Student Affairs

Purpose

The Student Affairs Division administers student development and leadership programs to support the academic program. Our prime objective is to administer the personal needs of students and to provide the services which will supplement classroom programs and offer the opportunity for students to develop themselves personally, socially, and emotionally.

Academic Advising

Students must see an advisor prior to registering for classes each semester. The advisor is a faculty member who teaches in the student’s major field of study. Advising information is available via computer in each faculty member’s office. The college catalog contains information for each college curriculum. Students seeking a technical degree will follow the curriculum in the catalog. Students seeking a four-year degree should consult with faculty advisors, the transfer institution, and the Student Success Center to determine individual requirements for transfer. The catalog information in a university parallel curriculum is not intended to represent requirements for any particular college or university. In some cases, curricula in the catalog may be modified because of licensing or accreditation standards.

Readmitted students need to complete the readmission application and then proceed to see an advisor within the student’s major field of study. However, if a student attended prior to 1988, the academic advising information can be obtained only from the Student Records Department (CCEN - 252).

Transfer students will need to request that their incoming transcript(s) be evaluated through the Admissions Department/Student Information Center (CCEN-118). Once the transcript is evaluated, the transfer information will be entered into the computer so that an advisor can retrieve the transfer information during the advising session.

Walters State encourages continuous academic advising. Students should feel free to seek academic advice and mentoring throughout their college career.

Student Success Center

The Student Success Center, Room 259-CCEN, supports students in the development of meaningful educational plans that are supportive and compatible with educational and life goals. The center promotes and facilitates individual advisement and career exploration that aims to meet the unique goals of each student. The Student Success Center educates and empowers students to take responsibility in making informed decisions that help clarify career and personal goals.

The Student Success Center assists students in planning course schedules and ensuring that general education and major course requirements are met. To this end, students will be assessed for individual student goals as they relate to the college curriculum in order to give reliable information concerning the courses and degree programs available.

Academic advising is an important part of Walters State Community College’s commitment to helping students attain educational goals. Academic advising serves an important role in creating an environment that is supportive or student learning and personal development. Advisors provide information regarding degree programs, courses, resources, college policies/procedures, and, as requested, career information. Responsibilities for advising are shared among student support personnel and faculty in academic departments.

Although academic advisors may assist students with decisions throughout their academic career, students are responsible for making decisions regarding personal and educational goals. Students are ultimately responsible for satisfying all graduation requirements, so it is vital that they take an active role in their academic planning. Faculty advisors are willing and able to facilitate that planning, but completing the necessary steps is up to students.

Intercollegiate Athletics

A championship tradition, Hall of Fame coaches, top-notch facilities and tremendous community support are but a few of the characteristics that make Walters State athletics one of the premier programs in the nation.

Walters State has achieved national acclaim in its athletics department by hiring an excellent coaching staff, recruiting and awarding athletic scholarships to the area’s best student-athletes and playing exciting and competitive schedules. Walters State athletics has received the prestigious TJCCAA All-Sports Award several times. This award is given to the school with the best tournament results in the sports of baseball, softball, golf and men and women’s basketball.

Since it was founded in 1973, the Senators and Lady Senators have earned a total of 34 national tournament appearances, won 26 TJCCAA/NJCAA Region VII state titles and one national championship. This success can be attributed to our coaching staff as three of our coaches have been at the college for 30-plus years and are among the winningest coaches in the nation at the junior college level. Walters State’s teams are consistently ranked among the Top-20 teams in NJCAA polls and qualify for the national tournament frequently.

The 2006 season witnessed the first national championship in the history of the college. The Senators baseball team claimed the national title by going 61-8 and belting an amazing 138 home runs during the season. Six members of the Senators team were drafted by Major League Baseball. The Senators have truly established a decade of dominance as they have won 432 games since 2000 and have a winning percentage of .873. In this century, Walters State baseball has won nine conference championships, eight state and regional championships and have advanced to the JUCO World Series five times. The architect for the Senators success, head coach Ken Campbell, has been named the TJCCAA Coach of the Year six of the last nine years and was also named the Regional Coach of the Year four times. Forty-five Senators have been drafted to play in the major leagues in the storied history of the program.

Another Walters State team to enjoy success at the national level in 2008 was the Senators golf team. The Senators roared through the regular season, claiming the state and regional championships and advanced to the national tournament. The team finished sixteenth in the nation in 2008 and produced two All-Americans. The Senators golf team has qualified for the national tournament 15 times, won 16 state and region crowns and produced an individual national champion in 1995 - Ryan Cabbage who is currently an assistant coach at Auburn. Veteran TJCCAA Hall of Fame coach Bill Gardner has guided the golf program to national prominence. Gardner, the first coach hired by the college in any sport, has also served the institution as men’s basketball coach and baseball coach during his 35-year reign with the Senators.

The Lady Senators softball team has made its presence known since its inception in 1993. Under the direction of head coach Larry Sauceman, who played baseball for Walters State and helped lead the Senators to the World Series in 1984, the Lady Senators have enjoyed tremendous success. His teams have been among the best-hitting teams in the nation during his nine seasons as head coach and finished second in the conference and region in 2004 and 2005.

In his 31 years as the head coach of the Senators basketball team, the TJCCAA Hall-of-Fame member Bill Carlyle has averaged over 20 wins per season and led the team to the national tournament numerous times. Coach Carlyle has guided his team to 14 Eastern Division championships and eight state championships. His 1996 team was Region VII runners-up and his 2002 team won both the TJCCAA State Championship and the NJCAA Region VII Championship. After a very successful National Tournament appearance, the Senators finished 8th in the national rankings. His 2003-04 and 2004-05 teams won the TJCCAA Eastern Division, State Championship and the NJCAA Region VII Championship. The team was ranked in the top 20 in the nation at the end of the season. Coach Carlyle has been honored as Coach of the Year 15 times and more than 100 of his players have signed with four-year colleges and universities since 1977.

Another Hall of Fame coach guides the Lady Senators basketball team. Dave Kragel, who enters this 33rd year at Walters State, has led the Lady Senators to four national tournament appearances, nine state championships and 13 TJCCAA Eastern Division titles. The Lady Senators finished eighth in the nation in both 1992 and 2005. The Lady Senators have been nationally ranked in 21 of the past 32 seasons and Coach Kragel is fourth in winning percentage among all active junior college coaches. He was inducted into the TJCAA Hall of Fame in 2004 and has seen over 80% of his players graduate and go on to finish their education at a four year school.

All of Walters State’s student-athletes have the advantage of playing in some of the best facilities in the nation at the two-year level. The “Z” Buda Gymnasium has been made a show place in recent years with the installation of armchair seats on the floor and balcony levels to give the Senators and Lady Senators a definite home-court advantage. The baseball and softball complexes have state-of-the-art facilities as well. Team locker/meeting rooms have been built directly behind the home dugout. The physical education/athletic complex is equipped with a fitness center which includes the latest weight training and fitness equipment and six lighted tennis courts. There is also a well-equipped training room for treatment of athletic injuries, team locker rooms, a gymnastics area and a baseball batting cage and pitching machine.

Student-athletes who attend Walters State carry on the proud tradition of excellence that has defined the Senators and Lady Senators for over 30 years and has laid the groundwork for decades of success to come.

Counseling and Testing Center

The Counseling and Testing Center, located in rooms 201, 207, and 217 of the Dr. Jack E. Campbell College Center, is a place where students can find encouragement and support in academic endeavors and in the establishment of a good foundation for future growth. The Center is staffed by professionally trained counselors who provide services for a wide range of educational, vocational and personal issues.

All discussions are confidential, thus allowing students to explore freely any problems or feelings which are of concern. Therefore, all students seeking an open atmosphere to address concerns are encouraged to contact any member of the counseling staff. Students interested in forming small discussion groups may do so by contacting the Center.

Services available through the Center include: career counseling, services for adult students, personal counseling, academic counseling, ACT testing, COMPASS testing, College Level Examination Program (CLEP) testing, and other testing services. Additionally, the Center offers the community an opportunity to complete a general education diploma (GED). Contact the testing center at 423-585-6804 for additional information.

The Center provides an assortment of assessments and services that assist in serving the educational preparation needs of current and prospective WSCC students and the community at large. Tests available are as follows:

• American College Testing Program Residual Test (ACT/R) is available for individuals under 21 seeking admission to WSCC or students interested in receiving extra points for consideration of admittance into the nursing program.
• College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a computer-based program offering students an opportunity to receive college credit in several general education courses.
• Exit Examination is a Tennessee Board of Regents mandated exit testing instrument for WSCC graduating associate degree students.
• Nurse’s Entrance Test (NET) is a computer-based examination program designed for prospective nursing program applicants.
• Computerized Placement Assessment and Support System (COMPASS) test assesses the general educations skills of those prospective WSCC applicants who are 21 years of age or older or who have a GED diploma.
• General Education Development (GED) tests offers individuals 18 years of age or older an opportunity to complete their high school equivalency diploma.
• Regents On-Line Degree Program (RODP) and general test proctoring services available for students participating in the state-wide program and for those enrolled in distance learning programs through other four-year institutions.

Further information on each of these programs and testing instruments may be obtained by visiting the Counseling and Testing Center in Room 207 of the Dr. Jack E. Campbell College Center on the Morristown Campus of WSCC or by calling 423-585-6800 or 1-800-225-4770, ext. 3, or by visiting the WSCC website address: http://www.ws.edu/Admission/Student%20Success%20Center.asp.

Placement Services

Job placement services are available for students and alumni through receiving job information from employers seeking workers from within WSCC’s student population. Staff within the Center serve as a liaison between employers needing additional employees and current and former students who are in need of employment. Jobs listed may be temporary, part-time, or full-time for both skilled and unskilled students. On-campus recruitment and other placement opportunities are provided by staff within the Counseling and Testing Center. A staff member is also available to assist graduates by distributing credentials to prospective employers to aid graduates in completing the employment process. Information regarding job placement and other related services can be obtained by calling 423-585-6801.

Enrollment Development and Retention Services

The office of Enrollment Development and Retention Services, located in Room 118-CCEN, assists potential students with the college enrollment process and current students in meeting their educational goals.

This office is responsible for planning and coordinating student marketing and recruiting activities, making initial contacts with prospective students, providing pre-admission counseling, scheduling campus visits and tours, assisting students with completing admissions requirements, and providing educational program information to high schools and local industries. Additionally, this office recruits and serves adult students who have delayed or interrupted their college education.

The office of Enrollment Development and Retention Services assists students who need one-on-one attention while enrolled at the college and those struggling with issues that could interfere with their attendance and/or progress at Walters State. This office provides student support services focused on student retention and serves as liaison between students and faculty/staff members on campus. Students who are experiencing academic, personal or financial difficulties and those considering dropping out of college are encouraged to visit the office of Enrollment Development and Retention Services or call 423-585-6925.

Orientation of Students

Prior to their enrollment, all new students who plan to attend Walters State Community College are required to either attend a “new student orientation” program at one of the campuses or complete the on-line version. During these sessions, pertinent information is presented regarding Walters State’s academic programs and other student services that are available. “New Student Orientation” also introduces participants to the advising and registration processes. Students meet with an advisor in their area of study for the purpose of determining the appropriate classes needed for the upcoming semester. Then, students are allowed to register through Walters State’s STAR_NET, the web-based registration system.

Health Services

The health and safety of students is a major concern of the Student Affairs Division. The Health Clinic, located in Room 127-CCEN, across the corridor from the fitness center, functions as a basic first aid station for treatment of any minor injuries or illnesses. A registered nurse is on duty Monday-Friday from the hours of 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Health education programs including AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases education, nutrition, wellness and other health related programs are provided upon request for students, faculty and staff. Laboratory tests for anemia and blood sugar are available at no cost to students. Various types of health counseling is done with appropriate medical referrals, if needed. Family planning referrals are made to the Hamblen County Health Department and other area health departments.

Services for Individuals with Disabilities

In compliance with federal regulations outlined in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 it is the policy of Walters State Community College to ensure equal educational opportunity and assess by making accommodations and other adjustments when necessary to ensure equal access for students with disabilities. While all students with disabilities are protected from discrimination, some students may not be eligible for all services provided by the office of Services for Individuals with Disabilities. The goal of Walters State Community College is to minimize the difference and maximize the student’s chance for success. Walters State Community College focuses on the student as an individual and works toward equal access to all programs and services by providing reasonable accommodations and services to students. Services are designed and developed on an individual case-by-case basis. Students requesting accommodations must complete an interview form for the purpose of self-identification and must provide proper documentation.

At the time of self-identification, students are informed of the policies and procedures about the accommodation process along with the responsibilities of the student and Walters State Community College. No accommodations will be made for individuals until a review of the student’s documentation has been completed by the office of Services for Individuals with Disabilities. Walters State Community College does not recognize individual educational plans (IEP) as documentation; however, information contained in the IEP may be helpful when evaluating the types of accommodations a student may utilize at Walters State Community College.

In order to establish eligibility, the documentation must include:

1. statement and description of diagnosis and date of most recent evaluation;
2. description of current impact of the disability in an academic environment; and
3. credentials of the diagnosing professional.

The professional must have specific training and expertise in a field related to the type of disability being diagnosed. For example, a psychologist, psychiatrist or educational examiner must make a learning disability diagnosis. All documentation is and will remain confidential. Walters State Community College does not provide diagnostic evaluation for determining disabilities.

Services and accommodations provided include, but are not limited to the following:

1. extended time on tests, quizzes and in-class writing assignments;
2. tutoring services;
3. note takers, scribes, readers and assistance in arranging interpreters;
4. adaptive equipment;
5. testing isolation;
6. alternative test formats; and
7. tape recording of class lectures.

It is recommended that students who may require special accommodations make early contact with the office of Services for Individuals with Disabilities because last minute accommodations are usually very difficult to arrange. Some accommodation requests may require additional documentation. Instructors may not provide accommodations for students prior to the receipt of educational support plans from the office of Services for Individuals with Disabilities.

For more information, contact Services for Individuals with Disabilities at 423-585-6803, Room 211-CCEN.

Graduate Follow-Up Services

 As part of graduation requirements, prospective graduates must complete the graduate follow-up survey during the last semester of graduation. The follow-up survey can be delivered to Student Support Services, Room 262-CCEN. This form must be completed or your application for graduation will be void. All graduates within three-to six months of graduation will be requested to complete a completer/leaver survey form. The return of this survey provides the college and the academic departments with information that is needed to keep all programs in compliance with TBR regulations. Further information may be obtained by visiting the department of Student Support Services in Room 262-CCEN.

Student Tutoring

The office of Student Tutoring assists students in their classroom performance as well as demonstrates methods of academic growth and development. The office is more than a tutorial service, it is a support unit that encourages positive attitudes toward learning. The Student Tutoring office is here to help improve student grades in general education and core course requirements, prepare for quizzes and class exams, learn good study habits, and organize time and thoughts more effectively. Services include but are not limited to: one-on-one tutoring, small group tutoring, and assisting individuals with special needs. The office of Student Tutoring is located in Room 261 of the Dr. Jack E. Campbell College Center. For more information, call 423-585-6920. Free tutoring services are offered in the Dr. Jack E. Campbell College Center, the R. Jack Fishman Library, the Claiborne County Center for Higher Education, Greeneville/Greene County Center for Higher Education and the Sevier County Campus.

Diversity Services and Programs

The office of Diversity Services and Programs at Walters State Community College continues to create an environment that is dedicated to allowing all students to reach their full potential and development. The Diversity Services and Programs office is committed to recruiting, improving the retention rate, and increasing the graduation rate of students of diverse backgrounds and environments.The office conducts high school visits, participates in college and career fairs, and works with early outreach programs. The office of Diversity Services and Programs takes part in various community and cultural programs, diversity events, and visits to local churches. Services provided by the office include assisting with academic advising, counseling, financial aid information, and tracking academic progress. The office of Diversity Services and Programs is located in Room 262 of the Dr. Jack E. Campbell College Center Building.

Student Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Department is located on the second floor of the Dr. Jack E. Campbell College Center, Rooms 272. Financial aid application forms and information may be obtained by contacting the Financial Aid Department. Students may also apply for financial aid on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Applications can also be obtained from any of the WSCC extensions, area high school guidance counseling offices, and other area colleges.

The Student Financial Aid programs at Walters State Community College are designed to aid students who find it difficult or impossible to attend college without financial assistance. Walters State offers a comprehensive program of financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, part-time employment, and loans. The various programs, brief descriptions, eligibility requirements, and application procedures are listed on the following pages. Information concerning methods by which aid is distributed to qualifying students, satisfactory academic progress standards for financial aid recipients, refund and repayment policies for grant and loan recipients, and costs of attending WSCC (other than tuition and fees  ).

July 1 is the priority deadline for applying for financial aid for fall semester. Applications received before July 1 will be considered first in the allocation of financial aid funds. However, applications will be accepted at any time and awards will be made to eligible students on a first-come, first-serve basis as long as funds are available. Students must reapply annually for all programs.

Things to Remember

APPLY early to increase the possibility of receiving additional funds such as TSAA and SEOG. These needs based grants are limited and awarded on first-come, first-serve basis. The best time to apply for financial aid is after you have filed your federal income tax return. Be sure to keep a copy of your tax return and W2’s. SIGN all applications, forms and statements. READ everything sent to you regarding your financial aid awards. You may receive a request for additional information before your award can be processed. KEEP copies of everything you submit to Financial Aid.

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant program is designed to provide financial assistance to undergraduate students who need assistance to attend post high school educational institutions. To be eligible to apply, an applicant must: (1) be a U.S. citizen or be in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and intend to become a permanent resident, (2) be enrolled in an undergraduate program of study leading to a degree or certificate, (Not all WSCC certificate programs qualify. Check with the Financial Aid Department to find out which ones qualify), and (3) have not previously received a bachelor’s or professional degree from any institution.

To apply, a student must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit it to the Central Processing Center (CPS) electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov or by mailing the paper application. Once the FAFSA application is processed by CPS, the student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) in the mail. If the student lists an e-mail address on their FAFSA, then the student will receive an e-mail once their application is processed by CPS. In order for WSCC to receive an electronic record of the student’s FAFSA application, WSCC’s school code (008863) must be listed in the college section of the FAFSA. Once the electronic record has been received and reviewed by the Financial Aid Department, the student will receive notification concerning their award. This notification may be an award letter or a request for additional information. When all guidelines have been met and a student is entitled to receive a Federal Pell Grant, the Financial Aid Department sends the student an acknowledgment letter stating their award. Remember it is the student’s responsibility to find out if WSCC received their information electronically and all paper work has been accurately and properly submitted for the completion of their application.

WSCC Campus Based Programs

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) and Federal Work Study Program (FWSP) are referred to as “campus based” because financial aid department personnel at the college determine, according to applicable regulations, who will receive assistance from each of these federal programs.

Students are eligible for assistance from FSEOG, or FWSP if: (1) they are U.S. citizens or are in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and intend to become citizens, (2) they are computed to have financial need, (3) and enroll in an undergraduate program leading to a degree or certificate.

Campus based programs are administered in conjunction with a nationally established policy and philosophy of financial aid for education. The basis of this philosophy is the belief that parents are the primary and responsible resource for helping a dependent student meet educational expenses. The independent student is expected to help with education costs. The college views its responsibility as supplementing or filling the gap after the family has contributed all it can. The amount of contribution expected from parents and students is related to consideration of the family’s financial strength. Important considerations are net family income, number of dependents, allowable expenses and indebtedness, and assets. A determination is also made of the amount a student living with parents may reasonably be expected to contribute through savings and employment. The difference between the amount a student and the family can be expected to provide and the expenses of attending Walters State for the academic year is considered to be the student’s financial need. Expenses for attending Walters State include tuition, allowances for books and supplies, miscellaneous expenses, transportation, and living expenses. These expenses (cost of attendance) are published and available upon request from the Financial Aid Department.

To assist in the determination of a student’s financial need, Walters State Community College utilizes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program provides grants to students with exceptional financial need The amount of financial assistance a student may receive depends upon need and availability of funds.

Federal Work Study Program (FWSP)

The Federal Work Study Program provides funds for the employment of students who demonstrate need in order to continue their education.

Students who qualify for participation in this program may work during the academic year and under special conditions during periods of non-enrollment. The number of hours a student may work is determined by the Financial Aid Department based on the student’s “need.” Types of employment cover work opportunities in areas such as the Library, laboratories, faculty and administrative offices and in community service jobs.

Pay rates under this program are compatible with Federal Minimum Wage Standards and Walters State scales. Terms and conditions of employment will be furnished to students at the time their work assignment is made. To apply, students must complete the FAFSA application and the WSCC FWS application. Award amounts are based on availability of funds.

Tennessee Student Assistance Award Program

The State of Tennessee has established a grant program to assist eligible Tennessee residents who will be enrolled as undergraduate students at eligible Tennessee colleges and universities. The grant is based on financial need and availability of funds. It is administered through the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation.

Those who wish to be considered for this grant must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, IN TIME FOR the application to be processed before the May 1 priority deadline.

Academic Competitiveness Grant

The Academic Competitiveness Grant provides up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study. The Academic Competitiveness Grant award is in addition to the student’s Pell Grant award.

To be eligible for an ACG each academic year, a student must:

• Be a U.S. citizen;
• Be Federal Pell Grant eligible;
• Be enrolled full-time in a degree program;
• Be enrolled in the first or second academic year of his or her program of study at a two-year or four-year degree-granting institution;
• Have completed a rigorous secondary school program of study (after January 1, 2006, if a first-year student, and after January 1, 2005, if a second year student);
• If a first-year student, not have been previously enrolled in an undergraduate program; and
• If a second-year student, have at least a cumulative 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale for the first academic year.

Scholarships

Several scholarships are available to qualified students attending or planning to attend Walters State. These scholarships are awarded primarily on the basis of academic achievement.

WSCC Academic Performance Scholarship (APS)

Recipients of these scholarships receive a full-tuition scholarship and have an obligation of 75 hours to the college per semester.

• A WSCC Scholarship Application must be submitted by March 15 in order for individuals to be considered.
• Applicants must be high school seniors with a grade point average of 2.9 and an ACT composite score of 19 or above, SAT Equivalent, and planning to attend Walters State full-time.
• Recipients must maintain a 2.50 semester and cumulative grade point average while at WSCC.

Partners in Progress Program (Sevier County Students only)

Recipients of these awards must apply for admission and all other scholarship and financial aid programs available through Walters State. Applicants must be:

1. High school seniors with a grade point average of 2.7 or an ACT composite score of 19 or above or SAT Equivalent, and planning to attend Walters State full time.
2. Graduate of accredited Sevier County High School or state-approved private school or GED diploma.
3. Have a custodial parent or court-appointed legal guardian who resided within the boundaries of Sevier County as of September 1 prior to the student’s high school graduation date.
4. Student must be enrolled full-time.
5. March 15 scholarship deadline must be met and FAFSA must be submitted by May 1.

Endowed Scholarships Administered by WSCC Foundation

Many area individuals, businesses and organizations make contributions for academic and athletic scholarships through the Walters State Foundation. Students interested in receiving assistance from these scholarship funds need to apply by submitting the WSCC scholarship application to the WSCC Financial Aid Department. There is a March 15 priority deadline. 

ANDREW JOHNSON BANK ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP awarded to full-time, degree-seeking applicants who are recent high school graduates and who are the children (natural or adopted) of employees of the Andrew Johnson Bank. 

BILL AND MARY LYNN BALES ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP awarded to full-time, degree-seeking applicants from the primary service area who are pursuing a degree in agriculture. 

MAX K. BIERY ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP awarded to children or grandchildren of JTEKT Automotive team members who are full-time, degree-seeking applicants attending classes on the Morristown Campus. If no candidate is identified under the first priority in any given year, one community at large scholarship may be awarded. The student receiving the community at large award must be a resident of Hamblen County and satisfy the full-time, degree-seeking and campus attendance requirements of the first priority. 

MIKE AND BRAD CAMPBELL ENDOWMENT IN SUPPORT OF ATHLETICS awarded to full-time, degree-seeking students who are members of one of WSCC’s sports teams following a recommendation by the coach of the athletic program designated to receive the award on a rotating basis. The scholarship will be used to supplement the student(s) financial resources by providing an allowance for books or other fees charged by the college. 

AILEEN CATRON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to be awarded to students from the WSCC primary service area. 

CITY OF PIGEON FORGE ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP to be awarded to qualified students working in a theater or other entertainment venue within the city of Pigeon Forge. 

DEPUTY RICK COYLE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to be awarded to residents of Greene County studying law enforcement. 

CREDIT PROFESSIONALS INTERNATIONAL OF MORRISTOWN will award one student each from Morristown-Hamblen East and West High School, as well as a third deserving student from the area, who have plans to major in business or in another field with a business concentration. 

WILLIAM, EMILY AND CARL CROWE SCHOLARSHIP awarded to WSCC students from Cocke County. 

CRUZE THEATRE ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP awarded to full-time, degree-seeking applicants attending the Morristown campus who have plans to major in Theatre at Walters State or otherwise contribute substantially through participation in the college’s Theatre offerings either as an actor or backstage participant. 

REX DOCKERY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND established in memory of the late Rex Dockery, a former coach in the Morristown School System. Priority for scholarship recipients is to athletes from either Morristown-Hamblen High School East or Morristown-Hamblen High School West. 

ALLIE BAYLESS DOGGETT SCHOLARSHIP established by the last will and testament of Allie Pearl Bayless Doggett and to be awarded to applicants who are children of the members of St. Paul Presbyterian Church and children of the residents of the Lowland community. The scholarship is intended to benefit students of all ages and does not require a specific field of study. 

DOKA MUSIC ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP awarded to full-time, degree-seeking applicants who are recent high school graduates in the primary service area. Priority given to students majoring in music or students who wish to contribute to the music program at WSCC. 

ANNE AND STEVE L. DOKA ENDOWMENT awarded to full-time, degree-seeking applicants who are residents of the Walters State primary service area majoring in nursing and planning a career in nursing. 

PERRY AND JANEE’ DOKA SCHOLARSHIP awarded to full-time, degree-seeking applicants who are recent high school graduates in the primary service area. 

ARNOLD DWIGHT ENGLAND MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP established by England/Corsair of Tazewell, TN to be awarded to children of employees. 

WILLIAM D. EVERSOLE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP established in honor of the late William D. Eversole, local pharmacist. Scholarship award will be made only to pre-pharmacy majors from Jefferson, Hamblen or Cocke Counties. 

LYNN FINCHUM MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND was established in honor of the late Lynn Finchum, a former WSCC student. Recipients must be agriculture majors from Jefferson County. 

JACK AND KATHRYN FLINN MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT established as a testamentary gift from Jack Flinn and to be awarded to residents of Walters State’s primary service area with preference being given to those students whose parents are unable to help them financially and for older women returning to school. 

JIM AND ANN FORD ENDOWMENT may be awarded as student scholarships during any year in which the earnings are not used to support the college’s greatest needs as determined by the college president in accordance with the wishes of the establishing donors. The earnings are to be used only for nonathletic purposes. 

JOHN AND RUBY FOX ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP awarded to students who are recent graduates of a Sevier County high school and whose homes are located within the boundaries of Sevier County, Tennessee at the time of their application for admission with preference being given to those Sevier County students who have expressed a career intention of working in the field of hospitality services and who are thus majoring in a related college program such as Hotel and Restaurant Management, Culinary Arts, or Professional Entertainment. 

JOHN GAMBLE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to be awarded to applicants who are citizens of the primary service delivery area of WSCC. 

GED EXCEL SCHOLARSHIP awarded to an outstanding GED student. 

SELINA GILL SCHOLARSHIP was established to provide scholarships for deserving creative writing or journalism students. 

JOHN TIMOTHY (TIM) GRIZZELL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP - first-time priority preference to students who desire to participate in an inter-collegiate sport while pursuing their education. Students must be from the WSCC 10-county service area and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 

E.J. HARDIN, JR. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to be awarded to recent high school graduates from Claiborne County. 

MATTIE J. HARDIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP awarded to full-time, degree-seeking applicants who are recent high school graduates from Claiborne County, Tennessee. 

WILLIAM SHASTINGS/NCR SCHOLARSHIP to be awarded to full-time applicants who are the employees, spouses of employees, or the children of employees of NCR Corporation in Morristown. 

CLIFFORD S. HENDRY, CONSUMER CREDIT UNION, MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP - first priority preference to applicants who have been in residence at Holston Home, Kingswood School, Church of God Home for Children, and Free Will Baptist Home for Children. Second priority preference will be given to residents of the Consumer Credit Union service area (Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Sevier and Union counties. 

JAMES E. HICKMAN SCHOLARSHIP awarded to full-time, degree-seeking applicants who are recent high school graduates from Sevier County. 

HISEY-INMAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP awarded to first-time students. 

ADDIE AND MALCOLM HODGES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to be awarded to needy and deserving students in the primary service area. 

HOLSTON GASES SCHOLARSHIP to be awarded to outstanding students in Hamblen, Greene, Hawkins, Cocke, or Jefferson counties who are majoring in business or manufacturing. 

DR . J. EUGENE AND THELMA J. HOWARD SCHOLARSHIP awarded to full-time, degree-seeking students who are residents of Jefferson County. 

GREENEVILLE CHAPTER, INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS SCHOLARSHIP awarded to full-time, degree-seeking applicants who are residents of Greene County, Tennessee and surrounding counties and who have evidenced their intention to major in Office Administration with the career goal of becoming an office professional. 

KAREN SUE LAWSON KOSTER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to be awarded to recent high school graduates from the WSCC primary service area and who are nursing majors. 

WILLIAM E. LACY MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT SCHOLARSHIP to be awarded to entering full-time freshmen. 

LAKEWAY HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP awarded to full-time, degree-seeking applicants who are dependents of employees of Lakeway Human Resources Management Association member firms or agencies. 

LAKEWAY CHAPTER, PROFESSIONAL SECRETARIES INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP to be awarded to applicants who are residents of Hamblen and surrounding counties who intend to major in Office Administration. 

XAN LEEDY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP. Established in honor of the late Xan Leedy, Grainger County civic and agricultural leader. Scholarship award will be made to full-time degree seeking agriculture or agribusiness students from Grainger County who are recent high school graduates. 

JACKIE BURCHELL LONG MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT awarded to applicants who are residents of Hamblen or Grainger counties with preference to those who document financial need. 

MISS JUANITA LOVING ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP awarded to full-time, degree-seeking applicants who are recent high school graduates from the Walters State primary service delivery area. 

GEORGE ALGER MCANDREW II MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP, to be awarded to a full-time, first-time student who is an employee or relative of employees of the McAndrew Motor Inn in Pigeon Forge, TN. 

Y.J. AND BARBARA MCANDREW ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP awarded to applicants who are residents of Jefferson or Cocke counties with preference to those who document financial need. The scholarship is intended to benefit students of all ages and does not require a specific field of study. 

HELEN MCCRARY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP awarded to applicants who are residents of Walters State’s primary service area with preference to those who document financial need. 

GEORGE AND JUDY MCGUFFIN ENDOWMENT FOR NATURAL SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP awarded to full-time, degree-seeking applicants who are recent high school graduates in the primary service area. Priority given to students who are majoring in math or science. 

OLEN HENDERSON MARSHALL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to be awarded to first-time students primarily from Grainger County. 

DELLA JEFFERS MEDLIN SCHOLARSHIP to be awarded to full-time student of upper East Tennessee. 

NANCY GRAHAM MILLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to be awarded to a female student from Hawkins, Hancock, or Claiborne County seeking a career in the field of home economics. 

NEIL D. MILLER SCHOLARSHIP. First priority preference will be given to applicants who are majoring in or who have a career goal associated with agriculture or agriculture business. 

NEIL DEWOLFE MILLER SCHOLARSHIP. First priority preference will be given to applicants who are majoring in or who have a career goal associated with agriculture or agriculture business. 

VIRGIL K. MILLER SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED to local first-time students. 

WINFRED E. MOORE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to be awarded to a resident of Jefferson County. 

MORRISTOWN LIONS CLUB AWARDS a scholarship for a disabled student. 

MORRISTOWN OPTIMIST CLUB awards a tuition and books scholarship to a full-time, first-time student. 

DR. LUKE AND ELLEN NABERS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP was created by a donation from Dr. Luke Nabers to be used as an endowment fund to finance scholarships of pre-medical or nursing students. 

DR. KENNETH V. PEARSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to be awarded to first-time students. 

DR. TRUETT AND WANDA PIERCE SCHOLARSHIP awarded to full-time residents of Hancock County. 

THE CITY OF PIGEON FORGE ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FOR PROFESSIONAL ENTERTAINMENT to be awarded to students in Sevier County with preference to students working in a theater or other entertainment venue located with the city of Pigeon Forge. 

EDWARD FRANKLIN PORTER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to be awarded to first-time students from Cocke County. 

GEORGE EDDIE PRICE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP awarded to a graduate of Morristown-Hamblen East High School. 

LON F. PRICE ENDOWMENT SCHOLARSHIP to be awarded to students who demonstrate financial need not covered through other sources. 

REYNOLD JEFFREY, INC. SCHOLARSHIP awarded to full-time, degree-seeking applicants who are the employees, spouses of employees, or the children (or legal wards) of employees of Reynold Jeffrey, Inc. in Morristown. 

MISS AUDREY AILEEN RODDY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP awarded to local first-time students. 

ROTARYR CLUB OF MORRISTOWN contributes two tuition scholarships yearly. 

ROBERT T. RUSSELL TECHNICAL EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP awarded to full-time, degree-seeking applicants who are majoring in a technical education program at Walters State. 

CLARENCE SAMS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP awarded to full-time, degree-seeking applicants who are recent high school graduates from Cocke County. 

SEVIER COUNTY ENDOWMENT SCHOLARSHIPS awarded to students who are residents of Sevier County. 

DEAN DARRELL AND MARY SIMMONS SCHOLARSHIP to be awarded to entering full-time freshman. 

SIMPSON FAMILY MEMORIAL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP established as a testamentary gift from the estates of Hallie Simpson Wade and Ruth Simpson Patton to be awarded to residents of East Tennessee who otherwise would be unable to attend Walters State. Preference will also be given to students who excel academically and exhibit good citizenship and good works in their communities along with a desire to receive a college education. 

S. DAVID AND MABEL D. SMITH ENDOWMENT FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS awarded to full-time, degree-seeking applicants who are recent high school graduates in the primary service area. 

ARLENE B. SNOWDEN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to be awarded to full-time, degree-seeking applicants who are recent high school graduates in the primary service area. 

FRANCES P. STAMBAUGH/PTK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP awarded to a sophomore who is a member in good standing of the Phi Theta Kappa honorary society. 

THOMAS-BURCHFIEL TRUST, to be awarded to full-time degree-seeking applicants who are recent high school graduates and who are residents of Sevier County taking at least part of their coursework at the Walters State Sevier County campus. 

R.C. AND RUTH THOMPSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP awarded to entering students from Jefferson and Hamblen counties who are full-time, degree-seeking applicants majoring in agriculture and whose parents are actively involved in full-time farming. 

DOUGLAS TRIPP MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP awarded to a recent high school graduate majoring in Criminal Justice and planning a career in law enforcement or to active members of the Tennessee Highway Patrol who wish to continue their professional education at Walters State. 

LOUISE S. TUCKER MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT established by her family in honor of her receiving a nursing degree from Walters State at the age of 63. Applicants for the scholarship must have been out of high school or college at least 15 years before entering Walters State’s Nursing program, must be a resident of Walters State’s 10-county service area, and must enroll as a full-time student. Scholarship will be renewable up to three full years of study. 

VBI, ELDON AND RUTH PEARSON SCHOLARSHIP awarded to children of VBI employees (priority), visually impaired, blind persons, or persons with visual disabilities. 

BRANDON VICK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to be awarded to a student majoring in Golf Course and Turfgrass Management. 

ELEMER AND CHARLOTTE VON ROSTAS SCHOLARSHIP awarded to a qualifying Sevier County High School graduate. 

MARLENE AND STEPHANIE LYNN WARREN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP awarded to full-time, degree-seeking students who are residents of Hamblen County and have expressed a career of becoming elementary school teachers. 

ROY WIDENER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP awarded to applicants who are residents of the college’s primary service delivery area. 

MARJORIE S. WILSON SCHOLARSHIP awarded to full-time, degree-seeking applicants who are recent high school graduates in the primary service area with preference to those who document financial need. 

WSCC AGRICULTURE AND ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE ALUMNI CLUB SCHOLARSHIP is awarded annually to an Agriculture or Ornamental Horticulture major. 

Z AND ANNETTE BUDA TRUST funds a number of endowed scholarships through the WSCC Foundation as follows: 

Kenneth H. Allen Memorial Scholarship 

James Edward “Eddie” Bales, Jr. Scholarship awarded preferably to a student from Cosby. 

Dick Brockman Memorial Scholarship 

Paul Bruce Memorial Scholarship 

Alex Buda Scholarship awarded preferably to a student from Newport 

William C. Buda Scholarship awarded preferably to a student from Cosby. 

Mrs. Zella Allen Buda Scholarship awarded preferably to a student from Cosby. 

Carl Cagle Memorial Scholarship 

Wayne Carpenter Memorial Scholarship 

James Caton Memorial Scholarship awarded preferably to a student from Newport or Cocke County. 

Dorothy Clawson Memorial Scholarship 

William C. “Azzie” Clevenger Memorial Scholarship 

Pauline Caton Cline Memorial Scholarship 

Kyle E. Cole, Sr. Memorial Scholarship 

Peggy Cowan Memorial Scholarship 

Joe E. Davis Scholarship awarded preferably to a student from Newport. 

Tinsley M. Davis, Sr. Memorial Scholarship 

John Ed Dowling Memorial Scholarship 

Mrs. John Ed Dowling Memorial Scholarship 

John Dugger Memorial Scholarship 

Ed Fisher Memorial Scholarship 

Meredith Coyle Fox, Sr. Memorial Scholarship 

Anna Williams Freeman Scholarship awarded preferably to a student from Newport. 

Howard Gentry Memorial Scholarship awarded preferably to a student from Newport or Cocke County. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Gorrell Memorial Scholarship 

Mr. and Mrs. Hatcher Graham, Sr. Memorial Scholarship 

Donald Hammonds Memorial Scholarship awarded preferably to a student from Newport or Cocke County. 

Charles F. Hodge, Jr. Scholarship awarded preferably to a student from Newport. 

Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Hodge, Sr. Scholarship awarded preferably to a student from Newport. 

Edith Balch Hodge Scholarship awarded preferably to a student from Parrottsville. 

Mr. and Mrs. John C. Holder Sr. and John C. Holder, Jr. Memorial Scholarship 

Alfred Holt Memorial Scholarship 

Mrs. Earl Huff Memorial Scholarship 

J. Woodrow Human Memorial Scholarship 

Red Jessee Memorial Scholarship 

Charles A. King Memorial Scholarship awarded preferably to a student from Sevier County. 

Frank Lorino Memorial Scholarship

Ned Lovell Memorial Scholarship awarded preferably to a student from Newport or Cocke County. 

Nancy Luttrell Memorial Scholarship 

Vina Ivy Luttrell Memorial Scholarship 

Evelyn McClure Memorial Scholarship 

Miss Marjorie McMahan Scholarship awarded preferably to a student from Newport. 

Herbert Mayes Memorial Scholarship 

“Buster” Moore Memorial Scholarship 

Carroll Oakes Memorial Scholarship 

Leon Oakes Memorial Scholarship 

Elmer E. Rines Memorial Scholarship 

Gordon Sentelle Memorial Scholarship 

Jack Shepherd Memorial Scholarship 

Charles Max Shepherd Memorial Scholarship 

Dr. Glen Shults Memorial Scholarship 

Conley Sims Memorial Scholarship 

Bob Travis Memorial Scholarship 

Wanda Valentine Memorial Scholarship 

Bob West Memorial Scholarship 

Ernest P. Western Memorial Scholarship 

Burt Whaley Memorial Scholarship 

Other Scholarships Administered by the College

ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS. Athletic scholarships are available in men’s basketball, women’s basketball, softball, baseball, and golf. Selection of scholarship recipients is by recommendation of the coaches with approval by the Athletic Committee and the president of Walters State Community College. Information may be obtained from the specific coach or the Walters State Department of Athletics.

GALLERY STAFF SCHOLARSHIPS are provided to the editors and photographer of the Gallery, Walters State student’s creative writing publication.

WSCC SGA SCHOLARSHIPS are awarded to officers of the Student Government Association. A full maintenance fee scholarship is awarded to the SGA president, and half-maintenance fee scholarships are awarded to the other officers.

WSCC SHOW CHOIR SCHOLARSHIPS awarded to members of the Show Choir. Selections are determined by audition.

Federal Stafford Loans

The Federal Stafford Loan Program enables lending institutions to make long-term loans to students to help pay for their educational expenses.

Students must apply for the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for a loan. Additionally, a Promissory Note and WSCC Borrower’s Confirmation form are required in order to certify the loan. Standard Promissory notes for Stafford Loans are available from banks, lending institutions, various banks websites and the WSCC Financial Aid office. Borrower’s Confirmation forms can be requested from the WSCC Financial Aid office. Both forms must be submitted to the Financial Aid office. Do not send them directly to the lender; WSCC certifies loans prior to sending them to your requested lender.

First time WSCC borrowers are required to have the first disbursement of their loan delayed 30 days. These loans will be in two disbursements per loan period as required by federal regulations. Therefore, students should plan their borrowing accordingly. Prior to receiving the first disbursement students must complete an Entrance Interview. Forms to complete this interview are available in WSCC Financial Aid or can be completed on-line at the WSCC website.

Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans - interest is paid by the federal government while the student is in school and during the six months grace period after the student ceases to be enrolled in an eligible post-secondary educational institution on at least a half-time basis. Repayment begins six months after the student leaves school or drops below half-time.

Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans - are not based on need and have no interest subsidy from the federal government. Repayment of interest may be monthly or quarterly or may be capitalized quarterly.

Maximum loan amounts have been established at Walters State. Freshmen will be limited to $3,500 and sophomores will be limited to $4,500. WSCC enforces an aggregate limit of $16,000. This includes loans received from other schools. Only one loan will be certified for each student in an academic year (fall and spring). No loans will be originated for a summer semester; however, if a loan is originated in the spring semester, the second disbursement may be received during the summer semester.

If a student is placed on financial aid removal and subsequently reinstated, a loan will not be available until one term has been successfully completed. No loans will be certified for any student whose cumulative GPA is below 2.0.

ADDITIONAL GRANT SOURCES – Many students receive assistance through Vocational Rehabilitation, Veterans Benefits, Workforce Investment Act, the Department of Human Services Programs and the Morristown Veterans Council. Contact the appropriate agency for information.

Satisfactory Progress Policy for Financial Aid 

Walters State Community College as required by the U.S. Department of Education, has established a Satisfactory Academic Progress Standard for all recipients of financial assistance through any Title IV program (Pell, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Federal Work Study Program (FWSP), Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA), Federal Stafford Loan Program. Although not considered Title IV funding, these standards also apply to the Diversity Scholarships and the Partners in Progress program. The standards require a certain grade point average and completion of course work by semester. Printed copies of the Satisfactory Progress Standards can be obtained from the WSCC Financial Aid office and are posted on the WSCC website. 

Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Program 

Eligibility Requirements

1. Be a Tennessee residents for one year by September 1 of the year starting college.
2. Apply with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or renewal FAFSA starting January 1 for each academic year. Application available at (www.fafsa.ed.gov.) Early application highly recommended.
3. Enroll in a Tennessee public college/university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
4. Graduate from a Tennessee high school, home school or GED program. (Contact Financial Aid for high school grade requirements.)
5. Enroll within 16 months immediately following graduation or completion of a home school or GED program.
6. Comply with Selective Service requirements.

Tennessee HOPE Scholarship Renewal Criteria:

Eligibility shall be reviewed at the end of the semesters in which the student has attempted 24, 48, 72, 96 and any subsequent multiples of 24 semester hours thereafter. The student:

• Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 after 24 and 48 attempted semester hours; AND
• Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 after 48, 72, 96, and any subsequent multiples of 24 attempted semester hours thereafter; OR
• Must have between a 2.75 - 2.99 cumulative CPA after 72, 96 and any subsequent multiples of 24 attempted semester hours thereafter and have a semester GPA of at least a 3.0 in the semester in which the student attempted 72, 96, and any subsequent multiples of 24 attempted semester hours thereafter. (The student will be reviewed on a semester-by-semester basis and must maintain full-time enrollment)
• If a student ceases to be academically eligible for the HOPE Scholarship, the student may regain the award one-time only. The award may be re-established once the student meets any of the above criteria and continues to meet non-academic requirements.
• Must be continuously enrolled at an eligible postsecondary institution in the fall and spring semesters and maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Tennessee HOPE Scholarship - Non-traditional Component

The non-traditional student must be a Tennessee resident, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be enrolled at an eligible postsecondary institution. In addition, the student must:

• Be age 25 or older, as an entering freshman in an eligible postsecondary institution or have not been enrolled for at least two (2) years after last attending any postsecondary institution
• The adjusted gross income attributable to the student must be no more than $36,000 per year
• Be contiinuously enrolled at an eligible postsecondary institution in the fall and spring semesters and maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 after 12 and 24 attempted semester hours
• To continue receiving the HOPE Scholarship, the non-traditional student shall meet the HOPE Scholarship Renewal Criteria mentioned above.

The non-traditonal student shall continue receiving the HOPE Scholarship until the FIRST of the following terminating events:

• The student has earned a baccalaureate degree; or
• If the student previously received a HOPE Scholarship, the sum of the number of years the non-traditional student received the non-traditional HOPE Scholarship and the HOPE Scholarship from p revious years equals five (5) years; or
• Five (5) years have passed since the student enrolled in an eligible postsecondary institution as a non-traditional student.

A non-traditional student shall not be eligible for the Aspire Award or the General Assembly Merit Award.

Veterans’ Affairs

The Veterans’ Affairs Department is a service oriented operation, sensitive to the needs, problems, potentials of students eligible for educational assistance benefits under the G.I. Bill. Please contact the Veterans’ Affairs Department (252-CCEN) for information concerning eligibility under the various chapters of the G.I. Bill.

Services Offered

Counseling

Counseling is available to all veterans in the Veterans’ Affairs Department whenever needed. The department works closely with the Counseling Center so that our veterans at Walters State may receive any counseling that may be needed.

Work Study Program

Funds are available, under the G.I. Bill, for work study students working for the Veterans’ Affairs Department.

Tutorial Services

An eligible veteran, or dependent of a veteran, attending college on a half-time or more basis who has a deficiency in a subject may receive individual tutorial assistance in order to continue in an approved program at an educational institution. A veteran who qualifies may receive an allowance to pay for special tutorial service. The educational institution must certify that individual tutorial assistance is required, that the tutor is qualified, and the charges do not exceed the customary charge for such service.

Anyone having questions concerning eligibility or about the G.I. Bill should contact the Veterans’ Affairs Department for assistance.

Housing

Under Tennessee Board of Regents policy, Walters State Community College assumes no responsibility for student housing. This institution is primarily a commuting college and has no dormitories, fraternity or sorority housing.

Even though the college is unable to assume responsibility for student housing, the college is vitally concerned with the welfare and well-being of all students, and desires they have accommodations commensurate with their needs. Toward this end, the office of Student Affairs maintains a housing referral list.

The prospective student, and parents, should be aware that these listings are not college-supervised nor college-inspected accommodations. Students should plan to arrive in this community in advance of the orientation and registration dates in order to secure suitable housing.

Students are required to register local addresses with the department of Admissions during registration each semester. Any change of address should be reported to the department of Admissions and Registration Services, Room 118-CCEN, or call 585-2685.

Student Complaints

Walters State has established procedures for receiving and responding to student’s issues and complaints. Grade appeals are resolved through the vice president for Academic Affairs. Academic integrity violations are reviewed jointly by the vice presidents for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs. All other student complaints including: student discipline, disclosure of student records, sexual harassment complaints, disability accommodations, racial harassment and discrimination are resolved through the vice president for Student Affairs. If a student has any question about the applicable procedure to follow for a particular complaint, they should consult with the vice president for Student Affairs. In particular, the vice president for Student Affairs should advise a student if some other procedure is applicable to the type of complaint a student has expressed.

Initially, students are encouraged to attempt to resolve complaints informally with the appropriated faculty or staff member, director, department head, dean, or vice president to facilitate na informal resolution. If informal resolution is unsuccessful, or if the student does not pursue information resolution, the student may file a written complaint to the vice president for Student Affairs.

1. The written complaint to the vice president for Student Affairs shall be filed within 30 calendar days of the alleged issue unless there is good cause shown for delay, including but not limited to delay caused by an attempt at informal resolution. The written complaint shall be specific as possible in describing the issue of complaint.
2. The vice president for Student Affairs shall promptly notify the individual(s) of the complaint filed against them, with emphasis on stating that the filing of the complaint does not imply any wrongdoing has occurred and that they (the defendant) must not retaliate in any way against the student who has filed the complaint.
3. Once the written complaint is received and reviewed, the vice president for Student Affairs will consult with the appropriate vice presidents, dean, directors, department heads, faculty and/or staff.
4. The vice president for Student Affairs shall separately interview the complaining student, the alleged perpetrator and other persons to the extent necessary to conduct the investigation. If the vice president believes it would be helpful, he or she may meet again with the student and the alleged perpetrator after completing the investigation in an effort to resolve the matter. The complainant and the defendant have the right to have a representative (student government representative or attorney) present during the initial meeting, the interview and any post-investigation meeting.
5. At the conclusion of the investigation, the vice president for Student Affairs shall issue a written report setting forth his or her findings and recommendations. In ordinary cases, it is expected that the investigation and written report should be completed within 30 days of the date the complaint was filed.
6. If either the student or the alleged perpetrator is not satisfied with the report of the vice president for Student Affairs, the student or defendant may file a written appeal to the college president within 10 calendar days of receiving the report. The president may choose to establish an Appeals Committee to review the findings of the report by the vice president for Student Affairs. The Appeals Committee may or may not choose to conduct another investigation following the review of the written report. The Appeals Committee shall make their recommendation to the president within 20 calendar days of receiving the appeal.
7. After the president’s review, if the complaint is still not resolved, the student will be advised that he/she can contact the State Postsecondary Program Review office at the Tennessee Higher Education Commission at 615-532-7286.
8. In the event the complaint filed by the student related to a Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) issue, complaints of violation by the institution may be filed with the Office of the Secretary, United States Department of Education.

Partners in Education

The Partners in Education program helps address the needs of students by creating a partnership, fostering communication between students, their families, and the college. Designated professional staff can help families to open communication lines and provide support services to improve the academic success of students. Through the Partners in Education program, families can seek answers to questions that arise throughout the year, and will receivee information and suggestions to help them provide effective support for their student. Together, we can help create a competitive edge that will help each student succeed.

Services will be provided to members of Partners in Education after the student signs the waiver to release information. Members are entitled to the following benefits:

• Final Grades WSCC does not routinely mail grades to students. Students access their grades through STAR_NET; however, members of the partnership may request final grades each semester.
• Academic Advisement WSCC academic advisors are available by appointment for one-on-one conferences in the individual departments, as are the directors of the Student Success Center, Melissa Duff and Jeannie Hopper. Partners who desire a conference with their student’s academic advisor should telephone the Student Success Center at 423-318-2563 or 423-318-2564 and someone will assist in arranging an appointment.
• Discipline Records The Family Educational Rights and Pravacy Act (FERPA) grants access to student disciplinary records if specific conditions are met. As a member of the PIE program, you will have unrestricted access to your student’s disciplinary records. Additionally, you will be contacted by the college if your student reports to the college that he/she is the victim of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense, and/or if your student is under the age of 21 and is found responsible for alcohol and/or drug-related offenses. For specific questions regarding your student’s disciplinary records, contact the vice president for Student Affairs at 423-585-2681.
• Telephone Assistance When questions, concerns, or problems arise, members may call the Student Success Center Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at 423-318-2563 or 423-318-2564.

Joining Partners in Education

To become a member of Partners in Education, a student must sign and return the Student Release of Confidential Information form. (The release does not apply to personal counseling, health, or financial information protected by FERPA; however, if students are experiencing problems in these areas, WSCC staff will be happy to assist in identifying available resources.) The student has the right to withdraw the release at any time. The release is no longer in effect once the student reaches the age of 21.

Personal Identification Number (PIN)

The PIN requested on the Student Release of Confidential Information is for the purpose of identifying the non-student member when he/she calls to request information. Please choose three letters and three numbers (e.g. ABC 123), record them in the space below, and give this sheet to your non-student partner, as he/she will need it when calling for information. View the form here .

All activities of Partners in Education are directed toward strengthening the collaborative relationship between the student, the family, and Walters State Community College, with the goal of improving the academic success and retention of students.