2016 – 2017 Bridge Student Handbook

2016 – 2017
Bridge Student Handbook
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome from the President........................4
THIS HANDBOOK BELONGS TO:
Academic Calendar......................................5
About this Handbook..................................7
Name:_______________________________________
Address:______________________________________
City/State/Zip:_________________________________
Phone:_______________________________________
E-mail:_______________________________________
This Bridge to Clemson Handbook contains
information about Bridge Program, Tri-County,
and Clemson policies, resources and services.
Have a great academic year!
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Instagram
Student Communication Policy..................7
Bridge Program
Academic Policies and Procedures..............8
Bridge Residential Community
Policies and Procedures
& Student Codes of Conduct....................12
Involvement Opportunities for
Bridge Students..........................................22
Services and Programs Available to
Bridge Students..........................................23
Transitioning from
Tri-County to Clemson .............................27
Withdrawing from
Tri-County and/or Bridge..........................29
Calendar....................................................30
@tctcedu
@BridgeToClemson
@BridgeToClemson
Tri-County Resources................................42
WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Bridge to Clemson Students:
Welcome! We are pleased you have chosen the Bridge to Clemson program
at Tri-County Technical College as your first step in pursuing a degree from
Clemson University. Our goal is to provide you with an outstanding educational
experience that will prepare you for a successful sophomore-year transition to
Clemson.
Through our first decade, we have a proven record of success. Students who
meet the Bridge requirements and transfer to Clemson for their sophomore year
graduate at approximately the same rate as the traditional Clemson freshman.
So, we are confident we are providing a strong foundation for Bridge students.
Through this partnership with Clemson, we have created a wealth of programs
and services to assist you. You truly have the best of both worlds because
you have access to services from both institutions: advisors, tutoring services, career planning, and transfer
counseling. We hope that you will celebrate this year with us by taking advantage of all that we have to offer to
enrich your educational experience.
Famed author George Bernard Shaw once said, “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
We encourage you to use your time in the Bridge program to create yourself as a successful, well-rounded college
student by getting involved in the many activities that are offered. Whether it is attending our festivals, serving as
a member of the Student Government Association, or participating in one of our many other student organizations
and clubs, you will have ample opportunities to hone your creation!
We wish you the same success that many others before you have experienced in the Bridge to Clemson program.
As your president, I promise to do all I can to assist you on the journey ahead.
Best wishes,
Ronnie L. Booth, President
Tri-County Technical College
4
Check Important Dates
Fall 2016 Enrollment Calendar
revised: 05/03/16
EVENT/DEADLINE
Advising for Currently Enrolled Students
for Fall 2016
Registration Opens for Currently Enrolled
Students for Fall 2016
Enrollment Process Begins for New,
Returning, & Transfer Students for Fall 2016
Registration Opens for Transient and
Non-Degree Students for Fall 2016
Financial Aid Priority Date
Residency Priority Date
Admissions Priority Date
Payment Due; Student Schedules
Deleted for Nonpayment
________________________
Payment Plans
Enroll online by Auguest 1: $0 down and
4 payments (August - November)
After August 1: 25% down and 3
payments (September - November)
Eligible Senior Citizens May Register for
Fall 2015 Tuition-Free Courses
Last Day To Register (ALL STUDENTS)
Last Day For Change of Major
DATE
Monday, February 22, 2016
Monday, March 21, 2016
Monday, March 28, 2016
Includes orientation, advising and registration for classes
Friday, April 15, 2016
Tuesday, Jul 12, 2016
Students with incomplete files after Jul 3 must make payment arrangements prior to
Aug 11. See “Payment Due” details below.
Thursday, August 4, 2016
In order for residency status to be evaluated before the tuition due date, the residency
packet must be submitted to the residency officer (190 Miller Hall, Pendleton Campus)
no later than Aug 4. Applications submitted after Aug 4 through the last day of classes will
still be considered. However, the student must pay out-of-state tuition prior to Aug 11. If instate residency is then granted, the student will receive a refund of the tuition difference.
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
To be admitted, Admissions must receive before the close of business:
application, available at tctc.edu/apply; application fee of $30; and Compass writing,
reading, and math scores within the last three years or proof of college credit-level English
and math courses with minimum grades of “C.” Transient, non-degree, and Session C
students may be admitted past this date on a case-by-case basis.
Thursday, August 9, 2016
Students will lose their schedules if payment arrangements are not made by this date.
Between Aug 12 and Aug 16, payment for additional credit hours or schedule changes
must be paid by Aug 17 6:30p.m. After Aug 17, payment for additional credit hours or
schedule changes must be paid by Aug 23, 6:30pm. Students with incomplete financial
aid files must enroll in the college’s payment plan by the payment due date or pay in full
by cash, check or credit card. Students may pay online under Step 6 of the eTC Get Set
tab. Students re-registering for classes due to schedules cancelled for nonpayment will be
assessed a registration fee of $40. This fee does not apply to schedule changes (adds and/
or drops) made during this time.
Tuesday, August 9 - Tuesday, August 16
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Friday, August 19, 2016
2016 ACADEMIC CALENDAR (FALL)
SUBJECT TO CHANGE, FIND UPDATED VERSIONS ON THE ETC MESSAGE CENTER TAB.
5
Fall 2016 Academic Calendar
SESSION DATES
Session A: Wednesday, Aug 17 - Tuesday, Dec 6
Session B: Wednesday, Aug 17 - Thursday, Sep 29
Session C: Tuesday, Oct 11 - Wednesday, Nov 30
DEADLINE/EVENT
Session I: Wednesday, Aug 17 - Wednesday, Oct 5
Session J: Tuesday, Oct 11 - Tuesday, Dec 6
DATE
First day of class (Sessions A/B/I)
Aug 17 (Wed)
Last day to add classes (SessionB/I)
Aug 18 (Thu)
Last day to add classes (Session A)
revised: 05/03/16
DEADLINE/EVENT
DATE
Fall Break
Oct 17 (Mon)
6:30pm
Spring: Registration Opens for Currently
Enrolled Students
Oct 18 (Tue)
Aug 19 (Fri)
2:00pm
Last day to drop classes (Session C)
Oct 13 (Thu)
6:30pm
Last day to drop classes (Session B/I)
Aug 19 (Fri)
2:00pm
Last day to withdraw from classes (Session A)
Oct 18 (Tue)
6:30pm
Last day to drop classes (Session A)
Aug 23 (Tue)
6:30pm
Spring: Enrollment Process begins for New,
Returning, and Transfer Students
Oct 25 (Tue)
Last day to withdraw from classes (Session B)
Sep 11 (Fri)
2:00pm
Spring Graduation Application Deadline
Oct 27 (Thu)
Summer 2016 Incomplete Grade (Sessions A/C)
Sep 13 (Tue)
Fall 2016 Incomplete Grades (Session I)
Nov 7 (Mon)
Last day to withdraw from classes (Session I)
Sep 15 (Thu)
Last day to withdraw from classes (Session C)
Nov7(Mon)
6:30pm
Last day of class (SessionB)
Sep 27 (Tue)
Last day to withdraw from classes (Session J)
Nov 10 (Thu)
6:30pm
Sep 28 (Wed) Sep 29 (Thu)
Faculty/Staff Professional Development Day
(No Classes)
Nov 8 (Tue)
Fall 2016 Incomplete Grades (Session B)
Nov 7 (Mon)
Spring: Registration Opens for Transient and
Non-Degree Students
Nov 11 (Fri)
Exams (Session B)
6:30pm
Last day of class (Session I)
Oct 4 (Tue)
Grades due (Session B)
Oct 3 (Mon)
Spring: Advising for Currently Enrolled Students
begins
Oct 3 (Mon) Oct 24 (Mon)
Thanksgiving Holiday (College Closed)
Nov 23 (Wed) Dec 6 (Tue)
Exams (Session I)
Oct 5 (Wed)
Last day of class (Session C)
Nov 28 (Mon)
Last day of class (Session A)
Nov 29 (Tue)
Last day of class (Session J)
Dec 5 (Mon)
Grades due (Session I)
Oct 7 (Fri)
9:00am
9:00am
First day of class (Session C/J)
Oct 11 (Tue)
Last day to add classes (Session J)
Oct 12 (Wed)
6:30pm
Exams (Session J)
Dec 6 (Tue)
Last day to drop classes (Session J)
Oct 13 (Thu)
6:30pm
Exams (Session A)
Nov 30 (Wed) Dec 6 (Tue)
Last day to add classes (Session C)
Oct 12 (Wed)
6:30pm
Exams (Session C)
Nov 29 (Tue) Nov 30 (Wed)
Grades due (Session A/C/J)
Dec 8 (Thu)
9:00am
2016 ACADEMIC CALENDARS(FALL)
SUBJECT TO CHANGE, FIND UPDATED VERSIONS ON THE ETC MESSAGE CENTER TAB.
6
ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK
Welcome to the Bridge to Clemson (Bridge) program. Bridge is a unique freshman-year program designed to 1) prepare
you academically for your continued education at Clemson University (Clemson) and 2) connect you to Clemson services
and programs while enrolled at Tri-County Technical College (Tri-County). The purpose of this handbook is to provide
you with 1) Bridge-specific information, policies, and procedures not included in the Tri-County catalog, Clemson
Undergraduate Announcements, and/or the Clemson Student Code of Conduct as well as 2) more detailed information
regarding Bridge academic standards, programs and services. Please read this handbook thoroughly to familiarize yourself
with the expectations and policies applicable to you and the services available to you as a Bridge student.
As a Bridge student, you need to be aware of the unique Bridge-specific policies and procedures that, in addition to the TriCounty and Clemson policies and procedures, also apply to you. You are expected to comply with all Tri-County, Clemson,
and Bridge policies and procedures during your Bridge year. Please read and become familiar with the Tri-County catalog.
The catalog can be found online at http://tctc.catalog.acalog.com/. It covers all Tri-County policies pertaining to students
and also provides information on financial aid, academic policies and procedures, academic support, counseling services,
and student life. The Student Code for South Carolina Technical Colleges is included in Appendix 3 of the Tri-County
catalog; this Code applies to all Tri-County students, including Bridge students.
Furthermore, please take the time to review Clemson’s Undergraduate Announcements, Student Handbook (www.
clemson.edu/administration/student-affairs/student-handbook/), and Student Code of Conduct (www.clemson.edu/
administration/student-affairs/student-handbook/code-of-conduct/student-conduct.html). Bridge students are subject
to Clemson academic regulations and student policies and procedures. Please note that when you completed the Bridge
enrollment form, you gave permission to Tri-County and Clemson to release your enrollment status, academic standing,
transcript, student conduct records, and any other educational records to the other institution. You also confirmed that, as
a participant in the Bridge program, you understand that you are subject to both institutions’ student code of conduct.
This handbook contains detailed information about student services available to you during your Bridge year. You may
participate in any activities and services offered to Tri-County students, as well as many of the Clemson services and
programs.
Best wishes for a successful Bridge year! Remember to use this handbook, the Tri-County and Clemson catalogs, and all
of the other resources available to you as a Tri-County and Bridge student. Collectively, these resources will provide you
with the information you need for a successful freshman year and subsequent transfer to Clemson. If you have a question
and do not know who to ask, a good place to start is the contact information listed inside the front cover of this handbook.
Please know Bridge staff are here to assist you as you pursue your educational goals.
POLICY FOR STUDENT COMMUNICATION
Tri-County and Clemson faculty and staff, including Bridge Program staff, use email to send official communications. The
policy of both Tri-County and Clemson is to send official communication to students’ official @tctc.edu and @clemson.edu
addresses only.
Please check your Tri-County and Clemson email accounts daily. Failure to check your email on a daily basis may result
in your missing vital information from faculty and staff. Furthermore, we discourage you from forwarding your email
to a third party address as there may be space limitations that prevent your receiving important messages if the mailbox
becomes full.
7
BRIDGE PROGRAM ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Bridge Academic Standards for Admission to Clemson
At the conclusion of the spring semester and each summer session, the Clemson transfer admission staff reviews each Bridge
student’s Tri-County transcript to determine eligibility for admission to Clemson. As part of the review, a Bridge-specific
summary of earned credit hours and grade point average (GPA) is calculated for each student. This summary is used to
determine whether or not the student has met the minimum Bridge academic standards required for admission to Clemson.
To meet the minimum Bridge academic standards, you must earn 1) 30 Bridge-eligible credit hours at Tri-County
with a grade of C or better and 2) a 2.5 GPA on all Bridge-eligible credit hours attempted. These standards must
be met by the conclusion of the final Tri-County summer session of your Bridge year. Furthermore, the required 30
credit hours and 2.5 GPA at Tri-County must be earned after high school graduation. Bridge-eligible credit hours
are defined as credit hours that are earned from 1) any Tri-County course that transfers to Clemson or 2) the two
selected nontransferable LIFE scholarship-eligible courses, MAT 101 and MAT 102. MAT 101 and MAT 102 are the
only nontransferable LIFE scholarship-eligible Tri-County courses that count in the calculation of a student’s Bridge
earned credit hours and GPA. Any credits earned in MAT 101 and/or MAT 102 will not transfer to Clemson.
In order for a student to transfer any credits earned in a Tri-County course to Clemson, the following conditions must be
met: 1) the course must have an established Clemson equivalent (specific course or transfer elective) and 2) the student
must earn a grade of C or higher in the course.
Calculation of Bridge Earned Credit Hours and GPA
The following criteria are applied in the calculation of a student’s Bridge earned credit hours and Bridge GPA.
1) The course work included in the calculation of a student’s Bridge earned credit hours is limited to courses
a) listed in the 1) Bridge Student Academic Guide for Tri-County/Clemson Course Equivalencies, Clemson General Education
Requirements, LIFE Scholarship Requirements and Tri-County/Clemson Academic Policies and Resources (Student Academic
Guide) and/or 2) Clemson Transfer Credit Equivalency List (TCEL) as transferring to Clemson (as a course-for-course equivalent
or transfer elective) or the two selected nontransferable LIFE scholarship-eligible courses (MAT 101 and MAT 102 only) in
which the student enrolled;
and
b) which the student completed during the Bridge year (defined as one or more of the summer sessions immediately
following high school graduation, fall semester, spring semester, and one or more of the summer sessions following the
spring semester). Any credit hours awarded by Tri-County to a student during the Bridge year for a transferable course
as the result of a passing score on a Tri-County exemption exam will count in the calculation of credit hours earned;
and
c) in which a student earned a grade of C or higher or a grade of E (exemption).
2) The course work included in the calculation of the student’s Bridge grade point average is limited to courses
a) listed in the Student Academic Guide and/or the TCEL as transferring to Clemson (as a course-for-course equivalent or
transfer elective) or as the two selected nontransferable LIFE scholarship-eligible courses (MAT 101 and MAT 102 only)
that the student attempted and for which the student earned a grade;
and
8
b) which the student enrolled in during the Bridge year (defined as one or more of the summer sessions immediately
following high school graduation, fall semester, spring semester, and one or more of the summer sessions following the
spring semester).
3) If, during the Bridge year, a Bridge student chooses to repeat a Tri-County course that is transferable and/or one of the selected
nontransferable, LIFE scholarship-eligible courses (MAT 101 and MAT 102 only), the highest grade earned in the course is
used in the calculation of the student’s Bridge GPA. Credit hours earned for the same course are only awarded once.
4) Earned credits not included in the calculation of a student’s Bridge earned credit hours are
a) any credits earned at any two-year or four-year college or university prior to high school graduation (including at Tri-County);
or
b) any credits earned in any courses Clemson has designated as nontransferable (NCT) with the exception of the two
selected nontransferable, LIFE scholarship-eligible courses (MAT 101 and MAT 102 only)
or
c) any credits Clemson may award on the basis of AP and/or IB examination scores;
or
d) credits earned during the Bridge year for any course(s) in which a grade of D was earned;
or
e) any duplicate credits awarded for the same Clemson course.
Included in
calculation of
Bridge 30 earned
credit hours
Included in
calculation of
Bridge
2.5 earned GPA
Transferable (Clemson equivalent or transfer elective) or the two selected nontransferable LIFE
scholarship-eligible courses (MAT 101 and MAT 102 only) courses attempted at TCTC during
Bridge year and a grade of C or higher earned
Yes
Yes
Transferable (Clemson equivalent or transfer elective) or the two selected nontransferable LIFE
scholarship-eligible courses (MAT 101 or MAT 102 only) attempted at TCTC during Bridge
year and a grade of D earned
No
Yes
Transferable (Clemson equivalent or elective) or the two selected nontransferable LIFE
scholarship-eligible courses (MAT 101 or MAT 102 only) attempted at TCTC during Bridge
year and a grade of F earned
No
Yes
Nontransferable (NCT) courses (except MAT 101 and MAT 102 only) attempted at TCTC
during Bridge year and any grade earned
No
No
Use the highest grade earned for any transferable and/or the two selected nontransferable
LIFE scholarship-eligible (MAT 101 AND MAT 102 only) course(s) repeated at TCTC during
Bridge year
Yes
Yes
(Credits earned only
once for the same
course)
(Only highest grade
calculated in GPA)
Transferable and nontransferable courses completed at TCTC and/or other institution(s) prior
to high school graduation and a grade of C or higher earned
No
No
Credit hours awarded based on AP and/or IB examination scores that Clemson may accept
No
No
9
Attending Summer School to Meet Bridge Academic Standards
Students who do not meet the Bridge academic standards at the conclusion of the spring semester have the option of
enrolling in Tri-County summer school courses in order to meet the standards by the conclusion of Tri-County’s final
summer session. While attending summer school is an option, students are strongly encouraged to meet the
Bridge academic standards at the conclusion of the spring semester in order to ensure a timely and smooth
sophomore-year transition to Clemson with regard to fall course registration and financial aid processing. For
more information about attending summer school to meet Bridge academic standards, please review the “Transitioning
from Tri-County to Clemson” section on page 27.
Admission Appeal Process
The Bridge admission appeal process is the means by which Bridge students who do not meet the Bridge academic
standards may request a second review of their freshman-year academic credentials. Appeals are reviewed once a yearimmediately after the conclusion of the final Tri-County summer school session. Appeals are considered and reviewed only
for students who meet all of the following criteria:
1) earned 30 or more credits in transferable and/or selected nontransferable LIFE scholarship-eligible courses (MAT 101
and MAT 102 only) at the conclusion of the final Tri-County summer school session. Credits earned during any TriCounty summer session must be from transferable courses; and
2) earned a grade of C or higher in 30 or more credits in transferable or selected LIFE scholarship-eligible courses (MAT
101 and MAT 102 only); and
3) earned a cumulative Bridge GPA of 2.4 or higher; and
4) completed at least one transferable mathematics course (MAT 101 and MAT 102 do not meet this requirement), one
transferable natural science with laboratory course, and one transferable English course.
To initiate the appeals process, a student must submit a
1) letter to the Clemson Office of Undergraduate Admissions stating why the appeal should be granted; and
2) letter of support from the Clemson University Bridge Program Director. Appeals submitted without this letter of
support will not be considered.
Appeals are reviewed only at the conclusion of the final Tri-County summer school session.
Transferability of Coursework
The Student Academic Guide is distributed to all students at orientation. It contains important information pertaining to 1) TriCounty courses that count toward meeting the Bridge academic standards; 2) Tri-County mathematics course placement policies;
3) Tri-County courses that satisfy Clemson general education requirements; 4) Clemson Advanced Placement (AP) and International
Baccalaureate (IB) credit policies; 5) LIFE Scholarship eligibility requirements; and 6) Clemson and Tri-County academic advising
and student success resources. The Student Academic Guide can be accessed online at www.tctc.edu/clemsonbridge.
Please be advised that some transferable courses may not satisfy course requirements for a particular Clemson degree program.
Furthermore, freshman-year course requirements vary by degree program. To make satisfactory progress towards completing
the requirements for your intended Clemson academic program, you are strongly encouraged to enroll only in
equivalent Tri-County courses appropriate for your intended academic program. Becoming knowledgeable about
course equivalencies, Clemson program-specific requirements, and Bridge academic standards is your responsibility.
Please limit your enrollment to courses listed in the Student Academic Guide. Refrain from enrolling in courses that
do not transfer to Clemson. With the exception of the two selected nontransferable LIFE scholarship-eligible courses
10
(MAT 101 and MAT 102 only), any credits and grades earned at Tri-County in nontransferable courses other than MAT
101 and MAT 102 will not count toward meeting the Bridge academic standards.
Before enrolling in any course, complete the following steps:
1) review and identify the freshman-year ( and, in some cases, sophomore-year) courses required for the Clemson academic
program you plan to pursue as outlined in Clemson’s Undergraduate Announcements;
2) determine whether any college-level credits you earned through AP, IB and/or dual enrollment will satisfy any course
requirements for your intended academic program;
3) review the Student Academic Guide to identify the equivalent Tri-County courses for the Clemson courses you are
required to complete;
4) review the Tri County course descriptions in the Tri-County catalog to determine if there are any minimum COMPASS
score requirements or any mandatory prerequisite courses for the Tri-County courses you need to complete to make
progress in your intended Clemson academic program; and
5) ensure that each identified Tri-County course is 1) transferable and 2) satisfies a general education and/or programspecific requirement for your intended Clemson academic program.
For the most current list of transferable Tri-County courses and their corresponding Clemson course equivalents, visit
www.clemson.edu/admissions/undergraduate/transferring-credits/tcel.html.
Dual Enrollment, AP, and IB Credits
Official transcripts for any dual-enrollment courses and official AP/IB exam score reports must be sent to Tri-County so
that you can enroll in the appropriate Tri-County courses during your Bridge year. Clemson will also require an official
transcript and official score reports if you want any transferable dual enrollment, AP, and/or IB credits to get posted to your
Clemson student record.
Life Scholarship-Eligible Courses
There are two nontransferable courses, MAT 101 and MAT 102, for which the grades and credits earned in these courses
count in the calculation of a student’s LIFE scholarship eligibility, including at Clemson. For this reason, these courses are
also included in the calculation of a student’s Bridge-specific earned credit hours and GPA. Nontransferable courses other
than MAT 101 and MAT 102 are not included in the calculation of a student’s 1) LIFE scholarship eligibility and 2) Bridgespecific GPA and credit hours earned summary. While LIFE scholarship eligibility is calculated for in-state students only,
credits and grades earned for MAT 101 and/or MAT 102 are included in the calculation of a student’s Bridge-specific earned
credit hours and GPA regardless of a student’s residency status.
Exemption Credit
If, through the Tri-County exemption examination process, Tri-County awards you credit for a Tri-County course, these
credits count in the calculation of your total Bridge earned credit hours provided that 1) the course for which the credits
were awarded transfers to Clemson and 2) the credits were awarded after high school graduation.
Repeating a Course
If you choose to repeat any course while enrolled at Tri-County, you will only receive credit for the same course once. Only
the highest grade you earned in the course will be calculated in your GPA. For example, if you earn a D in a three-credit
course in the fall semester and repeat the same course in the spring semester and earn a C, the C will be calculated in your
GPA and you will earn only three credit hours for the course. You may therefore need to take an additional three-credit
course in the spring semester to earn the 30 credit hours required to meet the Bridge academic standards.
11
Calculating Your Bridge-Specific GPA
There is a worksheet on the Bridge website that can assist you in calculating the credit hours and GPA you will need to
earn to meet the Bridge academic standards. This worksheet can be accessed at www.tctc.edu/clemsonbridge. While your
academic advisor can assist you with calculating your projected Bridge earned credit hours and GPA, you are ultimately
responsible for knowing the total number of credit hours and quality points you need to earn at Tri-County to meet the
Bridge academic standards so that you are eligible to enroll at Clemson for the subsequent fall semester.
Changing Your Academic Program
During your Bridge year, you may change your intended Clemson academic program (excluding the academic programs
listed below) by completing a Bridge change-of-academic program form. Due to enrollment limitations, some Clemson
academic programs are not available to Bridge students during their Bridge year. Students interested in one of the academic
programs listed below need to request a change-of-academic program application from the appropriate department
after enrolling at Clemson. It is important to note that the opportunity to change into one of these academic programs
upon enrollment at Clemson cannot be guaranteed. The academic programs not available to Bridge students include
communication studies, early childhood education, elementary education, health science, nursing, production studies
(audio), professional golf management, secondary education (history), special education, and sports communication.
ACADEMIC ADVISING AND COURSE REGISTRATION
Each Bridge student is assigned a Tri-County academic advisor. You must meet with your Tri-County advisor before you can
register for spring semester or summer session classes at Tri-County. To find your assigned Tri-County advisor, go to the “Get
Set” tab in eTC and click on the “Identify my academic advisor” link. To ensure that your meetings with your assigned advisor
are as productive as possible, you are encouraged to take the time to review and familiarize yourself with the requirements
for your intended Clemson academic program and the corresponding Tri-County/Clemson course equivalencies. Specific
information about spring course advising and registration dates and procedures is emailed to all students.
In addition to your assigned Tri-County advisor, Clemson academic advisors and Bridge staff are also available to meet
with you. Clemson academic advisors are full-time professional academic advisors. You are encouraged to get to know
your Clemson academic advisor. You will have the opportunity to meet your advisor at different Bridge events during the
academic year, including MAJOR night in the fall semester. Take note of the e-mail announcements you receive about the
advisor visits to Tri-County and Highpointe. Clemson advisors can answer questions for you about the requirements for
your intended degree program and serve as an additional resource person for you.
Walk-in advising is offered for students each week. At walk-in advising, you can meet with a Bridge staff member to get
your questions about Bridge requirements and policies answered. During walk-in advising, staff can also assist you with
changing your academic program and discussing course options. No appointment is required. Specific days, times, and
locations of walk-in advising will be emailed weekly to students.
BRIDGE RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY SPECIFIC POLICIES
AND PROCEDURES
Community living is one of the most important experiences for a first-year college student. Bridge students live at
Highpointe of Clemson (Highpointe) located approximately four miles from Tri-County’s campus and two miles from
Clemson’s campus. The Bridge residential experience is designed to augment the academic environment and provide
students with a healthy living and learning environment that is conducive to academic inquiry, a productive community
life, and thoughtful study and discourse.
12
The residential life staff are a significant resource of community life and are essential in facilitating this healthy living and
learning environment. The Bridge residential staff consists of:
• Resident Assistants (RA): RAs are upper-class Clemson students who live throughout the Bridge community and serve
as a resource and guide for students. They are also present to assist with transition issues, roommate conflicts, and policy
enforcement.
• Resident Directors (RD): RDs are Clemson graduate students who live on-site at Highpointe and provide supervision
and support to the RAs and residents.
• Professional Staff: The on-site Coordinator of Student Life (CSL) oversees the day-to-day operations of the Bridge
residential component. The Coordinator of Community Standards (CCS) serves as the primary administrator of the TriCounty and Bridge student conduct process.
The residential life staff are available to help you with any problems or concerns you may have related to housing or residential
life. A member of the residential life staff (RD or an RA) will be on duty to assist with any emergency situations during evening
and weekend hours when classes are in session.
A community exists on the basis of shared expectations and principles. Within Bridge, members of the community are expected
to uphold and abide by certain standards of conduct that form the basis of Bridge residential policies and procedures. Each
member of the Bridge community bears responsibility for their conduct and the conduct of any guests or visitors they have
permitted on Highpointe property. When members of the community fail to uphold the established standards of behavior,
conduct proceedings are initiated to assert and uphold Bridge policies and procedures. The student conduct process within
Tri-County and the Bridge Program is committed to an educational and developmental process that balances the interests of
individual students with the interests of Tri-County, Clemson, and Bridge, in addition to the needs of the residential community.
As all students have the right to expect an environment that is conducive to study, sleep, and socialization, it is necessary
to have policies and procedures in place that serve as standards for appropriate community behavior in addition to other
existing Tri-County and Clemson policies. The standards of conduct noted in these sections primarily relate to residential
rules and regulations. However, please be aware that the conduct and policies listed in the Tri-County Catalog and
Clemson Student Code of Conduct also apply to the Bridge residential community. When reporting concerns at Highpointe
students should be mindful of the difference between Resident Assistants (RA’s) and property security guards. While it is
appropriate to report situations to the guard house as a student feels comfortable, it is also good policy to inform the Office
of Residential Life during business hours or the RA on-duty after hours.
Assignment of Space: Bridge administration reserves the right to require an assignment location change or cancel a lease
agreement for a student’s failure to meet academic requirements or failure to comply with all Tri-County or Bridge policies
and regulations.
When deemed necessary, Bridge administration reserves the right to require a resident to move to a different housing
assignment for reasons such as, but not limited to, maintenance or closure of an area, crisis or emergency situations,
roommate conflicts, behavioral issues, or occupancy management needs.
Room change requests must be pre-approved by Bridge staff. Failure to secure written permission prior to changing units
and/or roommates may result in a fine being assessed and/or other disciplinary action.
Break Leave: Residents are required to leave Highpointe property for the entire winter break and for the entire spring
break. No resident may re-enter Highpointe for any reason at any time during these breaks. It is the student’s responsibility
to make arrangements to leave Highpointe in advance for the break regardless of extenuating circumstances. No exceptions
will be made to this policy. Bridge and Highpointe may each conduct health, safety, and maintenance inspections
during these breaks, including preventative maintenance services, including but not limited to, annual fire extinguisher
inspections, quarterly pest control, and HVAC filter changes.
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Fines: Highpointe management reserves the right to assess fines in the event of damage and/or as a penalty for the
violation of any Highpointe policy or regulation. Any assessed fines or charges not paid within the specified time period
will be subject to additional penalties.
Gate: Security staff at the 24-hour security gate will regulate traffic at the entrance of Highpointe when classes are in
session. All guests are required to present identification upon request to the gate staff when entering the property. Residents
are required to present identification upon request when using the visitor’s entrance. Residents and guests should have
identification on their person at all times while on the property.
Highpointe of Clemson, LLC Requirements: Highpointe management requires the following behavior and expectations
within the Bridge residential community:
• Hallways/Breezeways: The outside hallways should be kept free of any obstructions that would hamper emergency
response to a unit. The hallways may not be used as storage for bikes, furniture, etc.
• Maintenance: Residents should immediately report any and all maintenance issues or damage. When left unaddressed,
they may become more costly to repair and/or create further damage. Grease should never be deposited into the sinks,
toilets, or ground. Allow grease to thoroughly cool, place it in a sealed container, and then dispose of it by placing it in
the waste compactor. Damage to plumbing or landscaping due to improper grease disposal will result in fines.
• Parking/Vehicles: All vehicles must be parked in a marked and designated parking spot. Parking in the “No Parking
Zones,” fire lanes, landscaping or in a handicap parking space without a permit is prohibited. Boats, trailers of any type,
mobile homes, and commercial vehicles are not permitted. Vehicles that cannot operate on their own are not permitted.
Unlicensed vehicles are not permitted. No vehicle washing or maintenance shall be done on the premises.
• The speed limit within the community is 15 MPH. Reckless driving (i.e. speeding, tire squealing, etc.) and/or driving
over landscaped areas, sidewalks/curbs, fields or grass will not be tolerated. Management reserves the right to have
vehicles towed at owners’ expense if found to be illegally or improperly parked without any prior notification to owner.
Fines and fees for damage caused by such driving will be the responsibility of the party/parties involved. Students
engaging in such behavior will also be subject to disciplinary action.
• Mail: All mail will be delivered to the mail kiosk located outside the clubhouse. Students should regularly empty
mailboxes of all accumulated mail and properly dispose of unwanted items.
Property Loss and/or Personal Injury: Residents acknowledge that property management, owner, Bridge, and TriCounty do not provide insurance for personal injury or for personal property located in the apartment or otherwise stored
or located at Highpointe, which includes resident’s person, personal property, vehicles, etc. Residents are encouraged to
obtain insurance on such property for protection against damage, theft, loss, or other casualty.
Residency Requirement: All Bridge students are required to live in the Bridge residential community at Highpointe
unless they have received an approved housing waiver to commute from their family’s primary, permanent home in
Anderson, Oconee, or Pickens County.
While residing in Highpointe, Bridge students are expected to maintain full-time enrollment (12 or more credit hours) at
Tri-County. Any student who drops below full-time enrollment may be required to complete a behavioral and academic
success contract. Failure to maintain the terms of that contract or maintain satisfactory academic progress could result in
disciplinary action, including dismissal from Bridge housing and/or the Program, permanent or interim, as a requirement of
the Bridge program and lease.
If student withdraws or is dismissed from Bridge, Bridge housing, or Tri-County, student must vacate Bridge housing at
Highpointe. Withdrawal from Bridge and dismissal from Bridge/Tri-County does not waive a student’s financial obligation
to pay the total housing costs for the full academic year, per the lease.
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Responsibility for Common Areas/Property: Residents are expected to take every precaution to assure that communal
property is not abused or damaged.
Responsibility for Information: Residents are responsible for knowing and understanding all policy and procedural
information disseminated through the Bridge office.
Responsibility for the Room/Apartment: Each resident is responsible for all items and behavior occurring within his/her
assigned room/apartment.
Furthermore, each resident is responsible for the upkeep of the room and for providing all cleaning supplies. Residents
are responsible for removing waste materials in a proper manner, cleaning their rooms, and maintaining sanitary and safe
conditions that are acceptable to Highpointe and Bridge staff. The physical structure of the apartment and room may not
be altered in any way, including painting or changing/adding door lock mechanisms. When students arrange furniture, it
should be arranged in a way that does not create an obstacle that would make it difficult for fire or other personnel to enter
or leave their room or apartment.
An Apartment Condition Report (ACR) will be completed by Highpointe staff and will be on file in the Highpointe management
office. You may review the ACR for your apartment and add any comments within 48 hours of moving in. At check-out, residents
will be responsible for any condition not noted on the ACR. The resident is responsible for the condition of the assigned space
and shall reimburse Highpointe for all damage to the space or damage to or loss of fixtures, furnishings, or properties furnished
under the lease agreement. Damage in the living room or common space of the apartment will be split among all residents
assigned to the apartment unless one or more residents take responsibility for the damage.
When occupancy is terminated, residents must follow proper check-out procedures. A Highpointe staff member will
inspect the area and assess for any damages. Any resident vacating housing without following this procedure may be
charged an improper checkout fee and forfeit all right of appeals for any associated damage assessments.
Right of Entry: Bridge and/or Highpointe staff may enter rooms or apartments when any of the following conditions
apply, as specified in the Highpointe lease:
• Reasonable suspicion that life or property may be in danger
• Reasonable suspicion that Tri-County, Clemson and/or Bridge policies and/or state/federal laws are being violated
• Periodic health and safety inspections
• Routine maintenance
Security: All students are urged to lock their apartment windows and doors. Additionally, residents are encouraged to lock
vehicles at all times and refrain from storing valuables within the vehicle, both hidden and in plain sight. Protection against
criminal or wrongful actions is not within the power of property management or owner, Bridge, Tri-County, and security
personnel. Students are encouraged to pursue personal and apartment insurance to protect themselves even with security
provided (see “Property Loss and/or Personal Injury” above).
Student Conflict: The Bridge community is an opportunity for residents to learn how to appropriately address and resolve
conflict and other concerns. Students are expected to attempt to resolve conflicts with roommates and other residents.
If these attempts are not successful, the student should contact the Resident Assistant. If a situation cannot be resolved
through these steps, the Resident Director or Coordinator of Student Life can assist with the process. All resolutions must
be adhered to by the students involved.
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STUDENT CODES OF CONDUCT
Tri-County
The Student Code for South Carolina Technical Colleges applies to all Tri-County students and can be found in the
Appendix of the Tri-County catalog. Student conduct policies, disciplinary procedures and sanctions, and Tri-County
procedures for hearings and appeals can be found in Appendices 1, 3, and 4. The Code can be found at http://www.tctc.
edu/Student_Life_and_Services/Student_Records/College_Catalog.xml. The Code also includes information regarding
the general rights of students, student government and organizations, and proscribed conduct. The Code applies to
all Bridge students while on the Tri-County campus, while participating in Tri-County-sponsored events and
activities, and while living in Bridge-designated housing. You are encouraged to familiarize yourself with this Code.
Clemson
The Clemson Student Code of Conduct applies to all Bridge students both while on the Clemson campus and beyond.
The Code can be found at www.clemson.edu/administration/student-affairs/student-handbook/code-of-conduct/index.html. If
the Student Code for South Carolina Technical Colleges does not apply, the student is still subject to the Clemson Student Code of
Conduct and may be adjudicated under its provisions. You are encouraged to familiarize yourself with this Code.
BRIDGE RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY STANDARDS
In an attempt to create an environment where learning and daily life can proceed without disruption, it is necessary to establish
community standards and policies specifically designed for the unique atmosphere of the Bridge residential community. Each
resident assumes responsibility for their own actions and assumes a shared responsibility for the community. This residential
community environment should be orderly, peaceful, and free of disturbances that would impede an individual’s academic, personal,
and social development or interfere with the educational process of the Bridge program or of Tri-County. Respect for the rights of
personal safety, individual liberties, and the rights of others are essential expectations for students. Administrators for both the Bridge
program and Tri-County expect students to take personal responsibility for their actions and behave with dignity and honesty.
In accordance with the Tri-County Student Code, the following are community standards and policies for the Bridge residential
community. For additional information regarding Student Code violations please reference Appendices 1, 3, and 4 of the 2016-2017
Tri-County Catalog.
Section I: Jurisdiction
Per the Student Code for South Carolina Technical Colleges, the “code applies to behavior on college property, at college-sponsored
activities and events, and to off-campus behavior that adversely affects the college and/or the college community.” The Coordinator of
Community Standards, Tri-County Chief Student Services Officer, and/or their designee(s), will determine when the College will take
action for alleged violations of the Tri-County Student Code of Conduct, Bridge residential policies and procedures, federal, state and/
or local law, statutes, or ordinances. Highpointe and the Home Owners Association (HOA) may additionally act upon lease violations
through warnings, notices, fines, etc.
Bridge residential policies and procedures may be applied to behavior conducted online, via e-mail or other electronic mediums.
Bridge policies and procedures also apply to guests of the Bridge community while on Highpointe property.
It is standard procedure for the college to implement disciplinary sanctions after an internal investigation. These sanctions are
described in section V of this document. In some cases, however, the Chief Student Services Officer (in conjunction with the
college President) may impose interim sanctions such as suspension or a no-contact agreement to ensure safety and wellbeing for all
involved parties and for the broader campus community.
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Section II: Policies Governed by the Tri-County Student Code with Residential Application
In accordance with the Tri-County Student Code, the following violations are listed to clarify their application to residential
community living as prohibited behaviors and/or items. (For additional information regarding Student Code violations
please reference Appendices 1, 3, and 4 of the 2016-2017 Tri-County Catalog.)
A. Conduct that Impacts the Community and/or Violates the Health and Safety of an Individual
1. Alcohol: Use, consumption, possession, display, distribution, and manufacture of alcohol in the Bridge residential
community. This is true for all residents and guests, regardless of age, within Bridge designated apartments as well as any
area of Highpointe property. Being in the presence of alcohol, regardless of intent to consume, is also a violation. This
includes participation in or being in the presence of drinking games such as beer pong, water pong or any activity where
the purpose is to consume alcohol. Violations of other Bridge policies in conjunction with the alcohol policy can result in
more severe disciplinary sanctions.
2. Alcohol Paraphernalia: Possession or display of alcohol paraphernalia in the Bridge residential community. For the
purpose of this policy paraphernalia may be broadly interpreted to include any item that has contained alcohol, any item
that expressly identifies a brand of alcohol, any item that would tend to be used expressly for the purpose of consuming
alcohol, or any item that promotes alcohol consumption.
3. Dangerous Objects/ Weapons: The possession, storage or use of firearms, airsoft guns, pellet guns, bow and arrows, knives
with blades longer than three (3) inches or any other weapon whether lawfully possessed or not. Dangerous objects also
include explosives, fireworks, dangerous chemical mixtures, and propelled missiles or similar items.
4. Disorderly Conduct: Disruptive, lewd or indecent conduct regardless of intent, which breaches the peace or safety of
the community.
5. Drugs: Use, possession, distribution, manufacture, or being knowingly in the presence of narcotics or other
controlled substances except as expressly permitted by law.
6. Drug Paraphernalia: Any items that can be utilized for or are designed for the use of drugs (bowls, bongs, hookahs,
etc.) and any items that are fashioned for the purpose of drug use.
7. Reckless Endangerment: Taking any action that creates a substantial risk that bodily harm could result to any person
or the community. These include but are not limited to:
a. Hanging on, jumping from, or scaling balconies
b. Objects or people on window or balcony ledges
c. Placing any objects outside of windows or balconies
d. Reckless Driving on Tri-County or Highpointe Property including but not limited to speeding, parking in
unauthorized parking spaces, or any act that can be deemed dangerous while operating a motor vehicle
e. Removal of window screens
f.
Sitting or climbing on windows and balcony railings
g. Tampering, altering, or modifying smoke detectors, alarms, or equipment
h. Throwing objects towards people or property
i.
Throwing, tossing, or dropping items off of balconies
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j.
Use of any weapon for any purpose
k. Use of fireworks or any flammable/dangerous material
8. Theft: Theft includes but is not limited to:
a. Attempted or actual theft of personal property belonging to any member of the community.
b. The unauthorized possession of stolen property, Tri-County college property, Bridge property, or Highpointe property.
Section III: Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment
The South Carolina Technical College System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national
origin, sex or disability in educational programs and activities as required by Title IX. Any questions regarding Title IX
may be referred to Tri-County’s Title IX Coordinator or to the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights. Sexual
Harassment and Sexual Violence refer to physical, written or verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, coercion, or any physical
sexual act perpetuated against a person’s will, or when a person is incapable of giving consent. Cases of alleged acts of
sexual harassment or sexual violence will be adjudicated through the Student Code Procedures for Addressing Alleged Acts
of Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment as found in Appendix 4 of the Tri-County 2016-2017 Catalog.
Section IV: Bridge Residential Policies
A. Conduct that Impacts Community and Community Development
1. Noise: All students are expected to respect the privacy of others and be mindful that students may be found in
violation for noise levels which:
a. Can be clearly heard outside of one’s apartment or is excessive noise in common spaces of the apartment and
clubhouse.
b. Infringes on the rights of others’ reasonable peace and quiet.
2. Non-Resident Apartment Guest Policy: The roommates’ reasonable expectation of privacy, sleep and study takes
precedence over the privilege of a resident to host a guest. The host must have approval from his/her roommates to
have a guest. Guests who are not approved by all residents of an apartment may be asked to leave Highpointe or the
apartment by a resident of the apartment or a staff member.
a. Overnight Guest Policy: Guests of the apartment (any Bridge or Non-Bridge persons) who stay overnight must
be agreed upon by all roommates. Guests may not stay for more than 72 hours (3 consecutive days) and/or
more than 10 total nights in a semester. Co-habitation is strictly forbidden; only residents assigned to a room
or apartment may live there. The Bridge Program administration reserves the right to restrict, alter or terminate
visitation privileges when it is determined that these privileges are being abused or are not in the best interest of
the residents and/or community.
b. Conduct of Guests: Residents are responsible for the behavior of their guests at all times. Additionally,
residents must accompany their guests at all times and be present for the duration of their guests’ visit. It is
the responsibility of the host to make sure that guests understand and abide by all Bridge, Tri-County, and
Highpointe policies. If a guest violates any policies, the hosting resident, as well as the guest, may be subject
to disciplinary action. Guests must present proper identification upon request by a Bridge or Highpointe staff
member. Any guest who does not present proper identification will not be allowed on property.
c. Guest Lists and Vehicle Registration: Each resident is required to submit the “Approved Guest List & Vehicle
Registration Form” for security gate purposes.
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3. Pets: Pets are not allowed in Bridge apartments with the exception of non-poisonous fish in a ten-gallon tank or smaller.
4. Solicitation and Posting: All selling and soliciting of any kind on Highpointe Property. Solicitation includes the advertising
of any activity or event in common areas that is not specifically approved by the Bridge Residential Life Office.
5. Unauthorized Access: Upon arrival to Highpointe each resident will be issued keys and a gate reader. To ensure the
safety of the community, possession, duplication, or use of keys to any unassigned apartment or room is prohibited.
This includes gate readers used for access to Highpointe. Residents will be responsible for the cost of any lost keys
or gate readers. Attempting to access a Highpointe apartment during a time when the property is closed will be
considered unauthorized access unless prior permission has been obtained..
B. Conduct Associated with Personal Responsibility and Integrity
1. Failure to Comply: Failure to comply with reasonable and lawful requests or directives of Tri-County or Bridge staff
and security personnel acting in performance of their duties. Students should make every attempt to respectfully
comply with reasonable requests and directives of Tri-County, Bridge, and Highpointe staff and security personnel.
2. Identification: Failure to produce proper identification to any Tri-County or Bridge staff and security personnel in
the performance of his/her official duties. All students and guests are required to carry their Tri-County Student ID,
TigerOne Card, or State license/ identification card at all times. Residents and guests are required to present proper
identification upon request.
C. Regulations Specific to Bridge Apartments at Highpointe
1. Bicycles/Motorcycles: Bicycles may be stored under the stairs in each building as long as they do not protrude into
the walkway. Motorcycle owners must protect pavement from kickstand puncture marks during warm weather.
Under no circumstances are motorcycles or mopeds to be parked in an apartment, the hallway, or on stairways,
balconies, or patios. Electric bicycles are prohibited on the Highpointe property. Bicycles and motorcycles in violation
will be removed at owner’s expense without notice.
2. Boarding: Skateboarding, longboarding, and hoverboarding are prohibited on the Highpointe property.
Clubhouse/Pool: The pool is open until 11pm seasonally and is for use of Bridge students and invited guests. No
glass is permitted in or around the pool area. Guests cannot use the Clubhouse or any other facility on property
without being accompanied by the host resident.
3. Display of Objects: The public display of flags, banners, signs, or other objects from ceilings, windows, doors, patios,
and balconies is prohibited.
4. Electrical Equipment: Residents may not alter or repair any electrical equipment or fixture provided. Defects in
electrical equipment or wiring should be reported to Highpointe. If more than two appliances or two appliances with
a cumulative wattage of more than 1500 watts are plugged into a single wall outlet, a U.L. approved power strip with
a built-in circuit breaker should be used.
5. Fire Safety: The hanging or placing of objects on or from ceilings is prohibited as a fire hazard. In addition, any
object clearly preventing or compromising the use of a window or door is prohibited.
6. Furniture/Appliances: Mini fridges in the apartment common space are prohibited.
7. Grills: Use and possession of charcoal grills on Highpointe property is prohibited. Students are allowed to use gas or
electric grills outside of their apartments and at least two feet away from building walls and porch rails. Grills and
propane cylinders must be stored outside of the apartments.
8. Hammocks: The hanging of hammocks in Highpointe apartments, on apartment balconies, on patios, or in
breezeways is prohibited.
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9. Highpointe Home Owners Association (HOA) Rules and Regulations and Lease Policies: While living at Highpointe,
students are bound by the Highpointe lease policies and procedures as well as the Bridge policies and procedures.
Highpointe management and the HOA inspects the property and may fine residents for violations or misconduct.
10. Recreation Areas: Sporting activities (football, Frisbee, baseball, basketball, golf, etc.) are prohibited in apartments or
parking areas. Residents should use the open green space located below the clubhouse for all recreational activities.
11. Tampering with Network Equipment: Residents should not touch, alter or tamper with network equipment provided
by Innova Communications within the apartments at Highpointe. In addition, residents should not tamper with or
interfere with wireless networks or signals at Highpointe. The repair of altered or damaged equipment will be billed
to the resident by Innova Communications. Furthermore, personal wireless devices or equipment such as additional
access points, routers, or signal boosters will negatively affect wireless performance and are strictly prohibited.
12. Trash: Trash must be disposed of properly within the dumpsters provided by Highpointe. Under no circumstances may
trash be left in hallways, stairs, and balconies/patios or on the dumpster pad. Highpointe property management will
assess fines for trash improperly disposed. The disposal of large items of furniture on Highpointe property is prohibited.
13. Smoking Policy: Smoking tobacco, smoking e-cigarettes, or vaping within Bridge apartments or breezeways.
Residents will be fined by Highpointe management for cigarette butts found in the apartments, breezeways, flower
beds, or shrubs.
14. Prohibited Items: The following list is a compilation of prohibited items. This is not an exhaustive list and Bridge
reserves the right to make additions based upon additional current needs of the community. Prohibited items
include, but are not limited to:
a. Air condition units (window and floor)
h. Halogen lamps
b. All types of unmanned aerial drones, planes,
and helicopters
i.
Hookahs (use or display)
j.
Hot plates
c. Any appliance, furniture, or equipment that
has been recalled due to safety regulations
k. Incense
d. Auxiliary heating devices
l.
e. Candles
m. Medusa lamps
f.
n. Open flame devices of any kind
Extension cords that do not meet fire safety
regulations
Lava lamps
o. Water beds
g. Fireworks
15. Other Policies: Bridge reserves the right to prohibit any items deemed to be harmful, unadvisable, or not in the best
interest of the residents or community. These policies shall be communicated to the residents and community in a
timely manner and will become extensions or addenda to current policy. Residents are required to know and comply
with all policies and regulations that become addenda to these policies.
Section V: Disciplinary Action, Sanctioning, and Procedures
A. Disciplinary Action, Sanctioning, and Appellate Procedures
Residents who violate the terms and conditions of the lease agreement or violate Bridge, Tri-County Student Code of
Conduct, and/or Clemson Student Code of Conduct policies are subject to disciplinary action. For additional information
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regarding Student Code violations, disciplinary action, and appellate procedures, please reference Appendices 1, 3, and 4 of
the 2016-2017 Tri-County Catalog. For review of lease terms and conditions, resident may request a copy of the lease from
Highpointe management. In accordance with the Student Code, the following sanctions may apply:
1. Reprimand: An official notice that the student has violated Bridge, Highpointe, and/or Tri-County policies and that
subsequent violations may result in further sanctions.
2. Restitution: Compensation for damage to Bridge, Highpointe, Tri-County, and/or personal property. This may also
include labor and maintenance costs to repair damaged property. Restitution is a repayment for labor costs and/or the
value of property destroyed, damaged, consumed or stolen.
Special Conditions: Completion of a variety of educational activities, relating to the nature of the offense, may be
imposed. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following:
3. Action plans: Students may be required to complete an action plan with Bridge or Tri-County staff.
4. Community Service: Students may be required to complete a specified number of community service hours with a
recognized and approved charitable organization.
5. Confiscation: Illegal prohibited items will be confiscated and destroyed or disposed of by Bridge or Tri-County staff
and/or law enforcement. Legal prohibited items may be returned to the owner at the discretion of the Coordinator of
Community Standards. If granted, students will receive written notice to retrieve confiscated items and will have (5)
five instructional week days to retrieve confiscated items. Items not retrieved during that period will be disposed of.
6. Educational Program: Requirement to attend, present, or participate in a program related to the particular violation.
7. Essay or Research Papers: Students may be required to complete a typed paper with a specified topic related to the
nature of the offense and/or elements discussed during the adjudication process.
8. Letters of Apology: Students may be required to complete letters of apology regarding the nature of the incident and/
or behavior.
9. Loss of Privileges: Students may lose specified privileges for a designated period of time.
10. Mandated Counseling Assessment: Attendance in mandated counseling and compliance with any
recommendations made by Clemson University’s Redfern/Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
Substance Awareness and Education Programs: Requirement to attend, present, or participate in a program related to
the particular violation, specifically substance awareness and education.
11. Reassignment of Space: Reassignment to another Bridge apartment.
12. Disciplinary Probation: The student is put on official notice that, should further violation(s) occur during the
probationary period, the student may face suspension, dismissal or expulsion. During the probationary period, the
student will be permitted to stay in his/her Bridge apartment unless specified by the Coordinator of Community
Standards, Tri-County Chief Student Services Officer, and/or their designee(s).
13. Bridge to Clemson Program Dismissal: The student is dismissed and removed from Bridge. This sanction includes
an indefinite revocation of housing and ban from the Bridge residential community and Highpointe property for
residential students, as a violation of the lease. This sanction may be enforced with a legal trespass notice.
14. Tri-County Suspension: Suspension from Tri-County for a period of time, after which a student is eligible to
return only after satisfying any conditions of the suspension. During the suspension, a student may not return to
Highpointe or any Tri-County campuses unless prior permission has been granted by the Tri-County Chief Student
Services Officer and/or their designee(s).
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15. Tri-County Expulsion: Permanent separation from Tri-County. The student will immediately vacate his/her
Bridge apartment. An expelled student may not return to Highpointe or any Tri-County campuses unless prior
permission has been granted by the Tri-County Chief Student Services Officer and/or their designee(s).
GETTING INVOLVED IN CAMPUS ACTIVITIES
Getting involved in campus life can add to the richness of your college experience. You are strongly encouraged to explore
the campus involvement opportunities available to you at both Tri-County and Clemson.
BRIDGE-SPECIFIC INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Bridge Leadership Council
Bridge Leadership Council (BLC) is a programming and event planning body that is very similar to a student council or
student government. BLC members plan fun and meaningful events to help students transition to and get involved in the
college community. Past events include study breaks, building competitions, dances, movie nights, bonfire nights, pool
parties, and the very popular Thanks-for-Giving dinner.
BLC is completely student run. Elections are held at the beginning of the year for the President, Activities Coordinator,
Treasurer, and Building Representative positions. Holding a leadership position provides a great opportunity for students
looking to get involved during their college career.
All students, elected or not, are welcome to get involved, plan events, and serve on committees. There are endless
opportunities to make an impact and get involved! Talk to your RA and attend an info session to get more information.
OrgSync
OrgSync is Clemson’s online portal that connects Bridge students to Clemson student organizations. Through OrgSync, you can look for
clubs and organizations in which you would like to get involved. Log in and register to set up a profile at www.orgsync.com.
INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT TRI-COUNTY
As a Bridge student, you may participate in all organizations and extracurricular activities open to Tri-County students.
Keep in touch with announcements and upcoming Tri-County events on the eTC portal. A list of Tri-County student
organizations can be found at www.tctc.edu/Content/Student_Life_and_Services/Campus_Life/Student_Organizations.xml.
INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT CLEMSON
As a Bridge student, you can participate in many Clemson activities and organizations.
Intramurals
All Bridge students are eligible to participate in Clemson’s intramural sports program. You may join a team with Clemson
students or form your own team with other Bridge students. To register for a Clemson intramural team, you need your
Clemson username, email address and student ID number. All students must present their TigerOne card (student ID
card) at all intramural contests. For more information about intramurals, visit http://www.clemson.edu/campus-life/
campus-recreation/ or call (864) 656-2315.
Fike Recreation Center
Bridge students also have access to the 200,000-square-foot Fike Recreation Center, Swann Fitness Center, Sloan Tennis Center,
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and several other outdoor athletic facilities. You must present your TigerOne card to use these facilities. For more information
about Fike Recreation Center, visit http://www.clemson.edu/campus-life/campus-recreation/ or call (864) 656-2315.
Clemson Student Clubs and Organizations at Clemson
Bridge students may join most Clemson clubs or organizations as an associate/affiliate member, provided the organization’s
constitution allows associate/affiliate membership status. These organizations include service, professional, sports, religious and
special interest clubs. You must wait until your sophomore year when you are officially enrolled at Clemson to join any of the
following Clemson organizations and/or teams: 1) Clemson undergraduate student government; 2) nationally affiliated social
fraternities and sororities; 3) cheerleading squads; 4) Rally Cats; and 5) athletic teams competing in NCAA-sanctioned competition.
Performing Arts Groups
You may participate in Clemson performing arts and musical groups such as Tiger Band, Pep Band, and choral groups.
Some performing arts groups require that students pass an audition. Contact the director of the band or choral group you
are interested in joining for more information. Tri-County courses that transfer to Clemson are available to students who
participate in Clemson band and/or choral groups.
Army or Air Force ROTC
Membership in Clemson’s Army or Air Force regiments is open to interested Bridge students. Visit www.clemson.edu/cbbs/departments/
air-rotc/ or www.clemson.edu/cbbs/departments/army-rotc/ for more information. Tri-County courses that transfer to Clemson are
available for students who participate in Clemson Army or Airforce ROTC.
Clemson Athletic Events/Tickets
The Clemson Athletics Ticket Office will provide specific information to students regarding athletic events and tickets. For specific
questions, please contact the Clemson Athletics Ticket Office at 864-656-2118. Be sure to indicate that you are a Bridge student.
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO BRIDGE
STUDENTS
Your academic success is of paramount importance to both Tri-County and Clemson. Therefore, both institutions provide
free academic success services and programs designed to foster student academic success. Taking advantage of these
resources will help you have a successful year.
Disability Services at Tri-County
Tri-County is dedicated to providing full access to programs and services to students with disabilities through the provision
of reasonable and effective accommodations that promote student independence. The Disability Services Coordinator
coordinates all disabilities-related services and serves as a resource for students, parents, faculty, and staff. If you think that
you may have a disability but have never been tested, please contact the Disability Services Coordinator. The Coordinator
can assist you with identifying helpful resources. Although Tri-County provides assistance in identifying appropriate
testing, Tri-County does not endorse any specific agency or practitioner. The Disability Services Office is located in the
Student Center, Office 155. Visit www.tctc.edu/Student_Life_and_Services/Disabilities_Services.xml for more information.
Tutoring Center at Tri-County
The Tutoring Center is open to all Tri-County students, including those enrolled in online classes. The Tutoring Center
is available to students who need tutoring in mathematics or science or who could benefit from using supplementary
materials in those disciplines. Materials include instructional CDs and videotapes, textbooks, solution manuals, and
computer software. The Lab also offers graphing calculator assistance. Students can also get help with writing assignments
for any class, use the computers in the Center for research and word processing, or study in the Center between classes.
23
Students may make appointments for tutoring by 1) coming to the Tutoring Center, 2) calling 646-1367, or 3) emailing
[email protected]. Appointments are not required, but appointments take precedence over drop-ins. Hours for the
Tutoring Center change each semester. For a current schedule of the Tutoring Center hours, visit tctc.edu/Content/Student_Life_
and_Services/Academic_Assistance/Tutoring.xml
Supplemental Instruction at Bridge Student Success Center
Supplemental instruction (SI) is provided for historically difficult first-year courses such as biology, chemistry, calculus, and
physics. Clemson upper-class students serve as SI leaders. These students previously earned an A in the course and now
provide students with guidance related to the topics and material covered in class. If you are enrolled in an SI-supported
course, consider attending SI. The schedule for supplemental instruction is emailed to students on a regular basis and is
available in the Bridge student center at Highpointe.
Weekly Walk-In Advising at Tri-County and Highpointe
Walk-in advising is offered for students each week. At walk-in advising, you can meet with a Bridge staff member to get
your questions about Bridge requirements and policies answered. During walk-in advising, staff can also assist you with
changing your academic program and discussing course options. No appointment is required. Specific days, times, and
locations of walk-in advising will be emailed weekly to students.
Academic Success Center at Clemson
The Academic Success Center (864-656-6452), located on Clemson’s campus, provides comprehensive academic success
services such as tutoring and academic skills workshops. Visit www.clemson.edu/asc/
for more information about the services offered through the Academic Success Center.
Cooper Library at Clemson
In addition to Tri-County’s library, Bridge students can also access all of the services available to undergraduate students
at Clemson’s Cooper Library. You can check out books and other materials from the Clemson library with your TigerOne
card. Visit www.lib.clemson.edu/ for more information about Cooper Library.
Transportation and Parking at Tri-County and Clemson
While classes are in session, transportation is provided Monday through Friday between Highpointe, Tri-County, and
Clemson. Detailed transit information is provided to all Bridge students at the start of the fall semester and is posted on
the Bridge website at www.tctc.edu/clemsonbridge.
If you wish to drive your car to Clemson and/or Tri-County, you must obtain a parking decal. To obtain a Tri-County
parking decal, 1) pay the parking fee in the bookstore and 2) take your paid receipt, a valid driver’s license, a copy of your
vehicle registration, and a printed copy of your class schedule to the Campus Safety Office, 138 Pickens Hall. Display the
decal according to directions provided by the Campus Safety Office. Tri-County parking decals expire at the end of the
summer term. Visit www.tctc.edu/About_TCTC/Campus_Safety.xml for more information.
To obtain a Clemson commuter parking decal, visit www.clemson.edu/campus-life/campus-services/parking/parkingpermits/
students.html or the Clemson parking services office on the ground floor of the University Union. Display the decal according
to directions provided by the Parking Services office. Clemson parking decals expire on August 15 each year.
Please be advised that if you park a vehicle at Tri-County and/or Clemson, you must comply with all Tri-County and
Clemson parking policies.
Health Care Services at Clemson
Bridge students have access to all of the health care services delivered by Clemson’s Redfern Health Center (RHC). RHC
24
is an integrated outpatient facility comprised of four divisions: Medical Services, Counseling and Psychological Services,
Health Promotion, and Healthy Campus.
MyHealth-e, a web-based portal found at www.clemson.edu/campus-life/campus-services/redfern/point-n-click.html, is
also available to Bridge students. Enter your Clemson username and password to access MyHealth-e to:
• sign up for text message appointment reminders;
• view/print your bill; and
• send a secure message to the Redfern insurance office, nurse clinic, or women’s clinic. Access “Messages” from the
left navigation menu after logging into MyHealth-e. If you send a secure message, you should periodically log into
MyHealth-e to check for a reply.
Redfern Health Center accepts private insurance for the pharmacy only. Itemized receipts are provided at checkout for
other health care services.
If you need health insurance, Clemson offers a student health insurance plan at competitive premiums. For more
information about the Student Health Plan go to www.clemson.edu/redfern and view the section “Insurance and Billing.”
You may also contact the Student Insurance Office at (864) 656-3561.
All Clemson and Bridge students are required to submit a copy of their official immunization record to the Redfern Health Center
no later than July 1. The official immunization record must include documentation of the following vaccines/screenings:
• MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella): for students born after 1956, two doses required after 12 months of age;
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis): single dose required for all students age 64 or younger as of January
1, 2016;
• Meningococcal vaccine: dose of conjugate vaccine (Menactra, Menveo) required after 16th birthday for all students age
21 or younger as of January 1, 2016. (If initial dose received before 16th birthday, booster is required.) Students must
present proof of vaccination, or may sign a waiver declining the vaccination; and
• Tuberculosis (TB) test: a T-SPOT or QUantiFERON GOLD is required of any student who has resided or traveled outside
of the U.S. for more than two weeks within the last 5 or any student who has other TB risk factors or documented proof
of screening performed in the U.S. within the past 12 months. TB screenings performed outside of the U.S. and PPD skin
test will not be accepted. As of January 2016, all students are required to complete the Tuberculosis Risk Assessment.
Students with a prior positive tuberculin screening must bring a copy of a chest X-ray report (translated in English),
within the last three months. Students who are receiving treatment of tuberculosis should bring copies of all treatment
records, including medical notes, laboratory reports, and X-rays.
A copy of the immunization documentation form and information about submission of the official immunization record are
available at www.clemson.edu/campus-life/campus-services/redfern/immunization.html
If you fail to complete the Redfern immunization requirements, your privileges to use Clemson facilities and services
such as Fike Recreation Center and your Clemson email account may be revoked. Additionally, you will not be admitted
to Clemson University after your Bridge year until Redfern Health Center staff verifies that you have satisfied the
immunization requirements, even if you have met the Bridge academic standards.
Career Exploration and Planning at Clemson
The Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD), located on the 3rd floor of the Hendrix Student Center,
offers interest inventories, resume reviews, search assistance, mock interviews, career fairs and other services to help
students identify and pursue their career aspirations. You can drop by the Center any afternoon for a quick chat with
a career counselor, or you can schedule an appointment for a more in-depth discussion. For a list of services and
opportunities the Center provides, visit http://career.clemson.edu.
25
Clemson Student Id (XID#), Username, Email Address and Password
All Bridge students are assigned a unique Clemson 1) student ID number (XID #), 2) username, and 3) email address
that they use beginning their Bridge year until they graduate from Clemson. In order to access your Clemson username,
you must first complete the Clemson username activation process. The Clemson admission office sent instructions for
activating your Clemson username to the email address you provided on your Clemson freshman admission application.
To activate your Clemson Username, go to http://mysername.clemson.edu. You will need to provide the following information:
1) your Clemson ID (XID) - Provided in your admissions decision letter (example format C12345678)
2) your Clemson Username Activation code: provided in the email sent by the Admissions office Once you have activated your Clemson Username and set-up your password, please close your browser completely. Then,
re-open the browser and login to the iRoar portal at: http://iroar.clemson.edu/
Any time you wish to access a Clemson password-protected site such as Redfern Health Center, the laptop purchasing
page, Org Sync, or TigerStripe, you need to enter your Clemson username and password. If you have problems with your
Clemson username and/or password, contact the CCIT customer support center at 864-656-3494.
You also have use of a Clemson email account. Your official Clemson email address is [email protected]. In
partnership with Google, Clemson offers students Google Apps for Education accounts. This account has already been
created with your Clemson username. All you need to do is set up your account and password.
Instructions for setting up your Google Apps for Education email account can be found here: https://www.clemson.edu/
ccit/email_accounts/email/google/setup.html
If you’d like to opt out of using Google Apps for Education and instead use another email service, instructions on how to
do that are here: http://www.clemson.edu/ccit/help_support/new_to_cu/#Email
If you wish to forward your Clemson email to your Tri-County email address, go to www.clemson.edu/email_forwarding.
Bridge Student Identification Card
The TigerOne card is a Clemson University identity tool as well as your official student ID card. It is the property of
Clemson University. The card should be in your possession at all times and presented upon request to any Clemson, TriCounty and/or Bridge official. The TigerOne card is non-transferable and may not be altered in any way.
The TigerOne card is more than just an ID card. The card is used in a variety of ways including as a personal TigerStripe
declining balance card, for meal plan access, for Fike Recreation Center access, for Library access, for Academic Success
Center access, and for sporting events access.
Clemson Meal Plans/Tigerstripe
As a Bridge student, you have the option to participate in a meal plan at Tri-County or at Clemson. Tri-County offers a
Monday-Friday meal plan for breakfast and lunch. Clemson Home offers several meal plan options in the residential dining
halls and Paw Points that can be used at other on-campus dining locations. The recommended meal plan for Bridge students
who wish to purchase a meal plan is the commuter plan. This plan allows you to eat a specified number of meals each week
during the semester at Clemson House, Harcombe and/or Schilletter Dining Halls. If you wish to purchase a meal plan, you
must go in person to the TigerOne Card office in 111 Hendrix Student Center at Clemson to open a meal plan account. If you
have questions about Clemson Home’s meal plan options, please visit www.clemson.edu/housing-dining. You also have the option to open a TigerStripe account. Any funds you deposit in your TigerStripe account will be loaded
on to your TigerOne card. Your TigerOne card then functions as a personal debit card at the Tri-County Campus Store and
26
College Café, Clemson, and local-area participating businesses and restaurants. For additional information about how to
open a TigerStripe account and where TigerStripe is accepted, read the “Meal Plans/Tiger Stripe” section on www.clemson.
edu/campus-life/campus-services/tigerone/.
TRANSITIONING FROM TRI-COUNTY TO CLEMSON
Review of Bridge Students’ Tri County Transcripts and Conduct Records
At the conclusion of the spring semester and each summer session, the Clemson transfer admission staff reviews each
Bridge student’s Tri-County transcript to determine eligibility for admission to Clemson. Additionally, because Clemson
is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all members of the Clemson community, the conduct record of all
incoming freshmen and transfer students, including Bridge students, is reviewed to determine whether or not the student
is in compliance with Clemson’s community standards. The application of a Bridge student who was found responsible
for significant violations of Tri-County, Bridge Program, and/or Clemson policies, as well as any local, state or federal laws
during the Bridge year is subject to further review. The student’s conduct record is used in the review process to make a
determination regarding the student’s admission status.
Meeting Bridge Standards at the Conclusion of the Spring Semester
Bridge students who meet the Bridge academic standards at the conclusion of the spring semester are guaranteed admission to
Clemson for the subsequent fall semester. If you meet the Bridge academic standards at the conclusion of the spring semester, you
can expect to receive official written notification of your Clemson admission status in mid- to late May. Information about registering
for a Clemson orientation session is included in the acceptance letter sent by Clemson to admitted students.
Not Meeting Bridge Academic Standards at the Conclusion of the Spring Semester
Students who do not meet the Bridge academic standards at the conclusion of the spring semester can remain eligible
for admission to Clemson for the subsequent fall semester by enrolling in summer school courses at Tri-County. If you
meet the Bridge academic standards by the conclusion of Tri-County’s final summer school session, you are guaranteed
admission to Clemson for the fall semester and are not required to reapply for admission to Clemson.
In order to register for Tri-County summer school courses, you must first meet with your Tri-County advisor during the
spring semester advising and registration period. Summer school advising and registration dates can be found on the TriCounty academic calendar at www.tctc.edu/Content/Student_Life_and_Services/Student_Records/Academic_Calendar.xml.
If you require summer school housing, housing is available at Clemson during most Tri-County summer sessions. Living in
Clemson summer housing allows students to take advantage of helpful Clemson resources including the Cooper Library, the
Academic Success Center and the CAT bus. Students wishing to reside at Highpointe during the summer should work directly
with Highpointe property management to determine if a unit is available for the summer and to sign a new lease for the
summer. Please note that your academic-year lease with Highpointe terminates at the conclusion of the spring semester.
Bridge students who are eligible for admission to Clemson at the conclusion any Tri-County summer session are notified in
writing. A letter is sent to the mailing address or email address provided on the student’s Clemson admission application.
The letter also contains information about registering for one of the required Clemson transfer orientation sessions held in
June, July and August. A student cannot register for orientation until after he/she is officially admitted to Clemson.
If you meet the Bridge academic standards at the conclusion of Tri-County’s MayTerm, you can attend one of the Clemson
transfer orientation sessions held in late June or in July.
If you meet the Bridge academic standards at the conclusion of any other Tri-County summer session, you can attend the
Clemson transfer orientation session held in June, July or August (depending on when you meet the Bridge academic standards).
27
Not Meeting Bridge Academic Standards at the Conclusion of Summer School
Students who do not meet the Bridge academic standards at the conclusion of the final summer school session may apply for
transfer admission to Clemson for a future term of enrollment beginning with the spring semester following the Bridge year. If
you do not meet the Bridge academic requirements by the conclusion of Tri-County’s final summer session, please contact the
Clemson admission office for more information about applying for transfer admission for the spring 2017 semester.
Your Intended Clemson Academic Program
Students who meet the Bridge academic standards are admitted to Clemson in the academic program 1) as recorded on
their Clemson Bridge invitation letter or 2) in to which they changed during their Bridge year.
If, after being admitted to Clemson, you wish to change your academic program, you may request a change by 1) visiting
the Admissions help desk during the transfer orientation session you attend or 2) by sending your request in writing to
[email protected]. If you wish to change your academic program after you begin enrollment at Clemson in
August, you must request a change of academic program with the appropriate department. It is important to note that
the opportunity to change into one of the limited enrollment academic programs cannot be guaranteed to any
Clemson and/or Bridge student.
Transferring AP/IB and Dual Enrollment Credits To Clemson
The Clemson admission office coordinates the process of transferring college-level credit for all admitted Clemson students,
including Bridge students. If you wish to transfer any AP, IB and/or dual-enrollment credits you earned prior to your
Bridge year to Clemson, you must arrange to have your AP or IB score reports and/or an official transcript sent directly to
the Clemson admission office. After the admission office reviews your records, all transferrable credits get posted to your
Clemson student record.
Registering for Fall Semester Courses at Clemson
In order to register for Clemson courses, you must first be officially admitted to Clemson. Furthermore, new students
register for fall semester courses during a Clemson orientation session. Every admitted student is required to attend a
Clemson orientation session. At orientation, students meet with a Clemson advisor and register for fall semester courses.
Therefore, you must do the following to register for Clemson courses: 1) meet the Bridge academic and conduct standards;
2) be officially admitted to Clemson; 3) register for a Clemson orientation session; and 4) attend a Clemson orientation
session. To register for a Clemson orientation session, you must be admitted to Clemson.
Registration for Clemson On-Campus Housing for Sophomore Year
In the spring semester, via email messages and student interest meetings, Bridge students are notified about the Clemson
on-campus housing application process. If you are interested in living in Clemson on-campus housing for your sophomore
year, you are strongly encouraged to attend one of the interest meetings. For more information about Clemson Home,
please visit clemson.edu/housing-dining.
Registration for Summer Courses at Clemson
(Applicable only for Bridge students admitted to Clemson)
Each year, a small percentage of Bridge students request to enroll in summer school at Clemson. If you meet the Bridge
academic standards by the conclusion of the spring semester, you may enroll in Clemson summer school courses
(excluding Maymester) after you are officially admitted to Clemson. If you wish to enroll in summer school at Clemson,
please contact a Bridge Program staff member or call the Clemson admission office at 864-656-2287 at the conclusion of
the spring semester to request that your Clemson entry term be changed from fall to summer. Information about registering
for Clemson summer school courses is sent electronically to students during the spring semester.
28
Registration for Summer Courses at Another College or University
(Applicable only for Bridge students admitted to Clemson)
The Clemson transfer credit award process begins with you requesting that an official
transcript from the institution you attended be sent to the Clemson Admissions Office, 105
Sikes Hall, Clemson, SC, 29634. Once the transcript is received by the Clemson admission
office, your course work is reviewed. Only course work completed with a grade of C or better
is evaluated for transfer to Clemson. Any course work you complete at another institution
that is determined to be transferable is posted to your Clemson student record after you
enroll at Clemson.
Withdrawal from Tri-County and/or Bridge
We hope that you and every other Bridge student succeeds during your Bridge year.
Unfortunately, circumstances – such as illness, making unwise decisions, or a change in
career goals – may require a student to withdraw from Bridge and/or Tri-County. If you
need to withdraw from Tri-County, please meet with Tri-County’s Bridge Coordinator of
Academic Support to initiate your withdrawal process. Students who withdraw from the
Bridge Program at any time during the academic year (fall, spring or summer) are not eligible
to reapply for transfer admission to Clemson for the fall semester immediately following the
Bridge year but may apply for transfer admission to Clemson for a future term of enrollment
beginning with the spring semester following the Bridge year.
Please Ask for Help
This handbook is intended to familiarize you with the expectations and policies applicable
to you and with the services available to you as a Bridge student. Remember to use the
Tri-County and Clemson catalogs and all of the other resources available to you as a TriCounty and Bridge student. If you have any questions about Bridge or about Tri-County
or Clemson, in general, please ask. If you have a question and don’t know who to ask, the
contact information listed below is a good place to start. Bridge staff are here to help. Contact
information can be found on the inside front cover of this handbook.
CALENDAR
If you are admitted to Clemson after the conclusion of the spring semester, you may
attend summer school at another college or university. It is your responsibility to confirm
that any course(s) you wish to complete at another college or university will transfer to
Clemson. Please review the Clemson Transfer Course Equivalency List (TCEL) to ensure
the transferability of any course(s) in which you plan to enroll. The TCEL can be accessed
at virtual.clemson.edu/groups/tcel/. Students wishing to enroll in summer school at another
college or university should contact a Bridge staff member at Clemson. Some colleges
and universities require documentation from Clemson that course work completed in the
summer will transfer Clemson. See a Bridge staff member at Clemson for any required
documentation.
29
Notes
30
JULY 2016
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
Upcoming Events:
• Residential Life Assignments USPS Mailed Mid-July
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
Redferm
Immunization
Records Due
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Notes
31
31
AUGUST 2016
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Bridge Residential
Life Move-In
15
Welcome Week
Events
“Kick-off Clemson”
16
Welcome Week
Events
“Kick-off Clemson”
17
First Day of Class
@ TCTC
Welcome Week
Events
“Kick-off Clemson”
18
Welcome Week
Events
“Kick-off Clemson”
19
Welcome Week
Events
“Kick-off Clemson”
20
Welcome Week
Events
“Kick-off Clemson”
21
Welcome Week
Events
“Kick-off Clemson”
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Welcome Week
Events
“Kick-off Clemson”
Upcoming Events:
• Tctc Acdemic Calendars (For Important Semester Dates And Deadlines) Can Be Found At
Www.tctc.edu/Student_Life_And_Services/Student_Records/Academic_Calendar.xml
• Questions About Your Schedule? Come To Weekly Bridge To Clemson Walk-In Advising.
Check You Tctc Email For Specific Days, Times, And Locations.
32
Notes
SEPTEMBER 2016
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
Upcoming Events:
• Aspire workshops
• Fall Fest
• Bridge Leadership Council
(BLC) Elections
• Major Exploration Events
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
3
• Bridge Residential Life
Healthy & Safety Inspections
4
5
Labor Day
6
7
8
9
10
TCTC Classes Meet
12
13
14
15
16
CU Family Weekend
17
CU Family Weekend
18
CU Family Weekend
18
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
Mandatory Fall
Bridge Meetings
27
Mandatory Fall
Bridge Meetings
28
Mandatory Fall
Bridge Meetings
29
Mandatory Fall
Bridge Meetings
30
Mandatory Fall
Bridge Meetings
Notes
11
33
OCTOBER 2016
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
1
Upcoming Events:
• Aspire Workshops
SATURDAY
• Get Ready For Spring Semester Classes!
Advising & Registration Occur In October!
See Your Assigned Faculty Advisor!
• Bridge Residential Life Health &
Safety Inspections
• Student Organization Fair
3
Spring Semester
Advising Begins
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Fall Break
18
Spring Semester
Registration Begins
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Notes
2
34
NOVEMBER 2016
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
TCTC Professional
Development Day
No TCTC Classes
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Thanks-for-Giving
18
19
20
21
22
23
Thanksgiving
Holiday
TCTC Closed
24
Thanksgiving
Holiday
TCTC Closed
CU Closed
25
Thanksgiving
Holiday
TCTC Closed
CU Closed
26
27
28
29
30
TCTC Exams
Notes
Upcoming Events:
• Bridge Residential Life Health & Safety Inspections
35
DECEMBER 2016
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
Upcoming Events:
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
TCTC Exams
2
TCTC Exams
3
• Bridge Residential Life Health & Safety Inspections
4
5
TCTC Exams
6
TCTC Exams
7
Bridge Residential
Community
(Highpointe)
Closes @ noon
8
Highpointe
Closed
9
Highpointe
Closed
10
Highpointe
Closed
11
Highpointe
Closed
12
Highpointe
Closed
13
Highpointe
Closed
14
Highpointe
Closed
15
Highpointe
Closed
16
Highpointe
Closed
17
Highpointe
Closed
18
Highpointe
Closed
19
Highpointe
Closed
20
Highpointe
Closed
21
Highpointe
Closed
22
Highpointe
Closed
23
Highpointe
Closed
24
Highpointe
Closed
TCTC Closed
TCTC Closed
Notes
25
Highpointe
Closed
36
26
Highpointe
Closed
27
Highpointe
Closed
28
Highpointe
Closed
29
Highpointe
Closed
30
Highpointe
Closed
CU & TCTC Closed
CU & TCTC Closed
CU & TCTC Closed
CU & TCTC Closed
CU & TCTC Closed
31
Highpointe
Closed
JANUARY 2017
SUNDAY
1
Highpointe
Closed
MONDAY
2
Highpointe
Closed
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
3
Highpointe
Closed
4
Highpointe
Closed
5
Highpointe
Closed
6
Highpointe
Closed
7
Highpointe
Closed
CU & TCTC Closed
8
Bridge Residential
Community
Re-Opens (2pm)
9
TCTC Classes Begin
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
MLK Day
17
18
19
20
21
25
26
27
28
CU & TCTC Closed
22
23
24
29
30
31
Notes
Upcoming Events:
• Tctc Acdemic Calendars (For Important Semester Dates And Deadlines) Can Be Found At
Www.tctc.edu/Student_life_and_services/Student_records/Academic_calendar.xml
• Questions About Your Schedule? Come To Weekly Bridge To Clemson Walk-In Advising.
Check You Tctc Email For Specific Days, Times, And Locations.
37
FEBRUARY 2017
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
Upcoming Events:
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
3
4
• Bridge Residential Life Health & Safety Inspections
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
38
Notes
MARCH 2017
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
Upcoming Events:
• Bridge Residential Life Health & Safety Inspections
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
TCTC Professional
Development Day
NO TCTC Classes
2
3
4
• Need Summer Classes? Advising & Registration Occur In
March! See Your Assigned Faculty Advisor!
• If You Will Need Housing For Summer Classes, Information
Provided In Spring Mandatory Meetings And Spring E-Update.
5
6
Mandatory Spring
Bridge Meeting
7
Mandatory Spring
Bridge Meeting
8
Mandatory Spring
Bridge Meeting
9
Mandatory Spring
Bridge Meeting
10
Mandatory Spring
Bridge Meeting
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Bridge Residential
Community
Closes @ 5pm
18
Highpointe Closed
19
Highpointe Closed
20
Highpointe Closed
21
Highpointe Closed
22
Highpointe Closed
23
Highpointe Closed
24
Highpointe Closed
25
Highpointe Closed
CU & TCTC Spring
Break
CU & TCTC Spring
Break
CU & TCTC Spring
Break
CU & TCTC Spring
Break
CU & TCTC Spring
Break
27
28
29
30
31
Notes
26
Bridge Residential
Community
Re-Opens @ 2pm
39
APRIL 2017
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Notes
1
2
3
Bridge Residential
Life Mandatory
Meetings
4
Bridge Residential
Life Mandatory
Meetings
5
Bridge Residential
Life Mandatory
Meetings
6
Bridge Residential
Life Mandatory
Meetings
7
Bridge Residential
Life Mandatory
Meetings
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
TCTC Exams
28
TCTC Exams
29
30
Upcoming Events:
• Bridge Residential Life Health & Safety Inspections
40
MAY 2017
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
TCTC Exams
2
TCTC Exams
3
TCTC Exams
4
Bridge Residential
Community
Closes @ 5pm
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Notes
Upcoming Events:
• Clemson Admissions Letters Mailed Mid To Late May
• Mandatory Clemson Orientation For Admitted Students Is In June, July, & August. Dates Will Be Provided At The Spring Mandatory Bridge Meetings
And Listed In The Spring E-Update. Additional Information Can Be Found On Clemson University’s Website
• Need Last Minute Summer Class Schedule Changes? Contact Your Faculty Advisor, The Division Of Arts & Sciences, Or Bridge To Clemson Staff.
41
Visit the Campus Store in the Student Center on the
Pendleton Campus for a great selection in textbooks, tablets,
apparel, and supplies. We are committed to providing the
best selection of college gear at an exceptional value! Campus
Store information is also located on the eTC Get Set tab, #7.
Follow Us on Facebook!
Enjoy exclusive offers and discounts on textbooks, e-books, tablets,
laptops, and more! Get informed about special dates and offers! Buy
local! Stay connected!
Phone: 864-646-1824
REMEMBER: you can use remaining financial aid funds
10 days prior to the first day of classes.
42
Obtain Financial Aid
Applying for Financial Aid
As a general rule, everyone who applies for admission to the College should apply for financial aid. Financial aid is awarded
on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply early and if additional documentation is required, provide it in a timely fashion.
• Obtain an FSA ID at www.fsaid.ed.gov if you’ve never previously filled out the FAFSA or if you do not have an FSA ID.
• If your parent’s information is required on your FAFSA, both you and your parent must obtain an FSA ID to electronically
sign forms.
• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) PRIOR TO EACH ACADEMIC YEAR. Log on to www.fafsa.gov
to get started. Tri-County’s school code is 004926.
Tracking Your Financial Aid
The College’s Financial Aid Office uses TCTC email and eTC, a secure web-based portal, for all official TCTC communications,
information, and resources. Use the “My Dashboard” tab on eTC to:
• view Financial Aid Requirements - red flags indicate outstanding documents
• follow financial aid processing without calling Financial Aid or coming to campus
• print, complete, and submit documents to the Financial Aid Office
• view your Student Bill & Schedule
• pay close attention to deadlines posted on website
Keeping Your Financial Aid
assistance,
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If you need
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864-646
Financial aid programs have requirements you’ll need to meet in order to keep the aid you receive. Your money can be taken
away. Don’t let this happen to you. Follow these guidelines and always contact us if you aren’t sure of where you stand.
• Keep your grades up and stay on course. To achieve Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), according to Federal
Guidelines, ALL three (3) requirements must be met to remain in good standing.
✦✦ Grade Point Average (GPA): Students are required to maintain an institutional GPA of 2.0.
✦✦ Completion Rate: Students are required to maintain a 67% cumulative completion rate.
✦✦ Maximum Attempted Hours: Students are required to complete their degree/diploma/certificate within 150% of
the required hours for their program of study. Example: a student enrolled in a 60 credit hour program is eligible
until 90 credit hours are attempted (60 x 1.5 = 90).
• Talk with Career Services early in your educational journey to ensure you are pursuing the program that’s best for you.
• Complete your courses. Withdrawing from courses will likely result in you owing money back to the College or the
Department of Education. If you have an emergency that requires you to withdraw from a course, contact an expert in
financial aid FIRST to determine the impact on your financial aid. Recipients of Pell grants, SEOG grants, Stafford loans,
and others, who withdraw from classes before completing 60% of the term, who stop attending all classes, or who fail to
pass any of their classes may be federally obligated to pay back these funds.
• If you’re struggling, seek help early. The College offers free tutoring services; access to free, confidential counseling
through REACH; and other services to help you succeed.
Understanding the Long-Term Impact of Financial Aid
If you have any plans to buy a home, purchase a car, make online purchases or even travel, you’ll need access to credit.
Managing your credit effectively is one of the most important things you can do as you move forward in life. Your credit score
is a complicated formula, but it basically lets lenders know your credit worthiness. Credit scores range from 300-850; higher
scores can lead to a lender letting you borrow larger amounts at better interest rates.
43
The best way to achieve a high credit score is to pay your bills, including student loan payments, promptly. Consistent payments on installment
loans quickly establish a track record of good credit. Negative information, such as late payments, can impact your ability to make large
purchases (home, car) or even get a job. Most negative information stays on your credit report for seven years. Check your credit report
regularly to ensure it is accurate.
Federal Student Aid
To apply for federal student aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov.
Pell Grant - based on financial need. To qualify, you must be deemed eligible by the U.S. Department of Education.
Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) - supplements certain Pell Grant recipients. To receive priority consideration,
complete all application requirements by the April 1st priority deadline.
Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) - On- and off-campus part-time employment in jobs related to the student’s course of study. FWS
provides valuable job experience and the ‘soft skills’ employers look for when hiring. Most programs of study offer day and evening
classes, so our students may work while attending college.
Student Loans - designed to supplement other forms of financial assistance. Benefits include deferred and income-based repayment.
Loans are awarded within US Department of Education limits. Grants, Scholarships, and FWS are awarded before student loans.
Parent Loans (PLUS) - available to parents for dependent students’ educational expenses . The parent is the borrower and responsible
for repayment (credit check required). Loans are awarded within US Department of Education limits. Grants, Scholarships, and FWS are
awarded before parent loans.
Student and Plus Loans require students to maintain SAP standards.
SC Student Assistance Programs
To apply for SC student assistance, first complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov.
South Carolina Need-Based Grant - designed to supplement Pell Grant for SC’s neediest students who meet all SC-established criteria.
First come, first served.
South Carolina Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA) - Most residents of South Carolina who are enrolled for 6 credit hours or more are
eligible for LTA amounts that may pay a little more than half of tuition. LTA eligibility does not require financial need.
SC Scholarship
Legislative Incentives for Future Excellence Scholarship (LIFE) - may pay as much as $5,000 per academic year toward the cost of
tuition, fees, and books to eligible students. The scholarship is available for fall and spring semesters.
Eligibility requirements are available online at www.che.sc.gov.
TCTC Foundation Scholarships
Thanks to the generosity of many individuals and companies from our area, the TCTC Foundation is able to offer more than 400
scholarships for our students. These are awarded based on a range of criteria, such as legal residence, religious affiliation, minority status,
program of study, financial need, or academic achievement.
Eligibility and application requirements are available online under Financial Aid on the website. Watch for the scholarship announcement
and application dates on the eTC Message Center tab. Apply as early as possible!
Private Student Assistance
Grant and scholarship aid is available from a multitude of private sources, including corporations, foundations, unions, trade associations,
businesses, churches, synagogues, civic clubs, and community groups. Eligibility is determined by the donors.
Ask your high school guidance department, local library, newspaper, and the personnel office of your employer or your parents’ employer.
Good search engines for private sources are www.fastweb.com, nerdwallet.com, collegeresourcenetwork.com.
TCTC’s Career Services Office provides information and referrals for non-Federal Work-Study part-time jobs, both on and off campus.
Alternative student loans are available from private lenders. TCTC does not recommend or endorse lenders.
44
Learn eTC
Your eTC Password and Account
If you are having any trouble logging into eTC, please contact the TCTC Service Desk at 864-646-1779 or servicedesk.tctc.edu.
Also you can manage your account at account.tctc.edu. Log in and register an alternate email and mobile number to reset your
password at any time.
Navigating eTC
1.Many computers across campus use the
eTC login page as their home page. If you’re
accessing eTC through a personal computer,
simply visit https://etc.tctc.edu .
2.Once logged in, you’re directed to the welcome screen.
Take note of the e-mail icon beside the arrow. This directs
you to your TCTC e-mail account, which you will need
to use to correspond with faculty and staff. You can also
access your email directly at https://exchange.tctc.edu.
3.Under the Message Center tab, you will find a calendar of upcoming events taking place at the college. The directories feature
allows you to search for instructor and student e-mail addresses. You can also search for people directly in your email from
the address book. On this tab you can review important information in the “Know Your Rights and Responsibilities” section,
including TCTC Policies and Procedures.
45
4.The My Dashboard tab is the best place to track your financial aid status. The “Personal Info” box displays your information
as the college has it on record and shows your T-number. This tab also has information about your transcripts, billing, and
class schedule.
5.The Get Set tab provides resources to prepare for your upcoming semester at Tri-County. Here you will find links for class
registration, financial aid, Degree Works, Business Office (paying online), and the Campus Store .
6.The Get Connected tab provides you with connections to academic resources and student life. Here, you can access Starfish,
which is used to make appointments with services around campus like the Tutoring Center, Disability Services, and Career
Services.
46
7.The Learn tab provides a portal to Blackboard, which is used in most of your classes for things like turning in assignments
and communications with the instructor. This tab provides links to the Tutoring Center, academic advising, and the library
homepage. Check your attendance by clicking the “My Attendance Records” link.
8.The last tab on the eTC page is Succeed! This tab provides information about your final grades and transferring, as well as
tools like Degree Works.
WITH THESE TIPS, YOU’RE WELL ON YOUR WAY TO AVIGATING ETC!
o
To log in, goTCt .tctc.edu
https://e
OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:
PRINT
print.tctc.edu
ACCOUNTaccount.tctc.edu
BLACKBOARD bb.tctc.edu
EMAIL
exchange.tctc.edu
OFFICE 365
portal.office.com
47
Get Advised
Your Role
As you get ready to meet with your advisor, be prepared to talk through the factors that could affect your schedule. Allowing time to
study and take care of yourself are equally essential to student success. For example, keep in mind travel time between work, school,
and home; time to care for family members; time for homework and study groups; and other outside factors. By thinking through
your various time commitments, you and your advisor will be able to plan a schedule that sets you on the path to success.
• Be able to clarify your personal values, abilities, interests, and goals.
• Be an active learner by participating fully in the advising process.
• Ask questions if you don’t understand an issue or have a concern.
• Follow through with the actions identified in each advising session.
• Accept personal responsibility for all decisions.
TCTC Roles
While you’re at Tri-County, you’ll benefit from faculty advisors. Here’s what you can expect:
• Advises you on the courses you need to complete your established educational plan, after your initial semester at TCTC
• Assists with any updates you need to make in your educational plan
• Serves as a mentor in your division as you work toward your goals
• Discusses educational transactions, such as adding/dropping courses and making course substitutions
• Assists with your next steps, such as transferring or job placement
• Works with your student success coach as part of your overall success team
48
Register for Classes
Select Your Courses
During your advising appointment, your academic advisor will recommend courses for the next semester. Once you meet with your
advisor, you will be able to build your class schedule using Course Scheduler. When selecting your schedule, make sure to carefully
consider all of your personal obligations, such as work, family, and travel time.
1. Go to the eTC Get Set tab, #4 Register for Classes, Course Scheduler link.
2. Select your preferred campus.
3. If needed, update Course Status, Term, and Parts of Term by selecting the drop-down arrow.
4. Select the courses you want to take by clicking on the “Add Classes” button.
5. Option: Click on the “Add Break” button to indicate times that you do not want to take classes.
6. Click “Generate Schedules” to view available scheduling options:
1. Week at a glance: mouse over the magnifying glass.
2. Compare schedules: check multiple boxes and click “Compare.”
3. Detailed schedule information: click “View.”
Register for Classes:
1. O
nce you have reviewed your scheduling options using Course Scheduler (see above section for instructions), select “View”
next to the schedule you want. Then click “Send to Cart” (top middle of the page) and click “OK” if “Message from webpage”
displays.
2. If the registration period has already started for the next term, click “Register” when the Schedule Planner Registration Cart
displays. If the registration period has not yet started, your preferred schedule will be saved in your registration cart. As soon
as the registration periods begins, go to the eTC Get Set tab, #4 Register for Classes, and click on the Course Scheduler
Registration Cart link. Select the term and then click “Register.”
3. After registering for classes, go to the eTC My Dashboard tab and click on the Bill & Schedule red button to check your class
schedule and billing statement for the next term.
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49
Change Your Class Schedule
Drop
1. Click on the eTC Get Set tab, #4 Register for Classes, Drop or
Withdraw from Class link.
2. Select the Drop Course option on the pull down menu for the
course you wish to drop and select Submit Changes.
Withdraw
1. Click on the eTC Get Set tab, #4 Register for Classes, Drop or
Withdraw from Class link.
2. Select the Student Withdrawal option on the pull-down menu
for the course from which you wish to withdraw and select
Submit Changes.
NOTE: If withdrawing from all courses, a “Withdrawal from College” form must
be completed and signed by a Financial Aid Counselor and submitted to
Student Records for processing.
REMEMBER:
DROP PERIODS are the FIRST 5 INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS
of a 14-week semester. Drop periods are prorated
for terms of varying lengths.
WITHDRAW PERIODS occur AFTER the end of the drop period until the 60%
completion date of the session for which the class is offered. Courses that are
dropped do not appear on your academic transcript BUT withdrawn classes receive
grades of “W.” Grades of “W” are not used in GPA calculations
BUT MAY IMPACT YOUR FINANCIAL AID STATUS.
Check the academic calendar for the exact drop and withdrawal dates.
50
Pay Your Tuition
Payment Options
• Avoid the lines and pay online on the eTC Get Set tab #6.
• Pay in person at the cashier’s office on the Anderson, Easley,
or Pendleton Campuses. At the Pendleton Campus, the
cashier’s office is open Monday -Friday and is located in
Miller Hall 171. The Easley Campus office is open Tuesday
and Wednesday. The Anderson Campus office is open on
Monday and Thursday.
• Pay by mail by sending to TCTC Business Office, PO Box
587, Pendleton, SC 29670.
• Pay using your Visa, Discover, MasterCard, or American
Express by calling 646-1802, 260-6701, 220-8895, or toll-
free within the 864 area code at 866-269-5677, Ext. 1802.
• Pay using the flexible Automatic Payment Plan option
✦✦ Enroll online on the eTC Get Set tab #6
✦✦ $25 enrollment fee per semester
✦✦ Monthly payments come from your credit card or
debit card on the 5th of the month; twice-monthly
payments come from your credit card or debit card
on the 5th and the 20th or 21st of the month
✦✦ No interest
Understand Refund Procedure
Refund Information
If you are owed a refund from the College from overpayment or other circumstances, it will be handled through Higher One, a
third party processor. You must select your refund preference in order for a refund to generate or process. Failure to choose a
refund preference or update your student address on your student account will result in a delay of processing the student refund.
Refund preferences include:
Have your refund deposited into your
existing bank account.
Open and use a Higher One checking account and TCTC
Access card. Benefits include:
• Provide your bank information to Higher One
• Print and sign the form
• Higher One’s flagship account, designed to be used for
free (if used as a credit transaction)
• Mail or fax form to Higher One
• Fully functioning FDIC-Insured Checking Account
• Money available in two to three business days during the
college’s schedule refund timeline.
• No minimum balance requirements, no monthly fees
Receive a paper check in the mail.
• Paper check mailed via US Mail from Higher One
• Money in five to seven business days during the college’s
scheduled refund timeline
You can check the status of your refund online at
www.TCTCAccessCard.com.
• Swipe & Sign (use as a credit transaction only)
• Withdraw cash from Higher One ATMs – one available at
the Pendleton Campus and one at the Easley Campus
• Fee schedules available within one click on TCTC Access
Card web site.
• Money available in two to three business days during the
college’s schedule refund timeline
51
Get Your Student ID and Parking Decal
Student ID Cards
• TCTC ID cards are mandatory and required for checking out books in the library, using
computer labs, and using financial aid in the Campus Store.
• You must provide a photo ID and current class schedule to obtain a Student ID.
• Student IDs are available through Campus Safety.
• The initial card is free of charge. Replacement cards are $5 each.
Parking Decals
• Parking decals are mandatory and required for students, faculty, and staff who drive to any TCTC campus.
• Parking decals are $30 (you may register up to 2 vehicles).
Pay on eTC Get Set tab #6, at the Campus Store, or at the Business Office.
• You will need to provide:
»» A valid driver’s license or TCTC student ID
»» Copy of vehicle registration
»» Current student schedule
»» Paid receipt for decal fee
• Your decal is to be displayed according to the directions provided by
Campus Safety.
• All parking decals expire at the end of the Summer term. New decal
renewals begin in August of each year.
• If you must temporarily drive a different vehicle, you can write on a piece
of paper “Borrowed Car” and include your decal number. Place the paper
on your dashboard in a visible location.
52
AFTER
CLASSES
BEGIN
Park on Campus
Parking Zones
Visitor Parking
Visitor parking may not be used by students or college employees.
Student Parking
Students may park in any spaces marked with white lines (unless marked for special parking).
Employee Parking
Employees use spaces marked with green lines or areas posted with signs indicating Faculty/Staff parking only.
Handicap Parking
• Handicap parking is strictly enforced. Persons parking in these zones should display appropriate state-issued tags or placards.
• Under special circumstances you may obtain a temporary handicap parking permit, which will be valid for a period not to exceed
fourteen (14) days. These will only be given to students, faculty, and staff who provide Campus Safety with documentation from a
physician or medical facility.
Parking & Traffic Violations
• Traffic violation tickets will be issued for any violation of the traffic laws of South Carolina and violations of TCTC’s traffic
regulations.
• Students who fail to pay traffic citations will not be allowed to register for classes, obtain a transcript of grades, or receive a diploma.
Parking and traffic citations may be appealed by submitting a Ticket Appeals Request to the Director of Campus Safety within
seven (7) days of the citation date.
Vehicle Security
• Although we continuously watch for suspicious activities, we cannot always be certain such activities will be observed. Please do
not leave valuables in sight. TCTC does not guarantee the safety of parked motor vehicles or their contents and is not responsible
for the loss or damage to any parked vehicle or its contents.
• The Campus Safety staff is here for your benefit and safety.
• Services provided by Campus Safety include:
»» Jump starting your vehicle if your car will not start.
»» Unlocking your vehicle if you lock yourself out.
COUNT
RI-
GE
T
»» Transporting you to gas station if your car is out of gas.
ECHNIC
YT
COLLE
AL
»» Escorting you to your vehicle at night if necessary.
• Due to liability and safety issues we DO NOT change tires or perform vehicle repairs.
53
Use APPs and Tech Tools
Overview of Blackboard
Blackboard is the system used to access online courses
and supplemental materials for some face-to-face
classes.
Blackboard can be accessed in several ways:
1.Direct access: https://bb.tctc.edu
(This is the preferred method of access.)
2.From the eTC login page (an alternative method)
3.From the Learn tab within eTC
When you access Blackboard, the first page you will
see is the login page:
Once you successfully log in, you will see a page similar to this:
Things to remember:
• Your log in credentials (user
name and password) are the
same as for eTC.
• The Blackboard system requires
maintenance during the
semester, and a schedule of
maintenance dates is available
through a link on the login page.
Blackboard may not be available
during some maintenance
periods.
Clicking on a course name will take you into the course. Each course may be laid out differently
but there is always a navigation menu on the left, with selected content on the right.
• If you have problems using
Blackboard, contact the Service
Desk by phone (864-646-1779)
or by email (servicedesk@tctc.
edu) or by submitting a ticket
on the eTC Get Connected tab
under My Services.
• Video tutorials on how to use
Blackboard are available here:
http://ondemand.blackboard.
com/students.htm
• Final grades are not available in
Blackboard but are under the
View Grades sections on the
eTC Learn and Succeed! tabs.
54
Use APPs and Tech Tools
Career Coach
Open Computer Labs
CAREER COACH
Many students choose a major
and make plans for future
employment without actually
knowing very much about the local
job opportunities in the profession TCTC Programs | Salary Info | Jobs Outlook
they are choosing. Career Coach is
a tool that helps you investigate job availability in the upstate,
identify skills related to those jobs, and develop realistic wage
expectations. Career Coach is located on the eTC Succeed! tab.
• Staff assistance available when labs are open
DegreeWorks
How can you stay on track toward completing your degree if
you can’t see where you’re going? Degree Works, our degree
audit system, will help show you the way! By referring to your
Degree Works account regularly, you will be able to monitor
your progress, identify requirements you still need to meet,
and find courses you still need to complete. You and/or your
advisor can also create a plan for you to follow. Links to Degree
Works can be found on the Get Set and Succeed! tabs in eTC.
MyLabsPlus
Many instructors use
MyLabsPlus as part of their
courses. There are numerous
valuable resources available
in MLP to help you learn. For
instance, you will find the electronic version of your text, videos
and animations that you can view, sample homework problems
to practice, as well as online assistance with how to work these
problems. It is a great tool to aid in your learning. If your course
uses MyLabsPlus, you can access your MLP course through your
class’s Blackboard site. Look for the MyLabsPlus Bridge link.
• Assistive technology available in many subjects
• Pendleton Campus: Pickens Hall 140
Monday –Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. & Friday 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Pendleton Campus: Fulp Hall 301
Monday –Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. & Friday 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Anderson Campus 130, Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
& Friday 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Easley Campus 122, Monday – Thursday 8 am. – 6 p.m.
& Friday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Service Desk available to assist (646-1779 or
[email protected])
• Labs are closed during breaks and holidays.
Starfish
Starfish is designed to help
you connect to resources
at TCTC. It is also an early
alert system that your
instructors may use to caution you about academic concerns
in your classes. Through Starfish, you can make appointments
with instructors, your faculty advisor, your success coach, the
Tutoring Center, and other services or individuals with posted
office hours. You can access your Starfish account on the eTC
Get Connected tab or use the link in Blackboard.
55
Investigate College Resources
Tutoring Center - Student Center
• Personal one-on-one help from qualified tutors
• Free tutoring in math and science courses
• Assistance with writing assignments in all subject areas
• Supplemental materials (CDs, textbooks, calculators,
software, etc.)
• Resource materials available on MLA and APA formats,
grammar, lab reports, etc.
• Assistance with graphing calculators
Career Services - Miller Hall
• Personalized career planning, goal setting, and job-search
strategies
• Pendleton: Visit SC 109, 646-1367, [email protected]
Anderson: Call 260-6700 · Easley: Call 220-8888
Supplemental Instruction (SI)
• Weekly review sessions for traditionally difficult courses
• Seminars and workshops on interviewing, résumé writing,
and other employability skills
• SI student leaders have already taken the courses and made
high grades
• Excellent career information resources
• Weekly review sessions on Pendleton Campus for Accounting
101 & 102, Biology 101, Chemistry 110, and Math 102
• Local job listings for part-time and full-time work
• Work-based learning placements
• Information on local and regional employers
• Available during regular College hours on the Pendleton
Campus, Miller Hall 140. Services are available at the
Anderson or Easley Campuses by appointment: 864-646-1577.
Library - Ruby Hicks
• Online or individual training on how to use the library
• Ability to research your assignments on campus or online
• Access to millions of resources (print, electronic) through
interlibrary loans
• Sessions at Highpointe for Biology 101, 102, & 114; Chemistry
110 & 111; Math 111, 120, 130, 140, 141, & 230; and Physics 221
• Schedules for SI sessions posted in classrooms and Tutoring
Center
• More information? Twitter handle @TCTC_SI, TCTC SI on
Facebook, Gretchen Waugaman at [email protected] or
Pat Seawright at [email protected]
Student Records - Miller Hall
• Experienced staff to assist with registration, drop/add, and
withdrawals
• Expert research librarians
• Enrollment verifications, transcript requests, transfer credit,
and grades
• Study rooms
• Confidentiality of records (FERPA)
• Magazines and other fun stuff to read
• Assistance with online services in eTC
• Must have student ID to check out materials
• Graduation
• Online at http://library.tctc.edu
• Pendleton Campus, Miller Hall, Room 112, 646-1600,
[email protected]
• Pendleton: Ruby Hicks Library and Administration
Building, 646-1750; Anderson Campus: 260-6700;
Easley Campus: 220-8888
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Investigate College Resources
Student Development and Wellness
OFFICE OF DISABILITY SERVICES
STUDENT WELLNESS
Wellness is a lifestyle that assists the
individual to achieve a healthy level
of well-being by caring for the “whole”
self. TCTC encourages students to
engage in campus opportunities such
as programs, activities, and services
that improve their wellness. Contact
Student Development and Wellness
for assistance with:
• Motivational Counseling
Are you facing obstacles
that affect your
educational journey?
We offer accomodations for:
• Goal-setting
• Goal-setting/ Personal Plans • Prevention Programming
ADD
504 Plan
IEP
ADHD
• Assistance to address
personal issues/concerns
• Community agency
resources/referrals
Dyslexia
Autism
Learning
Disability
Other
Disabilities
• Healthy Relationships
• On-campus Resources
• TC Cares (behavioral
support)
• Emergency assistance,
shelter, food, rent
• Academic Suspension
Counseling
• Healthy Lifestyle
• Printed Resources and
• Assistance with Financial Aid Information Appeals
• Transition to College
To make an appointment, call 646-1569 or 646-1605 or come by
the Pendleton Campus Student Center, Suite 155.
Contact Stephanie Winkler at 864-646-1564 or [email protected]
in Student Center, Suite 155 for more information.
REACH
Student Assistance Program
We offer a free, confidential, 24/7 professional counseling
service to Tri-County students to help you manage:
•personal concerns
•depression
•emotional issues
•anxiety
•academic stress
•anger issues
•demands of daily
& family obligations
•spiritual counseling
•AND MORE!
•grief & loss counseling
Twenty-four hour access to live support is available by phone e-mail,
SMS text, or eSessionCONNECTSM technology, which allows instant
access to online counseling. Resources are available on one website.
Log on with the College’s username and password,
and navigate through articles, links, interactive content, self searches,
self-assessments and more.
TOLL-FREE: 1-855-691-4941
WEBSITE: http://reachworklifepowerflexweb.com
USER NAME: REACH-TCTC PASSWORD: Student
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Get Connected
Engagement Period
Multicultural Services
Extracurricular and co-curricular activities are important
aspects of the overall educational experience and are designed
to enhance student learning and engagement. Therefore,
students are encouraged to participate in various activities/
events during the engagement period. The engagement
periods are Monday’s and Wednesday’s from 1:20pm-2:20pm.
Information about student activities is available via the eTC
portal, the online activities calendar, and other media. For more
information, students may call 864-646-1569.
Cultural activities are important aspects of the college
experience. The purpose of cultural activities is to enrich your
college experience through music, food, and friends. Events are
sponsored by the Enrichment Series Committee, International
Student Association, Spanish Club, and Minority Student
Association. These events are free.
Student Government Association
The Officers of the Student Government Association (SGA)
welcome you to Tri-County Technical College and encourage
you to make SGA a part of your College experience.
• SGA is the voice of the student in College decision making.
• SGA sponsors FREE events and coordinates community
service projects throughout the year.
• Every student is automatically a member.
• Meetings and activities are posted on eTC (Message Center
and Get Connected tabs), as well as on campus bulletin
boards, Facebook, and Twitter.
• Located on the Pendleton Campus, Student Center, Room 140
• Available by phone at 646-1307 or by e-mail at [email protected]
Student Organizations
Whether you want to meet new people, expand your horizons,
or just have a little fun, TCTC offers something for everyone.
Check out the details on the eTC Get Connected tab.
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• Black History Month
• Hispanic Heritage Month
• Variety of Cultural Programming
Veteran Resources
• Patriots’ Place is a
resource center and
lounge for student
veterans that provides
a quiet study space with
computers, WIFI access,
resources and brochures, as well as amenities such as coffee,
a microwave and refrigerator, and free printing
• Student Veterans Association (SVA) offers a way to network
with other military veterans and creates a safe environment
to transition into College and civilian life
• Veterans and Advocates Leadership Team (VALT) represents
more than 20 veteran-friendly organizations to connect
veterans with community resources
• Campus events including Backpacks for the Brave, Veterans
Resources Fair, Veterans Priority Job Fairs, Veterans
Orientation, and Military to Civilian Resumé Workshops
Community Standards
As an active Tri-County Technical College student it is your responsibility
to be aware of the policies and procedures that apply to you. Enrolling
at the college constitutes your agreement to abide by these policies
and procedures. Please read and become familiar with the Tri-County
Technical College catalog and the digests from it that are contained in this
planner. Policies are included that pertain to students and that also provide
information on financial aid; academic procedures; academic support;
student life; and wellness resources.
The full version of the Student Code for South Carolina Technical Colleges
is included in the appendices of the college catalog—a summary is
contained below. The Code, which applies to all Tri-County students, sets
forth individual student rights and responsibilities. The Code identifies
behaviors that are not consistent with the values of our college community,
including those specifically defined in Title IX related to alleged acts of
sexual violence or sexual harassment. During your time of active enrollment
you will be responsible for upholding the Code on college property, at
college-sponsored events, and while engaged in off-campus activities that
may affect the college or our community.
Behaviors That are Unwelcome in Our College Community
Academic Misconduct
Cheating
Plagiarism
Collusion
Fabrication
• abuse of privilege of freedom of speech or assembly
»» obstruction, disruption of activity authorized or conducted by the
college on or off campus
• falsification of information and other acts intended to deceive
»» forgery; falsification; lying
• actions which endanger students and the college community
»» weapons; explosives; arson or misuse of fire equipment; violence,
threats, intimidation, harassment, or coercion; retaliation
• infringement of the rights of others
»» theft; damage to property; bullying
• other acts which call for discipline
»» drugs; alcohol; policy violations; law violations
Title IX Misconduct
Stalking
Sexual Violence Retaliation
Contact Information for Reporting a Title IX Concern
If you believe that you have witnessed or experienced sexual harassment,
sexual assault, or retaliation stemming from such an incident please
contact the college’s Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator:
Sharon Colcolough
Linda Jameison
Assistant Vice President for
Human Resources
Assistant Vice President for Student
Support and Engagement
Title IX Coordinator
Student Center Suite 155
Ruby Hicks 109
(864) 646-1562
(864) 646-1790
[email protected]
[email protected]
Academic Standing:
Warning – Students previously in Good Standing who fall below the
minimum institutional 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement
will be placed on Warning for the next term of enrollment. Students
who achieve 2.0 institutional GPAs at the end of the Warning term are
placed back in Good Standing.
Probation – Students on Warning Standing for the preceding
semester and whose institutional GPAs do not meet the minimum
2.0 GPA requirement will be placed on Probation for the next term of
enrollment. Students who achieve 2.0 institutional GPAs at the end of
Probation term are placed back in Good Standing.
Suspension – Students whose institutional GPAs do not meet the
minimum 2.0 GPA requirement at the end of the probation term will
be placed on Suspension and will not be permitted to register for the
following academic term.
Catalog – publication that provides information on all Tri-County policies and
procedures, campus resources, program requirements, and course descriptions.
The catalog is available online on the eTC Get Set tab, #3.
Co-requisite – course that must be taken at the same time as another course.
General Misconduct
Sexual Harassment
Learn Academic Terms
Credit – each course is worth 1-5 credits (most are 3). The amount of credit is
based on the number of hours you spend in class and/or lab each week for the
course.
Drop & Add Period – students interested in changing their schedules after
classes have started may do so online via eTC. Students may add classes during
the first three instructional days and may drop classes during the first five
instructional days of a 14-week semester. Students who wish to change sections
of the same course or move from certain upper and lower English or math
courses will be allowed to do so throughout the drop period. Add and drop
periods are prorated for terms of varying lengths.
Pre-requisite – course that must be taken before another course.
SAP – Satisfactory Academic Progress is a Financial Aid term that applies to the
minimum standards that students must meet: (1) 2.0 cumulative GPA, (2) 67%
completion rate of attempted courses, and (3) degree completion within 150% of
the credits required for the degree.
Syllabus – Outline or summary of policies and expectations for a course. May
include a schedule of test dates or important due dates, the course grading
policy, the professor’s contact information, and a summary of course topics.
Serves as a contract between student and professor.
Term – Portion of an academic year during which classes are held. The College’s
academic year is divided into 3 terms: fall semester, spring semester, and
summer term. Term calendars are located on the eTC Message Center tab.
Withdrawn (W) – A student may withdraw from a course with a grade of “W”
after the drop/add period but prior to the completion of 60% of the session for
which the class is offered. A grade of “W” is not used in GPA calculations, earns
no credit, and generates no grade points.
59
Develop Study Strategies
CRAM NOT:
LEARN TO
SAY NO:
Cramming does not
work. It commits
information to your
short-term memory.
Balance your social time
with your study time.
Time-Management
STUDY IN STAGES:
PRIORITIZE:
List what you need to
study each day. Prioritize
and set time aside for the
studying you need to do,
and stick to your plan.
Study, Study & Study Some More
REALIZE TUTORING
CAN BE TERRIFIC:
Get help early, as soon as you
begin to struggle academically.
The College has a Tutoring Center
to help you!
LISTEN TO
SOOTHING MUSIC:
Play soothing music in the
background to enhance your
concentration.
60
FIND A STUDY SPACE:
Avoid chairs and cushy beds.
Sit on the edge of a chair or
even walk around to keep your
mind stimulated.
CLEAR YOUR
STUDY SPACE:
Be sure your study area has the
paper, pencils, rulers, etc., you’ll
need to study, but keep the area
neat and clear of clutter.
Study, but not more than two
hours at a time. Take a break
to let your mind think about
other things. Upon returning
to studying, take a couple of
minutes to mentally review
what you’ve just covered before
heading to the next topic.
Learning Communities
What are learning communities?
ning
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in
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Almost 88%
lasses the ne
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le
o
t
d
e
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pa
ng
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L 105 learni
O
C
a
in
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le
enrol
students not
community.
ning
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in
s
nt
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ud
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in
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C or higher
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e
ad
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g
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pt
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ALL of their
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ol
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t
no
s
nt
stude
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community.
Learning communities consist of two or more courses linked
together and provide you with a community environment made
up of your peers. Learning communities increase your ability
to accomplish your academic and personal goals, along with
providing you with a network to form friendships that can
help you adjust to the College environment academically and
socially.
Why should I enroll in a learning community?
College is completely different from high school. A learning
community can give you a "leg up" on becoming part of the
College community and knowing the difference between College
customs and rules and high school customs and rules. Also, you
will learn skills, habits, and attitudes that are necessary tools
to succeed at TCTC and in life. You will have a community of
friends learning alongside you. And, last but not least, it's fun!
What TOOLS will you need
to build a successful
college career?
SmarterMeasure: Learn more about yourself by identifying
strengths and weaknesses - on the Get Ready tab in eTC
Degree Works: Track your progress toward the completion
of your degree - on the Get Set tab in eTC.
Starfish: Connect with your advisor, success coach,
instructors, and tutors to track your success in Blackboard or on the Get Connected tab in eTC.
61
Visit the Campus Store in the Student Center on the
Pendleton Campus for a great selection in textbooks,
tablets, apparel, and supplies. We are committed
to providing the best selection of college gear at an
exceptional value! Campus Store information is also
located on the eTC Get Set tab, #7.
REMEMBER:
you can use remaining financial aid
funds 10 days PRIOR to the
Follow Us on Facebook!
Enjoy exclusive offers and discounts on textbooks, e-books,
tablets, laptops, and more! Get informed about special
dates and offers! Buy local! Stay connected!
FIRST DAY OF CLASSES.
The College Café is located in the Student Center on the Pendleton
Campus. You’ll find great food at a reasonable price and a comfortable
atmosphere in which to enjoy it all. The Café is a convenient place to
gather with friends, take study breaks, and relax and unwind. Vending
machines are available on Anderson and Easley campuses.
You can use your financial aid to purchase a
meal plan if you sign up within the first three
weeks of each semester.
Or, you may purchase meal plans with check, cash, or credit card any
time during the semester. A minimum of $75 is required to sign up for
the College Café Meal Plan. Please note that meal plan purchases are
nonrefundable.
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Phone: 864-646-1824
63
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