Program Description - Pellissippi State Community College

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are given one semester to complete a course taken as independent study.
It is the student’s responsibility to meet with the faculty member to provide
progress reports and to arrange examinations throughout the semester so the
course material is completed. Examinations will be given by the faculty member
as the student progresses through the assigned material.
If the course is passed by independent study, the student is awarded full course
credit. If the course is failed, the student may not subsequently request another independent
study of that course. Grades of A, B+, B, C+, C, D, F, W or I are assigned.
An I grade is possible if circumstances warrant, but is highly discouraged.
Concerns or Complaints Regarding Instructors or Academic Advisors. A
student who has a concern or complaint regarding a Pellissippi State instructor
(or club sponsor, counselor or advisor) should follow these steps:
1 . Discuss the concern with the instructor (or club sponsor, counselor or advisor).
2 . If the problem is not solved by a conversation with the instructor, sponsor,
counselor or advisor, the student or the instructor/sponsor/counselor/advisor
may then contact the appropriate department head/supervisor.
3. If the student continues to be dissatisfied, he or she should ask the department
head/supervisor to contact the vice president of Academic and Student
Affairs. The vice president of Academic and Student Affairs will determine
any additional steps to be taken.
Complaints regarding discrimination or harassment should be directed to the
vice president of College Advancement and executive director of Foundation, the
C o l l e g e ’s affirmative action off i c e r.
DEVELOPMENTAL STUDIES PROGRAM (DSP)
In order to be successful in college-level courses, students must have adequate
foundational knowledge and skills. Pellissippi State provides refresher courses in
reading, English, math and study skills to assist students in developing collegelevel
skills in each of these areas. Students are placed into these courses based
on the results of the placement test.
First-time degree-seeking students who are under 21 years of age must present
valid ACT or SAT scores for placement decisions. First-time degree-seeking students
who are over 21 years of age must undergo placement testing or provide
valid ACT or SAT scores. Transfer students who have not successfully completed
English and mathematics courses at a regionally accredited or an approved
higher education institution must also undergo placement testing or provide valid
ACT or SAT scores. Other students experiencing difficulty in college-level
courses may request a test appointment for an analysis of academic skills. Once
tested, students must enroll in recommended DSP courses. A student may appeal
placement in a DSP course by meeting with a counselor or the DSP director. If
the appeal is approved, additional testing may be required. All challenge testing
must be completed before the first day of classes. (See Mandatory Placement of
Degree Admission Students for additional information.)
Developmental Studies Programs are individualized as much as possible, and
students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning. If a student
does not complete the work in one semester but has demonstrated satisfactory
progress during the semester, a grade of E will make it possible for that student
to continue to work toward the completion of the course. Students may withdraw