Academic Affairs - The college organizational unit charged with the development and management of the academic programs including Academic Development and the Library, Behavioral and Social Sciences, Multi-Campus Programs, Health Professions, Honors Programs, Humanities, Mathematics, Science, and Technologies.

Administrative Services - The organizational unit charged with developing and maintaining administrative services for the college. This includes the areas of Academic Computing, Bookstore, Food Services, Grant Development, Information Technology, Plant Operations and Maintenance, Police Department, Printing and Publications, Research, Analytics, and Planning, and Theatre.

Admission - Acceptance of a candidate for enrollment.

Admission to Advanced Standing - Granted on the basis of demonstrated educational attainment beyond the minimum required for admission.

Adult Education - The program equips students with the knowledge necessary to receive the High School Equivalency Diploma. Classes are located in Carter, Greene, Johnson, Sullivan, Washington, Unicoi, Hancock, and Hawkins counties.

Advising Resource Center - The Advising Resource Center provides academic advising, career advising, and transfer advising services to students, manages a variety of outreach programs to promote student success, coordinates the academic advisement component of new student orientation programs, and assists in providing advisor training to faculty and staff.

Advisor, Advisee - The advisor is the individual assigned to help students make determinations concerning their academic program. The student is the advisee.

Alternative Delivery - Technology-based instructional modalities used in presenting course instruction/material via the Internet, Zoom, accelerated course scheduling, or a combination of these instructional modalities.

Articulation Agreement - By matching coursework between institutions, an approved articulation agreement is designed to help students make a smooth transition when transferring between institutions (community college to four-year college or university, technology center to community college, or high school to community college).

Assessment and Placement - Degree-seeking students applying for admission to Northeast State undergo assessment testing in English, reading, and math to ensure that each student is academically prepared to enter his or her chosen field of study. Students are assessed by either the ACT^® or SAT^® test or by the ACCUPLACER^® test.

Associate Degree - A degree awarded upon successful completion of a designated curriculum of at least 60 hours of college-level work.

Behavioral and Social Sciences Division - The purpose of the division of Behavioral and Social Sciences is to provide instruction in criminal justice and criminology, early childhood development, economics, education, geography, physical education, political science, psychology, and sociology. Courses offered by the division are designed to fulfill the general education course requirements in technical education and to prepare students in the university parallel program to transfer to four-year colleges and universities.

Book Voucher - An approved permission to purchase books through an official process designated by financial aid.

Campus Access Fee - A nonrefundable fee charged to all students, faculty, and staff for access to the campus and its facilities.

Career Services - Northeast State’s Career Services Office serves the students and alumni of Northeast State Community College in all aspects of career counseling and professional planning. A dedicated staff is available to assist with resume development, cover letters, interviewing and job search planning. Additionally, the office can assist individuals with clarifying their objectives and establishing career goals which will enable them to fulfill their personal potential. Career Services has a full range of programs and services to help you find and achieve your goals.

Classification - A student’s status (i.e., Advanced Studies, Freshman, Sophomore, Special, and Transient) in respect to progress toward the completion of a curriculum based upon the number of course credit hours attained.

Common Core - Relates to General Education, or a list of courses required in all major concentrations that are selected, offered, and transferable between institutions.

Concentration - At a community college, the student’s primary field of interest. (See Emphasis.)

Continuing Education - Non-credit courses offered for business, professional, or personal development.

Continuing Education Unit - The unit used to record the efforts of students who successfully complete non-credit courses. One CEU is equal to 10 contact hours.

Corequisites - Courses a student must take with another course.

Course - Organized subject matter in which instruction is offered within a given period of time and for which credit toward graduation or certification is usually given.

Course Number - Identifies class level and distinguishes it from other courses in a given area of study. This usually indicates the level of difficulty of a course, e.g., 0700 level courses (Remedial); 0800 level (Developmental); 0900 level (Deficiency); 1000-1999 (Freshman level); 2000-2999 (Sophomore level).

Credit by Exam (Proficiency) Fee - A nonrefundable fee charged to take a faculty-developed examination designed to measure competency in a course.

Credit Hours (Semester Hours) - The number of credits assigned to a course. (Also called semester hours. See also General Information - Credit Hour Definition.)

Curriculum - The whole body of courses offered for study.

Degree (Earned) - Title bestowed as official recognition for the completion of a designated curriculum.

Degree-Seeking Student - One who has fulfilled the admissions requirements and who is pursuing an associate degree program, referred to by some colleges as a regular student.

Department - An academic discipline that offers instruction in a particular branch of knowledge.

Dismissal - Involuntary separation of the student from the college.

Division - An administrative unit comprised of a group of related academic departments.

Drop - Resignation from a class or classes following the procedures outlined in the college catalog.

Dual Enrollment - Concurrent high school and college enrollment; enrolled student earns both high school and college credit.

Economic and Workforce Development - The purpose of the unit is to expand educational access and student completion by promoting and growing the Kingsport campus; to grow workforce solutions throughout the region; to manage Adult Education services for Tennessee’s First District; to facilitate economic development partnerships with industry, community, educational, and government entities; and to establish active communication with state and local government. The Office of the Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development oversees these efforts.

Elective - A course that the student may choose as distinguished from courses that are required.

Emphasis - At the community college, an area of concentration for study that would lead to an associate of science or associate of arts degree.

Extracurricular/Co-curricular Activities - Activities that support or enhance the academic programs and/or student development.

Finance Office - The college organizational unit charged with the development and management of business concerns and related matters including Accounting and Purchasing, Budgeting, Contract Services.

Foundation - The purpose of the Foundation is to promote and support academic and educational scholarships, community service, and other programs offered by the college.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - A federal application form that must be filed before financial aid may be awarded, Pell Grant, minority grant, e.g.

Freshman - Classification of degree-seeking students having accumulated less than 30 credit hours.

Full-Time Students - A student who is enrolled for at least 12 semester hours of academic courses.

General Education - A common set of learning experiences that provides a foundation for problem-solving, professional preparation, civic and cultural understanding, and lifelong learning.

Grade Point Average - A measure of average scholastic success obtained by dividing the number of grade points earned by the total number of hours of coursework.

Grant-in-Aid - A monetary award made to a student without regard to financial need.

Health Professions Division - The purpose of the Division of Health Professions is to provide instruction in Cardiovascular Technology, Dental Assisting, Advanced Emergency Medical Technology, Emergency Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Technology, Nursing, Paramedic, and Surgical Technology which prepares students to function in the role of a specialized health care provider. Completion of these academic programs enables the student to take licensure or certification examinations required in these health care career fields.

HiSET^® - The HiSET is a high school equivalency test approved by the State of Tennessee for the High School Equivalency Diploma.

HSE - High School Equivalency (HSE) tests are nationally recognized tests approved by states to meet the requirements for their High School Equivalency Diploma. Effective July 1, 2016, the HiSET^® is the only test available to students in Tennessee who wish to obtain the State of Tennessee High School Equivalency Diploma.

Humanities Division - The purpose of the Division of Humanities is to provide instruction in art, English, foreign languages, humanities, history, music, philosophy, and theatre. Courses offered by the division are designed to fulfill the general education course requirements in technical education programs and to prepare students in the university parallel program to transfer to four-year colleges and universities.

Identification Card Replacement - No charge is made for the initial student identification card required of all students. Replacement cards cost $5 each.

Institutional Excellence and Student Success - The college organizational unit charged with the development and management of student services programming including Enrollment Management (Admissions and Records, Enrollment Services and Campus Information, Financial Aid, and Veterans Affairs); Student Development (Counseling and Testing Services, Health and Wellness, Scholarship Programs and Student Needs, and Student Life); and Student Services (Accessibility Services, Advising Resource Center, Career Services, and TRiO Student Support Services).

*International Education Fee - A nonrefundable fee charged to all students enrolled in credit courses at any site. This fee supports cultural and international opportunities, student activities for all students, and to promote student’s world knowledge. This fee assists in integrating cultural and international concepts across all academic disciplines in order to increase a student’s ability to compete in the international environment.

Joint Enrollment - Concurrent high school and college enrollment; enrolled student earns college credit for college courses.

Language Services - Northeast State utilizes a language services system that assists designated staff and/or faculty with translation services. (See also General Information - Language Services)

Late Fee - A nonrefundable fee charged to all students enrolled in courses for credit or audit who pay or register after the first day of classes. The late fee is not charged until the first day of classes.

Learning Support - Academic support needed by a student to be college-ready in English/Writing, Mathematics, and Reading as established by ACT readiness benchmarks and standards.

Library Fines - A nonrefundable fine charged equal to the cost of repair (rebinding) or replacement of books and materials. An additional $10 is assessed to offset administrative costs.

Major - The student’s primary field of interest or study.

Maintenance Fee - A fee charged to all students enrolled in credit or audit courses. It is calculated based on the number of hours for which the student is enrolled. See current fee amounts listed under semester costs.

Mathematics Division - The purpose of the Division of Mathematics is to provide instruction in mathematics and pre-engineering. Courses offered by the division are designed to fulfill the general education course requirements in technical programs and to prepare students in the university parallel program to transfer to four-year colleges and universities.

Multi-Campus Programs - The purpose of the Division of Multi-Campus Programs is to provide academic credit classes through traditional and alternative delivery systems on the Blountville campus and at selected off-campus sites in support of the College’s mission to increase access to higher education for the citizens of the region. The division coordinates evening classes, off-campus teaching sites/classes, online classes, on-ground Zoom classes, Distance Learning Online Programs, High School Programs, TN eCampus course offerings, and adjunct faculty processes.

Non-credit Course - Any course that does not offer college credit upon completion.

Out-of-State Tuition - An additional fee charged to students classified as non-state residents of Tennessee who are enrolled in courses for credit or audit. This fee is in addition to the maintenance fee. See current fee amounts listed under semester costs.

Part-Time Student - A student enrolled for less than 12 hours of academic coursework.

Portfolio Assessment - Portfolio assessment is often used to evaluate past learning that cannot be captured by credit recommendations or exams. Portfolio assessments are much like reports where a student documents his or her past learning and describes what he or she learned. After students have compiled their documentation and written analysis of what they have learned per the instructions of their college or university, faculty experts evaluate the portfolio for college-level credit.

Prerequisite - A course/courses a student must successfully complete before enrolling in a higher-level course.

President’s List - An honor designation for students who have attained a GPA of 4.00 during a semester in which a minimum of 12 hours of college-level credit is awarded.

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. 

Probation (Academic) - Academic probation status indicates that a student did not attain the minimum cumulative GPA needed to meet the Academic Dismissal and Retention Standards of the College and is no longer in good academic standing. A student placed on probation may enroll in courses or should seek the assistance of his/her advisor in developing a plan of study and support activities designed to help the student meet the retention standards. This plan may include a reduced course load (12 hours for a full-time student), repeating courses in which a “D” or “F” grade was earned, and meeting with Advising Resource Center staff. A student who meets the Academic Dismissal and Retention Standards while on academic probation shall regain good standing. A student who fails to meet the Academic Dismissal and Retention Standards while on academic probation will be placed on academic dismissal for the subsequent semester.

Reinstatement - The act of readmitting a student after dismissal.

Research, Analytics, and Planning - The college organizational unit charged with the development and management of planning, research, analytics, assessment, and quality assurance.

Residency - Refers to whether or not a student qualifies for in-state maintenance fees.

Returned Check Fee - A fee charged to all students who write checks that are returned to Northeast State from a financial institution because payment has been refused. This is not charged in cases of bank error if the student submits a written statement from the bank.

Science Division - The purpose of the division of Science is to provide instruction in agriculture, astronomy, biology, chemistry, health, horticulture, physical science, and physics. Courses offered by the division are designed to fulfill the general education course requirements in technical programs and to prepare students in the university parallel program to transfer to four-year colleges and universities.

Section Number - In the numbering/listing of courses, the three digits following the course number indicating the session/instructional method of the course.

Semester - One of any three terms (fall, spring, and summer) during which courses are offered by the college.

Sophomore - A degree-seeking student who has completed 30 or more college-level credit hours.

Special Student - One who is not pursuing a certificate or associate degree program. Special students either do not fulfill minimum requirements for entrance as degree students or have been permitted to enroll in a limited or special selection of degree credit courses without regard to degree requirements.

STEM - A program designed to expose and encourage high school students to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math programs and careers.

Student Activity Fee - A nonrefundable fee charged to all students enrolled in credit courses at any site. This fee is used to support a variety of high-impact services to students.

Student Aid - Financial assistance for college expenses through any form of grants, scholarships, or work-study.

Syllabus - A document that describes all components and requirements of an academic course.

TBR - The State University and Community College System of Tennessee (Tennessee Board of Regents) is the public system of higher education in Tennessee. The parent organization to state technology centers, community colleges, and universities, it is charged with strengthening academic programs, ensuring adequate distribution of programs to meet citizen needs, and developing academic programming for the state system.

Technology Access Fee - A fee charged to all students enrolled in courses for credit or audit. The funds are used to provide students with state-of-the-art technology.

Technologies Division - The purpose of the Technologies Division is to provide academic programs designed for students who desire to enter occupational career fields in business, industry, or government immediately after graduation, and to prepare students in the Computer Science, Finance, Information Systems, Information Technology, Management, Manufacturing Technology, and Marketing university parallel programs for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The division provides instruction for Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree programs in Administrative Professional Technology with concentrations in Business Office, Legal Office, and Medical Office; Business with concentrations in Accounting, Management, and Small Business Management; Computer Information Technology with concentrations in Cyber Defense, Internet of Things (IoT), Networking, Programming, and Systems Administration and Management; Entertainment Technology; Aviation Technology; Electrical Technology with concentrations in Electrical and Electromechanical; General Technology; Industrial Technology with concentrations in Automotive Body/Collision Repair, Automotive Service, Engineering Design Technology, Machine Tool, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Mechanical, Motor Sports, and Welding/Metal Fabrication.

Technology Initiative - Students enrolled in credit courses will need access to a personal device that meets minimum capabilities.

TN eCampus - Northeast State and the Tennessee Board of Regents colleges, universities, and technology centers have joined to offer TN eCampus. The eCampus courses are designed around a typical semester in interactive asynchronous (anytime, anywhere) format. These courses contain the same content and rigor as standard on-campus courses. TN eCampus also offers online student services such as advising, library services, and student support services. Technical support for accessing course lessons and assignments is available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. TN eCampus courses are entirely online and transferable among all the participating institutions. For more information about TN eCampus courses, please refer to the Northeast State web page at www.northeaststate.edu/Multi-Campus-Programs/Online-Learning to access the link for TN eCampus.

THEC - The Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s purpose is to achieve coordination and foster unity in higher education within the state.

Tennessee Transfer Pathways (TTPs) - Tennessee Transfer Pathways are advising tools designed to help community college students plan for transferring to a Tennessee public university to complete their baccalaureate degree. The TTPs also constitute an agreement between community colleges and universities confirming that community college courses meet major preparation requirements.

Traffic Fines - Students and employees parked illegally, speeding, or not properly displaying a Northeast State parking permit will receive a parking violation ticket. All fines must be paid within 14 calendar days from the date of the ticket.

Transcript - The official record of completed courses and the grades made.

Transfer Student - A student who has attended one or more colleges and is admitted to another.

Transfer Credit - The number of course credits taken by a student at one college that another college accepts.

Transient Student - A student in good standing in one college who is taking courses which will transfer back to the original college.

Vice President’s List - An honor designation awarded to students who have attained a GPA of 3.50-3.99 during a semester in which a minimum of 12 hours of college-level credit is completed.

Withdrawal - A release from enrollment in all classes. An official withdrawal occurs when a student follows outlined procedures. When the student merely stops attending classes without following procedures, failing marks (F) are recorded on the student’s transcript.

Workforce Solutions - The purpose of Workforce Solutions is to provide credit and non-credit workforce and professional development educational programs and services for the employees of business, industry, and governmental agencies in the region.

* See Catalog Addendum