Student Handbook

The CVCC administration has prepared this Student Handbook to assist students as they pursue their educational objectives. General information about the College related to vehicle regulations, the library and learning resource center, the bookstore, buildings and grounds, counseling and guidance services, student activities, college publications, clubs and organizations, student records, the Student Code of Conduct, dress and appearance, substance abuse policies, disciplinary procedures, grievance procedures, and emergency procedures are included. Students are urged to become familiar with the contents of this Handbook and to keep it available for reference. CVCC is dedicated to developing the individual student as a productive member of society and to helping each student define and meet his or her educational goals. The Office of the Dean of Students and Campus Services is available to help students interpret information contained in this Handbook. If the Alabama Community College System adopts any policy or regulation which conflicts with or is inconsistent with any procedure or policy contained herein, the relevant policies and regulations of the Alabama Community College System always supersede information contained in this Handbook. CVCC reserves the right to revise any policy or procedure stated herein, with or without public notice. In the event of any such revision, the College will make every reasonable effort to make such revised information available to all students.

Any policy or procedure contained herein that is contrary to federal, state or local law or court order or any applicable rule, regulation or policy of the Alabama Community College System is null and void.

The Handbook is not, and is not intended to be, a contract, warranty, or guarantee between CVCC and any individual. It is compiled for the convenience of students and prospective students as an information resource.

Academic support services are available for current and prospective CVCC students. These services include: academic advising, career and placement counseling, testing, academic coaching, and personal guidance to help each student adjust successfully to college life. Academic Success Coaches also assist with registration and general advising. Student Navigators assist students with navigating the enrollment process and coordinate academic support with Academic Success Coaches and provide referrals for students to campus and community resources. Navigators and Success Coaches also facilitate informational and student success workshops.

Educational and occupational information including catalogs and course equivalence information from other colleges are available in the Office of Student Development and Success. If a student needs help with personal problems of a nature or degree beyond what is appropriate for college personnel, the student will be referred to other appropriate professional resources outside of the College. All College services are free and available to all students.

The Financial Aid Office provides financial assistance to students who need aid to attend college. Financial aid provides students with supplementary funds to help offset expenses. Several types of aid are available:  grants, loans, work study program, scholarships, and military benefits.

Chattahoochee Valley Community College promotes the open exchange of ideas among all members of the College community, students, faculty, staff and administration. An environment conducive to the open exchange of ideas is essential for intellectual growth and positive change. Chattahoochee Valley Community College recognizes that in order to efficiently and effectively carry out its mission, employees and students must feel confident that any valid complaint or grievance an employee or student may make concerning the College will be promptly addressed by the appropriate authorities. Therefore, the following procedures for resolving such complaints and grievances have been adopted by the College.

In keeping with the mission, educational goals, and values of the College, the Office of Student Development and Success strives to support the growth and development of students through:

• programs that develop leadership skills and encourage students to assume roles of significant responsibility;
• promotion of a learning environment in all student activities and services;
• encouragement of students to exercise their freedom and judgment while respecting the rights and needs of the campus community;
• activities that promote service to others on and off campus; and
• activities and services that maximize the opportunities for students to understand themselves and to grow and develop to their fullest potential.

The Office of Student Development and Success provides oversight of Leadership for Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), Presidential Leadership Scholarship recipients, and other student organizations and activities.

CVCC provides it students with a well-rounded array of student activities, including student government, service organizations, special-interest clubs, choral groups, band and intercollegiate basketball, baseball, and softball. Clubs and other organizations sponsor a variety of worthwhile cultural and intellectual assemblies open to students, faculty, staff, and members of the community.