Southwest from A to Z

Academic Fresh Start

At the time of readmission or admission as a degree student or after the time of readmission, but prior to completion or 15 hours of degree coursework, formal application can be made for the program. For more information, check with the Admissions and Records Office or refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/.

Academic Standing Policy (Good Standing, Probation and Suspension)

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Academic Support Center (ASC)

The Academic Support Center (ASC) supports the college’s mission by providing academic assistance and enrichment for all Southwest Tennessee Community College (Southwest) students through the use of technology, tutoring, and other educational resources. Appointments for tutoring can be made online and walk- ins are also welcomed.

The ASC provides services and resources to help Southwest students successfully reach their academic and career goals. These include tutoring, open academic computer labs, instructional resources (DVDs, video tapes, textbooks, etc.), study areas for personal or group study sessions, and academic coaching. Supplemental Instruction (S/I) is provided in selected courses.  Please check with the ASC for a listing of S/I courses.

Locations and Online Tutoring: Currently, the ASC has locations at the Gill Center, Macon Cove Campus, Maxine A. Smith Center, Union Avenue Campus, and Whitehaven Center. The ASC also offers online tutoring available 24/7 through Smarthinking.com, which enables students to access tutors during hours when the tutoring centers are not in operation.

Tutoring Staff: The tutors and S/I leaders at the ASC are committed to helping all Southwest students become independent learners and achieve their academic goals. Free tutoring to enrolled students is provided by professional and peer tutors, S/I leaders as well as computer assisted tutorials on a variety of topics. The ASC staff tutors in several content areas including Mathematics, English, Information Technology, Engineering Technology, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Spanish, and Accounting.

ASC locations vary on the availability of tutoring in some of these content areas. For additional information on tutoring for specific courses, contact individual ASC locations. The ASC’s tutor training program is awarded master peer tutor certification through the College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA)- International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC).

Study Areas: Resources such as Wi-Fi networking, open academic computer labs with both PCs and Macs, and disability compliant study areas are available.

For more information about the ASC, refer to the College catalog: http://www. southwest.tn.edu/asc/

Access to Your Records

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Admissions and Records Office

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Advising

www.southwest.tn.edu/advising/ 

Macon Cove Campus, 901-333-4594

Maxine A. Smith Center, 901-333-6005

Union Avenue Campus, 901-333-5122

Whitehaven Center, 901-333-6450

Welcome to Advising at Southwest.  Advising is an essential key to your success.  Professional Academic Advisors help you plan your academic experience at Southwest to enable you to achieve your educational goals.

The Advising Department is committed to fostering learning and success, while embracing diversity, through active student engagement and support services.  The department employs the Professional Academic Advising model, which consists of Professional Academic Advisors, Career Services, and Faculty mentors.  This triangular model supports the student through matriculation to graduation with a circle of care, guidance, mentoring, and self-direction.

For Advising, there are a few different options available:

• Virtual (i.e. MS Teams)
• In-person
• Phone
• Email - Students can email or text their Professional Academic Advisor; contact information is located on their dashboard.

• Complete an Online Advising form https://www.southwest.tn.edu/advising/advise-form.php

All correspondence will be answered in a timely fashion but delays will occur on weekends and holidays.  Responses may be slowed during our busier registration periods

NOTE:  All of these options require time for advisors to respond and may cause a delay in response.  Please plan ahead and check out the advising options available. 

Guidelines

Please keep these guidelines in mind when using online advising.  In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), advisors cannot give out personal information such as:

• social security numbers
• financial aid information

When requesting Online Advising, please identify yourself using your Student ID number (if known) or Southwest email address. To get started with Online Advising, complete and submit the Online Advising Request,https://www.southwest.tn.edu/advising/advise-form.php data form.

Alumni Association

The Southwest Alumni Association is here to help keep you connected, engaged, and involved in the present and future of Southwest. All graduated, former and current students are eligible for membership in the Southwest Alumni Association. For a fee of just $12, you will receive the latest news on the College and its alumni. You will also be invited to members-only events for networking and business opportunities. Plus, you will get a chance to keep up with old friends and make new ones as you let them know of your career or family progress through the Alumni Association website. Be sure to visit the Alumni Affairs website at www.southwest.tn.edu/alumni. For more information you can reach Rose Landey, Executive Director, Institutional Development, at rclandey@southwest.tn.edu or (901) 333-4577.

ATM Machine

ATM machines are located near the Bookstore on the Macon Cove Campus and across from the Police/Public Safety Office on the Union Avenue Campus.

Attendance Policy

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Attendance Report Policy

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Adding a Course to Your Schedule

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Auditing

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Bookstore

A full service bookstore is located on each campus and carries all required  textbooks and an assortment of supplies, snacks, College clothing, and general reading materials. Cash, personal checks, Visa®, MasterCard®, Discover®, and American Express® cards are accepted. Business hours are posted outside each  bookstore and on Southwest’s website. The bookstore provides services to all offsite locations the first week of Fall and Spring terms. These hours will also  be posted on the website. The bookstore also offers Rent-A-Text. Students have the ability to purchase or rent their textbooks, and they also offer digital copies for many classes.

Book Return Policy

You must keep your receipt for all bookstore purchases in order to return or exchange items. Textbook purchases are fully refundable for up to 7 calendar days from the first day of class, or within 2 days if purchased thereafter. Within these time periods, new textbooks are fully refundable when returned in the same condition as purchased. However, any textbook purchased during the last week of classes or during final exams is not fully refundable.

Bulletin Boards

If you wish to post information on any of the bulletin boards located around the College, contact the Student Leaderahip & Engagement Office on the main campuses and the Administrative offices at the centers for approval.

Cafeteria and Snack Machines

Food services are provided at Macon Cove and Union Avenue campuses. Hours are posted and are subject to change during the semester. Snack machines are available throughout the campuses, sites and centers. For more information, refer to www.southwest.tn.edu/cafeteria.

Calendars

For more information, refer to www.southwest.tn.edu/events/

Car Trouble on Campus

If you have car trouble on properties owned by Southwest, Police Services/Public Safety may render reasonable assistance in getting the disabled vehicle started or removed. Additionally, they will, upon request, provide limited assistance in securing a tow vehicle at the requestor’s expense.

Career Services

Knowing that the #1 reason students attend college is to prepare for or further their career, we developed a simple Career Guide with steps you can take each semester to stay on track while you pursue your career and educational goals at Southwest! On the first day of classes, make sure that you activate your Handshake account so you will start college off right and stay up-to-date on career events, jobs, and other opportunities.

Additionally, we offer the following on-campus and online services:

Career Choice and Planning:

•  Take a the free Career Coach Assessment career assessment to identify and explore career pathways best-matched to your interests and values
•  Meet with Career Services to review your assessment results and talk about your career plans by scheduling an appointment in Navigate
•  Use Career Coach to explore different careers and learn about daily duties, required education, salary, job outlook, and more!

Record Your College Achievements:

• Build an e-Portfolio to record and showcase your academic, extra-curricular, and work experiences
• Save your career assessment results, ideas, and future goals in your e-Portfolio

Build Your Job and Career-Readiness:

•  Use Optimal Resume a free resume-building software to create your resume
•  Schedule an appointment with Career Services to have your resume reviewed before you send it to employers
•  Get helpful interview tips and resources Get helpful interview tips and resources
•  Schedule a “mock” interview with Career Services to practice your skills and get helpful feedback
•  View internship, part-time and full-time job listings on the new student career platform, Handshake
•  Attend Career Fairs for a variety of job opportunities in different industries
•  Learn the 8 Career-Readiness Competencies employers look for in job candidates according to NACE (page 3 of the Career Guide)

Work-Based Learning

•  Complete an internship to gain real-world work experience related to your major
•  Find out more about other work-based learning options such as Co-op, Work-Study, Job Shadowing and Service Learning (page 14 of the Career Guide)

For more information, visit our website at: www.southwest.tn.edu/career-services/, email us at: careerservices@southwest.tn.edu or give us a call at 901-333-4180. You can also follow us on Instagram and Twitter @SouthwestCareer.

We have offices on the Macon Cove and Union Avenue campuses and can also meet with you online via Microsoft Teams or Zoom. To schedule an appointment with Career Services, visit https://swtn.navigate.eab.com, select “Career Services” as the care unit, and follow the prompts to choose your preferred day and time.

Cell Phone and Audio Devices Etiquette

You must turn your cell phone and/or beeper to vibrate mode during class sessions. Cell phones without vibrate mode must be turned off unless in use to monitor an emergency situation. (Consult your course Syllabus for Instructor specific rules governing the use of phones in the classroom.)Conversations must be conducted outside the classroom. Calls made or taken during an exam may be construed as cheating.

You are prohibited from playing audio devices in any administrative or instructional areas and their adjoining hallways, the libraries, learning centers, classrooms, and testing centers. Loud music played in any area of the campus may be considered distracting and disruptive to the academic environment.

Certificate

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Change of Name/Address

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Change of Major

If you decide to change your major, you should discuss your academic goals and the programs with your Professional Academic Advisor. To change your major, you must log in to your student account and choose the option, “Change Major”. This is on your “Dashboard” tab. The change major will take 3-5 days. If you change major(s) and are receiving financial aid, the number of hours you have attempted in one major may affect your financial aid status. This may be the case especially if you change from a degree program to a certificate program. See the Financial Aid Office for more information

Child Care Services

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Children on Campus

Children are not permitted to attend classes or lab sessions. Children are never to be left unattended in any part of the College.

Cooperative Education

Cooperative Education (Co-op) is a program that provides students who are employed the opportunity to earn academic credit at Southwest while gaining real-world work experience with employers. In order to qualify for the Cooperative Education program, students must have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.5 and have completed 12 college-level credit hours. To enroll in Co-op, studwents must be employed in a position related to their major. Prior to enrollment, students should: 1) come to the Macon Cove campus Career Services office (FA-2160) to complete a Co-op Guidelines form and 2) obtain a brief job description signed by their work supervisor and bring it to Career Services for verification.

Students seeking a job related to their major should start looking the semester before they plan to enroll in Co-op. To begin a job search, students will need a professional resume. They can use OptimalResume™, a free online resume builder and check the Career Services online job listing for opportunities. OptimalResume™ and full- and part-time job listings are available through the Career Services website at www.southwest.tn.edu/career-services/.

Course Delivery

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Course Description

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Course Load

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Course Overload Request

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Course Objectives

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Course Prefix, Course Number, Course Section

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Credit Hour

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Dean’s List

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Degree

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Center for Access (formerly Student Disability Services)

Our office has shifted in how we serve students; this is intentional, research-based, and targeted to improve students with disabilities’ academic experience and preparedness for life after college.

Rebranding to the Center for Access reflects a broader platform and better represents the statement of what disability services are for the classroom and workforce environment. The Center for Access is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to all registered students with disabilities to ensure their full participation in all activities, promoting self-advocacy, and is committed to their academic success. The office is focused on incrasing and enhancing staff, improving data collection through technological advancements, continuing the work of the Peer-to-Peer Advocacy Program to promote inclusion and advocacy, and adding peer mentors and a summer autism program through the Access to Pathways project.

We continue to host the Access to Pathways Autism Camp annually for students transitioning from high school to college with Autism Spectrum Disorder. We have a student organization called LEAD which stands for Leadership, Excellence, Advocacy for Disabilities, which seeks a strong executive board to host mixers and self-advocacy training. We continue to meet the needs of all our students in making sure their learning environment is accessible and accommodating.

You can Contact us 901-333-4223 (Macon) and 901-333-5223 (Union) or visit our website, https://www.southwest.tn.edu/center-for-access/

Digital Learning

Digital Learning

Southwest offers a wide array of college credit courses through its Distance Education classes, which involve physical separation of the teacher and learner. Communication and instruction take place through or are supported by, any technological means such as the Internet, computers, interactive video, or any combination of present and future technologies. The Digital Learning office supports distance education at Southwest. For more information about Southwest’s digital learning, go to https://www.southwest.tn.edu/digital-learning/index.php

Course Delivery Modes:

Online Courses

In an online course, students access course material online and follow instructions provided by an instructor. An online course is conducted via the Internet with no on-campus instruction and no on-campus classroom time, but may utilize proctored testing, requiring students to travel to campus. Courses are structured so that students work independently but have significant interaction with the instructor and other students. Most courses have set schedules and due dates for assignments. Southwest offers two sources for online learning: PAWS and TN eCampus. Online courses are identified by a section beginning with ‘L’ (example: ACAD1100-L01) for PAWS and ‘R’ (example: BIOL1010-R50) for TN eCampus. Before signing up for an online course, run the ‘System Check’ located on the PAWS login page

Hybrid Courses

A hybrid course is a blend of face-to-face instruction with online learning. A course that utilizes the learning management system to reduce the number of traditional on-campus meetings. No more than 50% of the meeting time can take place in a virtual setting. Hybrid courses carefully combine synchronous and asynchronous learning to carefully integrate online components with face-to-face interactions. This allows coursework to be scheduled flexibly, promotes independent learning, and decreases time spent commuting. Southwest hybrid courses are identified by a section that includes ‘H’ (Examples: ACCT-1010-1H1 or HIST-2010-H02).

Web-assisted Courses

Web-assisted courses are “on-campus” courses that may utilize an online component for handouts, discussion, e-mail, quizzes, etc., and require the use of the Internet. Class time is supplemented with online activities and information. Always check the course syllabus for specific information.  Not all “on-campus” courses will have a Web-assisted component. Check with the instructor for more details and information.

Flex Courses

A Flex (Faster Learning Experience) courses may be the first 7-weeks, the second 7-weeks, or later start 10-weeks parts of term. Flex courses are offered in traditional, online, and hybrid formats.

Proctoring Options for Midterm and Final Exams if Required

Southwest courses (online, hybrid, web-assisted, and/or Flex)

• Proctoring is arranged by the instructor

TN eCampus courses

1. Southwest Testing Center - Macon Cove Campus

• Contact the Testing Center [(901) 333-4170] to obtain the required access code

1. Virtual Proctoring - online proctoring from the convenience of your home

• https://tnecampus.info/proctoring-overview-student-responsibilities

Parts of Term

Contact the Digital Learning office at [(901)-333-4612] if you have questions about online classes at Southwest.

For more information or questions about TN eCampus, email tn-ecampus@southwest.tn.edu.

Disabled Parking

All vehicles using disabled parking spaces must display a valid Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) license plate or placard. All vehicles using disabled parking spaces must also display a valid campus permit (either daily or decal). A 30-day medical permit may be issued to persons with a bona fide injury/disability. The medical permit does not waive the general parking fee requirement. Any unauthorized use of a disabled space will result in a base fine of $200 which is not typically cancelled on appeal.

Discounts

Local vendors/businesses may or may not give a discount with your College ID card.

Dress Code

You are expected to use good taste in considering appropriate dress on campus.

Dropping a Class

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Drug-Free Environment

Southwest is committed to developing and maintaining the health, stability, and well-being of the collegiate learning environment. The College considers  possession, use, sale, and/or other distribution of illegal drugs and alcohol  including the underage use and/or possession of alcohol and supplying/selling  alcohol to those under the legal drinking age to be a threat to the health of the  individual and also interferes with efficient pursuit of individual educational  goals. 

Through educational materials and presentations, the College provides students with drug and alcohol information specifically regarding health risks.  In addition to drug and alcohol counseling referrals in the Advising and Counseling Office, the College refers students to various community agencies for treatment rehabilitation.

The College prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages and drugs by students, faculty and staff on all College-owned or controlled premises and requires compliance with Tennessee Board of Regents policy and with state and local  laws relating to alcoholic beverages and drugs. Students, faculty, and staff are  subject to arrest and prosecution by civil authorities for violations on campus.

Elective

An elective is a class that is selected by the student from a list of course options that will apply toward a degree or certificate program requirement.

E-mail Accounts - My.Southwest

Southwest has a real-time, web-based portal which is called My.Southwest. Through this secure access information system, you may register for courses, pay fees, view grades, access your student e-mail account, access online courses and much more - all with one username and password.

• Go to www.southwest.tn.edu
• Click on “On-line Services” Saluqi Dog
• Go to “Log In Help - New Students? Create Username and Set Password”
• Enter information in appropriate boxes
• Your username will appear. (jsmith) or (jsmith2)
• To set up your Southwest Student Account, follow the directions and create a password. Keep your password in a secure location
• To access your student account, repeat bullets 1 and 2. Enter user name, password and login

E-mail Address

• Username@southwest.tn.edu
• Example: jsmith@southwest.tn.edu

Expectations of student use of e-mail

E-mail is a mechanism for official communication within Southwest Tennessee Community college. Official e-mail communications are intended only to meet the academic and administrative needs of the campus community.

Students are expected to read and respond as appropriate to their Southwest official e-mail on a frequent and consistent basis. The College recommends checking e-mail daily since certain communication may be time critical. “I didn’t check my e-mail,” error in forwarding e-mail, or e-mail returned to the College with “Mailbox Full” or “User Unknown” are not acceptable excuses for missing official College communications via e-mail.

Emergency Notification of Student

If a severe emergency arises, your family may call the Student Leadership & Engagement Office, give information regarding the severe emergency, and leave a phone number. We will attempt to determine your location and relay the emergency message to you if you are in class. The College is not responsible for finding you if you are not in class or if scheduled educational experiences are conducted in place of regular classroom activities. Abuse of this service may result in disciplinary actions. The Student Leadership & Engagement Offices may be reached at (901) 333-4178, Macon Cove Campus and (901) 333-5380, Union Avenue Campus.

Emergency Closing

If the College needs to close for an emergency, all local television and radio stations will be notified and information posted on our Web site, College marquees, and the emergency message system.

Emergency Information

SEVERE WEATHER - Meteorologists generally define severe weather as any aspect of the weather that poses risks to life, property or requires the intervention of authorities. A narrower definition of severe weather is any weather phenomena relating to severe thunderstorms.

TORNADO - A violently rotating column of air, usually pendant to a cumulonimbus, with circulation reaching the ground. It nearly always starts as a funnel cloud and may be accompanied by a loud roaring noise. On a local scale, it is the most destructive of all atmospheric phenomena.

IF INDOORS:

• Move quickly to a safe interior area without windows; e.g., hallways, basements, or restrooms.
• Move to the lowest levels, using stairways, NOT elevators.
• If possible, close all doors as you leave an area.
• Stay away from windows, doors and exterior walls.
• Do NOT go outdoors.

IF OUTDOORS:

• Get inside, if possible.
• Stay away from trees, power lines, utility poles and other hazards.
• Curl up in a ditch or low-lying area; stay low to the ground; use your arms to protect your neck and head.

EARTHQUAKE - A shaking of a part of the earth’s surface that often causes great damage.

• “Drop, Cover and Hold” under a table or desk or against and inside wall, not in a doorway, until the shaking stops.
• After the shaking stops, check yourself and others for injuries and move toward the nearest exit or alternate exit.
• Evacuate the building.
• Do not leave the area/campus without reporting your status to your instructor or supervisor.

FIRE - The light and heat and especially the flame produced by burning.

• Remain calm.
• Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station and call Campus Police from a campus phone; call 911 from a cell phone; or, if available in the lobby, use the red emergency phone.
• Evacuate the building.
• Do NOT use elevators!
• Do NOT re-enter the building until authorized by emergency personnel.
• IMPORTANT: If you become trapped in a building during a fire and a window is available, place an article of clothing (shirt, coat, etc.) in the window as a marker for rescue crews. If there are no windows, stay near the floor where the air will be less toxic.
• HOW TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER: PULL the pin. AIM at the base of the fire. SQUEEZE the handle/trigger. SWEEP with the extinguisher as you suppress the fire.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RELEASE - The release of a substance(s) that pose a threat or danger to public health.

• If an emergency exists or if anyone is in danger, move away from the site of the hazard to a safe location.
• Follow the instructions of emergency personnel.
• Alert others to stay clear of the area.
• Notify emergency personnel if you have been exposed or have information about the release.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON - A person(s) behavior or actions that arouse or is apt to arouse suspicion; questionable.

• Do not physically confront the person.
• Do not let anyone into a locked building/office.
• Do not block the person’s access to an exit.
• If suspected terrorist/hostage, lock doors. Do not leave or enter until all clear.
• Call Campus Police from a campus phone; or, if available in the lobby, use the red emergency phone.
• Provide as much information as possible about the person and their direction of travel.

​ACTIVE SHOOTER - an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area.” In most cases, active shooters use firearms and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.

• A: Avoid Danger - This is the preferred option and begins with situational awareness of one’s environment prior to any active, hostile act occurring. It also includes having a plan ahead of time regarding what you would do in the event of an active shooter and knowing escape routes.
• D: Deny Access - If avoidance isn’t possible, find ways to prevent the attacker from having access to you and others around you (close and lock doors, barricade doorways with furniture, etc.).
• D: Defend Yourself - Take action! As a last resort you have a right to defend yourself if you believe your life is in imminent danger.

SUSPICIOUS OBJECT - An object or thing that rouses or is apt to arouse suspicion; questionable.

• Do not touch or disturb the object.
• Do NOT use a cell phone!
• Call Campus Police from a campus phone; or, if available in the lobby, use the red emergency phone.
• Notify your instructor or supervisor.
• Be prepared to evacuate.

POWER OUTAGE - The failure of electric power for a general area.

• Remain calm; provide assistance to others if necessary.
• Move cautiously to a lighted area. Exits may be indicated by lighted signs, if the emergency power is operating.
• Turn off and unplug computers and other voltage sensitive equipment.
• For information about a prolonged outage, call the Physical Plant at (901) 333-4240.

EXPLOSIONS ON CAMPUS - A release of mechanical, chemical, or nuclear energy in a sudden and often violent manner with the generation of high temperature and usually with the release of gases.

• Immediately take cover under tables, desks or other objects that will provide protection against falling glass or debris.
• Assist persons with disabilities in exiting the building. Do not use elevators, in case of fire. Do not panic. Use stairways.
• Once outside, move to a clear area that is a least 500 feet away from the affected building. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews. Know the designated area assembly points.
• If requested, assist emergency crews as necessary.
• DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED BUILDING unless told to do so by a campus official.

EVACUATION - The clearance of personnel, animals, or material from a given locality.

• Remain calm.
• Evacuate using the nearest safe stairs and safe exit.
• Do NOT use elevators!
• Gather personal belongings (medication, keys, purses, wallets, etc.), but only if safe to do so.
• Follow directions given by emergency personnel.
• Go to identified assembly points at least 500 feet from the affected building.
• Assist persons with disabilities or injuries without jeopardizing your safety.
• If you are unable to evacuate due to physical disability, go to a safe location (e.g., stairwell) and wait for assistance. Ask others to inform emergency personnel of your location.

IF THERE IS TIME

• Turn off all electronics, including computers (except in cases of leaking gas or other flammable substances).
• Secure any hazardous materials or equipment before leaving.

Emergency Messaging System

Southwest Tennessee Community College, in partnership with Rave Wireless, offers an emergency e-mail and text-messaging service to students, faculty and staff: the Southwest Emergency Messaging System. These options will only be used in the event of an on-campus emergency, an unscheduled College closing, or a delay of or cancellation of classes due to, for example, severe inclement weather. Students, faculty, and staff can sign up for the service voluntarily. Southwest encourages students to sign up for this service because of the speed with which e-mail and text messaging will enable them to receive emergency information from College authorities. There is no charge for signing up; however, standard text messaging rates apply. For more information visit www.southwest.tn.edu/ems.

Faculty

Southwest has faculty with advanced degrees from many universities around the world. Faculty members dedicate their time to teaching, mentoring and various College services and community activities. Each faculty member keeps office hours. Get to know your faculty members. They are a tremendous asset to your education and are here to assist you.

Failing a Course

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Financial Aid (Federal)

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

General Education Curriculum

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Grades

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Grade Appeals

Any student may initiate an appeal of any course grade within six (6) months after the conclusion of the semester in which the grade was earned. The procedure for appealing a course grade is as follows:

• The student must make an appointment and meet with the instructor to discuss the grade, bringing any supportive documentation such as course outline, originals, or copies of papers, lab reports, themes, and examination grades.
• If the student still believes that further appeal is warranted, the student must submit a Grade Appeal Form to the department chair involved.
• If the response from the above step is not satisfactory, the student may forward the record of written appeal to the division dean.
• Should further resolution be requested beyond the dean’s involvement and response, the student must notify the division dean who will forward the request to the Grade Appeals Committee of the Faculty Senate.
• After consideration of the student’s request, the faculty member’s response, the recommendations of the division dean and the Grade Appeals Committee, the Provost/Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs will make the final determination and notify the student.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Graduation

If you are planning to graduate, you should meet with your academic advisor during the semester prior to the graduation semester to ensure that you will have completed the appropriate courses for the degree and/or certificate. You must submit an Intent to Graduate Application to be considered for graduation. Southwest’s graduation ceremony is held once a year during the month of May.

Health Emergency

Due to the proximity of local hospitals, Southwest does not provide on-campus health services. In an emergency situation, you should contact the Police/Public Safety Office. You should identify the type of emergency, the location, and your name. In addition, you should remain at the scene of the incident until a member of Police Services arrives. All members of the Police Services Office are trained in first aid and CPR. They have at their disposal adequate first aid equipment and will make an initial assessment to determine if a fire department ambulance is needed at the scene. The Police Services Office will call for ambulance service, and College personnel will attempt to notify your family regarding your condition and the hospital of destination. You are responsible for expenses incurred for ambulance and other emergency services.

Honors at Southwest Tennessee Community College

The Honors Program at Southwest Tennessee Community College is an academic community of highly motivated students and distinguished faculty who value intellectual inquiry and creative approaches to teaching and learning. Honors designated courses are smaller, more interactive, innovative, and student-centered, allowing students to pursue their academic interests while developing the personal and professional skills needed to become part of the next generation of leaders. By the end of the program, students not only graduate with an honors designation on their diploma, but with a strong professional network and a personal definition of success that will motivate them to succeed long after graduation. For more information or to apply online, visit our website at www.southwest.tn.edu/honors.

Hybrid Courses

A hybrid course is a blend of face-to-face instruction with online learning. A significant part of the course learning is online and as a result, the amount of classroom time is reduced but not eliminated. Southwest hybrid courses are identified by a section that includes ‘H’ (ex. ENGL1010-2H1). Hybrid courses may utilize online proctored testing.

ID Card

Get a Student Campus ID Online

All students and employees are asked to display their Southwest Tennessee Community College Campus ID whenever visiting a Southwest location. Students and employees can apply in person or online, for a new or replacement ID. For an online Campus ID upload a headshot into the My.Southwest portal dashboard. Applicants will receive a receipt confirmation immediately. Once the application and photo are approved, Southwest will mail the ID to the address provided in about 10-12 business days. In person ID’s are received at your office visit.

To apply online for your Campus ID, follow these 5 easy steps:

1. Log in to the My.Southwest portal and click the Photo ID icon at the top (next to the Parking Decal icon).
2. Read and review the online photo submission requirements.
3. Click next and fill in the brief form completely and sign.
4. Click choose file under Photo Upload and upload a proper photo.
5. Sign and click submit form.

For more information about the online campus ID program, email Student Leadership & Engagement at studentle@southwest.tn.edu.

Information Technology Resources Policy

The primary purpose of Southwest information technology resources is to enhance and support the educational mission of the College. Access to the College’s technology resources is a privilege granted to College students, faculty, staff, and approved guests. These resources include hardware, software, computer accounts, and local area networks, as well as connections to other computer networks via the Internet. Everyone using these resources is responsible for using them in an effective, ethical and lawful manner. All users must refrain from the following activities:

1. Using computing facilities to violate any College policy or regulation, or federal, state or local law
2. Entering, without authorization, into any account to use, read, transfer or change the contents in any way
3. Impersonating/misrepresenting another individual’s computer account or e-mail username
4. Granting another individual access to your computer account
5. Using computing resources to interfere with the work of other students, faculty or College officials
6. Using computing facilities to send obscene, abusive, threatening, defamatory or harassing messages
7. Using computing resources to interfere with the normal operation of College computing systems and connected networks including, but not limited to, introducing viruses, flooding the network with messages, sending chain letters, or unfairly monopolizing resources that results in the exclusion of others
8. Using College computing resources for profit or commercial purposes
9. Making duplicate copies of copyrighted software without the express consent of the software publisher
10. Unauthorized downloading, copying, or distribution of any copyrighted material such as proprietary music, video, software, or database information

Complete details are found in Southwest Policy No. 4:00:00:00/14, “Use of Computing and Networking Resources.”

Intentional failure to comply with College policy will result in action which may include suspension of user privileges or other disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion from the College or termination of College employment. In addition, violations may result in referral for prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

Intercollegiate Athletics

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Learning Support Courses

Courses in English, reading, and mathematics prepare you for college-level courses. Courses in Developmental Studies are not computed in the degree grade-point average and in most cases do not transfer. The courses do count for  financial aid purposes, although there is a limit of 30 attempted credit hours of developmental studies courses that will be paid by federal grant funds and is required for their program of study.

Library Services

The InfoNet Library supports the needs of our students by acquiring and making accessible current print and electronic information, providing both online and in-person assistance, providing space for study, and giving instruction in information literacy and the use of libraries. Books may be checked out for 28 days. Details on reciprocal borrowing agreements with other libraries are available on the library’s web page. The campus libraries are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. Between semesters, hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. During the summer session, hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday.  Check the library webpage, www.southwest.tn.edu/library/, for updates as some times the Center locations are closed on Fridays during the summer and between semesters.

Bert Bornblum Library (Macon Cove Campus)
Parrish Library (Union Avenue Campus)
Gill Center Library
Whitehaven Center Library
Maxine A. Smith Center Library

Locations - Campuses/Centers

Southwest is committed to providing quality education to all members of our communities. To that end, in addition to the two main campuses, there are four centers and one site (Fayette County), as listed below.

Lost and Found

Articles found on campus will be turned in to the Student Leadership & Engagement Office on each campus and in the Administrative offices at the centers and sites.

Major

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Mascot - Saluqi

Out of the deserts of Arabia emerges the Saluqi, the oldest and swiftest recognized canine breed on earth, and proud mascot for Southwest athletic teams. The Saluqi is mascot to only one other college in the country, Southern Illinois University (SIU).

Southwest retains the original spelling for the breed, taken from the ancient city of Saluq in Persia. The choice for the Saluqi was made on the basis of uniqueness as a mascot, ease of depiction - its strong, classic physique promoting easy recognition in simple drawings - and its close identity with the ancient city of Memphis on the Nile.

The “royal dog of Egypt” is depicted in temples and tombs of Pharaohs and other nobility - its ownership was allowed only to the ruling classes - and in the literature and art of classical Greece and Rome. The Saluqi is known in two varieties, “smooth” or “feathered.” The latter sports the fleecy ears and hindquarters and is used as Southwest’s mascot. Short and straight in body though tall and rangy of leg, the Saluqi seems to prove its antiquity in the fact that efforts to reproduce it through breeding have always failed.

The Saluqi is beautiful, gentle, affectionate and loyal, its coursing speeds range from 40 to 45 miles an hour. Described as a “consummate athlete of superior intelligence,” the Saluqi is a fit mascot for the many championship teams fielded by Southwest.

MyPrint Initiative

As a joint venture between the Student Government Association and Information Technology Services, Southwest has created a MyPrint initiative. All students will be issued 700 print credits to cover all printing needs. If you need more, you will have the ability to add printing credits at any MyPrint Pay Station located in the library on each campus. 

Features

• Students will receive an allotment of $35 worth of print credits each semester.

• This is equivalent to 700 prints credits in black and white per side.

• Each additional print credit over the 700 print allotment is 5 cents per side for black and white; 10 cents for color.

• Print credits will be allotted to your account three weeks before the semester starts.

• Students will have access to print to all network printers in the Academic Support Center (ASC) and Libraries.

• Students will have the ability to add print credits to their accounts by visiting the MyPrint Pay Stations located in the library on each campus.

Notices on Campus

Any flyer, poster or other publicity must be approved by the Student Leadership & Engagement Office.

Obligations and Holds

Southwest will place holds on your records if you fail to meet certain obligations. A hold prevents you from registering, graduating, or receiving official transcripts. A hold may be placed on records for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:

• Failure to return items to the library or pay fines
• Improper acceptance of aid
• Failure to pay for damaged College property
• Failure to file required documents
• Enrollment under false pretenses
• Disciplinary action
• Failure to pay a debt to the College

Office of Student Success

The mission of the Office of Student Success is to offer innovative, student-centered support systems in Counseling and Social Services, Center for Access, Student Leadership & Engagement, Testing Services, Peer Mentoring, and Success Coaching. 

The Office of Student Success serves as a liaison to a variety of student resources and can be contacted at (901) 333-4261 or (901) 333-5430. 

The Saluqi Success Pathway (SSP) Program
The Saluqi Success Pathway or SSP is an innovative program comprised of supportive faculty and staff who help students transition into college life and access all of the resources available to them at Southwest Tennessee Community College. Students who participate in SSP engage more fully throughout their college experience through technology, enriching activities and the SSP Hub.  In addition, the SSP has been expanded to better serve adult learners through SSPAL (Saluqi Success Pathway for Adult Learners) and offers all the supports of SSP with additional support through SMARTS Mentoring. Visit http://www.southwest.tn.edu/saluqi-success or https://southwest.tn.edu/sspal/ to learn more about these incredible student success programs!
 

Resources and Scholarships

Southwest Tennessee Community College offers additional resources and scholarships to currently enrolled students, such as the Student Emergency Fund Scholarship.

To review these and other scholarships, please visit Southwest Tennessee Community College’s Foundation page at: http://www.southwest.tn.edu/scholarships.

Student Success Workshops

Ready to reach your goals?  Student success workshops give you an extra boost to help you with your academic success.  We have a variety of workshops available to students such as the Communication at Southwest workshop, Put your Best Pen Forward Writing workshop, and Time Management workshop.  If you are interested in any of our workshops, please complete a Workshop Appointment Application at https://www.southwest.tn.edu/saluqi-success/get-engaged.php.    Once you fill out your application, one of our success coaches will contact you to set up an appointment.

Contact Us

Dean of Students: Alma Rutledge, anhernandez@southwest.tn.edu

Saluqi Success Pathway (SSP) Coaches: Brenda Rayner and Cathey Hawkins
Location:  SSP Hub, Macon Campus, Academic Building B, Lobby
Location:  SSP Hub, Union Campus, B Building, Hallway Foyer
Phone: 901-333-4261 (Macon), 901-333-5430 (Union)
Email: studentsuccess@southwest.tn.edu

Orientation

Southwest provides an orientation for all new students. The orientation acquaints you with our services, policies, responsibilities and the benefits of attending Southwest.

The College encourages all new students to participate in orientation. However, there is information online at http://www.southwest.tn.edu/orientation.

Payments

Any charge or fine can be paid through Student Self Service by accessing my.southwest.tn.edu.  Payments can also be made by mail or visiting the Bursar’s office.

Please be advised, that only the Bursar’s Office is authorized to issue an official College receipt. You risk financial loss when rendering cash without receiving an official College receipt. The College is not liable for these unofficial transactions. Be cautious!

Parking

Parking decal application is online.

New or returning students and employees can complete a parking permit decal form online on Southwest’s website. All students and employees are required to register their vehicles with Police Services/Public Safety every year at the beginning of the Fall Semester.

To fill out the form, follow these simple steps:

1. On the Southwest website, log in to your My.Southwest portal.

2. Click on the parking permit decal tab and complete the parking form. You will need to know the year, make, model, and license plate number of your vehicle. Do not click submit yet.

3. Once you have completed the form, print it.

4.  Click submit.

5. If you do not wish to sign the form electronically, bring the hard copy of the document to Police Services/Public Safety in Farris Building Room 1007 at the Macon Cove Campus or Parrish Building Room 107 at the Union Avenue Campus.

6. Police Services will mail a sticker or parking decal to students and faculty. Returning students and faculty must submit their current parking permit number to receive a new sticker. New faculty and staff will be issued a new parking hangtag and sticker.

The “Traffic and Parking Regulations” govern the use of vehicles at Southwest, and they will be attached to your document once you print it. You should become familiar with all traffic and parking regulations because fines will be assessed to violators. You can also locate regulations and fines at www.southwest.tn.edu/police.

Warning: A parking violation that adversely impacts public safety or the business operations of Southwest Tennessee Community College may result in towing or impoundment of said vehicle at the owner’s expense.

Parking areas on campus are color coordinated. Failure to comply with parking regulations WILL result in you receiving a parking fine applied to your Southwest account.

Parking regulations are as follows:

Red - Faculty and employee parking ONLY. Violation will result in a parking fine.

Green - Visitor parking ONLY. Violation by students will result in a parking fine.

Blue - Handicap parking ONLY. Parking is permitted with a state-issued handicap parking pass or plate and a Southwest TN Community College handicap parking permit. Handicap parking follows Tennessee state regulation and will be enforced accordingly.

White - Student parking. Parking passes are required and are obtainable in the Police Services offices at the Macon and Union Campuses as well as the Maxine Smith and Whitehaven Centers.

Partnership Enrollment Agreements (PEP)

PEP agreements provide Southwest students with the opportunity to guarantee admission to a four-year college or university. Participants in these co-admissions programs are guaranteed admission upon graduation from Southwest with an associate degree.

While each agreement may vary, students generally receive:

• Coordinated Academic Advising from the Southwest Advising Office and the participating four-year college
• Waiver of college and university admission fees

Please contact the Transfer Office for a current list of participants and to begin the process.

Prerequisite and Corequisite

Prerequisite is a requirement that must be completed prior to enrolling in a course. Corequisite is a requirement that must be taken simultaneously with the course.

Repeating Courses

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Registration

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Registration Web

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog

Safety and Security

Southwest is committed to ensuring the safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors through effective policies, procedures, educational programming and community involvement.

The College maintains a 24-hour dispatch operation staffed by Police Services personnel. Officers on duty at night, after class hours, and on weekends are equipped with a radio/telephone which can be reached by calling (901) 333-4242 on the Macon Cove Campus and (901) 333-5555 on the Union Avenue Campus. Surveillance cameras are located strategically across each campus. These cameras transmit 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to monitors and videotape devices located in the Police Services Office. Video-assisted escort service is available by calling (901) 333-4242 on the Macon Cove Campus and (901) 333-5555 on the Union Avenue Campus. This service offers an extra layer of security by providing a video overview of the parking lots and corridors throughout our campuses. Southwest is one of a select few institutions that provides this innovative service.

Red Emergency Phones: Emergency red phones are located in all buildings and automatically ring Police Services when the receiver is picked up. These phones are attached to the wall with emergency phone signs near them.

Blue Light Emergency Phones: Emergency blue light phones are strategically located throughout the parking areas of the Macon Cove and Union Avenue Campuses. These phones are wired directly to the communications centers and will be video monitored 24/7. The basic operation of the phone is not complicated and they are extremely user friendly. To use the phones, depress the “talk” button on the blue phone box to connect directly to the Southwest police services/public safety dispatcher. Speak clearly and give the following information: your name, your location and the nature of your emergency.” Stay on the line with the dispatcher until the police services/public safety officer arrives, and be ready to give the dispatcher any further required information. Phone maps are viewed at http://www.southwest.tn.edu/police/emergencyPhones.htm.

Rave Guardian: Southwest’s Police Services and Public Safety has added another layer of campus safety for students, faculty and staff with Rave Guardian, a mobile app designed to never let you walk alone. The app is a virtual safe-walking device with campus public safety officials acting as your virtual guardians while you walk or travel around campus until you reach your destination. You can also add family and friends to watch over you until you arrive at home.

Rave Guardian can be used for emergency and non-emergency situations. It allows you to engage with campus safety officials during an emergency with a pre-programmed call button and provides links to college resources and a campus directory.

To voluntarily opt-in to use the app, simply download it from the Apple App Store or through Google Play. The app is free to users with an active Southwest account. (Visiting guests cannot use the app).

Sign-up in 5 easy steps:

1. Add the Rave Guardian App to your cell phone.
2. Input your destination.
3. Set the duration of your walk/travel.
4. Start the timer.
5. Your contacts will get a text and can select to monitor the timer session without the use of an app.

For more info about the installation of the RAVE Guardian App, see our instruction guide.

All members of the College community are encouraged to report any unsafe or dangerous situation. Southwest is always looking to ensure that the College is a safe, secure, and healthy environment in which to study and work.

In compliance with the provisions of the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990, the full policy for crime awareness and campus safety and campus crime statistics are available in the Police/Public Safety Office and at www.southwest.tn.edu/student/police

Schedule of Classes

A listing of all classes that will be offered during the coming term, including class meeting times, building, room, and other registration information. You will find registration dates and class offerings on our Web site at www.southwest.tn.edu/schedule.htm.

Scholarships

Please access www.southwest.tn.edu/scholarships for information regarding Foundation Scholarships.

Severe Weather

In the event that Southwest must close or alter its operating schedule because of severe weather or other emergencies, an announcement will be broadcast on local television and radio stations. It will also be placed on the electronic marquees, public Web site and telephone on-hold message. If the College does not close during inclement weather, you should use your own discretion and judgment in deciding whether to attend class. It is the student’s responsibility to keep up with reading and other assignments when a scheduled class does not meet, whatever the reason.

Southwest Tennessee Community College, in partnership with Rave Wireless, offers an emergency e-mail and text-messaging service to students, faculty and staff called the Southwest Emergency Messaging System. These options will only be used in the event of an on-campus emergency, an unscheduled College closing, or a delay of or cancellation of classes due to, for example, severe inclement weather. Students, faculty, and staff can sign up for the service voluntarily. Southwest encourages students to sign up for this service because of the speed with which e-mail and text messaging will enable them to receive emergency information from College authorities. There is no charge for signing up; however, standard text messaging rates apply. For more information visit www.southwest.tn.edu/ems.

Social Events and Activities

A variety of social events is an important part of the total student life experience at Southwest. Activities are planned by students for their enjoyment. Any student interested in planning or promoting social events should contact the Student Leadership & Engagement Office http://www.southwest.tn.edu/clubs/.

A social event is defined as any dance, party, activity, or entertainment sponsored by a College-approved student group. Social events must be scheduled with and approved by the Student Leadership & Engagement Office. Activity requests must be submitted to the Director of Student Leadershhip & Engagement for approval. The event must not be publicized until final approval has been granted. All social events must have chaperones approved by the Student Leadership & Engagement Office. These chaperones must be present throughout the entire activity.

Social Services

Social Services links students to community resources, while providing advocacy to improve student functioning socially and academically.  For more information visit the Counseling Services website at http:/www.southwest.tn.edu/student-success/counseling and complete a service request form.

Contact:    Tabitha Brittman

                Social Service Coordinator

                (901) 333-5276

Smoking

Effective July 1, 2014, the use of tobacco products (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes and any other tobacco products) by anyone including students, staff and visitors, contractors and their employees are permitted only in private vehicles. 

The use of tobacco products (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes and any other tobacco products) is prohibited: 

1. In the interior spaces of the College’s campuses.
2. On all outside property of the College’s campuses or spaces being used by or on behalf of the College, including partially enclosed areas such as walkways and bus shelters.
3. In College vehicles, including vans and all other College vehicles or vehicles being used for College purposes.
4. In all indoors and outdoor athletic facilities being used by or on behalf of the College.

Littering the campus with remains of tobacco products or any other disposable product is prohibited.

Organizers and attendees at public or private events, such as conferences, meetings, public lectures, social events, cultural events, and sporting events using College facilities will be required to abide by the tobacco-free policy and procedure. Organizers of events are responsible for communicating the policy to attendees and for enforcing the policy.

Student Clubs and Organizations

There are a variety of clubs and organizations available to all students. These include honors and leadership organizations, academic-related organizations, and special interest groups (political, religious, etc.). All students are encouraged to participate in clubs and organizations. Current student clubs and organizations and their advisors can be found at www.southwest.tn.edu/clubs/clubs.htm.

Student Centers

Areas have been set aside for students to relax, study, and visit with fellow students. The student centers are located in Room B-106 on the Union Avenue Campus, Farris-1101 on the Macon Cove Campus, Room 101 at the Gill Center, and Room 121 at the Maxine A. Smith Center.

Students must adhere to established rules and regulations when using the facility. All student centers come under the rules and regulations established by Southwest, and those immediate rules, regulations and procedures as set forth by the Student Development Office. Only students currently enrolled at Southwest are permitted to use the student centers. The student is responsible for replacement of any broken or lost equipment checked out.

Student Complaints/Request for Assistance

Southwest is committed to a policy of fair treatment of its students in their relationships with fellow students, faculty, staff and administration. Students are encouraged to seek an informal resolution of a matter directly with the faculty or individual(s) involved when possible. For matters where a resolution is not feasible, a student can submit a Student Complaint Form. The form may be obtained from the Office of Advising and Counseling on the Macon Cove Campus, Farris Building, Room 2140 or the Union Avenue Campus, M-Building, Room 110 or on line at www.southwest.tn.edu/counseling. Complaints can be submitted immediately or within one year of the incident. A student can expect resolution of the complaint within thirty days.

Procedure

A student who believes that their rights have been denied may seek resolution in the following manner.

1. The Office of Advising will log in the complaint, send an e-mail to the student to acknowledge receipt, and forward the complaint to the appropriate administrator within five (5) business days of receipt of the complaint.
2. Upon receipt of the complaint, the appropriate administrator will contact the student by e-mail to acknowledge receipt of the complaint. The administrator will review the complaint and determine what additional information is necessary to resolve the problem.
3. After considering the complaint and related information, the administrator makes a decision as to the merits of the student’s complaint and notifies the student by e-mail as to the resolution within thirty (30) days of the filing of the complaint.
4. Students who feel that another review is necessary must respond by e-mail to the administrator’s e-mail within five (5) business days, requesting that the complaint be forwarded to a higher level administrator. The complaint and supporting documentation will be forwarded to an appropriate higher level administrator within five (5) business days. That higher level administrator will review the complaint and inform the student of a decision by e-mail within five (5) business days.

Student Activity Fee

The Student Activity fee supports student programs which are coordinated through the Student Leadership & Engagement Office. For more information, visit www.southwest.tn.edu/clubs/. For student event information, visit www.southwest.tn.edu/events/StuCalendar.htm.

Student Government Association (SGA)

The SGA serves as the official voice of all students and encourages your participation in all campus events. Through the SGA, there are a number of opportunities for leadership development. New officers are elected every spring. The SGA offices are located at the Macon Cove Campus, 901-333-4196, room FA-2100 and Union Avenue Campus, 901- 333-5380, room B106.

Student Right-to-Know

According to the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990, the College maintains and reports statistics on graduation rates and transfer-out rates for all first-time, full-time, degree-seeking students, in addition to compiling statistics regarding crimes occurring on campus. The reports are available at www.southwest.tn.edu/police.

Study Abroad

The International Studies Department offers two opportunities for students to participate in study abroad courses for academic credit. Study abroad is an opportunity for qualified students with classes spending as few as 7-10 days abroad or as long as four weeks. Courses are available in most general education areas, and study takes place in as many as 30 different countries during the spring and summer. Scholarships are available for qualified students; visit www.southwest.tn.edu/intstudies for more information.

Tobacco-Free Campus

Effective July 1, 2014, the use of tobacco products (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes and any other tobacco products) by anyone including students, staff and visitors, contractors and their employees are permitted only in private vehicles.

The use of tobacco products (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes and any other tobacco products) is prohibited:

1. In the interior spaces of the College’s campuses.
2. On all outside property of the College’s campuses or spaces being used by or on behalf of the College, including partially enclosed areas such as walkways and bus shelters.
3. In College vehicles, including vans and all other College vehicles or vehicles being used for College purposes.
4. In all indoors and outdoor athletic facilities being used by or on behalf of the College.

Littering the campus with remains of tobacco products or any other disposable product is prohibited.

Organizers and attendees at public or private events, such as conferences, meetings, public lectures, social events, cultural events, and sporting events using College facilities will be required to abide by the tobacco-free policy and procedure. Organizers of events are responsible for communicating the policy to attendees and for enforcing the policy.

Traffic

I.    Standing Violations

A.   An unattended vehicle will be considered parked.

B.   Double parking is not permitted.  If traffic is blocked by standing or stopping of a vehicle, the person for who the vehicle is waiting may be held liable for the violation.

C.   Parking must be within the designated lines of a parking space, no line straddling.

D.   Parallel parked vehicles must be parked in the same direction as the flow of traffic.

II.    Moving Violations

A.   All vehicles must come to a complete stop at stop signs.

B.   Reckless driving (defined as the operation of a vehicle in a manner endangering life and property).

C.   Exceeding the speed limit on campus (15 Miles per hour).

D.   Driving wrong way in a one-way lane.

E.   Driving across parking spaces.

F.   Bicycle riding, hoverboard riding and skateboarding are not allowed on campus sidewalks or grounds.

III.   Fines/Penalties

A.   Citations issued for violations are payable within thirty (30) days at the Cashier’s Office.

B.   Once a citation is issued to a student, notice of such is entered into the computer by Police Services, which results in a “hold” being placed on the student’s records and denial of permission to register.

C.   Students who fail to pay parking fines or appeal the citation will be denied registration in further courses at Southwest Tennessee Community College, and will be denied academic transcripts.

D.   Employees who fail to pay parking fines or appeal the citation will have the amount of the fine deducted from subsequent payroll checks.

IV.  Violations

A.   No vehicle registration permit $15.00

B.   Parking permit not property displayed $15.00

C.   Parked in fire lane $50.00

D.   Handicapped or Disabled space violations $200.00*

E.   Moving Violation $15.00

F.   Parking vehicle outside legal parking space or over stall lines or blocking legally parked car in space $15.00

G.   Unauthorized overnight parking $15.00

H.   Parking a vehicle on campus for the purpose of habitation, repair or storage $15.00

I.    Parking in a reserved space $15.00

J.   Processing fee for replacing a lost or stolen parking permit $15.00

K.   All other violations $15.00

* The fine for disabled/handicapped parking violations is established by statue and will be adjusted to comply with state law.

V.   Appeals     

A.   A student wishing to appeal a traffic/parking citation must submit a “Traffic Appeal Form” via online to the Office of Student Leadership & Engagement within seventy-two (72) hours after receiving the traffic citation.  The citation number  issued by Police Services must be submitted wit the appeal.

B.   A Committee for Traffic Appeals, composed of three (3) students.  One (1) student appointed by the Student Government Association (SGA) Vice President and two (2) students from the student body appointed by the Advisor to the SGA Vice President.  Appointments are one year.

C.   The Committee will meet weekly to review traffic appeals.

D.   Decisions of the Committee will be made by majority vote and based upon the regulations set forth in the Southwest Tennessee Traffic Code (which is given to all students when they obtain a parking decal) and the relevant facts. The Committee will have the authority to either affirm or invalidate citations.

E.   If the committee affirms the citation, fines must be paid in accordance with established procedures.

F.   Decisions of the Committee will be issued via southwest email after review.  A copy of the decision of the Committee will be sent to the student and Police Services.

G.   A student may appeal the Committee’s decision by submitting a written request to the Director of Student Leadership & Engagement within seventy-two (72)  hours after issuance of the Committee’s decision. The Director of Student Leadership & Engagement will review the matter on the basis of the existing record, including but not limited to the Committee’s written decision, and the student’s appeal submission.  The Director of Student Leadership & Engagement will issue a written determination, via southwest email 5 days after the submission of the appeal, either upholding or reversing the Committee’s decision.

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.

Transcript

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Transfer

Students interested in information regarding transferring to another institution after completing the associate degree at Southwest may contact the Transfer Advisor at (901) 333-6484. Throughout the academic year, local colleges/universities visit Southwest.

To review Transfer Equivalency and/or Articulation Agreements, visit www.southwest.tn.edu/advising/transfer-equivalencies.htm .

Partnership Enrollment Agreements (PEP): PEP agreements provide Southwest students with the opportunity for guaranteed admission to a four-year college or university. Participants in these co-admissions programs are guaranteed admission upon graduation from Southwest with an associate’s degree. While each agreement may vary, students generally receive:

• coordinated academic advising from the Southwest Transfer Office and the participating four-year college

• waiver of college and university admissions fees

Please contact the Transfer Office for a current list of participants and to begin the process.

Transfer Office

www.southwest.tn.edu/advising/

Macon Cove Campus (901) 333-4594

Each year hundreds of students transfer from Southwest to four-year schools all over the country. Students who are thinking about transferring after graduation from Southwest should visit the Advising Office to make sure classes will transfer and to learn about guaranteed admissions agreements with four-year colleges and universities.

The Advising Office is designed to help you plan continued education after graduation from Southwest. The Advising Office provides a variety of services designed to make transfer from the community college as easy and efficient as possible.

The Advising Office provides the following services:

• Professional Academic advising to new students who plan to transfer to a college or university upon completion of a degree at Southwest

• Assistance with researching transfer options and articulation agreements

• Hosts the Annual College Transfer Days that bring representatives from regional Colleges and Universities to campus to visit with Southwest students who are interested in transfer

• Hosts monthly visits from representatives of local colleges and universities

• Initiates paperwork for Partnership Enrollment Agreements (PEP) for Southwest students wishing to participate in a special guaranteed transfer admission agreement with a participating college or university

Transfer Credit

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Transfer Guidelines

• check foreign language requirements of the intended transfer institution; some institutions have special requirements regarding course selection and admission
• review Equivalency Tables and/or Articulation Agreements at www.southwest.tn.edu/advising/transfer-equivalencies.htm .
• complete all appropriate courses at Southwest Tennessee Community College
• submit an admissions application to the transfer institution as early as possible

Students who receive an associate degree or technical/academic certificate from Southwest, and follow the Transfer Guidelines, will ensure that a higher percentage of credits earned at Southwest will transfer to a four-year institution to enable them to further their education.

Transient Student

A transient student is one who transfers from another college and who seeks admission to Southwest for a limited number of courses. This admission category is designed for students who do not wish to pursue a degree at Southwest but plan to return to their home institution. Transient students are not eligible for financial aid. See the catalog for specific provisions listed under this category.

University Parallel Associate Degrees

Associate of Arts and Associate of Science are degrees designed to transfer to baccalaureate institutions.

Use of the College Name

You may not use the name of the College unless you obtain written permission from the Communications, Marketing and Community Relations Department, Farris Building Room 1002, 901-333-4116.

Veterans Services

The Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) serves as a liaison to the Department of Veterans Affairs to keep veterans abreast of procedures and policies regarding veterans educational benefits. The office promotes the VET Club and Veterans Day activities which unite the veteran student population and serve as a voice through which their concerns can be addressed.

Contact the OVA immediately after registering for classes to request certification. The Veterans Request for Certification (VRC) form is used by servicepersons, veterans, reservists and dependents to request certification/payment for VA education benefits. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the VRC form each semester to ensure receipt of benefits. The Office of Veterans Affairs is located on the Macon Cove Campus, Farris Building, room 2146, (901) 333-4174 or on the Union Avenue Campus, M Building, room 110, (901) 333-5122.

Visitors

Visitors/guests will not be permitted to enter classrooms where instruction is being provided without prior approval by the classroom instructor.

Voter Registration

Forms are available in the Student Leadership & Engagement Office.

Withdrawing From a Course

For more information, refer to the College catalog www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/

Work Service Organizations

Work service consists of a designated number of hours that a student must work for the College or an organization in return for the tuition and book scholarship received while a member of the organization. Some academic scholarships also require work service to the College. Work hour requirements are based on number of hours enrolled each term and are required for maintaining the scholarship. The following are work service organizations at Southwest:

• Academic Support Center Scholarship Tutors
• Student Ambassadors
• Student Government Association (SGA)
• Student Learning Community Mentors
• Student Newspaper-The Southwest Source

Workforce Development & Corporate Training

Southwest’s Workforce & Community Solutions offers non-credit courses for those seeking to enhance their professional skills, enter a new career, reenter the workforce, or expand their personal interests. We offer online and in-person training options that support both professional and personal goals. We have flexible start dates, instructor-led, and self-paced courses that fit your learning needs. Short-term training in technology, healthcare, hospitality, business, leadership, and hobbyist activities are available. Learn more about digital technologies, project management, healthcare certifications, and even motorcycle riding! Some courses and certifications can qualify for college credit.

Customized training and other services for the business community are also available through the department. We provide job skills analysis and assessment services. We develop custom curriculum and training that is designed to enhance companies’ performance by identifying and addressing recruitment, selection, training, and retention needs.

 Call us today for the fast track to a career, career enhancement and personal enrichment! 901-333-4207

Work-Study Program

A federally funded financial aid program; where eligible students are awarded funds for part-time employment opportunities to assist with educational expenses. 

Students who qualify for this program are employed in a department  on campus or in an off-campus community service agency. The job responsibilities and the hours of work vary with the job assignment, but will not exceed 20 hours per week. Student cannot work during scheduled class and may only earn up to the awarded amount, authorized by the Financial Aid Office within a given school year.