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The mission of the Student Affairs Department and the Student Services Department is two-fold: (1) to afford students an opportunity to grow personally and professionally through student interaction, activities, and leadership opportunities within the college and the community; and (2) to provide students with services and guidance that lead to effective problem-solving skills and personal satisfaction with their learning community and their learning experience.
Areas within the Student Services Department include entrance testing, orientation, and academic advising. Areas within the Student Affairs Department include counseling, student activities and organizations, career services, disability services, graduation, tutoring, resource center/library services, bookstore, safety, and student conduct. In addition, community resources and referral lists are available from the Student Affairs Department for alcohol and drug abuse information sources, housing information, and daycare providers. Several of the services offered to students are discussed in the next paragraphs.
Student Services Department
Academic Advising
Upon admission, undergraduate students are assigned a Student Success Advisor or Mentor, who provides assistance during enrollment and for class scheduling. After a specified timeframe, onground students in programs with programmatic admission will transition to a faculty member who will serve as the academic advisor for the major. The Student Success Advisor or Mentor will send notification to the student when this transition occurs. For students enrolled in fully online programs, the Student Success Advisor or Mentor will provide advising to the student throughout the entire program. During the initial conference with the Student Success Advisor or Mentor, the advisor and the student will design a scheduling plan that meets the student’s educational goals and the requirements for the program. Thereafter, each term the student must meet with his/her advisor to update his/her plan and to register for classes for the following term.
Graduate students are assigned an advisor or mentor upon beginning coursework. This advisor or mentor should be consulted at the beginning of each term and again during registration for upcoming quarters. As students progress in their program, the advisor or mentor will work with each student toward completion of the capstone requirement(s) for his/her program.
Orientation & Welcome Sessions
The college provides online orientation modules for student review in the New Student Orientation course in Canvas. Campus Welcome Sessions are also scheduled each term. The information provided is designed to acquaint new students with academic life and college services. All new students and those students re-entering after an absence of one year or more are asked to participate. Information regarding both the New Student Orientation Course and the Welcome Sessions is provided by the Admissions Department or by the Student Services Department.
Student Affairs Department
Counseling Services
South College students (and their family members) have complimentary access to resources and counseling through ComPsych. Students can call a Guidance Consultant via a dedicated toll-free phone number and after speaking with the consultant and answering some questions, the consultant can provide additional resources, guidance, and/or a referral to a counselor. These Guidance Consultants are available 24/7 and can help with any issue, including anxiety, depression, stress, grief, life adjustments, substance abuse, and relationship conflict. If needed, students will be referred to a licensed counselor/therapist located in their community where they will receive up to 3 in-person sessions per person, per issue, per year free of charge. ComPsych has a large network of licensed counselors/therapists throughout the United States, so all our students (regardless of where they are) will have access to in-person counseling. Students may select counselors based on specialty, language, gender, or religious preferences. In addition to phone-based and in-person counseling, students also have access to GuidanceResources, which is a website that contains articles, podcasts, videos, slideshows, and “ask the expert” personal responses to wellness questions.
Phone-based counselors: 844-268-5855
Website: http://guidanceresources.com (Web ID: SouthCollege)
Smartphone Application: GuidanceNow
Career Services
For South College students and graduates, a designated Career Services Advisor is available to provide information at no charge regarding career guidance, resume writing, and job-search strategies. While the primary focus of Career Services is to assist students upon graduation, any enrolled student may seek employment information through this office.
Although job placement cannot be guaranteed, it is vitally important to both the student and the college that each student obtain appropriate employment. Therefore, as students approach the last quarter of their programs, a Career Services advising appointment is required to receive specific and personalized instruction in the preparation of professional resumes and cover letters, to review job search strategies and interviewing skills, and to complete graduation forms. The two required graduation forms for Career Services can be completed online through your Student Portal. Please note, students will need to enter their Student Portal credentials to log in and complete the applications. To access the forms, click on:
Community Resources and Referral List
- Alcoholism and Drug Abuse - In addition to the information distributed to all students during their initial orientation session, an additional list of programs for the treatment of alcoholism and drug abuse is available from the Student Affairs Department.
- Child Care - South College does not provide daycare facilities. Students must make arrangements for their children’s care. Students needing assistance finding childcare may see the Student Affairs Department staff.
- Housing - A listing of rental residence options is available for students to use when looking for housing in close proximity to the campus. Contact the Student Affairs Department staff for assistance.
Health Services for Students
South College does not provide health services. However, the institution does have an agreement with Cherokee Health Systems (CHS) that allows South College students (Knoxville) to seek health care services from a CHS facility (procedures for health insurance are carried out by CHS). The facility will verify current enrollment at South College in order to proceed with services. Students enrolled at the Asheville Campus may seek medical care at the Mercy Urgent Care Centers (several locations in Asheville). Students enrolled at the Nashville Campus may seek medical care at Neighborhood Health, which offers low-cost health services in Davidson, Wilson, and Trousdale counties, including discounted services for those without health insurance. Students in the metro Atlanta or Marietta area may go to https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/ to locate a low-cost health center. Examples of health centers located within 5 miles of the Atlanta Campus include Oakhurst Northlake and Mercy Care Chamblee. Students in Dallas may find low-cost services at the Woven Health Clinic (https://www.wovenhealth.org/farmers-branch/) or find low-cost health services options by visiting https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/ Students in Indianapolis may find low-cost health services options by visiting https://www.in.gov/fssa/ompp/. Orlando Campus students may contact Orange Blossom Family Health (obfh.org) or go to https://findhealthcenter.hrsa.gov. Students in Pittsburgh may find low-cost health services options by visiting https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/. Please see Student Affairs Department personnel for additional information.
Off-Campus Activities (Ground Campuses)
Periodically, South College faculty members arrange for field trips which relate to classroom material being covered or to the overall scope of a particular program. In order to promote safety during these activities, students will receive pertinent training prior to these events occurring (i.e., universal precautions, security, equipment usage, etc.). Several voluntary extra-curricular activities are also scheduled each quarter and some of these are also off-campus. The same policy outlined below applies to these activities as well.
For off-campus activities, it is the responsibility of the faculty members and students to arrange their own transportation both to and from these locations. South College does not provide transportation nor endorse any method of transportation. In cases where students decide to carpool or ride with a faculty member, all liability is assumed by the driver of the associated vehicle, not the college. Any expenses associated with emergency medical procedures are the responsibility of the associated student and/or employee. Each student signs a hold- harmless agreement during application to the institution.
Student Activities
South College supports and encourages participation in student organizations and campus activities. The college values inclusive participation and leadership development for all students and therefore does not recognize any group of students as an elected or appointed student government. Participation in student organizations, community service and other campus activities provides students with opportunities to develop career related skills such as multi-tasking, prioritizing and teambuilding.
Student Organization Approval and Recognition Process
All student organizations must apply and be approved as a recognized organization by South College. Students interested in forming organizations should contact the Student Affairs Department to obtain the application materials. All student organizations must have a designated faculty/staff advisor. For program-specific organizations, the faculty advisor must be approved by academic leadership. All student and program-specific organizations must submit a mission/purpose, bylaws, and a plan for organizational structure as part of the application. All South College social media accounts to support student organizations and clubs must be approved and a South College designated faculty/staff advisor must have administrator access to the account. Once the student organizations are approved, any changes to the mission, constitution, bylaws, or organizational structure (e.g., new sub committees or subgroups under the umbrella organization) must be approved by the faculty/staff advisor, campus leadership, and academic leadership (for program-specific student organizations only). Completed application materials should be submitted to the Student Affairs Department for review. Final approval must be granted by campus leadership and by academic leadership (for program-specific student organizations only).
If final approval to establish a student organization is not granted, the student organization may appeal the decision in writing within five (5) business days to the Executive Director of Institutional Student Affairs, 3904 Lonas Drive, Knoxville, TN 37909, Phone: 865-392-4733. The appeal must contain copies of the application, constitution, and by-laws. The Executive Director’s decision regarding the appeal is final.
Events, Activities, and Official Statement Approval
Once a student organization is approved, all events, activities, and official statements or declarations must be pre-approved. Preparation and advertisement of events or activities are prohibited until the student organization receives full approval for the event or activity. Student organization officers may obtain the required form to have an activity or event (including fundraising) from the Student Affairs Department. Final approval must be granted by campus leadership. For program-specific student organizations, academic leadership for the respective program must also be obtained.
Annual Renewal Requirement
All student organizations shall renew their charter each year. The renewal request will include a summary of accomplishments, financial activity, and a list of the organization’s goals for the next year and should be submitted to the faculty/staff advisor and the Student Affairs Department.
Tutoring Assistance
South College tutoring services are available to all enrolled students for classes they are currently taking or for career-focused projects, such as resumes and cover letters. Writing, math, science, speech, and technology assistance is accessible through various modalities.
For tutoring assistance, contact South College Faculty Tutors via the South College website by clicking on Current Students and then Tutoring. A South College virtual tutoring schedule can be accessed at https://canvas.south.edu/courses/26545. If a South College tutor is unavailable at the student’s desired time, the student should utilize online tutoring through Tutor.com (24/7 availability).
At the Main and Parkside Campuses, schedules and information for both the Writing Lab and the Math Lab campus-based tutoring are listed in the student newsletter, the Southern Digest. Schedules are also posted via the campus digital signage. At the Asheville Campus, the schedules are posted via the campus digital signage and in The Times quarterly newsletter. At the Nashville Campus, the schedules are posted via the campus digital signage and in the quarterly student newsletter, The Nashville Note. At the Atlanta Campus, the schedules are posted via the campus digital signage and in the quarterly student newsletter, The Peachtree Post. All tutoring is available to students at no cost. At the Indianapolis Campus, schedules are posted via campus signage and in the quarterly student newsletter, The Indianapolis Post. At the Orlando Campus, schedules are posted via campus signage and in the quarterly student newsletter the Orlando Journal. At the Pittsburgh Campus, schedules are posted via campus signage and in the quarterly student newsletter, The Pittsburgh Publication. For Online, schedules and information are posted on the Student Portal and through quarterly communication from the Student Affairs Department and in the quarterly student newsletter, The Online Opus. For CBE, schedules and information are posted on the Student Portal and in the quarterly student newsletter, The CBE Chronicle. At the Dallas Campus, schedules are posted via campus signage and in the quarterly student newsletter, The Lone Star Letter.
Online tutoring is also available to students by professional tutors through Tutor.com. The service is available to students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Students can access this resource by logging in to their Canvas account and clicking on the Tutor.com link in the course menu. Tutoring can be completed on demand online or an appointment can be scheduled to work with a tutor.
Tutoring assistance can also be requested through the Peer Tutoring Program. Students needing assistance should contact their faculty members, School/Department Dean/Department Chair/Program Director, or the Student Affairs Department. This can be done via telephone, email, referral form, or in person. Students who are available to tutor other students should register with the Student Affairs Department. Every effort is made to find tutors, but tutoring assistance is not guaranteed for every class or every program through this program. The service is dependent on the availability of tutors, and not all classes have students who qualify to tutor.
Full-time faculty members are available to give special assistance. Occasionally, faculty will require a student’s attendance at “help” sessions when the student’s classroom performance indicates additional assistance is needed.
Disability Services
South College does not discriminate on the basis of disability in education programs and activities pursuant to the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by the Rehabilitation Acts Amendments of 1974, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. A disability is a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities. Students with disabilities means any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; or has a record of such impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment.
Students who seek reasonable accommodations should notify the Student Affairs Department’s designated Disability Services contact listed below of their specific limitations and, if known, their requested accommodations.
Designated Disability Services Contact Information:
- Main & Parkside Campuses:
- Director of Student Affairs, 3904 Lonas Drive, Knoxville, TN 37909, Phone: (865) 251-1822
- CBE Programs Only: Dean of Academic and Student Services, 400 Goody’s Ln, Knoxville, TN 37922, Phone: (971) 295-9525
- Asheville Campus: Student Affairs Coordinator, 140 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28803, Phone: (828) 398-2500
- Atlanta Campus: Director of Student Affairs, 2600 Century Parkway NE, Atlanta, GA 30345, Phone: (470) 322-1200
- Dallas Campus: Director of Student Services, 1507 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway, Dallas, TX 75234, Phone: (469) 896-8275
- Indianapolis Campus: Director of Student Services, 301 Pennsylvania Pkwy, Indianapolis, IN 46280, Phone (317) 819-7900
- Marietta Campus: Director of Student Services, 1850 Parkway Place, Marietta, GA 30067, Phone: (470) 934-2650
- Nashville Campus: Director of Student Affairs, 616 Marriott Drive, Office 223, Nashville, TN 37214, Phone: (629) 802-3000
- Orlando Campus: Director of Student Affairs, 6649 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821, Phone (407) 447-6900
- Online: Director of Student Affairs, 3904 Lonas Drive, Knoxville, TN 37909, Phone: (865) 392-4762
- Pittsburgh Campus: Director of Student Services, 3000 Westinghouse Dr, Suite 200, Cranberry Township, PA 16066, Phone: (724) 720-9500
At the initial meeting, students will be asked to complete the Registration Form for Disability Services to disclose their specific limitations and requested accommodations, which can include auxiliary aids or academic adjustments or services. Students will be asked to provide medical documentation from a healthcare professional of the need for accommodations. Students are encouraged to request accommodations and provide the required documentation at least one month prior to beginning classes for the first time in order to allow time for the request to be evaluated appropriately and for the accommodation to be arranged. Classroom accommodations are not retroactive and are effective upon the instructor(s) receipt of the approved accommodation letter.
The request for accommodations is considered complete once the student submits the Registration Form for Disability Services and the medical documentation to the designated Disability Services contact (see Designated Disability Services Contact Information in the section above). A decision to grant or deny requested accommodation(s) will be provided to the student in writing within two (2) weeks of the completed request or as soon as possible following the date of the request.
In the case of denials of accommodation(s), the written notice will explain the reason(s) for the denial and the procedures for appealing such decisions. Denial of auxiliary aids, academic adjustments, or other aids or services will not occur without consideration by the College of at least the following factors: (a) the extent of the student’s disability; (b) the student’s prior use of auxiliary aids; (c) the nature and complexity of program content and the modes through which course content is presented; and (d) whether the requested adjustment, aid or service would effectively accommodate the student’s disability in the context for which it is requested.
Once an accommodation is approved, the designated Disability Services contact will provide an accommodation letter to each of the student’s instructors as soon as possible and within one (1) business day of the accommodation approval if the quarter is already in session or by the first day of the quarter if classes have not commenced. When an accommodation is approved, the official listed above at the associated campus will inform the student in writing. In each subsequent quarter, students must submit a request for continued services to the designated Disability Services contact prior to the beginning of the quarter.
Appeal of Accommodation Decision
Students have the right to appeal an accommodation request denial. Within ten (10) business days after the initial accommodation decision, students must submit a request in writing outlining how the requested accommodation relates to his/her disability in an educational capacity to the Executive Director of Institutional Student Affairs, 3904 Lonas Drive, Knoxville, TN 37909, Phone: (865) 392-4733. The Executive Director of Institutional Student Affairs will review the request and send a decision in writing to the student within seven (7) business days of the student’s request.
Should the student wish to continue the appeal process once a decision has been received, then the student can appeal to the Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement and Effectiveness. Within seven (7) business days of the receipt of the decision, students must submit a request in writing outlining how the requested accommodation relates to his/her disability in an educational capacity to the Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement and Effectiveness, 3904 Lonas Drive, Knoxville, TN 37909, Phone: (865) 251-1800. Following review of the request, a decision in writing will be sent to the student within seven (7) business days of receipt of the request. The decision of the Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement and Effectiveness is final and cannot be appealed.
Section 504 Grievance Procedure
It is the policy of South College not to discriminate on the basis of disability. South College has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. The Dean of Academic and Student Services have been designated to coordinate the efforts of South College to comply with Section 504.
Any student who believes he/she has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability may file a grievance with the Dean of Academic and Student Services. If the complaint is against the Dean of Academic and Student Services, it should be filed with the Chief Academic Officer, 3904 Lonas Drive, Knoxville, TN 37909, Phone: (865) 251-1800. Retaliation against any person who files a grievance or assists South College in the investigation of a complaint under this policy is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination or dismissal by South College.
The complaint must be submitted in writing within fifteen (15) business days of the date of the alleged discriminatory action and must state the problem or action alleged to be discriminatory and the remedy or relief sought. The Dean of Academic and Student Services (or the Chief Academic Officer, in the case of a complaint against either of those individuals) will investigate the grievance, including providing both the student and South College an opportunity to present relevant witnesses and other relevant evidence. The investigator will issue a written decision no later than thirty (30) days of receipt of the grievance, which includes the basis for his/her decision.
Once a decision has been rendered, the student may appeal the decision by writing to the Chief Academic Officer, 3904 Lonas Drive, Knoxville, TN 37909, Phone: (865)251-1800, within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the decision. The Chief Academic Officer will issue a written decision in response to the appeal no later than thirty (30) days after receipt of the appeal.
Should the student wish to continue the appeal process once a decision has been received, then the student can appeal to the Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement and Effectiveness within seven (7) business days of the receipt of the decision. Students should submit a request in writing to the Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement and Effectiveness, 3904 Lonas Drive, Knoxville, TN 37909, Phone: (865)251-1800. The Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement and Effectiveness will review the request and send a decision in writing to the student within thirty (30) business days. The decision of the Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement and Effectiveness is final and cannot be appealed.
Website Accessibility Statement
Our Commitment to Accessibility
Throughout our history, South College has endeavored to meet the needs of our career-driven student body. Under the current administration, the college has expanded to include new campuses, added more degree programs at all levels, and revolutionized curricula and learning technologies. We are better than we’ve ever been at providing the quality and flexibility our students want, but we will never stop looking for ways to improve our students’ experiences.
In any era, it is the values of excellence, responsibility, and integrity that guide the strategic planning and decision-making of the South College leadership. Our top priority is and always will be providing our students with the excellent education they need to achieve their career goals. We strive to provide our students with education in a manner that ensures equal access, respect, dignity, and independence to all.
Our Mission and Action
We are dedicated to making South College a leader in student experience, and a critical part of that is digital accessibility. That’s why we’ve adopted the internationally recognized Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standard for our website, which includes PDFs, and multimedia assets such as videos and photos. Below you’ll find some of the ways we have incorporated accessibility into our South College culture:
- Developing an Accessibility mindset for employees and faculty that is dedicated to the adoption and implementation of accessibility practices and culture at South College.
- Conducting continuous accessibility testing of website navigation to continue to enhance our offerings for all students.
- Partnered with industry-leading accessibility expert Deque and their Accessibility Certification Service for consulting, monitoring, and certification.
- We provide any disability-specific services upon request (sign language interpreters for classrooms, labs and/or events, as an example.)
- Actively working towards achieving Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA
Need Assistance?
As a valued member of our South College family, your needs are important to us. We put student services at the heart of what we do every day. If the format of any material on this website at south.edu limits your ability to access information, please let us know by emailing us at accessibility@south.edu. We promise to provide a prompt and compassionate response, using thorough and exhaustive means to best answer your needs. Please note, students should not use the email above for Disability Services requests. Please refer to the Disability Services section of this handbook for more information and contact information for the Disability Services Coordinator.
Regarding Third Party Sites
South College has high expectations of quality, value, service, and respect of diversity from third-party suppliers and sites that we use. Although we are working to make all partner sites meet our guidelines, we cannot always guarantee the accessibility of these sites. We encourage you to contact us at accessibility@south.edu if any assistance is needed.
A Notice on Third Party Content
The South College website utilizes third party content for some features. We are continuously working with our procured vendors to provide a more accessible experience. Some third-party content that is readily available to all cannot be customized, and we cannot guarantee the accessibility of this content. If you would like assistance using this content, please contact us by emailing us at accessibility@south.edu.
Please note that our website(s) may link to, or interface with, third-party sites that we do not control, and which are not affiliated directly with South College. These third-party vendors may not have undertaken the same efforts that South College has to comply with the WCAG standards. As such, South College does not make representations regarding the accessibility and compliance with the ADA (or other applicable laws) of third-party sites. In addition, third-party vendors provide some content, plugins, and widgets on our websites. While we ask those third-party vendors to ensure accessibility, we cannot ensure their conformance but commit to continuously working with them to ensure updates are made consistently to improve the customer experience for all.
Department of Library Services
Resource Center/Library Services
South College provides a resource center/library on each campus for its students. Students are provided access to a wide range of resources to support their programs of study. Resources include electronic books, electronic journals, online databases, streaming videos, and Internet access. New electronic resources are added to the collections throughout the year and recommendations for new resources are encouraged. Library databases, electronic books, and electronic journals are only available through the library website. Reference services and interlibrary loan services are also available at all campuses and electronically.
Library instruction and training are available online and by scheduled consultation. A Library Orientation course is available in Canvas for all students. Library video tutorials are available on the library website, listed under Tutorials, to assist all students. The Orientation course and video tutorials provide students with the information needed to use library resources to the greatest advantage. Additional assistance is available through the library’s online Reference Desk. Assistance can be requested by phone, chat, email, or text. Scheduled consultations with library personnel are available. Please contact the service desk at any campus to request a consultation.
Resource Center/Library hours are posted at the entrance of each location and on the library website. More information about South College’s resource centers/libraries is available on the college website, www.south.edu. Click on Library in the Quick Links menu on the main page.
Library Borrowing Policies
Circulating and Overdue Materials
Students and faculty may check out materials from the library’s circulating collection. Students may borrow books for two weeks and DVDs for three days. Faculty may borrow any of these materials for three months. Daily fines are not charged on overdue material for students or faculty. Overdue notices are sent to students one week after the date due. Bills for overdue materials are sent to students if the materials are not returned by the end of the month. As a professional courtesy, reminders of outstanding material are sent to faculty each month.
Library Laptops
Students may borrow library laptops for on campus use only. During enrollment, students sign a laptop agreement confirming that they will only use library laptops on campus and recognize that they are financially responsible for the repair or replacement of a damaged or lost library laptop. When a student checks out a laptop, they receive an email reminder notice of this agreement.
Bookstore
South College provides an online bookstore where students can purchase required and recommended materials for their courses. Materials available through the online store may include textbooks, digital content, scrubs, lab kits, supplies, and other course-related items. Prices of books, supplies, and materials are not included in tuition. Students may reach the online store through the South College website by selecting Current Students → Bookstore, or directly through Canvas. In each Canvas course, students may see up to two links in the course navigation:
- Access Course Materials - for viewing or accessing materials that are automatically provided or included with the course (Inclusive Access).
- Purchase Course Materials - for purchasing or renting all other required or recommended items.
These links help ensure students locate the correct materials for each course.
Ordering Course Materials
When students sign into their course in Canvas, materials associated with the class are displayed automatically to ensure the correct items are selected. Some courses use Inclusive Access (IA), which provides automatic digital access to required materials on or before the first day of class at a reduced cost. Students enrolled in IA courses are charged directly for these materials unless they choose to opt out.
Students who wish to opt out of IA may do so through the Opt-Out tool in Canvas, located under the Access Course Materials link in their course. Students who opt out are responsible for obtaining the required materials independently and may pay full retail pricing through other sources.
If students experience difficulty accessing course materials or using the Opt-Out tool, assistance is available through the online bookstore’s customer support resources.
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