Support Services

Academic Support/Tutoring

www.southwest.tn.edu/asc/
Macon Cove Campus (901) 333-4107
Union Avenue Campus (901) 333-5054
Gill Center (901) 333-5989
Maxine A. Smith Center (901) 333-6046
Whitehaven Center (901) 333-6480

In the Academic Support Center, our primary goal is the success of our students, and we commit to providing tutoring, academic coaching, mentoring, and supplemental instruction to currently enrolled Southwest students.  Academic support may be given in a limited, in-person format or online, especially as the needs of our students can be met both in face-to-face and distant formats.  Our academic support services remain an important part of student success, even as we have a heavier online presence.  Through either one-on-one in person or online Microsoft Teams meetings with students, the ASC engages students holistically to continue its mission to help students in their progress towards a successful course, program, and degree completion.

Tutoring is available to all currently enrolled students at Southwest. There is no charge for this service. Currently, the ASC has locations at the Gill Center, Macon Cove Campus, Maxine A. Smith Center, Union Avenue Campus, and Whitehaven Center.

The ASC offers Wi-Fi networking and also disability compliant facilities for special needs students.

Service hours may vary by location and are posted at the ASC website.  For more information about the ASC or to schedule an appointment, visit http://www.southwest.tn.edu/asc.

Academic Advising & Career Services

The Academic Advising and Career Services departments have joined forces as part of the Colleges emphasis on becoming the workforce solution for Memphis and the Mid-South by preparing students for academic and career success.

Support Services-Advising

www.southwest.tn.edu/advising/
Macon Cove Campus (901) 333-4594
Union Avenue Campus (901) 333-5122
Maxine A. Smith Center (901) 333-6005
Whitehaven Center (901) 333-6450

Schedule an appointment with Advising: Visit  SLATE- Schedule An Advising Appointment 

Under “Care Team” you will find your listed advisor to schedule an appointment.

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

Advising is committed to fostering student success, through teaching and learning by promoting engagement and providing connections to various 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:

• In-person
• Phone
• Virtual

For NEW students, please complete an Online Advising form and an advisor will contact you.  https://forms.office.com

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 try to 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.

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 can login to your student portal and select “Self Service.”  From there, students can select “Student” then “Change Major.”  The change of 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.If you are undecided about your career and/or major, contact Career Services careerservices@southwest.tn.edu

NOTE: Major changes made after the 14^th day of classes for the Spring and Fall terms or after the 7^th day of classes for the Summer term will be effective as of the next semester.

Undecided Major

If you are unsure about your major and/or career, you can take the free and mobile-friendly Career Coach Assessment. In 3-5 minutes, Career Coach will identify career paths that match your interests plus provide details such as required education, potential employers, salary, and more!  You can discuss your assessment results and career plans with Career Services.

Transfer Guidelines

If you plan to transfer to a baccalaureate institution, you should:

• review the catalog of the intended institution
• 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 (College Transfer Equivalencies (tn.edu)
• 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 associates degree from Southwest, should follow the Transfer Guidelines.  This 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

Transfer

Students interested in information regarding transferring to another institution after completing the associate degree at Southwest may contact Advising at (901) 333-5122. Throughout the academic year, local colleges/universities visit Southwest.

To review Transfer Equivalency and/or Articulation Agreements, visit College Transfer Equivalencies (tn.edu) 

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; https://www.southwest.tn.edu/admissions/checklists/transient.php

University Parallel Associate Degree

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

Career Services

www.southwest.tn.edu/career-services/
careerservices@southwest.tn.edu

Macon Cove Campus (901) 333-4180 
Union Avenue Campus (901) 333-5511 
Instagram and Twitter: @SouthwestCareer

Schedule an appointment with Career Services

Visit your “My.Southwest” student portal at https://my.southwest.tn.edu, select “Career Services” and follow the prompts to choose your preferred day and time.

Knowing that the #1 reason students attend college is to prepare for or further their career, we offer the following career development services on campus and online:

Career Choice, Assessment, and Planning Services

• Take the free Career Coach Assessment to identify career pathways that match your interests and personality traits
• Meet with Career Services to review your assessment results, explore options, and talk about your career plans
• Use Career Coach to explore different careers and learn about daily duties, potential employers,required education, salary, job outlook and more
• Build an e-Portfolio to record and showcase your academic, extra-curricular, and work experiences; it’s also a great place to keep your career assessment results, ideas, and future goals

Job Readiness Services

• Use SkillsFirst/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
• Learn interview tips and schedule a “mock” interview with Career Services to practice your skills
• View internship, part-time, and full-time job listings in Handshake, in addition to employer events and information sessions
• Network with employers at Career Fairs and discover a variety of job opportunities in different industries
• Gain work experience related to your future career by completing an internship or other work experience

Child Care

www.southwest.tn.edu/childcare/
Macon Cove Campus (901) 333-4500
Union Avenue Campus (901) 333-5233

The Child Care Centers provide a well-supervised program for six-week-old to five-year-old children. They provide a warm, secure environment that encourages parental involvement and meets the cognitive, physical, social and emotional needs of children from various socioeconomic and diverse backgrounds. Campus Child Care is a fun place where emphasis is placed on learning through play, where best practices and developmentally appropriate practices are implemented.  Campus child care is in a partnership with Shelby County School’s Pre-K (four-years-old) and Porter Leath Agency (6 weeks to 3 years) to help meet the needs of student parents enrolled in Southwest.

Evening and Weekend Programs

http://www.southwest.tn.edu/evening-weekend/
eveningweekend@southwest.tn.edu

Macon Cove Campus (901) 333-4880

Union Avenue Campus (901) 333-5190

Southwest’s evening and weekend programs afford the opportunity for students to complete entire degrees and technical certificates by attending solely in the evening and/or on the weekends. Currently, there are thirteen (13) degrees and eleven (11) technical certificates offered completely in the evening and/or weekend format. Courses may be offered in the traditional fourteen-week format, the seven-week hybrid plan, as well as the three-week SWIFT model.

Library

www.southwest.tn.edu/library/

Southwest Tennessee Community College

www.southwest.tn.edu

Welcome to the Infonet Library

The InfoNet Library will meet the information needs of our students and faculty by: developing relevant collections to support the curricula; providing equal access to the resources and the space to use and share information; and promoting academic success and lifelong learning through information literacy.

Macon Cove Campus (901) 333-4706
Union Avenue Campus (901) 333-5135
Gill Center (901) 333-5979
Maxine A. Smith Center (901) 333-6037
Whitehaven Center (901) 333-6442

Five libraries are available for student, faculty and staff use:

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

Check https://www.southwest.tn.edu/library/hours.php for current opening and closing times.

The InfoNet Library provides the following services:

• Research assistance and access to trusted information sources
• A significant print collection designed to meet faculty and student curriculum needs
• Electronic resources, consisting of database and online books available to both on-campus and distance education students
• Subscriptions to selected print and digital periodicals and journals
• Ask a Librarian, allows students to ask questions via telephone, email, text, or chat (https://www.southwest.tn.edu/library/contactus.php)
• Media resources, including popular and instructional DVDs, audio books, and music recordings
• Online catalog with capabilities of renewing and requesting materials 24 hours a day (https://www.southwest.tn.edu/library/index.php)
• Access to personal computers, mobile devices, photocopiers, scanners, and FAX machines
• Information literacy and library instruction for classes, as well as individualized and daily point-of-use instruction
• Online orientation is available for distance learners at https://southwesttcc.webex.com/mw3300/mywebex/default.do?siteurl=southwesttcc&service=6
• Inter-library loan services are available to secure items not owned by the InfoNet Library
• Access to group and individual study rooms
• Borrowing agreements are maintained with Baptist College Health Sciences, Christian Brothers University, Harding School of Theology, Memphis College of Arts, LeMoyne-Owen College, Memphis Theological Seminary, Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, Rhodes College, Southern College of Optometry, University of Memphis Libraries, University of Memphis - Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, and the University of Tennessee Health Sciences
• Annual cultural activities are provided to enrich the college experience

Dean of Students Office

www.southwest.tn.edu/student-success

anhernandez@southwest.tn.edu
 

The mission of the Dean of Students Office is to offer student-centered support systems in Student Leadership and Engagement, Testing Services, Mental Health Counseling, Social Services, Center for Access, and Student Success as listed below:  

• Center for Access (formerly Student Disability Services) - accommodations, accountability, and advocacy
• Mental Health Counseling
• Social Services - food pantry, connection to resources for housing and transportation, etc.
• Student Leadership & Engagement - leadership, engagement, advocacy, and judicial affairs
• Testing Services
  • Entrance & Exit Exams including, Accuplacer, ACT National, ACT Residual, ETS, CLEP, DANTES, Major Field Exams, etc.
  • Center for Access Testing Accommodations
• Student Success
  • Peer Mentoring
  • Success Coaching
  • Student Success Workshops

The Dean of Students Office also assists with Student Complaints. Southwest is committed to a policy of fair treatment of its students in their relationships with fellow students, faculty, staff and administration (see https://www.southwest.tn.edu/policy/section3/3-02-01-01-22.pdf). Students are encouraged to seek a resolution directly with the faculty or individual(s) involved, when possible. If students feel like the issue is not being resolved, a student can submit a Student Complaint Form (https://www.southwest.tn.edu/student-success/student-complaint.php). For questions about this process, contact the Dean of Students at anhernandez@southwest.tn.edu.

Office of Student Success

Southwest Tennessee Community College

The Office of Student Success at Southwest Tennessee Community College provides personalized support to help students stay on track, improve their academic standing, and reach graduation. The office serves a variety of students, including first-time freshmen, students on academic probation, and those returning from academic suspension or extended time away.

Through a team of professional staff and trained Peer Mentors, the office offers one-on-one coaching, interactive workshops, and help connecting to campus resources. Students can also visit Success Hubs located on the Macon Cove and Union Avenue campuses to connect with a Success Coach and/or Peer Mentor, ask general questions, or get connected to support services.

Programs offered through the Office of Student Success include:

Saluqi Scholars Program
This program supports first-time freshmen by pairing them with a Peer Mentor or a Student Success Navigator, depending on their high school GPA. The program helps students adjust to college, build habits for success, and get involved on campus. It includes extra support for first-generation students and offers the option to continue into a second semester.

Saluqi Success Pathway
Designed for students on academic probation (their GPA at Southwest has fallen below 2.0) or those who have received an approved suspense appeal, this program provides one-on-one coaching from a Success Coach. Students create personalized success plans and participate in workshops that build academic and personal success skills.

Welcome Back Program
This program supports students who are returning to college after suspension or time away from the college. Reentry Coaches help students reengage with their academic goals through coaching, workshops, and reorientation upon return. While students are on suspension or not enrolled, they are encouraged to explore short-term workforce programs and seek career support from Career Services.

Peer Mentor Program
Peer Mentors are student leaders who support either first-time freshmen or returning students. They offer guidance, help students feel more connected to campus, and staff the Success Hubs. Peer Mentors also assist with workshops and events that support student success.

Saluqi Success Workshops
Workshops focus on essential skills like time management, note-taking, test preparation, and communication. These sessions are offered in partnership with other college services and are customized for each of the office’s programs.

The Office of Student Success helps students feel supported, confident, and prepared as they move through college. By offering clear guidance, practical tools, and a strong support network, the office plays a key role in helping students succeed.

For more information, email studentsuccess@southwest.tn.edu.

Resources and Scholarships

Southwest Tennessee Community College offers additional resources and scholarships to currently enrolled students. Some of these scholarships include the Access and Diversity Scholarship and the Saluqi Emergency Fund (SEF) Scholarship.  To review these and other scholarships, please visit Southwest Tennessee Community College’s Foundation page at http://www.southwest.tn.edu/scholarships.

Contact Us

Saluqi Success Pathway (SSP) Coaches:  Corey Stewart and Brenda Rayner

Phone: 901-333-4261 (Macon)

Email:  studentsuccess@southwest.tn.edu

SSP Hub Locations:

Macon Campus, Academic Building B, Lobby

Union Campus, B Building, Outside the Saluqi Den

Center for Access (CA) (formerly Student Disability Services)

https://www.southwest.tn.edu/center-for-access/
Macon Cove Campus (901) 333-4223
Union Avenue Campus (901) 333-5523

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 increasing 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.

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.

Contact the Center for Access Office at (901) 333-4223 (Macon) or (901) 333-5223 (Union)  or visit our website, https://www.southwest.tn.edu/center-for-access/​.

Testing Center

www.southwest.tn.edu/testing/
Please call (901) 333-4170 for all Testing inquiries.

The mission of the Testing Center is to provide high quality academic testing services that observe nationally recognized professional testing in order to meet the growing needs of our students, faculty, administration and community. For a complete listing of all exams administered by Southwest Tennessee Community College’s Testing Center, please visit https://www.southwest.tn.edu/testing/tests.php. A valid picture ID is required for admittance into all exams. All test dates, times and fees are subject to change without prior notice. Test fees are non-refundable and non-transferable to future test dates. Special accommodations for individuals with documented disabilities are made through the Center for Access by calling the office (Union Office 901-333-5523 and Macon Office 901-333-4223).

Transfer Office

www.southwest.tn.edu/advising

(901) 333-6484

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 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

Transfer Credit

For more information, refer to the College catalog: https://www.southwest.tn.edu/catalog/imdex.php

ACT - Residual

The ACT Residual exam is used to determine course placement.  Students who were unable to take the ACT in high school or the National Test can register for this exam or the ACCUPLACER exam.  Scores from the ACT Residual test cannot be transferred to other institutions. The ACT sub-scores are used to determine college-level placement or appropriate learning support co-requisite courses.

ACCUPLACER

High School Equivalency Exams

The HiSET (High School Equivalency Exam) is designed for individuals who have not earned a high school diploma and are officially withdrawn from high school.  For more information on requirements, scheduling, and fees, visit http://hiset.ets.org/test-takers.    

Graduate Exit Exams

Educational Testing Service (ETS) Proficiency Profile

All students seeking Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.), and Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.) degrees are required to take this test. The ETS^® Proficiency Profile test is 40 minutes in length and taken online.  

Major Field Examination

All Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree graduating students are required to take an examination in their major field of study, with the exception of Allied Health Sciences majors.  This is a state mandated graduation requirement. The exam is 2 hours in length and taken online via PAWS. 

TN eCampus Program 

Students enrolled in TN eCampus courses at TBR institutions may be required to complete proctored midterm and final exams.  Email notifications will be sent to all Southwest Tennessee Community College students detailing the exam periods and deadlines for scheduling appointments.  Please check your Southwest email regularly for these updates as well as important notifications from various areas within the College.  Each semester all available TN eCampus testing dates and times are listed at  https://www.southwest.tn.edu/tests.php/.  Please contact the Testing Center at (901)333-4170 to schedule appointments. 

Limited Enrollment Programs 

Students seeking admissions to certain limited enrollment programs such as Nursing and the Allied Health Sciences, additional testing may be required.  Exam registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable to future test dates.

Nursing Program

National Entrance Exam (NEX)

Please visit https://www.southwest.tn.edu/testing/tests.php for NLN examination dates.

Pharmacy Technician Program

Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE)

Please visit https://www.southwest.tn.edu/testing/tests.php for TABE examination dates.

Radiologic Technology Program

Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)

Please visit https://www.southwest.tn.edu/testing/tests.php for HOAE examination dates.

The following are national assessment and/or certification tests administered at Southwest.

ACT - Residual and National
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
 

Southwest’s Veterans and Military Student Services (SW-VMSS)

http://www.southwest.tn.edu/veterans/
Macon Cove Campus (901) 333-4594
Union Avenue Campus (901) 333-5122

Support for Our Military-Affiliated Students

At Southwest, the Office of Veterans & Military Services is dedicated to helping you transition smoothly into college life and succeed academically. We serve as the connection between Southwest and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD), offering personalized support to veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, military spouses, and dependents.

Our office assists with applying for VA education benefits, understanding VA regulations, and connecting you to both campus and community resources designed to support military-affiliated students. Whether you’re just starting college or continuing your education, we are here to help you every step of the way.

Once you register for your classes each semester, be sure to submit a Southwest Veterans Request for Certification Form to keep your VA benefits on track. This form is required every semester to make sure your enrollment is properly certified with the VA and your benefits are not delayed.

You can find a School Certifying Official in person at these locations:

· Macon Cove Campus - Farris Building, Room 2131 | (901) 333-4029

· Union Avenue Campus - M-Building, Room 110, Office 6 | (901) 333-5089

If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to any School Certifying Official. We are proud to support you in your journey and are committed to helping you succeed!

Thank you for your Service!

Important Information for Students Using VA Education Benefits

We are committed to supporting our veteran and military-connected students. Under Title 38 U.S. Code Section 3679(e), you’re protected if there’s a delay in your VA education benefits being processed.

Here’s what this means for you:

· You won’t be penalized if your VA payments are delayed. We won’t charge you late fees, deny you enrollment, ask for extra funds, or block your access to campus resources.

· You can start your classes on time once you provide us with your Certificate of Eligibility (or proof you’re entitled to VA benefits). You don’t have to worry about payment delays getting in your way.

You served - now it’s our turn to serve you. We’re committed to making sure financial processing delays won’t stand between you and your education.