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ADA Accommodations

The Jefferson State Community College ADA Accommodations Office ensures equal access to the college experience for self-identified students with disabilities and is responsible for disseminating information concerning ADA compliance and accessibility matters to students, prospective students, faculty, staff, and community members. The ADA Accommodations Office utilizes a secure web platform to ensure consistency and equal access in the distribution of information. The ADA Accommodations Office website provides forms and documents related to the accommodations process including interactive forms for online submittal and methods of contacting the ADA Accommodations Office. Additionally, the website includes the ADA Accommodations Office handbooks for both faculty and students as well as documentation guidelines in both digital and printable formats. The ADA Accommodations Office web platform is available from any internet connection and is available to all students and faculty regardless of location or course delivery. The ADA Accommodations Office staff will review all applications and college-level disability documentation received from students requesting accommodations and conduct an intake meeting with students requesting accommodations. Based on this interactive process, the ADA Accommodations Office will determine the eligibility for appropriate and reasonable accommodations. Contact Scotty Rainwater, ADA Director, at 205-856-6077 or ada@jeffersonstate.edu.

Establishing Services in Three Easy Steps

Enrollment Services handles all application for admission. Admission standards must be met by all students, regardless of disability.

All disability documentation must be submitted to the ADA Accommodations Office. When to self-identify as a student with a disability is a decision for the student. However, prospective students are encouraged to contact the ADA Accommodations Office for information regarding services and facilities. If accommodations are needed for placement testing, disability documentation must be on file with the ADA Accommodations Office.

Step One

It is recommended that students begin the process of establishing services with the ADA Accommodations Office well before the semester begins. The first step is for the student to access the ADA Accommodations Portal and submit the “Application for ADA Accommodations.” Students can access the Portal by visiting www.jeffstate.edu/adaportal.

Step Two

Provide documentation to verify eligibility for services. Typically, a licensed psychologist, physician, or other appropriate professional provides the evaluation, diagnosis, and recommended accommodations in a detailed report. The ADA Accommodations Office is responsible for determining the acceptability of documentation and reserves the right to require additional information to determine the nature and impact of an individual’s disability. Also, the ADA Accommodations Office maintains the right to reject documentation that does not verify a student’s disability or delineates reasonable accommodations. For “Disability Documentation Guidelines” please visit www.jeffersonstate.edu/ada. Please note that high school IEPs and “504 Plans” usually do not contain the necessary information to meet the documentation guidelines. Documentation should be uploaded with the “Application for Accommodations” in the ADA Accommodations Portal. Students or providers may also email documentation to ada@jeffersonstate.edu or documentation can be mailed to 2601 Carson Road, Birmingham, AL 35215.

Step Three

Schedule an intake appointment with the ADA Accommodations Office by emailing ada@jeffersonstate.edu. These appointments are typically virtual and take about one hour.

Implementing Classroom Accommodations

After a student has completed the 3-step process for establishing services with the ADA Accommodations Office and has verified eligibility for appropriate and reasonable accommodations, the student will complete the following steps to implement accommodations in their classes.

Step One

The student will access the ADA Accommodations Portal, scroll down and select the courses that you want accommodations in. Select all the accommodations you would like to request for each course and click submit. If you do not see course schedule, make sure you are registered for classes, sometimes it takes 24 hours for your classes to sync with the ADA Accommodations Portal. If they are not showing up after 24 hours, please email ada@jeffersonstate.edu. Your accommodation letter will be emailed to your instructors and a copy will be sent to you. Please log in to request accommodations for each term you want to use them.

Step Two

The instructor will receive a notification of your accommodations. Students and instructors must discuss the accommodations and coordinate the logistics for how the accommodations will be implemented in the specific class. For example, if a student has extended time on tests should they arrive early to begin their test or have extra time after the class would typically end? Discussing these logistics early will ensure accommodations go smoothly.

Step Three

Once there is a mutual understanding of the accommodations, the instructor will acknowledge receipt of the accommodation notification in the ADA Accommodations Portal.

Recommendations for Classroom Accommodations 

  • Students should contact each instructor several days before accommodations are needed for testing, such as extended test time and reduced distraction testing, to ensure that arrangements are confirmed.
  • Students should report any concerns about accommodations to the ADA Accommodations Office as soon as they occur.

The ADA Accommodations Office maintains all documents relating to a student’s disability. They are regarded with the strictest confidentiality. No personal document will be released without the written permission of the student.

This information is also available on the college’s ADA Accommodations Office website: www.jeffersonstate.edu/ada

Alabama Articulation and General Studies Committee

The Alabama General Studies Committee was created in March of 1994 by the State Legislature through ACT 94-202. The act provides for a statewide articulation agreement for the freshman and sophomore years for the transfer of credit among all public institutions of higher education in Alabama. The Alabama Transfers Computerized Advising System has been created to inform students of the courses that they can take and transfer among Alabama public institutions. For more information, visit the Jefferson State web site at www.jeffersonstate.edu.

Advising

Academic advising is critical for students seeking a degree or certificate from Jefferson State or planning to take courses prior to transferring to a four-year institution. In order for Jefferson State to provide quality advising, students must communicate their purpose for enrolling at the college. Jefferson State has identified the following purposes for students:

  • Two-year transfer degree to four-year institution: Students who plan to complete courses which will apply toward a bachelor’s degree at a four-year university or college and plan to transfer after completing associate degree requirements at Jefferson State.
  • Two-year non-transfer degree: Students who plan to complete a degree to prepare for employment to enter occupational, semi-professional, or para- professional employment upon graduation from Jefferson State. These students do not plan to transfer to a four-year university or college.
  • Certificate: Students who plan to complete a certificate program to enter or advance in jobs requiring specific occupational skills.
  • Complete a few courses before transferring to four- year institution: Students who plan to complete courses which will apply toward a bachelor’s degree at a four-year university or college and plan to transfer without completing associate degree requirements at Jefferson State.
  • Transient: Students who plan to take a course or courses before returning to the university or college of original enrollment. A transient letter from the college or university specifying the courses to be taken at Jefferson State must be on file in Enrollment Services. These students are not required to receive academic advising.
  • Job related or personal enrichment: Students who plan to complete a course or courses for job purposes or personal enrichment and do not plan to pursue a college degree or certificate. These students may or may not choose to receive academic advising.

All students are strongly encouraged to seek academic advising on a regular basis in order to achieve their educational goals.

New students are encouraged to attend orientation for new students. Advisors are available during orientation to discuss academic advising, degree plan options, and course selection.

Students attending the Jefferson Campus should visit the Advising Center located in Allen Library 100. Students attending the Shelby-Hoover Campus should contact the Advising Center (GSB 100) at the Shelby-Hoover Campus. Advisors are available to meet with students at the St. Clair- Pell City Campus (room 125) and the Chilton-Clanton Campus (room 113). Advisors are available to assist students with the achievement of their academic goals. Academic advising is available to help students identify appropriate courses, select majors, select transfer institutions and assist with academic problems. Upon declaring a major, undecided students will be assigned to a faculty advisor/mentor. This advisor/mentor will help ensure accurate progression in the student’s chosen field of study.

Currently enrolled and readmitted students are strongly encouraged to schedule appointments with an advisor prior to registration. Maintaining ongoing contact with an advisor will facilitate academic progress. Students taking courses for personal enrichment who wish to speak with an advisor should visit the Advising Center or Enrollment Services for referral to an appropriate advisor. Students are personally responsible for completing the requirements for their transfer, career, or certificate program. Advisors are not responsible for, and may not exempt students from, fulfillment of any established requirement.

Advising Materials

Detailed information is needed for Jefferson State advisors to give accurate advice. Students are encouraged to collect and have available the following information when meeting with an advisor:

  • AGSC Alabama Transfers Guide
  • Transfer Institution’s Area V page
  • Degree Works audit
  • Placement test scores
  • Transcripts (high school, other colleges, Jefferson State)

Tutorial Services

Free online tutoring is available to all online students through Tutor.com, a 24/7 tutoring service. Registered students are provided with access to Tutor.com each term through a link in Canvas.

Tutoring is also available through the Math Lab and Writing Center, both on campus and virtually, according to the schedules posted on the Jefferson State Community College website. Additional information about Tutor.com, the Math Lab, and the Writing Center can be found at https://library.jeffersonstate.edu/tutoring, or by visiting the Learning Success Center in the James B. Allen Library on the Jefferson Campus, or the Learning Success Center in Room 102 of the General Studies Building on the Shelby-Hoover Campus.

Financial Aid

Jefferson State Community College participates in many federal financial aid programs. Those programs include the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, the Federal College Work Study Program, and the Federal Direct Student Loan Program. The college also participates in the Alabama Student Assistance Program. In order to be considered for federal or state student aid, students must complete the following steps:

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa: to apply for loans, grants, and work-study. The completion of this form does not guarantee you will receive aid.
  • Be sure to list Jefferson State Community College (Federal School Code 001022) in step 6 on the FAFSA as a college to receive your information.
  • Apply for admission to Jefferson State. In order to be considered for federal student aid, students must be unconditionally admitted into an eligible degree- seeking program. Financial Aid funds can only pay for courses that are required for the student’s major.
  • For financial aid purposes all official transcripts (college, high school, or GED) must be on file in admissions by the posted deadline.
  • JSCC will receive the FAFSA application electronically from the Federal Government 3 to 5 days from the date the student submitted the application.
  • Once the FAFSA has been received and the student has completed an Admissions application, the student will be mailed instructions on how to view the financial aid requirements on their myJSCC account.
  • The student will be awarded after all required documents have been submitted, reviewed and it is determined the student is eligible to receive financial aid. An award notification email will be sent to the student’s myJSCC email account. Make sure to read the information and follow the instructions in the email.

Students with questions should email finaid@jeffersonstate.edu or contact the Financial Aid Office at (205) 856-8511. Be sure to check your myJSCC email and student requirements regularly for Financial Aid updates and notifications.

Insurance

Brochures and other information related to accident and health insurance plans are available at the Jefferson Campus in George Wallace Hall (GWH 202), at the Shelby-Hoover Campus at the reception desk (GSB 100) and at the St. Clair-Pell City Campus (room 125) and the Chilton-Clanton Campus (room 113). The college does not endorse any one plan and assumes no responsibility for conflicts between students and insurance carriers. International students are required to furnish proof of health insurance.

Housing

Jefferson State does not provide on- or off-campus housing. Students must make their own arrangements for housing, and the college assumes no responsibility for any problems between landlords and students.

Identification Cards

All students are required to carry Jefferson State student identification (I.D.). Jefferson State Police Department will coordinate the production and distribution of the photo identification card. Students will need to provide a schedule bill and proof of identification at the time the identification is issued. Proof of identification includes: State Issued Driver’s License, State Issued Non-Drivers Identification, US Military identification, social security card, birth certificate, or any other government issued photo identification. Decals will be added to the identification cards each semester after the registration process is completed. Distribution of the decals will be coordinated by the Campus Police Department. Students that lose or misplace their student identification can purchase a replacement for $5.

When college officials request display of I.D. students must present them. Failure to present the I.D. may result in disciplinary action or arrest for trespassing. Student I.D.’s are made for personal use only. Students violating the Jefferson State I.D. privileges are subject to probation, suspension or dismissal.

Students may be required to show their I.D. for:

  • Checking out books from the library,
  • Admission to school sponsored social or cultural events,
  • Identification verification on the first day of class,
  • Identification verification during testing,
  • Personal counseling referrals

Jefferson State recognizes that students of the college may encounter personal problems such as depression, substance abuse, divorce, and other non-academic problems that are best discussed with professionally trained counselors and social workers. While Jefferson State does not maintain a staff of such counselors and does not offer therapeutic counseling in such areas, the college does provide a counseling referral service. Students seeking referrals to address non-academic personal problems may contact personnel in the Office of Enrollment Services. Students using this service will generally be provided names, addresses, phone numbers, and an explanation of the services and costs of professional counseling at appropriate social services of mental health agencies and individual counselors.

Pioneer Bookstores 

The Pioneer Bookstore I, located on the third floor of Fitzgerald Student Center, and Pioneer Bookstore II, located at the Shelby-Hoover Campus in JMB, offer new and used textbooks, school supplies, study aids, computer software, college emblematic clothing and gifts, and other items. Bookstore prices are competitive with other college bookstores. The bookstore’s hours of operation are designed to accommodate the student population. The hours of operation are subject to change as appropriate to class scheduling, orientation, book buy back during finals, and during the beginning of classes.

Students are able to purchase and rent textbooks online by visiting the official Pioneer Bookstore website at https://jeffersonstate.bncollege.com.

Refunds on Textbooks 

  • A sales receipt must be presented to receive a refund on textbooks.
  • A refund for a required textbook may be given each semester until the end of the first week of classes.

Refunds and Exchanges on Merchandise Other Than Books 

  • A refund is not given for non-book items.
  • Defective merchandise may be exchanged.
  • Textbook Buy-Backs.

The Pioneer Bookstore conducts a textbook buy back at the end of each semester. This textbook buy back is during the week of finals. Students should consult the class schedule each semester and watch for signs posted with the exact times and locations.

Testing and Assessment Math and English Placement

Jefferson State provides opportunities for comprehensive assessment and advising of students prior to enrollment in English and math classes. ACT English and math test scores, high school graduating GPA, high school English and math grades, and ACCUPLACER placement test scores can be used to determine initial course placement in English or math. Jefferson State accepts the highest English placement or math placement score a student can provide.

Year Limit: Students can use high school graduating GPA and course grades for 5 years after their high school graduation date. ACT scores and ACCUPLACER scores more than 5 years old cannot be used for placement.

The following students are exempt from the placement test:

  • Students scoring 18 or above on the English and math  sections of the ACT;
  • Students with high school graduating GPA of 2.75 or higher and a grade of “A” or “B” in high school English 4 or English 12;
  • Students with high school graduating GPA of 2.75 or higher and a grade of “A” or “B” in high school Algebra 2 or Precalculus or Calculus;
  • Students with an associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited or Council on Occupational Education accredited post-secondary institution;
  • Students who transfer degree-creditable college-level  English or math courses with a grade of “C” or better;
  • Senior citizens, undeclared, and other non-award  seeking majors who are taking classes for vocational 
    reasons only;
  • Students in certain short certificate programs having no English or mathematics requirements;
  • Students who have completed required Developmental coursework at another Alabama Community College 
    System institution;
  • Audit students and transient students;
  • Students providing documentation of assessment within the last five years;
  • Students who register for ENR 098, MTH 098, or MTH 116.

Course placement may be assigned based on ACT English and math test scores, or from information on official transcripts. ACT test scores, final high school transcript, and/or college transcript(s) must be on file with Enrollment Services to qualify.

  • ENG 101 with ENG 099 
    ACT English score of 17 or high school graduating GPA of 2.75 or higher and a grade of “C” in high school English 4 or English 12
  • ENG 101 
    ACT English score of 18 or higher or high school graduating GPA of 2.75 or higher and a  grade of “A” or “B” in high school English 4 or English 12
  • MTH 100 with MTH 099 or MTH 110 with MTH 109S 
    ACT math score of 17 or high School graduating GPA 2.75 or higher and a  grade of “C” in high school Algebra 2 or Precalculus or Calculus
  • MTH 100, MTH 110, or MTH 112 With MTH 111S
    ACT math score of 18-19;or high school graduating GPA 2.75 or higher and a grade of “A” or “B” in high school Algebra 2 or Precalculus or Calculus
  • MTH 112 or MTH 265 
    ACT math score of 20 or higher and a grade of “C” or higher in high school Algebra 2 or Precalculus or Calculus
  • MTH 113, 115S, MTH 120, or MTH 125S 
    ACT math score of 20 or higher and a grade of “C” or higher in high school Precalculus or Calculus.

ACCUPLACER English and math tests are available to students unable to register for an English or math course based on ACT scores and/or high school transcript information.

ENR 098, MTH 098, and MTH 116 are open to all students. Do not register for MTH 116 unless you are certain that it is part of your associate in applied science degree program.

Placement criteria are subject to change. 

Important Information About Placement Test

  • Students will be dropped from a registered course if they are not eligible for the class.
  • The College reserves the right to assess a nominal charge for retesting.
  • Students must present picture identification and have an application for enrollment on file with Enrollment Services in order to take the placement test.
  • Placement scores are only valid for five years. 

Additional Tests 

  • ACT Residual
  • The College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
  • ACT Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Exams
  • ACT Assessment
  • General Educational Development Test (GED)
  • National Board Examination for Certified Counselors
  • WorkKeys
  • TEAS V Exam for Nursing Program Admission 

GED Testing 

Jefferson State Community College offers the GED Test to members of the community. In order to take the test, you must register at www.ged.com. You must be 18 years or older to take the test. Exceptions are made for 16 and 17-year old individuals. For questions, please contact the testing and assessment office at (205) 856-7896. 

High Stakes Testing 

The Testing and Assessment Office offers various high-stakes examinations via computer-based and paper-based testing. For additional information, contact the Testing and Assessment Office at (205) 856-7896. 

ACT WorkKeys Assessment

The ACT WorkKeys Assessment, a component of the ACT WorkKeys system, measures an individual’s workplace skills in Applied Mathematics, Applied Technology, Listening, Locating Information, Observation, Reading for Information, Teamwork, and Writing. These eight skills assessments provide a reliable way to measure skill levels and determine how they compare to the skills required for specific jobs. Individuals may be assessed in all eight areas or any one or more of the eight skills areas. For more information, contact the Testing and Assessment Office. 

Strong Interest Inventory 

The Strong Interest Inventory is offered to both Jefferson State students and community members. This assessment is a useful tool in deciding on a future occupation. The test is useful for young people who are undecided about what occupation to pursue and people who are looking for a career change. 

The test helps to identify occupations that are in tune with individual preferences. There is a charge for this assessment. For more information call the One Stop Career Center.

Information for Test Takers with Disabilities – The Testing and Assessment Office at Jefferson State Community College is committed to serving test takers with disabilities by providing services and reasonable testing accommodations as set forth in the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Students having a disability, as prescribed by the ADA, and requiring special testing services or arrangements, should contact the Testing and Assessment Office. Documentation of the disability and a request for special accommodations must be submitted. Requests should be submitted well in advance of the proposed test date to allow an opportunity to make the necessary accommodations. Only test takers with documented disabilities are eligible for special accommodations. 

Score Reports – In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the Testing and Assessment Office will provide score reports only upon written request of the student. Official score reports are issued to institutions, companies, agencies, etc. Score reports issued to students are stamped “Issued to Student.” 

The Testing and Assessment Office only issues score reports for placement tests. Transcripts for the test of General Education Development (GED) that were administered at Jefferson State Community College must be requested from www.gedtestingservice.com. Score report requests for all other examinations must be directed to the appropriate institution or agency.