Dec 03, 2024  
2016-2017 Technical College of the Lowcountry - Catalog/Student Handbook 
    
2016-2017 Technical College of the Lowcountry - Catalog/Student Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

The College



Service Area

The Technical College of the Lowcountry serves a four-county area in lower South Carolina, which includes 2,858 square miles bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the south and southwest by the State of Georgia. Much of the region’s terrain is composed of forest and wetlands including numerous Sea Islands (64 in Beaufort County alone) separated from the mainland by salt marshes and tidal inlets. The four-county service area includes Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper.

Facilities

See maps online at www.tcl.edu/campuses-maps

Technical College of the Lowcountry’s main campus in Beaufort, situated on 49 acres of waterfront property, is comprised of 17 major buildings hosting state-of-the-art technologies. A variety of courses are offered via distance learning, providing learning opportunities for students unable to attend classes on TCL’s main campus.

TCL’s New River campus in Bluffton is a state-of-the-art educational facility that opened its doors in August 2006. The 31,000 square foot building features teaching spaces which are equipped with distance learning capability and are designed to be flexible in delivering instruction.

TCL’s Hampton H. Mungin Center, named in honor of Halbert Mungin, is located in Varnville on 15 acres between Wade Hampton High School and the county airport. The center consists of a 16,000 square foot facility with state-of-the-art teaching facilities. The H. Mungin Center’s distance learning facilities provide learning opportunities for students unable to attend classes on TCL’s main campus.

Whale Branch Early College High School opened in partnership with the Technical College of the Lowcountry in August 2010 and offers Early College Credit Opportunities for qualified high school students.

Visitors at TCL

Visitors are always welcome at Technical College of the Lowcountry. When visiting TCL’s main campus, guests are encouraged to check in with the Information Center receptionist in Coleman Hall (Building 2) to receive information and assistance before touring the campus. Visitors to other campuses should check in with the receptionist at the facility. Guided tours of the campus are available to anyone in the community. To arrange a tour, contact the college at 843-470-8405 or tours@tcl.edu.

Technical College of the Lowcountry - Main Campus (Beaufort) Directory

Building 1 - Owen Hall

Campus Counselor
Room 204
843-525-8288
TCL’s Counseling Service is available to all current students free of charge. The Campus Counselor provides counseling to students experiencing temporary difficulties in handling family, social, and academic or other life crises. There may be services in the community to which the student can be referred as well. After assessment and brief counseling, if a student needs on-going, long-term services, appropriate referrals will be made.
Retention Coordinator
843-525-8319
The Retention Coordinator is responsible for college retention functions and also works with students who are placed on academic probation and/or suspension, and financial aid.
Testing Center
843-470-8400
testingcenter@tcl.edu
The Testing Center is closed on official holidays recognized by the college.

Contact the Testing Center for a current schedule of operating hours.

The Testing Center provides services for students to complete a variety of tests including, but not limited to, placement testing (ACCUPLACER), specialized tests such as the nursing entrance test, CLEP, Pearson VUE, as well as tests associated with online or web-enhanced courses.

Building 2 - Coleman Hall

Admissions Office
843-525-8207

The Admissions Office is responsible for all college recruitment and community outreach. This includes the Admissions application, high school transcripts receipt, residency, new student intake, and international student requirements.  Appointments for campus tours can also be requested through this office.  Located in the Lobby of Colman Hall (Building 2 on the Beaufort campus), the Admissions Office is staffed from 8:00am to 5:30pm Monday through Thursday and 8:00am to 11:30am on Friday to provide Admissions information as well as general information on services available to students.

Students can find a wealth of information about the college, various programs of study, admissions application and requirements, and campus security, just to name a few of the items available.

Our general information phone number is 843-525-8207 or visit us at www.tcl.edu.  Application for college admission may be completed online (www.tcl.edu/apply) 24/7 at the student’s convenience, or students may come by any of our locations including Beaufort, New River campus in Bluffton, Hampton Campus: H. Mungin Center in Varnville, Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort, or Marine Corps Depot on Parris Island.

Associate VP for Students
843-525-8219
The Associate VP for Students is responsible for a variety of student services including: retention, counseling, student activities, and federal grant programs (TRiO, PILAU). The office provides services to accommodate TCL students with disabilities. The Dean oversees probation/suspension and student misconduct and complaints.
Campus Life
843-525-8219
The office of Campus Life is provided to create campus life and cultural enrichment opportunities to build social networks, leadership, and learning opportunities for TCL students. If you are interested in beginning a new campus organization please call 843-525-8219.
Career and Transfer Services
843-525-8224
jobs@tcl.edu
TCL’s Office of Career and Transfer Services provides students and alumni with opportunities to examine their personal and career development opportunities for today’s job market. The focus is on career assessment and exploration that fosters positive, self-directed life planning, including but not limited to: employability skills, resume development, job-search strategies, interviewing skills and networking techniques. Through its partnership with the local Chambers of Commerce, the Career and Transfers office also provides information about job opportunities and resume posting for employers to review. Job postings are listed at www.lowcountryjobs.org and are also placed on students’ TCL e-mail account for review.

The office of Career and Transfer Services also provides assistance for students who have completed their program of study and are transitioning as a transfer student to a four-year college or university; plus advising for currently enrolled international students.

For more information, please visit www.tcl.edu or call (843) 525-8224.
ECCO - Early College Credit Opportunities/Dual Enrollment
843-525-8207
An applicant who is a high school student may be considered for enrollment. Early enrollment requires a special agreement between three parties; the college, the parent or guardian, and the principal or school counselor of the school or agency where the applicant is attending.

Applications and more information can be found at www.tcl.edu/ecco.
Educational Talent Search Office
843-525-8331
The Educational Talent Search (ETS) program, funded by the United States Department of Education, is designed to identify middle school, high school and out-of-school individuals with academic potential, and help them develop an educational/career plan. Services are free and include career counseling, educational information, financial aid guidance, college/business trips, and GED information and preparation. ETS career counselors make weekly visits to middle and high schools in the TCL service area.
Federal Grants/TRIO Office
843-525-8242
The Office of the Dean of Students is responsible for TRIO Federal Programs sponsored and administered by the college. These programs include Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search, and Student Support Services. The office also oversees Project PILAU (Promoting Integrity, Leadership, Academics, and Cultural Understanding).
Financial Aid Office
843-470-5961
financialaid@tcl.edu
The Financial Aid Office is responsible for all financial assistance functions of the college. It provides general information on the college’s financial assistance programs, assists students in obtaining and completing all necessary financial assistance forms, and assists students in financial planning to meet college expenses. It administers all the procedures, forms and records maintenance for all students receiving assistance. See the Financial Aid  section of this catalog. The main Financial Aid office is located in Building 2 - Coleman Hall on the Beaufort Campus. The office is staffed 8:00 to 5:30 Monday through Thursday and 8:00 to 4:30 on Friday.
GEAR UP
843-525-8283
The TCL GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) office is part of the SC GEAR UP program administered by the SC Commission on Higher Education (CHE). The program offers students, families, and educators of selected SC middle and high school services that provide academic achievement and college awareness.
Help Desk 
843-525-8344
helpdesk@tcl.edu
Students may contact the Help Desk concerning WebAdvisor and student email account issues.

The Help Desk is closed on official holidays recognized by the college.

Contact the Help Desk for a current schedule.
Information Technology Office
843-525-8271
The IT department is responsible for administrative and academic computing through the operation and maintenance of the College’s local and wide area computer networks.
Public Relations Office
843-525-8231
The Public Relations (PR) Office is responsible for planning, coordinating and executing a diversified public relations, marketing and communications program. The goal of the PR office is to ensure awareness of and support for TCL’s philosophy, mission, goals, educational opportunities and achievements.
Student Records Office/Registrar
843-525-8272
The Student Records Office/Registrar is responsible for maintaining all records of the student’s academic history at the college. The office also issues student ID cards and parking stickers, certifies enrollment, verifies graduation applications and processes transcript requests.
Student Support Services
843-525-8328
The Student Support Services (SSS) Office, a federally funded program, is responsible for assisting eligible students in reaching their academic and career goals at TCL. The program offers academic, educational and career services to students through tutoring, cultural and social enrichment activities, academic, personal and career counseling, transfer advising, and other services.
Upward Bound Office
843-525-8242
The Upward Bound program is a federally funded program designed to assist high school students with academic potential to pursue a post-secondary education. During the academic year, students attend Saturday sessions on the TCL main campus for assistance with academics as well as seminars in academic success, college survival, and SAT preparation. During the summer, students participate in an intensive six-week non-residential program to enhance the student’s academic skills, and provide cultural enrichment activities, social functions, and supervised tours to college campuses.

Building 3 - Anderson Hall

Business Office
843-525-8355
The Business Office is responsible for the financial management and the accounting functions of the college, including disbursement of financial aid awards and management of student accounts. Tuition and fee payments may be made at the main campus in Beaufort, at the New River campus, and at the Hampton H. Mungin Center campus; or online at http://webadvisor.tcl.edu.
Human Resources Office
843-525-8253
The Human Resources Office is responsible for all phases of personnel administration and payroll functions for the college. TCL is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, affirmative action, national or ethnic origin, creed, marital status, veteran status, disability, sex, or age in its employment practices.
Research Office
843-525-8359
The Research Office is responsible for data collection and analysis to support planning for the College’s future growth and development and meeting the extensive reporting requirements of government and accrediting organizations.
Vice President for Administrative Services
843-525-8249
The office of the Vice President for Administrative Services is responsible for business and financial operations of the college including the business office, campus security, physical plant management, information technology, and the bookstore.

Building 4

Health Sciences Programs
843-525-8267
health@tcl.edu
Building 4 houses classrooms, health sciences laboratories, faculty offices, and the office for the Dean of Health Sciences.

Building 6

Academic Affairs Office
843-525-8244
The office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs is responsible for all college credit and non-credit programming including the planning, development, coordination, review, accreditation, and administration of each program. All full-time and adjunct faculty in Arts and Sciences, Business Technologies, Health Sciences, Industrial Technologies, and Continuing Education or Workforce Development report to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. All concerns regarding academics including assessment and placement testing, developmental and college preparatory studies, the Learning Resources Center, electronic learning, and broadcast services should be directed to the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Classroom Building Building 6 houses classrooms.
President’s Office
843-525-8247
The President is the college’s Chief Executive Officer.
Student Affairs Office
843-525-8215
The office of the Vice President for Student Affairs is responsible for a comprehensive program of student services including the following: Community Outreach and Military Services, Admissions and Student Records, Testing Services and Help Desk, Early College Credit Opportunities (ECCO), Intake Services, Financial Aid, Career Services and Job Placement, Disability Services, Student Activities and Campus Life, Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search, Student Support Services, Academic Probation and Suspension, Student Conduct & Grievance Procedure, and Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity.

Building 9

Arts and Sciences Division Office
843-525-8281
artsandsciences@tcl.edu
Building 9 houses classrooms, faculty offices and the office for the Dean of Arts and Sciences.
Tutoring Center / Math Lab
www.tcl.edu/tutoring
Located in Building 9, Room 101, the Math Lab offers one-on-one tutoring both on campus and online. Visit the Tutoring Center webpage to view hours of availability and tutor schedules. 
Tutoring Center / Writing/Reading Lab
www.tcl.edu/tutoring
Located in Building 9, Room 127, the Writing/Reading Lab offers one-on-one tutoring both on campus and online in a variety of subjects. Visit the Tutoring Center webpage to view hours of availability, tutor schedules, and to make an appointment. 

Building 10

Classroom Building Building 10 houses the Cosmetology classrooms and laboratories, science laboratories, classrooms, and faculty offices.

Building 11

Security
843-525-8301 (Bft office)
843-986-6971 (Bft cell)
843-470-6006 (NR office)
843-812-4115 (NR cell)
Campus security is available to assist all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Assistance in any matter pertaining to an emergency may be obtained by calling 843- 525-8301 or 843-986-6971, Beaufort Campus; 843-470-6006 or 843-812-4115, New River Campus. During regular business hours, Beaufort security may be reached by radio by calling 843-525-8249.

Building 12 - MacLean Hall

Auditorium
843-525-8249
The TCL Auditorium is the site for large group and/or community meetings or events.
Boardroom
843-525-8249
The TCL Boardroom is the site for meetings of the TCL Commission, various committee meetings, and other small group meetings.

Learning Resources Center / Library
843-525-8304

www.tcl.edu/library

The Learning Resources Center (LRC) at TCL includes the Library, Online Course Support, and the Tutoring Center.  The Library is located in Building 12, MacLean Hall, on the Beaufort campus and Room 128 on the New River campus, and provides course-related resources and materials of general interest for students, faculty and staff, as well as residents of the service area. The Library houses print books, periodicals, and audiovisual titles, and provides access to online databases online periodicals, and over 200,000 e-books.  Students at the New River campus, H. Mungin Center, Whale Branch Early College High School, and other TCL sites may contact the LRC directly to request shipment of physical materials to these locations or may ask local staff members to arrange for shipment of materials.  Librarians are available to assist users with reference questions on campus, online, and via email and text message.

Online Learning Center
Room 205
843-525-8317

www.tcl.edu/distance-learning

Located in the LRC/Library, the Online Learning Center offers support and training to faculty and students who use Blackboard and other technology and applications in their courses.

Student Lounge Hot and cold food is available in the Student Center on the Beaufort campus. Microwave ovens and other dining facilities are provided. Comfortable seating, games, a courtesy telephone, wireless internet access, and a web cafe are also available in the same area.
TCL Bookstore
843-525-8303
The TCL Bookstore stocks required textbooks, reference books, school supplies, and novelty products including clothing, tote bags, backpacks, and various other TCL logo items. The cost of books and supplies is not included in registration or other fees. The Bookstore conducts a book buy-back, based on current need, each term during final exams.
TCL Foundation
843-525-8294
Technical College of the Lowcountry Foundation, Inc. (TCL Foundation) was established in 1983 to enhance private sector resource development of the college. The TCL Foundation sponsors ongoing public relations and fund-raising projects that strengthen the college’s financial resources and its ties to the community. Contributions from corporations, foundations, area businesses and individuals are used to acquire state-of-the-art equipment, fund scholarships, sponsor special events, and support the Foundation’s endowment.

Veterans Resource Center
Room 107
843-525-8264

www.tcl.edu/vrc

The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) provides assistance and coordination of veterans education benefits, admissions, registration, financial aid and transition resources to active duty service members, veterans and their families. 

Building 14

Business/Industrial Technology Division Office
843-525-8241
industrial@tcl.edu
business@tcl.edu

Building 14 houses classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices and the office for the Dean of Business/Industrial Technologies.

The Early Care and Education program is offered through the Business Technologies Division.  The instructor’s office is located in Buildling 2, Room 246.  The classroom is located in Building 15. 

Building 15

Classroom Building Building 15 houses classrooms, laboratories and faculty offices.

Building 16

Classroom Building Building 16 houses classrooms and laboratories.

Buildings 22, 23 and 24

Continuing Education and Workforce Development
843-525-8205
CEWD@tcl.edu
The Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) at the Technical College of the Lowcountry is dedicated to meeting the workforce needs for the Lowcountry. The Division offers non-credit courses throughout the college’s four-county service area to meet specific business and industry needs as well as for professional growth. Occupational upgrade courses and seminars are offered for those wanting to upgrade skills or increase employment potential. Licensing and certification courses are offered on a continual basis.

Customized training is available for businesses and industries including critical or soft skills, managerial or supervisory skills, computer related courses or specific occupational skills. CEWD’s qualified staff is available for consultations to assist with developing training curriculums and apprenticeship programs. Courses can be taught on campus or at the workplace. Personal enrichment courses are available throughout the area and also through the Internet.

All concerns regarding programs, licensing, certification, and training should be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
TCL - H. Mungin Center, Varnville, SC
803-943-4262
See the map at www.tcl.edu/campuses-maps
TCL - New River, Bluffton, SC
843-470-6000
See the map at www.tcl.edu/campuses-maps