Academic Information

Plan Your Educational Program

It is the responsibility of the student to select an educational program of study and register for and complete courses required in the selected program as outlined in this catalog. The faculty and counselors at Walters State Community College take pride in assisting the student in program planning and course selection. Each student will be advised by a faculty member from the department of the major field of study to assist in planning the student’s program of study.

Should it be necessary to deviate from the suggested curriculum of courses, the student should consult the head of the department in the major field of study in order to prepare a course substitution request.

Transfer of Credit

Any student planning to transfer the first two years of college level credit from Walters State to a four-year college or university should secure a copy of that institution’s catalog/articulation agreement/equivalency table/Tennessee Transfer Pathway and reflect upon it during advising and registration to ensure that the courses selected meet the first two years’ requirements at the receiving institution.

Please be advised that should there be a question regarding the transfer of credit from Walters State Community College by the four-year school, a copy of the transfer evaluation from the four-year school must be provided to a Student Success Center staff member for the purposes of discussing the course(s) in question.

For assistance regarding transfer of credit from Walters State to a four-year institution, please contact the Student Success Center, SSV U102, by telephone at 423-318-2337 or by visiting the Walters State web page at www.ws.edu.

Attendance Regulations

Students must attend the first day of class or contact the instructor prior to the first class if they intend to remain in the class. If this procedure is not followed, the students may be administratively dropped from the class, and other students allowed to take their positions. Students who are withdrawn from classes under this policy will receive a drop form marked “attendance withdrawal.”

Attendance at classes and other official appointments is required. A student’s schedule is considered a contract and constitutes a series of obligated appointments.

Absences are counted from the first scheduled meeting of the class. An explanation for the cause of all absences should be given each instructor. If possible, students should inform instructors in advance of planned absences.

Academic and Classroom Misconduct

1. The classroom instructor has the primary responsibility for maintenance of academic integrity and controlling classroom behavior. and can order the temporary removal or exclusion from the classroom of any student engaged in disruptive conduct including violent or other behavior that unreasonably interferes with instructional activities during class sessions or conduct that violates the general rules and regulations of the institution for each class session during which the conduct occurs. Extended or permanent exclusion from the classroom, beyond the session in which the conduct occurred, or further disciplinary action can be effected through the appropriate sanctioning procedures of the institution.
2. Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. Students guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly, through participation or assistance, are immediately responsible to the instructor o the class. In addition to possible disciplinary sanctions which may be imposed through the regular institutional procedures, the instructor has the authority to assign an appropriate grade, including an “F” or “zero” for the exercise or examination, or to assign an “F” for the course. Disciplinary sanctions will be imposed only through the appropriate institutional student disciplinary processes.
3. Students may appeal a grade assignment associated with a finding of academic misconduct, as distinct from a student disciplinary sanction, through appropriate institutional academic misconduct or grade appeal procedures (Walters State Community College Police 03:19:01). Courses may not be dropped pending the final resolution of an allegation of academic misconduct.
4. Disruptive behavior in the classroom may be defined as, but not limited to, behavior that obstructs or disrupts the learning environment (e.g., offensive language, harassment of students and professors, repeated outbursts from a student which disrupt the flow of instruction or prevent concentration on the subject taught, failure to cooperate in maintaining classroom decorum, etc.), text messaging, and the continued use of any electronic or other noise or light emitting devide which disturbs others (e.g., disturbing noises from beepers, cell phones, Palm pilots, iPads, iPhones, or iPods, tablets or other mobile devices, lap-top computers, games, etc.).
5. Faculty establish class attendance and punctuality requirements, subject to state or federal laws, and inform students through the published syllabi for each course of those requirements, along with the consequences for failing to meet those requirements. Students are expected to attend classes regularly and on time and are responsible for giving explanations/rationale or absences and lateness directly to the faculty member for each course in which they are enrolled. The student remains responsible for verifying the emergency circumstances to faculty and for discussing arrangements with faculty for completion of course work requirements.
6. The student may appeal these sanctions through the appropriate institutional procedures. The section, Disciplinary Procedures, describes the institution’s disciplinary and appeal processes available to the student.
7. Academic Affairs Committee - The Academic Affairs Committee assigned to hear grade appeal cases consist of the following members:
   1. Assistant vice president for Academic Affairs - Chair
   2. All division deans
   3. One faculty member from each division
   4. Two students designated by the vice president for Student Affairs
   5. Curriculum Subcommittee Chair
   6. Faculty Council president

Ex-Officio members:

1. Vice president for Student Affairs
2. Vice president for Planning, Research and Assessment
3. Assistant vice president for Evening and Distance Education
4. Assistant vice president for Student Affairs, Student Support Services, Disability, and Special Assistant to the President for Diversity
5. Dean of Library Services
6. Dean of Student Records and Veterans Affairs Officer.

8. Disruptive Behavior in the Classroom - Classroom misconduct as a result of a student’s behavior definable under Discplinary Offenses will follow Disciplinary Procedures.
   1. Disruptive behavior in the classroom will be initially addressed by the faculty member and the student through the Walters State Classroom Misconduct Report which addressed the behavior and expected change in behavior. The report is signed by both the faculty member and the student. A copy of the report is sent to the dean of the faculty member’s division, the vice president for Academic Affairs, the vice president for Student Affairs, and the campus police department.
   2. Should the student choose to appeal the misconduct report, or should the disruptive behavior continue, the student and faculty member will meet with the division dean regarding the behavior, who in turn will file a summary of his or her findings to the vice president for Academic Affairs and the vice president for Student Affairs. Action and appeals process will follow the procedures outlined in Disciplinary Procedures 04:17:03.
   3. Should the student desire to appeal the actions of the division dean, or should the disruptive behavior continue, the student, faculty member, and division dean will meet with the vice president for Academic Affairs and the vice president for Student Affairs for adjudication.
   4. Should a student choose to appeal the decision of the vice president for Academic Affairs and the vice president for Student Affairs they may elect to have their case heard by the Student Discipline Committee under the same procedures and timeline as described in section 3 under Disciplinary Procedures.

This policy is promulgated pursuant to, and in compliance with, TBR Rule 0240-02-03-.03 Academic and Classroom Misconduct. To the extent that a conflict exists between this policy and TBR rule, policy and/or applicable law(s), the TBR rule, policy and/or law will control. History - adopted by TBR: 12/8/11. Effective 1/29/12.

Student use of Electronic Devices During a College-Sponsored Academic Activity

Electronic devices must not disrupt the instructional process or college-sponsored academic activity. Use of electronic devices is prohibited unless use of the device is relevant to the activity and use is sanctioned by the faculty member in charge. Electronic devices that are not relevant to the activity or sanctioned by the faculty member in charge should be set so that they will not produce an audible sound during classroom instruction or other college-sponsored academic activity.

Animals on Campus Policy

This policy applies to animals classified as “pets” and “service animals” but does not apply to animals used for educational purposes. 

This policy does not apply to the living quarters and support buildings that are assigned to college employees as a part of their employment contract.

Owners of animals permitted on campus are responsible for ensuring that their animal’s wastes are properly removed from the grounds and disposed of in the trash or sanitary sewer. Modifications or exceptions will be made for persons with disabilities who are unable to comply with this requirement. 

I. Pet Animals

No pets or animals of any nature shall be permitted in any college facility unless authorized in writing by the institution, fish in aquariums of a designated size may be allowed.

Requests for the use of animals for educational purposes, other than research, or special events, i.e., cat and dog shows, etc., should be requested through the sponsor’s chain-of-authority to the Vice President for Business and Finance.

Wild, except for indigenous populations, or exotic animals are forbidden on campus except by special permission of the Vice President of Business and Finance, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

II. Service Animals

To provide equal opportunity to disabled individuals to obtain employment, education, and services from the college, it is the policy of Walters State Community College to allow and encourage

disabled people to use service animals. The Americans with Disabilities Act Amended Act of 2008 (ADA) for Title II defines “service animals” as, “dogs^” that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.” Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a service animal has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Service animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under ADA. If there is any uncertainty about whether an animal qualifies as a service animal, a determination will be made by the Office of Disability Services Disabilities)located in the Student Services Building Room U130; (423) 585-6893. The decision of the Office for Disability Services is final.

Use of service animals is subject to the conditions stated below. 

A service animal is permitted in all classrooms, offices, hallways, dormitories, eating facilities, museums, theaters, sports areas, auditoriums, and other sites on campus, provided that:

1. The animal is in a harness or kept on a leash. However, service animals kept in good control by a disabled person need not be in a harness or on a leash when in a disabled student’s own housing facility or at an employee’s own work station. Other exceptions to this policy are made on a case by case basis.
2. The animal is adequately controlled so as to present no undue noise or disruption to others.
3. The animal creates no danger of infection, transmission of disease, or other health problems to people. (Note: A well-controlled service animal creates no more of a health risk than a person, so it should be allowed in any areas as humans without special clothing or extensive hygiene requirements).
4. Individuals utilizing service animals on campus must register with the Office of Disability Services located in the Student Services Building (SSV) room 130U. Reasonable proof that the individual is legally disabled and that the service animal is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability should be provided to the Disability Office.
5. Service dogs in training. Consistent with Tennessee law, T. C. A.  § 62-7-112, Walters State allows service dogs in training to be admitted to facilities. Service dogs in training must be on a leash, be under the control of the raiser and wear a collar, leash, or other appropriate apparel or device that identifies the accredited school with which it is being raised. The trainer must present credentials for the dog issued by a school for dog training to the Office of Disability Services located in SSV U130.

The college and college employees or agents assume no responsibility for controlling, keeping, feeding, or otherwise caring for any service animal. The college and its employees assume no legal responsibilities for any injury or damage caused by a service animal. 

Job applicants and employees of the college shall not be discriminated against in any aspect of employment because of an individual’s use of a service animal in conformance with this policy. Allowing the use of a service animal shall, in most cases, be a reasonable accommodation that allows an applicant or employee to qualify for the job in question. However, if the use of the service animal substantially interferes with the performance of essential job tasks, the accommodation may be re-evaluated.

No employee, agent, representative, student, or other person affiliated with Walters State Community College shall discriminate against an individual because of the use of a service animal in conformance with the requirements of this policy. No disabled person shall be prevented from entering, remaining, or using facilities of this college because of the use of a service animal, unless such use is not in conformance to the requirements of this policy.

Minors on Campus Policy

Walters State Community College is an institution of higher education and as such must preserve conditions that will permit a proper learning and working environment at all times. Thus, minor children must not be left unsupervised on campus. It is not the intent of this policy to prevent children in the accompaniment of an adult from visiting the campus. However, consideration for the learning environment of the student, the work routine of staff employees, and the safety of the children requires that children may not accompany adults into classrooms, offices, or other work spaces as a baby-sitting function nor be left unsupervised in the hallways of buildings or on the grounds of the college.

In certain circumstances, children may be on campus for classes held for their benefit (EDU Camps, field trips, etc.). At such times, it is expected that the instructor or responsible adult will supervise the activities of the children, and that before and after the class an area will be designated for the children to await the arrival of their parents. It is the responsibility of the supervisor/instructor of these activities to explain these restrictions to the children and to monitor the enforcement where feasible.

Student Load

The recommended semester-hour load for the average student is 15 to 16 hours of credit. A student desiring to take more than 21 semester hours of credit must receive approval prior to registration by completing an Overload Request form with approving signatures from the advisor, division dean, and the vice president for Academic Affairs.

Minimum Class Size

An undergraduate course will not normally be given for fewer than 15 students except by permission of the vice president for Academic Affairs. The college reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or combine classes when necessary.

Grading System

The following grading system is used at Walters State Community College.

The scholastic standing of a student is expressed in terms of quality point ratio. A quality point ratio is the total number of quality points divided by the total number of semester hours attempted, less the number of hours repeated. To meet degree requirements, a student must maintain an overall quality point average of 2.00.

Other markings which may appear on the grade report and/or transcript are as follows:

The mark “I” means that the student was passing at the end of the semester but had not completed all the course work. The student receiving an “I” should contact the instructor immediately in an effort to complete course requirements. The incomplete course requirements must be completed by a date agreed upon between the instructor and the student but no later than the drop deadline of the next semester (see College Calendar  for specific dates). If the incomplete is not removed, it will be counted as an “F” and computed in the quality point average.

The mark of “IP” is used only for learning support courses. It means the student has made satisfactory progress in a course but has not completely mastered the required competency levels. The “IP” is not computed in the quality point average and must be removed during the succeeding semester. If it is not removed the succeeding semester, it will be counted as an “F” and computed in the quality point average.

The mark of “P” means the student successfully completed a course but a grade was not assigned. Credit towards meeting graduating requirements is awarded for a “P” but this mark has no affect on the quality point average.

The mark of “NC” means no credit. No quality points were awarded.

The marks of I (Include) or E (Exclude) are used to designate repeated courses and their impact on hours/GPA calculations.

The mark of “W” means the student withdrew from a course. Withdrawal from a course does not affect the quality point average. Withdrawals do count as attempted hours for financial aid purposes. The dates the student may withdraw are specified each semester in the Timetable of Classes. Permission to withdraw after that date must be recommended by the instructor and approved by the vice president for Academic Affairs.

The mark of “X” means the instructor is unable to complete the course evaluation due to reasons beyond the student’s control. Grades will be assigned when the evaluation is completed.

Grade Protests

Grades, transcript information, drop/adds, withdrawals and other data perceived by the student to be in error must be protested by the student during the subsequent semester. Protests made after this time will not be reviewed.

Grade Appeal Procedure

Student appeals concerning a course grade should be resolved by conference between the student and the instructor who assigned the grade within 45 calendar days from the day grades are loaded in SIS as stated in the Timetable of Classes. If the concern is not resolved the student may begin the formal grade appeal procedure following the process below.

Grounds for Appeal

1. Errors in calculation: The student appeals an error made in the mathematical calculations of graded material.
2. Errors in course practices: The student contends that there is gross disparity between the course syllabus and the manner in which the course is conducted in regards to the treatment of the individual student.

Procedures for Appeal

1. Following the initial conference with the instructor, the student has seven calendar days to complete the Grade Appeal Form which may be obtained from the division secretary in each division. The student must sign and date the completed form in the presence of the instructor at a mutually agreed upon time.
2. The instructor’s response must be submitted to the department head, if applicable, or the division dean within seven calendar days of the student’s signature.
3. The response from the department head/division dean must be submitted to the student within seven calendar days of the instructor’s signature. If the student wishes to appeal further, the division dean must submit the Grade Appeal Form to the vice president for Academic Affairs.
4. The response from the vice president for Academic Affairs must be submitted to the student within seven calendar days of the division dean’s signature. If the student wishes to appeal further, the vice president for Academic Affairs will submit the Grade Appeal Form to the Academic Affairs Committee.
5. The Academic Affairs Committee will hear the appeal at the next regularly scheduled meeting. The Academic Affairs Committee will render a response at the conclusion of the meeting.
6. If a student wishes to further pursue the appeal, the vice president for Academic Affairs will take the appeal to the president. The president will have seven calendar days to render a decision. The president’s decision is final.

The failure of the student to proceed from one level of the appeal procedure to the next level within the prescribed time limits shall be deemed to be an acceptance of the outcome previously rendered. All further considerations and proceedings regarding that particular appeal shall cease at that point.

Repeated Courses

For the purpose of increasing mastery in a course when such is necessary for successful performance in a subsequent course or for the purpose of increasing the quality point average, a student may repeat a course provided the grade of “C” or lower was earned in the course to be repeated. The grade received in repeating the course supersedes all previous grades. The hours attempted for repeating a course are counted only once and credited in the semester in which the course was repeated. Students are permitted to repeat a course twice (three attempts) under the preceding condition. After three attempts, the grades in the third and subsequent attempts are used in calculating the quality point average.

Students may be permitted to repeat a course in which a grade of “B” or higher was earned only with the approval of the vice president for Academic Affairs.

Academic Fresh Start

Any person who has not been enrolled in a college or university for a period of four years and who, upon re-enrolling at Walters State Community College, maintains a 2.00 GPA and completes 15 semester hours of Level 1 course work at Walters State, may petition to have grades on all prior Level 1 course work disregarded in calculating the cumulative grade point average. Removal of grades means removal of all Level 1 credits.

Upon the completion of 15 semester hours at Walters State with a 2.00 cumulative GPA, the student should complete an application for Academic Fresh Start, which may be obtained from the Counseling and Testing Center, SSV U141, and send a transcript to the vice president for Student Affairs to be submitted for approval to the vice president for Academic Affairs. If the request is granted, the earlier Level 1 course work will not count toward meeting requirements for graduation but would appear on the student’s transcript. Previously satisfied Learning Support (DSP) requirements will not be forfeited.

Upon degree admission, Fresh Start applicants who did not satisfy Learning Support (DSP) requirements at the time of previous enrollment and whose academic plan includes completion of a college-level English, mathematics or reading-intensive course must meet current Learning Support requirements regarding enrollment in these academic areas.

A student who plans to transfer to another institution should contact that institution to determine the impact of Academic Fresh Start prior to implementing the program at Walters State. If assistance is needed, a student should contact the vice president for Student Affairs.

Honors List

President’s List: 4.00 average for 12 or more semester hours per semester in regular college level work earned at WSCC.

Dean’s List: 3.50-3.99 average for 12 or more semester hours per semester in regular college level work earned at WSCC.

Graduation and Degree Requirements

Applications for graduation are processed through the department of Student Records. To be eligible for graduation and receive a degree or certificate from Walters State Community College, the student must have:

1. Met General Education Competency Requirements.
2. Completed a minimum of 60 semester hours required for the associate degree and the appropriate number of hours required for a certificate.
3. Earned at least a GPA of 2.00 (“C” average in all studies attempted.)
4. Fulfilled all courses required for the program as outlined in the college catalog, with 18 hours of the last 26 hours towards the degree being completed at Walters State Community College. For the Associate of Applied Science Degree program concentrations in Industrial Technology, students are required to take a minimum of 12 semester hours of technical course work at Walters State Community College.
5. Filed an application for graduation and completed the graduation packet which can be secured in the department of Student Records. This must be completed on or before the deadline outlined in the college calendar. All applicants for graduation must have a minimum of 2.00 GPA at the time of filing an intent of graduation form in the Student Records Office.
6. Resolved all obligations, financial or otherwise, to the college; and returned all library and college materials.

Other guidelines pertaining to graduation are:

7. Students are allowed to graduate by meeting the requirements of the catalog under which they entered providing graduation is within seven years of the entrance. Degree requirements set forth in a catalog shall remain in effect for the duration of the period identified on the cover of this catalog. No guarantee is implied that these requirements will be contained in total or in part in future specification of the degree.
8. Transfer credits used to satisfy Walters State’s degree requirements will not be averaged with the student’s grade point average at Walters State for the purpose of calculating the graduation average, or calculating honors.
9. Students may complete requirements for more than one option within the degree program by successfully completing all course requirements. No additional diplomas are awarded. Students may also complete requirements for more than one degree. A minimum of 16 credit hours beyond the requirements for the first degree must be completed. A diploma will be awarded for the additional degree.
10. Students graduating are required to take the ETS Proficiency Profile. Students graduating with an AS in Business or an AAS in Management are required to take the Business Exit Examination. Notification as to testing dates will be provided. Students may also be required to take other tests as may be required by the institution.
11. As part of the 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 Records (SSV U127). This form must be completed or the application for graduation will be voided. 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 SSV U130.
12. Students graduating in the fall and summer semesters will attend the commencement exercises in December, unless special permission is granted by the department of Student Records. Students graduating at the end of the spring semester will attend the commencement exercises in May.
13. Graduation honors are calculated at the end of the previous semester to be included in the graduation program, the graduation ceremony, and all news releases concerning graduation.

SPECIAL NOTE: Students who do not graduate by the semester which is indicated on application for graduation will have application voided and must reapply for graduation during another semester.

Graduation Honors

Awards and honors are based on the overall grade point average. Students graduating with the following quality point averages will receive the corresponding honor designations on their diplomas:

Misrepresentation of Credentials

It is a Class A misdemeanor to misrepresent academic credentials. A person commits the offense of misrepresentation of academic credentials who, knowing that the statement is false and with the intent to secure employment at or admission to an institution of higher education in Tennessee, represents, orally or in writing that such person:

1. Has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one (1) or more degrees or diplomas from an accredited institution of higher education;
2. Has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one (1) or more degrees or diplomas from a particular institution of higher education; or
3. Has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one (1) or more degree or diplomas in a particular field or specialty from an accredited institution of higher education.

Distance Education

Purpose

The office of Distance Education coordinates academic credit classes at off-campus centers, at satellite campuses and on the main campus during evening hours. Distance Education, in conjunction with academic divisions, also builds, schedules, and tracks cohort programs such as College Express and Learning Express. The office of Distance Education coordinates with high schools in our area of service to offer high school junior and seniors an opportunity to take college courses through dual enrollment. All classes are consistent with the college’s overall mission to provide affordable, quality higher education opportunities for residents of upper East Tennessee. The Distance Education division strives to offer both accessible and flexible education within and beyond the traditional classroom. Classes, utilizing varying forms of delivery, provide lifelong learning to individuals seeking professional growth or personal enrichment in a society coping with rapidly changing life-styles.

Admission Requirements and Commitment to Instruction

Admission requirements for distance education students are identical with requirements for students in the regular daytime program. The quality of instruction governing credit courses offered during the evening on campus and at satellite locations is equivalent in all academic considerations to campus day classes.

In order to respond to community needs, the division of Distance Education welcomes suggestions and requests for arranging credit courses on campus during the evening or at off-campus locations. The office is located in Room 118-CCEN, telephone 423-585-6899.

Evening Classes On-Campus

A variety of on-campus evening classes are offered as listed online at www.ws.edu. Evening classes are classes that begin at 4 p.m. or later.

Services available on campus during select hours each evening include those offered by the Student Information Office, the Counseling Center, the office of Business Affairs, the Library, the Student Success Center, and the Bookstore. The Distance Education office is open each evening until 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday on the days classes are in session.

Satellite Classes

Walters State specifically subscribes to the concept of accessibility by extending credit classes through satellite campuses and off-campus facilities as part of the delivery system. As a convenience to students, off-campus classes are organized and scheduled in locations conducive to enrollment. As a normal procedure, academic courses at satellite locations are listed by location online at www.ws.edu and are offered primarily during the evening hours. However, because of community response and local needs, off-campus courses are also available during the day at certain off-campus locations. In order to determine the availability of classes at off-campus locations, students are advised to examine closely the listings of classes by location.

Courses requiring laboratories, library materials, computers and other special resources are not offered off-campus unless the necessary resources are provided. To facilitate this scheduling, special arrangements are made for selected courses as needed. In addition, off-campus students may utilize the services of the R. Jack Fishman Library.

Claiborne County Campus

Purpose

The Claiborne County Campus serves as part of the college’s overall mission to provide leadership and academic opportunities to its entire service area, this extension offers day and evening academic credit classes and non-credit classes/training in cooperation with the Community Service Programs. Classes provide lifelong learning opportunities to individuals seeking to attain career and personal-development goals; consequently, these individuals are better-equipped to cope with the realities and problems arising from rapidly changing patterns of living and employment. To further its commitment to community responsiveness, the campus cooperates with other community agencies to provide training facilities for groups with specific needs. Video conference, video stream, and web-based courses along with face-to-face instructional delivery methods are utilized to bring a full range of classes to this rural area.

The Claiborne County Campus is located at 1325 Claiborne Street in Tazewell. The facility contains four general academic classrooms, a biology lab, computer science lab, an Educast classroom, administrative offices, and a student lounge area. General education courses as well as select technology courses are available to over 400 students. The campus continues to expand in response to community needs.

Greeneville/Greene County Campus

Purpose

The Greeneville/Greene County Campus offers both credit and non-credit courses to the citizens of Greeneville and Greene County, as well as, the ten county service area of East Tennessee. In accordance with the mission of the college, the campus responds to student and community educational needs by offering traditional on-campus classes, video-streaming courses, web-based courses, hybrid courses and regents on-line degree courses. These distance education and on-campus opportunities allow many students who are geographically remote from the main campus to take classes closer to their homes.

The WSCC Greeneville/Greene County Campus strives to offer most of the courses in the general education core and many technical education courses for various degree and certificate programs. Courses are available to approximately 1,000 students and are offered during the day, evening, and on weekends. The facility includes general education classrooms, administrative and faculty offices, computer technology labs, chemistry and microbiology laboratories, an Educast room, student lounge areas, a media center, and an electronic library. In addition, the campus is home for the Regional Police Academy, the Respiratory Care program, the Nursing program and provides space for East Tennessee State University. Forty-one full-time/part-time faculty/staff members are located at the campus with additional faculty traveling from Morristown to the campus. Additionally, over 30 adjunct faculty teach at the campus each semester.

The campus is located at 215 North College Street in downtown Greeneville and was made available through the generous efforts of the governments of Greene County and the city of Greeneville, along with the Walters State Foundation. In January, 2006 the facility was acquired by the State of Tennessee. Local information can be obtained by calling 423-798-7940.

Sevier County Campus

Purpose

The Sevier County Campus seeks to promote lifelong learning, as part of the college’s overall mission, by responding to changing community needs and providing opportunities for enhancing the quality of life throughout the service area. Walters State’s campus, located in Sevierville, strives to offer all classes in the general education core and technical education courses during the day and evening for many degree and certificate programs. Additionally, the office of Community and Economic Development provides non-credit (CEU) classes/training to individuals seeking to attain career or personal development goals. Specialized programs in Culinary Arts, Hotel and Restaurant Management and Professional Entertainment are provided to address the unique educational needs of Sevier County and its surrounding communities.

The 67-acre Sevier County Campus is located at 1720 Old Newport Highway in Sevierville approximately one-half mile from Highway 411. Currently three buildings, made available through the generous support of the governmental bodies and private contributions of citizens in Sevier County, house a variety of general education and select technology courses. Available in Maples-Marshall Hall are general education classrooms, computer laboratories, science laboratories, a nursing skills laboratory and faculty and administrative offices. Classes in Allied Health, Public Safety, Natural Science and Computer Science and Information Technology are located in Maples-Marshall Hall. Cates-Cutshaw Hall houses 13 general education classrooms, two computer laboratories, a student study area, faculty, and administrative offices. Courses offered through the Behavioral/Social Science, Humanities, and Mathematics divisions are based in this building. The Conner-Short Center provides space for general education classes, professional entertainment, business, and culinary arts. This state-of-the-art facility has, in addition to general education classrooms, a dance studio, band room, private music practice rooms, a hot foods production kitchen, a demonstration kitchen, main dining room, student dining room, and administrative offices. Each of the buildings has the latest video streaming and instructional technology equipment in classrooms and public spaces. This campus serves over 1300 students per semester. Local information can be obtained by calling 865-774-5800.

Cocke County Extension

Both general education and technology courses are offered during late afternoon and evening hours on the campuses of Cocke County High School and Ben Hooper Vocational School. Students desiring local information should call 423-585-6899.

Hawkins County Extension

Both general education and technology courses are offered during evening hours in Hawkins County primarily at Cherokee High School. Students desiring local information should call 423-585-6899.

Other Distance Learning Opportunities

In addition to the above specified sites, credit courses may also be offered on a requested basis at other off-campus locations. Please reference the Walters State website at www.ws.edu.

The office of Distance Education also offers other learning opportunities for students who may not wish to travel to the main campus for all classes. Three types of distance learning opportunities, video conference, video stream, and web-based courses are currently offered.

Video conferencing courses follow traditional class meeting schedules, while providing students the opportunity to attend class sessions at one of three satellite centers (Greeneville, Sevierville, and New Tazewell) or at the main campus. The instructor can deliver instruction from any of the four sites to students at all locations. Students at the distance locations can see and interact with the instructor and students at other sites via closed circuit television technology. A variety of courses using this format are offered at the four sites listed above. Video conferencing courses are good choices for students who may be unable to travel to the main campus for a particular course.

Web-based courses offer students the opportunity to complete all or part of the work for a particular course via the Internet. These courses may follow a modified traditional class schedule or may meet only at selected times throughout the semester. To complete all requirements for these courses students must be able to access the Internet. Students may access the Internet through computer facilities at the college’s library on the main campus in Morristown or at the satellite campuses in Greeneville, Sevierville, and New Tazewell, or secure access on their own. The college is not responsible for obtaining or maintaining students’ individual equipment or software for accessing the Internet.

Hybrid courses combine traditional on-ground classes with web classes by dividing class time between traditional and online instruction. Students may utilize home computers or computer labs available on each Walters State campus to access instruction and to submit assignments. Hybrid classes are good choices for students who need to limit the number of trips to campus, but who also like having some face-to-face contact with classmates and the instructor.

Video Streaming courses - Live Video Streaming courses follow traditional class meeting schedules, while providing students the opportunity to attend class sessions at one of three satellite centers (Greeneville, Sevierville, and New Tazewell) or at the Morristown campus. Students at the distance locations can see and interact with the instructor and students at other sites via the Internet. Live Video Streaming courses are good choices for students who may be unable to travel to the main campus for a particular course. Video on Demand classes allow students to log onto taped classes at a time different than the live scheduled class meeting time and interact with the instructor and other students through email. On demand video streaming courses are good choices for students who may be unable to travel to a campus regularly for a particular course.

College Express is a program designed for the adult student who is juggling work and family but wants to earn a college degree. Adult students have a number of responsibilities outside the classroom, and this program is planned to address busy lifestyles. Students can earn an Associate of Science Degree in General Studies, Associate of Science in Teaching (AST), Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development or complete the General Education requirements for Pre-Allied Health majors by attending most classes one night per week and completing one class at a time.

For more information about these distance learning opportunities, please reference the Walters State website at www.ws.edu or come by the office of Distance Education in room 118 of the Dr. Jack E. Campbell College Center, or call 423-585-6899. The office is open from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Fridays while classes are in session. When classes are not in session, office hours are from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

R. Jack Fishman Library

Purpose

The Library is an integral component of Walters State Community College whose main purpose is to provide the learning resources and related services needed by our students and faculty. All students, particularly Regents Online Degree Program (RODP) students who are being taught by a Walters State instructor, will be provided access to the instructional materials needed to complete the course. This includes both electronic and print resources. The informational resource services are provided by a comprehensive state-of-the-art system utilizing the speed and flexibility of computerized networking and the Internet system to deliver these resources wherever they are needed in the Walters State service area. Secondary emphasis is placed on providing services to citizens residing in the college’s service area.

Located on the north end of the campus, the Library provides an atmosphere conducive for the pursuit of knowledge. The Library provides academic materials to the students and faculty which support and enrich the curriculum.

The staff of the Library provides orientation and professional consultation in the utilization of facilities and services. Assistance is provided to faculty, students and the community in the selection of books, periodicals, recordings, films and other related instructional materials. The Library has an Information Center which has been designated as an open academic lab for Walters State students. This lab is equipped with computer-related technology including academic software.

The Library provides to the students in a central location materials which will allow for alternative pathways to learning. To insure that the educational purposes and objectives are met, the Library strives to achieve the following:

1. Provide students a place to pursue academic and leisure interests.
2. Provide academic materials to the faculty and students.
3. Provide assistance to the faculty in the selection of academic materials for educational programs.
4. Provide bibliographic instructional programs emphasizing academic resources for the curriculum.
5. Provide reference and advisory services to students and faculty working on Library-related academic research.
6. Provide electronic access to academic materials to students and faculty on a 24/7 basis.
7. Provide Internet access for students.
8. Provide tutoring services in the Library in cooperation with the office of Student Tutoring.
9. Provide the Catron Art Gallery for students and the community in cooperation with the Humanities division.
10. Provide group study rooms for academic use.

Information and Educational Technologies (IET)

The office of Information and Educational Technologies’ (IET) primary focus is to support academic and administrative areas of the college for all technology needs. IET is focused on providing superior consulting services and the latest technology for students, staff, and faculty. IET is comprised of three distinct areas that support Administrative Computing, Communication Services, and User Services. The directors and managers of these areas provide valuable expertise and direction to develop tools for the ever-changing learning environment. Students, faculty and staff are provided with the latest in personal computing technology hardware and software in order to prepare for career and workplace opportunities.

The Administrative Computing group supports the student, financial and human resource systems for the college. This group ensures that the necessary systems which provide support for students relating to registration, financial aid, and records are available and maintained appropriately. They also support all aspects of the financial services for the college as well as all functions relating to human resources, web design, web services and oversight of the eLearn web-based course environment.

The Communication Services group provides support for all infrastructure technology services. This includes network and Internet access, student and employee (staff and faculty) e-mail, telephone systems, closed circuit television system, audio and video conferencing services, and distance learning resources. Additionally, the institution offers full coverage wireless access so students can access online instruction from almost any location on all of our campuses. This group leads the institution’s efforts to provide the latest multimedia instructional technology. This includes smart rooms and Educast rooms for instructional purposes as well as video conferencing and webcasts. This allows students to plan and customize their course work to save time, travel, and money. Additionally, staff members maintain and assist with many community-related special events. Our video specialist are responsible for producing quality video media presentations including, but not limited to, public relations announcements, athletic and college-sponsored video productions, conference and educational presentations, and public and community announcements.

The User Services group provides direct services to the campus community and is the first point of contact for all technology needs. The User Services group maintains the technology Helpdesk and ensures that issues are resolved quickly and effectively. This group also monitors and oversees the daily operations of the closed-circuit television system and distance learning monitoring system. The college has over 130 smart classrooms and 14 distance learning video conference classrooms that User Services manages on a daily basis, as well as 42 computer labs.

University Parallel Programs

Associate of Arts, Associate of Science in Teaching and Associate of Science Degrees

Articulation and Transfer

Students who intend to earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree at a four-year college or university may complete the first two years at Walters State by enrolling in the Associate of Arts, Associate of Science or Tennessee Transfer Pathways degree programs. The administration, faculty, and staff at Walters State work closely with the student and neighboring colleges and universities to help ensure smooth and accurate transfer. Course-by-course equivalency tables and articulation agreements with some four-year colleges and universities have been developed to ease transfer and assist the student and advisor with academic program development. To view transfer tables and to see articulation agreements go to www.ws.edu, click on Student Services and then click on Student Success Center for additional information. Students following an articulation agreement must complete the Intent to Articulate Form in the Student Success Center and must graduate from Walters State Community College in order to have the agreement honored.

In addition to course equivalency tables and articulation agreements, Walters State participates in the Tennessee Transfer Pathways whereby community college students complete an AS or AA degree at Walters State by following a very specific TTP plan where an associate’s degree is earned, and then transfer to any participating four year state or private school in the state of Tennessee for BS or BA degree completion. Please refer to the following website for additional program information and details: www.tntransferpathway.org.

If no program articulation agreement is available for a particular school or major, students may choose to follow one of the university parallel curriculum guides (Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree programs.) These “guides” are suggested courses of study designed to include general education and foundation courses needed for a major in a particular field at the baccalaureate level. Because each school has different requirements, the curriculum guides are not intended to represent requirements for any particular four-year college or university. Students should consult a copy of the catalog of the senior institution to which they plan to transfer and use it during advisement and registration to make sure that the courses selected meet the first two years’ requirements at that institution. Substitutions to meet requirements at a specific institution may be requested through the advisor provided the requirements for the Associate of Arts or the Associate of Science degrees are met.All Walters State students are advised and encouraged to complete the associate degree prior to continuing their education elsewhere.

General Education Core Requirements

Effective Fall Semester 2004, each institution in the State University and Community College System of Tennessee (The Tennessee Board of Regents System) will share a common lower-division general education core curriculum of forty-one (41) semester hours for baccalaureate degrees and the Associate of Arts and the Associate of Science degrees. Lower-division means freshman and sophomore courses. The courses comprising the general education curriculum are contained within the following subject categories:

Associate of Arts and Associate of Science Degrees and Baccalaureate Degrees*

Associate of Science in Teaching

*Foreign language courses are an additional requirement for the Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees. The B.A. degree requires proficiency in a foreign language equivalent to completion of two years of college-level work. The A.A. degree requires proficiency in a foreign language equivalent to completion of one year of college-level work.

**Six hours of English Composition and three hours in English oral presentational communication are required.

***Students who lack the required one unit (one year) of American History from high school as an admissions requirement must complete six semester hours of American History or three semester hours of American History and three semester hours of Tennessee History to fulfill the history requirement in general education. Otherwise, students may choose from among the history courses approved at a particular institution to fulfill the six-semester hour requirement in history.

Although the courses designated by Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) institutions to fulfill the requirements of the general education subject categories vary, transfer of the courses is assured through the following means:

• Upon completion of an A.A., A.S. or A.S.T. degree, the requirements of the lower-division general education core will be complete and accepted by a TBR university in the transfer process.
• If an A.A., A.S. or A.S.T. is not obtained, transfer of general education courses will be based upon fulfillment of complete subject categories. (Example: If all eight hours in the category of Natural Sciences are complete, then this “block” of the general education is complete.) When a subject category is incomplete, course-by-course evaluation will be conducted. The provision of block fulfillment pertains also to students who transfer among TBR universities.
• Institutional/departmental requirements of the grade of “C” will be honored. Even if credit is granted for a course, any specific requirements for the grade of “C” by the receiving institution will be enforced. Additionally, A.S.T. graduates must attain a 2.75 cumulative grade point average, possess an ACT composite score of 22 or higher or successfully complete the Praxis I, score a satisfactory rating on an index of suitability for the teaching profession.
• In certain majors, specific courses must be taken also in general education. It is important that students and advisors be aware of any major requirements that must be fulfilled under lower-division general education.

Courses designated to fulfill general education requirements by Walters State Community College are listed in the General Education section of this catalog. A complete listing of the courses fulfilling general education requirements for all system institutions is available on the TBR website www.tbr.state.tn.us under Transfer and Articulation Information.

*Programs in Natural Science and Mathematics may have more than forty-one (41) general education hours due to specific program requirements.

Associate of Applied Science and Academic/Technical Certificate Programs

Walters State offers associate of applied science degree and academic/technical certificate programs which prepare students for a specialized career. These programs are designed for the student who desires to enter employment upon graduation and does not intend to transfer to a baccalaureate degree program.

Associate of Applied Science

Associate of Applied Science degree programs are designed to prepare students for immediate employment in a specialized area.

1. All component requirements are outcome oriented.
2. Degree major requirements are composed of a minimum of 60 semester credit hours.
3. The technical specialty component of the  technical degree major consists of a minimum of 36 semester credit hours.
4. Minimum requirements as stipulated by the Tennessee Board of Regents and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools are that each technical degree program contain 15-17 semester credit hours of general education. Each technical degree program at Walters State contains a minimum of 15 hours in general education courses.

Academic/Technical Certificate

Programs leading to academic/technical certificates are offered in response to the various training needs of business and industry. Program standards are determined primarily by the training needs of business and industry and depict skill proficiency in a particular employment area.

Notes

• See General Education courses.
• A student interested in transferring to a baccalaureate degree program should see an advisor at Walters State and/or contact the appropriate department at the transfer institution for specifics. A student admitted to a technical education program is not required to complete high school units of study required for the student who plans to attend a university. If a technical degree program student later decides to attend a state university, the high school deficiencies must be made up prior to being admitted to the university.
• Credit hours earned in remedial or learning support courses are institutional credit; they are not applicable to credit hours required for an associate degree or academic/technical certificate.

General Education

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Statement of Purpose

The purpose of the Tennessee Board of Regents general education core is to ensure that college graduates have the broad knowledge and skills to become lifelong learners in a global community that will continue to change. Because course requirements in general education emphasis breadth, they are not reduced to the skills, techniques or procedures associated with a specific occupation or profession. As a fundamental element of the associate degree, the general education core is essential for full completion of all degrees.

General education provides critical thinking skills enabling students to discover authoritative answers to questions, and to solve challenging problems. Specifically, educated people practice and are literate in many forms of communication. They recognize their place in the history, culture, and diverse heritage of Tennessee, the United States, and the world. They appreciate the web of commonality of all humans in a multicultural world and are prepared for the responsibilities of engaged citizenship. They recognize the ethical demands of modern life. They demonstrate the skills and knowledge of the social and behavioral sciences to analyze contemporary society. They are familiar with the history and aesthetics of the fine arts. They understand and practice the scientific and mathematical view of the world.

Finally, Tennessee’s general education core provides for its citizens the means to make a better living. It also, perhaps, above all, enables its citizens to have a better life.

Competencies

Students completing the general education core will minimally demonstrate competencies in each of the following areas:

1. The ability to write clear, effective academic argument that includes the academic research skills of critical reading and gathering, analyzing, interpreting, and transmitting information.
2. The ability to communicate orally through informing, persuading, listening and relating to others.

 

General Education Courses

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Communication

---

• ENGL 1010♦ - Composition I
• ENGL 1020♦ - Composition II
• SPCH 1010♦ - Fundamentals of Speech Communication

Humanities and/or Fine Arts

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• ARTH 1030♦ - Art Appreciation
• ARTH 2010♦ - Survey of Art History I
• ARTH 2020♦ - Survey of Art History II
• ENGL 2110♦ - American Literature I
• ENGL 2120♦ - American Literature II
• ENGL 2410♦ - Western World Literature I
• ENGL 2420♦ - Western World Literature II
• HUM 1030♦ - Introduction to Film Appreciation
• HUM 2010♦ - Humanities: The Human Adventure I
• HUM 2110♦ - Humanities: The Human Adventure II
• MUS 1030♦ - Music Appreciation
• PHIL 1030♦ - Human Nature and Life
• PHIL 2020♦ - Self & Values
• PHIL 2210♦ - Religions and Cultures
• PHIL 2400♦ - Introduction to Ethics
• THEA 1030♦ - Introduction to Theatre

Behavioral/Social Science

---

• ECON 2010♦ - Macroeconomics
• ECON 2020♦ - Microeconomics
• GEOG 1030 - Cultural Geography
• GEOG 2010♦ - World Regional Geography
• PHED 2000♦ - Personal Wellness
• POLS 1030♦ - American Government
• POLS 2100 - Introduction to Political Science
• PSYC 1030♦ - General Psychology
• PSYC 2130♦ - Life Span Psychology
• SOCI 1010♦ - Introduction to Sociology
• SOCI 1020♦ - Social Problems
• SOCI 1240♦ - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
• SOCI 2210♦ - Sociology of Citizenship

History

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• HIST 1110♦ - Survey of World Civilization I
• HIST 1120♦ - Survey of World Civilization II
• HIST 2010♦ - American History I
• HIST 2020♦ - American History II

Natural Sciences

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• ASTR 1030♦ - Astronomy
• ASTR 1031♦ - Astronomy Lab
• BIOL 1010♦ - Introductory Biology I Lecture
• BIOL 1011♦ - Introductory Biology I Lab
• BIOL 1020♦ - Introductory Biology II Lecture
• BIOL 1021♦ - Introductory Biology II Lab
• BIOL 1030♦ - Concepts of Biology
• BIOL 1031♦ - Concepts of Biology Lab
• BIOL 1110♦ - General Biology I Lecture
• BIOL 1111♦ - General Biology I Lab
• BIOL 1120♦ - General Biology II Lecture
• BIOL 1121♦ - General Biology II Lab
• BIOL 2010♦ - Human Anatomy & Physiology I
• BIOL 2011♦ - Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lab
• BIOL 2020♦ - Human Anatomy & Physiology II
• BIOL 2021♦ - Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lab
• BIOL 2210♦ - General Botany
• BIOL 2211♦ - General Botany Lab
• CHEM 1000♦ - Basic Chemistry
• CHEM 1001♦ - Basic Chemistry Lab
• CHEM 1010♦ - Introductory Chemistry
• CHEM 1011♦ - Introductory Chemistry Lab
• CHEM 1030♦ - Concepts of Chemistry
• CHEM 1031♦ - Concepts of Chemistry Lab
• CHEM 1110♦ - General Chemistry I
• CHEM 1111♦ - General Chemistry I Lab
• CHEM 1120♦ - General Chemistry II
• CHEM 1121♦ - General Chemistry II Lab
• GEOL 1030♦ - Geology
• GEOL 1031♦ - Geology Lab
• PHYS 2010♦ - General Physics I
• PHYS 2011♦ - General Physics I Lab
• PHYS 2020♦ - General Physics II
• PHYS 2021♦ - General Physics II Lab
• PHYS 2110♦ - Physics I
• PHYS 2111♦ - Physics I Lab
• PHYS 2120♦ - Physics II
• PHYS 2121♦ - Physics II Lab
• PSCI 1030♦ - Concepts of Earth and Space Science
• PSCI 1031♦ - Concepts of Earth and Space Science Lab

Mathematics

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• MATH 1530♦ - Probability and Statistics
• MATH 1630♦ - Finite Mathematics
• MATH 1710♦ - Pre-Calculus (Algebra)
• MATH 1720♦ - Pre-Calculus (Trigonometry)
• MATH 1830♦ - Calculus A
• MATH 1910♦ - Calculus I

Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Science (A.S.) Degrees

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Communication	9 hours *
Humanities and/or Fine Arts	9 hours **
Behavioral/Social Sciences	6 hours
History	6 hours ***
Natural Sciences	8 hours
Mathematics	3 hours
	Total 41 hours

* Six (6) hours of English composition and three (3) hours in English oral presentational communication are required.

**One course in literature is required.

***Students who plan to transfer to Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) universities should take six (6) hours of American History (three hours of Tennessee History may substitute). Students who plan to transfer to University of Tennessee System universities or to out-of-state or private universities should check requirements and take the appropriate courses.

Foreign language courses will be an additional requirement for the Associate of Arts and the Bachelor of Arts degrees.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degrees

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English Composition		3 hours
Humanities and/or Fine Arts		3 hours ****
Behavioral/Social Sciences		3 hours ****
Natural Science/Mathematics		3 hours ****
One additional course from the categories of:****		3-4 hours
	Communication, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Behavioral/Social Sciences, or Natural Science/Mathematics
Total 15-17 hours

****Specific courses satisfying these requirements must be the same courses that satisfy the general education requirement for the associate (A.A./A.S.) and Baccalaureate degrees.

Associate of Science Teaching (A.S.T.) Degree

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Communication (9 hours)

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• ENGL 1010♦ - Composition I
• ENGL 1020♦ - Composition II
• SPCH 1010♦ - Fundamentals of Speech Communication

Humanities and/or Fine Arts (3 hours)

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• MUS 1030♦ - Music Appreciation

• or

• ARTH 1030♦ - Art Appreciation

• Approved Humanities General Education elective 3 hours

• Approved Literature General Education elective  3 hours

History (6 hours)

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• HIST 2010♦ - American History I

• or

• HIST 2020♦ - American History II

• or

• HIST 2030♦ - Tennessee History

Behavioral/Social Sciences (6 hours)

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• GEOG 2010♦ - World Regional Geography

• and

• POLS 1030♦ - American Government

• or

• SOCI 1010♦ - Introduction to Sociology

Mathematics (3 hours)

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• MATH 1530♦ - Probability and Statistics

Natural Science (8 hours)

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• BIOL 1030♦ - Concepts of Biology
• BIOL 1031♦ - Concepts of Biology Lab

•  

• CHEM 1030♦ - Concepts of Chemistry
• CHEM 1031♦ - Concepts of Chemistry Lab

Total 41 hours

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Note(s):

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Associate of Arts/ Associate of Science degree programs are designed for the student who desires to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a baccalaureate degree. The information presented in a university parallel curriculum is not intended to represent requirements for any particular college or university. Students should consult articulation agreements, the catalog of the school to which they intend to transfer and their advisors for information on degree requirements. Associate of Science in Teaching is a jointly developed degree through the TBR community colleges. Currently, students in the community colleges follow articulation agreements worked out with nearby four-year teacher preparation colleges. With the A.S.T., students will be able to enroll in any TBR teacher education program. Students intending to transfer to the UT system or private institutions should consult a faculty advisor on the appropriateness of this program for transfer. Associate of Applied Science and Academic/Technical Certificate programs are designed for the student who desires to enter employment upon graduation and does not intend to transfer to a baccalaureate degree program. A student admitted to an Associate of Applied Science program is not required to complete high school units of study required for admission to a university. However, should the student later decide to attend a state university, the requirements must be completed prior to admission to a baccalaureate program. See an advisor for assistance in planning your academic program.

 

Computer Competency Requirement

Effective February 12 2020, the Computer Competency requirement is no longer required for students graduating in a degree program Spring 2020 or forward. This does not include degree programs where a computer literacy course, such as INFS 1010, is specifically required in the program curriculum. 

The Computer Competency Process, Step by Step

Students must be a currently registered Walters State Community College student in order to take the Computer Competency examination.

Students who are in a major that does not have a specific computer course requirement may elect to either take the Computer Competency Exam or take INFS 1010. To access a syllabus for INFS 1010, click on INFS 1010 Syllabus. To help determine the student’s level of readiness to take the computer competency examination, the student should click here and complete the Self Assessment. It is STRONGLY suggested that the student complete the Self Assessment prior to registering for the examination. Once the self assessment is successfully completed, and if the student still wishes to complete the Computer Competency Exam, the following steps should be followed:

1. The student must call the Technical Education Division at 423-585-2664 and schedule a time to take the Computer Competency Examination. The student should schedule this at least 3 days prior to the date that the student wishes to take the exam. After scheduling the exam but before the time to complete the exam, the student must go to the Business Office and pay the $10 testing fee. The student must bring the receipt for this payment on the day of the examination in order to take the exam.
2. The test is entirely computer-based and will take approximately one hour to complete. Students will need no supplies to take the test. The student must score 75 or higher to pass the Computer Competency Exam. If the student scores below 75, he or she may register and pay for one more attempt at the exam, which must be scheduled at least one week after the initial examination. If the student fails to achieve a score of 75 on the second exam, he or she must register for and take one of the courses that is designated to fulfill the computer competency requirement.
3. The student’s score will be provided immediately upon completion of the examination. Once the student has successfully completed the Computer Competency Exam, he or she will receive a written or printed score verification. A note will be placed on the student transcript indicating successful completion of the computer competency requirement.

Back to Computer Competency Home

Walters State Online Courses

Walters State offers the A.S. General degree on-line. Many other courses required to complete the Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.), and Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees at Walters State can be taken as web based courses as a part of the college’s web-based courses. Web-based courses offer students the opportunity to complete all or part of the work for a particular course via the Internet. These courses may follow a modified traditional class schedule or may meet only at selected times throughout the semester. Some courses may not require any on-campus meetings. To complete all requirements for these courses, students must be able to access the Internet. Students may access the Internet through computer facilities at the college’s library on the Morristown campus or at the satellite campuses in Greeneville, Sevierville, and New Tazewell, or secure access on their own. The college is not responsible for obtaining or maintaining students’ individual equipment or software for accessing the Internet. A list of web based courses offered for a particular semester and required on-campus meeting schedules can be accessed at online.ws.edu.

The Regents On-Line Degree Program

Beginning Fall 2001, the Tennessee Board of Regents colleges and universities joined together in offering Regents On-line Degree Programs (RODP). Courses completed in the Regents On-line Degree Programs will be entirely on-line and will be completely transferable among all the participating institutions which are fully accredited.

Walters State Community College joins with the other Tennessee Board of Regents institutions in offering the Regents On-line Degree Program (ROPD). The nine on-line degrees offered by Walters State are:

Associate of Arts in General Studies

Associate of Science in General Studies

Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice

Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education

Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology

Associate of Applied Science in Professional Studies - Information Technology

Associate of Applied Science in Web Technology

Technical Certificate in Web Page Authoring

For specific program information go to: http://www.rodp.org

Academic Enrichment

Purpose

The office of Academic Enrichment provides administration and leadership for the college’s learning support program and honors program relative to meeting the institution’s stated mission. These programs are guided in meeting the special academic needs of its student constituency by a well-defined statement of purpose consistent with the overall mission of the college.

Learning Support

The Learning Support program provides assistance to students in developing those academic and social skills necessary for the successful completion of college work. Courses and activities are designed for students who lack minimum skills, as defined by the Tennessee Board of Regents, in reading comprehension, writing communication, and mathematical computation. Services provided include academic assessment, academic placement, and counseling-related programs and activities. This department is decentralized and integrated throughout the academic and student affairs units. Some special admissions, registration, and retention policies apply to the Learning Support program. Students are encouraged to seek additional information about these policies from the office of Academic Enrichment, CCEN 251, 423-585-6914.

• Any student who does not meet the minimum ACT/SAT or COMPASS exam score must take a secondary diagnostic exam. Students can schedule to take this exam by calling the WSCC Counseling and Testing Department at 423-585-6800.
• TBR Minimum Scores

Honors Program

The purpose of the Honors Program is to enhance the highest level opportunities of academic excellence by providing an enriched curriculum and educational experience for superior students desiring to intensify their academic pursuits. Honor students will experience the highest level of academic challenge and quality from dedicated faculty who share a commitment of excellence in teaching and service.

Acceptance in the Honors Program - Terms and Conditions

To be accepted and to maintain good standing in the Walters State Campus Honors Program, a student must have an ACT composite score of 24 and complete the honors core program. Students who are 21 years of age or older without an ACT composite of 24 may submit both a score of 68 or above on the writing portion and a 50 or above on the algebra portion of the Computer Placement Assessment and Support System (COMPASS) in place of the ACT. After one or more semesters at Walters State, a student with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 in 12 or more college-level hours may apply.

Honors Course Requirement

Successfully complete a total of 18 Honors credits including the Honors required courses or equivalent.

Grade Point Average

Maintain a 3.25 cumulative grade point average (GPA) per year and earn a 2.8 or higher in any one term. Grades are monitored after each term.

Additional information may be obtained in the office of Academic Enrichment, 201-CCEN or call 423-585-6914.