COMPLIANCE AUDIT REPORTS

Section 3: Comprehensive Standard 3.4.8

The institution awards academic credit for course work taken on a noncredit basis only when there is documentation that the noncredit course work is equivalent to a designated credit experience.

Statement of Compliance: Dyersburg State Community College is in compliance with Comprehensive Standard 3.4.8.

Rationale for Judgment of Compliance:

Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC) may award credit for course work taken on a noncredit basis. Instances in which noncredit courses may receive academic credit are as follows:

Developmental Studies Program (DSP) Credit

At DSCC, credit awarded for remedial or developmental course work cannot be counted as credit toward a degree as is stated in Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Policy 2:01:00:00 [Ref 1]. These courses, however, may be   required for degree-seeking students whose performance on the ACT or on the ACT Computerized Placement Assessment and Support System Test (COMPASS) indicates that remediation will increase their likelihood of academic success at DSCC [Ref 2].  

Credit Awarded for Military Training

DSCC may award credit for military training in accordance with the American Council on Education’s Guide to the Evaluation of Education Experience in the Armed Services [Ref 3]. Service members must submit official documentation of completion of military training as listed in the annual catalog and student handbook [Ref 4] for evaluation.

Credit Awarded for Tennessee Law Enforcement and Tennessee Corrections Academy Training

DSCC may award credit for law enforcement and corrections training. The amount of credit to be awarded was proposed by the DSCC Justice Services faculty member with the recommendation of the Dean of Business and Technology and with the approval of the Instructional Council [Ref 5]. Students may request an evaluation of their diploma or certificate and, if approved, Justice Services Technology (JST) credit will be awarded as prescribed in the annual catalog and student handbook [Ref 6].

Credit Awarded for Acceptable Scores on Standard Examinations
DSCC may award credit for successful scores on standard examinations. Policies governing the awarding of credit are outlined in the annual catalog and student handbook [Ref 7]. DSCC may award credit through the following examination programs:

·         Advanced Placement (AP)

·         College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

·         Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)

·         Departmental examinations (select departments under limited conditions)

·         Tech Prep articulation (21 articulated DSCC courses)

Credit for external examination programs conforms to the recommendations of established organizations, including The College Board and The American Council on Education. Minimum score requirements and amount of credit comply with their recommendations.

Credit Awarded for Advanced Standing for the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
For an LPN with a current active LPN license, DSCC may award credit for NUR 111 – Foundations of Nursing if the LPN meets the admission and academic requirements listed in the annual catalog and student handbook [Ref 8].

Credit Awarded for Tennessee Technology Center Training
DSCC may award credit for successful completion of certain courses at the Tennessee Technology Centers at Newbern, Ripley, and Covington and has articulation agreements between DSCC’s program concentrations of Administrative Office Support and Communications Information Technology and the areas of Business Systems Technology and Computer Systems Technology at the technology centers. Procedures for awarding credit are outlined in the annual catalog and student handbook [Ref 9] and the articulation agreements [Ref 10].

Authored by Mr. J Dan Gullett in coordination with the SACS Leadership Team

Documentation: