Welcome to Pelissippi State!

The Academic Support Center is dedicated to the success of all Pellissippi State students.

Tutoring

Free tutoring is available for a variety of subjects, but it is only available virtually this spring.  

If you need assistance with  written assignments, follow the below instructions: 

1. From your Pellissippi State webmail account, email your paper to ascatutor@pstcc.edu. 
2. Email your paper in the form of a Microsoft Word document. We are unable to provide comments to a pdf or other types of documents.  
3. Be sure to include the instructions and rubric for the assignment.
4. Also, include your P#, course name (Ex. ENGL 1010), and instructor’s name in your email. 
5. If you prefer to be contacted by a tutor via Microsoft Teams, please indicate that in your email. 
6. Be patient. It could take a while for a response. 

If you need assistance with other assignments, send an email from your Pellissippi State email account to tutor@pstcc.edu with the following information: 

• What subject? Example: MATH 1530 
• What topic? Example: Hypothesis Testing 
• Who is your instructor? 
• What is your Pellissippi ID number (P#)? 
• Do you have Teams downloaded?

A tutor will contact you as soon as possible through Microsoft Teams. Go ahead and open Teams before you send the email to tutor@pstcc.edu. If you do not have Teams downloaded to your computer or phone, here’s how. This is a free download for all Pellissippi State students. Don’t forget Helpdesk is a simple email, text or call away if you need help with your download. 

Note: All tutoring sessions have a time limit of 30 minutes. If you have further questions after reaching the time limit, you will need to send another email to tutor@pstcc.edu to get back in the queue. 

Here are some of the ways our tutors can help you: 

Math Lab

Math tutors are available to help with My Math Lab and other assignments. Tutors are not allowed to help with quizzes or take-home tests. 

Writing Center

Students can receive help with writing assignments for any course at ascatutor@pstcc.edu. Simply send open your Pellissippi State email account, attach the written assignment as a Word document and send it with the assignment instructions to ascatutor@pstcc.edu. Please allow 24 hours for a response. 

Tutors in the Writing Center may help students brainstorm ideas, develop first drafts and revise content. They can also help students navigate popular writing resources such as Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL), MLA or APA style. Students can receive help citing research both in text and on works cited or bibliography pages. Tutors will assist students in all facets of writing including issues with grammar and syntax; however, they do not proofread or edit papers.  

Supplemental Instruction (SI)

Supplemental Instruction ( SI ) is a peer-led, educational resource program comprised of students chosen by faculty who attend class lectures and hold 2-3 weekly study sessions.  SI  sessions allow students who need additional help or want to stay ahead of their work schedules, compare notes, solve problems together, develop organizational strategies and prepare for tests. The goal of  SI  is to help students involve themselves with course content and develop effective study skills that will lead to independent academic success.

 

Access and Diversity provides academic support services, advocacy and a supportive and welcoming environment for African American students as they transition into or continue their education at Pellissippi State. In addition, we provide academic coaching and cultural programming, encourage academic and student engagement, and provide connections to community and campus resources. We emphasize student belonging -- helping students find community at Pellissippi State and affirming this college as a place where students can achieve their goals. 

For more information, please visit our website at www.pstcc.edu/diversity. 

Advising will be conducted virtually this spring and includes access through Teams, Zoom, email and phone. Each student has an assigned advisor either within their program or through the Advising office. Their information is listed in myPellissippi and Navigate. Please access Navigate to schedule an appointment or contact advising@pstcc.edu for assistance.

Career Services provides career readiness and career development plans for all students. Career Services offer tools, resources, events and activities both in-person and virtual/online to broaden students’ training in workplace/work-based skills that will benefit students as they move forward in their education and career. 

Tools and resources available to all students include: 

• Resume development  
• Job search strategies  
• Interviewing skills including mock interviews 
• Job boards
• Employer visits to the College
• Career fairs 

Working closely with area business and industry, Career Services provides students in Pellissippi State’s associate degree programs placement services that include co-op and referral services. 

Pellissippi State is offering classes in four formats during spring 2021. Here are the descriptions to look for after the class titles: 

• Online: Log into course during the first two days. 
• Virtual: Online and virtual instruction. Log into course at posted time. 
• Hybrid: Combo of online and on-campus instruction. 
• On-campus: On-campus instruction. 

If you have an on-campus class, you are required to wear a mask. Masks are required inside all Pellissippi State buildings as well as outside if you cannot maintain 6 feet of distance between you and others. 

Where do I find my class schedule?
Log in to myPellissippi. Find the Registration Box. Click on your Detailed Schedule or your Week at a Glance Schedule.

What is the biggest class that I will have?
Our average class size is around 22 students, but those who have in-person or hybrid classes likely will not see that many students in a classroom this spring due to our commitment of maintaining social distancing requirements. Our staff has been busy marking which seats are available in each classroom, leaving six feet of distance between individuals, and labeling each classroom with maximum capacities. Instructors may have only half of their students attend a lab or test at one time, for example.

Although we realize that most of you are currently taking your classes online, some are attending in person. Here are some general tips for being successful in college during these unusual times.

Go to Class. New students often hear that in college, “you can go to class anytime you want.” NOT TRUE!

Read Your Class Syllabus. Know what is expected of you.

Find a Study Partner. Find at least one student in your class with whom you can study.

Establish a Study Routine. Spend two hours studying for every hour you spend in class. Take a 10-minute break after every hour of study.

Establish a Place to Study. Your place should have a desk, comfortable chair, good lighting and all the supplies you need. It should be as free of distractions as possible.

Become Part of College Life. Becoming part of the college community is just as important as going to class, writing papers and taking exams. This doesn’t mean you should join every group, but learn to be selective and then participate.

Make Use of Campus Resources. Identify campus resources that may be sources of help for you.

Watch Your Associations. Don’t sit with people who are not serious about school. If you want to be successful, hang around successful people. Remember: “You can’t soar with eagles if you hang around with turkeys.”

Communicate. There are no dumb questions! If you don’t know or don’t understand something, chances are several of your peers don’t either. Learning to ask questions is a real skill, and you need to develop it!

Want Good Grades?

Here are the top 10 things you can do.

• Check your Pellissippi State email daily.
• Go to class prepared every day.
• Establish a routine for studying.
• Stay on top of your homework by turning in all assignments on time.
• Find a study buddy—a student with whom you can study and share notes.
• Ask for help! Use campus resources.
• Read your class syllabus. Know what is expected of you ahead of time.
• Use a planner to record due dates.
• Eat right, exercise and get enough sleep.
• Sitting in the first three rows of the classroom may avoid distractions.

And remember classroom etiquette!

• Turn off your cell phone.
• Please do not carry on private conversations during lectures or general discussions.
• Give your full attention to the instructor and any other student when either is speaking.
• Mentally answer each question the instructor asks; wait until the instructor asks for the answer; give everyone a chance to speak or be heard. Please don’t dominate discussions.
• Responsibly respect those who disagree with your position. An important part of college is for us to challenge each other’s thinking, but we must remain respectful while doing so.
• Be on time. If you are late, find a seat without walking in front of the instructor.
• Never ask an instructor, “Did I miss anything when I was absent last time?” If you were absent, assume you missed something and find out in a responsible fashion what you missed. Also, take care of handing in any late material either before or after class. Do not take up class time for time you have missed.
• Do not eat or drink in class. Leave the classroom as neat as, or neater than, you found it.

How much homework will I have?  College is WAY different than high school and you will have many more responsibilities outside the classroom.  A good rule of thumb is to plan to READ, STUDY OR DO PROJECTS outside of class two hours for every hour of class time.  So, for example:  If you are enrolled for 12 credit hours – you should plan 24 hours of work outside the classroom.

What is the best way to take notes?  Your College Success course and Tutoring can help you with this.  Make sure you see your instructor for suggestions about how to best takes notes for his or her class.

Two columns listing how high school and college are structured.

In High School

In College

Your time is usually structured by others. Each day you proceed from one class directly to another. Most of your classes are arranged for you. Teachers carefully monitor class attendance. Teachers remind you of incomplete work. Teachers will offer to help you if they believe you need further assistance. Teachers provide you with information you missed when you were absent. Teachers often take time to remind you of assignments and due dates. Mastery is usually indicated by your ability to reproduce what you were taught in the form in which it was presented to you or to solve the kinds of problems you were shown how to solve. You are usually told in class what you need to learn from assigned readings. You will graduate if you passed all required courses with a grade of D or higher. “Effort counts.” Courses are usually structured to reward your “good faith effort.” Sometimes trying is all that matters.

You are responsible for managing your own time. You often have unassigned hours between classes; class times vary throughout the day and evening. You arrange your own schedule in consultation with your academic advisor. Professors may not formally take roll, but they are still likely to know whether or not you attended. Professors may not remind you of incomplete work. Professors are usually open and helpful, but most expect you to initiate contact if you need assistance. Professors expect you to get from classmates any notes from classes you missed. Professors expect you to read, save and consult the course syllabus. Mastery is indicated by your ability to apply what you have learned to new situations or to solve new kinds of problems. It’s up to you to read and understand the assigned material; lectures and assignments proceed from the assumption that you’ve already done so. You will graduate only if your GPA average in classes meets the College’s standard—typically a 2.0 or C. “Results count.” Results depend upon your class attendance, grades and participation.

Counseling Services provides a variety of services related to mental health, career development and academic skill-building to Pellissippi State students for free. Services are confidential and help students learn new coping skills, set goals, solve problems, make decisions, and manage stress.  This spring all Counseling Services will take place virtually, either by phone or on the computer.  

To schedule an appointment, send an e-mail to  counseling@pstcc.edu  with your name, P number, availability, and the type of counseling you are wanting to pursue. The three types of counseling we offer are  Personal Counseling,  Academic Counseling,  and/or  Career Counseling.  

Personal Counseling includes traditional mental health concerns including coping with anxiety, depression and substance use issues, just to name a few. Academic Counseling focuses on building important skills needed to be successful in the classroom such as organization, time management, and study strategies. Career Counseling seeks to help students combine self-exploration with career research to find both the major and career path that is the best fit for them.  

If you are looking for other types of career resources such as resume writing, interview preparation and job search strategies, contact Career Services.  Career Services serves our students and the community by connecting students and employers, sharing employment opportunities and helping students prepare to enter the workforce.  

The Start Strong Center provides enrollment services (admissions, financial aid, and records) virtually and by appointment. Simply Meet with Us, as we are eager to help you navigate the process of applying for admission and submitting your transcripts, as well as applying for and receiving the financial assistance for which you are eligible. If you have questions about the enrollment process, navigating your MyPellissippi, types of financial aid available (such as the Pell Grant, TN Reconnect, TN Promise), completing required forms,  submitting documentation to various offices, registering or making an advising appointment, please reach out to us. Our goal is to assist you with starting  Pellissippi Strong, as well as bridging the gap between your own resources and the cost of attending college. 

When can I charge my books if I have excess aid?
The bookstore charge period is January 5-27.

When will I get my refund of financial aid?
Release of excess aid begins on February 8.

Need to know about the technology skills and information you need to succeed at Pellissippi State? Use the  Be Tech Ready!  checklist to find out more. We have lots of resources to help you prepare to learn remotely with all of the technology options on campus.

Every campus has an Open Computer Lab available when the campus is open. For everyone’s safety, we are limiting the number of students allowed in the Open Computer Lab at any given time. Students must make a reservation on the Open Computer Lab page before coming to a lab.  In addition, the College has added more Wi-Fi access points to the parking lots at our campuses to provide stronger Wi-Fi coverage outside of the buildings.   

The libraries have many services available for you.

Textbooks on Reserve - Still waiting on your textbook? We might have a copy that you can borrow and use in the library.

Technology for Checkout - Laptops, iPads, hot spots, headphones, calculators, recording equipment, phone charging cables, and more!

Available on Campus - We have books, films, anatomy models, and more! 

Available Online - 160+ databases with eBooks, journal articles, video tutorials, practice tests, and streaming films and audio.

Libraries on all campuses will be open this spring. Hours are:   

7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays at Hardin Valley  Campus;  

8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays at Blount County  Campus;  

8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays at Magnolia Avenue Campus; and  

8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays at Strawberry Plains Campus.  

Research assistance will be provided via the libraries’ chat, text and email services. For students who need more in-depth assistance,  Zoom appointments are available with librarians.   

At the Hardin Valley Campus, the book stacks will be closed, but students may request materials, and the library will retrieve them for the student. Course reserves will be available at all open campus locations as will technology lending, including laptop computers and scientific calculators.   

For safety reasons, all group study rooms will be closed.  

Visit the Libraries website for campus locations, contact information, and resources!

Students do not require parking permits. Students can park in any lot designated with an “O” for “Open Space,” and parking is free.

Maps are available for each campus and list where all the buildings are located.

Navigate is a tool to help you stay informed and be successful at Pellissippi State. It will take you from orientation to graduation.

Accessible online or through a free mobile app, Navigate helps you access all of Pellissippi State’s resources, make appointments with various departments, and connect with other students. While there are many departments and resources available to help you on your educational journey, Navigate will help you stay on track and point you in the right direction. 

Download the Navigate Student app from the  App Store or  Google Play, or login at  www.pstcc.edu/navigate to get started. 

Need additional help? View our  Frequently Asked Questions page. 

 

You may request a Pellissippi State ID by email or have one made in person beginning Monday, Aug. 24. Follow these steps.

Student Care and Advocacy is here to support students who may be dealing with non-academic barriers to success.  Some of these barriers may include things such as transportation, housing, childcare or food access. Our goal is to connect students to internal and external resources to address these issues.   

Our department also provides support to students who have been in the foster care system, as well as students experiencing homelessness. We manage our Pellissippi Pantry and Hardin Valley Campus Garden and coordinate sustainability initiatives throughout the College.  

If you need help locating a resource to assist with any of these nonacademic issues,  contact us at sca@pstcc.edu. We are happy to help.  If you have an emergency need for information regarding community resources, please call 211 to access community resources in the East Tennessee region.  

Get involved through the  Student Engagement and Leadership office (formerly Student Life)! There are many ways to develop your leadership skills and put them in to practice while you are a student. Join one of our more than 55 student clubs or create your own. Attend Student Activities Board events. Become a student leader and join the Student Activities Board or Student Government Association. The SGA is a way for you to voice your opinion, make a change at Pellissippi State and help to enhance your student experience.   

Email  seal@pstcc.edu  for more information.   

The Student Recreation Center (the Bubble) remains closed for the spring semester, but we will be offering the following:    

• E-sports leagues
• Outdoor hikes and gatherings around the Knoxville area
• Limited use at the Bubble when feasible 8-4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays by reservation: cardio equipment, ping pong, pickleball, tennis, badminton, individual basketball shooting 

Although our indoor recreation facilities are closed on each campus, the disc golf course and walking trail on the Hardin Valley Campus are open, as are the volleyball court and walking trail on the Blount County Campus. 

Watch the Panther Pause newsletter and the Student Recreation Center’s social media accounts for dates and times of upcoming events as well as instructions on how to reserve time at the Bubble.    

You can view the following policies to understand your rights and responsibilities while at Pellissippi State:

• 04:02:00 Student Code of Conduct & Due Process (PDF)
• 04:02:02 Rights, Freedoms and Responsibilities of Students (PDF)
• 04:02:03 Sexual Misconduct (PDF)
• 04:02:04 Behavioral Intervention Team (PDF)
• 04:03:00 Student Records Confidentiality (PDF)

Police Officers and/or Security Officers are on duty 24/7, 365 days a year at the Hardin Valley Campus and Strawberry Plains Campus. Police and Security Officers are assigned to each site campus during school hours. For an emergency, call 865.694.6649. For all non-emergencies, call 865.694.6646.

• PSCC Text Alerts: Provides emergency notifications for weather alerts, College closings and incident alerts. Students will be asked to provide their cell phone number during the registration process.
• PSCC Text a Tip: See a crime? Text a Tip directly to Campus Police. All reports are confidential. Key in “pscctips” before your message and send it to “67283.”
• Security Cameras: Located throughout all campus locations.
• Escorts: Provided to and from class/car.
• First Aid: Automatic external defibrillators and first aid kits are located throughout the campuses and checked regularly.
• Vehicle Services: Jump-starts and help with vehicle lockouts are provided with completion of Damage Release Form and proof of ownership.
• Lost and Found: Lost and Found is located in the Pellissippi State Police Office (Goins Building Room 101) at the Hardin Valley Campus and the front office of site campuses. Items can be picked up during regular business hours, Monday-Friday.
• Creating a Safe Campus: Making Campus Safe is everyone’s responsibility. Report crimes or suspicious activity to Campus Police at 865-694-6646. Learn more about making the campus safe.
• Don’t leave your items unattended: To ensure that your property stays safe make sure to keep your items close to you at all times. Don’t leave items unattended. If you are missing an item check in Lost and Found or contact Campus Police at 865-694-6646 if the item is lost or stolen.
• Tobacco Policy: Pellissippi State is a Tobacco-free campus. Smoking, Vaping, E-cigarettes, and chewing tobacco are prohibited in non-designated areas. Read the PSCC Tobacco Policy (PDF).
• Campus Police Services: Locked out of your car? Does your vehicle need a jump start? Contact Campus Police at 865-694-6646. View other services that are offered by Campus Police.

We encourage you to expand your world through TnCIS Study Abroad opportunities available to Pellissippi State students! Discover an exciting summer program and apply for a generous Pellissippi State Study Abroad Scholarship to start your adventure. What are you waiting for? Contact us at 865.539.7279.

Pellissippi State is picking up the cost of ground shipping this semester to help you get your textbooks for spring classes without coming to campus. Ground shipping is free. There will be charges, however, for expedited shipping such as Second Day Air, Next Day, etc.

Bookstore staff strongly encourage you to place an order on the bookstore website, www.pstccshop.com, and have your orders shipped to you to avoid coming to campus due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Those who do not want to have your order shipped may place an order on the website for limited contact pickup at the Hardin Valley Campus bookstore. When you receive an Order Update email, that means your order has been processed. At that point, you can click on the "Schedule My Pickup" button to schedule the date and time for your pickup.

Pickups will take place outside on the bookstore loading dock, which is located at the back of the Goins Administration Building near the Educational Resources Center (library), or in one of the six designated bookstore pickup parking spaces in the Faculty 01 lot. 

Hours will be posted on the bookstore website.  

You can find a list of your course textbooks on Follett Discover. This link is included in the "Student - Semester Checklist" that you can find on your Brightspace homepage under "Each Semester.” 

Students who do not place an order will need to make an appointment to shop via the Calendly app at calendly.com/psccbookstore. These are 30-minute reservations, and students will be helped by bookstore staff via the bookstore loading dock.  

You can charge your course materials to your financial aid accounts through Jan. 27. You will use your student ID number (P#) as your financial aid account number.   

Thank you for your interest in learning more about the Office of Veterans Services at Pellissippi State Community College.    
    
Our veteran community has now grown to nearly 400 students, with faculty and staff having served as well. We pride ourselves on making sure our student veterans are supported, celebrated and encouraged to reach their goals through initiatives such as   

• Use of the Ben Atchley Veterans Success Lounge (Hardin Valley Campus/ERC Room 123), where you have access to computers and unlimited printing, a lounge area with TV/food/coffee to relax and a place to connect with other veterans   
• Veteran-dedicated advising, tutoring and counseling services   
• Veteran textbook/laptop loan program 
• The Pellissippi Patriots Club (Club activities are temporarily suspended during the pandemic)
• Veterans Support Committee
• Veterans Support Fund
• VA Work Study opportunities (VA Work Study opportunities are temporarily suspended during the pandemic) 
• Prior learning assessment program (potential credits for military training) 
• Student Veteran/Dependents Graduation Celebration held at the end of each semester (Modified to meet COVID guidelines)

If you would like to speak further with us about becoming part of the Pellissippi State family, feel free to contact veterans@pstcc.edu. 

We also have a dedicated VA Certifying Official, who is available to answer specific  GI Bill benefits questions and help you best use your benefits as a student veteran at Pellissippi State. Her name is Sharon Roberts, and during the spring 2021 semester she can be reached by leaving a message at 865.694.6472  or by email at seroberts3@pstcc.edu.

Feel free to visit our Veterans Services website for more information about our office and programs offered. We have a specific frequently asked questions link that will really help you navigate through the enrollment process. For specific veteran benefit information, you can review the various VA benefit programs available to our veterans. 

Again, thank you for choosing Pellissippi State Community College, where we strive to serve those who have served our great nation!