Attendance
While individual instructor policies may vary, punctual and regular attendance is expected. Check your course syllabus for your instructor’s attendance policy. Instructors are required to submit Never Attended Forms on or before the census date of each session if a student has never attended their course. Attendance policy plays no role in submitting a Never Attended Form. When absence from a class becomes necessary, it is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor prior to the absence whenever possible. The student is responsible for the subsequent completion of all coursework missed during an absence. Frequent absences may result in administrative withdrawal from a class and the termination or reduction of veterans’ benefits and other programs of financial assistance.
Students With Disabilities
Purpose
To provide appropriate Instruction Accommodation Plans (IAPs) to students with documented disabilities as mandated by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 (as amended).
Procedure
Consistent with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 (as amended), John Tyler Community College (the “college”) guarantees that no qualified individual shall by reason of disability be denied access to, participation in, or the benefits of college. Each qualified person shall receive appropriate, reasonable accommodations upon request to insure full and equal access to educational opportunities, programs, and activities. Further, “reasonable accommodations” must be instituted in institutional programs and departmental policies in order to ensure full educational opportunities for all students. The intent of these accommodations is not to alter the academic standards of the college, but to allow the unique needs of students to be met. This policy applies to all credit and non-credit classes offered at the college.
It is the responsibility of a student with a disability to self-identify and provide appropriate documentation, if requested, to support reasonable accommodations to the Disability Support Services (DSS) professional counselor at either Chester or Midlothian campuses. Per VCCS policy, in order to provide appropriate and reasonable accommodations to the students with disabilities who seek them, the college requires documentation from a qualified professional that includes a full clinical description and current functional limitations. This documentation should also include information about the methodology used to make a diagnosis, specific results of the assessments used, summary data, and specific assessment scores based on adult norms where having such additional information will assist the DSS professional counselor in engaging in a deliberative and collaborative decision-making process that considers each student’s unique situation and experience, but not where requesting such information becomes overly burdensome to the student.
- Once a student with a disability self-identifies, it is the responsibility of the DSS professional counselor charged with the review of disability documentation to consult with the student and prepare a specific Instructional Accommodation Plan (IAP). The Professional Counselor will provide the student with copies of his or her IAP to present to the student’s instructors.
- Requests for IAPs will be processed by the DSS professional counselor in a timely fashion; however, the college reserves the right to take up to thirty (30) days from the initial intake appointment to develop and provide the appropriate accommodations. A student with a disability who requires assistance should contact the DSS professional counselor at least thirty (30) days prior to the need for accommodations.
- Faculty are required to comply immediately with the IAP and only provide the accommodations that are authorized. Upon receipt of the IAP, faculty should meet privately with the student, as soon as possible, to discuss the accommodations and should maintain and respect student privacy. Faculty should contact a DSS professional counselor with any questions or concerns regarding the IAP or if they need support in providing the approved accommodations.
Disability Services
John Tyler Community College has an institutional commitment to serving students with disabilities and to assisting those students in pursuit of their education beyond high school. To support this commitment:
- The College has designated a counselor as a disabilities support services specialist at each campus.
- The College’s campuses and physical environment are fully accessible.
Other support services available include:
- Accommodations on placement testing
- Instructional accommodations plans
- Consultation services for faculty and staff
- Assistance with registration
- Career counseling
- Instructional support services as required, such as:
– Note-taking support
– Use of alternate text
– Electronic readers
– Testing accommodations
– Approval to record lectures
– Tutors
– Additional time on tests
– Other approved services as needed
Differences between high school and college
As students make the transition from high school to college, it is important to recognize the significant differences between the two education levels.
By law, public high schools guarantee all students an education until age 21. Schools are required to screen and evaluate students who may have a disability. An Individual Education Plan (IEP) shall be developed for any student identified as having a disability, and schools shall provide appropriate fundamental services and accommodations to meet that student’s needs.
While they are not guaranteed an education at a college, students cannot be discriminated against. Colleges are not obligated to screen or evaluate students for possible disabilities. Students are responsible for providing documentation, if required, to the College’s disability support specialists, and the college shall provide “reasonable accommodations” to students with disabilities.
Taking a lead role
Self-advocacy is key for any student entering college. Students are encouraged to articulate their needs. Doing so will help students gain confidence, assist them in taking responsibility for their college choices, and help them realistically plan for their futures. Family members can help with the transition by offering support and encouragement.
The student’s obligations
A student with a disability has an obligation to:
- Meet with the disability support specialist in the Advising Center to identify that she/he has a disability;
- Identify the need for accommodations;
- Provide documentation that supports the request for accommodations at least 30 days prior to the need for accommodations, and
Contacts for Disability Services:
Chester Campus
Counselor, Disability Support Specialist
Chester Campus, Moyar Hall
804-706-5226
Midlothian Campus
Counselor, Disability Support Specialist
Midlothian Campus, Administration Building
804-594-1561
The College’s obligation
Under Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, the College has an obligation to provide reasonable accommodations in order to afford the student an equal opportunity to participate in the college’s programs, courses and activities.
Examinations
All students are expected to take their final examinations at the scheduled time. No exceptions will be made for a student without the permission of the division dean. The exam times are published in SIS, on the web site, and in course syllabi.
Great Expectations Program
The Great Expectations Program helps foster youth gain access to a community college education and transition successfully from the foster care system to living independently. Individuals eligible for the program include foster youth between the ages of 17 and 24 who are or were affiliated with the Virginia Foster Care System, youth adopted after the age of 13, or special needs adoptions. The program provides assistance with the financial aid process, monitoring of academic progress and assistance with accessing college support services. Professional tutoring and a mentoring program are also available for eligible students., To learn more about the Great Expectations Program, go to www.jtcc.edu/greatexpectations or contact the Great Expectations coach at 804-594-1507, or by e-mail at vmuensterman@jtcc.edu.
Libraries
The library welcomes all John Tyler students on campus and online. Libraries on both campuses have computers for student use, laptops and tablets for use in the library, study tables, and comfortable seating. Wi-fi is available.
The library web site is the student’s gateway to the digital and print resources necessary for their coursework, and library staff are glad to assist students with their assignments. A technology staff member is available in each campus library to assist students with tech problems.
The Chester Campus Library is on the second floor of Moyar Hall. The Midlothian Campus Library is on the second floor of Hamel Hall.
- The Library schedule is the same during fall and spring semesters:
Monday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- During the summer semester, the library schedule is:
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Hours vary during breaks and holiday periods. Any changes are posted on the web site. The libraries have approximately 67,000 books, DVDs and videos that can be accessed through the library website site. More than 100 subscription databases are available for academic work. These products provide the full text of more than 10,000 magazines, journals, and newspapers as well as collections of streaming media, audio files and reference sources. Students may access the subscription databases both on campus and on their own devices. Ask a Librarian, a 24/7 chat reference service, is available on the Library website, http://library.jtcc.edu. Student conduct in the Library is governed by the policies stated elsewhere in this handbook. All library computers have MS Office software. Computer use is in accordance with the VCCS Computer Ethics Policy, also in this Catalog and Student Handbook.
Library contact information:
Chester (804) 706-5195
Midlothian (804) 594-1519
library@jtcc.edu
http://library.jtcc.edu
Student Assistance and Intervention for Learning Success (SAILS)
SAILS is a VCCS early alert system that allows faculty and staff to identify students who are at risk of not succeeding academically by raising flags, as well as recognize students’ academic success or improvement by raising kudos. Students are informed of the flags and kudos raised by instructors via email, phone, and postcards. During interventions, students are encouraged to use the campus resources available to assist them with their learning success. Flag raisers are apprised of the outcomes of interventions.
Student Information Center
The Information Center representatives are able to answer a wide range of questions about the College using various databases, web pages and printed documentation. The Information Center also serves as the helpdesk for students needing access to MyTyler. The Information Center, located on the Chester Campus in the Admissions and Records office, provides services for both Chester and Midlothian campuses via 804-796-4000, mytylerhelpdesk@jtcc.edu, and the web. Hours of operation are Monday, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Those seeking assistance from outside the college may also submit an online Help Request Form found online at www.jtcc.edu/mytylerhelp. For more about the Information Center, visit www.jtcc.edu/services/information-center.
Testing Center
The College operates Testing Centers on both the Chester and Midlothian campuses. The Chester Testing Center is located in Trailer B and the Midlothian Testing Center is in T Building, room T215. At the centers, students are able to take various types of tests, including placement, proctored, TEAS and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests. Placement tests may be taken by students entering the College for the first time and by home-schooled/high school students wanting to enroll in concurrent and dual enrollment coursework. A select number of online tests are proctored in the College’s Testing Centers for students taking online courses at John Tyler, as well as other community colleges in Virginia.
Testing for Online Classes
The Testing Centers provide testing for students enrolled in online classes. The following guidelines apply to students who wish to take a test for an online class:
- Students must make an appointment for an online test by completing an appointment request at https://apps.jtcc.edu/TestingServicesStudent/ including all information needed. Please note the following testing center hours:
- A student must present a photo ID and sign in to receive his/her test.
- A student must furnish his/her own pencils and/or pens or anything else the instructor may allow.
- All books, papers and other items are prohibited from the testing room unless specifically authorized by the instructor.
- A student may not begin a test unless the full time permitted by the instructor for the test exists prior to the closing of the Testing Center.
- All test materials, including scrap paper, will be collected following the administration of a test when instructed to do so by the Instructor.
- A student may not bring children to the Testing Center or leave them unsupervised outside the Testing Center.
Chester Testing Center (Trailer B)
Midlothian Testing Center T Building, (T215)
Mondays: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tuesdays: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesdays: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursdays: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Fridays: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
(Times are subject to last-minute emergency changes.)
Online Test Proctoring
JTCC offers access to online proctoring that allows students to complete computer-based exams in the comfort of their own home. A reliable internet connection, webcam, and other technical requirements are necessary. Students are observed via a remote connection to the student’s machine to view computer and student activity. The use of this tool is at the discretion of each instructor and may not be available in all courses.
Tutoring & Learning Support
Academic Resource Centers/Tutoring
Students can receive free tutoring services in the Academic Resource Centers (ARC) located in Moyar Hall room M222 on the Chester Campus and in Eliades Hall room E117 on the Midlothian Campus. In addition, students can receive assistance with test-taking skills and study skills.
Hours: M-Th 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Fri 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Online Learning Support
Blackboard is an online course management system used by the College. If you would like to determine if hybrid or online courses are for you, consider enrolling in the free, five-day introduction to online and hybrid learning. Learn more by visiting http://bit.ly/jtcc-online. JTCC also offers a one-credit course, SDV 101 - Orientation to Discipline , which covers topics such as time management, electronic communication and topics related to online learning.
Students can locate tutorials on how to navigate Blackboard on the JTCC web site or by clicking on the Help and Support button in the course menu of every course in Blackboard. Students may also download free antivirus software and locate student computing discounts in the Blackboard system. Students may receive assistance during business hours with Blackboard or their student Gmail accounts by filling out this help request form: http://www.jtcc.edu/mytyler/mytyler-help-forms/
Veterans Services
The Military & Veterans Education Office (MVEO) helps connect active duty military, eligible veterans, reservists/guardsman, disabled veterans (with service-connected disabilities) and dependents to a world of opportunity through U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Educational benefits and related services. John Tyler support services include:
- Tutoring in the Academic Resource Center
- Disabilities Support Services
- Career Services
- Student Information Center
- Student Veterans Organization
Chester Campus
M132a, Moyar Hall 804-706-5031
Chester Campus
M101f, Moyar Hall 804-706-5213
Midlothian Campus
B107a, Administration Building 804-594-1582
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