Skip to:

TBR Search Form
X
Policy Number: 
2.04.00.01
Policy/Guideline Area: 
Academic Policies
Applicable Divisions: 
TCATs, Community Colleges
Purpose: 

This policy establishes minimum standards for publication and contents of catalogs for institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR).

Definitions: 
  • Systemwide Course Inventory - The comprehensive list of courses delivered by TBR institutions that will be accessible online and will serve as a tool for faculty for curriculum development and revision. The inventory will provide access to:
    • Common Course Libraries developed for associate of applied science degrees and technical certificates;
    • Common course identifiers and learning outcomes for general education courses;
    • Listing of TN eCampus courses, and;
    • Courses and competencies for programs delivered at the technical colleges.
  • Academic Credential - An academic credential is any of the following:  1) certificate, 2) diploma, or 3) degree from a credit-bearing program.
  • Accreditation Standards - When accreditation standards are referenced in this policy it refers to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) for community colleges and Council on Occupational Education (COE) for technical colleges.
Policy/Guideline: 
  1.  General Provisions
    1. Each TBR institution must publish a catalog for each academic year which provides a comprehensive description of educational services and programs provided by the institution. In addition, the catalog must include information which is required for compliance with accreditation standards, Board policies, and federal and state laws and regulations.
    2. Catalogs must be published in digital format and available online. However, if published in paper format the number of copies produced must reflect the actual needs as determined by the institution.
    3. The catalog (digital or print) for each year must be securely archived as an official permanent record to serve former and returning students in accordance with accreditation standards.
  2. Scope of Catalog
    1. The catalog must reflect the academic terms to which the catalog applies including summer sessions.
    2. Each catalog must specify the effective period for which the requirements set forth in the catalog are in effect, subject to changes as provided herein. That period shall not exceed seven (7) years from the beginning of the first academic term covered by the catalog.
    3. Each catalog shall contain the following statement:
      The course offerings and requirements of the institution are continually under examination and revision.This Catalog presents the offerings and requirements in effect at the time of publication; it does not guarantee that such offerings and requirements will not be changed or revoked. Adequate and reasonable notice will be given to students to be affected by any changes. This Catalog is not intended to state contractual terms and does not constitute a contract between the student and the institution.
      The institution reserves the right to make changes as required in course offerings, curricula, academic policies and other policies and rules affecting students, to be effective whenever determined by the institution.  Such changes will govern current and formerly enrolled students. Enrollment of all students is subject to these conditions.
Procedures: 
  1. Minimum Standards of Content
    1. Calendar
      1. Each catalog must include the calendar for each academic term to which it applies. The calendar shall include, but is not limited to:
        1. The period of registration,
        2. The beginning of classes,
        3. The last dates to add and drop courses,
        4. Holidays,
        5. The last date to withdraw from the institution,
        6. Dates for applications for graduation,
        7. The period of final examinations, and
        8. The date of commencement.
      2. The calendar must provide a statement that the calendar is subject to change at any time prior to or during an academic term due to emergencies or causes beyond the reasonable control of the institution, including severe weather, loss of utility services, or orders by federal or state agencies.
    2. Listing of Administrators, Faculty and Staff
      1. The catalog must include an appropriate listing of the chief administrators, the faculty, and appropriate members of the professional staff of the institution.
      2. The listing of faculty must reflect the department, academic rank, and the appropriate degree or degrees by year of each faculty member.
    3. Listing of Academic Programs
      1. Each catalog must contain a concise listing of all programs offered by the institution which have been approved by the Tennessee Board of Regents.
      2. No program or major for which approval is pending shall be identified in the catalog.
    4. Admissions and Transfer Credit
      1. The catalog must contain the general admissions policy for the institution, and any special admissions policies for specific programs, which have been developed consistent with and approved pursuant to the Board's Admissions Policy, No. 2.03.00.00.
      2. The policy of the institution on the acceptance of transfer credit, as approved pursuant to the Board's Admissions Policy, must be clearly stated in the catalog.
      3. The catalog must provide an explanation of transferability, including the Tennessee Transfer Pathways (TTPs), articulation options, and alternative credit options.
      4. Community College programs designed for transfer must be clearly identified in the Catalog.
    5. Academic Retention and Readmission
      1. Each catalog shall contain the academic retention standards of the institution, and the policy on readmission of students who have been dismissed or suspended.
    6. Academic Regulations
      1. The catalog must contain the general academic regulations of the institution, including policies concerning class attendance, classification of students, full-time and maximum course loads, withdrawals, and alternative methods of obtaining credit.
    7. Course Descriptions
      1. The community college catalog must provide course descriptions of all courses and the technical college catalog must provide program descriptions for all programs offered by the institution in accordance with any applicable accreditation standards.
      2. Course descriptions may also be published in any other format appropriate for distribution to students and other interested persons.
      3. The catalog and other published materials concerning all institutional offerings on and off campus must accurately reflect the academic resources of the institution in accordance with any applicable accreditation standards.
    8. Academic Credential Requirements
      1. Completion requirements of the institution for all programs must be included in the catalog.
      2. For each academic program, the catalog should reflect an orderly and identifiable sequence of courses with an appropriate system of prerequisites.
      3. The catalog must clearly define minimum and maximum credit hours for community college programs and clock hours for technical college programs that are required for each credential to be awarded.
    9. Financial Aid
      1. The catalog must contain information concerning financial aid policies and programs offered by or through the institution. The financial aid policies of the institution must be clearly expressed with both general and specific requirements in accordance with any applicable accreditation standards.
      2. The catalog need not contain the information concerning financial aid programs required by federal laws and regulations, provided such information is available upon request by any student.
    10. Privacy
      1. The catalog shall contain notification of privacy rights required by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and the regulations promulgated thereunder. The notification language must be approved by the TBR Office of General Counsel.
    11. Nondiscrimination
      1. The catalog shall contain appropriate statements concerning the policies of the institution against discrimination based on race, sex, age, color, national origin, and handicap consistent with federal laws and regulations. The language used must be approved by the TBR Office of General Counsel.
Sources: 

Authority

T.C.A. § 49-8-203; Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended; Rules & Regulations of the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools (SACS), Tennessee Higher Education Commission.

History

TBR Meetings, June 30, 1978; September 30, 1983; December 15, 1989; Reviision, renaming and incorporation of former policy 2:04:00:05 approved by Board on December 13, 2018. 

Related Policies: 
Admission at the Community Colleges
Policy Number: 
2.03.01.05
Policy/Guideline Area: 
Academic Policies
Applicable Divisions: 
TCATs
Purpose: 

Students at the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology are expected to maintain satisfactory attendance and to progress in an appropriate manner toward their training objectives. This policy provides minimum criteria for evaluating student achievement relating to identified occupational competencies and defines retention standards for the colleges.

Definitions: 

Absence: a student is considered to be absent if he or she is not present in the classroom, lab or assigned work-based learning activity and not actively engaged in his or her program course curriculum.

Clock Hour: A period of time consisting of—

  • A 50- to 60-minute class, lecture, or recitation in a 60-minute period;
  • A 50- to 60-minute faculty-supervised laboratory, shop training, or internship in a 60-minute period; or
  • Sixty minutes of preparation in a correspondence course.
  • In distance education, 50 to 60 minutes in a 60-minute period of attendance in:
    • A synchronous or asynchronous class, lecture, or recitation where there is opportunity for direct interaction between the instructor and student: or 
    • An asynchronous learning activity involving academic engagement in which the student interacts with technology that can monitor and document the amount of time that the student participates in the activity

Competency: A combination of observable and measurable knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform “critical work functions” or tasks in a defined work setting.

Customary Clock Hours: Total clock hours associated with a course that are customarily required for a student to gain competency of a topic.

Full Time: Enrollment and attendance in a minimum of 30 hours per week. Part Time: Enrollment and attendance in less than 30 hours per week.

Suspension: Temporary removal of a student from enrollment at the institution due to violation of school policies or academic requirements.

Tardy: Any instance in which a student is not in class at the designated start time.

Transfer Credit: Course credit given through assessment of prior learning/transfer credit. Credit is provided as grades of ‘TP’ or ‘TC’ that are not factored into grade point average (GPA).

  • TP Grade: Transfer--Full Course Credit, course is not available for attendance/absence posting or grading.
  • TC Grade: Transfer--Partial Course Credit, course is available for attendance/absence posting and grading.
Policy/Guideline: 
  1. Student Attendance
    1. The nature of the programs at the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology is such that it is necessary for every student to attend regularly. Excessive interruptions due to absences will have an adverse effect on student progress.
      1. A full-time student enrolled for a full term (432 hours) and that has been absent for more than 5.5% (24 hours) of the scheduled hours enrolled will receive written communication alerting the student to the number of hours remaining prior to suspension. Available community and institutional resources will be shared to assist students with attendance issues. The number of hours of absence triggering notification must be prorated for all part-time students and full-time students enrolled for less than a full term.
      2. When a full-time student enrolls for a full term (432 hours) and has absences exceeding 9.7% (42 hours) of the scheduled hours enrolled, that student will be suspended. A student suspended for attendance may appeal the suspension in writing to the president within three (3) days of receiving notification of the suspension. A student appealing suspension of attendance may remain in class until the suspension has been reviewed. The number of hours triggering suspension must be prorated for all part-time and full-time students enrolled for less than a full term.
      3. A student is considered tardy if not in the classroom at the designated time for class to start. Multiple tardies will result in the following discipline:
        1. Five (5) tardies - Student will be given a written warning by instructor.
        2. Six (6) tardies - Student will be placed on probation by the president or the president's designee.
        3. Seven (7) tardies - Student will be referred to the president, and may be suspended.
      4. An attendance record for each student shall be maintained in the student information system.
    2. When a student misses three (3) consecutive days without contacting the college, that student may be presumed to have withdrawn from the college.
  2. Exceptions for Suspension due to Student Attendance
    1. In individual cases of extenuating circumstances, the president may make exceptions to the requirement of suspension or presumed withdrawal due to absences. The circumstances warranting such exceptions should be fully documented.
  3. Student Progress
    1. Evaluations of student achievement toward a program's identified occupational competencies are recorded for each student at the end of 432 hours of instruction that comprise a term. Those evaluations shall be based on the following scale of progress:
      1. A = 90 – 100
      2. B = 80 – 89
      3. C = 70 – 79
      4. D = 60 – 69
      5. F = 0 - 59
      6. P = Pass
      7. Cont = Continuing/Incomplete
      8. W = Withdrew
    2. Grades for courses will be determined as described in course syllabi. Students will be graded in the following categories:
      1. Skill Proficiency
      2. Theory/Related Information
  4. Prior Learning Assessment/Transfer Credit
    1. Each TCAT will establish a process for prospective students to submit prior learning or transfer credit for review by an instructor in the student’s selected program of study. The process will be advertised to all students and will be outlined in the student handbook.
    2. Transfer credit for previous training from other institutions or prior learning experience may be given credit toward program completion requirements upon demonstration of common competencies. Students requesting credit for prior education/training or experiences may do so through two sources of prior credit that can be reviewed by instructors for recommendation for the student to receive credit towards a course in a TCAT program of study.
      1. Credit from a sister TCAT institution.
      2. Credit from all other institutions, work experiences, certifications, etc.
    3. For the purpose of GPA, the prior learning or transfer credit will appear on the student’s transcript. A grade of ‘TP’ for Transfer--Full Course Credit or ‘TC’ for Transfer—Partial Course Credit will be assigned and will not be included in the GPA calculation.
    4. Transfer credit provisions are set by each technical college in keeping with best practice guidelines. As such, transfer of prior credit is limited in a number of areas. For example,
      1. the number of hours that may be transferred,
      2. in equivalency of requirements,
      3. the procedures for acceptance of transfer credits, including GPA requirements,
      4. the period in which courses may be taken and time limits on work varies by institution,
      5. department and academic program.
  5. Grade Point System
    1. The following grade point system is to be used in grade point average (GPA):
      1. A: 4 points per customary clock hour
      2. B: 3 points per customary clock hour
      3. C: 2 points per customary clock hour
      4. D: 1 points per customary clock hour
      5. F: 0 points per customary clock hour
    2. The grade point average is determined by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of customary clock hours for the courses which the student attempted. Customary clock hours in courses from which the student withdraws or in which the student receives grades such as pass/fail, are not considered when determining the GPA.
    3. Finally, a single student transcript will include term and cumulative GPA calculations. The cumulative calculation will be used in determining the required GPA for graduation, honors, and financial aid eligibility. The term calculation will be used when determining suspension.
    4. For the purpose of increasing mastery in a course when such is necessary for program progression or for the purpose of increasing the GPA, institutions may permit students to repeat courses in which their final grades are C or lower. Allied Health programs may outline specific repeat course guidelines in their respective Allied Health student handbook.
    5. In computing the GPA, the question of how to count repeat courses must be specifically addressed in the Student Handbook of each institution. In the event a student repeats a course, the repeat course grade is calculated into, and the original grade is excluded from the GPA. If courses are repeated more than twice (three attempts), GPA is calculated using the third attempt and all subsequent attempts.
  6. Retention Standard
    1. GPA TCATs
      1. A student who fails during any term to attain a cumulative GPA at or above the level indicated below for the customary clock hours attempted or the average grade per course, will be placed on suspension at the end of the term.
        1. Standards:
          1. A student must earn a "D" (60) or better per course for each term and an overall 2.0 GPA or better per term.
          2. Nursing Programs require a "B" (80) or better per course for each term.
          3. Truck Driving programs require a “B” (80) or better per course.
          4. Aviation Maintenance Technology programs require a “C” (73) or better per course for each term.
          5. Avionics Maintenance Technology program requires a “C” (73) or better per course for each term.
      2. Additional retention standards for specific programs may be established by the college based on accreditation or licensing requirements applicable to a program.
  7. Readmission from Suspension for Grades or Attendance
    1. The president may consider for readmission the applicant who has been suspended.
    2. Criteria that the president will consider in assessing candidacy for readmission are as follows:
      1. Assessment of the candidate's willingness to address those deficiencies that contributed to the prior suspension, and
      2. Assessment of the likelihood that the readmitted student may succeed in pursuing their training objective.
Sources: 

Statute(s)
T.C.A. § 49-11-401 et seq., T.C.A. § 49-8-101 et seq.

Revisions:
TBR Meeting, September 30, 1983; Revised: TBR Meeting, June 30, 1989; Revised: TBR Meeting, September 29, 1995; TBR Meeting, September 22, 2000; Revised: TBR Meeting, September 30, 2005; Revised: TBR Meeting, September 29, 2006; Board Meeting, June 23, 2017; Revised at Board Meeting  September 23, 2020; Revised at Board Meeting, September 24, 2021; Revised at Board Meeting, March 30, 2023; Revised at Board meeting December 12, 2023.

Policy Number: 
2.03.01.01
Policy/Guideline Area: 
Academic Policies
Applicable Divisions: 
Community Colleges
Purpose: 

The Tennessee board of Regents will establish minimum criteria for undergraduate academic retention standards at the institutions under the governance of the Tennessee Board of Regents.  

Policy/Guideline: 
  1. This policy establishes minimum criteria for undergraduate academic retention standards at the community colleges under the governance of the Tennessee Board of Regents.
    Procedures: 
    1. Establishment of Criteria
      1. Each institution will develop specific criteria, in compliance with this policy, to be implemented and enforced as the undergraduate academic retention standards of the institution.
      2. Initial institutional standards and all subsequent revisions will be submitted to the Chancellor for review and approval.
      3. The approved undergraduate academic retention standards of the institution are to be clearly expressed in the catalog, uniformly applied to all students, and promptly enforced at the close of each semester.
    2. GradePoint System
      1. The following grade point system is to be used in determining averages:
        1. For each credit hour of A: 4 grade points.
        2. For each credit hour of B: 3 grade points.
        3. For each credit hour of C: 2 grade points.
        4. For each credit hour of D: 1 grade point.
        5. For each credit hour of F: 0 grade points.
      2. The grade point average is determined by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of credit hours which the student attempted except for credit hours in courses from which the student withdraws in good standing (see Drop and Withdrawal Standards) or for courses in which the student receives grades such as pass/fail and which are not considered when determining the GPA.
      3. If an institution elects to award grades which are not considered in computing the GPA, it must describe these in the catalog or bulletin and explain the application of such grades.
      4. In addition, it must provide a statement within the catalog which limits the number of hours of such grades per semester and the maximum number of such hours a student may receive in toto.
      5. Finally, a single student transcript will include term and cumulative GPA calculations which ensure that all TBR institutions treat learning support hours alike in calculating GPA. The transcript will include the following:
        1. A GPA comprised only of hours taken in courses numbered college level courses 1000 and above ("college only" GPA) and
        2. A GPA comprised of hours taken in college level courses 1000 and above and hours taken in learning support courses ("combined" GPA).
      6. The following uses are based on each calculation:
        1. The "college only" GPA will be used in calculating the required GPA for graduation.
        2. The "college only" GPA will be used in determining graduation honors.
        3. The "college only" GPA will be used in determining term honors.
        4. The "combined" GPA will be used in determining suspension and probation.
        5. The "combined" GPA will be used in determining financial aid eligibility.
        6. The "combined" GPA will be used in determining athletic eligibility.
      7. 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 grade point average (and only for these purposes) institutions may permit students to repeat courses in which their final grades are C or lower.
      8. Thus, in computing the grade point average, the question of how to count repeat courses must be specifically addressed in the catalog or bulletin of each institution, and courses may not be repeated more than twice (three attempts) unless the grades in the third and subsequent attempts are used in calculating the quality point average.
      9. Students may be permitted to repeat a course in which a grade of B or higher was earned only with the approval of the chief academic officer as an exception to this policy.
    3. Retention Standards
      1. GPA Community Colleges
        1.  The minimum quality point average required to achieve the associate degree is 2.0.
        2. In addition, a student who fails during any term to attain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0for the credit hours attempted will be placed on academic probation for the subsequent term.
        3. At the end of the next term of enrollment, a student on academic probation who has failed to attain a 2.0 GPA for that term will be suspended for a minimum of one term. The summer term may not be counted as the term of suspension, unless institutional policies provide for multiple term suspension.
        4. Each institution may develop specific readmission policies to enable the suspended student to appeal for readmission.
        5. The policies shall be based on factors of extenuating circumstances and hardship.
    4. Minimum Criteria for Institutional Academic Fresh Start Policies
      1. "Academic Fresh Start" is a plan of academic forgiveness which allows undergraduate students who have experienced academic difficulty to make a clean start upon returning to college after an extended absence.
      2. The Academic Fresh Start allows eligible students to resume study without being penalized for his/her past unsatisfactory scholarship and signals the initiation of a new GPA/GPA to be used for determining academic standing.
      3. Readmitted students who were formally enrolled in the institution as well as transfer students who meet institutional requirements for admission and who have been separated from all institutions of higher education for a minimum of four (4) years are eligible for the Fresh Start.
      4. Institutional policies governing the readmission of former students and admission of transfer students must be in compliance with TBR policy 2.03.00.00 Admissions.
      5. This policy requires that the "transfer applicant's grade point average on transferable courses must be at least equal to that which the institution requires for the readmission of its own students.
      6. Applicants who do not meet the institution's standards may be admitted on scholastic probation or other appropriate condition. (2.03.00.00 Section II.B.3.)
      7. Each institution may establish an Academic Fresh Start provision which must meet the following minimum criteria:
        1. Student Requirements
          1. Separation from all collegiate institutions for at least four (4) years.
          2. Anytime after the readmission or admission as a degree-seeking or certificate-seeking student, file a formal application to the office as defined by the institution's catalog requesting the Academic Fresh Start and describing an academic plan.
        2. Terms of the Academic Fresh Start 
          1. Once the student has satisfied the above requirements, the institution may grant the Academic Fresh Start. The student may be granted a Fresh Start only once.
          2. The student's permanent record will remain a record of all work; however, courses taken and previously failed will be excluded from the calculation of the GPA. Courses with a D grade will also be excluded from the calculation when a grade of C or better is required in the student's current major. GPA and credit hours will reflect courses for which passing grades were earned and retained.
            1. Retained grades will be calculated in the Fresh Start GPA.
            2. Courses with D or F grades must be repeated at the institution when they are required in the student's current major. All remaining courses for the current degree objectives must be completed at the institution. No transient credit will be accepted after invoking Academic Fresh Start.
            3. The application of retained credit toward degree requirements will be determined by the requirements currently in effect at the time the academic renewal status is conferred on the student. Specific program regulations must also be met. 
            4. Previously satisfied and approved standardized test requirements will not be forfeited.
          3. Upon degree admission, Fresh Start applicants who did not satisfy approved standardized test requirements at the time of previous enrollment and whose academic plan includes completion of a college-level English or mathematics course must meet current approved standardized test requirements regarding enrollment in college English and mathematics courses.
          4. The student's transcript will note that the Fresh Start was made and the date of the Fresh Start.
          5. The student will apply for the Fresh Start with the understanding that all TBR institutions will honor a Fresh Start provision granted at another TBR institution. The student should also signify understanding that non-TBR institutions may not accept the GPA as it is calculated with the Fresh Start.
          6. This policy is independent of financial aid regulations. Financial aid requirements at the time of application will apply. Therefore, a Fresh Start applicant should check with his/her financial aid counselor for guidance.
    5. Drop and Withdrawal Standards
      1. After the official registration period is over, students may make adjustments in their schedule through the process of adding and/or dropping courses.
      2. The last date for students to add or drop a course without a penalty is to be clearly indicated and expressed in the catalog or bulletin of each institution.
      3. After the last day to add or drop a class without a penalty, and not later than two-thirds into the part-of-term, a student may officially drop a course(s) or withdraw from the institution and receive a "W" or other appropriate symbol/grade.
        1. When calculating two-thirds, calendar days shall be used, not just class or working days.
      4. In general, such symbol/grade counts as no hours attempted.
        1. Community Colleges
          1. A student who is withdrawn after two-thirds of the part-of-term is complete will receive a "W" or other appropriate symbol in the course or courses passing.
          2. However, the student will receive a failing grade (usually denoted by an "F") in the course or courses failing unless it can be clearly demonstrated that an unusual condition or hardship exists.
          3. Each institution must develop institutional guidelines outlining specific types of conditions or hardships which will be considered as acceptable.
      5. Students who desire to drop a course (s) or withdraw from the institution before the established deadline must do so according to the published procedure defined by the institution.
      6. A student who does not officially drop or withdraw from a course, but receives a failing grade, will receive an "F" if their last day of attendance was not earlier than two-thirds into the part-of-term.
      7. A student who does not officially drop or withdraw from a course, but receives a failing grade, will receive an "FA" if their last day of attendance was earlier than two-thirds into the part-of-term. The student will be considered as an unofficial withdrawal from the course.
    Sources: 

    Authority

    T.C.A. § 49-8-203

    History

    TBR Meetings, June 24, 1977; March 20, 1981; September 30, 1983; June 24, 1988; September 20, 1991; March 15, 2002; Board Meeting June 20, 2014; Revised at Board Meeting, March 31, 2017; Revised at Board Meeting, September 28, 2018; Revised at June 18, 2021 Board Meeting; Revised at December 1, 2022 Board Meeting.

    Related Policies: 
    Admission at the Community Colleges
    Policy Number: 
    2.03.00.05
    Policy/Guideline Area: 
    Academic Policies
    Applicable Divisions: 
    TCATs, Community Colleges
    Purpose: 

    The purpose of this policy is to authorize Tennessee Board of Regents institutions to establish reasonable limitations on enrollment for academic programs, courses or college activities.

    Definitions: 
    • Reasonable limitations include but are not limited to restraints by facilities, finances, licensure requirements and accreditation requirements.
    Policy/Guideline: 
    1. Policy
      1. It is the policy of the Board of Regents to provide, on a System-wide basis, a comprehensive program of post-secondary education to all residents of the State of Tennessee and other interested persons from the region and the nation. However, the Board of Regents recognizes the need to limit the number of persons who may enroll in certain programs, activities or courses and authorizes its institutions to enact reasonable limitations on enrollments in accordance with the Procedures listed below.
    Procedures: 
    1. Procedures
      1. Institutions may enact reasonable limitations on academic programs, courses, activities due to:
        1. The need to maintain the quality of an instructional program; or
        2. Limited facilities, finances or other circumstances affecting the feasibility of a program; or
        3. Enrollment requirements of accreditation agencies, licensing boards or other regulatory entity; or
        4. To preserve the safety and security of students, faculty and staff.
      2. Such limitations on enrollments should be based upon selective criteria or devices appropriate to the program involved which apply equally to all prospective students, provided that preference for admission should be given to students who are residents of the State of Tennessee.
    Sources: 

     

    Authority

    T.C.A. § 49-8-203

    History

    TBR Meetings, June 30, 1978; September 30, 1983; Revisions approved at Board Meeting March 21, 2019.

    Policy Number: 
    2.03.00.00
    Policy/Guideline Area: 
    Academic Policies
    Applicable Divisions: 
    Community Colleges
    Purpose: 

    This policy establishes admissions standards for community colleges governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR).

    Definitions: 
    • Adequate coverage - adequate coverage shall mean that the student's coverage meets or exceeds the level of coverage provided to participants in the TBR's Student/Scholar Health & Accident Insurance Plan.
    • Ability to Benefit (ATB)- The Department of Education established criteria, through a provision of the Higher Education Act, that must be met by a person who does not have either a regular high school diploma or general high school equivalency credential to receive federal financial aid.

     

    Policy/Guideline: 
    1. Provisions for Community Colleges
      1. Policy Development
        1. The Tennessee Board of Regents requires that all community colleges shall develop an admission policy consistent with the provisions of this policy and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Non-discrimination on the Basis of Handicap) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and submit it to the Tennessee Board of Regents for approval.
        2. Each institution shall include its approved admission policy in its catalog or other appropriate publications.
        3. Dual Enrollment admissions policies shall be developed in compliance with TBR Policy Early Postsecondary Opportunities 2.01.00.05 and T.C.A. § 49-6-3111.
      2. Policy Revision
        1. Any subsequent change to an approved admission policy shall, prior to implementation, be submitted to the Tennessee Board of Regents for review and approval.
      3. Medical or Health Information
        1. Each institution shall comply with Rules promulgated by the Board of Regents regarding requirements for immunization against certain diseases prior to attendance at a system institution. Institutions shall offer reasonable accommodations and exemptions for medical conditions and religious beliefs in accordance with state and federal law.
        2. A copy of Board of Regents promulgated rules is Exhibit 1 to this policy.
    Procedures: 
    1. General Provisions
      1. Admission of Non-Tennessee Residents
        1. Each community college may establish minimum criteria for the admission of residents of states other than Tennessee, which exceed the minimum criteria established for residents of the State.
      2. Residency Classification
        1. Each community college shall, in the admission or readmission process, assign each student a residency classification using TBR Policy No. 3.05.01.00 Regulations for Classifying Students In-State and Out-of-State for the Purposes of Paying College.
      3. Admission of International Non-Immigrant Applicants
        1. Each community college must establish policies and procedures for the admission of international non-immigrant applicants in accordance with the following criteria:
          1. Educational Level. The educational level attained must be comparable to that required of U.S. applicants.
          2. Proof of English Language Proficiency for Non-Native English Language Speakers. In order to determine an applicant's level of proficiency in the English language, each community college shall require that applicants whose native language is not English submit scores earned on one of the TBR recognized standardized examinations or through a standardized examination developed at the individual institution. (See Exhibit 2 for a list of recognized examinations).  Courses completed at another U.S. institution may be used in lieu of standardized examination scores.
          3. Financial Statement. In order to determine the international student's ability to pay registration fees, non-resident fees, living and other expenses, each institution shall require international applicants to supply evidence of financial capability.
          4. Immigration Service Regulations. Institutions must adhere to all U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service regulations in the admission, enrollment, and readmission of international non-immigrant applicants.
          5. Certification of Freedom from Tuberculosis. All international non- immigrant students applying for admission pursuant to a student visa shall submit within thirty (30) days from the first day of classes a certificate from a licensed physician or other qualified medical authority verifying freedom from tuberculosis. Failure to submit such certification shall result in denial of admission or continued enrollment. In the event that a student has tuberculosis or has potential tuberculosis requiring medical treatment, continued enrollment will be conditioned upon the determination by a licensed physician that further enrollment is not a risk to others and upon the student's compliance with any prescribed medical treatment program.
          6. Medical and Hospitalization Insurance. Each institution must require that international non-immigrant applicants with J, F, or M visas have and maintain medical and hospitalization insurance as a condition of admission and continued enrollment at the institution. Applicants with J visas must also carry adequate medical and hospitalization insurance for spouses and dependents. Institutions may require similar insurance coverage of all other international non-immigrant applicants.
        2. Institutions shall establish this requirement in policy and shall establish a process for:
          1. Informing applicants for admission of the coverage required and of its approximate cost of coverage and options for accessing insurance;
          2. Informing applicants of the documents that will be acceptable as proof of medical and hospitalization coverage; and
          3. Automatically enrolling in the TBR recommended insurance plan those international non-immigrant students who do not otherwise have adequate coverage. Enrollment shall take place not later than at the time of class registration, and the cost of the coverage shall be added to the student's registration fees.
      4. Admission to Specialized or Limited-Enrollment Programs
        1. Each community college shall develop specific policy and procedures for admission of students to programs or courses with enrollment limitations and/or specialized curricula.
        2. Such limitations should be based upon selective criteria appropriate to the program or course which apply equally to all prospective students, provided that preference for admission be given to residents of the State of Tennessee. (Incorporates former TBR Policy No. 2.03.00.05 - see TBR Meeting September 30, 1983)
        3. A number of factors such as accreditation and professional certification standards, limited clinical and classroom space, faculty availability, and a concern for appropriate student progress influence the selective admissions process to certain undergraduate programs.
          1. Students must meet the application criteria, be reviewed and accepted for admission, and make satisfactory progress to be admitted and continue in these academic programs.
          2. Institutions may vary in their admission requirements based on their analysis of student success characteristics.
          3. Admission and progression policies related to selective programs should reflect the likelihood of being admitted to the academic program at the earliest possible point and contain information on grade point average, standardized test scores, and grade expectations in specified high school courses indicative of success in the field.
        4. Admission and progression policies should be clearly displayed in all materials to prospective applicants.
      5. Admission under Ability to Benefit (ATB)
        1. For institutions wishing to participate in the ATB option under Title IV, students must meet the minimum criteria as outlined by the U.S. Department of Education.
        2. ATB allows students to apply for Federal Financial Aid by proving their “ability to benefit” from college, either by taking a test or completing six college credits before placement on ATB.
        3. Institutions which have established ATB processes and procedures must maintain documentation that the programs in which students enroll are Title IV eligible and must offer students on ATB the opportunity to also earn a high school credential.
      6. Admission to Medical, Nursing, and Allied Health Programs
        1. Each community college that offers medical, nursing, or allied health programs shall require that all persons admitted to such programs:
          1. Provide evidence through a health verification form, that at a minimum, establish the applicant’s compliance with the Rules promulgated by the Tennessee Department of Health regarding requirements for immunization against certain diseases, including the Hepatitis B vaccine, and other communicable diseases. Institutions shall offer reasonable accommodations and exemptions for medical conditions and religious beliefs in accordance with state and federal law.
          2. Be, with reasonable accommodation, physically and mentally capable of performing the essential functions of the program as defined in writing by the institution.
      7. Readmission
        1. Each community college shall develop policies and procedures for the readmission of students.
        2. Readmission policies and procedures for students not in good academic standing shall be consistent with TBR Policy No. 2.03.01.01 (Undergraduate Academic Retention Standards).
      8. Application Fee
        1. TBR institutions are prohibited from charging an application fee.
    2. Community College Degree Admission
      1. Admission of First-Time Freshmen
        1. Applicants for degree admission as first-time freshmen must be admitted using the following criteria:
          1. High School Graduation. Applicants for degree admission as first-time freshmen must provide an official transcript showing graduation from high school unless otherwise exempted.
          2. High School Diploma or general high school equivalency credential 
          3. Standardized Examination Scores
            1. Community colleges will not use standardized scores for admission purposes, but may use them for advisement purposes as well as a component in the placement decision in accordance with TBR Learning Support Policy No. 2.03.00.02.
          4. High School Course Requirements
            1. Admission will be granted to freshmen applicants who hold a recognized high school diploma that includes a distribution of college preparatory courses, such as those required in the core elements of the Tennessee High School Diploma.
            2. Applicants who graduated prior to the adoption of the Tennessee Diploma Project curriculum by the TBR who hold a high school diploma are exempt from the diploma requirements with the exception of those in T.C.A. § 49-7-110.
            3. Admission will be granted for students who submit a high school diploma from a church-related school or home school as defined by T.C.A. § 49-50-801 and T.C.A. § 49-6-3050.
              1. Church-Related or Home School students who do not present valid ACT, SAT, or other approved assessment scores at time of admissions may be subject to program assessments to determine program eligibility consistent with TBR Learning Support Policy No. 2.03.00.02.
          5. Out-of-State Applicants
            1. Applicants who are residents of states other than Tennessee are subject to the same admission requirements as in-state applicants.
      2. Admission of Transfer Students
        1. Each community college shall establish policy and procedures for the admission of transfer students that are consistent with the TBR Policy 2.01.00.00 General Education & Degree Requirements, Sections II and III, TBR Learning Support Policy No. 2.03.00.02. and with the following criteria:
          1. The applicant must provide official transcripts of credits attempted from all institutions of higher education previously attended.
          2. If the student has earned an associate degree or higher from a postsecondary institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, Community Colleges shall not require an applicant to provide the institution with a copy of the applicant’s high school transcript, or general high school equivalency credential as a part of the institution’s admission process.
          3. The applicant's grade point average on transferable courses must be at least equal to that which the institution requires for the readmission of its own students. Applicants who do not meet the institution's standards may be admitted on scholastic probation or other appropriate condition.
          4. Institutions must develop policy and publish criteria regarding the awarding of transfer consistent with TBR Policy 2.01.00.04 Awarding of Credits Earned Through Extra-Institutional Learning to Community Colleges and Universities and TBR Policy 2.03.01.01 Undergraduate Academic Retention Standards.
            1. Institutions may determine a subset if grade point average is used to determine admission to selective programs.
      3. Non-Degree Admission for Community College Applicants
        1. Each community college shall develop policy and procedures for admitting applicants who wish to take credit courses, but who either do not qualify for or do not wish to apply for degree admission.
        2. Policies shall include any conditions of enrollment and any term or overall credit-hour limitations.
      4. Audit and No-Credit Admission
        1. Each community college shall develop policy and procedures for the admission of persons wishing only to audit courses or to take credit courses on a no-credit basis. The following provisions shall apply:
          1. Admission may be limited or denied based on the availability of space in the individual classroom.
    Exhibits: 
    File 2-03-00-00 Exhibit 2_Approved English Language Proficiency Exams.docx
    Sources: 

    Authority

    T.C.A. § 49-8-102, T.C.A. § 49-8-203, T.C.A. § 49-7-124, T.C.A. § 49-6-3050, T.C.A. § 49-50-801, T.C.A. § 49-6- 3111, T.C.A. § 49-7-110

    Education Choices in Tennessee: Education/School Options
    Graduation Requirements: Education/Instruction/Graduation Requirements
    Ability to Benefit Gen-15-09 Dear Colleague 
    Ability to Benefit Gen-12-09 Dear Colleague
    Ability to Benefit (ATB) Tests 06/24/2015
    Tennessee State Board of Education High School Policy 2.103 Revised 4.20.18

    History

    TBR Meeting, August 16, 1974; September 29, 1978; June 27, 1980, September 30, 1983; December 16, 1983; June 27, 1986; September 16, 1988; December 2, 1988; June 30,1989; December 7,1990; March 20, 1992; March 19, 1993; September 17, 1993; June 23,1994; December 8, 1994; December 15, 1995; March 7, 1997; June 19, 1998; September 22, 2000; April 2, 2004; December 8, 2006; June 28, 2007; June 24, 2010; Revised December 11, 2014;

    The admission policy was revised in its entirety on September 30, 1983, superseding the previous policy and all amendments thereto. Revised Jan. 1, 2014 per Tennessee Alternative Diploma Act to reflect change from General Educational Development (GED) Certificate to Tennessee High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma.

    Revised at Board Meeting March 30, 2016, Revised at Board Meeting March 21, 2019, Revised at Board Meeting March 25, 2021; Ministerial Changes April 13, 2023; Ministerial Changes August 17, 2023.

    Related Policies: 
    Undergraduate Academic Retention & GPA Standards
    Policy for Classifying Students In-State & Out-of-State for Paying College Fees & Tuition & for Admission Purposes
    Community College Learning Support
    Policy Number: 
    2.02.00.01
    Policy/Guideline Area: 
    Academic Policies
    Applicable Divisions: 
    Community Colleges
    Purpose: 

    Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) prepares students to become officers in the United States military. The Tennessee Board of Regents establishes this policy in support of this opportunity for leadership training and preparation for service to country as part of a student’s post-secondary education program of study.

    Policy/Guideline: 
    1. Introduction
      1. Community colleges may enter into cooperative agreements with other higher education institutions to offer ROTC instruction to their students.
    Procedures: 
    1. ROTC Programs
      1. Cooperative ROTC programs shall be designed by the participating institutions to best serve the interests of students wishing to enroll in ROTC.
      2. A copy of the final agreement must be forwarded to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the Tennessee Board of Regents for approval.
    Sources: 

    Authority

    T.C.A. § 49-8-203

    History

    TBR Meeting, June 22, 1973; Revisions approved at Special Called Meeting May 14, 2019.

    Policy Number: 
    2.01.02.00
    Policy/Guideline Area: 
    Academic Policies
    Applicable Divisions: 
    TCATs
    Purpose: 

    The Tennessee Board of Regents will provide the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology with the requirements for academic actions submitted in accordance with TBR Policy, which align with institutional accreditation standards. 

    Definitions: 
    • Academic action includes any programmatic planned or unplanned substantive change as prescribed by the Council on Occupational Education. 
    • Council on Occupational Education (COE) is the national accrediting agency for the technical colleges.
    • Establishment of a New Technical Program - a new technical program that differs from currently approved programs in the institution's program inventory.
    • Diploma- awarded to students who have demonstrated the competencies required for a program whose total program length is at least 900 clock hours.
    • Certificate- awarded to students who have demonstrated the competencies required for a program whose total program length is less than 900 clock hours.
    • Supplemental Certificate- are non-credit awards, typically related to a special industry or special courses that do not lead to a Diploma or Certificate
    • Curriculog- an online, interactive curriculum workflow system into which all technical college new programs and program modifications are cataloged.
    Policy/Guideline: 
    1. Introduction
      1. T.C.A. § 49-8-101 et seq. authorizing the establishment of the College System of Tennessee gives to the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) the power "to prescribe curricula and requirements for diplomas and degrees."
      2. Technical college curriculum groups led by designated curriculum chairs and program faculty determine course content or design and carry out curriculum revisions less extensive than those that the Board has reserved to itself or otherwise delegated.
      3. Institutions planning an academic action must submit an application through Curriculog and program development and implementation are contingent upon the academic action to include, but not limited to, new programs to the institution, new programs to the system, program modifications, and program duplication. 
      4. This policy addresses: 
        1. TCAT Program Proposals That Must Be Taken to the Board 
        2.  TCAT Program Proposals Approved by Board through Delegated Authority
        3.  Academic Proposals Requiring Only Notification to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
    2.  Types of Procedures
      1. TCAT Program Proposals That Must Be Taken to the Board
        1. Beyond those delegated responsibilities, the Board reserves to itself the authority to review and approve all proposed actions pertaining to establishment of Diploma and Certificate programs. Establishment of a new technical program that differs in curriculum, delivery format and/or location designation from currently approved Diploma or Certificates in the institution's program inventory.
      2. TCAT Program Proposals Approved by Board through Delegated Authority
        1. Institutions shall request a program modification to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs through Curriculog , proposals related to the following:
          1. Establishment of Program Exit Points - A exit points may be established within an ongoing full-time program when the basic portion of the new option is the same as the ongoing program but with the addition of specialized units of instruction that result in an additional diploma level job title. Other examples include moving a program to an off-campus site, adding or deleting exit points, etc.
          2. Consolidation of Existing -technical programs – consolidation is when two or more programs are consolidated into one program to meet industry demands.  For example, the pipefitting program and the plumbing program is consolidated into the Pipefitting and Plumbing program.
          3. Inactivation of a technical program - inactivation of a program may be requested when enrollment and placement factors indicate the program operation is not presently needed but it is the opinion of institution personnel that reactivation will be needed within a three-year period of time.
          4. Termination of a career-technical program - termination of a program may be requested when enrollment and placement factors indicate the program is no longer needed in the institution's service area and it is the opinion of institution personnel that reactivation of the program is not expected in the foreseeable future.
          5. Duplicated programs offered in same location in different timeframe.
        2. Revision existing common program curriculum, should be submitted through the Exhibit 1 form.  The revision of existing common program curriculum does not apply to supplemental courses and special industry training.
      3. Academic Proposals Requiring Only Notification to Vice Chancellor
        1. Changes to existing academic programs not listed above, that require no new costs or minimal costs that the campus will fund through reallocation of existing resources or through sources such as grants and gifts, may be approved through an established process by the institution.
        2. The Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs must be informed of such changes prior to implementation.
        3. Such action includes, but is not limited to, establishment of new credentials/exit points and changes such as the modification of the title of a program that does not affect another technical college program curriculum.
        4. Dual credit and dual enrollment agreements in compliance with TBR Policy 2.01.00.05.
    3. Procedures
      1. Institutions wishing to effect changes that fall into any of the above categories will, therefore, comply with the following procedures.
        1. Regional notification of new programs must be sent through email to all community college presidents, chief academic officers, and presidents and vice-presidents of technical colleges.  The notifications must include:
          1. Title of the proposed program
          2. Anticipated date for submission to the Board for approval
          3. Location of program delivery
          4. Anticipated date of implementation
          5. Clock hours/program length
          6. Brief program description
        2. Approval Route of Academic Proposals
          1. Proposals for all new programs and other academic actions must be submitted through the TBR Curriculog system for review by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
          2. At the conclusion of the review, the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will transmit the proposal along with the recommendation to the Tennessee Board of Regents.
        3. Schedule for the Submission and Approval of Proposals
          1. The Board will consider proposals at each of its quarterly meetings.
          2. Proposals must, however, be submitted by the date established by the Office of Academic Affairs at which Board consideration is desired in order to permit adequate review by the staff.
          3. The time required for this review will vary according to the nature of the proposal.
      2. Finally, the Board reserves the authority to review either directly or through the Chancellor all other actions affecting the technical college programs of its institutions.
      3. The Board shall receive from the Chancellor periodic reports on the status of technical college programs as well as on matters pertaining to student access and to quality.
      4. For this purpose, institutions shall provide to the Chancellor or the Chancellor’s designee the following and any other information specifically requested:
        1. Articulation Agreements: Articulation agreements between institutions or between distinct levels of programming (TBR Policy 2:01:00:03) at the same institution, if and when available;
        2. Accreditation Activities: Notice of scheduled self-studies, site visits, and other activities relative to institutional or programmatic accreditation and reaffirmation as well as a copy of the formal notice of accreditation or reaffirmation.
        3. Dual Enrollment agreements must be submitted through letter of notification and DocuSign.
    4. Criteria for Reviewing Technical College Program Proposals
      1. A summary of the major criteria used by the TBR staff in evaluation of technical college proposals is presented below.
        1. The proposed action is appropriate to the mission, role, and scope of the institution.
        2. Need for the proposed action is evident from the supporting data on student interest, employer demand, and societal needs. Need must also be reflected in the projected level of student enrollment and the anticipated number of graduates.
        3. The proposed action does not constitute unnecessary duplication of technical programs available at other public institutions within the region.  Partnerships or collaborations should be considered whenever needs might be met with greater efficiency.
        4. The proposed action should delineate a final award to be earned by the student.  This shall be a Diploma if the program length is greater than 900 clock hours.  This shall be a Certificate if the program length is less than 900 clock hours.  The Chancellor must approve any exceptions.
        5. The proposed action reflects appropriately innovative design and the best available pertinent knowledge.
        6. The proposal documents the institution's ability to implement the proposed action in terms of:
          1. fiscal resources,
          2. support resources,
          3. physical facilities, and
          4. qualified personnel.
        7. When the proposed action is supported in whole or in part by articulation with another institution or by affiliation with other agencies for the provision of clinical or internship experiences, such articulation or affiliation should be acknowledged in the program design and copies of the articulation or affiliation agreements should be appended to the proposal.
        8. The proposed action is consistent with the achievement of the institution's goals.
        9. The proposal includes information about the online delivery format (if applicable).
        10. Proposals pertaining to programs should include a description of procedures for regular evaluation of the programs and units, including evaluation of the program's enrollment and productivity.
        11. Proposals should include information related to accreditation, both COE and professional, and when applicable, provide a time frame for achieving the appropriate accreditation and approval certification from authorizing agencies.
    5. Sources of Specific Criteria
      1. Listed below are illustrative sources of specific criteria that serve as bases for staff decisions relative to technical college proposals.
        1. TBR Policy No. 2.01.00.03, Principles for Articulation in Vocational/ Technical Education
        2. TBR Policy No. 2.03.00.00, Admissions
        3. TBR Policy No. 2.03.01.05, Academic Retention and Readmission at the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology
    Exhibits: 
    File 2.01.02.00 Exhibit 1.docx
    Sources: 

    March 17, 1989 State Board of Regents' Meeting; June 29, 2007 Quarterly Board Meeting;  Revision TBR Board Meeting September 19 & 20, 2019.

    Related Policies: 
    Academic Retention and Readmission at the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology
    TCAT Programs, Changes, and Modifications
    Admission at the Community Colleges
    Policy Number: 
    2.01.01.00
    Policy/Guideline Area: 
    Academic Policies
    Applicable Divisions: 
    TCATs, Community Colleges
    Purpose: 

    The purpose of this policy is to establish the procedures and processes for the submission and approval of academic action requests for academic programs seeking to be developed and existing programs for institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

     

    Policy/Guideline: 
    1. Introduction
      1. T.C.A. § 49-8-101 et seq. authorized the establishment of the Community College System of Tennessee. Among the powers given to the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) by this Act is the power "to prescribe curricula and requirements for diplomas and degrees."
      2. Institutions have the authority to create new courses, terminate existing courses, determine course content or design, and carry out curriculum revisions less extensive than those the Board has reserved to itself or otherwise delegated. Courses approved within the Tennessee Transfer Pathways and approved General Education Requirements may not be amended without the approval of the respective state committees. The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) must review and approve new community college associate degree programs, off-campus extensions of existing academic programs, new academic units (divisions, colleges, and schools), and new instructional locations as specified in THEC Policy No. A 1:0: New Academic Programs - Approval Process, Attachment A(A1.0), and A1:1: Academic Program Modifications. These THEC policies should serve as a resource for the development of all Letters of Application and New Academic Program Proposal (NAPP). 
      3. A Letter of Notification is required from all TBR community colleges for new degree programs or certificates with 24 semester credit hours (SCH) or more and must be submitted to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Within thirty days of receipt, the institutions will be notified if they are authorized to develop a Letter of Application for the development of a new academic program. 
      4. The THEC delegates authority to the TBR to approve Letters of Application and to grant final approval for duplicated community college programs (Associates Degrees and Certificates). Degree programs new to the state for TBR institutions must be approved by THEC. The TBR criteria for review and accountability will follow the THEC standards established by the THEC Policies A1:0: New Academic Programs - Approval Process, and A1:1: New Academic Program Modifications. All TBR community college programs listed on the THEC Inventory of Academic Programs will be subject to Post Approval Monitoring for the first three years after implementation and annual productivity evaluations of programs in operation more than three years. Community colleges will participate in all components of the THEC Performance Funding Quality Assurance Program.
    2. Process
      1. Academic Actions That Must Be Taken to the Board
        1. Beyond those delegated responsibilities the Board reserves to itself the authority to review and approve all proposed academic actions pertaining to the establishment of new high quality academic degree programs.
      2. Academic Actions Approved by the Board through Delegated Authority
        1. With the exception of new degree programs to the state, duplicated programs and certificates of less than 24 hours and other academic actions may be approved by the Board through delegated authority to the Chancellor. 
        2. Summaries of these proposed academic actions will be reported monthly or as needed, to the Board, with a 30-day period for Board review.
        3. Board members may contact the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs with questions or concerns regarding academic actions and if desired, can require that the action be brought before the full Board at its next quarterly meeting.
        4. Institutions shall provide to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs all requests for academic actions related to the following:
          1. Establishment of any college credit-bearing Certificate which is listed in the academic inventory or that will be included in the institution's Catalog or other recruitment materials and activities. There are two types of certificates listed on the official Academic Program Inventory: 1) Academic, and 2) Technical. A Certificate which is not college credit-bearing, i.e., and "institutional certificate" refers to only certificates awarding continuing education credit that may be accepted for college credit if it meets the requirements established through the institution's prior learning assessment standards. A certificate can be free- standing or embedded within a degree program. An embedded certificate requires the approval of the program of study by the Board. It must fully articulate with a degree and should have no new or no more than minimal costs required to implement an embedded certificate.
          2. Establishment of new concentrations or minors within an existing academic program.
          3. Establishment of new academic units such as colleges, schools, departments, institutes, centers within existing academic units, bureaus, etc., (see TBR Guideline A-040, and THEC Policy A1:3, New Academic Units, and A1:4, Off-Campus Instruction- Community Colleges). 
          4. Revision of any admission, retention, or graduation policy (both institutional and program specific).
          5. Substantive revision of the curriculum of an existing academic program. (Substantive refers to changes impacting 9 or more semester credit hours at the community college level and 50% or more of the semester credit hours in a certificate program, from the last submission to the Board, and includes course rubrics, titles, descriptions, or content).
          6. Consolidation of existing academic programs within the same discipline regardless of degree designation for purposes of performance funding calculations only.
          7. Consolidation of existing academic programs for purposes of performance funding calculations only. 
          8. Extension of an existing academic degree program in totality to an off-campus site.
          9. An inactivated program is automatically terminated and removed from the THEC inventory if not reactivated within a three-year window after inactivation.
          10. Curriculum modifications, including but not limited to a student success course, that increase required hours for a degree to more than 60 for the associate degree or more than the previously approved exceptions. Also, curriculum modifications that increase or decrease credit hours from what was previously approved for a certificate must be submitted for Board approval.
          11. Conversion of an existing on-ground program to a fully online delivery format (with or without termination of the existing ground program).
          12. Separation of a concentration from an existing program to establish a free standing degree. Any concentration with a steady enrollment and graduation rate for at least three years may request to become a freestanding degree if the establishment of the concentration as a degree does not compromise the remaining degree and does not require new faculty resources.
          13. Separation of a concentration from an existing program to establish a free standing degree where the title of the concentration more accurately represents a degree recognized in the workplace. In this instance, the proposed degree seeks to be counted within the overall original degree rather than as an independent degree for performance funding calculations.
          14. Change of degree designation. Existing academic programs seeking to change or add additional degree designations per recommendation of the disciplinary accreditation body.
          15. Establishment of an articulation agreement between institutions.
      3. Academic Actions Requiring Only Notification to Vice Chancellor
        1. Changes to existing academic programs not listed in the previous section, that require no new costs or minimal costs that the campus will fund through reallocation of existing resources or through sources such as grants and gifts, may be approved through an established process by the institution.
        2. The Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs must be informed of such changes impacting community college programs prior to implementation and may refer the request for academic action for Board approval if deemed appropriate due to costs or other potential concerns. 
        3. Such action includes, but is not limited to, changes such as the modification of the title of an academic program or unit.
        4. Non-substantive curriculum revisions may be approved through the established institutional process and do not require notification or Board approval.
      4. Additional Actions Requiring Review by THEC
        1. The THEC review and approval of off-campus extensions of existing academic programs is handled through the request for a code, i.e., site or center, and requires that submission of the appropriate form(s) available on the TBR and THEC websites. 
    3. Procedures
      1. Institutions wishing to effect academic changes that fall into any of the above categories will, therefore, comply with the following procedures as well as those contained in TBR Guideline A-010 and found on the TBR Academic Affairs website.
        1. Approval Route of Requests for Academic Action
          1. Requests from TBR community colleges for academic actions that require approval by the Board of Regents shall be submitted to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for review and approval by the Board.
          2. Subsequent to Board action, the Chancellor or designee shall transmit to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission those academic action requests that require its approval along with the Board's recommendation.
        2. Schedule for the Submission and Approval of Academic Actions 
          1. The Board will consider academic actions on a monthly basis through the Thirty Day Review process. Certificates and duplicated academic degree programs will be considered at each of its quarterly meetings.
          2. All materials, including the Thirty Day Review, must be submitted sufficiently in advance to permit adequate review by the staff.
          3. Community college degree programs new to the state for TBR institutions must be presented and approved at the Board's quarterly Board meeting. Per revision to THEC Policy No. A 1:0: New Academic Programs - Approval Process, these programs must also be presented and approved by THEC's Board at their quarterly meeting. 
        3. Community college degree programs new to the state for TBR institutions may also require an in-person or virtual site visit as part of the Letter of Application. See Exhibit B.
    4. General Criteria for Reviewing Academic Letters of Notification and Letter of Application
      1. Requirements for Letters of Application are provided in the TBR Guideline A-010: Program Modifications and New Academic Programs. Forms are provided on the Academic Affairs website to aid in the development of a Letter of Application.
      2. Requirements are amended as need be to meet the demands of the workplace.
    5. Sources of Specific Criteria
      1. Listed below are illustrative sources of specific criteria that serve as bases for staff decisions relative to academic actions.
        1. TBR Policy No. 2.01.00.00 General Education Requirements and Degree Requirements
        2. TBR Guideline No. A-010, Program Modifications and New Academic Programs
        3. TBR Policy No. 2.01.01.02 Inter-Institutional Relationships and Off-Campus Affairs
        4. TBR Guideline No. A-040, Criteria for the Evaluation of Bureaus, Centers, and Institutes
        5. THEC Policy No. A1:0, New Academic Programs: Approval Process
        6. THEC Policy No. A1:1, Academic Program Modifications
        7. THEC Policy A1:3, New Academic Units
    Sources: 

    Authority

    T.C.A. § 49-8-203; All State and Federal Statutes, Acts, Codes, Rules and Regulations referenced in this policy.

    History

    TBR Meeting, December 2, 1988; TBR Meeting, December 13, 2002; TBR Meeting, March 29, 2006; TBR Meeting, December 8, 2006; March 28, 2008; TBR Board Meeting December 2, 2010; TBR Board Meeting December 8, 2011; TBR Meeting March 28, 2014; TBR Meeting March 27, 2015: Academic Affairs SubCouncil, July 19, 2023; Faculty SubCouncil, July 21, 2023, September 22, 2023 Board Meeting.

    Related Policies: 
    Program Modifications and New Academic Programs
    Criteria for the Evaluation of Bureaus, Centers, Institutes
    General Education Requirements and Degree Requirements
    Inter-Institutional Relationships & Off-Campus Offerings (formerly A-020)
    Policy Number: 
    2.01.00.04
    Policy/Guideline Area: 
    Academic Policies
    Applicable Divisions: 
    Community Colleges
    Purpose: 

    The purpose of this policy is to authorize each community college governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents to develop procedures for the recognition of equivalent extra-institutional learning processes that include the awarding of credit or advanced placement.

    Policy/Guideline: 
    1. Extra-Institutional or Life-long Learning
      1. The process for awarding of credits through “Extra-Institutional or Life-long Learning” by the community colleges must be in compliance with the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Principles of Accreditation on Programs (reference 3.4), the Commission’s Position Statement on the “Transfer of Academic Credit,” and its policy on “The Transfer or Transcripting of Academic Credit.” (Exhibit 1)
      2. The institutional process for awarding credits through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) by TBR community colleges must be in compliance with the Recommended Standards in Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Policy and Practice of Tennessee Public Colleges and Universities (August 7, 2012). 
        1. These Standards ensure that TBR colleges will utilize best practices and provide services to students that are consistent among institutions.
        2. The Standards ensure transferability of PLA credit, include identification of types of PLA credits available, instruct campuses on the transcription of PLA credit, and establish common standards for portfolio review.
        3. The Standards are available, in their entirety, as Exhibit 1 to TBR Guideline A-030 Articulation Among Community Colleges.
      3. When awarding credit under this provision, the institution should use a recognized guide or institutional procedure for awarding the credit for extra-institutional or life-long learning. The recognized guides or institutional procedures may include, but are not limited to:
        1. American Council on Education (ACE) National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs.
        2. Guide to Credit by Examination.
        3. College Board Advanced Placement Program.
        4. College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
        5. Defense Subject Standardized Test (DSST) formerly DANTES.
        6. Credit by Departmental Examination. 
        7. Subject matter experts who are not members of the institution’s faculty but who evaluate extra-institutional learning at the institution’s request.
        8. Individual portfolios using the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) or other standardized guidelines authorized, in advance, by permission of the institution.
      4. When awarding credit to students who are veterans or military service members, the institution will reference the Joint Services Transcript (JST), DD-214 and/or transcripts from the Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript System (AARTS), Community College of Air Force (CCAF), and Coast Guard Institute (CGI). The institution will use the American Council of Education (ACE) for awarding credit for military experience, educations, and/or training obtained during military experience. The recognized procedures include:
        1. If military experience, education, and/or training are equivalent to a course that fulfills a general education or degree program requirement, the course credit will count towards graduation. Otherwise, appropriate course credit will be granted for elective credit.
        2. Should credit not be captured through ACE recommendations, TBR institutions will offer veterans and service members an opportunity for prior learning assessment via another recognized mechanism (refer to Section C, above).
        3. Each TBR institution will provide veteran and military service members relevant information on awarding college credit for military education, experience, and/or training.
        4. Each TBR institution will maintain a set of institutional polices on the awarding of academic credit for military experience within their undergraduate catalog. The policies will include a description of the procedure for removing excessive hours applied to transcripts, which may affect student eligibility for financial aid.
      5. When utilizing published guides for extra-institutional learning, the information provided should include:
        1. course title;
        2. location of all sites where the course is offered;
        3. length in hours, days, or weeks;
        4. period during which the credit recommendation applies;
        5. purpose for which the credit was designed;
        6. learning outcomes;
        7. teaching methods, materials, and major subject areas covered; and
        8. college credit recommendations offered by categories (by level of degrees) and expressed in semester hours and subject area(s) in which credit is applicable.
    Exhibits: 
    PDF icon 2-01-00-04 Exhibit 1.pdf
    Sources: 

    Authority

    T.C.A. § 49-8-203

    History

    March 2006 TBR Board Meeting; Revised September 20, 2013. Revisions approved by Board September 15, 2016; Revisions approved at Special Called Meeting May 14, 2019.

    Policy Number: 
    2.01.00.02
    Policy/Guideline Area: 
    Academic Policies
    Applicable Divisions: 
    TCATs, Community Colleges
    Purpose: 

    The purpose of this policy is to establish procedures for awarding an academic credential posthumously, for institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

    Policy/Guideline: 
    1. Posthumous Degrees
      1. In the unfortunate event of a student's death during an academic term in which it may reasonably be assumed that he or she would have completed all academic credential requirements, an academic credential may be awarded posthumously to the student.
      2. Recommendations to the president for awarding an academic credential posthumously should be in accordance with the established institutional process for conferral of academic credential.
      3. The decision as to the likelihood that the student would have completed their work during the term shall be at the discretion of the president.
      4. The special nature of the award should be reflected on all pertinent records.
    Sources: 

    Authority

    T.C.A. § 49-8-203

    History

    TBR Meeting, March 19, 1982; Revised and renamed from Posthumous Degrees by Board Meeting March 21, 2019.

    Pages

    Subscribe to policies.tbr.edu RSS