The Business and Community Services (BCS) mission is to support economic, workforce, and community development by providing a wide range of services, training programs, and cultural activities in response to community need.
Our courses provide practical skills and hands-on training to help you reach your personal, professional or educational goals. BCS is your training connection: We develop custom programs to meet your company’s specific training and employee development needs.
Most of the continuing education programs BCS offers are eligible toward continuing education unit (CEU) credits required for many licensed professions. A CEU is typically measured as 10 hours of participation under qualified instruction in a recognized educational program. CEUs are awarded based on meeting class standards and an 80 percent mandatory class attendance requirement. BCS maintains permanent records of the CEUs each participant earns. Certificates of completion are awarded in certain areas. Many BCS courses also are eligible for continuing professional education (CPE) credits.
Charges for open non-credit courses are established based on elements like length and type of the course, materials included, and instructional costs. Charges for other programs and services are determined on an individual basis.
Programs and Services
Personal Enrichment/Development Programs. We offer a wide variety of courses to meet the diverse needs of the community, including vocational training, cultural enrichment, personal growth, fun and recreation.
Advanced Manufacturing Programs. BCS offers highly specialized advanced technology programs to help you manage the rapid changes and new realities of today’s workplace. These programs and courses may be offered on site for a company in customized formats. BCS also has a wide array of CADD (computer-aided design and drafting) courses, including AutoCAD and Microstation. Pellissippi State is a FeatureCAM Training Center and has a number of courses in the area of computer-aided machining and manufacturing. Additional advanced technology programs include programmable logic controllers, industrial automation, microelectrons, robotics and more.
Business and Professional Development Programs. BCS offers many non-credit courses, seminars and workshops that focus on business and management development and professional continuing education requirements. Program areas include business and management, supervision, customer service, team building, conflict resolution and professional examination review, certification, relicensure, Lean manufacturing/Six Sigma, quality/productivity, and environmental/safety.
Computer Training Institute. The Computer Training Institute provides a variety of regularly scheduled courses for individuals who need to upgrade their skills in computer operations or who need to develop new skills. Courses range from introductory-level classes for the novice user to advanced classes for the experienced user. These short, intensive, hands-on training courses focus on computer applications and programming. Each student has access to a computer. Classes are available days and evenings and are offered on a select basis at all college sites. Companies can request customized courses provided under special formats by contract. Classes also may be offered on site using company facilities.
Customized Training. Pellissippi State can develop and deliver customized training programs in response to the specific training needs of area business and industry. BCS is your one-stop training provider, offering an array of solutions that will enhance your performance—regardless of industry—and generate real results. We work routinely with business and industry experts to deliver the appropriate training that will positively impact your bottom line. Our specialized contract training programs provide effective means for skills upgrading, apprenticeships, retraining and cross-training. Subject matter ranges from basic skills and workplace literacy to supervisory and advanced technical skills. With experienced industrial training instructors, instructional designers and program coordinators on staff, BCS can provide needs assessment, program design and development, training, and facility and project coordination, in addition to the instruction. These customized training programs are generally offered on site.
Community Service/Outreach. BCS provides programs and services, such as youth and parent education programs, to special community groups.
Tennessee Small Business Development Center. Partially funded through the U.S. Small Business Administration and operating as part of the Tennessee Small Business Development Network, the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at Pellissippi State provides consulting and other services to small business in order to promote growth, expansion, innovation, increased productivity, and management improvement. TSBDC offices are located at the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership, Farragut/West Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, Blount County Chamber of Commerce and Pellissippi State campuses. Please visit the website at www.tsbdc.org for more information.
Facilities. The College offers state-of-the-art conference facilities and services to the community through BCS. Facilities include a 500-seat Clayton Performing Arts Center, auditoriums offering from 78 to 150 seats, a 40-seat Executive Seminar Room, and a variety of other meeting and seminar rooms. Audiovisual equipment, technical support, food services and ample free parking also are provided.
Non-credit Course Admission
For admission only to non-credit courses, an applicant must complete the registration process by registering/enrolling in a class. This can be done as outlined below. A student enrolled only in non-credit classes who seeks to take credit classes must meet the regular admissions requirements listed under the general admissions procedures as applicable.
Non-credit Information and Policies
Four ways to register:
- Register on the Web: www.pstcc.edu/bcs.
- Phone (865) 539-7167 and talk with one of the continuing education registrars. Make payment with Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover.
- Visit during office hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, Hardin Valley Campus, Room 108, Lamar Alexander Building.
- Mail a completed Non-credit Course Registration Form (located on our website) with check or money order to Pellissippi State, P.O. Box 22990, Knoxville, TN 37933-0990, Attention: Business and Community Services Registration.
Fees. All enrollment fees must be paid before the beginning of class. The fee amount for each class or course is stated with the information regarding each of the offerings. Fees vary in accordance with the costs incurred in the delivery of the course, such as instructor, materials and facilities costs. Unlike credit courses, no tax dollars are used to support non-credit programs. Non-credit courses are sustained by participant or contract revenues only; therefore, class enrollment must meet the minimum number of participants required to cover expenses. State employee, senior citizen and disabled fee waiver policies do not apply to non-credit programs. Payment can be made by cash, check, money order, Mastercard, Visa, American Express or Discover. Pellissippi State employees are eligible to take non-credit classes through a budget transfer process.
Closing Dates. The closing date for registration is two working days before the start of the class unless otherwise stated. Registration after this date cannot be guaranteed. Class space is limited and many classes fill before the closing date. Early registration with payment will ensure enrollment.
Cancellations/Postponements. Classes may be canceled for lack of minimum enrollment. In the event a class is canceled by the College for any reason, an effort will be made to notify each student registered for the class, provided telephone numbers or an email address are given at registration.
If for any reason the instructor must postpone or reschedule a class session, the Business and Community Services Office will attempt to notify the students. In all instances of postponement, the instructor is responsible for arranging makeup classes.
Holidays/Inclement Weather. Non-credit programs adhere to the college holiday schedule and inclement weather guidelines (www.pstcc.edu/weather).
Refunds. Money will be refunded ONLY if the class is canceled by the College or upon notification of the student’s intent to withdraw two working days prior to the starting date of each class. NO REFUNDS can be made after these dates because classes are started on the basis of full enrollment and payment of accompanying fees. Students may appeal a refund by submitting a written request outlining the basis for the appeal to the executive director of Business and Community Services.
Parking. Non-credit students can park on campus in any Open parking area without charge.
Clayton Performing Arts Center
Pellissippi State’s Clayton Performing Arts Center was completed in 1995. Since its opening, the theatre has showcased regional, national and international performances. The Clayton Performing Arts Center seats 495 people and has the latest in state-of-the-art sound and lighting. Access for people with disabilities and free parking make the theatre enjoyable for anyone. If you would like additional information about the Clayton Performing Arts Center or are interested in renting any of the College’s facilities, please contact Business and Community Services at (865) 694-6665.
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