General Information

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It is the student’s responsibility to select an educational program of study, plan the academic sequencing of courses, register, and successfully complete program requirements which lead to graduation or transfer to other colleges or universities. The faculty and counselors at Northeast State take pride in assisting students in program planning and course selection. Students are encouraged to seek advice from faculty teaching in the student’s major. Students who are planning to transfer from Northeast State to a senior institution should secure a copy of that institution’s catalog in planning their educational program/courses to be taken at Northeast State Community College.

Northeast State awards the Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Applied Science (AAS), and Associate of Science in Teaching (AST) degrees. An academic or technical certificate may be awarded to a student who completes an approved program of study which is less than that required for an associate degree.

To obtain a degree or certificate, students must satisfactorily complete the general requirements established by the college and specific requirements of each applicable program of study.

Applications for graduation are processed through the Admissions and Records Office. To be eligible for graduation and receive a degree or certificate from Northeast State Community College, the student must:

1. Complete a minimum of 60 college-level semester hours required for the associate degree and/or the appropriate number of hours required for a certificate.
2. Earn at least a GPA of 2.0 (C average in all collegiate level courses.)
3. Fulfill all courses required for the program as outlined in the college catalog, with 21 hours of the last 30 hours towards the degree being completed at Northeast State. A minimum of 30 percent of the total credit hours required for a certificate must be completed at Northeast State. (Students graduating with a degree in ATMAE-accredited programs are required to take a minimum of 12 semester hours of management and/or technical coursework at Northeast State.)
4. Complete and file an Application for Graduation, which is located in the Admissions and Records Office. The application should be completed on or before the deadline found in the college calendar. The college calendar is found in the college catalog and the registration guide. The college requests the graduation application be filed by the 14th day of the term prior to the student’s graduating term. Students who meet this deadline will be notified of their graduation status before the beginning of their graduating term.
5. Resolve all obligations, financial or otherwise, to the college and return all library and college materials.
6. Students are allowed to graduate by meeting the requirements of the catalog under which they first enrolled providing graduation is within six years of initial enrollment. Degree requirements set forth in a catalog shall remain in effect for the duration of the period identified on the cover of this catalog. No guarantee is implied that these requirements will be contained in total or in part in future requirements for the degree.
7. Transfer credits used to satisfy Northeast State’s degree requirements will not be averaged with the student’s grade point average at Northeast State for the purpose of calculating the graduation average.
8. Students may complete requirements for more than one concentration of study within the degree program by successfully completing all course requirements in both concentrations. A separate application for graduation must be submitted for each concentration. No additional diploma will be awarded.
9. Students may also complete requirements for more than one degree. A minimum of 16 credit hours beyond the requirements for the first degree must be completed.
10. Students must complete required competency examinations in specified academic majors. Students may be required to take one or more tests designed to measure general education achievements and achievement in major areas as a prerequisite to graduation for the purpose of evaluation of academic programs. Unless otherwise provided for in an individual program, no minimum score or level of achievement is required for graduation.
11. As part of the graduation requirements, prospective graduates are encouraged to visit the Career Services Office during the last semester to discuss their present and future plans with a professional staff member.
12. Students graduating in the fall, spring, and summer semesters will attend the commencement exercises in May unless special permission is granted by the Admissions and Records office. Students completing degree/certificate requirements at the end of the fall semester will not receive their diplomas until the commencement exercise in May, but their permanent record will be posted as of the semester they graduate. Students completing graduation requirements at the end of the summer semester will receive their diplomas in August. Students who plan to complete requirements for graduation by the end of the summer term may participate in the spring graduation ceremonies. These students must (1) complete the Application for Graduation by the spring deadline as published in the registration guide and; (2) complete the Proficiency Profile and/or major field test, if applicable; and (3) be within nine hours of degree completion.
13. Northeast State has one commencement ceremony per year which is at the end of the spring semester. Therefore, graduation honors are calculated at the end of the fall semester. This average will be included in the graduation program, the graduation ceremony, and all news releases concerning graduation. Learning Support coursework completed does not count toward the calculation of graduation honors.
14. Students who do not graduate during the semester that is indicated on the Application for Graduation will have their application voided and must reapply for graduation during the semester in which they intend to graduate.

Students receiving associate degrees with final cumulative grade point averages of 3.9 to 4.0 will be awarded Summa Cum Laude while those with final cumulative grade point averages of 3.75 to 3.89 will be awarded Magna Cum Laude. Graduates with final cumulative grade point averages of 3.5 to 3.74 will be awarded Cum Laude. Students completing 18 hours of Honors Program courses will have their diplomas notated to reflect completion of the Honors Program. Learning Support grade point averages will not count toward calculation of either semester or graduation honors.

A student enrolled for 12 or more semester hours of credit is classified as full-time. A student enrolled for 11 or fewer semester hours is classified as part-time. A student will be classified as a freshman until 30 hours of credit are earned. When 30 or more hours are earned, a student is classified as a sophomore.

The recommended semester-hour load for the average student is 15 to 16 hours of credit. Any student desiring to take more than 19 semester hours of credit must receive approval prior to registration from their advisor and the Vice President for Academic Affairs or appropriate designee.

1. Classroom Misconduct: The instructor has the primary responsibility for maintenance of academic integrity and controlling classroom behavior, and can order the temporary removal or exclusion from the classroom of any student engaged in disruptive conduct or conduct that violates the general policies 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, lap-top computers, games, etc.). Classroom misconduct includes other conduct prohibited in handbooks for specific programs of study.

3. Academic Misconduct: Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. Students guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly, through participation or assistance, are immediately responsible to the instructor of the class. In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions which may be imposed through the regular institutional disciplinary procedures, the instructor has the authority to:          

(a) Request an Academic Misconduct Hearing of the Student Discipline Committee on the allegation of academic misconduct by contacting the vice president for Student Affairs. 

(1) A student found responsible for academic misconduct by the Student Discipline Committee may be awarded a grade of “F” for the course, assignment, or examination at issue, and is also subject to additional sanctions as outlined in the Northeast State Student Code of Conduct.

(2) The Student Discipline Committee may determine and impose sanctions independently of the vice president for Student Affairs.

(3) The Student Discipline Committee is a standing committee of the College charged to hear evidence, to make findings of fact, and to make decisions based on those facts. The Committee is selected on an annual basis as follows:

(i) Vice President for Student Affairs, Chair (non-voting)

(ii) Academic Dean (1): Appointed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs

(iii) Students (3): Designated by the Vice President for Student Affairs

(iv) Faculty (8):

(I) Faculty (1): Elected by Faculty in the Behavioral and Social Sciences Division

(II) Faculty (1): Elected by Faculty in the Health-Related Professions Division

(III) Faculty (1): Elected by Faculty in the Humanities Division

(IV) Faculty (1): Elected by Faculty in the Mathematics Division

(V) Faculty (1): Elected by Faculty in the Nursing Division

(VI) Faculty (1): Elected by Faculty in the Science Division

(VII) Faculty (2): Elected by Faculty in the Technical Education Division

(v) Vice President for Academic Affairs, (non-voting)  

(b) Summary Academic Discipline: A faculty member who has good cause to believe that a student engaged in academic misconduct in connection with a course taught by the faculty member or an examination proctored by the faculty member, or his or her designee, may choose to exercise Summary Academic Discipline as outlined below:

(1) A student’s grade in the course, or the assignment or examination affected by the alleged academic misconduct may be lowered to any extent, including a grade of “F”.

(2) When a faculty member exercises Summary Academic Discipline, the faculty member will, within five (5) business days of learning of the alleged academic misconduct, notify the student and the vice president for Student Affairs of the action in writing through the Summary Academic Discipline Process to advise the student of his or her right to appeal the Summary Academic Discipline through Student Due Process. To initiate an appeal of the Summary Academic Discipline, the student must contact the vice president for Student Affairs with five (5) business days of receipt of the notification of the summary action. The student appeal will be heard by the Student Discipline Committee within 15 business days of the appeal.

(3) A student who is found responsible for academic misconduct will not be permitted to withdraw from the course to avoid Summary Academic Discipline.

(4) A student who is found responsible for Academic Misconduct may be subject to additional Disciplinary Sanctions imposed through the office of the vice president for Student Affairs.

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.

The printed registration guide contains registration information. Currently enrolled and readmitted students have the opportunity to register first. Procedures specified at the time must be followed during all registrations. No student is officially enrolled until he/she has completed all requirements of enrollment including the payment of fees. Registration after the published date may be permitted for five days in the fall and spring terms. Late registration requires payment of the late fee. No student shall receive credit for a course for which he/she is not properly registered or paid.

A student may not be allowed to register until all admissions requirements have been met.

Withdrawing from the College - Withdrawal is defined as a complete separation from Northeast State for a particular semester. Students withdrawing must complete a withdrawal form and submit it to the Admissions and Records Office. Failure to follow this procedure may result in a grade of “F” being assigned for each course for which the student is registered. Failure to attend class does not constitute a withdrawal. No fee is charged for withdrawals.

Dropping a Class or Classes - A drop is defined as withdrawal from one or more classes for a term but not complete withdrawal from the college. Failure to completely process a drop form or drop a class online may result in the student being assigned a grade of “F.” Failure to attend class does not constitute a drop and will result in a grade of “F.”

Adding Classes - Classes may be added to a student’s schedule on or before the “last day to add” as noted in the college calendar.

Waiver of a Prerequisite - Under special circumstances a prerequisite to a course may be waived by the appropriate academic dean. The waiver is granted only when the student demonstrates a fundamental knowledge of the prerequisite course and his/her progress in the course requiring the prerequisite would not be impeded. The waiver of prerequisite is not to be confused with a course waiver. If the prerequisite waived is a course required in the student’s program, another course must be successfully completed before the associate degree is awarded. No fee is required for a waiver of a prerequisite.

Course Waiver and Substitution - Under special circumstances a course may be waived by the appropriate academic dean (except learning support courses). The waiver is granted when a course deletion or curriculum change necessitates it. A course of equal or greater credit must be taken in lieu of any course waived. Primary consideration must be given to courses from the same discipline as the course waived. No fee is required for a course waiver and substitution.

Students are encouraged to attend the first class meeting of each registered class of the term. Attendance taken on the first class day is used to process students receiving financial aid. Failure to attend each class may delay the receipt of financial aid. Additionally, important information concerning course requirements is distributed at the first class meeting.

Class attendance is considered a contract with obligated appointments. Specific expectations of attendance are included in the course syllabus. Many instructors use attendance as part of student evaluation for the course. Students should inform the instructor in the event of planned absences. Students are advised to meet with instructors to determine steps to make up work in the event of unforeseen absences.

Non-attendance does not constitute a withdrawal from class or from the college. The college has procedures and dates under which drops or withdrawals are permitted. Students should refer to these procedures and dates in this catalog or the term registration guide. Ceasing to attend and not following these procedures will result in a grade of ‘F’ for such class(es).

A grade is awarded in each credit course. The grade is based on the student’s demonstrated proficiency as determined by the faculty member teaching the course. The following grading system is used at Northeast State Community College:

Other markings which may appear on the grade report or transcript:

I - A mark used only for students who cannot complete coursework because of extreme hardship.

IP - A mark meaning In Progress which may be assigned in learning support courses. This is not computed in the overall GPA.

S - A mark assigned which indicates work of acceptable quality. This is not computed in the overall GPA.

N - A mark assigned which indicates work of unacceptable quality. This is not computed in the overall GPA.

W - A mark assigned to indicate withdrawal from a course. This is not computed in the overall GPA.

AU - A mark assigned to indicate an audit in a course. This is not computed in the overall GPA.

Courses graded with “S” or “N” are not computed in the overall grade point average (GPA). Students may take no more than eight (8) hours of coursework where the “S” or “N” grading system is used. The scholastic standing of a student is expressed in terms of quality point ratio. A quality point ratio is the total number of quality points divided by the total number of semester hours attempted less the number of hours repeated. To meet degree requirements, a student must maintain an overall 2.0 grade point average.

The incomplete grade indicates a student was passing the course at the end of the term. Due to extenuating circumstances, the student was unable to complete the course requirements such as a term paper, outside reading assignments, a project or an examination. The assignment of the “I” grade may be awarded after consultation between the student and the instructor. If it is determined that the grade of “I” is appropriate, the instructor will complete the “I” Grade Assignment Form and both the instructor and the student will sign the form. The form then will be forwarded to the appropriate academic dean for approval. Information on the form will include the nature of the work to be completed, the date for the completion, and any special instructions. A copy of the completed form will be forwarded to the Office of Admissions and Records for the student’s file. In every case, the “I” grade must be completed by the end of the next semester not including the summer term. Failure to complete the “I” grade agreement within the agreed time will result in a grade of “F” for the course(s). The “I” grade will not replace a previous grade in the same course. A course with an “I” grade will not count as enrolled hours in a subsequent term. Students who encounter severe difficulties in attending classes or completion of assignments prior to the Last Day to Withdraw should consider a withdrawal from the class and/or term.

When a student believes there are circumstances that warrant the appeal of the final grade received in a course for other than academic misconduct, the student may appeal the grade. The appeal process must begin within 45 days following the last day of the term in which the grade was assigned.

Grounds for Appeal

• Errors of omission. The student contends that a certain test, homework, or class project was submitted but not graded.
• Errors in averaging. The student contends that an error in the mathematical calculations of graded material occurred.
• Errors in course practices. The student contends that there was gross disparity between the course syllabus and the manner in which the course was conducted; in particular, the manner in which the individual student was treated.

Procedures for Appeal

1. The student should consult with the instructor of the class to ensure that no calculation or administrative error has occurred.
2. If no satisfactory agreement is reached with the instructor, the student may submit a written appeal to the appropriate academic dean. The academic dean will investigate the appeal, render a decision and submit a written report of the findings to the student, instructor and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
3. If the appeal is denied by the academic dean, the student may forward the written appeal to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Vice President will review the appeal, render a decision and submit a written report of the findings to the student.
4. If the student is not in agreement with the decision of the Vice President, he or she may request a hearing before the Grade Appeal Subcommittee of the Academic Affairs Committee by submitting a written request to the Vice President for Student Affairs. This subcommittee shall review the appeal to insure that it explains in detail how it is based on one or more of the three allowable grounds. If the subcommittee determines that the appeal has merit for further investigation, a hearing will be scheduled. The subcommittee retains the right to ask questions of each party and to call on such expertise as it deems appropriate to arrive at a decision.
5. The Grade Appeals Subcommittee will forward a recommendation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
6. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will review the subcommittee’s recommendation, issue a written opinion relative to the subcommittee’s report, and forward the opinion to the President.
7. The President’s decision will be final.

For the purpose of increasing mastery in a course when such is necessary for successful performance in a subsequent course or for the purpose of increasing the grade point average, a student may repeat a course provided the grade of C or lower was earned in the course to be repeated. The grade received in the repeated course supersedes all previous grades and will be used to determine the student’s grade point average, academic standing, and requirements toward graduation. The hours attempted for repeating a course are counted only once and credited in the semester in which the course was repeated. Students are permitted to repeat a course twice (three attempts). After three attempts, the grades in the third attempt are used to calculate the grade point average. Students may be permitted to repeat a course in which a grade of B or higher was earned only with the approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. (Financial Aid/Veterans Benefits Note: Students who choose to repeat any courses with a passing grade will not receive financial aid or veterans benefits for those hours.)

Any college-level credit course, except for Regents Online Degree Programs (RODP) may be audited. In cases where a student has previously received credit in a course, approval to repeat the course on an audit basis must be approved by the academic dean and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Learning Support courses may not be audited. Students currently enrolled in nursing courses (NURS 1100, 1200, 2000, 2200, 2400, and/or 2600) may change his/her registration status from enrolled to audit with the dean of Nursing’s permission before or up to the last day to withdraw for the semester. (Financial Aid/Veterans Benefits Note: Students who choose to audit any courses will not receive financial aid or veterans benefits for those hours.)

A student who fails during any term to attain a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) at or above the level indicated below for the hours attempted (inclusive of any Learning Support courses) will be placed on academic probation for the following term:

Academic Dismissal - Students placed on academic probation must meet the following criteria at the end of their next term of enrollment.

1. Attain a cumulative grade point average meeting the minimum retention standards.
2. Attain a 2.0 grade point average for that term.

For students on academic probation, failure to meet one of the above criteria will result in academic dismissal of the student for one term. The summer term does not count as a semester of dismissal.

Students whose cumulative grade point average remains below the minimum retention standard but whose term grade point average continues to be 2.0 or higher will be permitted to re-enroll under probation.

Students who have been academically dismissed may re-enroll following the one term of dismissal. These students are urged to consult with an academic advisor prior to re-enrollment. The summer term does not count as a semester of dismissal.

Appeals - A student who has been academically dismissed from the college may request an appeal through the Admissions Subcommittee of the Academic Affairs Committee. If the student contends there were extenuating circumstances (e.g. errors in his or her transcript, documented medical or psychological problems, court or military duty, etc.) that contributed to the academic dismissal, an appeal for reinstatement may be considered by the committee.

The appeal must be filed with the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. If the Admissions Subcommittee grants the reinstatement, the conditions imposed by the committee will be clearly stated. These conditions may include a reduced course load and regular meetings with an advisor or Student Success Center personnel.

Students who are placed on academic dismissal receive a letter from the Registrar notifying them of their status and of the appeals process.

Transfer Students - Students on academic dismissal from another college or university must clearly designate this information on their application to the college. Falsifying this information may lead to dismissal. Students who wish to transfer to Northeast State may request an appeal through the Office of Admissions and Records. If the appeal is granted, the student will be admitted on probation and must have a GPA of 2.0 during the initial semester or meet the cumulative GPA requirement. While individual courses may transfer to the college and can count towards fulfilling degree requirements, the number of credit hours and quality points do not count towards calculating the GPA for academic probation and dismissal.

Northeast State’s clinical affiliates and industry partners may require criminal background checks and/or drug testing for all students participating in clinical experiences at their respective sites.  Based on the results of these checks, the clinical facility, not Northeast State, will have the sole discretion to determine whether to approve a student to participate in a clinical at their facility.  A clinical affiliate or industry partner’s decision to deny a student a clinical experience at a site or the subsequent removal of a student from a clinical experience at a site based on the results of a criminal background check or drug test may negatively affect a student’s ability to complete academic program requirements.  To obtain specific instructions for completing the criminal background check and/or drug test, please contact the appropriate academic dean for information.

The purpose of the Honors Program is to provide a greater challenge and a richer experience for able and highly motivated students at Northeast State.

The Honors Program is open to first-time, transfer, and returning students. Admittance to the Honors Program as a first-semester freshman requires an ACT composite score of 25 or an SAT combined score of 1140. Students who have completed 12 hours of college-level coursework with a GPA of 3.25 or higher may apply regardless of ACT or SAT scores.

To continue in the Honors Program, the student must maintain a GPA of 3.25 or higher. Attendance at Honors Lyceum events is also expected, and Honors students are highly encouraged to participate in community service activities and to offer service to the college. Honors classes are marked as such on the student’s transcript. Students who complete 12 hours in the Honors Program will be recognized during the college’s Honors Convocation; graduating students who complete 18 hours of Honors coursework at Northeast State will receive a diploma that records completion of the Honors Program.

For more information, contact the Honors Program Coordinator in Room H203 or at 423.354.2596; jbhoneycutt@NortheastState.edu.

Students passing a minimum of 12 semester hours of college-level coursework during the fall or spring semester at Northeast State with a grade point average of 4.0 will be named to the President’s Academic Honors List. Students earning a 3.50-3.99 grade point average will be named to the Vice President’s Academic Honors List.

The Learning Support Program is designed to provide students with the preparation needed for success in college level courses. Placement procedures are designed to ensure that students are enrolled in courses at the appropriate level.

Proper placement in reading, writing, and mathematics is absolutely essential for success in college. Placement is based on a variety of assessment measures; ACT/SAT, COMPASS/ASSET, diagnostic testing, and / or previously earned credit.

A. Assessment - Initial assessment will be required of all students. Institutions will require secondary diagnostic assessment for students who have not met the criteria listed in the table below in order to determine the appropriate learning support.

  Degree Seeking First-time Students

·         Entering students under 21 years of age must present ACT/SAT scores. However, community college students under the age of 21, who have no ACT or SAT scores, and who will not have an opportunity to take either on a national test date before classes begin, will be given COMPASS or ASSET.

·         Entering students 21 years and older who do not have valid ACT/SAT scores must complete the COMPASS or ASSET.

·         Scores used for initial assessment must have been earned within 3 years prior to the first day of the student’s entering term. 

Degree Seeking Transfer Students 

·         Students entering without transferable college-level English composition credit will be assessed in writing.

·         Students entering without transferable college-level English composition credit will be assessed in reading.

·         Students entering without transferable college-level general education mathematics credit will be assessed in mathematics, unless they have completed all math requirements for their program.

 Special Students:  Non-degree Seeking / Certificate Programs

·         Certificate seeking students entering without transferable college-level English composition credit will be assessed prior to enrollment in college-level English or in any course with English composition as a prerequisite. 

·         Certificate seeking students entering without transferable college-level English composition credit will be assessed in reading. 

·         Certificate seeking students without transferable college-level general education mathematics credit will be assessed prior to enrollment in college-level mathematics or in any course with mathematics as a prerequisite.

·         Students who change to degree-seeking status will be assessed under guidelines for degree seeking students.

·         Students desiring to take one or more courses for personal or professional development, will be assessed prior to enrolling in college level courses with learning support English, Reading, or Mathematics prerequisites.

     ACT/SAT Placement
The ACT score is the primary screening tool for determining college level placement for students aged 18-20. Students may present SAT scores in lieu of ACT scores. The tables below outline subscores that require additional placement testing.
 

*Students who place in any two subject areas based on subscores are automatically placed in Learning Strategies as well.

Valid ACT/SAT scores are those earned within three years prior to the first day of a student’s entering term.

D.   Placement by COMPASS and MyMathTest
The COMPASS test is used by Northeast State as the primary means of placement for students with ACT sub-scores below 18 in English or below 19 in Reading and students 21 years or older who do not have college transfer credit in English composition. Students 21 years of age or older who do not have transfer credit in college-level general education mathematics are screened using COMPASS to determine the need for additional testing. COMPASS is a computerized battery of standardized tests covering reading, writing, pre-algebra and algebra skills. Placement is based on statewide standards for the various subject areas. MyMathTest is used to identify placement in mathematics competency areas for students whose ACT, SAT, or COMPASS is below the levels outlined above for college level placement. 

There is a $5.00 testing fee for COMPASS and MyMathTest. This non-refundable fee may be paid in the Business Office or at one of the off-campus sites. Students may go online to www.NortheastState.edu/compass or call 423.323.0211 for testing information or to schedule a test date.

F.     Placement Challenge
Students who believe their placement is not correct and who have not enrolled in the course(s) at Northeast State or any other TBR institution may challenge their placement via the following measures:

1. One retest is allowed for COMPASS English and Reading. A two-week waiting period may be required prior to retesting and students may only retest one time in any subject area.

2.  Students who were placed using MyMathTest may use the MyMathTest Study Plan to study online and request to re-test in selected competency areas. Only one retest is allowed but students may retest in more than one competency area at the time of the retest.

3.  3. Northeast State provides online review materials for all subject areas. Students should avail themselves of this opportunity for review prior to retesting.

4.  For additional information about placement challenge contact the Testing Center or the Director of Learning Support.

Courses for Learning Support
Courses in mathematics, writing, reading, and study skills comprise the Learning Support Program curriculum.

B.  The purpose of these courses is to prepare students for college level work in the respective subject areas. A student could be required to take up to 8 (16 credit hours) of these courses. The courses are not intended for transfer, nor do they satisfy degree-credit requirements for any associate degree or academic/ technical certificate program. Course descriptions and credit hours are included in the course description section of the catalog under the subject areas. (Federal Financial Aid will cover the cost of learning support courses.)

C.    Counseling Services
Academic and career counseling is available through the Student Success Center.

D.    Advisement
Advisement of Learning Support students is under the direction of the Learning Support director in accordance with the academic divisions. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor in his/her selected area of study. Students are monitored by faculty advisors as they complete Learning Support courses and make the transition into college-level courses.

E.    Tutorial Instruction and Learning Labs
Tutorial assistance is available for students in the Learning Support program in The Learning Center. Additionally, students may qualify for tutoring via Student Support Services or other services on campus. Learning labs in mathematics and reading provide software and personnel to assist students in their progression through their coursework. Writing classes are offered in computer-equipped classrooms to facilitate the development of the writing process.

The Director of Learning Support is charged with the administration and oversight of the Learning Support Program. Academic deans work with the Director in making decisions regarding courses, advisement, and other program elements.

Completion of Learning Support requirements at any TBR institution will be honored at all TBR institutions regardless of credit hours assigned to individual courses. Equivalent courses completed at non-TBR institutions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Students whose placement assessment indicates a need for learning support courses should complete these courses during the initial terms of enrollment.

Successful completion of Learning Support competencies is required for progression to the next higher level. In Leaning Support courses a grade of C or higher is required for successful completion.

Because withdrawal from Learning Support courses delays completion of the student’s intended program of study, withdrawal is discouraged except in serious circumstances such as death in the family, accident or long-term illness.

Grades to be assigned in Learning Support courses are A, B, C, F, I (incomplete), and W (withdrawal). (There is no D grade assigned for Learning Support courses.) Learning Support courses may not be audited.

The purpose of Computer Services at Northeast State is to establish organization, procedures, and processes linking computing services to the overall goals and purposes of the institution. The department provides services and assistance to students, faculty, and staff for the purpose of improving efficiency and effectiveness of job performance and student achievement. Computer Services also provides assistance and information for academic areas relating to innovations in computing as well as a research source for students and faculty in the discovery, utilization, and assessment of new technologies.

Career Services assists students in the selection of a college major, the development of job search skills such as letter writing, resume preparation, interviewing, employment search methods, and the utilization of the internet in employment searches. Career Services also serves as a liaison between the college and the employers by maintaining information about the availability of employment opportunities, operating an ongoing program to acquaint employers with Northeast State and its academic programs, arranging interviews for current and/or former students, and posting job opportunities in the Career Services Office. For further information please call 423.354.5160.

Cooperative education enables students to gain actual work experience in a chosen field and to receive academic credit and potential monetary compensation for the experience. Educational theories and concepts are exemplified through specific work-related skills, job functions, and on-the-job responsibilities. The work assignment must be closely related to the student’s major field of study as determined by the student’s faculty advisor and appropriate division dean.

Eligibility requirements for participation in the co-op program include: a 2.80 minimum cumulative GPA and the completion of 12 credit hours of core courses in major field of study.

Credit received for cooperative education per semester is: 1 credit for 10 hours work per week; 2 credits for 20 hours work per week; 3 credits for 30 hours work per week; and 4 credits for 40 hours work per week.

The Learning Center, located on the first floor of the Wayne G. Basler Library, provides drop in tutoring and online resources in a wide variety of subject areas. Professional and peer tutors assist students as requested. For information about hours of operation and services provided or to view the tutor schedule visit http://www.northeaststate.edu/TLC/ . The Center can also be reached by calling 423.354.5112.

The Wayne G. Basler Library provides the learning resources and ancillary services in support of the college’s academic programs at all locations. Special emphasis is also placed on providing materials and services to citizens in the college’s service area.

Operating from a state-of-the art facility with 55,000 square feet covering three floors, the Basler Library makes available to students, faculty, staff, and community members a wide variety of materials and services for educational purposes, research and reference interests, career studies, personal enrichment, and recreational reading. In addition to traditional material holdings and seating for approximately 500 people, there are conference rooms, computer labs, a faculty reading room, group study rooms, a distance education/ITV instruction lab, and an art display area. The Library also houses The Learning Center which provides students with tutorial assistance in any of their classes, the Center for Teaching Excellence which provides the support infrastructure for Northeast State’s STEP (Strategies for Teaching Excellence Program) initiative, and Media Services with its multimedia development lab and production studio.

The Basler Library has a fully automated, web-accessible public access catalog and numerous electronic databases for information retrieval. The catalog and databases may be accessed via the Internet through the campus network regardless of location provided the user is a registered borrower in the Basler Library. 

Materials are available in a variety of formats: books, periodicals, DVDs, CDs, microfiche, videotapes, audiotapes, electronic books (eBooks), electronic databases, and the Web. Along with traditional reference and reader’s advisory services, the Library offers bibliographic instruction, interlibrary loan, multimedia equipment, computers, wireless laptops for in-house use, wireless access for personal laptops, and equipment for the visually impaired. A shared library automation system and courier service with area libraries – both academic and public – allow for enhanced access to other resources. For more information call 423.354.2429 or visit www.NortheastState.edu/library.