2025-2027-Student-Catalog-and-Handbook
Academic Calendars for 2025-2026
Calendar Dates for Fall 2025 Regular Term (August 12 – December 16) Instructional Days: August 18 – December 12 87 Duty Days, 78 Instructional Days, 9 Holidays (Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Days, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and 3 Local Holidays) Professional Development Day 1 Faculty Duty Day August 12, 2025 Registration - Faculty Duty Days August 13 , 2025 Registration - Faculty Duty Day August 14, 2025 Faculty Duty Day August 15, 2025 Classes Begin (First Day for Students) August 18, 2025 Drop-Add Period August 18-22, 2025 Saturday Classes Begin August 23, 2025 Labor Day (State Holiday) September 1, 2025 Strategic Planning (Departmental) October 13, 2025 Return to Title IV (60% Rule) October 24, 2025 Fall General Faculty and Staff Meeting (Birmingham Campus) November 6, 2025 Veterans Day (State Holiday) November 11, 2025 State Professional Development Days November 24-26, 2025 Thanksgiving (State Holidays) November 27-28, 2025 Last Day to Withdraw Without Penalty December 5, 2025 Final Exams December 8-12, 2025 Final Grades (Graduating Students Only) due by Noon December 9, 2025 Last Day for Students December 12, 2025 Graduation/Fall Commencement Exercises/Make-up Exam Day December 12, 2025 Final Grades Due by Noon December 16, 2025 Faculty Duty Days December 17, 2025 Christmas Holidays (Students) December 15-17, 2025 Christmas (Faculty) December 15, 2025-January 2, 2026 Christmas (Staff/Non-instructional Personnel) December 22-26, 2025 Duty Days for Non-instructional personnel December 29-31, 2025 New Year Holiday January 1, 2026
Fall 2025 Mini-Term 1 (August 18-October 10)
Classes Begin (First Day for Students)
August 18, 2025
Drop-Add Period
August 18-19, 2025 September 19, 2025 October 4, 2025 October 10, 2025 October 10, 2025 October 13, 2025
Return of Title IV (60% Rule)
Last Day to Withdraw Without Penalty
Final Exam Day for Mini-I Classes
Last Day for Students Final Grades Due by Noon
Fall 2025 Mini-Term 2 (October 13-December 12)
Classes Begin (First Day for Students)
October 13 2025
Drop-Add Period
October 13-14 2025 November 15, 2025 December 6, 2025 December 11, 2025 December 12, 2025 December 11, 2025 December 16, 2025
Return of Title IV (60% Rule)
Last Day to Withdraw Without Penalty
Final Exams for Mini 1
Last Day for Students/Make-up Exam Day After Graduation
Final Grades (Graduating Students Only) by Noon
Final Grades Due by Noon
Calendar Dates for Spring 2026 Regular Term (January 5 – May 13) Instructional Days: January 12 -May 7 88 Duty Days, 78 Instructional Days, 4 Holidays (New Year’s, Dr. Martin Luther King Observance, 2 Local Spring Break Days) New Year’s Holiday January 1, 2026 Non-instructional Personnel Return to Work January 2, 2026 Professional Development Day 1 Faculty Duty Day January 5, 2026 Last Days for Registration for Spring 2026 Faculty Duty Days January 6-7, 2026 Faculty Duty Days January 8-9, 2026 Classes Begin (First Day) January 12, 2026 Drop-Add Period January 12-16, 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King (State Holiday) January 19, 2026
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Academic Calendars for 2025-2026
Strategic Planning TAP 2 (Continued, Departmental/Unit) Spring General Faculty and Staff meeting (Bessemer Campus)
February 12, 2026 March 10, 2026 March 19, 2026 March 23-27, 2026 March 26-27, 2026
Return of Title IV (60% Rule)
Spring Break (Students and Faculty)
Spring Break (Staff/Non-instructional Personnel)
Honors and Awards Recognition Ceremony Last Day to Withdraw Without Penalty
April 9, 2026 April 30, 2026 May 1-7, 2026 May 7, 2026 May 4, 2026 May 8, 2026
Final Exams
Last Day-Students
Final Grades (Graduating Students Only) by Noon Graduation/Spring Commencement Exercises
Faculty Duty Days
May 8, 11-13, 2026
Final Grades Due by Noon (Faculty Duty Day)
May 12, 2026 May 13, 2026
Last Day for Faculty
Spring 2026 Mini-Term 1 (January 12 – March 6)
Classes Begin (First Day for Students)
January 12, 2026
Drop-Add Period
January 12-13, 2026 February 13, 2026 February 27, 2026
Return of Title IV (60% Rule)
Last Day to Withdraw Without Penalty
Final Exam
March 6, 2026 March 6, 2026 March 9, 2026
Last Day for Students
Final Grades Due
Spring 2026 Mini-Term 2 (March 9 – May 12)
Classes Begin (First Day for Students)
March 9, 2026
Drop-Add Period
March 9-10, 2026
Return of Title IV (60% Rule)
April 16, 2025 April 29, 2026 May 7, 2026 May 7, 2026 May 4, 2026 May 12, 2026
Last Day to Withdraw Without Penalty
Final Exam
Last Day for Students
Final Grades (Graduating Students Only) by Noon
Final Grades Due
Spring Interim Term One Week (Note: Not Eligible for Financial Aid)
Interim Classes ( One Week of Classes Daily – 45 Contact Hours)
May 11-15, 2026
Final Exam Day
May 16, 2026
Final Grades Due by Noon
May 18, 2026 Calendar Dates for Summer 2026 Regular Term (May 18 – August 4) Instructional Days: May 20-July 31 54 Duty Days, 50 Instructional Days, 3 Holidays (Memorial Day, Juneteenth Holiday, Independence Day)
Last Day for Registration for Summer 2026 Faculty Duty Day
May 18, 2026 May 19, 2026 May 20, 2026
Faculty Duty Day
Classes Begin (First Day for Students)
Drop-Add Period Memorial Day Juneteenth Holiday
May 20-22, 2026
May 25, 2026 June 19, 2026 June 30, 2026
Return of Title IV (60% Rule)
Independence Day Holiday Observance
July 3, 2026
Planning Hearings
July 20-24, 2026
Last Day to Withdraw Without Penalty
July 23, 2026
Final Exam
July 29-31, 2026
Last Day for Students
July 31, 2026
Faculty Duty Days
August 3-4, 2026 August 4, 2026
Final Grades Due by Noon
Summer 2026 Mini-Term 1(May 20-June 25, 2026)
Classes Begin (First Day for Students)
May 20, 2026
Drop-Add Period
May 20-21, 2026
Memorial Day
May 25, 2026
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Academic Calendars for 2025-2026
Return of Title IV (60% Rule)
June 10, 2026 June 19, 2026 June 18, 2026 June 25, 2026 June 25, 2026 June 29, 2026
Juneteenth Holiday
Last Day to Withdraw Without Penalty
Final Exam
Last Day for Students Final Grade Due by Noon
Summer 2026 Mini-Term 2 (June 26-July 31, 2026)
Classes Begin (First Day for Students)
June 26, 2026
Drop-Add Period
June 26-27, 2026
Independence Day Observance Return of Title IV (60% Rule)
July 3, 2026 July 17, 2026 July 24, 2026 July 31, 2026 July 31, 2026
Last Day to withdraw without Penalty
Final Exam
Last Day for Students
Faculty Duty Days
August 3-4, 2026 August 4, 2026
Final Grades Due by Noon
Holidays
September 1, 2025 Labor Day
November 11, 2025 Veterans Day
November 27-28, 2025 Thanksgiving Observance
December 22-23, 2025 Local Holiday Break (1 st and 2nd of Five Local Holidays)
December 24, 2025 Christmas Eve Break
December 25, 2025 Christmas Day
December 26, 2025 Local Holiday Break (3 rd of Five Local Holidays)
January 1, 2026 New Year’s Day
January 19, 2026 Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday
March 23-27 Spring Break for Students and Faculty
March 26-27 Spring Break for Staff (4 th and 5 th of Five Local Holidays)
May 25, 2026 Memorial Day
June 19, 2026 Juneteenth Observance
July 3, 2026 Independence Day Observance
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Governance & Leadership
The Lawson State Community College Foundation Board of Directors
AGENDA
Mr. Robert Holmes, President Mrs. Julie Bell, Vice President Mr. Walter Turner, Secretary Mr. Lawrence Cooper, Treasurer Mr. Hycall Brooks Ms. Staci Brown Brooks Mrs. Charlsie D. Cook Dr. Lamanda Thomas Dansby
Mr. Tim A. Lewis Ms. Belinda Lyons Mr. Josh Petty Ms. Cynthia Parris Smith Mrs. Kerri Pruitt Mr. Gordon Stewart Mr. Walter Turner Mr. Lovell Vickers Rev. Charles Winston
Dr. Tom Ellison Ms. Connie Fuell Mr. Joe Hampton Mr. Robert Joiner
Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony, Ex-Officio Dr. Geri Albright, Executive Director
ACCS Trustees
Goodrich ‘Dus’ Rogers, Chair Ron Houston Llevelyn Rhon Tim McCartney Dr. Yvette Richardson
Governor Kay Ivey, President J.E.B. Shell John Mitchell Valerie Gray, Vice-Chair Britton Lightsey
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T ABLE OF CONTENTS
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Table of Contents
Student Services Handbook ………………………………………………………………… ....14 Division of Student Services ........................................................................................................ 15 Admissions & Enrollment Management ...................................................................................... 19 Student Records ........................................................................................................................... 27 Counseling Services, Career Services, TRIO................................................................................39 Student Life, Activities & Organizations......................................................................................44 General Student Policies …………………………………………………………………… .. … 54 Chain of Command and General Policies ……………………………………………………… ..55 Code of Conduct ………………………………………………………… .. ………………… .. … 58 Title IX: Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures ................................................................... 59 Financial Aid Information ........................................................................................................... 68 Veterans Affairs Benefits & Information .................................................................................... 75 Tuition and Fee Chart .................................................................................................................. 78 Student Handbook: Complaints, Grievance, Grade Appeals .......................................................79 Student Complaints, Grievance and Grade Appeal Procedures .................................................. 80 Complaint Process ....................................................................................................................... 85 Grade Disputes, Appeals and Challenges..................................................................................... 99 Code of Conduct ........................................................................................................................ 113 Types of Student Violations and Sanctions ............................................................................... 119 Due Process Rights for Students ................................................................................................ 131 Instructional Programs (Overview) ........................................................................................ 139 Instructional Services and Degree Offerings............................................................................... 140 General Education Programs ...................................................................................................... 141 Instructional Service Awards (Degree Listing) .......................................................................... 145 Business and Informational Technologies (Degree Plans).................................................. 14 -164 Career Technical Programs (Degree Plans) .........................................................................165-195 College Transfer — General Studies & Liberal Arts, eCollege (Overview) ....................... 196 -207 Distance Education and Distance Education Fees ......................................................................198 General Studies Degree Plans (Areas of Concentration) .................................................... 207-27 Health Professions…................................................................................. .......................... 27 -28 Directory: Administration & Faculty Listing. .................................................................... 28 -29 Course Descriptions…....................................................................................... ................. 29 -34 Maps & Directions… .......................................................................................................... 34 -34 Academic Calendar, Governance & Leadership.....................................................................i-iv Student Catalog and Handbook ................................................................................................. 4 Non-Discrimination Policy ............................................................................................................ 5 Accreditation…................................................................................................................................7 About Lawson State ....................................................................................................................... 9 a. Mission, Vision Statement ......................................................................................................... 9 b. College-wide Goals and Strategies ....................................................................................... 9-10 Lawson’s History and College Locations ............................................................................... 11-13
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2025-2027
S TUDENT C ATALOG & H ANDBOOK
The provisions of this document/publication are not to be regarded as an irrevocable contract between the student and the institution. The institution reserves the right to change any provisions or requirements at any t ime within a students’ term of attendance. All policies and degree program requirements contained in the catalog/student handbook are subject to change without prior notice. The College likewise assumes no responsibility f or misinterpretation by a student of policies and procedures presented in this catalog/student handbook or t he official documents. Any questions concerning the information contained in this catalog/student handbook should be referred to the Academic Dean or the Dean of Students.
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N ON -D ISCRIMINATION P OLICY It is the policy of the Alabama Community College System, its Board of Trustees, and Lawson State Community College (the “College”), a postsecondary institution under its control, that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, sex, religion, creed, national origin, or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or employment. The College does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment. Lawson State Community College also prohibits discrimination due to ethnic origin, marital status, parental status, economic status, genetic information, citizenship, veteran status, or disability, reasonable accommodations, or any other protected class as defined by federal and state law. The college has zero tolerance for harassment, retaliation, violence, physical bullying, cyberbullying, and hazing. In addition to admissions and employment, this nondiscrimination policy covers training, organizational affiliation, student housing, and advisory boards in all college programs and activities. This policy is enforced by Federal law under Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended in 2008. Inquiries can be made to the Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator, to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or both. The College’s Title IX Coordinator/Section 504 Coordinator is the Dean of Students, 3060 Wilson Road SW, Birmingham, Alabama 35221, Academic Success Building, 2nd Floor, cvance@lawsonstate.edu and 205-929-6361. The Deputy Title IX Coordinator is the Director of Human Resources, 3060 Wilson Road SW, Birmingham, Alabama 35221, the Dr. Perry W. Ward Alabama Center for Advanced Technology & Training Building, on the 3rd floor, ebell@lawsonstate.edu and 205-929- 6313. The notice of nondiscrimination is located on the College’s website on the Human Resource page.
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A CCREDITATIONS
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LAWSON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
S TUDENT C ATALOG AND H ANDBOOK 2025-2027
Bessemer Campus Address Lawson State Community College 1100 Ninth Avenue SW Bessemer, AL 35022 205.925.2515
Birmingham Campus Address Lawson State Community College
3060 Wilson Road, SW Birmingham, AL 35221 205.925.2515
ACCREDITATIONS
T. A. Lawson State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the Associate degree. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of T. A. Lawson State Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur Georgia 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500), or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
OTHER ACCREDITITNG AGENCIES
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
HVAC Excellence
Autobody Repair
ASE Education Foundation ASE Education Foundation
Automotive Service Program
Automotive Technician Program
ASE Education Foundation
Business and Information Technologies Program
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) American Dental Associations (ADA) through the Council on Dental Accreditation (CODA) Approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN) and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Dental Assisting Program
Nursing Programs
Medium and Heavy Truck Technician
ASE Education Foundation
Welding Program
American Welding Society (AWS)
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A BOUT L AWSON S TATE
Mission, Vision Statement, Goals, History & Locations
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INSTITUTIONAL GOALS AND STRATEGIES FOR 2022-2027 Goal 1.0: Develop a student-centered instructional program that is focused on heightened engagement and innovative technologies, using varied modes of delivery. Strategie s: 1. Student-centered teaching and learning environment. 2. Robust and engaging academic support services. 3. Relevant and meaningful faculty development resources and professional development access. 4. Focused and intentional student engagement activities within online, hybrid, virtual and ground classrooms. 5. Use of innovative technologies within all modes of course delivery structures. 6. Offering of varied modes of course delivery. Goal 2.0: Develop and implement a student- centered comprehensive and strategic approach to student success, enrollment, engagement, persistence, and completion. Strategies: 1. Recruitment/Enrollment: Implementation of a strategic recruitment and admissions process. 2. Retention: Institutional rates, as measured by IPEDS, comparable to or above other system colleges; first to second-semester retention rates; and implementation of a strategic retention and persistence plan. 3. Student Satisfaction: Student Support Services, SPACE Center, Freshman Academy, and Advising. 4. Course Preparation: Success in Developmental Courses; Pass Rates. 5. Student Success Outcomes: Transfer, Graduation, Job Placement Rates and Credential Achievement.
MISSION STATEMENT
With a focus on student success, Lawson State Community College provides affordable and quality educational opportunities, promotes economic growth, and enhances the quality of life in the communities it serves. Through innovative instruction and lifelong learning opportunities, the College prepares students for college transfer, employment, and career advancement.
Adopted by the Alabama Community College System and the Board of Trustee in March,2025.
VISION STATEMENT 2022-2027 Cultivating success through excellence and innovation. Adopted by the Administrative Cabinet on June 29, 2022
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Strategies: 1. Community events that reflect various cultures. 2. One Stop Community Center. 3. Community partnerships. 4. Community service activities. Goal 7.0: Engage and build community partnerships while promoting college initiatives, programs and services. Strategies: 1. Alternative funding resources. 2. Customer satisfaction survey. 3. Provide innovative and relevant training opportunities. 4. Partnership development and engagement.
6. Student Engagement: Quality Student Activities, Online Support. 7. Student Perception: College Environment. 8. World-Class Customer Service: college-wide training of faculty and Staff Goal 3.0: Optimize the use of innovative technologies to enhance processes, implement training, and refine services collegewide. Strategies: 1. Comprehensive academic and administrative computing services. 2. Procurement and utilization of state-of-the- art technologies. 3. Professional development and technical support. 4. Faculty and staff resources reflective of current and emerging trends. Goal 4.0: Ensure that the institution has a sound financial base and demonstrates financial stability. Strategies: 1. Positive fund balance. 2. External reviews by accrediting bodies. 3. Resource allocations for planned growth and change. 4. Compliance reviews and ethics training. Goal 5.0: Provide optimal facilities that are safe and support educational programs and administrative services. Strategies: 1. Student and personnel satisfaction with college facility. 2. Clean, safe, secure learning and living environments. 3. Current facility master plan kept up-to-date. 4. Up-to-date emergency operational plans and procedures. 5. Communicate and execute safety operational plans and procedures.
5. Advisory Boards. 6. Alumni outreach.
Goal 6.0: Align, create and provide economic and workforce development opportunities based on business and industry needs and emerging trends.
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Lawson State Community College--A Celebrated History
Lawson State Community College, located in the southwestern section of Birmingham, is composed of two main divisions--an academic division and a career/technical division. The career/technical division was first established as a result of the Wallace- Patterson Trade School Act of 1947. This Act established Wenonah Vocational and Trade School on August 24, 1949. The school opened with eleven instructors and seventy-five students enrolled in ten courses and one related subject. The first president of the school was Dr. Theodore A. Lawson. The initial funding received by the technical division was $75,000. The academic division began as Wenonah State Junior College, which was founded under Act No. 93 of the May 3, 1963 Legislature. The College was created in 1965 and was named after its first president in 1969. In 1967, Wenonah State Junior College held its first commencement exercise with 33 graduates. In 1968, another milestone was accomplished when the college received its accreditation by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In 1969, there were 300 students enrolled at Lawson State Junior College. On October 1, 1973, Wenonah State Technical Institute and Wenonah State Junior College merged and became one institution known as Lawson State Community College.
Theodore A. Lawson, 1949-1971; Dr. Leon Kennedy, 1971-1978; Dr. Jesse J. Lewis, 1978-1987; Dr. Perry W. Ward, 1987 – 2020; and effective March 15, 2021, Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony became the newly appointed president of Lawson State Community College. She is now the fifth president and the first female to lead the College. Dr. Anthony served as Interim President at Lawson State from September 1, 2020, until the time of her permanent appointment. Merger: Bessemer State Technical College was created under legislative Act No. 93 of the 1963 Alabama legislature. The City of Bessemer purchased 34 acres for the college site. Bessemer State accepted its first students on April 4, 1966, with six programs of study, 47 daytime students and 30 night students. The college was initially known as the State Vocational-Technical School but the first official name was the John R. Pelham Technical Trade School. The name was changed later to Bessemer State Trade School. On August 16, 1966, the name was again changed by legislative act to Bessemer State Technical Institute; the college status and name were achieved in 1973. Five presidents served Bessemer State Technical College: Otto B. Smith, 1964-1967; S. C. Porch, 1967-1971; Euel Snider, 1971-1972; Charles L. Payne, 1972-1984; and Mike Bailey, 1984-2004.
As of July 1, 2005, Bessemer State Technical College merged with Lawson
Presidents: With its long-standing history, there has been a short list of presidents, Dr.
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State Community College. Under the merged college, Lawson State has seen its most celebrated years. In 2011, Lawson State was featured as a Top 50 Community College, making history in the state. And, in 2013, it moved from 33 out of 50 on the list (of top colleges) to #5. Lawson State has also been recognized by the White House (and celebrated by the Obama Administration) as a Champion of Change in 2011. In 2015, Lawson State received the epitome of recognition when it was selected to host a visit by President Barack Obama. The event (which took place in March of 2015) was captured below. In 2019, Lawson State opened its newest building--the Academic Success Center which is now the largest building on campus and houses the college's new cafeteria, bookstore and key administrative offices to include Financial Aid, Student Records, Admissions, Business (satellite) Offices and more. During that same year, Lawson State achieved another key success; it achieved reaffirmation by its accrediting agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools without any recommendations. Over the last decade, Lawson State's Nursing Programs have been ranked as high as #1 and #2 in the state. During the 2022-2023 school year, Lawson State is underwent many renovation projects on both campuses. All renovations were designed to enhance the learning environments for all students.
C OLLEGE L OCATIONS Continued
Building C is located south of Building B and houses some Automotive Service Technician programs. Building D is located on the southern most area of the main campus and houses Diesel Mechanics. Building J is an extension and houses Automotive mechanics The Jess Lanier Building is located adjacent to the Ethel H. Hall Automotive Technology Center and provides facilities for specialized automotive programs and Ready-to-Work and truck driving simulations. The Millsap Industrial Training Center houses Machine Tool Technology classrooms and labs, Building "A" is located at the main entrance to the campus and provides facilities for administrative offices, Student Services, Financial Aid Services, Admissions, Testing, ADA Services and the Cafeteria. Instructional programs in this building are Licensed Practical Nursing, Dental Assisting, Computer Science, Industrial Electronics, Office Administration, Accounting, and General Education courses. The Library/Learning Resource Center, and Student Support Services programs are also located in this building as well as offices to support all services listed. Building B is adjacent to Building A. Programs occupying the building are Design Engineering Technology, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Welding, Graphic Arts Communication, and Automotive technician programs. The North Campus is composed of a cluster of buildings housing Building Construction, Plant Operations and Security. The Birmingham Campus is located at 3060 Wilson Road, SW (the southwest section of Birmingham,) Alabama. The campus is readily accessible to students via Interstate 1-59/20 W, I-65S and U.S. Highway 11 South. The Ethel H. Hall building houses Mechatronics, Robotics, and Manufacturing Programs. It also apprenticeship and multi-craft training for and industry as well as Adult Education Programs. business houses the President Office, Dean of Career Technical Programs, and Associate Dean for Career Technical Education and Workforce Development..
A BOUT T HE C OLLEGE L OCATIONS
Lawson State Community College, has two campuses — one in the city of Birmingham and the other in the city of Bessemer. Lawson State serves students from the entire area of Jefferson County and surrounding counties. The Bessemer Campus is located at 1100 Ninth Avenue SW, Bessemer, Alabama 35022 and occupies approximately 50 acres of rolling, wooded property in southwestern Jefferson County. The south campus is composed of 34 acres and is connected with the north campus by a drive paralleling the interstate system.
Building G houses Facilities, Building Construction Programs, and the Line Worker Program.
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Arthur Shores Fine Arts (Gym ) is comprised of the Department of Physical Education, and the music, art and athletic programs. It houses the athletic complex, including a weight room and pool. Academic (Building B ) is comprised of the Department of Arts & Humanities, Department of Social Sciences, Department of Languages and Literature, Department of Natural Sciences, and the STEM lab. Science (Building C ) is comprised of the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and a number of biology and physics labs. Library (Building D) is comprised of the Learning Resource Center which contains the College’s main library, Thelma Catlin Auditorium, special collections, and the Ebony computer lab. The Department of Developmental Education is also housed in this area as well as the Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning (CTEL) and Academic Affairs. *(Building A) is currently being renovated (with an expected completion date of 2027-2028. This renovated space will house the new Health Professions expansion to include: Nursing, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Radiology Technology, EMS and more. The Academic Success Center is comprised of the Office of Student Services, SPACE Center (Student Success Lab); Testing Center, Financial Aid Services, Cashier, Records Office, Admissions Office, Learning Support Labs, ADA Services, Study Quads, Vice President for Students Services Office, Associate and/or Assistant Dean of Students Office, Student Activities Director’s Office, Advising Center, Counselors, Bookstore, Safety and Security, Cafeteria, Campus Police, Cafeteria, and the Recreation Room The Birmingham-West Campus , located on the northern side of Wilson Road, consists of seven buildings on 45 acres of land. The buildings are: Lawson State serves students from the entire area of Jefferson and surrounding counties. Lawson State, along with Wenonah High School, help to form an educational complex that offers opportunities for high-level educational achievement.
The Birmingham - East Campus , which is located on the southern side of Wilson Road, consists of eight buildings on 43 acres of land. The buildings are: W. Fred Horn High Technology Building is comprised of Automotive Body Repair and Restoration. and the Media Production program. Alabama Center for Advanced Technology and Training (ACATT)--Perry W. Ward Building is comprised of the President's Office, Vice President's Office, Business Affairs, Human Resources, the Business and Information Technologies Department, the Small Business Center, Computer Labs, Executive Meeting Hall. Copy Center and Mail Room, and Teleconferencing Room.
Clients, LITCA Program and Adult Education. One-Stop Career Center is comprised of WIAOA
A.G. Gaston Administration Building is comprised of programs within the Department of Career/Technical including: Cosmetology, Barbering, Culinary Arts, and two Health Professions areas: *Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Radiology Technology (which will move to Building A (West Campus) after renovations are completed. Ethel Hall Health Professions Building is comprised of the Department of Health Professions to include Nursing and Nursing Assistant and Emergency Medical Services. Shop Buildings #1 and #2 are original buildings which contain various programs and services such as the Department of Facilities and Physical Plant, Department of Transportation Services.
George Howard Building is comprised of the plumbing program and classroom space.
Web Campus is comprised of Lawson State’s eCollege program courses. Students take classes via distance education means. The Web Campus supports the online Business program and all subsequent General Education courses that fall under that program.
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STUDENT SERVICES
(STUDENT HANDBOOK)
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S TUDENT S ERVICES
• To provide orientation, counseling and academic support services that promotes student success. • To support academic advising for all students. • To coordinate student retention measures. • To provide a dynamic student life experience enhanced by social, cultural, service and athletic activities.
Division of Student Services
Lawson State Community College Two Campuses - One College 3060 Wilson Road, SW Birmingham, Alabama 35221
O RIENTATION – ORI 101
1100 Ninth Avenue SW Bessemer, A labama 35022
All full-time and part-time award seeking students are required to enroll in ORI 101 (Freshman Academy) during their first semester at Lawson State. Transfer students with fewer than 12 semester hours of transfer credit are required to enroll in ORI 101 during their first semester at Lawson State Community College. Transfer students with 12 semester hours or more of transfer credit are required to enroll in ORI101-T which is an abridged version of ORI101. The Freshman Academy is designed to provide information that will aid a new student in his/her transition to college and stimulate an excitement for learning. Through this freshman encounter, students are engaged, equipped and empowered to excel in their college studies and are introduced college policies, procedures, requirements, and services as well as knowledge of the physical environment of the campus and the college community at large. Focus provided through the Freshman Academy includes critical thinking, improvement of technology skills, social skills, leadership skills, oral and written communication skills, commitment to studies overall and more. Individualized counseling, monitoring of students’ progress to ensure early identification of those having problems, individualized assistance with academic and personal adjustment issues, and group activities to address study/test-taking strategies and to provide appropriate intervention are also emphasized in the course. Students are encouraged to make wise use of all services made available in the Office of Student Services. Every student enrolled is assigned a faculty advisor. Students are encouraged to discuss their plans, problems, and needs with their faculty advisors or other members of the counseling staff. Expressive Activities by the Campus Community In accordance with Act 2019-396 of the Alabama Legislature and the ACCS Board of Trustees’ Policy 224.01: Expressive Activities by the Campus Community, effective December 9, 2020, Lawson State Community College implementation of the policy on Expressive Activities by the Campus Community is as follows:
Dr. Cyrus Vance, Dean of Students Phone: 205-929-6361 Mrs. Lori Chisem, Assistant Dean of Students Phone: 205-929-3409
G ENERAL I NFORMATION
The Student Services Division is committed to helping each student at Lawson State Community College achieve his/her goals. The division assists students with admissions, advisement, counseling services, registration, orientation, academic support services, disability services, student activities, and career planning. Professionally trained staff are available to assist the individual student in evaluating his or her potential for success as he or she selects a program of study.
M ISSION AND G OALS
The mission of Student Services is to provide assistance to prospective and enrolled students, former students and graduates in the area which relate to student growth and development. The division supports the instruction of students through a variety of programs, services, and activities.
Student Services long range goals are:
• To aid students in developing their full potential. • To help students develop decision – making abilities which will aid them in their personal and academic planning. • To help students achieve an understanding and acceptance of themselves. • To provide financial services and options to students.
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Purpose A.
Expressive activities are defined as those activities protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article 1, Section 4 of the Alabama Constitution of 1901, including any lawful verbal, written or electronic communication of ideas; lawful forms of peaceful assembly, protests, and speeches; distributing literature; carrying signs; and circulating petitions. Outdoor areas where expressive activities are not allowed include: areas of restricted access as identified by the College, which may include but are not limited to areas adjacent to classrooms or places of residence; athletic facilities; areas being used as outdoor classrooms or educational training; or areas where access is restricted due to operational or safety protocols, as well as energy or maintenance control areas. C. D. Except for Section II.H. below, this policy does not apply to expressive activities that take place in indoor areas of College property including, but not limited to, classrooms or classroom buildings; interior hallways and breezeways; administrative buildings or offices; auditoriums; performing arts venues; events centers; and recreational facilities. Expressive activities in these areas are governed by College policies related to academic freedom, facilities use, and other applicable policies and protocols. Members of the Campus Community who engage in expressive activities in permitted outdoor areas may do so freely, spontaneously, and contemporaneously as long as the conduct is lawful, in accordance with laws applicable to conduct and activities on Lawson State Community College property, and does not materially and substantially disrupt the functioning of the College or infringe upon the rights of others to engage in expressive activities. E. F. Conduct that may materially and substantially disrupt the functioning of Lawson State Community College or infringe upon the rights of others to engage in expressive activities may include:
A primary function of Lawson State Community College is the discovery, improvement, transmission, and dissemination of knowledge by means of research, teaching, discussion, and debate, and that to fulfill that function, Lawson State Community College will strive to ensure the fullest degree possible of intellectual freedom and free expression. It is not the proper role of Lawson State Community College to shield individuals from speech protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, including without limitation, ideas and opinions they find unwelcome, disagreeable, or offensive. B. C. Students, administrators, faculty, and staff are free to take positions on public controversies and to engage in protected expressive activity in outdoor areas of the campus, and to spontaneously and contemporaneously assemble, speak, and distribute literature. Lawson State Community College supports free association and will not deny a student organization any benefit or privilege available to any other organization based on the expression of the organization, including any requirement of the organization that the leaders or members of the organization affirm and adhere to an organization's sincerely held beliefs or statement of principles, comply with the organization's standard of conduct, or further the organization's mission or purpose, as defined by the student organization. D. E. Lawson State Community College will strive to remain neutral, as an institution, on the public policy controversies of the day, except for administrative decisions that are essential to the day-to-day functioning of the institution, and Lawson State Community College will not require students, faculty, or staff to publicly express a given view of a public controversy. Lawson State Community College prohibits all forms of harassment as defined in Act 2019-396, which includes expression so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies access to an educational opportunity or benefit provided by the College. F. II.Speech and Expression in Outdoor Areas, Invited Speakers, and Security. A. For purposes of this policy, the “Campus Community” includes Lawson State Community College’s students, administrators, faculty, and staff as well as the invited guests of the College and the College’s recognized student organizations (including organizations seeking recognition), administrators, faculty and staff. B. Members of the Campus Community shall be permitted to engage in expressive activities in outdoor areas of Lawson State Community College’s campus which enjoy general access during regular hours of College operation, subject to the limitations described below.
1. Obstruction of vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian, or other traffic;
2. Obstruction of entrances or exits to buildings or driveways or impeding entry or exit from any building or parking lot or vehicular path;
3. Violations of a state, federal or local law, regulation, or ordinance;
4. Threats to passersby or the use of fighting words, which are words that by their mere utterance inflict violence or would tend to incite a reasonable person to violence or other breach of the peace;
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5. Following, badgering, or forcibly detaining individuals;
expected to provide sufficient notice to the Chief of Police at least one week, but no less than 48 hours in advance of the event. Such arrangements enable Lawson State Community College to ensure the event takes place in a safe and constructive manner. J. Individuals and groups who engage in expressive activity in outdoor areas on Lawson State Community College property are subject to College policies relating to the use and operation of campus facilities, including without limitation policies relating to firearms and weapons, alcohol, smoking, and trespass. The College prohibits the possession or use of clubs, bats, weapons, open flames, or other dangerous materials on campus property during these events. K. Lawson State Community College shall not permit members of the Campus Community to engage in conduct that materially and substantially disrupts protected expressive activity or infringes on the right to engage in expressive activity. Any act of reprisal, interference, coercion, or restraint, by a student or employee, of protected expressive activity, violates this policy and will result in appropriate disciplinary action. Disciplinary sanctions for members of the Campus Community under the jurisdiction of Lawson State Community College who violate this subsection shall be handled through the College Student Code of Conduct. L. Nothing in this policy shall be construed to prevent Lawson State Community College from regulating and restricting expressive activity that is not protected by the United States Constitution, the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, or state law, including, but not limited to, any of the following: 1. Violations of state or federal law, including, but not limited to, actions that damage institutional property. 2. Expressions that a court has deemed unprotected defamation. 3. Harassment. 4. True threats, which are defined as statements meant by the speaker to communicate a serious expression of an intent to commit an act of unlawful violence to a particular individual or group of individuals. 5.An unjustifiable invasion of privacy or confidentiality not involving a matter of public concern. 6. An action that unlawfully disrupts the function or security of the institution. 7. Any constitutional time, place, and manner restrictions for outdoor areas of campus when they are narrowly tailored to serve a significant institutional interest and when the restrictions employ clear, published, content-neutral, and viewpoint-neutral criteria, and provide for ample alternative means of expression.
6.Interference with scheduled College classes, ceremonies or events, including memorials, dedications or classroom activities, whether indoors or outdoors; 7. Damage to property, including buildings, benches, sidewalks, fixtures, grass, shrubs, trees, flowers, or other landscaping; 8. Use of sound amplification, including bullhorns, except within reasonable limits that will not disrupt normal College operations; 9. Use of placards, banners, or signs that are dangerous or cause obstruction as described in subsections 1 and 2 above; 10. Engaging in expressive activities in prohibited or restricted areas as defined in Sections II.B. and II.C. above; 11.Any other interference with normal College operations beyond a minor, brief, or fleeting nonviolent disruption that is isolated or brief in duration; or 12. Any other conduct or activity not protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 4 of the Alabama Constitution, or other state law. G. Nothing herein shall be construed to limit the application of laws related to disruptions, disturbances, or interference with the College and the function of educational institutions. H. Lawson State Community College will provide police and security officers and use other security measures to ensure the safety of all participants, the Campus Community, and the public. Nothing in this policy shall prohibit the College from charging a fee for security for events, provided that such fees may not be calculated or otherwise based on the content of the protected expressive activity or the anticipated reaction to the protected expressive activity. I. Lawson State Community College may also charge a fee for the use of campus facilities, such as for the use of IT resources or cleanup costs. These fees will not be based on the content of the expressive activity. Fees for facility usage are available in Facilities Office and the Office of Public Relations and Community Affairs.
To promote a safe and effective event, individuals or groups from the Campus Community planning to engage in expressive activity that they anticipate will require the assistance of security are
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M. Complaints or questions regarding the application of this policy should be addressed by use of the College’s official complaint process listed on the College’s website. Commercial Activity on Campus Individuals, organizations and groups, both internal and external to Lawson State Community College, may not conduct commercial transactions or engage in commercial speech on Lawson State Community College property unless authorized pursuant to ACCS Board of Trustees Policy 515.01 and approved by the President in advance. III. Commercial speech means speech in which the speaker is engaged in commerce, the intended audience is commercial or actual or potential consumers, and the content of the message is commercial. Fundraising, including political fundraising, is considered solicitation and therefore deemed commercial speech under this policy. Official student organization may request to conduct fundraising activities by submitting a Fundraising Request Form to the Dean of Students. No such fundraising activities may proceed until approval is granted. IV. Policy Distribution. This policy will be included in new student, new faculty, and new staff orientation programs. Lawson State Community College shall disseminate this policy to all members of the Campus Community and make this policy available in handbooks and our website. Relationship to Other Policies. This policy shall supersede and nullify any previous Lawson State Community College policies that could regulate speech on Lawson State Community College campus. However, this policy is not intended to supersede, nullify, or amend any Lawson State Community College policy that regulates the reservations and use of interior spaces on campus, or that charge incidental fees for the use of such spaces. V. VI. Annual Report. Lawson State Community College will submit an annual report to the Chancellor and Board of Trustees by August 15 for the prior 12-month period ending July 31 that includes the following: 1. The date and description of each violation of this policy. 2. A description of the administrative handling and discipline relating to each violation. 3. A description of substantial difficulties, controversies, or successes in maintaining a posture of administrative and institutional neutrality. 4. Any additional assessments, criticism, commendations, or recommendations Lawson State Community College sees fit to include. VII. Distribution of Materials Handbills, leaflets, and similar materials available free of charge may be distributed by campus or sponsored speakers, if distribution does not interfere with the orderly operation of Lawson State’s affairs or the free flow of traffic, and if content is not inconsistent with policies associated
with any accrediting or governing agency associated with Lawson State.
VIII. News Releases and Off-Campus Publicity Requests for news releases and off-campus publicity regarding upcoming events on campus must be submitted to the Office of Public Relations and Community Affairs. Poster and Flyer Registration All posters and flyers relating to students must be approved by the Office of Public Relations and Community Affairs. All displayed posters must bear a stamp indicating approval. Unregistered posters, signs, and announcements are subject to removal. The College reserves the right to refuse to register any poster, flyer, or sign that is deemed inappropriate for public display. Event posters and flyers should be displayed for a period not to exceed seven days before the event that they publicize. All posters should be removed the afternoon following the advertised event. In case of weekend functions, all posters should be removed the following Monday. Non- event posters also have a seven-day limit. Posters and flyers should be displayed only on designated bulletin boards. No bulletins or posters will be placed on doors, glass, ceil-tex, or painted surfaces. Under no circumstances may materials be distributed on vehicles’ windshields. IX.
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