application for initial approval of …...american bar association standing committee on paralegals...

Application for Initial Approval of

Paralegal Education Program

with Exhibits

Date Submitted: July 23, 2015

American Bar Association

Standing Committee on Paralegals



321 North Clark Street

Mail Stop 19.1

Chicago, Illinois 60654-7598

APPLICATION FOR INITIAL APPROVAL OF

PARALEGAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

Institution Name: Nashville State Community College

Program Name: Paralegal Studies Program

Address: 120 White Bridge Road

City: Nashville State: Tennessee Zip: 37209

Telephone Number: (615) 353-3459 Fax Number: (615) 353- 3428

Institution Website URL: www.nscc.edu

Program Website URL: www.nscc .edu/programs/c/business -applied-arts-and

technologies/paralegal -studies/

We hereby certify that the information and materials contained in this report and supporting exhibits are complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge .

Institution President or Dean: George Van Allen, Ed.D.

E-Mail Address of President or Dean: George.VanAIIen @nscc.edu

Signature: .

P ogram Director eWitt, J.D.

Signature:

E-Mail Address of Program Director: [email protected]

,.- Date Submitted: 1- Z."L - f

---------------------------------------------------------

©20 13 Amer ican Bar Association

All rights reserved. The American Bar Association hereby grants permi ssion for copies of these forms to be made by any instit ut

ion of h igher learning or for use by not-for-profit organization s, provided that no fee is assessed or royalty is paid.

Requests to reproduce materials in any other manner shou ld be addressed to: Copyrights & Contracts Department , American Bar

Association. 32 1 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-7598: Telephone: (3 12) 988-6102; Facsimile: (3 12) 988-6030: E-mail:

[email protected]. Prod uced by the ABA Standi ng Committee on Paralegals.

http://www.nscc.edu/

mailto:[email protected]





UNIFORM TABLE OF EXHIBITS

Include only the exhibits listed and identify with the specified number. If an exhibit does not apply to the

program, indicate that it is not applicable. Exhibits marked * must be provided in the format shown.

Section I – General Information

Exhibit I.1 Enrollment Chart/Students by Program Option*

Exhibit I.2 Number of Graduates by Program Option*

Section II – Organization and Administration

Exhibit II.1 Organization Chart(s)

Exhibit II.2 Advisory Committee Members*

Exhibit II.3 Advisory Committee Minutes

Exhibit II.4 Composition of Paralegal Program Faculty by Gender and Ethnic Background*

Exhibit II.5 Expenditures and Budgets*

Section III – Educational Programs

Exhibit III.1 Assessment Plan

Exhibit III.2 Curriculum for Each Program Option*

Exhibit III.3 Exemptions from General Education and Total Unit Requirements* (N/A)

Exhibit III.4 List of Legal Specialty Courses by Term*

Exhibit III.5 Legal Specialty Course Information Sheet*

Exhibit III.6 Information on Courses Offered in an Online Format (N/A)* Exhibit III.7 Information on Courses Offered in a Blended/Hybrid Format (N/A)*

Exhibit III.8 Information on Courses Offered in an Accelerated Format (N/A)*

Exhibit III.9 Information on Courses Offered in a Compressed Format (N/A)*

Exhibit III.10 Assessment Results for Courses Offered in Alternative Formats (N/A)

Section IV – Faculty

Exhibit IV.1 Resumes of Persons with Responsibilities for Program Direction

Exhibit IV.2 Faculty Participation in Professional Development*

Exhibit IV.3 Faculty Meeting Minutes

Exhibit IV.4 List of Faculty Members*

Section V – Admissions and Student Services

Exhibit V.1 Current Promotional Material used by Program

Exhibit V.2 Employment and Continuing Education Information on Graduates*

Exhibit V.3 Promotional Material for Continuing Education Courses (N/A)

Section VI – Library

Exhibit VI.1 Written Agreement with External Library (N/A)

Exhibit VI.2 Inventory of Required Library Resources for Programs having an Affiliation with

an ABA Approved Law School (N/A)*

Exhibit VI.3 Inventory of Required Library Resources for Programs not having an Affiliation

with an ABA Approved Law School (if applicable)*



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SECTION I

GENERAL INFORMATION G-101 through G-107

A. Name of the Program: Nashville State Community College Paralegal Studies Program

B. 1. Please check the name of the accrediting agency by which the institution is accredited:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges

X Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology

Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools

Council on Occupational Education

New York State Board of Regents

(G-302(c))

2. Please indicate the date of the most recent reaffirmation of accreditation.

2008

3. Please indicate the current status of the institution’s accreditation.

The college is in good standing.

C. Program Options:

1. Please complete the following for each program option in paralegal studies offered by

the institution. (Note: “Program option” is defined in G-103.A).

Type of Program Option (i.e, BA/BS; AAS/AA/AS; MA/MS;

Certificate [Specify type, such as

post-baccalaureate]; Minor, etc.)

Name of Program

Option (i.e., Paralegal Studies, Legal

Studies, Nurse Paralegal,

Legal Nurse Consultant, etc.)

Date Students

First Admitted

To Option

AAS Paralegal Studies 2008

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Note: Add additional rows as needed.

1. Complete Exhibit I.1, showing the number of students enrolled in each program option

listed in item C.1 for the past four years, or for each year since the date students were

first admitted to the program, whichever is later.

See Exhibit 1-1 Enrollments.pdf.

2. Complete Exhibit I.2, showing the number of graduates in each program option listed

in item C.1 for the past seven years, or for each year since the date students were first

graduated from the program, whichever is later.

See Exhibit 1-2 Graduates.pdf.

3. Does the program offer a minor which it does not consider a program option?

Yes

No X

If yes, how do you demonstrate that the minor should not be considered a program

option?

D. Location of the Program:

1. Are legal specialty courses offered at locations other than the main campus of the

institution?

Yes X

No

If yes, please provide the following information:

a. The addresses of all other locations and the distance from the main campus.

Nashville State Clarksville Campus

1760 Wilma Rudolph Boulevard

Clarksville, TN 37040

The Clarksville campus is approximately 54 miles from the main campus.

Nashville State Cookeville Campus

1000 Neal Street

Cookeville, TN 38501

The Cookeville campus is approximately 75 miles from the main campus.

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September 1, 2013

b. For each location, provide a list of all legal specialty courses offered there for

each of the past four years, or for each year since the date the first legal specialty

course was offered at each location, whichever is later.

Fall 2014 Clarksville and Cookeville Campuses PLAW 1000 Intro to Paralegal Studies

PLAW 1100 Legal Writing

Spring 2015 Clarksville and Cookeville Campuses PLAW 1000 Intro to Paralegal Studies

At the Clarksville and Cookeville campuses, PLAW 1000 Intro to Paralegal Studies

and PLAW 1100 Legal Writing were delivered via videoconferencing with classes

offered simultaneously at the main campus.

(G-104.N)

E. Does the institution offer any programs for the education of paralegals, as defined in G-103

of the Guidelines, which are not included in this report?

Yes

No X

If so, describe and explain.

(G-106.A)

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SECTION II

ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION G-201 through G-206

A. State the specific goals and explicit objectives of the program. Indicate where these goals

and objectives are published, e.g., college catalog, program brochures, websites, etc.

(G-201.A)

Upon completion of the program, graduates should be able to

1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of legal ethics and professional responsibility.

2. Explain the organization of the court system.

3. Draft legal documents under the direction of an attorney.

4. Conduct legal research and do legal writing.

5. Interview clients and witnesses to gather investigative information.

6. Use word processing and law-related computer software.

7. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of procedural and substantive law.

8. Use verbal and written communication skills effectively.

These program objectives are published in the college’s online catalog and in the current

program brochure.

B. Provide an organizational chart showing (1) the academic unit within the institution where

the paralegal program is situated; (2) the title of the person to whom the program director

reports; and (3) where the program fits within the structure of the institution. Include the

chart as Exhibit II.1 and highlight the placement of the paralegal program. (G-201.B - E)

See Exhibit 2-1 Organization Charts.pdf.

C. Advisory Committee:

1. Complete Exhibit II.2, showing the members of the paralegal program’s advisory

committee during the past four years.

See Exhibit 2-2 Advisory Committee.pdf.

2. How are advisory committee members appointed? What are the appointment terms?

Committee members are selected from the community in an attempt to represent a cross-

section of employers and employees in the legal community and to adhere to the

composition requirements of ABA.

New members, who are expected to attend meetings regularly, participate in committee

discussions, and become knowledgeable about Nashville State and the Paralegal Studies

program, are selected annually and asked to serve a three-year term. Members may,

however, serve more than one term. If a member is unable to serve a full term, he or she

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September 1, 2013

should notify the Paralegal Studies program Director. Membership in the advisory

committee is reviewed by the college administration and the committee chair. The

committee chair is nominated by the committee and may rotate each meeting or may

serve as long as is approved by the committee. Persons not attending meetings regularly

may be excused from the committee.

3. If the committee has any subcommittees, indicate the specific areas of responsibility, the

names of current members, and how often they meet.

There are no subcommittees of the advisory committee.

4. List below the dates of each advisory committee meeting and any subcommittee meetings

held during the past four years, or since the date of the first advisory committee meeting,

whichever is later. Include as Exhibit II.3 copies of the minutes of these meetings. The

minutes must include the dates of the meetings, the names of those in attendance, and a

record of substantive discussions.

June 12, 2015

December 12, 2014

May 15, 2014

February 7, 2014

November 7, 2013

June 28, 2013

December 13, 2012

June 28, 2012

December 15, 2011

April 21, 2011

See Exhibit II.3 Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes.pdf.

(G-203)

Note: If the program has written guidelines or procedures governing advisory committee

activities, these should be made available to the site team at the time of the site visit.

D. Equality of opportunity:

1. Describe the procedures by which the institution maintains equality of opportunity and

seeks to avoid prohibited discrimination regarding the treatment of personnel and

students.

Nashville State Community College provides opportunities for collegiate education to all

qualified applicants without regard to their race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age,

or disability. The college is open admission to any high school graduate or equivalent.

The process for hiring full-time faculty members is consistent with TBR policy and

follows the colleges "Steps for Hiring Process" and Affirmative Action Plan. The hiring

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September 1, 2013

process includes a faculty search committee working with the academic dean and the

Vice President for Academic Affairs. Faculty hires must meet the qualifications of SACS

and of the program-specific accrediting agency. The president must approve hiring of

any full-time faculty member.

2. Where does the institution publish its non-discrimination policy or affirmative action plan

relating to students and personnel?

The college’s non-discrimination policy relating to students and personnel is published

on the college’s website at www.nscc.edu/misc/non-discrimination-policy/.

The affirmative action plan relating to students and personnel is published on the

college’s website at www.nscc.edu/content/resources/AffirmativeAction.pdf.

3. Where does the institution publish its policy or procedures for the accommodation of

students and personnel with disabilities?

Student Disability Services (SDS) assists students who have documented physical,

emotional, or learning disabilities. SDS personnel assist eligible students with academic

planning, registration, and communication with faculty. The SDS staff provides advising,

advocacy, and assistance to ensure that all students have equal access to a quality

education. The Nashville State Human Resources Department assists personnel with

disabilities and the institution follows ADA guidelines.

The college’s policy for the accommodation of students and personnel with disabilities is

published on the college’s website at

www.nscc.edu/content/resources/AffirmativeAction.pdf.

Information on specific accommodations and/or academic adjustments available for

students and personnel with disabilities is available on the college’s website at

http://www.nscc.edu/student-resources/student-resources-details/accommodations-and- or-

academic-adjustments/.

The responsibilities of Student Disability Services Office and students and faculty with

disabilities are outlined on the college’s website at http://www.nscc.edu/student-

resources/student-resources-details/sds-student-and-faculty-responsibilities/

Information on the Americans with Disabilities Act is available on the college’s website

at http://www.nscc.edu/student-resources/student-resources-details/americans-with-

disabilities-act/.

4. What methods are used to encourage diversity in the student body of the paralegal

program?

http://www.nscc.edu/misc/non-discrimination-policy/

http://www.nscc.edu/content/resources/AffirmativeAction.pdf



http://www.nscc.edu/student-resources/student-resources-details/accommodations-and-

http://www.nscc.edu/student-

http://www.nscc.edu/student-resources/student-resources-details/americans-with-

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Nashville State is an open-admissions urban community college committed to serving the

post-secondary educational needs of its diverse community. The Paralegal Studies

program operates in strict compliance with the college’s Diversity Statement:

Nashville State Community College, in principle and practice, embraces diversity as a

central effort in its mission to improve the quality of life for the communities it serves.

There are no barriers to full participation in college activities on the basis of gender, race,

creed, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or class. In its many forms and

expressions, diversity is essential to the mission of the College. Through commitment to

diversity, the College seeks to promote the following ideals:

Maintain a campus environment that attracts and retains a student body, faculty,

and staff, representative of the cultural and racial diversity of communities it

serves, and that prepares students to engage in this society.

Provide students, faculty, and staff with courses and experiences that will enhance

their sense of community with mutual trust and respect for people from all

backgrounds, including international and American cultures.

Offer co-curricular and out-of-classroom activities that provide opportunities for

educationally purposeful interaction that enhance learning and personal

development, including intellectual, cultural, social, ethical, physical, and

emotional development.

This statement is published on the college’s website at

http://www.nscc.edu/about/diversity/.

5. Complete the following chart with respect to the ethnicity and gender of the paralegal

students in each of the last four years, or for each year since the date students were first

admitted to the program, whichever is later.

Year % of Minority Students % of Female Students % of Male Students

2014-2015 34.26% 78.70% 21.30%

2013-2014 41.51% 79.55% 20.45%

2012-2013 38.83% 82.47% 17.53%

2011-2012 36.08% 85.44% 11.65%

Source: Nashville State Institutional Research, 6 July, 2015

6. What methods are used to encourage diversity in the faculty of the paralegal program?

Please include the steps taken to recruit and retain a diverse faculty.

Adjunct faculty are recruited from the local legal community. While the primary focus is

on expertise in the subject matter adjunct faculty will be teaching, diversity and

experience are factored into hiring decisions. In order to encourage diversity,

recommendations are gathered from the legal community, students, and existing adjunct

faculty.

http://www.nscc.edu/about/diversity/

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Note: If written advertisements and/or announcements are used to recruit faculty, these

should be made available to the site team at the time of the site visit.

7. Complete Exhibit II.4 showing the composition of the faculty of the paralegal program

by racial/ethnic classification and gender for each of the last four years, or for each year

since the date students were first admitted to the program, whichever is later.

See Exhibit 2-4 Faculty Demographics.pdf.

(G-204) E. Complete the budget chart provided as Exhibit II.5, showing (1) the amounts spent for each

category of expense for each of the past four years, or for each year since the date students

were first admitted to the program, whichever is later; (2) the budget for the current year; and

(3) the projected budget for the next year. (G-205)

See Exhibit 2-5 Budgets and Expenditures.pdf.

Note: G-201.F requires that the program must engage in planning, including long-range

planning, and such planning must encompass the matters set forth in the Guidelines. G-202

requires that the paralegal education program be given status within the institution

comparable to other units of similar size and function. Program Directors should be prepared

to demonstrate compliance with both of the Guidelines to the site visit team at the time of the

site visit.

SECTION III

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS G-301 through G-302

A. Additional Educational Opportunities:

1. List all articulation agreements your program has with other institutions, including the

name of each college and program.

A student who earns an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies at Nashville

State can transfer all required credits toward a Bachelor of Science in Professional

Studies with a concentration in Organizational Leadership from Middle Tennessee State

University. A student may also transfer these credits towards a Bachelor of Science in

Liberal Studies at Middle Tennessee State University.

2. For those programs awarding associate degrees:

(a) Indicate the percentage of program graduates who have transferred to an institution

offering a baccalaureate degree in each of the past four years, or for each year since the

date students were first admitted to the program, whichever is later.

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2014-2015: 25%

2013-2014: 33%

2012-2013: 21%

2011-2012: 56%

Source: Nashville State Career Services Office, 23 April 2014

(b) Describe the methods used to encourage students and graduates to earn higher or

additional degrees or certificates upon completion of the program.

The mission of the Paralegal Studies program, which appears in the college’s online

catalog, is to provide practical learning opportunities that prepare students for careers as

paralegals or legal assistants, and the A.A.S. degree is designed to prepare students for

employment upon graduation. However, students are exposed to all options available to

them upon graduation. These options include continuing education, certification

opportunities, and immediate employment.

Individual student goals are discussed in advising sessions. The program director

explores articulation agreements and opportunities available for graduates. The director

also provides students with information about colleges and universities to which their

credits will likely transfer. Encouragement is provided for those who express a desire to

continue their education and/or attend law school. In addition, according to the most

recent Paralegal Studies Graduate Survey, nearly half (43%) of the students entering the

program do so having already earned baccalaureate and/or graduate degrees.

Source date: 15 May 2014

(G-301.C)

B. Attach as Exhibit III.1 the program’s written organized plan for evaluation, review, and

continuous improvement of the program, demonstrating regular assessment of the extent to

which the program meets its stated goals and objectives. Complete the following sub-

sections (1-7) based upon the information contained in Exhibit III.1.

See Exhibit 3-1 Assessment Plan.pdf.

1. The stated goals and objectives being assessed.

The Paralegal Studies program of study prepares students for a career as a paralegal or

legal assistant upon graduation. Graduates of this program should be able to:

• Demonstrate a basic understanding of legal ethics and professional responsibility.

• Explain the organization of the court system.

• Draft legal documents under the direction of an attorney.

• Conduct legal research and do legal writing.

• Interview clients and witnesses to gather investigative information.

• Use word processing and law-related computer software.

• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of procedural and substantive law.

• Use verbal and written communication skills effectively.

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2. The assessment tools/activities used to assess each stated goal and objective, which

includes input from the following constituencies:

1. Graduates – Graduate Survey

2. Employers – Employer Survey

3. Students – IDEA Survey; Student Satisfaction Survey; Major Field Exam

4. Advisory Committee – Advisory committee meetings

5. Faculty – Faculty meetings

6. School Administrators – Faculty evaluations

7. Cross-section of members of the legal community – Graduate Placement Rate;

Supervisor Evaluations of Cooperative Education Students

3. The frequency with which each assessment tool/activity is conducted.

Graduate Surveys – once every two years (last completed 2014)

Employer Surveys – once every two years (last completed 2014)

IDEA Surveys – every semester for adjunct faculty and twice every two academic years

for full-time faculty

Student Satisfaction Surveys – administered to graduating students once each semester.

Data is compiled and analyzed at the end of each academic year.

Major Field Exam – once each semester

Advisory Committee Meetings – at least once each fall and spring semester

Faculty Meetings – the beginning of each fall semester

Faculty Evaluations – once each calendar year

Placement Rate – once every calendar year

Supervisor Evaluations of Cooperative Education Students – two times each semester

4. The degree of participation, such as the response rate on surveys, for each assessment

tool/activity conducted.

Graduate Surveys

Spring 2014 response rate Graduates Surveyed Responses Response Rate

23 9 39.1%

Employer Surveys

Spring 2014 response rate Employers Surveyed Responses Response Rate

8 5 62.5%

Note: The employer survey population is limited by institutional requirements. NSCC

policy states that graduates must give prior approval before any contact can be made with

graduate employers. The Career Services Office (CSO) is responsible for gaining

graduate approval. Most graduates do not approve employee contact and, therefore, their

employers cannot be included in employer surveys.

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IDEA Surveys

2014 – 2015 academic year response rate.

Students Surveyed Responses Response Rate

132 97 73.48%

Student Satisfaction Surveys


2014-2015 Graduates Responses Response Rate

8 4 50%

Note: The response rate for this survey is lower than the previous year (66.67%). A

greater emphasis will be placed on the survey during the 2015-2016 academic year.

Major Field Exam


2014-2015 Graduates Completers Completion Rate

8 8 100%

Advisory Committee Meeting

June 12, 2015 attendance

Ten advisory committee members were present. See Exhibit II.2 for advisory committee

roster and attendees.

Annual Faculty Meeting

July 18, 2015 attendance

Four faculty members were present.

Faculty Evaluation

A faculty evaluation for the full-time paralegal instructor was not completed for 2014 due

to position turnover. An evaluation will be completed for 2015.

Placement Rate

The CSO collected program data for each calendar year. 2013 is the latest year of

available data.


Six students took Cooperative education classes during the 2013-2014 academic year.

All students received the required two supervisor evaluations.

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5. A written summary and analysis of the assessment findings.

Graduate Surveys

The first cycle of graduate surveys was administered spring semester 2014. Overall, the

responses received from graduates were very positive and benchmarks were exceeded in

all measured categories. Key indices and analysis are shown below.

Satisfaction with the overall educational experience:

o Benchmark – 80% of graduates will rate their experience as “satisfied” or

“very satisfied.”

o Actual – 88.88% rated as “satisfied” or “very satisfied.”

Abilities directly corresponding to program goals:

o Benchmark – On average, graduates will rate their abilities 4.0 or higher on a

5 point scale.

o Actual – graduates rated their abilities as 4.58.

In addition, graduates were asked to provide improvement recommendations and/or

comments for the program. The survey instrument along with the survey summary will

be available for team member review at the time of the site visit. Surveys will be

administered every two years.

Employer Surveys

The first cycle of employer surveys was administered spring semester 2014. The

responses received from employers were very positive and benchmarks were exceeded in

all measured categories. Key indices and analysis are shown below.

Satisfaction with NSCC graduates skills and knowledge:

o Benchmark – 80% of employers will rate the skills and knowledge of their

employees as “satisfied” or “very satisfied.”

o Actual – 100% rated as “satisfied” or “very satisfied.”

Abilities directly corresponding to program goals:

o Benchmark – On average, employers will rate NSCC graduates’ abilities as 4.0 or higher on a 5 point scale.

o Actual – employees rated graduates’ abilities as 4.64.

In addition, employers were asked to provide improvement recommendations and/or

comments for the program. The survey instrument along with the survey summary will

be available for team member review at the time of the site visit. Surveys will continue

to be administered every two years.

IDEA Surveys

All division faculty members use the IDEA form for student evaluations of instruction.

For fall 2014, a new data reporting format was used. Therefore, only two data points are

available for analysis. Benchmarks were exceeded in all measured categories each

semester. NSCC will continue to use the IDEA evaluation instrument and monitor

results.

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Benchmark – The percent of B&AA division classes that are at or above the IDEA

national average will remain better than 60% on the overall summary scores.

Actual – The results of the previous two semesters are indicated in the table below.

Averages are higher than the benchmark. IDEA states that when any of these

percentages exceed 60% the “. . . group’s overall instructional effectiveness was

unusually high.”

IDEA Survey Results

Assessment

Spring 2015

Fall 2014

Progress on Relevant Objectives

84%

85%

Excellent Teacher

84%

78%

Excellent Course

89%

90%

Source: IDEA Student Ratings of Instruction - Group Summary Report.

Student Satisfaction Surveys

The Student Satisfaction survey was administered to 2014-2015 graduating students.

Overall, the results were very positive. Key indices and analysis are shown below. The

survey will continue to be administered to graduating students. A survey summary will

be available for review at the site visit.

Satisfaction with the educational experience in your program:

o Benchmark - 80% of students will rate their experience as “satisfied” or “very

satisfied.”

o Actual – 100% rated as “satisfied” or “very satisfied.”

Analysis – The result of this question continues to be very high. No action is

required.

Quality of courses to prepare you for employment:

o Benchmark – 80% of students will rate the quality of courses to prepare you

for employment as “good” or “excellent.”

o Actual – 75% rated as “good” or “excellent.”

Analysis - The results of this question dropped since last year’s survey from 100% to

75%, slightly below the benchmark. The question will continue to be monitored for

any developing trends.

Major Field Exam

The Major Field Exam was administered to 2014-2015 graduating students. Key indices

and analysis are shown below. The exam will continue to be administered to graduating

students. Both the class average and the student success rate were higher than the

benchmark.

Class Average Score:

o Benchmark – The average score will be 70% or higher.

o Actual – 81.46%

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Individual student success:

o Benchmark – 70% of students will score 70% or higher.

o Actual – 87.5% of students scored 70% or higher.

Question analysis indicates that 46 of 60 questions had a correct answer rate of 75%

or higher. Ten questions were identified as having a correct answer rate of 50% or

lower. The program director reviewed these ten questions to determine the possible

reasons for the lower correct answer rate and recommended corrective action. The

chart below identifies these questions and indicates the scores for the last two exams.

Specific questions, analysis, and action steps are shown below the chart.

Question

Number

2014-2015

Correct Answer %

2013-2014

Correct Answer %

5* 50.00 55.56

8* 37.50 33.33

21* 37.50 22.22

22 12.50 66.67

27 50.00 77.78

29 37.50 77.78

32* 50.00 55.56

33 50.00 66.67

43* 37.50 55.56

54* 37.50 55.56

* Indicates the question was identified as low scoring in the previous year.

5. Sometimes a potential litigant must first consult an administrative agency.

This is known as

a. relief through the administrative process.

b. administrative primacy.

c. exhaustion of administrative remedies.

d. alternative resolution.

e. red tape.

The information needed for this question is covered quickly in PLAW 1000 Intro to

Paralegal Studies. It is covered more extensively in PLAW 2550 Administrative Law,

which is an elective course. PLAW 2550 Administrative Law has rarely been offered.

It is now being delivered in an online format. It is anticipated that more students will

take this course in the alternative format. The information will be stressed in PLAW

1000.

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8. In regards to real and personal property,

a. property can change its nature from real to personal or from personal to

real.

b. property can change its nature from real to personal but not from personal

to real.

c. property can change its nature from personal to real but not from real to

personal.

d. property can never change its nature either from real to personal nor from

personal to real.

This concept is covered in PLAW 1000. The concept is emphasized and tested on in

the course. There may be some delay between the taking of the course and taking the

exit exam. Added emphasis on the concept in PLAW 1000 Intro to Paralegal Studies

should increase correct answers.

21. Rule 11 of the FRCP requires a pleading be filed in good-faith and not for

purposes of harassment or .

a. Delay

b. Spite

c. Retribution

d. Comic relief

This concept is covered briefly in PLAW 1000 Intro to Paralegal Studies, PLAW

2000 Civil Litigation and Procedure, and PLAW 2600 Legal Ethics. Emphasis will

be increased in PLAW 2000 Civil Litigation and Procedure and PLAW 2600 Legal

Ethics.

22. authority is composed of the original text of the sources of law; it is

in effect, the law itself.

a. Mandatory

b. Persuasive

c. Primary

d. Secondary

This concept is covered in PLAW 1000, Intro to Paralegal Studies, as well as

PLAW 1200, Legal Research. Greater emphasis will be placed on this concept in

those courses.

27. Which of the following Terms and Connectors queries will retrieve all

results that contain the word grow or any variation of the word grow?

a. grow!

b. grow growth growing grew

c. gr*w!

d. none of the above

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This concept and the familiarity with research options and capabilities is covered

in PLAW 1200, Legal Research. Greater emphasis will be placed on this concept

in that course.

29. Attorney General opinions are primary authority.

a. True

b. False

This concept is covered in PLAW 1000, Intro to Paralegal Studies, as well as

PLAW 1200, Legal Research. Greater emphasis will be placed on this concept in

those courses.

32. Learning everything the witness knows and does not know that is relevant

to the case, pinning the witness down, getting admissions, getting information that

might be used for impeachment, getting leads to other witnesses and information,

trying to get some type of written statement are the purposes that the paralegal should

try to accomplish in a witness interview.

This concept is covered in PLAW 1000 Intro to Paralegal Studies. Incorrect answers

would a result of a poorly worded question. The question should be simplified in

order to properly gauge knowledge of the concept.

33. Notice pleading is an alternative type of pleading that has been prohibited

by the newer Rules of Civil Procedure.

a. True

b. False

This concept is covered briefly in PLAW 1000 Intro to Paralegal Studies, and

more thoroughly in PLAW 2000 Civil Litigation and Procedure. Emphasis

will be increased in both courses.

43. The Waterfront Fish Market was incorporated under the laws of Delaware.

For many years the market was able to show a small profit. About a year ago a new

fish market opened nearby and the Waterfront Fish Market lost some of its customers.

For the past several months, the market has been unable to pay its creditors. The

market could file for bankruptcy under Chapter 7, 11, or 13.

This question revolves around the proper chapter under the Bankruptcy Code for a

debtor. In PLAW 2300 Bankruptcy the concept of the appropriate chapter should be

emphasized.

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54. An attorney may share legal fees:

a. With a paralegal.

b. With other attorneys, including attorneys in other law firms, so long as the total

overall fee charges to the client is fair and reasonable.

c. With any other type of professional, so long as the Ethics Board or the State Bar

gives written approval, in advance.

d. No one except the specific attorneys in his own firm who worked directly with

him on the specific matter upon which the fees were earned.

This ethical question is covered in PLAW 2600 Legal Ethics. The concept must be

emphasized in the course as the ethical limitations are of great importance.

Advisory Committee Meetings

Please refer to advisory committee minutes in Exhibit II.3 and the Program Improvement

Matrix in Section III.B.7.

Faculty Meetings

Please refer to faculty meeting minutes in Exhibit IV.3 and the Program Improvement

Matrix in Section III.B.7. During the analysis process, faculty and administration agreed

that faculty meetings should be held more often.

Faculty Evaluations

Faculty evaluations are scheduled during the second quarter of each calendar year. The

evaluation for the Paralegal Studies instructor has been administered timely each year the

program has been offered.

Placement Rate

The CSO includes Paralegal Studies in the annual employment survey of graduates. 2011

was the first cycle that included Paralegal Studies.

Benchmark – The program will have a placement rate in a related field of 80% or

higher.

Reported – 2013 – 83%

2012 – 33% 2011 - 67%

Analysis – The placement rate is generated by a survey from the Career Services

Office. There was a significant increase in 2013. The results may have been due to

better program promotion. The information will be shared with the advisory

committee.


Students have the option of taking cooperative education classes as an elective in the

program. Each semester the student’s supervisor completes two evaluations: mid-

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semester evaluation and end-of-semester evaluation. The end-of-semester evaluation is

used in determining the student’s course grade and is therefore used for program

evaluation purposes. The evaluations are based on a 5 point scale with 5 being the

highest. Overall, the scores from the legal community have been positive and all scores

are higher than the benchmark each semester.

Benchmark – Average score for evaluations will be 4.0 or higher on the end-of-

semester evaluations.

Actual - Evaluation results for the past five semesters in which students took

cooperative education classes are included in the chart below.

Cooperative Education Evaluations’ Average Scores

Evaluation

Time Period

Spring

2015

Fall

2014

Spring

2014

Fall

2013

Spring

2013

End-of-Semester

Average Score

4.82

4.87

4.69

5.00

5.00

6. How the results have been shared with the advisory committee, faculty, administrators,

and others.

Assessment results and progress toward recommended program improvements are shared

with the advisory committee at committee meetings. Data analysis is presented by the

faculty and administration. Feedback is sought from the members in order to more fully

meet the needs of the legal community and advance the paralegal profession.

7. Changes made to date to the program as a result of the assessment findings.

See Improvement Matrix below.

Paralegal Studies Program

Rationale Action Result

Graduate Survey revealed some dissatisfaction with job

placement assistance from

the program and the college.

Emphasize, while students are in the program, employment

opportunities. Encourage students

to seek employment prior to

graduation. Post job openings on

bulletin board outside of program

director’s office. Track data from

the Career Services Office and

Graduate Survey to determine if

additional efforts should be made.

Informal discussions indicate that employment

rate has increased.

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While the number of employers participating in

the Employer Survey is low,

the participation rate is very

high. In order to obtain

significant data from the

Employer Survey, greater

participation is required.

Take more aggressive approach to increase the percentage of

employers responding to the

employer survey.

Data from the next Employer Survey will be

analyzed.

A consistent observation expressed in the IDEA

Survey is the lack of “’teams’

or ‘discussion groups’

[formed] to facilitate

learning.” While the majority

of instruction is geared

toward individualized

learning, discussion between

students and instructors and

between the students

themselves demonstrates the

collaborative nature of much

of the paralegal profession.

Create additional assignments requiring group work within the

classroom setting.

Data from IDEA Survey will be tracked to see if

students report more

opportunities for

collaborative work.

The Advisory Committee has consistently expressed

support for opportunities for

students to gain experience.

Tennessee Intercollegiate

State Legislature (TISL) has

been an agenda item since

November 11, 2010.

Established delegation for TISL. Although the delegation is open to all NSCC students,

the majority of participants

have been paralegal

students. Students are

required to research and

draft proposed legislation

and attend legislative

sessions.

The Advisory Committee has consistently expressed



Appellate Moot Court

Collegiate Challenge

(AMC3) has been an agenda

item since November 11,

2010.

Established team for AMC3. Although the team is open to all NSCC students, the

majority of participants

have been paralegal

students. The team is

required to prepare an

appellate brief. The team

from Nashville State has

consistently submitted one

of the highest-scored briefs.

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The advisory Committee has consistently expressed



Participation in volunteer

work has been discussed in

committee meetings.

Coordinated volunteer work at the Legal Aid Clinic. Paralegal

students volunteer to act as

paralegals during information

gathering and observe legal

counsel with clients.

Students anecdotally report that the interaction with

attorneys and clients is a

beneficial experience.

Faculty will continue to

encourage students to

participate.

Faculty wanted students to gain exposure to role models

in the legal field.

Faculty facilitated visits made by guest lecturers. These lecturers

have included Justice William

Koch of the Tennessee Supreme

Court; Judge Martha Craig

Daughtrey, Senior Judge, Sixth

Circuit Court of Appeals in

Cincinnati; Judge Phil Smith,

Circuit Court Davidson County,

Tennessee; Judge Randy

Kennedy, Circuit Court Davidson

County, Tennessee; Richard

Rooker, Circuit Court Clerk,

Davidson County, Tennessee;

Caitlin Doty, Attorney General’s

Office; James Vick, Tennessee

Board of Professional

Responsibility.

Guest lectures are open to all paralegal students. The

lectures are well attended

and informal student

feedback has been positive.

Administration and faculty wanted to give students a

means of providing feedback

on guest lecturers.

Institute Student Feedback Form for guest lecturers.

Feedback data will be analyzed in order to

formally gauge student

reaction.

Advisory Committee members emphasized the

importance of networking,

and a student chapter of the

National Association of

Legal Professionals (NALS)

was discussed in committee

meetings.

Formed student chapter of the National Association of Legal

Professionals (NALS)

The program director will continue to serve as faculty

advisor for the student

chapter of NALS and, as

such, will continue to

facilitate meetings.

In conversations with a cross section of the legal

community, including

members of the Advisory

Committee, a need was

discovered to more fully

prepare paralegals for the

various demands of different

law offices.

Exposed students to core documents that are normally

found in law offices. These

documents are drafted in PLAW

1100 Legal Writing, PLAW 2000

Civil Litigation and Procedure,

and PLAW 2300 Bankruptcy.

Exposure to core documents will continue.

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IDEA Survey indicated desire for alternative delivery

formats.

Developed PLAW 2550 Administrative Law as an online

elective.

PLAW 2550 Administrative Law will be offered in Fall

2014 for the first time.

Advisory Committee suggested that the program

director attend the regional

conference of the American

Association for Paralegal

Educators (AAfPE).

Attended American Association for Paralegal Educators (AAfPE)

regional conference in Savannah,

GA in April of 2014.

Program Director will continue to take advantage

of the benefits of AAfPE

membership and attend

future conferences.

Administration and faculty wanted to provide a way to

document adjunct faculty

discussions and suggestions

for program improvement.

Develop a formalized meeting agenda to be implemented

beginning Fall 2014.

Documentation of discussions and suggestions

will be reviewed.

Administration and faculty thought it advisable to add a

common assessment for

entering paralegal students

beginning Spring 2015.

Common assessment administered to students in Intro

to Paralegal Studies classes

beginning Spring 2015.

Data and results are compiled and will be

compared to other students

beginning with the Fall

2015 entering classes.

(G-301.E - F)

C. Complete Exhibit III.2 showing the total curriculum for each program option included in

Section I.C. (G-302)

See Exhibit 3-2 Curriculum.pdf.

D. Describe the program’s sequencing plan for each program option included in Section I.C.

(G-302.E.5)

Students must meet all prerequisite and co-requisite requirements in registering for both legal

specialty and general education courses. The program’s suggested course sequence for the

Associate of Applied Science Degree option follows:

First Semester

ENGL 1010 Composition I

INFS 1010 Computer Applications

OAD 1116 Business English

PLAW 1000 Intro to Paralegal Studies

PLAW 1100 Legal Writing

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Second Semester

ENGL 1020 Composition II

Natural Sciences or Mathematics Elective

OAD 1117 Business Communications

PLAW 1200 Legal Research

SPCH 1010 Fundamentals of Speech Comm or SPCH 1112 Speech

Third Semester

BUSN 2370 Legal Environment of Business

Humanities/Fine Arts Elective

PLAW 2300 Bankruptcy

Technical Electives (Two Courses)

Fourth Semester

PLAW 2000 Civil Litigation and Procedure

PLAW 2600 Legal Ethics

Social/Behavioral Sciences Elective

Technical Electives (Two Courses)

E. General Education Requirements:

1. How is the distribution requirement for three disciplines within the general education

component met? (G-302.E.2)

AAS degree-seeking students must complete general education courses in each of the

following disciplines: Communications, Humanities/Fine Arts, Mathematics or Natural

Science, and Social/Behavioral Science.

Discipline Number of Units

Communications 9

Humanities/Fine Arts 3

Mathematics or Natural Science 3

Social/Behavioral Science 3

TOTAL 18

2. What method(s) is/are used to determine whether students demonstrate writing

proficiency at the college level? (G-302.E.3)

Students are required to take English Composition I. Topics covered in this course

include various rhetorical patterns, audience, purpose, diverse perspectives, writing,

revising, and editing, and a research paper is required. Students also must take English

Composition II, which is a study of argumentative and analytical writing. Topics include

advanced methods of composition, analysis and explication of literature and essays,

elements of persuasion, use of evidence, and advanced methods of research. Another

program requirement is OAD 1117 Business Communications, in which students learn

about the writing process and techniques, communicating in the professional

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environment, and writing effective correspondence. They also draft formal reports with

assignments to help improve writing.

In addition to English Composition I and II and Business Communications, students are

required to take legal specialty courses. All legal specialty courses require substantial

writing. Legal Writing requires the students to prepare a case brief, demand and retainer

letters, deeds, wills, incorporation documents, and other documents normally found in a

law office. Civil Litigation and Procedure requires the students to prepare a complaint,

answer, cross-complaint, and interrogatories. Other legal specialty courses require writing

in the context of case studies.

3. What means are used to ensure that students demonstrate competence in oral

communication? (G-302.E.4)

Students are required to take SPCH 1010 Fundamentals of Speech Comm, which is an

exploration and practical application of communication theory in various contexts, or

SPCH 1112 Speech, which is an introduction to the fundamentals of public speaking. In

OAD 1117 Business Communications, students focus on the importance of developing

good oral communication skills. Topics include verbal vs. nonverbal communication,

cultural impact on communication, and listening and speaking skills.

In addition to the oral communication required in Speech and Business Communications,

students who take PLAW 2100 Torts are required to make in-class presentations on the

results of their research on product liability cases.

4. If credit is given by examination or through other means for general education

courses, what methods are used to determine whether credit should be granted?

Indicate how evaluation for equivalence is conducted and whether there are limits on

the amount of credit that is earned through such means. (G-302.E.6)

Nashville State offers Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) in the form of Portfolio

Assessments, Institutional Challenge Exams, ACE Military Credit, ACE Workplace

Credit, College Level Examination Program Testing (CLEP), and Advanced Placement

(AP) Examinations. There is no limit to the overall amount of credit that can be earned

through PLAs, but Nashville State has a residency requirement that 25% of credit must

be earned through coursework completed at the college, and further limitations are placed

on paralegal students through the Paralegal Studies program’s transfer policy (see Section

III.N).

Portfolio Assessment: A portfolio is a compilation of documents or other evidence that

demonstrates college-level learning. Portfolios are reviewed by faculty at the institution,

and credit is awarded based on their assessment of the portfolios.

Institutional Challenge Exams: To apply for Credit by Examination, a student must

obtain the Request for Credit by Examination form from the Records Office. The student

must possess and demonstrate the requisite knowledge and skills for the course being

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challenged and receive the advisor’s approval to take the exam. The student then submits

the form to the discipline Dean. Permission to take the challenge examination may be

denied if the advisor or Dean determines that the student does not have a valid basis for

the request. The decision of the Dean is final.

For successful completion of Credit by Examination, a student must achieve a minimum

of 75% on the examination. The credit will be recorded on the student’s academic

transcript as “Advanced Standing – Credit by Examination” and does not affect the

student’s GPA. Credit by Examination is limited to a maximum of 20 credit hours and

does not apply toward residency requirements for graduation.

ACE Military Credit: Nashville State students can take advantage of a service offered

through ACE to recognize learning that takes place in the military. The courses are

offered through the military, but ACE records the credit through its transcript service.

ACE Workplace Credit: Workforce-based credit can be earned through ACE as well.

Students request that ACE compile the details of the training that they have taken into an

ACE transcript. The credit is kept on file through ACE and transferred by transcript to

institutions, which means that students may need to request the transcripts to apply this

credit.

College Level Examination Program Testing (CLEP): CLEP offers a battery of

examinations covering business, composition, literature, foreign languages, history/social

science, and science/mathematics. CLEP exams are offered each Tuesday and Thursday

morning (excluding holidays) in the Nashville State Testing Center. Students are required

to make appointments at the Testing Center and register at www.collegeboard.org/clep.

Further information about CLEP is available on the college’s website at

www.nscc.edu/student-resources/student-resources-details/clep-college-level-

examination-program-test-schedule//.

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams: Nashville State will award advanced standing credit to

entering students based upon Advanced Placement Examination results. For a list of AP

exams and their Nashville State course equivalents, students can refer to the college’s

online catalog at

http://catalog.nscc.edu/content.php?catoid=7&navoid=706#College_Board_Advanced_Pl

acement_Examinations

5. If general education credit is accepted in transfer, what policies govern the acceptance

of transfer of general education credits completed at other institutions? How are the

courses evaluated to ensure that they meet the definition of general education and the

breadth contained in these Guidelines? (G-302.E.6)

College credit may be awarded to transfer students whose requests meet transfer credit

guidelines. The following guidelines are in place to maintain transfer course equivalency

integrity and can be viewed in the on-line college catalog at http://www.nscc.edu/student-

resources/student-resources-details/transfer-credit-policy-and-procedures//.

http://www.collegeboard.org/clep

http://www.nscc.edu/student-resources/student-resources-details/clep-college-level-

http://catalog.nscc.edu/content.php?catoid=7&navoid=706&College_Board_Advanced_Pl

http://catalog.nscc.edu/content.php?catoid=7&navoid=706&College_Board_Advanced_Pl


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NSCC Transfer Credit Policy

Credit may be awarded to transfer students when the following standards are met:

1. Official college or university transcripts are on file in the student’s NSCC

academic record.

2. NSCC only transfers in equivalent courses for which a grade of “C” or better was

earned.

3. Elective credit may be awarded if the academic division determines there is no

NSCC equivalent but they approve the transfer of the course to count toward

graduation requirements.

4. NSCC does not use grades earned at another college or university to compute in

the students’ NSCC GPA. We only transfer in the course and the credit earned.

5. The student must matriculate (enroll) at NSCC.

NSCC Transfer Credit Procedures

Below are the procedures for awarding transfer credit:

1. Official college or university transcripts are submitted to and processed by the

Admissions Office.

2. Admissions forwards the transcripts to the Records Office for transfer articulation

processing.

3. Records evaluates the transcript and posts transfer credit to the student’s academic

record.

a. For courses that are not in our transfer credit inventory, course descriptions are

sought via College Source online by the Record Clerks; if course descriptions

cannot be found, a letter is sent to the student requesting that they request course

descriptions from their college/university and provide those to Records.

1. For International transcripts, an English translation is required (if the

transcript is not in English); upon receipt of the English translation, if the

student wants to receive non-elective credit, they would be required to

submit course descriptions.

b. Once course descriptions are received (either from College Source or the

student), they are submitted to the respective academic division director for

review accompanied by a “Transfer Credit Evaluation” form.

c. The academic director (or designee) will return the form to the Records Office

for processing once a decision has been made regarding the transfer of credit.

4. Students can view their transfer credit via their academic transcript on MyNSCC.

F. How does the program ensure that students have technology skills (other than electronic legal

research skills) that are appropriate for employment as a paralegal? (G-302.G)

Students develop the technology skills required of paralegals in the following courses:

INFS 1010 Computer Applications is an introduction to the use of microcomputer software

in the business environment. Applications include word processing, spreadsheets, database,

and presentation software.

OAD 1116 Business English emphasizes grammar, proofreading, and editing skills.

OAD 1117 Business Communications includes the topics of writing effective correspondence

and drafting formal reports.

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PLAW 1100 Legal Writing requires students to experience computer-based drafting of

various legal documents which incorporates formatting and revision.

PLAW 2000 Civil Litigation and Procedure requires students to draft litigation documents

and submit these documents as fully prepared and ready for filing.

PLAW 2300 Bankruptcy requires students to locate bankruptcy forms, complete forms with

provided information, create a PDF ready for filing, and submit the file as an attachment to

the instructor.

PLAW 2915 Co-Op Education involves students in practical skills on a daily basis that will

be used as a paralegal in a law office, corporate, or governmental agency setting.

G. If the program admits and graduates students who have not met the general education or total

unit requirement of G-302.H, complete the chart provided as Exhibit III.3, showing

information about students receiving exemptions from the general education and/or total unit

requirements for each of the last four academic years, or for each year since students were

first admitted to the program, whichever is later.

The program does not graduate students who have not met the general education or total unit

requirements of the Paralegal Studies curriculum; thus, Exhibit III.3 is not applicable.

H. Complete the chart provided as Exhibit III.4, showing the legal specialty courses offered for

each of the past four years, or for each year since students were first admitted to the program,

whichever is later. (G-302.I)

See Exhibit 3-4 Courses by Term.pdf.

I. For each legal specialty course listed in Exhibit III.4, complete the Course Information Sheet

provided as Exhibit III.5. (G-302.I)

See Exhibit 3-5 Course Information Sheets.pdf.

J. Does the paralegal program include an internship or other field experience as a legal

specialty course?

Yes X

No

Note: Cooperative Education is offered as a technical elective.

If yes, provide the following information:

1. the systematic plan for developing, assigning, monitoring, and evaluating

internships or other field experiences;

Cooperative Education (Co-op) opportunities are developed through networking and

outreach to area employers as well as employers contacting the Career Services

Office (CSO). Students can apply for Co-op if they meet the academic requirements,

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and the CSO assigns applicants to appropriate employers in the students’ fields of

study. The CSO stays in contact with supervisors in the co-op program.

Mid-semester, the co-op student completes a self-evaluation, which is signed by the

student’s supervisor or employer. The student is required to meet with the program

director following the self-evaluation to discuss the status of the co-op. The student’s

supervisor or employer also completes an evaluation of the student, and this

evaluation is signed by the student and the program director.

At the end of the semester, the student’s supervisor or employer completes an

evaluation of the student which is worth 80% of the student’s final grade. The

program director and the CSO receive copies of all evaluations, so all parties involved

have the same information.

2. the number of hours on the job needed to earn credit;

Twenty to 28 hours of work per week average over the course of the term will earn a

student 3 credits. A student who works fewer than 20 hours per week average over

the course of the term will earn 1.5 credits.

3. how the program ensures that students and sponsors understand expectations;

At the beginning of the semester, the student is required to attend a Co-op meeting,

during which expectations are defined. A learning agreement contract, which must be

reviewed and signed by the Paralegal Studies program director and the student, is

completed and signed by the supervisor within three days of a student’s hiring date.

The agreement requires a list of learning objectives for the semester’s work

experience, and the student consults with his or her supervisor to create this list.

4. how the student, sponsors, and program faculty communicate during the course of

the internship or other field experience;

The student, the Career Services Office, and the program director mainly

communicate through evaluations and the required meeting following the student’s

self-evaluation; however, if the need arises for more direct communication, the CSO

is responsible for meeting with the student and communicating with his or her

supervisor.

5. how the program ensures that the work emphasizes paralegal skills and

competencies;

The learning agreement contract lists learning objectives, and the program director

does not sign the agreement unless the stated objectives emphasize paralegal skills

and competencies. The program director is also responsible for grading the student’s

Reflection Paper, which should satisfy the following requirements, as defined by the

Career Services Office at Nashville State:

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Explain how each of your Learning Objectives, as outlined on your Learning

Agreement, was accomplished. If objectives were not accomplished, explain

why. Identify tasks performed and tools and equipment used in developing

this portion of your report. Remember, the reader must be able to understand

the nature of your job.

Describe how your work assignment relates to your academic field. Tell how

your work has helped you personally and professionally and how you feel it

will help you with your course work. Tell how your course work has helped

you with your work experience.

Based on your work experience, describe how your work assignments have

helped you in decisions concerning your career goals and ambitions.

6. how the program ensures that the students interact with supervisor(s) and co-

worker(s) on a regular basis.

If a student were to report insufficient interaction with his or her supervisor and co-

workers, the CSO would contact the supervisor to discuss the working environment

for that student and make the appropriate recommendations.

(G-302.I.1.d)

K. Which course or courses provide instruction in ethics and professional responsibility?

PLAW 1000 Intro to Paralegal Studies contains the introduction to legal ethics as the focus

of several chapters of the text and one chapter devoted entirely to the topic.

PLAW 2600 Legal Ethics is the primary course where ethics and professional responsibility

is taught. In addition to referring to the ABA model Code and the Tennessee Rules of

Professional Conduct for lawyers, students study the rules of professional conduct

promulgated by various national paralegal organizations.

Legal ethics and professional responsibility are explored and discussed in every PLAW

course. Faculty routinely include legal ethics situations throughout the semester to ensure

student performance expectations are met.

Approximately how many hours in each program option are devoted to teaching this subject?

(G-302.I.3)

48 Hours

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L. Which course or courses provide instruction in legal research?

Every legal specialty course provides instruction in legal research. In PLAW 1000 Intro to

Legal Research, students are first introduced to the need for research in order to determine

the applicable law as applied to fact situations. Efforts are made to impress on the students

the complexity of the law and how essential legal research is to effectively represent clients.

With this foundation, students are required to utilize research skills, including analysis, as

applied to real world factual scenarios.

Which course or courses provide instruction in electronic research?

PLAW 1100 Legal Writing requires students to research and apply statutes that affect the

nature of the documents being produced. Statues concerning wills, powers of attorney,

incorporation, and rules of civil procedure are researched and included in the course

assignments.

PLAW 1200 Legal Research is the primary course that provides instruction in legal research.

The course presents traditional hard cover book research with the main focus of the course

being proficiency in online research. Westlaw is the online search engine used to teach

selection of databases, use of Boolean query construction, approaches to locating pertinent

legal authority and ability to efficiently search for relevant authority.

PLAW 2300 Bankruptcy merges research for the federal Bankruptcy Code with applicable

state statutes. Bankruptcy forms are located online and used to complete course assignments.

Approximately how many hours in each program option are devoted to teaching legal

research? (G-302.I.4, G-601.J - K)

65 Hours

M. Does the program cross-list any legal specialty course with other programs or majors offered

by the institution?

Yes

No X

If yes, list and explain. (G-302 and G-503)

N. State what policies govern the acceptance of transfer of legal specialty credits completed at

other institutions?

Legal specialty courses successfully completed at other institutions are evaluated by the

program director as to the college level, earned grade, NSCC equivalent, method of delivery,

and accreditation of the prior college.

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State the criteria for accepting courses in transfer and the procedures used to protect the

academic quality and integrity of the program.

The program director evaluates transfer courses using the same set of criteria as those stated

in the college’s transfer policy (see Section III E.5).

State the limits on the number of legal specialty courses that may be accepted in transfer.

There are limitations on the class rubric and number of hours that may be transferred to the

Paralegal Studies program. There are 18 hours of paralegal-specific classes in the technical

core; only six hours may be transferred into the program. There are twelve hours of technical

electives; all twelve hours may be transferred into the program if the criteria stated in

Nashville State’s transfer policy have been met (see Section III E.5).

State where these policies and procedures are published.

The transfer policy for paralegal-specific courses are published in the Paralegal Studies home

site in the on-line catalog.

State how the procedures described ensure that the program is providing at least ten semester

credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through traditional classroom instruction

as provided in G-302.J. (G-302.I.7)

Only six of the 18 hours of legal specialty courses in the technical core may be transferred

into the Paralegal Studies program at Nashville State, and none of the legal specialty courses

in the technical core is offered in any format other than traditional; thus, students are

provided at least 12 hours of traditional classroom instruction.

O. What policies govern the award of legal specialty credit by course challenge, examination or

portfolio?

Legal specialty credit is not awarded by course challenge, examination, or portfolio.

What are the procedures used to protect the academic quality and integrity of the program.

N/A

State the limits on the number of legal specialty credits that may be earned through such

means. N/A

State the procedures for evaluating and approving the award of such credit. N/A

State where these policies and procedures are written. N/A (G-302.I.7)

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P. Are any legal specialty courses offered through alternative delivery formats, such as online,

blended/hybrid, accelerated, or compressed, as defined in G-302.J?

Yes X

No

Note: PLAW 2550 Administrative Law has gone through the Quality Matters (QM)

process—a faculty-centered, peer review process designed to certify the quality of online and

blended courses—and has been approved as an online course. PLAW 2550 was offered fall

2014 to students in this online delivery format.

If yes, for each of the past four years, or for each year since students were admitted to the

program, whichever is later, indicate the following: (Refer to G-302.J for interpretations

relating to alternative formats.)

Course

Number

Course Name

Method of

Delivery

Date Course

First Offered in

Alternative

Delivery

Format

Sessions of

Subsequent

Offerings of

Course in

Alternative

Delivery

Format

PLAW 2550

Administrative Law Online Fall 2014 0

Note: Add additional rows as needed

Q. For each method of alternative delivery listed above:

1. Explain how the program ensures that students take at least ten semester credits or the

equivalent of legal specialty courses through traditional classroom instruction or the

equivalent as defined in G-302.J.3-4.

The introduction of the on-line course in Administrative Law was an attempt to judge the

viability of on-line options for the core courses in the program. It was determined that

at present on-ground delivery is the most viable option, and we do not anticipate

offering on-line paralegal core courses in this format until later in the program’s

future.

2. Provide as Exhibit III.6 a detailed course outline for each online course showing how

the hours devoted to online structured instructional activities are equivalent to the

number of classroom hours that are normally required to award credit for such a

course.

The on-line course followed the approved Quality Matters (QM) structure for approval as

a course equivalent to standard courses offered on-ground through the college.

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3. Provide as Exhibit III.7 a detailed course outline for each blended/hybrid course

showing how the hours devoted to classroom time and online structured instructional

activities are equivalent to the number of classroom hours that are normally required

to award credit for such a course. N/A

4. Provide as Exhibit III.8 a detailed course outline for each accelerated course

showing how the hours devoted to classroom time and out-of-class structured

instructional activities are equivalent to the number of classroom hours that are

normally required to award credit for such a course. N/A

5. Provide as Exhibit III.9 a detailed course outline for each compressed course

showing how the hours devoted to classroom time are scheduled in a manner which

allows out-of-classroom time for students to reflect, read, study, and complete

assignments. N/A

6 Explain how courses were selected for delivery in the alternative format and how the

courses were developed.

The introduction of the on-line course in Administrative Law was an attempt to judge the

viability of on-line options for the core courses in the program. It was determined that

at present on-ground delivery is the most viable option, and we do not anticipate

offering on-line paralegal core courses in this format until later in the program’s

future.

7. Provide information on how students are screened to assess their ability to succeed in

the alternative format or otherwise trained or prepared to succeed in taking course

work in this format.

Students were advised that often an on-line course is more difficult to take than an on-

ground course. In addition, Administrative Law was chosen because the student who

would be able to register for the class would be quite far into the program, having

taken the required pre-requisites, and would be more mature and arguably more fit to

handle the class, possessing the self-discipline to follow the format successfully.

8. Provide information on the training and support for the development and instruction

of courses delivered in the alternative format.

The instructor had taught many courses in the on-line format before teaching this course. However, as noted, we do not anticipate offering additional on-line courses in the

paralegal core selection at present.

9. Provide information on the assessment that is conducted to determine the

effectiveness of the alternative format and attach as Exhibit III.10 a summary of the

results of such assessment. Information on student assessment of the class is included

as the Exhibit.

10. Additionally, for totally online courses, provide the following additional information:

(NOTE: No paralegal specialty courses are currently being offered, and none are

anticipated to be offered in the near future.)

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a. Describe the types of structured instructional activities used to substitute for

classroom instruction. N/A

b. What means are used to ensure that there is interaction between faculty members

and students throughout the course? N/A

c. What means are used to ensure that there is interaction among students throughout

the course? N/A

d. By what means are faculty members accessible to students? N/A

e. How do faculty members respond to students who have questions? N/A

f. How do faculty members provide feedback to students on assignments and tests?

N/A

g. What technical support is provided to ensure proper functioning of the system and

back-up in the event of technical difficulties? N/A

h. What methods are used to verify the identity of students submitting work or

taking tests online? N/A

(G-302.J)

SECTION IV

FACULTY G-401 through G-403

A. State the name and the title of the person who serves as program director.

Charles deWitt, Paralegal Studies Program Director

Is the program director position full-time or part-time? Full-time

If the position is not full-time and the person designated as program director does not serve

the institution on a full-time basis, identify the person responsible for the program who is

full-time with the institution. (G-402)

B. Has the person identified as the program director been in his/her position for fewer than

four years? If so, provide the name or names of the person or persons who have served in

this capacity for the past four years, or since the date students were first admitted to the

program, whichever is later, with dates of service, status as full-time or part-time, and

indicate the reasons for the change. (G-402)

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No. Although the current Director was Assistant Dean of the paralegal program at the

University of Memphis for several years (the program received its ABA approval under

his tenure there) the original Director was Ed Turnley.

C. Provide as Exhibit IV.1 a resume for the person designated as the program director. If the

program director is not full-time, provide a resume for the person responsible for the program

who is full-time with the institution. Each resume must include the beginning date of service

with the institution and the program, relevant professional qualifications, and experience

working with paralegals and/or as a paralegal (other than teaching paralegals). (G-401.A -

D)

See Exhibit 4-1 deWitt Resume.pdf.

D. For the program director and each person having responsibility for program direction and

administration (including where the program director is part-time, the person responsible for

the program who is full-time with the institution) indicate what percentage of the individual’s

total time is devoted to the program and to other duties, using the three categories below. Be

sure to show the approximate time allocation during the year for each area, e.g., percentages

of full-time or actual hour amounts for each person.

1. Program-related administrative duties. 20%

2. Duties that are not related to the paralegal program. 10%

3. Teaching. 70%

4. If the person teaches for the institution, specify the usual full-time teaching load at the

institution and the amount of release or reassigned time, if any, that is given for

direction of the program.

The usual full-time teaching load is 30 credit hours per academic year. The amount of

release time typically given for program coordination is three credit hours per semester.

(G-402)

E. Please indicate who has primary responsibility for each of the following functions that relate

to Guideline requirements: (G-402)

FUNCTION

NAME AND TITLE

OF PERSON

RESPONSIBLE

Defining major program objectives Charles deWitt, Paralegal Studies Program Director

Representing the program throughout the administrative and academic structure of the institution

Karen Stevenson, Academic Dean of

Business & Applied Arts

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September 1, 2013

Determining the financial needs and formulating the program budget


Business & Applied Arts

Attracting, selecting, and retaining qualified faculty and encouraging faculty professional development


Business & Applied

Arts; Charles deWitt,

Paralegal Studies

Program Director

Advising program students Charles deWitt, Paralegal Studies

Program Director

Assuring the proper organization and operation of the advisory committee

Charles deWitt, Paralegal Studies

Program Director

Maintaining liaison with the legal, paralegal, and paralegal education communities


Program Director

Identifying and responding to the occupational and educational needs of the community


Program Director

Arranging and monitoring internships or other field experiences, if offered


Program Director

Handling placement or coordination with the central placement office


Program Director

Evaluating the adequacy of the library/information resources


Program Director

Coordinating the educational program Charles deWitt, Paralegal Studies

Program Director

Evaluating the overall program including regular

assessment of the legal community, students,

graduates, and employers as required in G-301.E

Charles deWitt,

Paralegal Studies

Program Director

F. What measures are taken to support and encourage the professional growth of the program

director and all faculty members in the paralegal program as both teachers and professionals?

Complete Exhibit IV.2, listing the program director’s and each faculty member’s

participation in such professional growth activities during the past four years, or for each

year since the date students were first admitted to the program, whichever is later.

(G-401.E - G)

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The Director and all faculty, as attorneys in Tennessee) are required to complete 15 hours of

professional training per year to retain licensure as an attorney in Tennessee. This includes 3

hours of ethics. In addition, the Director has created a training video for the Tennessee Bar

Association on Education Law that is available for other attorneys to access that will provide

them with one hour of CLE credit taken in an 0n-line format. The Director also attended the

regional meeting of AAfPE earlier this year and received training on a number of

professional topics related to the paralegal program and students.

See Exhibit 4-2 Professional Development.pdf.

G. List below the dates of each paralegal faculty meeting held during the past four years, or

since the date of the first faculty meeting, whichever is later. Include as Exhibit IV.3 copies

of the minutes of these meetings. The minutes must include the dates of the meetings, the

names of those in attendance, and a record of substantive discussions. (G-401.H)

July 18, 2015

August 14, 2014

August 22, 2013

August 22, 2012

August 25, 2011

August 26, 2010

See Exhibit 4-3 Faculty Meeting Minutes.pdf.

H. Complete Exhibit IV.4, showing all faculty members who are now teaching and who have

taught legal specialty courses for each of the last four years, or since the date students were

first admitted to the program, whichever is later. (G-401, G-403.A)

See Exhibit 4-4 Faculty Members.pdf.

I. What clerical, technical, and other support services are provided to faculty members?

(G-403.B)

Clerical support is provided, to varying degrees, by the division’s two full-time secretaries.

Technical support is provided by the college’s Computer Services Division. Instructional

support is provided by Linda Lyle, head of Instructional Services, and Christian Winters,

Coordinator of Instructional Quality. Testing support is provided by the Testing Center. The

Library staff offers research support.

Note: An updated resume for each faculty member listed in Exhibit IV.4 must be provided to

the site team at the time of the site visit. Each resume must include a description of the faculty

member’s professional qualifications, including experience working with paralegals or as a

paralegal (other than teaching paralegals). (G-401.A, C – E).

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SECTION V

ADMISSIONS AND STUDENT SERVICES G-501 through G-503

A. What are the admission requirements and procedures used to select students? Indicate what

printed or electronic publications of the program and institution contain admission

requirements and procedures. (G-501)

First-time students must have graduated from a state approved high school or home school or

received a GED high school equivalency diploma and submit “official” high school

transcripts or “official” copies of GED scores to the Office of Admissions. Evidence on the

official high school transcript indicating a passing Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment

Program (TCAP) score is required for graduates of Tennessee public schools. Applicants

unable to provide a satisfactory secondary school credential may substitute acceptable GED

scores. The minimum acceptable score for the GED is 450 with no sub-score less than 350.

A degree-seeking applicant who has attended another college or university will be considered

a "transfer" student. Transfer applicants must submit transcripts from all previously attended

institutions and may be required to submit an official high school transcript or GED score

report.

Please see Admissions in the college catalog at http://www.nscc.edu/admissions/

B. Promotional Materials:

1. List below the links to all electronic catalogs, advertisements, promotional

materials, brochures, and flyers.

Electronic catalog:

http://catalog.nscc.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=9&poid=923&returnto=792

Program site:

http://www.nscc.edu/programs/c/business-and-applied-arts /paralegal-studies/

Advising sheet:

http://ww2.nscc.edu/depart/docs/bus/Adv_PreLaw-AA-AS.pdf

2. Provide as Exhibit V.1 all current print advertisements, promotional materials,

brochures, flyers, copies of catalog pages related to the paralegal program, and

copies of all website pages that feature the paralegal program. (G-501.A - B)

See Exhibit 5-1 Promotional Material.pdf.

Note: If the institution has a print catalog, a copy must be provided to the site team at the time

of the site visit. Indicate on the catalog cover the numbers of the pages of the catalog that

refer to the paralegal program.

http://www.nscc.edu/admissions/



http://www.nscc.edu/programs/c/business-and-applied-arts

http://ww2.nscc.edu/depart/docs/bus/Adv_PreLaw-AA-AS.pdf

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C. Indicate where statements are published in the institution’s and program’s literature that

explain that paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as

permitted by law. Indicate which of the documents provided in Exhibit V.1 contains this

statement and the page number on which the statement appears in each such document.

(G-501.A.3)

The statement that “paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as

permitted by law” is published in the Paralegal Studies program brochure and on page 1 of

the online catalog:

http://catalog.nscc.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=7&poid=671&returnto=731. The

statement also appears in bold print on the program’s website at

http://www.nscc.edu/programs/c/business-applied-arts-and-technologies/paralegal-studies/.

D. Describe how the required orientation to the paralegal profession is provided to new students.

Include information on materials provided, when the orientation takes place, and what

persons are involved in the process. (G-502.A)

Orientation for paralegal students is initially provided to new students during PLAW 1000

Intro to Paralegal Studies. Students receive the program curriculum, and the program director

outlines the program objectives, required coursework, Cooperative Education opportunities

for students, and career opportunities for paralegals. Students also hear about expected guest

speakers, the Student chapter of NALS (National Association of Legal Professionals), and a

general discussion of the legal profession.

The college provides new student orientations. Beginning summer 2014, students who

have chosen Paralegal Studies as their major meet with the program director following

the college’s general orientation. Dr. deWitt also provides advising assistance and

direction by teaching the PLAW 1000 course, Introduction to Paralegal Studies, to

connect with new students entering the program with this as the gateway course. At this

Paralegal Studies program orientation, students will be handed a copy of the current

program curriculum, informed of the courses that are required and when they are offered,

and given a general overview of the career as a paralegal and the goals of the program.

In addition, the students will be made aware of the opportunities available through the

program.

E. Describe the student services provided in each of the following areas and provide the name

and title of the person(s) responsible for the following:

1. Course selection, advisement, and registration.

As Program Director, Charles deWitt is the primary contact and advisor for students in

the Paralegal Studies program. Dr. deWitt is responsible for helping students with course

selection and degree planning. Dr. deWitt’s office hours are clearly posted, and his office

hours are designed to coincide with the hours students are on campus to attend classes.

Students can self-register but are required to meet with Dr. deWitt before initial

registration; when they meet with Dr. deWitt, students receive a PIN which allows them



http://www.nscc.edu/programs/c/business-applied-arts-and-technologies/paralegal-studies/

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to register for classes. Registration issues are resolved, if possible, by the Program

Director in conjunction with the Registrar’s Office.

Charles deWitt, Program Director

2. Career counseling.

At the Career Services Office, students can take part in Career Development Facilitating.

A student is given career assessments that test his or her skills, interests, and work values.

After the assessment, the CSO matches majors/career to each category and facilitates

discussions regarding each one. The CSO then shows the student how to properly

research the different occupations for additional information. This process helps a student

to explore majors that fit in the scope of his or her career assessments.

Students are also welcome to review resumes and take part in mock interviews in the

Career Services Office, where they can also learn about job fairs and events. Nashville

State sponsors Job Fair events each year in the fall and spring. The Job Fairs are open to

all Nashville State students and graduates, free of charge. Business and Industry are

charged a nominal fee for participation. The Job Fair is an opportunity for graduates and

students to interact and network with Middle Tennessee employers and learn about career

opportunities in their fields of study. The CSO also provides a list of helpful job search

links and career exploration tools.

Each year the CSO prepares an employment report and salary report. All graduates are

tracked in the A.A.S. degrees and technical certificate programs, and this tracking helps

students make career path decisions.

These reports can be found on the college’s website at http://www.nscc.edu/student-

resources/student-resources-details/reports-and-programs/.

Stephen Hooks, Director of Career Services

Lisa Fletcher, Career Services Secretary

3. Support programs such as remediation and tutoring.

Nashville State offers Learning Support courses, which allow students to practice math,

writing, and reading skills needed for college-level courses and other transfer courses.

Entrance requirements and/or testing determine placement, and placement in college-prep

courses is determined upon admission to the college. ACT/SAT scores, COMPASS test

scores, or other relevant information determines whether a student needs to enroll in

Learning Support courses in reading, writing, and/or math. After completing the required

Learning Support course(s), a student may enroll in college-level courses.

Patricia Armstrong, Dean of English, Humanities and Arts

Sarah Roberts, Dean of Math and Natural Sciences


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Students who do not have English as their native language take the Michigan Plus Test

for English placement unless they score 19 or higher on the Reading and English portions

of the ACT or have transfer credit for ENGL 1010 from a U.S. college or university.

Michigan Plus Test scores are used for placement purposes only at Nashville State and

cannot be reported to other institutions. ESOL accommodations may be available for

those who complete all recommended ESOL courses. Those who do not wish to take

ESOL courses must sign a waiver of ESOL assistance and are not eligible for

accommodations.

Elizabeth Stein, ESOL Coordinator

The Learning Center offers all Nashville State students free, drop-in academic assistance

with courses in which they are currently enrolled at the college. Services include access

to computers for research, email, tutorials in course content, and software applications

used in classes. In addition, tutors are available to help in many subjects, especially

mathematics and writing, and to provide technical support.

Nashville State provides students with free access to the SMARTHINKING online

tutorial program. They may log in from anywhere, at any time, and interact with live

tutors who provide assistance in math, economics, accounting, English and many other

subjects. As a benefit of attending Nashville State, students also receive a subscription to

lynda.com, an online learning library with over 1,500 instructional videos.

Margaret Faye Jones, Dean of Learning Resources

4. Student organizations and associations.

Nashville State has honors, social, and professional clubs and organizations. Students are

encouraged to participate in these clubs, and/or organizations and activities. Registrations

of all organizations are on file in the Offices of Student Life. Specifically for Paralegal

Studies students, there is a student chapter of NALS, the National Association for Legal

Professionals. NALS provides continuing legal education, certification opportunities,

and networking to all members of the legal community, and student members join at a

reduced cost.

There are more than 20 clubs and organizations that are active on the campus. Student

Government Association and representatives from each student organization are

encouraged to attend each month’s Student Life Council. The Student Life Council

promotes cooperation and communication among student organizations.

The Office of Student Life sponsors activities such as the Back to School Bash,

Organization Day, Constitution Day, Drunk Driving Awareness and other Educational

Awareness Workshops. Many of the activities that are sponsored by the Office of Student

Life include a critical thinking challenge.

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The Student Government Association (SGA) represents the student body at Nashville

State. The S.G.A. serves the vital role of liaison between the campus administration and

the student body.

Evelyn Hadley, Director of Special Projects and Student Life

5. Other services or activities.

The Testing Center provides ACT Compass, CLEP College Level Examination Program,

and Graduate Exit Exams. Other services include Web and Regents Online Degree

Program, departmental testing (individual student make-up exams), and proctored testing.

Michelle Nelson, Testing Center Director

The Office of Online Learning offers new student orientations and provides workshops

designed to help students be successful in their online courses.

Kathy Emery, Director of Online Learning

The Admissions Office provides on-campus New Student Orientations before the spring

and fall semesters. The New Student Orientations are for all first-time students/freshmen

who have applied to the college under Associate Degree programs and Technical

Certificates. Faculty advisors are available to help with advising/registration at the end of

the New Student Orientation Information sessions. All first-time freshmen (degree and

certificate seeking students) are required to meet with advisors prior to registration.

Laura Moran, Director of Admissions

Services are provided to veterans include help with matriculation, degree planning,

monthly attendance verifications, and employment.

Tracy H. Collins, Veterans Affairs Coordinator

(G-502)

F. Describe how graduates are assisted in securing suitable employment by answering the

following questions:

1. How and when does the program assist students in developing resume writing,

interviewing, and job search skills?

The program director encourages all students to take full advantage of the services

offered by the Career Services Office. These services include help with resume writing,

preparing mock interviews, help with job search skills, and Co-op placements.

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2. How does the program provide information and resources about current paralegal

employment opportunities?

Paralegal Studies faculty members announce current employment opportunities in class.

The program director maintains the Paralegal Studies bulletin board, where job

opportunities are routinely posted.

3. What is the name and title of the person who has the chief responsibility for the

employment/placement services?

Stephen Hooks, Director of Career Services

(G-502(a) and G-502.C)

G. Complete the form provided as Exhibit V.2, showing employment and related information

for all graduates for each of the past four years, or for each year since the date students were

first admitted to the program, whichever is later. (G-502(a), C - D)

See Exhibit 5-2 Employment and Continuing Ed.pdf.

H. What methods are used to give students the opportunity to express their views and make

suggestions regarding the paralegal program? (G-502.E)

Students are invited to attend advisory committee meetings, held two to three times per year.

Every semester, students complete IDEA surveys. These surveys provide students with

opportunities to express their views anonymously. During office hours and advising sessions,

students are encouraged to share their views with the program director.

I. If the program provides continuing education for its graduates and/or paralegals, list the

continuing education offerings for the past four years or for each year since the date students

were first admitted to the program, whichever is later. Include any promotional flyers or

materials as Exhibit V.3. (G-502.F)

The program does not provide continuing education for its graduates and/or paralegals.

J. Does the program allow non-paralegal students to enroll in any legal specialty classes?

Yes X

No

If yes:

1. Are the non-paralegal students required to meet all prerequisites for the legal

specialty classes?

Yes

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2. Describe how the program ensures that the progress, content, level and quality of

the legal specialty courses are not adversely affected.

(G-503)

SECTION VI

LIBRARY G-601

Non-paralegal students are held to the same standards as paralegal students.

Course content, level, and quality do not change on the basis of students’ fields of

study.

A. Which law library facilities does the program rely on to meet the requirements of the

Guidelines? Check all that apply.

Law school library.

City, county, or bar library.

X Section of the institution’s library.

A library collection and area set up specifically to serve the paralegal program.

(G-601.A and E)

B. If the program relies on a library that is not located on the institution’s campus, provide the

following information:

1. Distance of the library or libraries from the institution’s facilities, including all

locations where paralegal classes are held.

2. Understanding or written agreement between the library and the program regarding

student use, including accessibility and permission to provide onsite instruction. If

there is a written agreement, include as Exhibit VI.1. N/A

(G-601.F) C. Provide the following information about library use and accessibility for each library listed

in A above:

1. What are the hours of library operation?

The library’s regular semester hours follow:

Monday-Thursday: 7:30am-8pm Friday: 7:30am-4:30pm

Saturday: 9am-2pm

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2. Is instruction in legal research permitted within the library facility? State

restrictions, if any.

Yes, instruction is permitted.

3. What kind of assistance (including staffing) is provided to students when using

the library?

Students can receive assistance for a variety of needs, including correct citation, creating

presentations, crafting arguments, computer use, finding books, articles, and films, etc.

Some of the library staff members, listed below, have specified duties.

Margaret Faye Jones, Dean of Learning Resources

Emily Bush, Instruction Librarian Pamela Gadd, Library Assistant

Andrew Mason, Library Assistant

Charles May, Reference Librarian

Sally Robertson, Cataloging, Serials, and App Librarian

Colette Strassburg, Interlibrary Loan

Faye Vaughn, Technical Services

(G-601.C - D)

D. How does the program evaluate the adequacy of the library and information resources? (G-

601.B)

The advisory committee is called upon to review the college’s library and information

resources to determine adequacy.

E. If your program has an affiliation with an ABA approved law school that allows paralegal

students full use of the hard copy collection in the law school’s library, submit as Exhibit

VI.2 the following:

1. A letter from the law school librarian confirming that paralegal students can use

the law library’s hard copy collection. N/A

2. An inventory of the paralegal periodicals and texts required by G-601.G.6 - 7.

N/A

F. If your program does not have an affiliation with an ABA approved law school, submit as

Exhibit VI.3, an inventory of materials in the collection under each of the following

categories, noting the most recent update.

1. State code(s).

2. State or regional reporter(s).

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3. A citator resource for checking validity and currency of primary source materials.

4. Legal encyclopedia(s).

5. Texts, practice manuals, and form books for all legal specialty courses. (Include

name, author, edition, date of publication, and publisher. Be sure to include the

materials for every legal specialty course.)

6. Local and state bar journals, legal newspapers, and periodicals devoted to the

paralegal profession.

7. Texts and other resources (not listed in #7 above) about the paralegal profession.

(Include name, author, edition, date of publication, and publisher.)

8. Law dictionaries.

(G-601.G)

See Exhibit 6-3 Inventory of Library Resources.pdf.

G. Does your program provide access to any of the required resources exclusively in electronic

format?

Yes X

No

If yes:

1. Describe how the mix of print and electronic resources meets the needs of the legal

community served by the program.

The mix of print and electronic resources contains both Federal and Tennessee

specific statutes and case law. In addition, Westlaw provides secondary authorities

and form books that are commonly used in the legal community. A list of the

databases included in Westlaw will be provided to the site team.

2. Describe how the program ensures that students have at least the same degree of

access to the electronic materials that they would have if the materials were in

hard copy.

All classrooms have internet capability that allows instructors to access electronic data

bases for instruction pertinent to course content. All students enrolled in PLAW 1200

Legal Research, receive a password to access Westlaw, and the password is valid until

graduation. The library staff is equipped with a password for any student who has not

taken PLAW 1200 but wishes to access Westlaw.

(G-601.H)

H. Describe how the program ensures that it provides sufficient electronic access to research

materials of the type used in the legal community served by the program.(G-601.K)

All students enrolled in PLAW 1200 Legal Research receive a password to access Westlaw,

and the password is valid until graduation. The library staff is equipped with a password for

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any student who has not taken PLAW 1200 but wishes to access Westlaw. The contract

with Westlaw includes databases which provide access to materials that the legal

community served by the program such as Tennessee State and Federal codes, case

reporters, form books, Tennessee Practice manuals, and secondary authorities.

SECTION VII

PHYSICAL PLANT G-701 through G-703

A. Describe the office space that is assigned to the program director, staff, and faculty in the

program. (G-703.A)

Charles deWitt’s office (D-8) is in the Ellen Weed Building, convenient to the classrooms

where students take paralegal classes. This office can be used as a private work space and

meeting space for Dr. deWitt and students. There are shelves for books and resources,

computer, and telephone.

Within the Business and Applied Arts Division offices in the Clement Building (C Building)

is an office used by the division’s adjuncts, including those teaching in the Paralegal Studies

program. The adjunct office has a desk, computer, and shelving. The computer allows

adjuncts to access the printers in the suite, which are located, along with a fax machine and

the adjunct mailboxes in C-237E.

Two division secretaries have offices in the same suite, one in C-237C, connected to Dean

Stevenson’s office, and one in C-112A.

B. Describe the areas where students may meet privately with faculty and staff. (G-703.B)

Students may meet privately with faculty and staff in the offices described above or in

vacant classrooms nearby. There are also private meeting rooms in the Library (K-150) and

Learning Center (K-164).

Note: G-701 and G-702 require that the physical facilities, space, equipment and other

instructional aids be sufficient and suitable for the program. Program Directors should be

prepared to demonstrate compliance with both of the Guidelines to the site visit team at the

time of the site visit.

application for initial approval of …...american bar association standing committee on paralegals...

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