DSCC offers students an opportunity to participate in a two-phase orientation program. Phase one begins in April and continues throughout the summer. Students meet with an academic advisor, participate in selection of courses, class registration on the Web, and become familiar with services and campus activities. The second phase of orientation is provided in August after students are enrolled. This part of the orientation program allows new students to become familiar with services and campus activities. Topics like the following are included in this program: what to expect; information about the first day of class; the "little details"; college lingo; instructor expectations; online WebCT tutorial; frequently asked questions; counseling website; DSCC home page; and instructions on using the Student Self-Serve and on-line registration. Orientation provides information to enable students to be successful in beginning their collegiate career [Ref 5]. The orientation program is also available online [Ref 6].

The College Counselor offers a variety of services to all students, with the primary goal of assisting in the development of the students. She provides students confidential educational, vocational, and personal assistance and referral to appropriate resources [Ref 7].

The College Counselor provides all students with career development and placement services. Career counseling is available regarding academic majors, career choices, vocational goals, and transfer opportunities. Placement services include job listings, assistance in the preparation of a resume and cover letter, and preparation for interviews [Ref 8].

The ADA Counselor provides information, support services and assistance to students with documented disabilities to ensure a discrimination-free environment in the pursuit of educational opportunity. She serves as a liaison between students with disabilities and the College to provide equal access, full participation, and accessibility to DSCC’s activities and services. She also serves as a student advocate to assist faculty with the provision of appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities [Ref 9].

The Coordinator of Multicultural Affairs is committed to assisting all students, with a particular emphasis on underrepresented groups, in their educational pursuits at DSCC and in their transition to other colleges and universities or professions. The Coordinator initiates financial, academic and social programs that contribute to the recruitment and retention of students from underrepresented groups [Ref 10].

The Office of Student Life offers a wide variety of student organizations and activities for the personal enjoyment and development of DSCC students. Students are encouraged to participate in these student activities to develop into well-rounded citizens and contributors to society [Ref 11] [Ref 12].

A variety of specialized tests is available through the DSCC Testing Center. The Testing Center staff administers the ACT, the Residual ACT, and the Computerized Placement Assessment and Support System Test (COMPASS) for students who plan to enroll at DSCC. In addition, the GED test is given on a scheduled basis and is open to anyone in the community. The Testing Center staff also gives the admissions tests for various health programs. In addition, the Testing Center Staff administers the graduate exit exam each spring semester [Ref 13].

Financial aid is an important ingredient to student success at DSCC. Over 60 percent of DSCC’s students receive some form of federal, state, or local financial aid. Assistance is provided in the form of grants, scholarships, part-time employment and loans. Financial Aid Counselors award aid on the basis of financial need and academic potential. Financial aid information can be found in the annual catalog and student handbook [Ref 14] and on the Financial Aid Web site [Ref 15].

Intercollegiate athletics are considered to be an integral part of DSCC, which is a member of the Tennessee Junior and Community College Athletic Association (TJCAA) and Region VII of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) [Ref 16]. Under the direction of the DSCC Athletic Director, the athletic program is operated within the rules and regulations of the TJCAA and the NJCAA [Ref 17]. Cheerleaders assist in many activities that promote school spirit and provide support for athletic teams. A panel of judges chooses cheerleaders during the spring semester for the following academic year [Ref 18]. Since only a small percentage of the student enrollment chooses to participate in intercollegiate athletics, students are encouraged to participate in the DSCC Intramural Program [Ref 19] [Ref 20].

The Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) [Ref 21] and the Alumni Survey [Ref 22] indicate that students are satisfied with the student support services provided by DSCC and that programs effectively meet the needs of all student types and promote student learning and development.