Student Services

Mission

Trenholm State's Student Services provides comprehensive support for student success through various resources, aiming to create an environment where students from diverse backgrounds can achieve their educational and personal goals by assisting with admissions, financial aid, career planning, academic success, and student life to foster a positive, holistic learning experience.

Student Portal and E-mail Information

The College uses the “My Trenholm Student Portal” and Trenholm State Community College (TSCC) e-mail system as the official means of communication concerning a variety of administrative announcements such as:

• Faculty-student communications
• Staff-student communications
• Admissions and enrollment information
• Financial aid information
• Registration dates
• Grades and transcripts
• Review student accounts
• Job placement announcements
• Student activities and events

ACCUPLACER Testing

Trenholm State offers placement testing services to support students’ academic endeavors. Students not meeting the college readiness criteria must complete the ACCUPLACER Placement Test before enrolling in English or mathematics courses.  The ACCUPLACER Test is a computerized assessment of the subjects of Math and English used to ensure proper enrollment in courses. Students who are required to take the ACCUPLACER Placement Test will be contacted via email by the Student Success Center Testing Services, informing the student of their testing requirements and how to register for the test.  

The ACCUPLACER Test is free of charge to students who will take the test for the first time, but students who retest must pay a $10 fee per section and will need to complete remediation. Retesting fees must be paid in the Business Office prior to retesting. For more information on the ACCUPLACER Test, visit our website at www.trenholmstate.edu/ssc, or email testingservices@trenholmstate.edu or call (334) 420-4418.

Policy on Placement Testing

No tests are required for general admission to Trenholm State Community College but may be required for placement in college-level courses. However, students must have applied for enrollment to the Admissions Office and must present photo identification at the time of testing.

First-time college students may have ACT, SAT or GED (2014 series) scores considered for placement in college-level English and math if those scores have been earned within 5 years. If test scores are not available or not at the appropriate level, then students who have graduated high school within 5 years with a 2.75-grade point average (GPA) may have their grades in English IV (senior English) and Algebra II considered for placement in college-level English and math. Students must have the results of their ACT, SAT or GED and high school transcripts forwarded to Trenholm State to be used for placement purposes.

First-time students without proof of appropriate ACT, SAT or GED scores, those with scores below the established guidelines, or those without proof of a 2.75-grade point average or higher on their final high school transcript, must register online to take the ACCUPLACER Placement Assessment in writing and mathematics prior to meeting with an advisor to enroll in Math and English courses.

Students who transfer from a regionally accredited college without a C or better in a degree-creditable English composition and college-level algebra course and without exemptions as listed below, will be required to take one or both parts of the placement test.

All entering students who enroll in associate degree or certificate programs will be assessed at the appropriate level as indicated by the assessment results.

Click on the link https://www.trenholmstate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ACCUPLACER_Exemptions1.pdf for more details on exemptions.

Americans with Disabilities Act

The Office of Disability Services at Trenholm State Community College is a student-centered, nurturing unit serving as the central campus resource for students with disabilities who wish to request academic accommodations. In collaboration with students and instructors, our staff coordinates accommodations and support to ensure students have equal access to education, campus resources, and activities. 

Trenholm State Community College ensures compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and students seeking accommodations based on disability are required to submit documentation of their disability to the Office of Disability Services. The Office of Disability Services is responsible for determining the acceptability of documentation and reserves the right to require additional information.

Students with disabilities may be eligible for services such as extended time to complete tests, use of assistive technology, tutoring, and individualized registration assistance. The college also has an ongoing partnership with state and private rehabilitation agencies and a variety of counseling services and outreach agencies to assist students with disability support services.

For information about accommodations and assistive technologies available to students with disabilities, please contact the ADA Coordinator by email at ada@trenholmstate.edu or by phone at (334) 420-4418. Additional information regarding the policy and documents required to obtain academic accommodations is provided on the College’s Students with Disabilities website.

Guidance and Counseling

When personal challenges affect academic performance, students are encouraged to seek support from the Student Services Department. The Trenholm State Student Success Center offers counseling and guidance through on-campus resources and referrals to community partners. Staff are available by appointment in the Student Services Building (Building F) on the Trenholm Campus and at the Patterson Site. For assistance or to schedule an appointment, students can e-mail us ssc@trenholmstate.edu.

Career Planning and Job Placement

Career Services provides comprehensive support to all students and alumni in career exploration and workforce preparation. Students have access to employment opportunities—including work-study, internships, externships, co-ops, part-time, and full-time jobs—through the online job board, student notifications, and email alerts.

The office also assists with resumes, cover letters, interview preparation, mock interviews, career fairs, business dress guidance, on-campus interviews, and employability workshops.

Career Services strives to connect students with opportunities that offer both financial and educational benefits.

For assistance, contact the Career Services Office at (334) 420-4499 or careers@trenholmstate.edu.

Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs

The financial aid program at Trenholm State Community College provides an equal opportunity for students of all economic levels to attend college. Financial aid is awarded based on student eligibility, individual need, college costs and availability of funds.

The financial aid programs offered at the College include the following:

1. Federal Pell Grant Program (FPELL)
2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
3. Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)
4. Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Program (LEAP)
5. Institutional Scholarships
6. Senior Adult Waiver Program

In addition, students who qualify may apply to the Agencies listed below for financial assistance.

1. Veterans Administration Vocational Rehabilitation (Disabled Veterans)
2. Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services
3. Alabama GI Bill® Dependents’ Scholarship Program
4. Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Program (ANGEAP)
5. Veterans Benefits
6. Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA)

 The College is fully approved by the State Approving Agency to offer training to eligible veterans. Any veterans interested in receiving benefits must first complete the admission requirements to enroll at the College. Veteran benefits are not awarded until all admission requirements are met.

*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

The Financial Aid Office is OPEN DAILY Monday through Thursday - 7:30 am until 5:00 pm and Friday - 8:00 am until 1:00 pm.

For additional information, please contact the Financial Aid Office at (334) 420-4321.

Learning Resource Centers

The Library Learning Resource Center on the Trenholm Campus houses a comprehensive collection of print, digital, and archival materials. A second library is located on the Patterson Site, offering a more focused collection that supports the programs taught at that location.

Both libraries provide remote access to up-to-date information, including full-text general and subject-specific databases. A wide range of services is available to students, faculty, staff, and community users.

Information literacy instruction is available to all students and can be requested by faculty or students at any time during the semester.

For more information, contact the Learning Resource Center/Library Tower at (334) 420-4455 or the Patterson Library at (334) 420-4357 or you may visit the website at https://library.trenholmstate.edu/. 

Bookstore   

Trenholm State’s Bookstore is available online only through a partnership with eCampus.com. Students must order their textbooks via the “My Trenholm” portal. Most courses offer options to purchase new or used books, rent textbooks, or access digital eBooks. Students are responsible for any charges not covered by financial aid, including duplicate purchases.

Chapter 31 Veterans and WIOA-funded students may order books online but must submit signed book receipts to the appropriate Business Office representative. Failure to do so will result in the student being held responsible for the full cost of the books and may result in a hold on their account.  All orders are shipped directly to the student's home.

Detailed ordering instructions are available on the Trenholm State website under the Bookstore section or directly at:
eCampus Ordering Instructions

Books can be returned in accordance with eCampus.com’s Return and Refund Policies. Students are responsible for return shipping. Policy details can be found at:
Return and Refund Policies

Business Office

The Business Office will have a cashier available at the Trenholm Campus and Patterson Site per the schedule below. For assistance or to inquire about hours of operation, please call (334) 420-4272. Please Note: Hours are subject to change.

Trenholm Campus:

Monday -Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Patterson Site:

Monday -Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Enrollment Verification

Trenholm State Community College has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to act as the agent for all verifications of student enrollment and provide verification of degrees. Requestors should use www. studentclearinghouse.org for enrollment verification and degree verification. The telephone number is (703) 742-4200, Monday – Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. The fax number is (703) 742-4239. The email address is enrollmentverify@studentclearinghouse.org. The mailing address is listed below.

National Student Clearinghouse
2300 Dulles Station Blvd., Suite 300
Herndon, VA 20171

Through Enrollment Verify, the National Student Clearinghouse will process enrollment verifications, on your behalf, for the following types of companies:

• Credit Issuers: verification for students who have applied for student cards.
• Travel Companies: verification for students who have applied for discounted student travel.
• Housing Providers: verification for students who have applied to rent property.
• Scholarship Providers: verification for students who have been awarded scholarships.
• Consumer Product Companies: verification for students who have applied for student discounts when purchasing computers, books, etc.
• Requests by Student and Parents: many companies, including health insurers, ask student directly to provide proof of current enrollment. Students and parents can use the National Student Clearinghouse Enrollment Verify website to download or print certifications.

Transcript Policy

The transcript policy of the College includes the following information provided below.

In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the College does not release transcripts of a student’s work except upon the student’s written request. Official transcripts are sent to institutions, companies, agencies, etc., after the student’s written release is received by the Office of Student Records. 

Transcripts will not be faxed to an individual or a receiving institution. Official transcripts will be accepted when delivered “by hand” in an unbroken sealed envelope. Upon receipt, the transcript must be official and in a sealed envelope. The College can deny hand-delivered transcripts if foul play is detected. Transcripts are available to former and current students.

Trenholm State Community College has partnered with Parchment to accept online transcript orders. Students and alumni can order their official transcripts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The request includes the name, dates of attendance, social security number, fee (if any), and the address to which the transcript is to be sent. Students with name changes should include ALL former names.

Transcripts can be sent electronically or mailed in hard copy, depending on the receiving institution or destination. Requests for transcripts of work where the student previously attended must be directed to those institutions.

Students will be charged a $5.00 fee for each transcript requested, which can be paid online using credit or debit cards such as a Visa, MasterCard Discover, and American Express. More information can be found on the transcript ordering page https://www.trenholmstate.edu/request-transcript/.

Withdrawal Procedures

Withdrawal Policy

A grade of "W" is assigned to a student who officially withdraws from the College. Students may withdraw from their classes prior to the last two weeks of the semester. The date a student may withdraw from a course is included in the Academic Calendar for each term and is listed as the "Last Day to Withdraw." It is the student's responsibility to become familiar with the Academic Calendar to know the exact date to withdraw.

A student who officially withdraws from the College will receive a grade of "W." A grade of "W" earns zero quality points. If a student never attended or the class is canceled, the class will be deleted, and no grade will be assigned. However, a grade of "F" will be assigned to students who fail to satisfactorily complete the requirements of a course or who voluntarily discontinue class attendance and fail to follow the College's official withdrawal procedure.

Students considering withdrawing from classes after receiving Title IV Aid should contact the financial aid department before withdrawing in order to discuss their withdrawal options. Additionally, financial aid recipients who completely withdraw from all classes before 60% of the semester has passed are subject to repaying a portion of any grant funds received.

** Official Withdrawal is defined as a student who completes the official withdrawal form located on the Student Forms page of the Trenholm State website at https://www.trenholmstate.edu/current-students/student-forms/.

Withdrawal Process

Students withdrawing from a course after registration ends must withdraw from a course by the published last date to withdraw from classes as noted on the College calendar. A grade of “W” will be assigned for withdrawals submitted before the published deadline.

Students withdrawing from the College must complete a withdrawal form to drop all courses for which they are registered. A grade of “W” will be assigned for withdrawals submitted before the published deadline.

Withdrawal Prior to the Start of Classes

A student who withdraws from classes prior to the first day of class will be refunded the total tuition and other institutional charges. The first-class day is not the first day of the student’s class; it is the first day of the semester.

Official Withdrawal – Total Withdrawal

Students who wish to totally withdraw from the College must complete the official withdrawal form located on the Student Forms page of the Trenholm State website (https://www.trenholmstate.edu/current-students/student-forms/). Students who submit the form prior to the first day of classes for the semester/term will be refunded the total amount of tuition and other refundable fees. The “first day of class” is the first day classes are offered within any term configuration, including, but not limited to, full terms, split terms, mini-terms, and weekend terms. Students who submit the form on or after the first day of classes, but prior to the end of the third week of classes will be refunded according to the withdrawal date, as follows:

Total Withdrawal before the official first day of class
100% refund
Total Withdrawal during the first week
75% refund
Total Withdrawal during the second week
50% refund
Total Withdrawal during the third week
25% refund
Total Withdrawal after the end of the third week
NO REFUND

An administrative fee not to exceed 5% of tuition and other refundable institutional charges shall be assessed for each withdrawal within the period beginning the first day of class and ending at the end of the third week of class. The first official day of classes is indicated on the College calendar as the day classes begin. There is only one first day of class. This day may not be the first day on which all individual courses begin. The calendar also indicates the last day to drop/add. For calculating refunds during the fall and spring sixteen-week terms, a “week” is defined as seven calendar days, i.e., the first day of class running seven calendar days (inclusive of Saturday and Sunday). Refunds of shorter than sixteen weeks, such as summer semesters and mini terms, will reflect a prorated week based on the number of days in the term.

Example:

Classes begin June 14; the student withdraws on June 17.
Fourth day = 75% Refund Due.

Once the withdrawal has been processed, the student will not be allowed to register again during the term of withdrawal. The withdrawn grade of “W” will be assigned for classes in which students officially withdraw from the end of the drop/add period to the withdrawal deadline. A grade of “W” means officially withdrawal from a course or from the College within a period designated by Trenholm State. Credit hours will not be calculated into the grade-point average. If a student stops attending or participating in class assignments without officially withdrawing from the class or the College, a failing grade of “F” will be assigned.