DEVELOPMENTAL STUDIES - FAQs About Classes

1. Q: Why do I have to take Developmental Studies courses if they don’t count towards my degree?
   A: CSCC is an open-door institution, which means anyone with a high school diploma or G.E.D. can be admitted, even if they have high school deficiencies or low ACT scores, or have been out of school for a number of years. The TBR requires that these individuals be screened and tested for correct placement in courses.
2. Q: Why can’t I just enroll in college-level courses and see if I pass them, after all, I am paying for college myself?
   A: Placement testing was implemented by the state to place students at the appropriate skill level to ensure greater success at the college level. The Tennessee Board of Regents mandates placement testing at all TBR Institutions.
3. Q: What difference does it make if I take other courses in my college curriculum before I take my developmental studies courses?
   A: TBR Policy states: Students needing Developmental Studies courses must enroll in and satisfactorily complete those courses during their INITIAL TERMS OF ENROLLMENT. Students may concurrently enroll in college-level courses, which do not require prerequisite DSP skills while completing the DSP requirements. Students are admitted to the institution on the condition that all required DSP courses will be completed to meet admission requirements.
4. Q: My work schedule prevents me from taking the required courses at the time they are offered on the campus nearest me. Can I forget about those courses and take other courses instead?
   A: Some DSP courses rarely make because of insufficient numbers at some of our smaller campuses; therefore, it may be necessary for you to enroll in these courses at the Columbia Campus, or take an online course (WWW).
5. Q: Can I drop my DSP courses and keep my college-level courses?
   A: Only under extreme circumstances may students drop developmental studies courses. Students enrolled in DSP courses did not meet the minimum admissions standards established by the Tennessee State Legislature and the TBR for enrolling in college-level courses. Students must finish DSP courses to complete admissions requirements before taking only college-level courses.

Columbia State Community College is a Tennessee Board of Regents Institution and is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer committed to the education of a nonracially identifiable student body.