Enrolling in Comprehensive Studies
The Comprehensive Studies Department offers courses in Developmental Mathematics, Developmental English, Developmental Reading, and College Skills. The Department also offers Jumpstart courses in math. These Jumpstart courses are intensive one-week review courses offered just before each semester and summer term. All of the courses are designed to effectively and efficiently improve students’ ability to succeed in their courses. Students may be recommended to take Comprehensive Studies Department courses depending on their placement test scores. Or, they may elect to take one or more courses on their own. Many students take the College Skills course because it teaches study and time management skills. Developmental courses are offered in both lecture and individualized formats. Students may enroll in individualized courses until mid-term of each semester. Regardless of when students enroll, their skills will be carefully evaluated and a plan of study will be developed that is customized to their needs. (Students may or may not need all areas of study.) Developmental courses do not earn credit hours and cannot be used to fulfill graduation requirements; however, credits earned in College Skills (COL 103) may be used for elective credit, with the advisor’s approval. Eligible veterans may receive VA educational benefits for two semesters of developmental course work. Students receiving Pell grants may enroll for a maximum of 24 hours (equivalent of two terms) of developmental courses.

Comprehensive Studies Department Includes:
The Comprehensive Studies Department offers preparation in the following academic areas provided below. See Course Descriptions for prerequisites and/or exit competency requirements.

JumpStart
JumpStart classes are intensive one-week courses offered just before each semester and the summer term. JumpStart is offered in several areas of mathematics. Courses MAT 010, 011, 012 and 013 described above are Jumpstart classes.

College Skills
The Comprehensive Studies Department also offers a comprehensive course on College Skills (COL 103). This course is offered each term. Students who successfully complete the course earn 3 semester-hour credits which can, with advisor’s approval, be used as elective credit toward graduation in associate degree programs. College Skills includes selected topics such as career planning, study skills, stress management, time management, tutoring, group guidance, and other subjects to facilitate student success.

Credit for Developmental Course
Developmental courses offered through the Comprehensive Studies Department (courses numbered less than 100) generate no credit hours, do not affect the GPA, and do not count toward graduation. However, credits earned in the College Skills course (COL 103) may be used for elective credit in associate degree programs, with advisor approval. Courses numbered 100 generate credit hours and affect the GPA but do not count toward graduation in any certificate, diploma, or associate degree program.

Financial Aid for Comprehensive Studies
Students who receive a PELL grant, may enroll for a maximum of 24 hours (equivalent of two semesters) of Comprehensive Studies courses. Eligible veterans may receive VA educational benefits for two semesters of developmental coursework.

Standards of Progress for Comprehensive Studies Students
When students enroll in the Comprehensive Studies program, their skills are evaluated and study programs are planned for them. Students may take from four months to a year to complete their basic skills improvement.

1. Reasonable progress is determined by the completion of one 0-level course within a maximum of three (3) terms and entry into a higher course level in Comprehensive Studies (i.e., Developmental English is a first course and Basic Writing is a second course; Developmental Math (Basic) is a first course and Developmental Math (Pre Algebra) is a second course; Developmental Reading is a first course, and Critical Reading is a second course).

2. The total number of credits in which students may enroll in Comprehensive Studies may not exceed 30 semester hours.

3. If students enroll late or withdraw from 0-level courses and the enrollment time is less than, but not including, 50 percent of the term, the term will not be counted as one of the three allowed to complete a 0-level course. If students enroll late or withdraw from 0-level courses and the enrollment time is 50 percent or more, the term will be counted as one of the three allowed to complete a 0-level course.

4. Any exceptions to these guidelines must be evaluated by the Comprehensive Studies Department Head and approved by the Dean of Arts and Sciences and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Contacting the Comprehensive Studies Department Office

Office Location: Oconee Hall, room 303

Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
(The Comprehensive Studies Department Office is closed during most holidays when the College is officially closed. Call ahead to verify availability of Comprehensive Studies staff, if you plan to receive assistance during a holiday period.)

Phone: 646-1395 or toll-free (with the 864 area code) 1-866-269-5677, ext. 1395.

Fax: (864) 646-1898

email: cworthy@tctc.edu, Chris Worthy, Comprehensive Studies Department Head and Head Math Instructor