Grades for any course accepted as transfer credit will be used in computing the cumulative grade point average. Student’s transcript evaluations, once reviewed, will be available for student access through MyMotlow. Mechatronics courses will be evaluated by the Director of Career Readiness.

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

To appeal, the student must complete a suspension appeal form from the MSCC website and bring or mail the completed form along with a copy of a transcript reflecting all previous college work to the Office of Student Affairs prior to the deadline. Appeals will be heard by the Committee on the day set forth in the calendar each semester. The Student Affairs Committee reserves the right to alter the date for appeals based upon the number of appeals to be heard. The student should confirm the date with the Office of Student Affairs at 393-1690.

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

READMIT STUDENT 

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

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

AUDIT-ONLY STUDENT

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

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

SPECIAL STUDENT FOR CREDIT 

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

1. Submit a completed Application for Admission form to the Office of Admissions and Records.
2. Provide proof of high school graduation by (1) high school transcript noting either regular diploma or state proficiency tests passed (TN residents only) and graduation date; (2) GED if taken before 2002 or 450, if taken after 2002, or if taken after January, 2014, the score of 150 or higher in each subject area. The HiSET examination diploma must request that the testing center send evidence of satisfactory completion of a score of 45 or higher, in addition, (3) if the student has attended any college/university, an official transcript from the last college/university is required. 
3. Proof of Citizenship: Show proof by valid regular Tennessee driver’s license (Temporary driver license is NOT acceptable) or an official birth certificate issued by a U.S. state, jurisdiction, or territory.
   For more information go to: http://www.mscc.edu/admissions/DocumentationForCitizenship.pdf

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

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

TRANSIENT STUDENT

(Summer Semester Only)

A transient student is a student from another institution who takes classes during the summer term at Motlow and transfers the credit to the home institution. Transient students must be eligible to re-enter the home institution. To be admitted as a transient student, a person must do the following:

Submit a completed Application for Admission form to the Office of Admissions and Records; or in the event that the student has previously attended Motlow, submit a completed Application for Readmission form to the Office of Admissions and Records.

Proof of Citizenship: Show proof by valid regular Tennessee driver’s license (Temporary driver license is NOT acceptable) or an official birth certificate issued by a U.S. state, jurisdiction, or territory.
For more information go to: http://www.mscc.edu/admissions/DocumentationForCitizenship.pdf

To be able to register for summer classes on May 1, transient students must have a letter of good standing and a partial transcript if a class is needed as pre-requisite. These should be forwarded directly to the Office of Admissions and Records at Motlow State from the college or university where the applicant is regularly enrolled. A final transcript from the college or university must be sent to Motlow at the end of spring term before a transcript can be sent back to home institution.

A transient student must submit an official request to the Office of Admissions and Records at Motlow to have an official transcript forwarded to the home institution at the end of the summer term. 

SIXTY-YEAR-OLD OR OLDER AUDIT STUDENT

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

1. Submit a completed Application for Admission form to the Office of Admissions and Records.
2. Submit proof of age.

SIXTY-FIVE-YEAR-OLD OR OLDER CREDIT STUDENT

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

1. Submit a completed Application for Admission form to the Office of Admissions and Records.
2. Submit proof of age.
3. Request any one of the following be forwarded directly to the Office of Admissions and Records:
   1. an official report of a comprehensive GED score of 45 or more, if taken before 2002, or 450, if taken after 2002, or if taken after January, 2014, the score of 150 or higher in each subject area. The HiSET examination diploma must request that the testing center send evidence of satisfactory completion of a score of 45 or higher.
   2. an official high school transcript or other proof of graduation from high school,
   3. an official EDP transcript indicating the 65 required competencies, or
   4. evidence of graduation from a college or university.

TOTALLY DISABLED STUDENT 

This student type is a person who is domiciled in Tennessee and is totally disabled, as defined by the Tennessee Board of Regents. This student type may audit credit courses without payment of a maintenance fee and may enroll for credit courses without payment of the full maintenance fee but will be assessed a service fee of one-half the current per-semester-hour maintenance fee rate for each semester credit hour of enrollment up to a maximum of $70.00 per semester. Enrollment without payment of the full maintenance fee will be subject to the availability of space in the class being requested. To be admitted as a permanently and totally disabled student, a person must do the following.

1. Submit a completed Application for Admission form to the Office of Admissions and Records.
2. Submit certificate of disability or affidavit from a physician or agency compensating the disabled person.
3. Request any one of the following be forwarded directly to the Office of Admissions and Records:
   1. an official high school transcript indicating receipt of a regular high school diploma as specified by the Tennessee State Department of Education,
   2. an official report of a comprehensive GED score of 45, if taken before 2002, or 450, if taken after 2002, or if taken after January, 2014, the score of 150 or higher in each subject area. The HiSET examination diploma must request that the testing center send evidence of satisfactory completion of a score of 45 or higher. 
   3. an official EDP transcript indicating the 65 required competencies, or
   4. evidence of graduation from a college or university.
4. Provide an official ACT/SAT report if applicant is less than 21 years of age. (The ACT/SAT report is not required of applicants who are 21 years old or older.) ACT/SAT scores must be less than three years old as of the first day of the admitting term. Applicants without ACT/SAT scores or who’s ACT/SAT scores are more than three years old should contact the Motlow College Testing Office to schedule an ACT test. ACT/SAT scores on the high school transcript that are less than three years old are acceptable.
5. See section entitled “Learning Support Program” for COMPASS Test information.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

An international student is a student who is a citizen or a permanent resident of a country other than the United States. To allow adequate time for processing your application and completing the visa documents, please submit your application for admission and all documentation by July 15 for the fall semester enrollment, November 15 for the spring semester and April 1 for summer enrollment.  To be admitted as an international student, a person must do the following:

1. Submit a completed Application for Admission form to the Office of Admissions and Records.
2. Request that an official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) report with a score of at least 500 on the paper-based test or at least 173 on the computer-based test or at least 61 on the Internet-based test or an official Michigan Test with a score of 72 or greater be forwarded to the Office of Admissions and Records at Motlow. (The TOEFL and Michigan Test are not administered at Motlow.)
3. Submit a completed financial statement form. This form can be obtained in the Office of Admissions and Records.
4. Submit evidence of high school graduation, an official report of a comprehensive GED score of 45, if taken before 2002 or 450, if taken after 2002, or if taken after January, 2014, the score of 150 or higher in each subject area. The HiSET examination diploma must request that the testing center send evidence of satisfactory completion of a score of 45 or higher, an official EDP transcript indicating the 65 required competencies, or graduation from a college or university.
5. Request that transcripts be forwarded to the Office of Admissions and Records from each educational institution previously attended. Applicants must furnish transcripts of all secondary school and college level studies accompanied by official English translations. The applicant is responsible for paying any cost for official translation of foreign language transcripts.
6. Provide an official ACT/SAT report if applicant is less than 21 years of age. (The ACT/SAT report is not required of applicants who are 21 years old or older.) ACT/SAT scores must be less than three years old as of the first day of the admitting term. Applicants without ACT/SAT scores or who’s ACT/SAT scores are more than three years old should contact the Motlow College Testing Office to schedule an ACT test. ACT/SAT scores on the high school transcript that are less than three years old are acceptable.
7. Submit copies of appropriate examination certificates to the Office of Admissions and Records.
8. All international students applying for admission pursuant to a student visa shall submit a certificate from a licensed physician or other qualified medical authority verifying freedom from tuberculosis within thirty days from the first day of classes, and failure to submit such certification shall result in denial of further enrollment or admission. In the event that a student either has tuberculosis or has potential tuberculosis requiring medical treatment, continued enrollment will be conditioned upon the determination by a licensed physician that further enrollment does not present a risk to others and upon the student’s compliance with any prescribed medical treatment program.
9. International students without valid ACT/SAT scores must complete the entire COMPASS test. See section entitled “Learning Support Program” for COMPASS Test information.
10. All international students must obtain health and accident insurance as a condition of admission and continued enrollment at Motlow. Minimum requirements for coverage set up by the Tennessee Board of Regents are specified on the insurance form provided by the Admissions and Records Office.

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

JOINT ENROLLMENT

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

1. The 9th and 10th grades have been completed.
2. The student’s parent or guardian must approve the student for dual enrollment by signing the Parent/Guardian portion of the Dual Enrollment Form (located on page two of the Dual/Joint Enrollment Application). The high school counselor must certify the student by completing and signing the High School Counselor/Principal section of the Dual/Joint Enrollment Application.
3. The student must provide an official ACT/ACT Plan report with the required sub-score as outlined below. Students who wish to take:

• A collegiate mathematics or science course must have a reading sub-score of 19 or greater, an English sub-score of 18 or greater,
• AND a math sub-score of 19 or greater. Any other collegiate course (for example: English, History, Music, Psychology) must have a reading sub-score of 19 or greater AND an English sub-score of 18 or greater;

Comparable SAT/PSAT scores may substitute for ACT/ACT Plan scores for purposes of dual/joint admission and enrollment as outlined below:
 

4. ACT/ACT Plan scores on the high school transcript are acceptable. Applicants without ACT/ACT Plan scores or with ACT scores that are more than three years old should contact the Motlow College Testing Office to schedule an ACT test.
5. Prospective joint enrollment students with valid ACT scores below the required minimum scores for college-level reading, writing, and/or math may challenge their placement by taking one or more portions of the COMPASS test.  The college charges $10.00 to challenge each portion of the test or $20.00 to challenge the entire test.  Fees are 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.
   Prospective joint enrollment students who present without scores, or with only ACT Plan scores may not challenge the placement through the COMPASS test. Prospective dual/joint enrollment students without valid ACT scores, must take either the National ACT test, or the Motlow ACT Residual Test. Scores from the Motlow ACT Residual Test are only valid at Motlow State Community College. The ACT Residual Test is administered on select dates on the Motlow campus in Moore County only. Students should contact the Testing Center for information about test dates and special accommodations.
6. Any dual/joint enrollment student seeking to enter the mechatronics certificate program must have a high school GPA of 2.0 AND a recommendation by his/her high school guidance counselor or principal. Prospective dual enrollment mechatronics students must also have a minimum math score of 17 on the ACT. A prospective dual enrollment mechatronics student presenting without the ACT score, must take the math portion of the COMPASS and receive a minimum score of 17 in order to be admitted to the program.
7. Students 18 years of age or who turn 18 years of age during dual enrollment classes must submit proof of citizenship. Acceptable forms of Proof of Citizenship include:

• Copy of valid regular Tennessee driver’s license (Temporary driver license is NOT acceptable), or
• Copy of official birth certificate issued by a U.S. state, jurisdiction, or territory.

For more information go to: http://www.mscc.edu/admissions/DocumentationForCitizenship.pdf

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

1. Submit a completed Dual/Join Application for Admissions application packet to the Office of High School Partnership Programs. Signatures on the Dual Enrollment Form page of the dual enrollment application packet must be included for the application to be valid.
2. Request that the high school send an official transcript with current GPA and ACT/ACT Plan scores to the Office of High School Partnership Programs, Dept. 265, at Motlow State Community College.

DUAL ENROLLMENT

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

1. The 9th and 10th grades have been completed.
2. The student’s parent or guardian must approve the student for dual enrollment by signing the Parent/Guardian portion of the Dual Enrollment Form (located on page two of the Dual/Joint Enrollment Application). The high school counselor must certify the student by completing and signing the High School Counselor/Principal section of the Dual/Joint Enrollment Application.
3. The student must provide an official ACT/ACT Plan report with the required sub-score as outlined below. Students who wish to take:

• A collegiate mathematics or science course must have a reading sub-score of 19 or greater, an English sub-score of 18 or greater,
• AND a math sub-score of 19 or greater.Any other collegiate course (for example: English, History, Music, Psychology) must have a reading sub-score of 19 or greater AND an English sub-score of 18 or greater;

Comparable SAT/PSAT scores may substitute for ACT/ACT Plan scores for purposes of dual/joint admission and enrollment as outlined below:
 

4. ACT/ACT Plan scores on the high school transcript are acceptable. Applicants without ACT/ACT Plan scores or with ACT scores that are more than three years old should contact the Motlow College Testing Office to schedule an ACT test.
5. Prospective dual enrollment students with valid ACT scores below the required minimum scores for college-level reading, writing, and/or math may challenge their placement by taking one or more portions of the COMPASS test.  The college charges $10.00 to challenge each portion of the test or $20.00 to challenge the entire test.  Fees are 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.
   Prospective dual enrollment students who present without scores, or with only ACT Plan scores may not challenge the placement through the COMPASS test. Prospective dual/joint enrollment students without valid ACT scores, must take either the National ACT test, or the Motlow ACT Residual Test. Scores from the Motlow ACT Residual Test are only valid at Motlow State Community College. The ACT Residual Test is administered on select dates on the Motlow campus in Moore County only. Students should contact the Testing Center for information about test dates and special accommodations.
6. Any dual/joint enrollment student seeking to enter the mechatronics certificate program must have a high school GPA of 2.0 AND a recommendation by his/her high school guidance counselor or principal. Prospective dual enrollment mechatronics students must also have a minimum math score of 17 on the ACT. A prospective dual enrollment mechatronics student presenting without the ACT score, must take the math portion of the COMPASS and receive a minimum score of 17 in order to be admitted to the program.
7. Students 18 years of age or who turn 18 years of age during dual enrollment classes must submit proof of citizenship. Acceptable forms of Proof of Citizenship include:

• Copy of valid regular Tennessee driver’s license (Temporary driver license is NOT acceptable), or
• Copy of official birth certificate issued by a U.S. state, jurisdiction, or territory.

For more information go to: http://www.mscc.edu/admissions/DocumentationForCitizenship.pdf

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

1. Submit a completed Dual/Join Application for Admissions application packet to the Office of High School Partnership Programs. Signatures on the Dual Enrollment Form page of the dual enrollment application packet must be included for the application to be valid.
2. Request that the high school send an official transcript with current GPA and ACT/ACT Plan scores to the Office of High School Partnership Programs, Dept. 265, at Motlow State Community College.

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

SAILS

Motlow State Community College partners with high schools throughout the college’s eleven-county service area to offer high school students the opportunity to master the math competencies needed to be successful in college math while earning high school bridge math credit required for graduation.

SAILS (Seamless Alignment and Integrated Learning Support) introduces the college developmental math curriculum in the high school senior year. By embedding the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Learning Support Math program in the high school Bridge Math course, students can get a head start on their college career. The program blends online instruction with individual assistance to give students the help they need. Students who successfully complete the program are ready to take a college math course, saving them time and money while accelerating their path to graduation.

Students who take the ACT their junior year and score less than a 19 in Math are required to take the Bridge Math course their senior year. In SAILS, in addition to earning their HS bridge math credit, these students can complete the college Learning Support Math program, eliminating their need for developmental math in college. Students may then register for a college-level math course upon entering college. Interested students should contact their high school guidance counselor to find out if their school is participating in SAILS.

ACADEMICALLY TALENTED/GIFTED STUDENTS

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

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

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

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

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

Motlow State Community College is a state-supported institution and, therefore, maintains modest matriculation and incidental fees. Expenses are charged and payable by the semester since each semester is a separate unit of operation. A student may enroll at the beginning of any semester. Registration for each semester is not complete until all required fees have been satisfied, and no student may be admitted to classes without having met his or her financial obligation. Payment of fees may be made by cash, check, MasterCard, VISA, Discover or American Express credit card. Students are encouraged to use our safe, convenient, online payment option to avoid any chance of having to wait in line.  A payment plan is also available. Information regarding the payment plan is available in the Business Office or on the Motlow College website, www.mscc.edu on the Business Office webpage.  Students are classified as residents or non-residents for the purpose of assessing tuition charges. The definition of residency as determined by the Tennessee Board of Regents will apply. Information about residence classification may be obtained from the Office of Admissions and Records.

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

MAINTENANCE AND TUITION FEES

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

At the Tennessee Board of Regents meeting, a fee increase was approved and became effective in the fall 2015 semester. The effect of this increase for Motlow State Community College is as follows:

E-Rate
The eRate is available to students who enroll at TBR institutions, who are classified as non-residents of Tennessee, and who are enrolled exclusively in online courses. The e-rate is a significant reduction in the out of state tuition cost. The e-rate out-of-state tuition rate is $74 per credit hour.  To qualify for an eRate, students must (a) meet all institution admission requirements and must (b) be verified as an online out-of-state student enrolled exclusively in courses delivered online by a procedure documented by the institution.  Students enrolled in any type courses other than online (on-ground, distance education, etc.) will not be eligible for the eRate specified in this guideline and will instead incur traditional non-resident fees and charges. Students who enroll in both online courses and other type courses and subsequently drop the other type courses will not then become eligible for the eRate.

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

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

For credit enrollment, a nonrefundable service fee of $70.00 per semester will be charged to persons with a permanent total disability, and persons who will become sixty-five (65) years of age or older during the academic semester and who are domiciled in Tennessee. This fee includes maintenance fees, campus access fees, student activity fees, and technology access fees; it does not preclude an application fee. For audit enrollment, no fee is required for persons with a permanent total disability or persons who become sixty (60) years of age or older during the academic semester and are domiciled in Tennessee, and persons who have retired from state service with thirty (30) or more years of service, regardless of age.

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

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

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

RETURNED CHECKS

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

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

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

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

REFUNDS AND REPAYMENTS

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

INSTITUTIONAL FEES

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

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

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

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

PAYMENT PLAN

A payment plan is available to allow students to pay registration fees in installments. The plan does not apply to books or to non-credit classes and is available for fall and spring semesters only. All students in good financial standing are eligible to participate in the payment plan. Total fees eligible must be at least $400 after application of any financial aid awarded to student. (Fees not eligible include application fee, and any account balance from prior terms.)

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

FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID RETURN TO TITLE IV (R2T4)

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

Note: For programs offered in modules/mini-terms (ex. Adult College Express [ACE] program), Federal Title IV regulations require Motlow College to recalculate the federal financial aid eligibility for each student who withdraws from the institution if all scheduled modules within a term are not completed (see example 2 below).

Example # 1:

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

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

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

Example # 2 Modules:

Within a semester, there are 3 modules (A, B, C) that span the entire term and are 5 weeks each, offered consecutively. In the fall semester, the student enrolls in modules A, B, and C. Student completes courses in module A. Student begins Module B and withdraws. At this point, the student is a Title IV withdrawal and a R2T4 calculation must be done. The student’s registration for module C is not enough to override the R2T4 requirement. However, if the school collects written confirmation from the student at the time of the withdrawal from module B that they intend to return for Module C, a R2T4 is not required. If the student returns for Module C and completes the module, no R2T4 is required. If the student does not return for Module C, a R2T4 is done using the withdrawal date from Module B. If the student returns for Module C and then withdraws, a R2T4 is done using the withdrawal date from Module C.

Note that because we are looking at completed days, if the above student was also enrolled in a course that spanned the entire term and completed that course, the withdrawal from the modular courses would not result in a withdrawal for the term. By completing the 15-week course the student has completed all days for which he/she enrolled.

All required repayments to Federal Title IV programs will be distributed in the following order: (1) Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan (Motlow does not offer loans), (2) Federal Direct Subsidized Loan (Motlow does not offer loans), (3) Federal Pell Grant, (4) Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and (5) any other applicable programs (ex. TELS, TSAA, etc.)

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

Motlow College School Code: 006836

The Financial Aid Office for Motlow College is located on the second floor of the Crouch Center on the Moore County Campus, (phone: 1-800-654-4877, ext. 1553, or 931-393-1553),  a satellite office is located at the Smyrna Campus, (phone: 1-800-645-4877, ext. 7817, or 615-220-7817) and a Financial Aid Lab is also available on the second floor of the Crouch Center on the Moore County Campus, (phone:  1-800-654-4877, ext. 1560, or 931-393-1560). Financial aid personnel are available during regular hours to discuss any student’s financial need with him/her and assist with the financial aid process for students on any Motlow Campus. Additionally, student services staff at Fayetteville and McMinnville will assist with the financial aid process.

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

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

HOW TO APPLY 

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

• NOTE: Priority and Deadline dates are posted on the Motlow Financial Aid webpage.

1. Financial Aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
2. The student must apply and be accepted for admission to Motlow College. Final high school transcripts or HSE transcripts must be in place with the Admissions and Records Office prior to any financial aid being processed. Transfer students must have all previous college transcripts in place and evaluated by the Admissions and Records Office prior to any financial aid being processed.
3. The student must be enrolled as a regular student and must be working toward an approved degree or certificate program. Students who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher are not eligible to receive federal or state grants.
4. To receive full consideration for all funds available through Motlow College, all applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application process is FREE and can be located on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
   The school code to have information sent to Motlow State Community College is 006836. All information received in the Financial Aid Office is kept in strictest confidence. Questions concerning the FAFSA can be directed to the Federal Processor at 1-800-4-FED-AID.
5. THE STUDENT MUST REAPPLY FOR AID EACH YEAR BY SUBMITTING A NEW FAFSA.
6. Students interested in applying for scholarships and other grants must complete and submit a Motlow College Scholarship Application, according to directions, on or before March 15th. Go to the financial aid section on the website for detailed instructions.

GENERAL INFORMATION

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

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

All awards are contingent upon (1) the number of hours for which the student enrolls each academic term; (2) the student’s ability to maintain satisfactory academic progress as outlined later in this section of the catalog or on the Motlow College Financial Aid homepage; (3) the availability of federal, state, and institutional funds; and (4) Motlow’s receipt of those funds. Thus, Motlow College reserves the right to adjust student awards accordingly. All awards will be credited to the student Business Office account each academic term and applied toward institutional charges. Any funds remaining will be made available to the student generally within seven business days via a check, which the student may pick up at the Business Office. Students at the off-campus locations may have a longer delivery time on checks. To pick up a financial aid check, the student must present a Motlow College ID. Checks not picked up within 20 days of the fund disbursement date may be voided, and the funds returned to the appropriate financial aid program(s).

Students must be enrolled in a degree or a certificate program in one of the following areas: Associate of Science, Associate of Science in Teaching, Associate of Arts, Associate of Applied Sciences, or approved Technical Certificate. (NOTE: Currently, Motlow College has no certificate programs approved for funding). Financial aid is available only for one of the degrees/certificates. A second degree will be considered if it is in a different degree program. A completed financial aid appeal form will be required for this consideration. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for additional details.

Student Discounts: Student discounts will be calculated and applied to the student account by the Business Office. (Note: Any Teacher Dependent Discount does not include on-line fees in the calculation.)

RETURN TO TITLE IV

Students who received or could have received federal financial aid must be processed through the Return to Title IV calculation if they withdraw officially/unofficially prior to completing 60% of the academic term or do not complete modules in a module program.  As a result the student could be required to return all or a portion of financial aid funds received. For additional information, please refer to the Refund and Repayment section of this catalog under the heading Financial Aid Return to Title IV. If students experience any difficulties while attending Motlow, please contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss options before stopping class attendance or initiating the formal withdrawal process. Students who stop attending all classes prior to the end of the term are considered to have withdrawn unofficially.

Note: Courses offered in mini-terms within a semester are now treated as modules. All modules must be completed without an official or unofficial withdrawal to maintain eligibility for financial aid awards for the semester. Dropping or withdrawing from mini-terms may result in financial aid funds having to be returned by the student for the entire semester.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS

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

Refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress section of the Motlow College Financial Aid website (www.mscc.edu) for up-to-date information on these standards.

TYPES OF AID

The college provides financial assistance to students through: grants and scholarships. Most of these funds come from programs sponsored by the federal and state governments. In order to be entitled to receive federal and/or state student assistance benefits, a student must maintain satisfactory academic progress in the program of study he/she has selected. More detailed information on aid programs and student rights and responsibilities is available online at http://studentaid.ed.gov.

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

GRANTS

FEDERAL PELL GRANT

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

In December 2011, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 (Public Law 112-74) was signed into law. This law has significantly impacted the Pell Grant Program. Beginning in Fall 2012, students are now limited to 12 semesters (or 600%) of Pell Grant eligibility during their lifetime. This change affects all students regardless of when or where they received their first Pell Grant.

Please be conscious about the lifetime limit of the Pell Grant when changing majors and/or scheduling classes. You may view the amount of Pell Grant used by logging into www.NSLDS.ed.gov.
 

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a federally funded, institutionally controlled grant program. Eligibility is based upon financial need. Students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will automatically be considered for the grant. Funding for this program is limited and students are encouraged to apply early.  The priority FAFSA filling date for these funds is February 15th each year.

TENNESSEE STUDENT ASSISTANCE AWARD

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

SCHOLARSHIPS

TENNESSEE EDUCATIONAL LOTTERY SCHOLARSHIPS (TELS)

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

TELS Notes:

• Apply with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Motlow must be listed first in the “School Choice” section of the student’s FAFSA.

• Applications must be received by September 1 for fall semester and February 1 for spring and summer semesters. Early application is recommended.

• Maintain institutional satisfactory academic progress and TELS progression requirements.

• Maintain a minimum part-time enrollment (not less than 6 hours in fall and spring semesters). Award amounts for part-time enrollment will be prorated based on credit hours attempted.

• Maintain enrollment status for every semester. If the student begins the semester as a full-time student, he or she must finish the semester with at least 12 hours. If the student begins the semester as a part-time student, he or she must maintain at least 6 credit hours. Dropping or withdrawing from one or more classes may result in the permanent loss of eligibility.

  • The student may file a Tennessee Lottery Appeal if he/she fails to meet enrollment requirements due to extenuating personal or medical circumstances. Eligibility may be reinstated based on the appeal and supporting documentation.

• The only valid ACT scores are tests from national test dates.

• Credits gained through dual enrollment, advanced placement, or other tests do not count in the TELS GPA or TELS attempted hours.

• All classes taken after high school graduation count in the TELS GPA and attempted hours, including repeated classes which Motlow excludes from the institutional GPA.
   
• The TELS GPA and TELS attempted hours may differ from the Motlow GPA and attempted hours, due to the exclusions mentioned in the preceding item. The student should check the TELS GPA and attempted hours in the Tennessee Lottery information section on their My Motlow account frequently to determine progress.

• If a student fails to meet the required TELS GPA at any bracket, TELS eligibility will be lost. However, there is a one-time regain provision that a student may use the regain eligibility if they have continued to meet all other requirements and bring their TELS GPA up to the required standards at a subsequent bracket.

• CHANGES TO THE TENNESSEE LOTTERY SCHOLARSHIP: (effective fall 2011)

If you first received the Tennessee Lottery Scholarship DURING or AFTER fall 2009:

Terminating events: You will lose your lottery scholarship eligibility when you reach 120 attempted hours. Attempted hours include all classes completed after high school graduation, classes in which you received a grade of W or I, Learning Support classes, and repeated classes.

Classes completed during the 2011 summer term will NOT count towards the 120 attempted hour cap.

Summer School Eligibility: You may be eligible for your lottery scholarship for summer terms, beginning with summer 2012. You must still be academically eligible at the end of the previous spring term.

Summer awards will be the same amount as awards for fall and spring terms.

If you first received the Tennessee Lottery Scholarship BEFORE fall 2009:

You will NOT lose your lottery scholarship eligibility when you reach 120 attempted hours. Your eligibility will continue until you graduate with a baccalaureate degree or five years have passed since your initial enrollment at a post-secondary institution.

You will NOT be eligible for a lottery scholarship in the summer term.

TENNESSEE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIPS

Tennessee Promise is both a scholarship and mentoring program available to eligible students finishing high school in the 2015 graduating class and later. The scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship, meaning the scholarship will cover mandatory tuition and fees not covered by the Pell Grant, the Hope Scholarship, or state student assistance funds (including state discounts and waivers).

Individuals are required to be enrolled full-time, participate in mentoring activities, participate in mandatory meetings, participate in 8 hours of community service prior to each semester, and maintain satisfactory academic progress (2.0 GPA) at their institution.

INSTITUTIONAL and FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS

Refer to the Scholarship section of the Motlow College Financial Aid website (www.mscc.edu) for up-to-date information about available scholarship opportunities.

VETERANS AFFAIRS

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

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

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

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

The Veterans Administration will not provide for Learning Support courses taken through alternative delivery such as Internet, hybrid class, video, interactive video, etc.

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

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

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

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

REGISTRATION FOR COURSES

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

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

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

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

CHANGE OF REGISTRATION

After official registration is completed, a student may change his/her schedule by adding classes, dropping classes, changing audit enrollment to credit enrollment, or changing credit enrollment to audit enrollment.

ADDING A CLASS

For a defined period of time each semester, a student may add classes. The last day that a student may add classes for a specific semester will be stated in the academic calendar (calendar can be found at www.mscc.edu; go to A-Z and click on calendar)  A student who attends a class without officially registering or following the prescribed procedures for adding a class will not receive credit for that class.

The following procedures are used in adding a class:

• Access the web at www.mscc.edu, click on “My Motlow,” then click on “Student login,” then enter ID and pin numbers, then follow prompts to add/drop a class.

DROPPING A CLASS

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

To drop a class:

• Access the web at www.mscc.edu, click on “My Motlow,” then click on “Student login,” then enter ID and pin numbers, then follow prompts to add/drop a class.

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

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

Specific dates which apply to the above timetable during a given semester can be found on the academic calendar; (calendar can be found at www.mscc.edu; go to A-Z index and click on calendar for that semester.) 

CHANGING TO OR FROM AUDIT ENROLLMENT

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

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

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

Learning support level courses may not be taken for audit status.

WITHDRAWAL FROM THE COLLEGE

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

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

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

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

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

Specific dates which apply to the above timetable during a given semester can be found on the academic calendar; (calendar can be found at www.mscc.edu; go to A-Z index and click on calendar for that semester).

CREDIT IN RESIDENCE

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

TRANSCRIPT OF ACADEMIC RECORDS

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

IDENTIFICATION CARDS

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

CHANGE OF NAME OR ADDRESS

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

DISTANCE EDUCATION

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

MSCC Online

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

REGENTS ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM (RODP)

Motlow College offers courses leading to the Associate of Arts, the Associate of Science, and the Associate of Applied Science degrees as part of the Tennessee Board of Regent’s Online Campus Collaborative (ROCC). The ROCC is a cooperative online enterprise that includes the 6 universities, 13 community colleges and the 27 technology centers that make up the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR).  As part of the ROCC, the Regents Online Degree Program (RODP) provides the collegiate-level courses that make up the program leading to the aforementioned associate degrees.  The courses offered in the RODP are developed and are taught by a faculty member employed at any one of the TBR colleges or universities.  Because the courses offered are part of the RODP, they include an RODP course fee and are billed to the student at a higher rate than regular MSCC courses. For detailed information about degrees through RODP, access the Tennessee Board of Regents website at www.rodp.org or contact the Motlow RODP Campus Contact at 931-393-1630 (Toll free 800-654-4877, Ext 1630.).

CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT

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

ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF CREDIT

Advanced credit may be granted by Motlow for courses in areas for which a student has demonstrated satisfactory achievement and proficiency. The maximum amount of advanced credit allowed from all sources for graduation is 30 credit hours, unless otherwise modified by State legislative mandates or policy changes required by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission or the Tennessee Board of Regents.  Sources of advanced credit include:

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

The maximum amount of advanced 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.  For additional information about alternative sources of credit, contact the Office of Admissions and Records at Motlow.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMINATION PROGRAM CREDIT

Motlow College participates in the Advanced Placement Examination Program (APEP) of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB). The maximum amount of advanced credit allowed from all advanced credit sources, which includes Advanced Placement Examination Program Credit, is 30 credit hours for graduation; credit may be given to qualified students in any two of the following subject areas:

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. 

*TBR Community Colleges will award/transfer PLA credit for AP scores in to the Suggested course or the equivalent course at their institution.  There may be variations in course number and/or course title.  Community Colleges should award the PLA credit for course other than the suggested course when it is in the best interest of the student.

ADVANCED STANDING CREDIT IN ENGLISH

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

ARMED SERVICES CREDIT

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

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

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. 

CERTIFIED ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL RATING CREDIT

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

Upon receipt of formal application, verification will be made of the 12 hours credit already received from Motlow and the CAP rating. Credit for the requested course(s) will then be recorded. The maximum amount of advanced credit allowed from all advanced credit sources, which includes Certified Administrative Professional Rating Credit is 30 credit hours required for graduation. The application for credit is available in the Department of Business and Technology.

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

CHALLENGE EXAMINATION PROGRAM CREDIT

Students who have achieved competence equivalent to that offered in a course through on-the-job training, previous instruction, or other methods may receive credit for selected courses as designated by the department head in conjunction with the faculty member administering the challenge examination. To receive credit by challenging a course the student must:

1. Enroll in the course for credit.

2. Apply for credit by examination by completing the upper portion of the Challenge Examination Application. This form and further instructions may be secured in division offices. With this form, the student must submit evidence that he/she is qualified to challenge the course.

3. Take an examination during the first two weeks of classes prior to the last day to drop a class and be deleted from the roll for that term. (If the student intends to add a class upon receiving the results of the challenge exam, then the exam should be completed before the last day to add a class as specified in the class schedule.) The examination will cover major aspects of the course as determined by the faculty member.

4. Attend class regularly until the proficiency examination is given. Failure to attend class regularly may disqualify a student from taking the examination.

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

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

COLLEGE LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM CREDIT

The maximum amount of advanced credit allowed from all credit sources, which includes College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Credit, is 30 credit hours required for graduation. Motlow has been approved as a limited CLEP Testing Center. An application and a fee (see Expenses and Business Regulations) must be submitted through the Office of Testing at least four weeks prior to the test date. This office should be contacted for any additional information. CLEP results may not be used to remove an “I” or “F” or to improve a grade already earned.

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

CORRESPONDENCE COURSE CREDIT

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

1. The credits earned must be from a college which is a member of the National University Extension Association or the Teachers College Association for Extension and Field Services.

2. Students in residence enrolled in eighteen or more hours at Motlow may not earn credit in correspondence courses at the same time.

The maximum amount of advanced credit allowed from all advanced credit sources, which includes Correspondence Course Credit, is 30 credit hours required for graduation.

DUAL CREDIT PROGRAM

The Dual Credit Program is a collaborative effort between Motlow State Community College (MSCC) and the secondary institutions located within the college’s eleven-county service area. The program provides an opportunity for high school students to earn college credit by completing courses that are being taught as part of their regular high school curriculum and that have been aligned to meet the learning outcomes of comparable courses offered by the college. Students may receive college credit by successfully completing an aligned high school course and then successfully completing an end of course assessment that is developed and administered by the college. The credit earned is then held in escrow by the college until such time as the student seeks admission to the college and is accepted for enrollment. At that time, the earned credit will be recorded on the student’s academic transcript. For detailed information concerning the Dual Credit Program, please refer to the college’s Dual Credit Program Policy at http://www.mscc.edu/DualCredit/index.aspx

The maximum amount of advanced credit allowed from all advanced credit sources is 30 credit hours required for graduation.

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 department chair/director and explain the experience that would qualify the student for PLA. The chair/director will establish a special section of the course and have the student administratively enrolled. The student must work with the department 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 department chair will establish a committee comprised of the department chair and faculty who teach the particular course to be assessed. Once the committee has reviewed the portfolio, the department chair 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. 

SMARTHINKING

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

COOPERATIVE EDUCATION

Motlow College provides a cooperative education program as an integral part of its efforts to link practical work experience to the student’s educational program. Students who successfully complete the cooperative work assignments will be awarded two semester hours of credit for a maximum of two terms. The work assignment must be related to the student’s program of study or career goals and approved by the program coordinator. The cooperative education classes are graded on a Pass/Fail basis. For more information on course requirements, see the course descriptions section of this catalog. Additional information is available on Moore county campus by calling 931-393-1816, or contacting the site director on Smyrna campus 615-220-7800, site director on McMinnville campus 931-668-7010, or site director on Fayetteville campus 931-438-0028.

DISABILITY SERVICES

Motlow State Community College is committed to meeting the needs of qualified students with disabilities by providing equal access to educational opportunities, programs, and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate. This commitment is consistent with the college’s obligations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 (as amended in 2008). Together, these laws prohibit discrimination against qualified persons with disabilities.

All students seeking assistance through Disability Services must self-disclose the presence and nature of a specific disability to the Office of Disability Services. Before receiving requested accommodations, students are required to obtain current documentation (within the last 3 to 5 years) of the disability. Documentation may include records or written statements from a professional who is licensed to practice in the field appropriate for diagnosing and/or treating the disability in question–a physician, optometrist, audiologist, physical or occupational therapist, psychologist, etc.

The Office of Disability Services coordinates services for students with disabilities at all Motlow College campuses. The disability service staff serve as advocates and liaisons for students with disabilities attending the college. The offices are located in Crouch Building, Room 1042 on Moore county campus and Room 134 on Smyrna campus. For assistance, call 931-393-1765 or e-mail shood@mscc.edu or 615-220-7857, email bchampion@mscc.edu.

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

A comprehensive New Student Orientation program is required of all first-time freshmen prior to registration for classes.   New student orientation is designed to introduce new students to college life, to learn about resources that Motlow has to offer, to find out about campus activities and organizations, and to provide the student with advisement and registration assistance.    For more information regarding new student orientation, contact the assistant director of student services at any Motlow campus.

STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER

The Student Success Center located on the Moore County and Smyrna campuses is a valuable college resource which provides services and resources to assist students toward successfully achieving academic goals. The Student Success Center is an inclusive place which serves as a primary college resource for academic support.  Students will be encouraged to take an active role in their learning and education, which ultimately impacts student retention and graduation.

Staff in the Center provide student success assistance and below are some of the initiatives overseen by the Student Success Center:

          New Student Orientation

          Academic Check-Ups

          Probation Mentoring

          Early Alert Follow-up

          Academic Coaching

The Center is open Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 4:30 p.m., and students are encouraged to make appointments.  The Center staff can be contacted by phoning 931-393-1612 for the Moore County Campus or 615-220-7854 for the Smyrna Center.

CAREER PLANNING

Career Planning assists students and graduates to achieve their educational and career goals by offering many helpful tools and career enhancement opportunities.  

Career Planning administers an “Interest Inventories” career assessment survey which helps students examine their educational and career pathways.  This survey is administered on-line and contains three parts: Career Search with Person Match, Skills Assessment, and Work Values Inventory.  Students are encouraged to call for appointments at 931-393-1719 or 931-393-1634.

This unit facilitates potential employment opportunities by posting full and part-time job listings as well as volunteer opportunities on its web pages.   Students are encouraged to contact the companies direct.   If there are questions, students may call 931-393-1719 or 931-393-1612.

Students who need assistance in résumé preparation, interviewing techniques, and job-seeking strategies may contact us for guidance.  This unit also coordinates Career Fairs and industry awareness days for students pursuing employment.  Students and graduates who wish to take advantage of these services should call 931-393-1548.

The Career Planning is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and is located in the Crouch Center. 

STUDENT HEALTH AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE

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

EMERGENCY MESSAGE SERVICES

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

TESTING SERVICES

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

AMERICAN COLLEGE TESTING PROGRAM (ACT)

Motlow State Community College serves as a residual test center of the American College Testing Program (ACT). Tests are given during the semester, prior to registration and monthly during the summer. Applications, a listing of scheduled testing dates, and the test fee, are available from the Testing Office. Please see the Motlow website for more information: http://www.mscc.edu/testing/act.aspx  A general interest course entitled “ACT Test Preparation” is scheduled fall and spring semesters. Information concerning this course may be obtained from the Office of Workforce Development and Extended Service.

COLLEGE LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM (CLEP)

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) gives students the opportunity to obtain college credit by examination. CLEP is computer-based and scores are returned immediately after testing. The maximum amount of advanced credit allowed is one-fourth of the total number of credit hours required for graduation. Motlow has been approved as a limited CLEP testing center that administers only subject area tests. There is a fee for each subject test. An additional fee for all CLEP tests is charged for anyone who is not a Motlow student. Students planning to take a CLEP test must create an account and register with College Board and complete the online CLEP registration form for Motlow. http://www.mscc.edu/testing/CLEP.aspx  Further information concerning CLEP is available from the Testing Office. A listing of CLEP subject areas which may be tested at Motlow appears in section entitled “College Level Examination Program Credit.”

GENERAL EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT TEST (GED)

Adults who have not received a high school diploma and wish to apply for a certificate of high school equivalency may take the General Education Development (GED) test. Motlow has been established as an official high school equivalency testing center. The GED test is administered once each month at Motlow. The GED is a computer-based format test. Please go to the Motlow website for more information. http://www.mscc.edu/testing/GED.aspx

High School Equivalency Test (HiSET)

Adults who have not received a high school diploma and wish to apply for a certificate of high school equivalency may take the HiSET (High School Equivalency Test). Please see the Motlow website http://www.mscc.edu/testing/HiSET.aspx to help determine which tests best suits your needs for a High School Equivalency diploma. Persons who feel inadequately prepared to take the HiSET test can obtain assistance from your local service delivery area. Motlow has been established as an official HiSET testing center. The HiSET is available at the Moore county and Smyrna campus on computer-and paper-based format. The paper-based format is administered at the Fayetteville campus and in Winchester.

PRAXIS: Core Academic Skills for Educators Test

Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) Tests

If you wish to take all three computer-delivered Core Academic Skills for Educators exams (5712, 5722, 5732) at the same time, select Core Academic Skills for Educators Combined Test (5751) when registering. Scores will be reported by individual test (5712, 5722, 5732).

Students pursuing the Associate of Science in Teaching degree are required to take the Core Academic Skills for Educators Test during their sophomore year. For registration information visit www.ets.org and click on PRAXIS.

ETS PROFICIENCY PROFILE (Exit Exam)

For information concerning this exam, contact the Testing Office.

BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY MAJOR FIELD TEST

For information concerning this exam, contact the Testing Office.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION MAJOR FIELD TEST

For information concerning this exam, contact the Testing Office.

NURSE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION (HESI)

For information concerning this exam, go online at http://www.mscc.edu/nursing/HESI_entrance_exam.aspx or contact the Testing Office.

STUDENT CENTER FACILITIES

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

BOOKS AND SUPPLIES

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

REFUND POLICY

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

BUY BACK POLICY

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

Bookstore Hours

Please see http://www.bkstr.com/motlowstateccstore/store-info-contact-us for current store hours and information for all campuses.
  

ATHLETICS

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

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

SOCIAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

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

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

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

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

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

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

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

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

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

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

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

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

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

STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS AND OTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

The Tennessee Consortium for International Studies (TnCIS) represents a group of TBR colleges and universities (including Motlow College) devoted to making international education and cultural understanding a central goal of higher education throughout the state of Tennessee. TnCIS sponsors an annual conference on international education and provides summer study abroad opportunities in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America for students of member institutions. For more information about the programs offered and application procedures, please visit the TnCIS website.  http://www.tncis.org/

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. PREAMBLE

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

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

2. STUDENT RIGHTS
    
   1. Freedom of Access to Higher Education
      
      Motlow State Community College is open to all students who are qualified according to its admissions standards.
       
   2. Evaluation in the Classroom
      
      Students are free to pursue their educational goals. Appropriate opportunities for learning in the classroom and on the campus are provided by the college. Student performance will be evaluated solely on an academic basis, not on opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards.
       
   3. Protection of Freedom of Expression
      
      Students are free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study in which they are enrolled.
       
   4. Protection against Improper Academic Evaluation
      
      Students have protection through orderly procedures against prejudiced or capricious academic evaluation. At the same time, they are responsible for maintaining standards of academic performance established for each course in which they are enrolled.
       
   5. Protection against Improper Disclosure
      
      The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 provides safeguards regarding the confidentiality of and access to student records and this Act is adhered to by the college.

PRIVACY RIGHTS OF STUDENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 CLASS ATTENDANCE

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

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

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

STUDENT COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

Motlow College strives to provide the best instructional atmosphere and level of service to all students. At times, however, students may have an issue, concern or complaint regarding their educational experience. In such cases, the College strives to resolve issues as quickly as possible and at the level closest to the issue.

Students should follow the procedures listed below to resolve their concerns or complaints for matters not involving grade appeals or disciplinary matters. The process for grade appeals and all disciplinary matters are described in the MSCC Catalog in the Academic Affairs section of the catalog.

Informal Resolution

The first step a student should take in resolving a concern or complaint is to directly address the faculty member or staff member in question.  There may be some cases in which a student might feel uncomfortable directly addressing the faculty or staff member.  If this is the case, the student should speak to the academic department head in the case of a faculty member, or to the supervisor in the case of a staff member.  If there is no resolution at that level, the student may file a formal, written complaint.

Formal Resolution

Students who have attempted to resolve their complaints informally and need further resolution may file a formal complaint. Students should fully complete and submit the electronic student complaint form [available via your MyMotlow account].  This form will be submitted to the appropriate assistant vice president or administrator over the unit in question.  An investigation will be conducted within 10 working days of receiving the complaint.  A decision, as a result of the investigation, will be communicated to the student no more than 30 working days of receiving the complaint.  A written appeal may be filed within five (5) days of the decision to the appropriate Vice President over the unit in question.  The Vice President will communicate his/her decision on the appeal within 10 working days.  The decision of the Vice President is final.

COMPLAINTS CONCERNING ACCREDITATION OR VIOLATIONS OF STATE LAW

Students or prospective students who wish to file a complaint related to accreditation or regarding violations of state law not resolved at the institution may submit a Student Complaint Form to the Tennessee Board of Regents at 1415 Murfreesboro Road, Suite 340, Nashville Tennessee 37217, or by going on line and filling out the form electronically at http://www.tbr.edu/GenericForm.aspx?ekfrm=7529. Under Tennessee’s open records law, all or parts of complaints will generally be available for review upon request from a member of the public.

Complaints regarding accreditation can also be made by contacting the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, telephone: 404-679-4500 (www.sacscoc.org).

Complaints of fraud, waste or abuse may be made by email at reportfraud@tbr.edu or by calling the Tennessee Comptroller’s Hotline for Fraud, Waste and Abuse at 1-800-232-5454.

MINORS ON CAMPUS

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

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

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

ACCEPTABLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

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

This section serves as an introduction and condensed version of MSCC Policy 1:08:00:00 to the issues and responsibilities of legitimate use, information security, and privacy that arise in the use of computers, software, and electronic information. The responsibilities noted in this section strive to balance the individual’s ability to benefit fully from these resources and the college’s responsibility to maintain a secure and reasonably allocated computing, information technology, and networked environment.

THE COLLEGE’S RESPONSIBILITIES

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

1. To establish and support reasonable standards of security for electronic information that college members produce, use, or distribute, and to ensure the privacy and accuracy of administrative information that the college maintains;

2. To protect college computers, networks, and information from destruction, tampering, and unauthorized inspection and use;

3. To ensure that information technology resources are used to support activities connected with instruction and administration;

4. To delineate the limits of privacy that can be expected in the use of networked computer resources and to preserve freedom of expression over this medium without countenancing abuse or unlawful activities;

5. To ensure that college computer systems do not lose important information because of hardware, software, or administrative failures or breakdowns (To achieve this objective, authorized systems or technical managers may occasionally need to examine the contents of particular files to diagnose or solve problems.);

6. To communicate college policies and individuals’ responsibilities systematically and regularly in a variety of formats to all parts of the college community;

7. To monitor policies and propose changes in policy as events or technology warrant;

8. To manage computing resources so that members of the college community benefit equitably from their use (To achieve this, authorized staff may occasionally need to restrict inequitable use of shared systems or the network. For example, the college reserves the right to require users to refrain from using any program that is unduly resource-intensive.);

9. To enforce policies by restricting access in case of serious violations. (For example, in appropriate circumstances, the Director of Information Technology and Telecommunication Services or the Director of the Center for Information Systems may find it necessary to lock a user’s account. In such circumstances, if a student’s account is involved, the student must meet with the Vice President for Student Affairs before his/her account can be accessed again.)

THE INDIVIDUAL’S RESPONSIBILITIES

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

1. To respect the right of others to be free from harassment or intimidation to the same extent that this right is recognized in the use of other communication media;

2. To respect copyright and other intellectual property rights (Unauthorized copying of files or passwords belonging to others or to the college may constitute plagiarism or theft. Modifying files without authorization (including altering information, introducing viruses or “Trojan horses,” or damaging files) is unethical, may be illegal, and may lead to sanctions);

3. To maintain secure passwords; users should establish appropriate passwords, change them occasionally, and not share them with others;

4. To use resources efficiently and to accept limitations or restrictions on computing resources–such as storage space, time limits, or amount of resources consumed–when asked to do so by system administrators (Additionally, students must receive specific permission from the Director of Information Technology and Telecommunications Services or the Director of the Center for Information Systems prior to loading any software on any computer owned by MSCC);

5. To recognize the limitations to privacy afforded by electronic services (Users have a right to expect that what they create, store, and send will be seen only by those to whom permission is given. Users must know, however, that the security of electronic files on shared systems and networks is not inviolable – most people respect the security and privacy protocols, but a determined person can breach them. Users must also know that systems or technical managers, as part of their responsibilities, may occasionally need to diagnose or solve problems by examining the contents of particular files);

6. To learn to use software and information correctly (Users should maintain and archive backup copies of important work. Users are responsible for backing up their own files.);

7. To abide by security restrictions on all systems and information to which access is permitted (Users should not attempt to evade, disable, or “crack” passwords of other security provisions; these activities threaten the work of others and are grounds for immediate suspension or termination of privileges and possible further sanctions.).

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

SANCTIONS

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

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

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

CONCLUSION

To obtain more information about individual responsibilities, users should contact the Director of Information Technology and Telecommunication Services, Marcum Technology Center, 931-393-1583.
 

INSTITUTION POLICY STATEMENT

1. Students enrolled in post-secondary educational institutions are citizens of their civic communities as well as the academic community.  As such they are expected to conduct themselves as law-abiding members of each community at all times. Admission to an institution of post-secondary education carries with it special privileges and imposes special responsibilities apart from those rights and duties enjoyed by non-students. In recognition of the special relationship that exists between Motlow College and the academic community which it seeks to serve, the Tennessee Board of Regents (“TBR” or “The Board”) has authorized the President of the College to take such action as may be necessary to maintain campus conditions and preserve the integrity of the institution and its educational environment.
    
2. Pursuant to this authorization and in fulfillment of its duties to provide a secure and stimulating atmosphere in which individual and academic pursuits may flourish, the College has developed the following policies, which are intended to govern student conduct on the several campuses under its jurisdiction.  In addition, students are subject to all federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.  If a student’s violation of such laws or ordinances also adversely affects the institution’s pursuit of its educational objectives, the institutions may enforce their own regulations regardless of the status or outcome of any external proceedings instituted by civil or criminal authorities.
    
3. For the purpose of these regulations, a “student” shall mean any person who is admitted and/or registered for study at Motlow College for any academic period.  This shall include any period of time following admission and/or registration, but preceding the start of classes for any academic period.  It will also include any period which follows the end of an academic period through the last day for registration for the succeeding academic period, and during any period while the student is under suspension from the institution.  Finally, “student” shall also include any person subject to a period of suspension or removal from campus as a sanction which results from a finding of a violation of the regulations governing student conduct.  Students are responsible for compliance with the Rules of Student Conduct and with similar institutional policies at all times. 
    
4. Disciplinary action may be taken against a student for violation of the regulations which occur on institutionally owned, leased or otherwise controlled property, while participating in international or distance learning programs, and off campus, when the conduct impairs, interferes with, or obstructs any institutional activity of the mission, processes, and functions of the institution.  The College may enforce its own or TBR regulations regardless of the status or outcome of any external proceedings instituted in any other forum, including any civil or criminal proceeding.
    
5. These policies, and related material incorporated herein by reference, are applicable to student organizations as well as individual students. Student organizations are subject to discipline for the conduct and actions of individual members of the organization while acting in their capacity as a member of, or while attending or participating in any activity of, the organization.
6. Confidentiality of Discipline Process.  Subject to the exceptions provided pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. 1232g and/or the Tennessee Open Records Act, T.C.A.§10-7-504(a)(4), a student’s disciplinary files are considered “educational records” and are confidential within the meaning of those Acts.
   
   This policy is promulgated pursuant to, and in compliance with, TBR Rule 0240-02-03-.01, Institution Policy Statement.  To the extent that a conflict exists between this policy and TBR rule, policy and/or applicable law(s), the TBR rule, policy and/or law will control.  History – Adopted by TBR: 12/8/11.  Effective: 1/29/12.

DISCIPLINARY OFFENSES

1. Institutional disciplinary measures shall be imposed, through appropriate due process procedures, for conduct which adversely affects the institution’s pursuit of its educational objectives, which violates or shows a disregard for the rights of other members of the academic community, or which endangers property or persons on property owned or controlled by the College.
    
2. Motlow College adopts the following non-exclusive list of offenses for which both individuals and student organizations may be subject to disciplinary action.

1. Conduct dangerous to Self or Others. Any conduct, or attempted conduct, which constitutes a danger to any person’s health, safety, or personal well-being, including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Physical and/ or verbal abuse,
2. Threats and/or intimidation,
3. Harm inflicted on self;

2. Hazing.  Hazing, as defined in T.C.A. § 49-7-123(a)(1), means any intentional or reckless act, on or off the property, of any higher education institution by an individual acting alone, or with others, which is directed against any other person(s) that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that person(s), or which induces or coerces a person(s) to endanger such person(s) mental or physical health or safety.  Hazing does not include customary athletic events or similar contests or competitions, and is limited to those actions taken and situations created in connection with initiation into or affiliation with any organization;

3. Disorderly Conduct. Any individual or group behavior which is abusive, obscene, lewd, indecent, violent, excessively noisy, disorderly, or which unreasonably disturbs institutional functions, operations, classrooms, other groups or individuals;
    
4. Obstruction of or Interference with institutional activities or facilities. Any intentional interference with or obstruction of any institutional, program, event, or facility (including computer facilities), including the following:

1. Any unauthorized occupancy of facilities owned or controlled by an institution or blockage of access to or from such facilities,
2.  Interference with the right of any institution member or other authorized person to gain access to any activity, program, event or facilities sponsored or controlled by an institution,
3. Any obstruction or delay of a campus security officer, public safety officer, police officer, firefighter, EMT, or any official of the institution, or failure to comply with any emergency directive issued by such person in the performance of his or her duty;

5. Misuse of or Damage to Property.  Any act of misuse, vandalism, malicious or unwarranted damage or destruction, defacing, disfiguring or unauthorized use of property belonging to another including, but not limited to, any personal property, fire alarms, fire equipment, elevators, telephones, institution keys, library materials, computer equipment, and/or safety devices; and any such act against property belonging to a member of the institution community or a guest of the institution;
    
6. Theft, Misappropriation, or Unauthorized Sale of Property.  Any act of theft, misappropriation, or unauthorized possession or sale of institution property or any such act against a member of the institution community or a guest of the institution;
    
7. Misuse of Documents or Identification Cards.  Any forgery, alteration of or unauthorized use of institutional documents, forms, records or identification cards, including the giving of any false information or withholding of necessary information, in connection with a student’s admission, enrollment or status in the institution;
    
8. Firearms and Other Dangerous Weapons.  Any possession of or use of firearms, dangerous weapons of any kind, or replica/toy guns, e.g. BB guns, pellet guns, paintball guns, water guns, cap guns, toy knives or other items that simulate firearms or dangerous weapons;
    
9. Explosives, Fireworks, and Flammable Materials. The unauthorized possession, ignition or detonation of any object or article which could cause damage by fire or other means to persons or property or possession of any substance which could be considered to be and used as fireworks; on the college campus or property owned or controlled by the institution; at an institution-sponsored event; or on property owned or controlled by an affiliated clinical site;
    
10. Alcoholic Beverages.  The use and/or possession, distribution, sale or manufacture of alcoholic beverages or public intoxication on property owned or controlled by the institution (Motlow College) or controlled by an affiliated clinical site is prohibited. This offense includes the violation of any local ordinance, state, or federal law concerning alcoholic beverages, on or off institution owned or controlled property, where an affiliated group or organization has alcoholic beverages present and available for consumption; or in violation of any term of the Motlow Drug-Free Schools and Communities Policy Statement; (Policy No. 3:00:00:00)   Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-146, Motlow College is required to notify a parent of a student under age twenty-one (21) if the student “has committed a disciplinary violation” with respect to the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance that is a violation of any federal, state, or local law, or of any rule or policy of Motlow College, except as prohibited by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  The trigger for notification will be (1) a plea of guilty to the applicable code of conduct violation, or (2) a final finding of guilt pursuant to disciplinary procedures, including completion of an appeal.  The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 is on the website;
     
11.  Drugs.  The unlawful use, possession, distribution, sale or manufacture of any drug or controlled substance (including but not limited to, any stimulant, depressant, narcotic, or hallucinogenic drug or substances or marijuana), being under the influence of any drug or controlled substance, or the misuse of legally prescribed or “over the counter” drugs is prohibited. This offense includes the violation of any local ordinance, state, or federal law concerning the unlawful possession or use of drugs, on property owned or controlled by the institution, at an institution-sponsored event, on property owned or controlled by an affiliated clinical site, or in violation of any term of the Motlow Drug-Free Schools and Communities Policy Statement: (Policy No. 3:00:00:00)   Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-146, Motlow College is required to notify a parent of a student under age twenty-one (21) if the student “has committed a disciplinary violation” with respect to the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance that is a violation of any federal, state, or local law, or of any rule or policy of the institution, except as prohibited by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  The trigger for notification will be (1) a plea of guilty to the applicable code of conduct violation, or (2) a final finding of guilt pursuant to disciplinary procedures, including completion of an appeal.  The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 is on the website;
     
12. Drug Paraphernalia. The use or possession of equipment, products or materials that are used or intended for use in manufacturing, growing, using or distributing any drug or controlled substance. This offense includes the violation of any local ordinance, state, or federal law concerning the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, on or off institution owned or controlled property;
     
13. Public Intoxication.  Appearing on institution owned or controlled property or at an institutional sponsored event while under the influence of a controlled substance or of any other intoxicating substance;
     
14. Gambling.  Unlawful gambling in any form;
     
15. Financial Irresponsibility.  Failure to meet financial responsibilities to the institution promptly including, but not limited to, knowingly passing a worthless check or money order in payment to the institution;
     
16. Unacceptable Conduct in Disciplinary Proceedings.  Any conduct at any stage of an institutional disciplinary proceeding or investigation that is contemptuous, disrespectful, threatening, or disorderly, including false complaints, testimony or other evidence, and attempts to influence the impartiality of a member of a judicial body, verbal or physical harassment or intimidation of a judicial board member, complainant, respondent or witness;
     
17. Failure to Cooperate with Institutional Officials.  Failure to comply with directions of institutional officials acting in the performance of their duties;
     
18. Violation of General Rules and Regulations.  Any violation of the general rules and regulations of the institution as published in an official institutional publication, including the intentional failure to perform any required action or the intentional performance of any prohibited action;
     
19. Attempts, Aiding and Abetting.  Any attempt to commit any of the offenses listed under this section or the aiding or abetting of the commission of any of the offenses listed under this section (an attempt to commit an offense is defined as the intention to commit the offense coupled with the taking of some action toward its commission).  Being present during the planning or commission of any offense listed under this section will be considered as aiding and abetting.  Students who anticipate or observe an offense must remove themselves from the situation and are required to report the offense to the institution;
     
20. Violations of State or Federal Laws.  Any violation of state or federal laws or regulations proscribing conduct or establishing offenses, which laws and regulations are incorporated herein by reference;
     
21. Violation of Imposed Disciplinary Sanctions.  Intentional or unintentional violation of a disciplinary sanction officially imposed by an institution official or a constituted body of the institution;
     
22. Sexual Misconduct – an offense including acts of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and/or stalking as defined in MSCC Policy 8:05:00:00.  All matters involving allegations of sexual misconduct will be governed by the procedures set for in MSCC Policy 8:05:00:00;
     
23. Harassment or Retaliation. Any act by an individual or group against another person or group in violation of TBR policies, as well as federal and/or state laws prohibiting discrimination, including, but not limited to, MSCC Policy 8:04:00:00, and TBR Guideline P-080;
     
24. Academic Misconduct.  Plagiarism, cheating, fabrication.  For purposes of this section the following definitions apply:

1. Plagiarism.  The adoption or reproduction of ideas, words, statements, images, or works of another person as one’s own without proper attribution,
2. Cheating.  Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or aids in any academic exercise or test/examination.  The term academic exercise includes all forms of work submitted for credit or hours,
3. Fabrication.  Unauthorized falsification or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise.

25. Unauthorized Duplication or Possession of Keys.  Making, causing to be made or the possession of any key for an institutional facility without proper authorization;
     
26. Litter. Dispersing litter in any form onto the grounds or facilities of the campus;
     
27. Pornography.   Public display of literature, films, pictures or other materials which an average person applying contemporary community standards would find, (1) taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest, (2) depicts or describes sexual conduct in a patently offensive way, and (3) taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value;
     
28. Abuse of Computer Resources and Facilities.  Misusing and/or abusing campus computer resources including, but not limited to the following:
    1. Use of another person’s identification to gain access to institutional computer resources,
    2. Use of institutional computer resources and facilities to violate copyright laws, including, but not limited to, the act of unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials using institutional information technology systems,
    3. Unauthorized access to a computer or network file, including but not limited to, altering, using, reading, copying, or deleting the file,
    4. Unauthorized transfer of a computer or network file,
    5. Use of computing resources and facilities to send abusive or obscene correspondence,
    6. Use of computing resources and facilities in a manner that interferes with normal operation of the institutional computing system,
    7. Use of computing resources and facilities to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member, or institutional official,
    8. Violation of any published information technology resources policy,
    9. Unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing;

29. Unauthorized Access to Institutional Facilities and/or Grounds.  Any unauthorized access and/or occupancy of institutional facilities and grounds is prohibited, including, but not limited to, gaining access to facilities and grounds that are closed to the public, being present in areas of campus that are open to limited quests only, being present in academic buildings after hours without permission, and being present in buildings when the student has no legitimate reason to be present;
     
30. Providing False Information.  Giving any false information to, or withholding necessary information from, any institutional official acting in the performance of his/her duties in connection with a student’s admission, enrollment, or status in the institution;
     
31. Unauthorized Surveillance.  Making or causing to be made unauthorized video or photographic images of a person in a location in which that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, without the prior effective consent of the individual, or in the case of a minor, without the prior effective consent of the minor’s parent or guardian.  This includes, but is not limited to, taking video or photographic images in shower/locker rooms, residence hall rooms, and men’s or women’s restrooms and storing, sharing, and/or distributing of such unauthorized images by any means;
     
32. Smoking Violations. Violation of any Motlow College and/or TBR smoking or other tobacco use rules or policies.
     
33. Violations of conduct requirements described in handbooks for specific programs of study.

3. Disciplinary action may be taken against a student for violations of the foregoing regulations which occur at or in association with enrollment at Motlow College for any academic period.  Each student shall be responsible for his/her conduct from the time of application for admission through the actual awarding of a degree including periods prior to or between semesters. Conduct occurring while a student is registered or enrolled at the College, but not discovered until after the awarding of a degree is actionable under these provisions and may result in the retroactive application of a disciplinary sanction. Should a student withdraw from the institution with disciplinary action or academic misconduct action pending, the student’s record may be encumbered by the appropriate institutional office until the proceedings have been concluded.

This policy is promulgated pursuant to, and in compliance with, TBR Rule 0240-02-03-.02, Disciplinary Offenses.  To the extent that a conflict exists between this policy and TBR rule, policy and/or applicable law(s), the TBR rule, policy and/or law will control. History – Adopted by TBR: 12/8/11.  Effective: 1/29/12.

ACADEMIC AND CLASSROOM MISCONDUCT

1. The instructor has the primary responsibility for maintenance of academic integrity and controlling classroom behavior, and can order temporary removal or exclusion from the classroom of any student engaged in disruptive conduct or conduct that violates the general rules and regulations of the institution for each class session during which the conduct occurs. Extended or permanent exclusion from the classroom, beyond the session in which the conduct occurred, or further disciplinary action can be effected only through appropriate procedures of the institution.
    
2. Disruptive behavior in the classroom may be defined as, but not limited to, behavior that obstructs or disrupts the learning environment (e.g., offensive language, harassment of students and professors, repeated outbursts from a student which disrupt the flow of instruction or prevent concentration on the subject taught, failure to cooperate in maintaining classroom decorum, etc.), text messaging, and the continued use of any electronic or other noise or light emitting device which disturbs others (e.g., disturbing noises from beepers, cell phones, palm pilots, laptop computers, games, etc.).
    
3. Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. Students guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly, through participation or assistance, are immediately responsible to the instructor of the class. Based on their professional judgment, instructors have the authority to impose the following academic sanctions: (a) require the student to repeat the assignment for full or partial credit; (b) assign a zero, an F, or any other grade appropriate for the assignment or examination; (c) assign an F for the course. In addition, disciplinary sanctions may be imposed through the regular institutional procedures. When a faculty member discovers an incident of academic misconduct and the student’s grade is lowered or the student is assigned an F in the course, the faculty member will notify the department chair/director.  The chair/director will notify the student in writing within five (5) working days and provide a summary of the details of the incident and the penalty along with an explanation of the student’s right to due process and the college’s appeal process.  The chair/director will also notify the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs.
   1. When a student receives more than one F as a result of academic misconduct, the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs will summon the student and begin proceedings for additional disciplinary actions, subject to the process for disciplinary procedures, outlined in Part 6.
       
   2. A student may not drop or withdraw from a course when he or she is suspected of academic misconduct to avoid a penalty for academic misconduct.
       
   3. Other disciplinary sanctions will be imposed only through the appropriate institutional student disciplinary processes coordinated by the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs.
       
4. Students may appeal a grade assignment associated with a finding of academic misconduct, as distinct from a student disciplinary sanction, through appropriate institutional academic misconduct procedures as defined below:
    
   1.  If the student wishes to appeal a grade as a result of academic misconduct, he or she should submit a written appeal to the appropriate chair/director within five (5) business days of the event.  The appeal should include the identifying the element(s) of concern; justification for appeal; and attachment of any and/or all supporting material.
       
   2. The appropriate chair/director will review the appeal, perform whatever investigation is deemed necessary, discuss the issues with the student, and make a decision.  The chair/director will have ten (10) business days to respond.
       
   3. Should the student after following the above procedure feel that circumstances warrant further appeal, the student may appeal in writing to the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs within five (5) business days of the chair/director’s decision notification. The Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs will review the appeal, perform whatever investigation is deemed necessary, discuss the issues with the student, and make a decision.  The Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs will have ten (10) business days to respond.
       
   4. Should the student after following the above procedure feel that the circumstances warrant further appeal, the student may appeal in writing to the Vice President of Academic Affairs within five (5) business days of the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affair’s decision notification.  The Vice President of  will review the merits of the case, conduct any investigation deemed necessary, and will notify the student, the instructor, and the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs in writing of the response of the appeal within ten (10) business days.  The decision of the Vice President of Academic Affairs is final.
       
5.     Other misconduct described in handbooks for specific programs of study.

This policy is promulgated pursuant to, and in compliance with, TBR Rule 0240-02-03-.03 Academic and Classroom Misconduct. To the extent that a conflict exists between this policy and TBR rule, policy and/or applicable law(s), the TBR rule, policy and/or law will control. History – Adopted by TBR: 12/8/11.  Effective: 1/29/12.

DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS

1. Upon a determination that a student or student organization has violated any of the disciplinary offenses set forth in these regulations, institutional disciplinary policies, or the general policies of the College, disciplinary sanctions may be imposed, either singly or in combination, by the College or school officials. 
    
2. Definition of Sanctions:
    
   1. Restitution.  Restitution may be required in situations which involve destruction, damage, or loss of property, or unreimbursed medical expenses resulting from physical injury.  When restitution is required, the student or student organization is obligated by the appropriate judicial authority to compensate a party or parties for a loss suffered as a result of disciplinary violation(s). Any such payment in restitution shall be limited to actual cost of repair, replacement or financial loss;
       
   2. Warning.  The appropriate institutional official may notify the student or student organization that continuation or repetition of specified conduct may be cause for other disciplinary action;
       
   3. Reprimand.  A written or verbal reprimand or censure may be given to any student or student organization whose conduct violates any part of these Regulations and provides notice that any further violation(s) may result in more serious penalties;
       
   4. Service to the Institution or Community.  A student, or student organization, may be required to donate a specified number of service hours to the institution performing reasonable tasks for an appropriate institution office, official(s), or the local community.  The service required shall be commensurate to the offense (e.g., service for maintenance staff for defacing institutional property);
       
   5. Specified Educational/Counseling Program.  A student or student organization may be required to participate in specified educational or counseling program(s) relevant to the offense, or to prepare a project or report concerning a relevant topic; 
       
   6. Apology.  A student or student organization may be required to apologize to an affected party, either verbally or in writing, for the behavior related to a disciplinary offense;
       
   7. Fines.  Penalties in the form of fines may be imposed against a student or student organization whenever the appropriate institutional authority deems appropriate.  The sanction of fines may be imposed in addition to other forms of disciplinary sanctions. Failure to pay fines may result in further disciplinary action;
       
   8. Restriction.  A restriction upon a student’s or student organization’s privileges for a period of time may be imposed. This restriction may include, for example, denial of the ability to represent the institution at any event, ability to participate in institution or TBR sponsored travel, use of facilities, parking privileges,  participation in extracurricular activities, or restriction of organizational privileges;
       
   9. Probation.  Continued enrollment of a student or recognition of a student organization on probation may be conditioned upon adherence to these regulations. Any student or organization placed on probation will be notified in writing of the terms and length of the probation. Probation may include restrictions upon extracurricular activities, or any other appropriate special condition(s).  Any conduct in further violation of these regulations while on probationary status or the failure to comply with the terms of the probationary period may result in the imposition of further disciplinary action;
       
   10. Suspension.  Suspension is the separation of a student or student organization from the institution for a specified period of time. Suspension may be accompanied by special conditions for readmission or recognition;
        
   11. Expulsion.  Expulsion entails a permanent separation from the institution. The imposition of this sanction is a permanent bar to the student’s admission, or a student organization’s recognition to the institution. A student or organization that has been expelled may not enter institution property or facilities without obtaining prior approval from an appropriate campus official with knowledge of the expulsion directive;
        
   12. Revocation of Admission, Degree, or Credential;
        
   13. Interim Suspension.  As a general rule, the status of a student or student organization accused of violation of these regulations should not be altered until a final determination has been made in regard to the charges. However, interim suspension, pending the completion of disciplinary procedures, may be imposed upon a finding by the appropriate institutional official that the continued presence of the accused on campus constitutes an immediate threat to the physical safety and well-being of the accused, any other member of the institution its guests, property, or substantial disruption of classroom or other campus activities. In any case of  interim suspension, the student, or student organization shall be given an opportunity at the time of the decision, or as soon thereafter as reasonably possible, to contest the suspension;
        
   14. Any alternate sanction deemed necessary and appropriate to address the misconduct.
        
3. The President of the College is authorized, at his or her discretion, to intervene in order to negotiate a mutually acceptable resolution to any disciplinary proceeding, or, subsequently, to convert any sanction imposed to a lesser sanction, or to rescind any previous sanction, in appropriate cases.

This policy is promulgated pursuant to, and in compliance with, TBR Rule 0240-02-03-.04 Disciplinary Sanctions.  To the extent that a conflict exists between this policy and TBR rule, policy and/or applicable law(s), the TBR rule, policy and/or law will control. History – Adopted by TBR: 12/8/11.  Effective: 1/29/12.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION, TRAFFIC AND PARKING

1. General:  Motlow College policy provides traffic and parking regulations applicable for all MSCC campuses.  The purpose of this policy is to facilitate the orderly and efficient flow of traffic on all campuses, to provide a safe atmosphere for both pedestrians and motor vehicle operators, and to provide order with regard to parking within limited space. These policies are published annually, and as appropriate, through signage, handbooks and the website.  
    
2. Registration of automobiles/permits/decals:  Motlow College requires the registration of vehicles and/or the issuance of decals/permits on campus for the purpose of effective enforcement of campus traffic and/or parking regulations.
    
   1. Any student, faculty member, or staff member who expects to operate and park a privately owned vehicle on campus must register the vehicle with the Business Office and obtain an official registration hangtag.  It is the individual’s responsibility to ensure that the hangtag is properly used and displayed and to ensure that rules and regulations relative to operating a vehicle on College property are obeyed, regardless as to whom the vehicle is registered.
       
   2. Hangtags are valid from August 1 through July 31 of the following year. If needed, students may obtain additional hangtags at the Business Office.
       
   3. In an extreme emergency when a non-registered vehicle is necessary for a limited time, including a single day, the student must secure a temporary parking permit in order to not be subject to a charge for parking violation.
       
   4. Visitor and temporary parking permits may be obtained from the Office of Student Affairs in 2004 Crouch Center. 
       
3. Parking:  Motlow College has designated parking zones for faculty, staff, students, visitors, and appropriate groups. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors should park only in the appropriately designated areas.  The designated areas are identified by appropriate signage. 
    
   1. Vehicles are not to be parked at any time in loading areas, in parking area entrances or so as to block roadways, fire lanes or the movement of any other vehicle, on sidewalks or in places with signs indicating parking restrictions.
       
   2. Disability Parking Procedures. Designated parking areas are provided for anyone with a state issued or Motlow issued disability placard/tag.  A special parking hangtag for students with disabilities is available from the Office of Disability Services upon the recommendation of a physician or based on an evaluation of the disability by the Director of Disability Services.
       
4. Traffic: All State of Tennessee motor vehicle laws are applicable on all MSCC sites 24 hours a day.
    
   1.   Vehicles must yield right-of-way to all emergency vehicles by pulling over and coming to a complete stop.
       
   2.   Pedestrians have the right-of-way.  Motorists must yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians.
       
   3.   All vehicles must come to a complete stop at intersections where stop signs are located, painted on streets, or mounted on posts.
      
       
5. Fines/Penalties:  The first and second parking violation, during each academic year, except disabled parking violations, will result in a $10.00 charge for each violation. The charge for each regular violation thereafter will be $20.00 and a warning of disciplinary action.
    
   1. The fine for parking violations in areas designated for individuals with disabilities is established by statute T.C.A. § 55-21-108 and will be adjusted as required to remain in compliance with state law.
       
   2. Failure to resolve parking violations by payment in the Business Office or by appeal will result in an official hold being placed on all student records. Students, therefore, will neither be able to receive their grades for the current semester nor register for subsequent semesters.
       
6. Appeals:  Any student may appeal his or her notice of a vehicle registration/parking violation to the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs. Appeals must be made within one (1) week of the time of the citation for the violation. Ignorance of parking regulations will not be considered as a reason for appeal. The decision of the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs is final.

This policy is promulgated pursuant to, and in compliance with, TBR Rule 0240-02-03-.05 Traffic and Parking.  To the extent that a conflict exists between this policy and TBR rule, policy and/or applicable law(s), the TBR rule, policy and/or law will control. History – Adopted by TBR: 12/8/11.  Effective: 1/29/12.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

1. General:  Motlow College, in the implementation of TBR regulations pertaining to discipline and conduct of students, shall insure the constitutional rights of students by affording a system of constitutionally and legally sound procedures which provide the protection of due process of law.  In furtherance of this mandate, Motlow College hereby adopts policies setting forth the disciplinary procedures for the college. All disciplinary procedures shall be affirmatively communicated to the faculty, staff, and students at the institution as well as published in appropriate handbooks, manuals, and on the website.
    
2. Tennessee Uniform Administrative Procedures Act (TUAPA): All cases which may result in (a) suspension or expulsion of a student or student organization, from the institution, for disciplinary reasons, or (b) revocation of registration of a student organization, are subject to the contested case provisions of the Tennessee Uniform Administrative Procedures Act (TUAPA), T.C.A. § 4-5-101 et seq., and shall be processed in accord with the Uniform Contested Case procedures adopted by the Board of Regents unless the student or organization, after receiving written notice, waives those procedures and elects to have the case disposed of in accord with institutional procedures or waives all rights to contest the case under any procedure.  http://www.tbr.edu/policies/default.aspx?id=4886
    
3. Institutional Procedures: For matters not subject to the requirements of TUAPA or if a student waives TUAPA procedures, Motlow College establishes multiple methods for hearing and for the resolution of disciplinary matters. Any student accused of a disciplinary offense or academic misconduct imposed through disciplinary sanctions will be afforded an opportunity to contest the charge through procedures initiated by and coordinated with the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs. The student must elect, in writing, (1) disposition by the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs or (2) Institutional hearing before the Student Affairs Committee.  If a student, absent good cause, fails to return the election of procedure within a three (3) day period, the student will be deemed to have waived his/her right to the processes described above and the College may proceed as it deems, in its sole discretion, appropriate in the circumstances.
    
   1. Disposition by the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs. A student may request, in writing, that the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs adjudicates the case, thereby waiving his/her rights to due process. If a student elects to have disposition by the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs, the following procedures shall apply:
       
      1. The Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs shall notify the student within three (3) working days, in writing, of the alleged charges against him or her and proceed to initiate an investigation.
          
      2. The investigation of the case shall include interviews with all relevant parties (accused, accuser, and possible witnesses, etc.).
          
      3. The Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs shall review the evidence, make a determination of innocence or guilt, and decide upon a proper disciplinary sanction within ten (10) working days.
          
      4. The accused student and the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs shall meet to discuss the Assistant Vice President’s findings and recommended disciplinary sanction. The findings shall cite specific disciplinary offenses and specific sanctions as described in these regulations. The decision of the Assistant Vice President is final.
          
   2. Institutional hearing before the Student Affairs Committee.  A student accused of violating an offense   may choose to have the case heard by the Student Affairs Committee.  The committee, appointed by the President, is comprised of four faculty members, two student members and the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs serves as ex-officio.  The appointment of faculty members shall be reviewed annually; reappointment can occur.  The student members are selected annually.
       
   3.   If a student elects to have a hearing by the Student Affairs Committee, the following procedures shall apply:
      1. The Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs shall notify the student within three (3) working days, in writing, of the alleged charges and initiate an investigation.
          
      2. At the conclusion of the investigation, the accused student shall be informed in writing of the date, time and place of the hearing not less than ten (10) days prior to the day of the hearing. The student may attend the hearing to present his or her case. However, the student’s absence, absent good cause, will not hinder the Student Affairs Committee from meeting and rendering a decision.
          
      3. The Chairperson of the Student Affairs Committee shall preside at the hearing.
          
      4. The Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs shall present the results of the investigation and when appropriate make a recommendation to the Committee. Witnesses and/or statements from witnesses may be entered as evidence.
          
      5. The accused shall have an opportunity to present his/her case in exercising any of the rights cited in Due Process for Institutional Hearing provisions of this policy.
          
      6. Members of the Committee shall have an opportunity to ask questions.
          
      7. After all evidence, presentations and examinations of witnesses, the Committee shall retire to discuss the case and render a decision. 
          
      8. Within a reasonable time, or three (3) working days, after the committee has rendered a decision, the presiding officer of the hearing will communicate the decision to all parties.
          
      9. The student shall be advised of his or her right to appeal the decision of the Student Affairs Committee. The student will provide in writing to the Vice President of Student Affairs, within three (3) working days, notification to appeal. Failure to timely file the appeal shall constitute a waiver of any right to appeal. The Vice President of Student Affairs will render a final decision within ten (10) working days.
          
4. Due Process for Institutional Hearings: The following process applies to institutional hearings before the Student Affairs Committee at Motlow College.
    
   1. The Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs shall notify the student within a three (3) day period, in writing, of the alleged charges and initiate an investigation.
       
   2. At the conclusion of the investigation, the accused student will be informed in writing of the date, time and place of the hearing not less than ten (10) days prior to the day of the hearing.
       
   3. The student shall be advised of the following rights applicable at the hearing:
       
      1. The right to present his or her case,
          
      2. The right to be accompanied by an advisor.  The adviser’s participation shall be limited, however, to advising the student and shall not include representing the student,
          
      3. The right to call witnesses on his or her behalf,
          
      4. The right to confront witnesses against him or her, and
          
      5. The student shall be advised of the method and time limitations for appeal if any is applicable.

Students subject to any disciplinary sanction are entitled to a due process hearing unless that right is waived by the student after receiving written notice of the available procedure.

5. Interim Suspension Hearings: Hearings conducted with regard to interim suspensions imposed pending the outcome of a disciplinary investigation or proceeding shall be conducted consistent with the due process for institutional hearings, taking into account the need for a timely hearing.  The evidence presented at the hearing shall be limited to that which is relevant to the basis asserted from imposition of the interim suspension.
    
6. Alternative Resolution Procedures: Motlow College is authorized to establish alternative or multiple methods/bodies for hearings and/or for the resolution of disciplinary matters, with the consent of all relevant parties.  Alternative resolution methods may include, but are not limited to, mediation, diversion programs, and/or negotiated resolutions.
    
7. The President of the College is authorized, at his or her discretion, to intervene in order to negotiate a mutually acceptable resolution to any disciplinary proceeding, or, subsequently, to convert any finding or sanction imposed to a lesser finding or sanction, or to rescind any previous finding or sanction, in appropriate cases.

This policy is promulgated pursuant to, and in compliance with, TBR Rule 0240-02-03-.06 Disciplinary Procedures and due Process. To the extent that a conflict exists between this policy and TBR rule, policy and/or applicable law(s), the TBR rule, policy and/or law will control. History – Adopted by TBR: 12/8/11.  Effective: 1/29/12.

DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY AND PROCEDURES

1. General Policy
   
   It is the intent of Motlow State Community College that no individual shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age (as applicable), status as a covered veteran, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal or state civil rights law. In promulgating this policy statement it is the College’s intent to fully comply with Executive Order 11246, as amended; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974, as amended; the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, §485(f) of the HEA, as amended by §304 of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, the regulations implementing these Acts found at 34 CFR §668.41, §668.46, and Appendix A to Subpart D of Part 668; and Sections 799A and 845 of the Public Health Service Act and Regulations issued pursuant thereto found at 45 CFR Parts 83 and 86, as well as all applicable state statutes and all regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.
   
   The purpose of this policy is to supplement Tennessee Board of Regents Policies, 8:01:00:00; Prohibition Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct, 8:02:00:00; Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment or Sexual Misconduct, 8:03:00:00; Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment; 2:02:10:01  Sex Discrimination; Sexual Harassment or Sexual Misconduct; 5:01:02:00  Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action, and TBR Guidelines P-080 Discrimination Harassment Complaint Investigation Procedure, and G-125 Filing Title VI Complaints.
   
   All students and employees are subject to this policy. Any faculty member, student or staff found to have violated this policy by engaging in behavior constituting discrimination or harassment will be subject to disciplinary action which may include expulsion, termination or other appropriate sanction.
   
   All students and employees are to be knowledgeable of policies and guidelines concerning discrimination and harassment. All students and employees must promptly report to the Title IX/EEO Coordinator, any complaint or conduct which might constitute harassment, whether the information concerning a complaint is received formally or informally. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion, termination or other appropriate sanction.
   
   All students and employees are required to cooperate with investigations of alleged discrimination or harassment unless otherwise provided by law. Failure to cooperate may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. Students are also required to cooperate with these investigations. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion, termination or other appropriate sanction.
   
   Because Motlow College takes its responsibilities in this area seriously, it provides periodic training and education to employees and students regarding conduct that could violate this policy. All employees and students are expected to participate in such education and training. Further, all employees and students are encouraged to engage in reasonable, necessary, and safe bystander intervention to prevent and discourage all types of discrimination and harassment.
    
2. Applicable Policies and Procedures
   
   Complaints of sex discrimination or sexual harassment by or against students, faculty or staff shall be governed by Motlow Policy 8:02:00:00 Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment or Sexual Misconduct, 8:03:00:00 Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment, and 8:04:00:00 Discrimination and Harassment. Complaints of sexual misconduct shall be governed by Motlow Policies 8:02:00:00 Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment or Sexual Misconduct, 8:03:00:00 Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment, and 8:05:00:00 Sexual Misconduct. All other complaints of discrimination shall be governed by Motlow Policies 8:01:00:00 General Prohibition Against Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct, 8:03:00:00 Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment, and 8:04:00:00 Discrimination and Harassment.