Get Help Before You Get Frustrated!
The most important step in college success is getting the help you need before you get swamped. Talk to your class instructor, talk to your academic advisor or visit the Advising Center. We also have several support services, programs and centers on campus that can help you do better in your coursework.
Your Class Instructor
Make sure you let your class instructor know if you are having problems. They should be your first stop for academic questions.
Your Academic Advisor
Your academic advisor can help with many things, including information about your program or major, class selection, registration and academic issues.
The Advising Center
The Academic Advising Center is here to help you. If you are having academic troubles, see an advisor, they can help give you a fresh perspective on an academic problem and provide tips that might help improve your situation.
Tools to Help You Succeed in College
The Learning Commons
The Learning Commons is your one stop shop for academic support. There is a Learning Commons location on each Vol State campus. We all need help in one area or another. Give your grades a boost!
Main Campus: Thigpen Library - 1st floor
(615) 230-3676
Highland Crest: Room 144
(615) 433-7040
Livingston: Room 151
(931) 823-7065
Tutor.com
All Vol State students have free access to the online tutoring service Tutor.com. It is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. The link to Tutor.com is part of the eLearn page for each of your classes. The tutoring service covers Math, Business, English, Writing, Science, Health Sciences, Computers, and Foreign Language. You should access it via your course eLearn page for login.
If you have problems or need help with Tutor.com visit the Learning Commons location for your campus, or call (615) 230-3676.
Library
Don’t know where to start when researching a topic? The library staff offers personalized service. Librarians can provide instruction on methods to search for books, eBooks, journal articles from databases, streaming videos, and other resources.
Would you like access to technology? The IT department maintains a computer lab on the library’s first floor that is open in conjunction with the library. Use one of the many computers available in the lab, including printing and scanning. The library also has laptops available for check-out and use anywhere within the library.
Do you need to access a specific textbook? There are a variety of textbooks on reserve for two hour use within the library. Just ask the staff at the circulation desk for assistance.
Would you like a peaceful place to study? There is a silent study room on the second floor of the library and additional study space throughout the second floor.
Do you need a meeting place for a group activity? There are study rooms on the second floor for group study and a practice-presentation room.
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS)
TRIO provides free academic and group support for Vol State students. TRIO students often say the program is like having a family of learners and mentors on campus. In order to participate, students must meet at least one of the following U.S. Department of Education requirements:
- Low-Income: Family income meets federal guidelines
- First Generation: Neither parent has a four-year college degree or
- Disability: Registered with the Office of Disability Services
Services provided by TRIO include a Start-to-Finish Seminar, academic and career advising, graduation planning, financial literacy, tutoring, mentoring, goal setting, check-out program (laptops, digital recorders and calculators), priority registration, and four-year college transfer assistance. Applications are accepted throughout the year. It is possible that students will be placed on a waiting list for services, due to limited enrollment. However, as students graduate spots open up each year. Students may apply by coming to the TRIO Office.
Location: 210 Wood Campus Center
(615) 230-3732
Disability Services
Disability Services has one basic goal: to provide resources to help you be as successful as possible in college. We work closely with students with disabilities, including those who have physical, cognitive, learning, psychological and chronic health issues. You may have received assistance in high school, such as test accommodations, note taking assistance or alternative format textbooks, or your specific circumstances may be more recent. Our services are available whether you just graduated from high school or are returning to college after many years. If you believe you have issues that are interfering with your ability to do well in your classes, please contact us. It all starts with a conversation.
Location: 176 Ramer Administration Building
(615) 230-3472
Language Center
If you need extra assistance when it comes to writing or foreign languages, the Language Center is the place to go. Tutors are available to assist students with every aspect of writing, from homework assignments to class projects. The Center offers speech outline and preparation assistance. Computers are available with word processing programs. If foreign language is the issue, the Center has Rosetta Stone software.
Location: Learning Commons, Thigpen Library, first floor
Math Assistance
Get extra help in most math courses in the Learning Commons. This includes individual tutoring, homework assistance, and some testing. See the Learning Commons front desk for course availability, tutor schedules, and hours of operation.
Computer Lab
The Computer Lab has computers with Internet access and Microsoft Office software. They are open to all students.
Location: Thigpen Library, first floor
IT Help Desk
The IT Help Desk can help anyone with problems that may occur with online registration, student login, etc. You will need your student V-number to get help. If you don’t know your V-number, please contact Records at 230-3680. If you are having problems with your my Vol State password, visit My Vol State and look for the “change or activate your password” link. You can change your password. You will need your V-number to do so.
Location: Learning Commons
(615) 230 - 3302
eLearn Success
Useful tips and information about using the eLearn course management system.
Vol State Wireless
Vol State has a campus wireless Internet system. For help in configuring your laptop, tablet and phone for Vol State wireless, please visit or call the IT Help Desk.
