Instructional Programs & Services

Continuing Education & Community Services

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Philosophy

An important function of the Community College is to provide continuous educational opportunities for all citizens in the College service area. Programs will be administered that will provide opportunities for adults to return to school and continue their previous educational endeavors and that will provide a general education program which will enable adults to better understand the nature of their changing society and its implications for their community.

General Information

Continuing Education opportunities are provided when there is community need or interest. Some courses and services, because of great demand, are offered on a continuing basis. Other courses and services may be initiated by requests from individuals and groups. Southwest Virginia Community College will cooperate with public schools, public libraries, senior colleges, religious groups, health and welfare groups, civic clubs, business and industrial groups, and other adult education agencies to provide educational services.

The facilities and personnel of the College are also available to provide specialized services to help meet the cultural and educational needs of the region. This service includes credit and noncredit programs, cultural events, workshops, meetings, lectures, conferences, seminars, and special community projects which are designed to provide cultural and educational opportunities for the citizens of the region.

Types of Services

The specialized regional and community services include programs which are designed to provide cultural and educational opportunities:

            Training and Retraining 

            Faculty and staff speaking engagements for local organizations (speakers bureau)

            Cultural events

            Economic development forums

            Workshops, seminars and informal discussion groups

            Public affairs, lectures, and forums

            Published  articles on educational topics

            Radio and television programs

            Health, fitness and mental health resources

            Conferences, institutes, and meetings

            Special community (research and development) projects

            Availability of facilities (insofar as possible and practical)

a.         For extension programs at the upper division and graduate level offered by four-year colleges and universities

b.         For community organizations and projects

             Special campus services for use by local citizens

a.         Library

b.         Learning Center

c.         Counseling Center

            Films

             Exhibits

Adults who desire counseling regarding their education or career plans should contact the office of Student Development Services at the College.

THESE OFFERINGS ARE SUPPORTED ENTIRELY BY THE FEES PAID BY THE PARTICIPANTS.  THIRTY PERCENT (30%) OF THE FEE IS REIMBURSED TO THE COLLEGE TO OFFSET ADMINISTRATIVE OVERHEAD COSTS SUCH AS USE OF FACILITIES AND UTILITIES. top

COLLEGE LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM (CLEP)

            The College Level Examination Program, as sponsored by the College Entrance Examination Board, is a nationwide testing program through which an individual can validate learning and receive college credit.

            In transferring to a senior institution, the student is responsible for contacting the institution if any questions exist concerning the acceptability of CLEP scores and course credits. SWCC does not offer CLEP exams but will award appropriate credit for student scores of 50(+) on individual exams.

CREDIT  BY  ADVANCED  PLACEMENT,  EXAMINATION, OR  EXPERIENCE

            The College offers opportunities for award of credit or advanced standing to students who demonstrate competency in specific subject areas.  Included are arrangements for credit based upon successful completion of Advanced Placement courses/examinations in high school and for successful completion of structured testing programs such as the CLEP (previously described).  It is also possible for students to receive credit for educational and work experiences which are applicable to SWCC courses and programs.

            Persons desiring to explore the receipt of credit through such means are invited to contact the appropriate instructional division, the Admissions Office, or the Vice President of Instruction. top

DEVELOPMENTAL   EDUCATION

ADVANCED PLACEMENT GUIDELINES  AP CLASSES AND  CLEP EXAMINATION

SUBJECT

AP SCORE NEEDED

CLEP SCORE NEEDED

COLLEGE CREDIT

ACCOUNTING

X

50

ACC 211/213

BIOLOGY

3

50

BIO 101/102

BUSINESS LAW

X

50

BUS 241

CHEMISTRY

3

50

CHM 111/112

ENGLISH

X

50

ENG 111

ENGLISH

3

X

ENG111/112

FRENCH

3

50

FRE 101/102

GOVERNMENT

3

X

PLS 211/212

U. S. HISTORY

3

50

HIS 121/122

LITERATURE

3

50

ENG 241/242

MANAGEMENT

X

50

BUS 200

MATH

3

50

MTH 151

MATH

3

X

MTH 151/152

MATH

3

X

MTH 240

PRIN. OF MACROECONOMICS

X

50

ECO 201

PRIN. OF MICROECONOMICS

X

50

ECO 202

PRINCIPLES OF MARKETING

X

50

MKT 100

PSYCHOLOGY

3

X

PSY 201/202

 SOCIOLOGY

X

50

SOC 200

SPANISH

3

50

SPA 101/102

 

Students seeking advanced placement in college level courses using AP credit or CLEP examination must follow the procedure outlined below:

AP scores are sent to the Admissions Office by the College Board to be evaluated by the Director of Admissions according to the accepted College policy. The Admissions Office will forward to Division Deans, as required, copies of AP scores of those students receiving credit and/or those needing further assistance. The Admission Office will award the credit and arrange placement on the student’s college transcript.

Students seeking credit by CLEP EXAMINATION should submit a score report to the Director of Admissions to have credit placed on their college record. No grade will be awarded.

Students seeking NON-TRADITIONAL CREDIT BY EXAMINATION or CREDIT BY EXPERIENCE must contact the appropriate Division Dean for assistance and to complete the appropriate forms required for documentation of credit. *Writing sample required by English Department X = Non-Applicable


            The Academic Success Program provides assistance for students needing improvement of basic skills required for credit courses.  Research on student success  indicates  students who strengthen basic skills needed for credit courses before enrolling in them are more likely to remain in college and to perform with success.
            Student advisors review students' scores on placement instruments - either the ASSET or the COMPASS.  When students' scores fall below those required for enrollment in credit courses, advisors help students register for the developmental courses needed.  After successfully completing the developmental courses, students may enroll in the credit courses required in their programs.

            Courses available include Preparation for College Writing I and II, Reading Improvement I and II, Basic Arithmetic, Basic Algebra I and II, Biology 20, and Chemistry 05.  Courses that provide additional support for students include Study Skills and College Survival Skills.  Further support is available in the Learning Assistance Center (Russell Hall), the Education Opportunity Center (Tazewell Hall), and Student Support Services (Buchanan Hall).

DIRECTED  INDEPENDENT  STUDY

            A student wishing to take approved college courses by independent study must gain approval of one of the full-time instructors of the course and must complete a written contract prior to registration.  A copy of the contract will be forwarded to the appropriate division dean for final approval.  The contract will specify the requirements to be completed by the student, including tests, periodic class attendance, and term papers.  The student must successfully complete all requirements of the contract to obtain credit for the course.  Any student in any program may take advantage of independent study with approval.

            Certain conditions, such as the student’s grade point average, number of previously completed credits, maximum allowable independent study courses, etc., apply.

EVENING  PROGRAM  INFORMATION

Southwest Virginia Community College offers a comprehensive evening program for individuals who desire to continue their education during the evening hours.

A full-time coordinator of the evening program is on duty for conferring with students and answering questions that might arise concerning the various programs offered.  Anyone in the four-county area interested in self-improvement, general upgrading, or personal development is encouraged to enroll in either a degree, diploma, or certificate program during the evening hours. Several curricula are offered during evening hours and continuing effort is being made to offer additional programs as needs are demonstrated.

GENERAL  EDUCATION  PROGRAM

            Southwest Virginia Community College requires a broad general education for all students seeking the Associate of Arts and Sciences degree.  General education is referred to as those phases of non-specialized and non-vocational education which represent one’s accumulated knowledge and which should be the common possession of all educated citizens.

            A comprehensive general education program is designed to prepare the student for effective participation in his/her community regardless of his/her role in the community.  Therefore, a course of study should include appropriate academic subjects and supplementary activities whereby the student achieves competency not only for a vocation but with a better understanding of himself/herself and a higher regard for others.

            The stated goals of the General Education Program at SWCC are:

            To promote life-long learning.

            To broaden skills in communication.

            To develop problem solving skills.

            To stimulate critical and creative thought.

            To introduce students to ethical and socio-technological values.

            To encourage responsible and active citizenship.

            To introduce students to a diversity of cultures.

            To expand student awareness of the creative and performing arts.

            To promote mental and physical well-being. top

INTERNATIONAL/INTERCULTURAL  EDUCATION

            Recognizing the geographical barriers that limit cultural diversity, the College is committed to providing international/intercultural education activities as an integral part of the student’s academic and social development.  Lectures, cultural presentations, faculty and student exchange programs and other activities of an international/intercultural nature are necessary for a fundamental understanding of the interdependent world in which we live.

LEARNING  RESOURCES  CENTER

The Learning Resources Center  (LRC) is the information communication service of the College. Its primary mission is to provide material and technical support for the instructional programs at the College. The LRC supports various community organizations and programs within the College’s service region.

The Dean of Learning Resources coordinates the various activities of the three service departments of the center - Library Services, the Learning Assistance Center, and Distance and Distributed Learning.

Library Services

            The mission of SWCC Library is to serve as a focal point for research and study; to provide students, academic personnel, and community users access to informational resources; and to provide an up-to-date collection of library materials which support and enhance the educational programs of the College, as well as the personal aspirations of individuals using the Library.  Specific goals to meet this mission are:

            •           To provide facilities, services, and learning/information resources in an educational atmosphere that promotes student learning and enhances student development.

            •           To provide adequate library collections as well as other learning/information resources, which are current and representative of the curriculum and the needs of  the community of library users.

            •           To provide regular and timely individual and group instruction for library literacy, information literacy, and technology for information access.

            •           To provide for the continued effectiveness of the Library by regularly assessing the needs of and services provided to students, faculty, and community, resulting in continuing improvement, and demonstrating that the Library is effectively accomplishing its mission, goals, and objectives.

            •           To provide a sufficient number of qualified staff with appropriate education or experience in the library and/or other learning resources.

The Library is a fully automated, modern research facility.  VCCS Linc, the online catalog for the Aleph library management system, provides public access to the collections of all the college libraries in the Virginia Community College System and an automated circulation system.  Other locally developed networks provide bibliographic and full-text databases along with the capacity to print, email and store information.

            VIVA, The Virtual Library of Virginia, is available on thirty-one public-access computers and eleven wireless laptops.  This state-wide academic project provides electronic access to vast amounts of information through the cooperation of all the academic libraries and special funding initiatives.  Students and faculty have free access to First Search, literature full-text databases, full-text encyclopedias, and full-text periodicals.  The interlibrary loan component of the VIVA project provides document delivery services between and among the academic libraries, and electronic delivery of interlibrary loan is a component. top

            The Internet and its wealth of information and services are freely available to students, faculty, and the community. 

            Other services and materials available are listed below:

• reference and information services available 65 hours per week
•  44,597 monographs
• 137 periodical subscriptions
• bibliographic and full-text databases with access to more than 10,500 full test journals and reports provided solely or jointly by SWCC Library,
Virginia Community College System (VCCS), and the Virtual Library
of Virginia (VIVA)
• 46.172 netLibrary electronic full-text books
• growing collection of audio books (full length books on cassette and CD)
• growing collection of videos and DVDs; primarily academic support,
informational, and classics
• printed and online user instructions along with personal assistance
• scheduled classes for bibliographic instruction and library research skills


Learning Assistance Center (LAC)

The Learning Assistance Center functions as a comprehensive learning center for students, instructors, staff members, and community residents. The LAC provides opportunities for specialized instruction to assist clients in meeting their educational goals. Supplemental instruction is also available through computer software and instructional modules through audio and videos. Services of the LAC are offered on a demand basis; however, many faculty members require their students to utilize a variety of instructional concepts available in the LAC as part of their course requirements. Individualized assistance can be obtained from specialized computer programs as well as student tutors. LAC personnel diligently assist users with locating the appropriate material and equipment to meet their ongoing academic needs.

Distance and Distributed Learning

The Distance and Distributed Learning department performs primarily four services—administration of the distance learning program; management of the college's instructional technology; teaching of specialized courses in the radio/television broadcast production, photography, and journalism curricula; and provision of media services to students, faculty, administration, staff, and the public of the college’s service area.

The distance learning program is designed to offer courses to students who find it necessary or more convenient to study outside the regular classroom environment. Teleconferencing provides local, state, national and international teleconference opportunities for the College’s service area. The institution has down linked everything from law enforcement to health to staff development.

The Learning Management System (Blackboard) and the instructional network servers allow students and faculty in traditional and DDL classes to access their courses providing media streaming and other services. On-going training and support for the management system is provided for faculty and students.

The fiber optic electronic classroom transmits video with natural motion and wide spectrum served over a high speed digital network. Teacher and learners simultaneously are heard and seen at each site.

The compressed video electronic classroom allows classes to be offered from various earning centers across the state of Virginia. Like the fiber optic classes, the compressed video classes allow for two-way video and two-way audio from a local site and one or more remote sites.

Video production of telecourses, teleweb, or other educational or training needs can be met with the department’s highly trained staff and fully equipped production facility.

The planning and consulting services are designed to help any faculty member or student with classroom presentations. These may include advice on technical matters concerning equipment and production, and on techniques and the effectiveness of various procedures in instruction.

In addition to these services, the Distance and Distributed Learning staff also helps the faculty and administration to plan, develop, and produce audio-visual materials for college public relation exhibits and publications.

HUMANITIES COMPUTER WRITING CENTER

The focus of the humanities computer writing center (HCWC) is on the enhancement of teaching and learning through the use of computer technology.  The HCWC functions as a comprehensive computer writing center for students, faculty, and staff.  Students may attend classes in the lab or use the facility for word-processing, interactive learning, or a variety of other activities. Faculty and staff use the lab for enhancement of skills as well as preparation of class materials, publications, and other academic work.  Activities may be scheduled by calling extension 7722 or 7522.

Reading and Writing Laboratory

The reading and writing laboratory, equipped with state-of-the-art computers and software, provides instruction to prepare students for college-level reading and writing.

Laboratory hours vary and are posted on the door weekly; however, HCWC is open during instructional hours Monday through Friday.  Evening hours are available by appointment.  Lab personnel are available to assist users any time the lab is open. top

NEW INDUSTRY PROGRAMS

Southwest Virginia Community College, in cooperation with the  Virginia Economic Development Partnership, provides instruction for new and expanding industries.

            The program incorporates job analysis, instructor recruiting and/or training, possible financial support for job instruction, and  adaptation for continuous training. Such training  aids in  more efficient  plant production  for industry and greater opportunity for advancement of  employees.   New industries considering locating in the area, or existing industries considering expansion are invited to contact the College's Division of Continuing Education for more information.  Additional services include trained instructors and job providers for the Work Keys assessment program and Total Quality Management. 

OFF-CAMPUS  OFFERINGS

            In order to meet the needs of business, industry, and other community groups, some courses may be offered at off-campus locations.  College training centers are conveniently located throughout the service region.  It may be necessary to offer such courses on a time-schedule different from the beginning and ending dates of the regular semesters as stated in the College Calendar.  Such courses will in no way be reduced in number of hours required for quality of instruction.

OUTCOMES  ASSESSMENT  REQUIREMENT

            Students may be required to take one or more tests designed to measure general education achievement and/or achievement in selected major areas prior to graduation for the purpose of evaluation of academic programs.  No minimum score or level of achievement is required for graduation.  Test results will remain confidential and will be used for the sole purpose of improvement of the college. top

SWCC  HONORS  PROGRAM

            The SWCC Honors Program is designed to provide the strong academic student the opportunity to participate in a challenging and demanding course of study in Humanities and Social Sciences which will complement any college transfer program* in which the student is participating.  The Honors Program offers:

            1.         The opportunity to work closely with faculty members in interdisciplinary seminars and independent research.

            2.         The opportunity to graduate in the Honors Program with appropriate recognition and transcript notations marking courses as Honors courses.

            3.         The opportunity to have recommendations to Honors Programs in senior colleges and universities.

Eligibility for the Honors Program:

            Any student who is enrolled in a college transfer program* at SWCC and meets the guidelines listed below is eligible to apply for the Honors Program.  Final selection of participants will be made by the Honors Program Committee.

            1.         Recent High School Graduates

                        a.         Be in the top 10% of the high school graduating class in a college preparatory program or score 1100 or above on the SAT.

                        b.         Submit recommendations from at least two high school teachers in senior level college preparatory classes.

            2.         Students Currently Enrolled at SWCC

                        a.         Have a GPA of 3.35.

                        b.         Submit recommendations from two SWCC faculty members.

Format for the Honors Program:

            A.        The program consists of two components:

                        1.         Honors Contract Courses.  The student should take a minimum of three courses (9 semester hours) but no more than two Honors Contract courses per semester.  These courses should be worked out in consultation with the Honors Program Committee.

                        2.         Interdisciplinary Honors Seminars.  The student should take a minimum of two one-hour seminars, and should plan to take a seminar each semester he/she is enrolled in the Honors Program.

            B.         Grades:

                        1.         The minimum grade expectation for Honors courses is “B.”

                        2.         The minimum GPA expectation per semester in Honors classes is 3.25.

                        3.         The minimum GPA to graduate in the Honors Program is 3.5 in Honors courses, as well as in the student’s regular course of study.

* College transfer programs:  Science, Business Administration, Engineering, Education, General Studies, and Liberal Arts  top