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Services for Students

Student and Academic Services

KCTCS colleges are structured to provide support that students need to achieve a rewarding and successful academic experience. Classes and laboratories are housed in modern structures on campuses designed to accommodate growth and development of college programs. Many classes are offered at off-campus facilities. All KCTCS colleges have bookstore services where students and faculty may obtain textbooks, as well as a variety of reading and instructional materials. Other services, facilities and opportunities are described below.

Advising

KCTCS colleges provide quality advising to students. Professional staff and faculty advisors can offer individual and/or group academic advising services to help students in establishing and meeting academic, career, and personal goals. Students should connect with an advisor at their college if they need assistance.

Career Services

KCTCS colleges connect students to experiential and work-based learning opportunities and prepare students with the skills they need to be successful in the workplace.  Contact your local college for assistance.

Testing

Many of the KCTCS colleges have been designated as testing centers for administering scholastic examinations. Examinations given at the colleges include the American College Test® (ACT), a Career Planning Program (CPP), WorkKeys® and correspondence study programs for other colleges and universities. Other examinations given at some of the KCTCS colleges include the High School Equivalency (HES) Test, College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP), and ACT PEP (Proficiency Examination Program). Contact the local college Student Services Office for more information about examinations and testing schedules.

Accessibility Services For Students with Disabilities

Each KCTCS college has a designated representative for disability services, who has the authority to determine eligibility for services as well as the type and extent of the services afforded to eligible students. To be eligible for services, students must provide the designated representative with current documentation of their disability including evidence of the need for academic accommodations.   

Information Technology

KCTCS colleges provide computer laboratories for student utilization in accessing the Internet and other software applications required for completion of class projects and research assignments. While on campus, students have access to WiFi that can be accessed by laptop, cellular phone, or tablet. KCTCS students are eligible for free or discounted software and discounts on computer hardware by contacting their college IT department.

Learning Laboratories

Learning laboratories help students improve their basic learning skills. Students experiencing difficulties in meeting entry-level requirements for areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics; students who want to improve their current academic performance; and students who want to review previously learned skills are among those who have found the services provided by learning laboratories to be helpful. Learning laboratories may use a variety of techniques and materials to assist students such as: tutoring services, group work, and individualized instruction. Tests may be given to determine when students have reached a particular level of achievement. Materials include videos, individualized learning packets, programmed texts, sound pages, and computer-driven learning modules.

Libraries

KCTCS libraries actively support student learning, faculty teaching and research, and the intellectual and cultural lives of the diverse campuses and communities they serve.  They are an integral part of the teaching and learning process by providing resources and services to support the colleges’ educational and enrichment goals.  Libraries provide access to thousands of books, movies, periodical subscriptions, and other resources, in a variety of media and formats.  

Access to the libraries’ electronic collections is available through the libraries’ websites, as well as through Primo, the KCTCS libraries’ discovery tool.  Circulation and interlibrary loan services for physical collections are available at most campus locations.  KCTCS libraries are staffed with talented, experienced professionals who provide instruction and guidance to students in the evaluation and effective use of information resources.  Working closely with other faculty members, KCTCS librarians are important catalysts for the instruction of information literacy.  KCTCS libraries participate in the Kentucky Virtual Library (KYVL) and are members of the Federation of Kentucky Academic Libraries (FoKAL).

Student Housing

KCTCS colleges are nonresidential colleges and no housing facilities are provided, with the exception of limited options available at Bluegrass Community and Technical College. Students admitted to Bluegrass Community and Technical College should contact the college for more information.

Military Student Services

At KCTCS, we strive to make it easier for military-affiliated students and their families to access our wide range of programs. We understand the unique challenges military students face and aim to create a welcoming environment on our campuses and in our classrooms where they feel a strong sense of belonging. To ensure the success of our military-affiliated students, each KCTCS college has appointed a dedicated representative to lead our Military Student Services. These representatives are available in the Military Student Support office, where students and their families are encouraged to visit and explore the specialized programs and services tailored to support their academic journey. We are committed to providing comprehensive support and information to military-affiliated students, helping them navigate their educational path and achieve their goals. Military Student Services is designed to meet the specific needs of military students and their families, ensuring they receive the assistance and guidance necessary for a successful academic experience.

Ready to Work: Assistance for Low-Income Parents

Ready to Work (RTW) is a partnership between the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and the KY Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Dept. for Community Based Services. RTW is designed to assist low-income parents who are enrolling in and attending community and technical colleges in Kentucky. RTW supports their college success and completion while meeting the participation requirements of the KY Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP)through:

  • Counseling, advocacy and mentoring
  • Referrals to community resources
  • Job references and referrals
  • Job readiness, life skills, financial coaching and academic success seminars
  • Work study opportunities both on and off campus

Contact your college RTW Coordinator to determine if you are eligible for RTW services.

Kentucky Adult Ed

If you didn’t finish high school, there are free classes - at adult education centers and online - to help you earn your HES (high school equivalency diploma).

If you are a high school graduate and need to improve your reading, math or communication skills, you may be eligible for free adult education services in your choice of any Kentucky county, as well as online.

KCTCS Colleges serve as the adult education service providers in many Kentucky counties.

Policies and Procedures Right to Know

KCTCS colleges support the intent of the Student Right to Know/Campus Security Act and are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all students and employees. Several approaches may be utilized for crime prevention, such as:

  • Burglar alarms
  • Campus security officers
  • Key control system
  • Light sensors
  • Local police patrol
  • Motion detection system
  • Building checks
  • Video monitor and closed circuit cameras
  • Visitor control processes.

Additionally, crime prevention efforts include the dissemination of information at student orientations, faculty in-services, and student organization meetings. Conduct that violates the intent of this Act and poses an unacceptable risk to members of the community of the KCTCS college shall result in appropriate disciplinary action as defined by policy.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Each college within KCTCS has a varied and distinguished tradition of higher education. Each college’s students, faculty, and staff form an academic community that, while sharing certain characteristics with other types of associations, organizations, and societies, is rightly considered unique as a community, and should be governed, respected, and supported as a college community. The System has an obligation to maintain an atmosphere of academic freedom, to set and maintain standards of scholarship and conduct for students at each college, and to provide awareness for responsible student citizenship in the academic community.

The Student Rights and Responsibilities may be found in the KCTCS Code of Student Conduct, available online at (https://kctcs.edu/current-students/academic-resources/code-of-student-conduct.aspx).

Student and Family Supports

During your academic journey, it is possible that you may face challenges or barriers to academic success such as childcare or transportation issues.  All KCTCS colleges are able to assist by offering direct support or referrals to services on campus on in the local community. Please reach out to the Student Services offices at your college for support.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

KCTCS colleges value diversity, equity and inclusion.  To ensure learning and working environments that are open, welcoming, and encourage a sense of belonging for all students, each KCTCS college employs an administrator and/or committee tasked to lead programming efforts that support learners in a variety of ways and has student-led organizations that offer opportunities to participate in and contribute to the diverse campus environment.  Contact your college Diversity or Multicultural Office to get involved.    

Drug-Free Policy

KCTCS colleges are committed to providing a safe environment for students, faculty, and staff. The KCTCS colleges have adopted the following drug-free policy:

Being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs or the use, possession, distribution, manufacture, or sale of illegal or unauthorized drugs is prohibited and is punishable as a felony offense on campus or within 1000 yards of campus. Conduct that violates this definition, poses unacceptable risks, and disregards the health; safety and welfare of members of the KCTCS college community shall result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension or termination. The KCTCS Colleges are in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act amendment of 1989.

Sexual Harassment

KCTCS colleges are committed to providing a learning environment free from sexual harassment. All KCTCS employees and students shall avoid offensive or inappropriate behaviors. Sexual harassment - a form of sexual discrimination - includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical actions of a sexual nature when submission to such conduct is made explicitly or implicitly as a term or condition of the student’s status in a course, program or activity; or is used as a basis for academic or other decisions affecting such student; or when such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with the student’s academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive academic environment.

Pregnancy Related Accommodations

KCTCS procedure 3.2P Pregnancy-Related Accommodations protects and ensures equal treatment of pregnant persons, individuals with childbirth or pregnancy-related conditions, and new parents. Students may request accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions by contacting their home school’s Title IX Coordinator to discuss options. The Title IX Coordinator will work with the faculty for academic accommodations. Faculty members have a legal obligation to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant students. Neither academic freedom nor tenure obviate this legal duty.

Grievance Procedures

Grievance procedures for students are found in the KCTCS Code of Student Conduct. Specific details may be obtained by visiting the KCTCS website at (https://policies.kctcs.edu/code-of-conduct/index.aspx).

Student Organizations

Business and industry demand that KCTCS graduates are able to function in global and team environments. Most programs include a specific organized professional development component that is interfaced with student organizations. KCTCS colleges have numerous professional (e.g. Kentucky Association of Nursing – KANS) as well as career and technical student organizations (e.g., Skills USA; Health Occupations Student Organization – HOSA; Professional Business Leaders – PBL). Contact the college’s student affairs office for details and a complete list of student organizations. Following are some of the nationally recognized honor organizations and student councils available to KCTCS students.

National Vocational Technical Honor Society

The NVTHS recognizes students who have shown qualities of leadership, scholarship, skill, responsibility, and service. Each student must have the recommendation of his or her major instructor and meet the minimum criteria. Benefits of membership include: the student’s name will be included in the National Register of Vocational Technical Students of America, as well as being able to request up to three letters of recommendation written by the National NVTHS. For more information visit: www.nths.org. 

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society of two-year colleges. Each college has its own chapter of this organization. The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students. To achieve this purpose, Phi Theta Kappa and its chapters provide opportunities for the development of leadership and service, an intellectual climate for exchange of ideas and ideals, lively fellowship for student scholars, and stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence. For more information, contact the Phi Theta Kappa advisor on each campus.

Student Government

The purpose of the student government is to provide a channel of communication whereby students can express themselves and make their views known to fellow students, faculty, and administration. The student government assists in sponsoring and regulating student activities and encourages the active participation of students in these activities. It is concerned with student involvement in all aspects of college life along with an appreciation of the privileges and responsibilities of being a college student. Members of the student government are elected representatives of the student body.

Co-Curricular Activities

Co-curricular activities for students vary among KCTCS colleges. Many opportunities exist for participation in student government, newspaper or literary magazine publication, debating, speech contests, drama, orchestra, band, choral groups, college-sponsored radio and television programs, art shows, and intramural sports. Several KCTCS colleges have joint faculty-student activities such as art exhibits, bowling leagues, drama productions, and presentation and discussion of selected foreign and American films.

FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended, is a federal law that protects the privacy and confidentiality of personally identifiable information contained within student education records. Colleges in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System comply with FERPA’s confidentiality protections and adhere to procedures dealing with student education records and directory information recommended by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.

In its discretion, a college or KCTCS as appropriate may provide Directory Information in accordance with the provisions of FERPA to include:

  • student name including preferred first name
  • address
  • email address
  • telephone number
  • date and place of birth
  • major field of study
  • dates of attendance
  • enrollment status (part-time or full-time)
  • degrees and awards received
  • the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student
  • participation in officially recognized activities and sports

Privacy and Release of Student Records

Students may withhold Directory Information by notifying designated officials at the college in writing within ten (10) calendar days from the first scheduled day of class of the fall term or through their self-service student account. All written requests for non-disclosure will be honored by the college for one (1) academic year. Requests to withhold Directory Information must be filed annually thereafter or may be updated in the student’s self-service student account. A request for “non-disclosure” is commonly called a “privacy request”.

This is to serve notice to all students of the KCTCS of the rights and restrictions regarding the maintenance, inspection, and release of student records contained in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). The colleges of KCTCS offer a wide variety of services to students. Each college requires the maintenance of records concerning students enrolled in that particular college. The following is a list of the types of records that may be maintained by the College and/or the System Office for students:

  • Academic records from schools previously attended
  • Scores or results on various standardized tests and interest/attitude inventories
  • Degrees awarded
  • Current academic work completed
  • Grades and other faculty evaluations
  • Applications for admissions
  • Applications and other data related to financial aid
  • Applications for employment
  • Class rosters
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Academic advisor notes
  • Attendance data
  • Biographical and identifying information  (including name, social security number, sex, marital status, date of birth, residency and citizenship status, ethnic background, academic major, and military status)
  • Medical data
  • Current student status
  • Accounts relating to charges
  • Academic offenses
  • Disciplinary offenses
  • Counseling notes

The colleges are responsible for the maintenance of records in all categories.

In general, the records maintained by the college are available only to the student, to college personnel with legitimate educational interests, a person or company with whom the College has contracted as its agent to provide a service, to other institutions where the student is seeking financial aid, and to authorized representatives of the Comptroller General of the U.S., the Secretary of the U. S. Department of Education, or an administrative head of an education agency, in connection with an audit or evaluation of federally supported programs, and as provided by Section 164.283 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes. However, information may be released by the institution to appropriate persons in connection with an emergency if the knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of a student or other persons. Records may be disclosed without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

Records may also be furnished in compliance with a judicial order or pursuant to a subpoena or with the consent of the student.

Students may inspect and review all records pertaining to them within forty-five (45) days of making requests for the same, except for

  1. records created or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other recognized professional or paraprofessional acting or assisting in a professional capacity in connection with the treatment of the student (except that the student may have these records reviewed by a physician or appropriate professional designated by the student),
  2. financial records of the parents,
  3. confidential letters and recommendations put in the files prior to January 1, 1975, and
  4. confidential recommendations relating to admission, application for employment, or honors, if the student waived his or her right to review such records.

Where a particular record cannot be reviewed by a student without revealing confidential information relating to other students, the records custodian will inform the student, upon request, of the contents of the record pertaining to that student.

Appeal

A student who believes that any record maintained by the college, the college district, or the KCTCS pertaining directly to that student is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise violates the right of privacy of the student as provided by Title IV of Pub.L.90-247, as amended, and Pub.L.93-380 as amended by Senate Joint Resolution 40 (1974), may request a hearing before a panel of three persons appointed by the President of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. The panel may direct that appropriate action be taken to correct, explain, or expunge the record(s) challenged.

Requests for hearing should be sent to the Records Custodian and will be addressed in a timely manner.  Please send appeal to:
Records Custodian
Kentucky Community and Technical College System
300 N Main St
Versailles, KY, 40383