Consumer Information

This page fulfills Columbia State Community College's compliance with disclosure requirements under TITLE IV by providing specified information to prospective and current students, applicants and employees. The list below links to webpages and policies containing the actual information indicated, or the exact electronic address where it is located. A hard copy of the information is available upon request from the offices noted below.

Student Affairs Office at 931.540.2570 or StudentAffairs@ColumbiaState.edu
Columbia Campus, Jones Student Center 147
Office Hours: Monday – Friday 7:45 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.

Financial Aid Office at 931.540.8267 or FinancialAid@ColumbiaState.edu
Columbia Campus, Jones Student Center 103
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 7:45 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday 7:45 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.

Prospective and current students may schedule virtual or in-person appointments with Financial Aid at the Columbia or Williamson campuses using the following link: https://outlook.office365.com/book/MattLewis@columbiastate.edu/

Student Right-to-Know

Accreditation and Licensure – Information regarding Columbia State’s Institutional Accreditation and specific program accreditation.
Athletic Graduation Rates – Scroll down to Athletic Completion Rates. Percentages are by sport.
Disaggregated Student Completion – Graduation data by specific subgroups of students including, gender, race, ethnicity, age, received federal aid, etc.
Divisive Concepts – This notice is intended to comply with the Tennessee Higher Education Freedom of Expression and Transparency Act (The “ACT”) and to reflect the Board of Regents’ and Columbia State’s commitment to freedom of speech and academic freedom.
Graduation, Transfer Out and Retention Rates – Columbia State Community College makes its graduation, transfer out, and retention rates available through the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). These data are available by visiting the IPEDS College Navigator website at: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ and Search for Columbia State Community College. Expand each section for specific data on students.
Facilities and Services for Students with Disabilities – This link provides academic accommodations and additional support services offered through the Disability Resource Center.
Faculty and Staff Directory – From this link you can select any department of the College then click find to locate contact information and titles of the employees in the desired department.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) – Columbia State protects the confidentiality of Student Records in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Student Achievement - Additional data regarding the College can be found on the College’s Institutional Effectiveness website regarding graduates and their employment in fields relevant to the certificate or degree they earned at Columbia State. The College collects information regarding the job placement of its career technical graduates through the Program Directors and surveys students complete during graduation activities. This is information is available on the Placement Office website.
Student Complaint Procedures – Columbia State Community College is committed to providing equal treatment among our community. The procedures are to provide an orderly method for students and employees to process their grievances or complaints.
Student Rights and Responsibilities - As a student at Columbia State, you possess basic freedoms, privileges and rights guaranteed to all persons by the law. You are also subject to the same rules of accountability and the same limitations imposed by law on all persons.
Tuition Refunds – Here you will find the refund schedule if you drop a course or withdraw from college.

Academic Information

Academic Calendar – Important dates for each academic term.
Academic Programs – Here at Columbia State there are many academic programs to explore. From this link you can pick a program of interest to you. Learn more about the program and link to the staff in that department or division.
Academic Program Inventory (API) – This link contains a comprehensive listing of all active certificate and degree programs offered at Columbia State. The programs are listed by national Classification of Instruction Programs (CIP) fields assigned by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
Admissions and General Student Information – Explanation of admissions policies, including different student types and special admission programs.
Articulation Agreements – Columbia State has created transfer guides to aid students in searching what courses will transfer between institutions.
Course Registration and Withdrawal Procedures – Students must observe procedures and complete registration on the dates posted in Academic Calendar in the catalog or on the website.
Professional Licensure Disclosures – Columbia State offers courses, certificate programs and associate degrees that may lead to professional licensure and/or certification. Columbia State meet requirements of the state of Tennessee to test for certification and apply for licensure when required by TN for employment in that occupation. Requirements for licensure or certification and eligibility for employment in other states may vary.
Student Completion - Statistical information regarding students’ completion and graduation rates.
Textbook and Other Supplies - The college bookstore lists the cost and ISBN numbers for all textbooks and class material on the bookstore website.
Transfer Credit – Students may be able to apply hours earned at other institutions toward a degree at Columbia State.

General Information

Biennial Survey Regarding Intellectual Diversity Survey - Tennessee law requires all public higher education institutions to "conduct a biennial survey of the institution's students and employees to assess the campus climate with regard to diversity of thought and the respondents' comfort level in speaking freely on campus, regardless of political affiliation or ideology" (TCA 49-7-1905).
Campus Life – Columbia State offers a wide variety of opportunities for students to join leadership programs, clubs and organizations.
Campus Locations, Buildings and Maps – Columbia State covers a nine-county service area and offers several locations to provide equal access to all potential students.
Constitution Day – September 17 is Constitution Day. This day commemorates the September 17, 1787 signing of the United States Constitution. Each year, Columbia State History Faculty provide informationally programs concerning Constitution Day. Program dates and times are sent to all students via Columbia State email and are posted to the home page as well.
Contact Information – Campus and college offices direct telephone and email. Also includes hours of operations for each campus.
Copyright Infringement (Including Computer Use and File Sharing) – This provides all of the regulations regarding copyrighted publications and their use in student work.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) – Columbia State Community College is an AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs and activities. View the policy here and inquiry procedures.
Equity in Athletics –The Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education collects data to provide rapid customized reports for public inquiries relating to equity in athletics data. The data are drawn from the OPE Equity in Athletics Disclosure Website database. This database consists of athletics data that are submitted annually as required by the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA), via a Web-based data collection, by all co-educational postsecondary institutions that receive Title IV funding (i.e., those that participate in federal student aid programs) and that have an intercollegiate athletics program.
Reporting Fraud, Waste or Abuse – Columbia State is responsible for maintaining a work environment that promotes ethical and honest behavior. Additionally, to establish and implement internal control systems and procedures to prevent and detect irregularities, including fraud, waste and abuse.
Student Anti-Harassment - This policy reflects the commitment of Columbia State Community College to a learning environment free from harassment, coercion, and intimidation of any type that bars the victim’s access to an educational opportunity or benefit.
Student Diversity – Columbia State’s demographic information can be found in the Fact Sheets, which are published each semester by the Office of Institutional Research. Other demographics for the College can be found on the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s (THEC)website. Select Columbia State Community College in the dropdown.
Tuition and Fees - From this link you will find costs details for the specific academic year.
Voter Registration Information – Register to vote online from your computer, tablet or mobile device. Check you voter registration status or contact your county election commission. The College conducts periodic voter registration drives hosted through the Student Engagement department. Watch your Columbia State email for specific dates and campus locations.

Health and Well-Being

Drug-Free Workplace and Campus – emphasizes the College’s commitment to remaining a drug-free campus and defines consequences for individuals violating this policy concerning illicit drugs and alcohol.
The Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP) provides information for students, faculty, and staff regarding alcohol and other drug issues for the purpose of education and prevention.
Sexual Misconduct – All forms of discrimination including sex discrimination and sexual harassment are strictly prohibited. The policy gives explanation of sexual misconduct and the reporting procedures that should be followed in the event that misconduct occurs.
Suicide Prevention Plan - Columbia State is committed to the mental health wellness of our students, faculty and staff. As such, and in compliance with the requirements of T.C.A. § 49-7-172, Columbia State Community College has developed a suicide prevention plan that engages in a variety of initiatives to improve and provide crisis services.
Vaccinations – Columbia State follows the Tennessee Board of Regents recommendations and requirements for student vaccinations.

Safety and Security

Annual Security Report – The Columbia State Safety and Security Department publishes the Annual Security Report. For any questions concerning the report email ColumbiaStateSecurity@ColumbiaState.edu.
Campus Emergency Preparedness Plan – Emergency plan for each Columbia State campus.
Campus Safety and Emergency Contact Information – This guide is designed to help you make the best decisions possible to protect yourself and those around you when the unexpected—and potentially life-threatening—happens.
Daily Crime Log – The purpose of the daily crime log is to record all criminal incidents and alleged criminal incidents that are reported to the Campus Public Safety Office. Criminal incidents are made available on the log within two business days of receiving a report. The crime log is open to public inspection, free of charge, and available for the most recent 60-day period. It can also be viewed during normal business hours at the Columbia and Williamson Campus Public Safety Offices.
Data Security Program – Columbia State adhere to guidelines set forth by the Tennessee Board of Regents Guideline B-090 Safeguarding Nonpublic Financial Information. The designated coordinator for Data Security is Dr. Emily Siciensky, Associate Vice President, Information Technology. She may be reached at 931.540.2704 or esiciensky@ColumbiaState.edu

Student Financial Assistance

The student financial aid program at Columbia State is designed to assist students who find it difficult to attend college without financial assistance. Columbia State offers a comprehensive program of financial aid through scholarships, part-time employment, grants and loans. Major emphasis is placed on financial need, academic achievement, character and promise of future success. Students may apply for either one or a combination of types of financial aid. For Pell Grant, SEOG, TSAA, Hope Lottery, TN Reconnect, TN Promise, and other financial aid eligibility questions, please visit Financial Aid or contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance.

FinancialAid@ColumbiaState.edu
Phone: 931.540.8267
Columbia Campus, Jones Student Center 103
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 7:45 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Friday 7:45 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Front desk of any other Columbia State campus location (check for hours of operation)

Determining Financial Aid Eligibility

Applying for Financial Aid – When applying for financial aid, navigating the many forms and deadlines can be a daunting experience. On these pages, we’ll try to make the process as simple as possible.

Cost of Attendance – An estimate of the total expenses for a student attending Columbia State as in in-state resident, including housing and food and transportation. Contact Program Director for additional cost associated with specific programs which include supplies, testing and specialized fees.

Coursework toward Program of Study (CPOS) – This link explains the importance of courses required for degree completion.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) – The requirements to maintain financial aid eligibility based on students grades and completed courses.

Federal, State, and Institutional Assistance Programs

Federal Funded Financial Aid Programs – These funds provide financial assistance to eligible students who are pursuing an associate's degree or certificate.
State Funded Financial Aid Programs - The term "state benefit" includes in-state tuition, Tennessee Lottery Scholarships and Grants, Tennessee Promise Scholarship, academic scholarship, common market, or any other form of tuition assistance or waiver funded with state- appropriated dollars.
Institutional Funded Financial Aid Programs - This program is designed to assist students who do not qualify for Federal Work Study (FWS).

Other Assistance Programs

Dual Enrollment Grant - The Dual Enrollment Grant program is defined as a grant for study at an eligible postsecondary institution that is funded from net proceeds of the state lottery and awarded to students who are attending an eligible high school and who are also enrolled in college courses at eligible postsecondary institutions for which they will receive college credit.

Other Assistance Programs – Other financial assistance programs to qualifying students.

Loans – Currently, the Federal Direct Stafford Loan is the only type of federal or institutional loan available for students attending Columbia State. Requirements of loan distribution include completing the Entrance Loan Counseling and completing the Exit Loan Counseling when you leave school or drop below half-time enrollment.

Veteran Information and Services

Columbia State is a DOD Columbia State is a DoD Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (DOD MOU) college and cooperates with the Veterans Administration in providing educational opportunities for veterans and eligible persons desiring to attend Columbia State under appropriate federal legislation. Students receiving VA educational benefits must meet the same standard of progress as all other students, including additional responsibilities noted.

Veterans Financial Shopping Sheet – Form used to calculate estimate expenses.

GI Bill^® Benefits and Comparison Tool – Veterans may learn about and compare GI Bill benefits at approved schools, employers, and VET TEC providers.

Additional Financial Aid Resources

Book Credits– Information about using financial aid to help pay for books.

Financial Aid Disbursements – This link will explain the disbursement of financial aid monies during the semester.

Financial Aid Refunds – This will explain the process of receiving a refund of the excess tuition and fees.

Financial Aid Return to Title IV Funds Policy – Students who withdraw from all classes prior to completing 60% of an enrollment term will have their aid recalculated based on the percent of the term they completed and may owe money to repay the award.

Homeless Student Liaison - In the 2019 Legislative Session, House Bill 1000/Senate Bill 763 (now Public Chapter 266) was passed. In summary, this bill requires degree-granting postsecondary educational institutions to designate a staff member (employed in the financial aid office or another appropriate office) to serve as a homeless-student liaison to assist homeless students who are enrolled, or planning to enroll, in the institution. This liaison will be responsible for understanding the provisions pertaining to financial aid eligibility of homeless students, and identifying services available and appropriate for students.

Net Price Calculator – This tool helps a potential student estimate the cost of attending Columbia State Community College.

Student Financial Aid Policy on Overpayment – Procedures whereby overpayments of Title IV funds to student occur.

National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) - Effective June, 2015 the state of Tennessee was approved by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) to join the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). SARA is an initiative of states nationwide to make distance education courses more accessible to students across state lines.

Columbia State Community College has been approved to participate in State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.