Pellissippi State is an excellent community college that has something for everyone. The academics are solid and there are many clubs and volunteer opportunities. It is a wonderful and supportive academic environment.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Be on time and speak up when prompted - it makes you look good and it helps you learn better. You will be tempted many times to skip class. DON'T. You will regret it 90% of the time and it will come back to bite you. There have been a few classes where I would have gotten an entire letter grade higher if I hadn't skipped. There are times when you have to miss class for whatever reason and that's fine, but be there whenever you can. Also, take advantage of the resources at your disposal. The writing center and math lab are both particularly helpful. These are free, and so is tutoring, which is offered in most of the core subjects. The library is a great (quiet) place to study and has references for all kinds of topics. Another thing I would recommend is shopping around by taking a variety of different classes. This is especially helpful if you, like me, are not sure exactly what you want to major in - by trying out classes in all the different areas you're interested in, you can narrow down your options. So don't be afraid to take classes just for fun because you may end up finding your passion. Also, make use of the advisors! They can be invaluable in helping you pick out your classes. Lastly, I would recommend checking out Rate My Professor before picking a class. If you know who the professor is going to be, look them up and make sure they have decent ratings.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
To be honest, I don't have much to compare this college to because it is the only one I've ever attended. However, I do believe that the academics are solid. Some professors are more laid-back than others and there are classes that are more challenging than others, but that is to be expected. I would guess that the academics are not as good as, say, a prominent four-year college, but I have been very satisfied with the level of learning, and the majority of my professors have been passionate and enthusiastic about their subject. I think something Pellissippi does very well is helping you improve in your writing. They have a writing center where you can go and have someone review your paper and help you improve. The Composition curriculum is also built to teach you to write critically about any subject, and it has helped me tremendously. I will say that at Pellissippi, and really anywhere else, you get out of it what you put into it. If you set your mind to it and put in the work, you can learn and improve as much as you want to because Pellissippi provides you with all the tools you need. The rest is really up to you.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
The food at Pelli is about what you'd expect. There are some things that are good and some that are not so good. I also think it is overpriced. Food from the grill is pretty good - especially the quesadillas! Some of their buffet food is also good. They always have some fresh fruit and salad in the fridge, as well as slices of cake. I would steer clear of the sandwiches. They have lots of snack foods - muffins, chips, granola bars, cereal, etc. They serve Starbucks coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks, water, milk, etc. There are two open microwaves in the cafeteria also. There are also lots of vending machines around campus with a variety of options. Close to campus there are many dining options. One of my favorites is a little place called Brown Bag. There is also McDonalds, Wendy's, Subway, Firehouse, Snappy Tomato, and Dunkin Donuts. Lovell Road and Turkey Creek are pretty close by and have lots more options if you have the time. I would recommend either packing your lunch or eating off-campus.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Join one of the clubs on campus, or just go to one of the many events happening throughout the year - concerts, plays, tournaments, festivals, etc. Take one of the recreational classes like archery or learn to play guitar in a beginner's music class! There is also an amazing study abroad program that many students participate in called TnCIS.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
I would say that Pellissippi is one of the best value colleges around. You get equal if not better academics and a wonderful learning environment for a portion of the cost of a four-year university.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
I'm not sure if this counts, but the elevators are constantly breaking down. So it's kind of a running joke that you never know if you'll be able to use the elevator.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Pellissippi is great for many different kinds of students. It's great for anyone looking for an easier transition from high school to a four-year university. It's also great for adults looking to go back and get a degree. There are many adult students on campus. Pelli also has a famous video technology program, so if you're interested in that or in graphic design, this is a great place for you. I would also say that Pelli is good for anyone who wants to work while they pursue a degree.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There are so many ways to get involved on campus that it can be kind of overwhelming at first. There's always a club day every year and the first time I went, I visited just about every table, and I wanted to join them all. Whether you're an outdoorsman, a minority, a science geek, a gamer, or a writer, there is something for you. The great thing about Pellissippi is that there are so many opportunities, but you never feel pressured to do anything you're not interested in. Basically, if you want to get involved in something, there is almost certainly a way for you to do it here, but if you don't, that's fine too.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
There are always officers around, usually patrolling the parking lots. There is also a campus safety hotline where you can text in or call at any time. You can also call and have an officer escort you to your car if you like. I always feel safe here.
Pellissippi State is an excellent community college that has something for everyone. The academics are solid and there are many clubs and volunteer opportunities. It is a wonderful and supportive academic environment.
Be on time and speak up when prompted - it makes you look good and it helps you learn better. You will be tempted many times to skip class. DON'T. You will regret it 90% of the time and it will come back to bite you. There have been a few classes where I would have gotten an entire letter grade higher if I hadn't skipped. There are times when you have to miss class for whatever reason and that's fine, but be there whenever you can. Also, take advantage of the resources at your disposal. The writing center and math lab are both particularly helpful. These are free, and so is tutoring, which is offered in most of the core subjects. The library is a great (quiet) place to study and has references for all kinds of topics. Another thing I would recommend is shopping around by taking a variety of different classes. This is especially helpful if you, like me, are not sure exactly what you want to major in - by trying out classes in all the different areas you're interested in, you can narrow down your options. So don't be afraid to take classes just for fun because you may end up finding your passion. Also, make use of the advisors! They can be invaluable in helping you pick out your classes. Lastly, I would recommend checking out Rate My Professor before picking a class. If you know who the professor is going to be, look them up and make sure they have decent ratings.
To be honest, I don't have much to compare this college to because it is the only one I've ever attended. However, I do believe that the academics are solid. Some professors are more laid-back than others and there are classes that are more challenging than others, but that is to be expected. I would guess that the academics are not as good as, say, a prominent four-year college, but I have been very satisfied with the level of learning, and the majority of my professors have been passionate and enthusiastic about their subject. I think something Pellissippi does very well is helping you improve in your writing. They have a writing center where you can go and have someone review your paper and help you improve. The Composition curriculum is also built to teach you to write critically about any subject, and it has helped me tremendously. I will say that at Pellissippi, and really anywhere else, you get out of it what you put into it. If you set your mind to it and put in the work, you can learn and improve as much as you want to because Pellissippi provides you with all the tools you need. The rest is really up to you.
The food at Pelli is about what you'd expect. There are some things that are good and some that are not so good. I also think it is overpriced. Food from the grill is pretty good - especially the quesadillas! Some of their buffet food is also good. They always have some fresh fruit and salad in the fridge, as well as slices of cake. I would steer clear of the sandwiches. They have lots of snack foods - muffins, chips, granola bars, cereal, etc. They serve Starbucks coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks, water, milk, etc. There are two open microwaves in the cafeteria also. There are also lots of vending machines around campus with a variety of options. Close to campus there are many dining options. One of my favorites is a little place called Brown Bag. There is also McDonalds, Wendy's, Subway, Firehouse, Snappy Tomato, and Dunkin Donuts. Lovell Road and Turkey Creek are pretty close by and have lots more options if you have the time. I would recommend either packing your lunch or eating off-campus.
Join one of the clubs on campus, or just go to one of the many events happening throughout the year - concerts, plays, tournaments, festivals, etc. Take one of the recreational classes like archery or learn to play guitar in a beginner's music class! There is also an amazing study abroad program that many students participate in called TnCIS.
I would say that Pellissippi is one of the best value colleges around. You get equal if not better academics and a wonderful learning environment for a portion of the cost of a four-year university.
I'm not sure if this counts, but the elevators are constantly breaking down. So it's kind of a running joke that you never know if you'll be able to use the elevator.
Pellissippi is great for many different kinds of students. It's great for anyone looking for an easier transition from high school to a four-year university. It's also great for adults looking to go back and get a degree. There are many adult students on campus. Pelli also has a famous video technology program, so if you're interested in that or in graphic design, this is a great place for you. I would also say that Pelli is good for anyone who wants to work while they pursue a degree.
There are so many ways to get involved on campus that it can be kind of overwhelming at first. There's always a club day every year and the first time I went, I visited just about every table, and I wanted to join them all. Whether you're an outdoorsman, a minority, a science geek, a gamer, or a writer, there is something for you. The great thing about Pellissippi is that there are so many opportunities, but you never feel pressured to do anything you're not interested in. Basically, if you want to get involved in something, there is almost certainly a way for you to do it here, but if you don't, that's fine too.
There are always officers around, usually patrolling the parking lots. There is also a campus safety hotline where you can text in or call at any time. You can also call and have an officer escort you to your car if you like. I always feel safe here.