Welcome – or welcome back – to Pellissippi State! We are so glad you’re here!
We know the first weeks of college can be overwhelming as you find your way around your campuses, meet your teachers and start your studies. We’ve put together this webpage as a one-stop shop to point you in the right direction if and when things seem confusing.
Below you’ll find handy links, but we’ll also staff all campuses with friendly faculty and staff who can help you when you feel a little lost. You can find these folks wearing blue “Ask Me!” buttons as we start the new academic year.
Just know that even when college seems intimidating, you’ve got this! We know you can do it!
Visit our list of important college contacts to get connected to the appropriate offices and services.
| Date | Time | Event Title | Campus |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 17 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Block Party | Magnolia Avenue |
| August 24 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Startup | Hardin Valley |
| August 26-27 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | Ask Me | All Campuses |
| August 28-29 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Involvement Fair | Magnolia Avenue |
| August 28 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Catch Your Ride | Hardin Valley |
| August 28 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Spirit Day | Hardin Valley |
| August 29 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Rec Fair | Hardin Valley |
| August 29 | 8:30 p.m. | Movie on the Lawn: Avengers Endgame |
Hardin Valley |
| August 30 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Involvement Fair | Blount County |
| September 3 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Involvement Fair | Division Street & Strawberry Plains |
| September 4 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Involvement Fair | Hardin Valley |
| September 12 | 12:30 p.m. | Convocation: Whitney Kimball Coe |
Hardin Valley: Clayton Performing Arts Center |
Keep up with important academic dates and deadlines throughout the semester. Here are a few others to keep in mind.
| Date | Academic Information |
|---|---|
| September 2 | Holiday, Labor Day, College Closed |
| September 6 | Drop a Class Without a Grade of W – Deadline |
| September 16 | Release of Financial Aid Refunds Begins |
| October 5 | Saturday Classes will meet |
| October 7-8 | Fall Break |
| October 11 | Graduation Application Deadline for Fall 2019 Commencement |
| Begins October 23 | Registration begins for Spring and Summer 2020 |
| November 1 | Deadline to Drop/Withdraw from Full-Term Courses with a W Grade |
| November 27 | Classes do not meet |
| November 28-December 1 | Holiday, Thanksgiving, College Closed |
| December 9-12 | Exam Period |
| December 13 | Fall Commencement Ceremony |
All computers in our open labs were updated to speed up login time.
We’re offering Tennessee’s first Water Quality Technology program to help train water and wastewater plant operators.
We’re launching the Navigate app this semester! Navigate is a tool that will help you succeed and stay organized — you’ll also need it to schedule advising appointments. You can download the Navigate Student app on the Apple App Store or on Google Play.
Some courses are now recommending e-textbooks rather than printed textbooks. Visit www.pstcc.edu/etextbooks to learn more and see a complete list of classes using e-textbooks.
The Pellissippi State Motorsports Club participated in the Formula SAE Michigan race. Judges said that the team’s car was one of the best first year cars they’d ever seen. Check out photos on the team’s Facebook page!
We’ve remodeled the bookstore on the Hardin Valley Campus. Beat the lines by visiting the bookstore before classes begin on August 26.
We’ve partnered with Tuskegee NEXT to offer a 13-week introductory aviation training course for students ages 16-20. Classes will meet on Tuesday nights on the Magnolia Avenue Campus and will use a flight simulator to train. Read more about our partnership with Tuskegee Next.
Sankofa is a new mentoring program for first year African American students that launched this summer. Contact sankofa_scholars@pstcc.edu for more information.
We announced a partnership with Discovery to help train students for high-tech media careers. The RISE (Reducing Inequality and Supporting Empowerment) program includes job training, panels with experts and internships for students.
Follow us on social media for news about important dates, exciting events, and features from our students. Send us a message if you ever need help!
Instagram: @pellissippistate
Twitter: @ps
Facebook: @pellissippi
Whether you’re new to Pellissippi State this semester or have been here for a while, we know you will have questions in your first few weeks. There is a lot of information you need to know to be successful. That’s why we’ve put together an FAQ to answer some of the questions that students typically have.
Just choose from any of these topics. If your question isn’t answered, please call 865.694.6400 or email admissions@pstcc.edu or text 865.270.6400. You can also use the directory to find a specific person or department to ask.
COSA: Council of Student Advocates
MWF: Monday, Wednesday and Friday
NSO: New Student Orientation
P#: Student Identification Number
SL: Student Life
TnCIS: Tennessee Consortium for International Studies
TR: Tuesday and Thursday
Hardin Valley Campus Buildings/Offices
AL: Alexander Building
BA: Bagwell Center
CPAC: Clayton Performing Arts Center
ER/ERC: Educational Resources Center
GN: Goins Building
MC: McWherter Building
PRTB: Portables
SAC: Student Assistance Center
SRC: Student Recreation Center
Campuses
BL: Blount County Campus
DV: Division Street Campus
HV: Hardin Valley Campus
MA: Magnolia Avenue Campus
ST: Strawberry Plains Campus
Some commonly heard technology terms are also available on the Information Services website.
The Academic Support Services are dedicated to the success of all Pellissippi State students.
Free drop-in tutoring is available for a variety of subjects. Highly qualified instructors, professional tutors and/or peer tutors are available in the Academic Support Centers on each campus. In addition to assisting with specific assignments, tutors help students develop critical thinking skills, improve study habits and address issues preventing students from achieving his/her full academic potential.
Walk-in tutoring is available on a first come, first served basis. In order to be prepared for a study or tutoring session, students should bring a printed copy of the assignment directions, subject-specific textbook, relevant class notes and attempted homework.
Tutors are available to assist, but they are not allowed to teach material from missed classes. In addition, tutors are not allowed to complete homework assignments for students, provide assistance with quizzes/take home tests, or teach new course materials.
This service is available only to students enrolled in online courses. Through a partnership with Tutor.com, the Academic Support Center offers five free hours of 24/7 online support for online (WWW sections) students to obtain one-on-one time with professional tutors. This service is easy to use and can be accessed from any internet-enabled device.
Math tutors are available on all campuses to help with My Math Lab and other assignments. Tutors are not allowed to help with quizzes or take-home tests. Calculators are available for check-out with your College ID.
Students can receive help with writing assignments for any course at the Writing Center. Tutors 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. Students may now submit written assignments from their Pellissippi webmail for helpful feedback.
Simply 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.
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.
Student Success Coordinators (SSC) and Student Success Mentors (SSM) strive to overcome problems that might pre- vent students from completing their education. SSCs are comprised of faculty members from different departments. SSMs are chosen specifically by SSCs to facilitate one-on-one interaction with students in need. SSCs and SSMs offer advice and provide useful resources to assist students with academic, financial and personal difficulties that could make staying in school challenging.
The Access and Diversity office offers services, resources and programming to improve the retention and academic success of low-income students, adult learners and underrepresented minorities.
Services include academic advising, Access and Diversity scholarships, a degree completion program, diversity programming, mentoring for first-generation students, school supplies and academic planners, and study skills materials and workshops.
Access and Diversity celebrates the diversity of our college community during these observances:
National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Black History Month, International Festival and Juneteenth.
You and your family are invited to attend the
Fall Welcome Cookout
Friday, September 13, 5 p.m.
Student Recreation Center
Hardin Valley Campus
Join us for Access and Diversity Weekly Mixers!
Connect with adult learners for great conversation, group support and lots of fun. Enjoy a light meal! Tuesdays at 5 p.m. and Wednesdays at 2 p.m. in the Goins Building College Center on the Hardin Valley Campus.
At Pellissippi State, we’re all about providing opportunities to all. The Arts at Pellissippi State — through free and inexpensive theatre and musical productions, and art exhibits — ensures everyone can experience the transformative power of the arts. View the full list of Arts at Pellissippi State events.
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 so most of your classes will be pretty small. We pride ourselves on the fact our students can get to know their faculty and their classmates in a small and less intimidating atmosphere.
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!
Here are the top 10 things you can do.
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 2 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? This is another thing that your College Success course can help you with and Tutoring can help you too. Make sure you go and see your instructor – he/she may have some good suggestions about how to best takes notes for particular classes.
| In High School | In College |
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The Common Academic Experience at Pellissippi State is a 2-year-long discussion of issues, both in and out of class, around a central theme. The theme for 2019-2021 is Make a Difference.
We all have the ability to make a difference. Our individual actions, though seemingly small, can collectively add up to transform our lives. Whether it is through community service, citizen science, or civic engagement, we can change the world for the better.
There are so many opportunities to collaborate with others to tackle problems big and small — let’s get to work!
Look for announcements of events and great speakers centering on Make A Difference!
Counseling helps students learn new coping skills, set goals, solve problems, make decisions, and manage stress. Counseling also provides a safe and structured environment in which students can explore various aspects of their emerging adult lives - independence, values, personal goals, intimacy and friendship. Counseling Services provide Personal Counseling, Academic Counseling and Career Counseling.
Visit Counseling Services to access resources that will assess your interests, evaluate your skills and values and provide you with a variety of online resources.
Career Coach is designed to help you find a career that perfectly suits your needs. Career Coach software provides
up-to-date information on local wages, employment, job postings and relevant education and training.
Career Services serves our students and the community by connecting students and employers, sharing employment opportunities and helping students prepare to enter the workforce. Career Services offers an array of services:
The Financial Aid Office provides services at each of our five campuses and always eager to help you navigate the process of applying for and receiving the financial assistance for which you are eligible. If you have questions about completing the FAFSA, TN Reconnect, TN Promise or other forms and programs, please contact us. Our goal is to assist you in 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 August 19-30.
When will I get my refund of financial aid?
Release of excess aid begins on September 16.
Need to know about the technology on campus? Use the Be Tech Ready! checklist and Student FAQ page to find out more about your student account and for links to how-tos and information on campus technologies such as Brightspace (where your course materials may be provided - take a tour) and Office 365 (yes, it’s free while you are a student!).
If you need a computer to work on an assignment or check email, every campus has an Open Lab location with a friendly and helpful staff to answer your tech questions. Whether you are new or returning to campus, we want you to have the best possible technology for your course work. Over the summer, your student technology fee helped refresh every Open Lab with new computers and, later this fall, we will increase our bandwidth to the internet and between campuses to improve your connectivity experience.
Tech questions? Call the HelpDesk!
The library has 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.
Equipment for Checkout - Laptops, iPads, hot spots, headphones, calculators, recording equipment, phone charging cables, and more!
Available on Campus - We have books, films, anatomy models, board games, coloring books, plant seeds, and even virtual reality equipment that you can check out or use in the library.
Available Online - 160+ databases with eBooks, journal articles, video tutorials, practice tests, and streaming films and audio.
Visit the Library 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 new tool to help you stay organized 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. 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.
Care and Advocacy were carefully chosen words to describe our program of support here at Pellissippi State Community College. We believe in promoting student’s overall well-being and focus on issues around economic stability, housing and transportation, food access, community engagement and health care.
If you need help with unexpected expenses, budgeting, transportation, childcare, housing, medical needs, emergency food and/or getting connected in your community through volunteering, we encourage you to contact us at dbowers2@pstcc.edu.
Get involved through the Student Engagement and Leadership office (formerly Student Life)! Try joining 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 change at Pellissippi State and help to enhance your student experience.
Email studentlife@pstcc.edu if you’re interested in SGA.
The Student Recreation Center has a number of amenities and is free with a student ID.
Softball and soccer fields
5000 sq. ft. putting green
Racquetball court
Indoor/outdoor basketball court
Indoor/outdoor volleyball court
Ping pong
Weight room
Intramurals
Mega Jenga
Fitness on Demand – Choose from hundreds of workouts with Fitness on Demand at the Hardin Valley Campus.
You can view the following policies to understand your rights and responsibilities while at Pellissippi State:
Police Officers and/or Security Officers are on duty 24/7, 365 days a year at the Hardin Valley 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.
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 or visit us in Alexander Building, room 103.
If I don’t have financial aid, where can I get my books?
You can always purchase or rent books from the Pellissippi State bookstore. In addition, some low cost options are Chegg.com and Amazon.com. Get the ISBN number for your books and use the ISBN number to get the book at these discount retailers.
Also, Access and Diversity has a book loan program for students who meet certain criteria. Email Nicole Smith at nlcain@pstcc.edu to request a book. Include in your email
Can you tell me more about e-textbooks?
Pellissippi State offers a convenient and affordable program to deliver required e-textbooks for your course by the first day of class. These e-Texts come at a significantly reduced cost compared to the traditional physical textbooks. View more information about this program and qualifying courses.
I’m a 2019 high school graduate. Am I eligible for a book stipend?
New for fall 2019 – If you are a 2019 graduate of a Knox County high school and eligible for TN Promise, you may also qualify for Knox Promise. Knox Promise provides a $250 book stipend to be used for e-textbooks and the purchase of required course materials purchased from the Pellissippi State bookstore.
Yes! All students can receive free tutoring, and the Tutoring Center is for everyone! It can make strong, medium or weak students STRONGER! Don’t wait until you think you are in trouble to go to the Tutoring Center. Get a great start and go regularly to make sure you don’t get behind.
Thank you for your interest in learning more about the Office of Veterans Services at Pellissippi State Community College. Trevor Harvey, the director of Veterans Services, is available to help answer any questions and/or concerns you may have regarding your benefits and support programs offered at Pellissippi State.
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
If you would like to speak further with us about becoming part of the Pellissippi State family, contact Trevor Harvey directly at 865.539.7368 or taharvey@pstcc.edu.
We also have a dedicated VA Certifying Official, who is available to answer specific benefits questions, and help you best utilize your benefits as a student veteran at Pellissippi State. Her name is Sharon Roberts, and she can be reached at 865.694.6472/Fax: 865.539.7691 or seroberts3@pstcc.edu.
Feel free to visit our Veterans Services website at 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!