FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DCC GEARS UP FOR ANOTHER

FALL SEMESTER OF CLASSES

By Ann Anderson, DCC Public Relations Intern

            DANVILLE, VA, August 15, 2003 -- To kick off the start of a new academic year, Danville Community College ushers in a brand new student information system; introduces specialized computer courses, and implements a variety of grant-funded initiatives to assist residents in updating skills, learning new ones, and preparing for career changes.

“We are expecting a record fall enrollment,” says Dr. Betty Jo Foster, Vice President of Academic and Student Services. She noted that registration for fall classes is being held now. Classes begin August 25.  

With DCC Online, returning students can select and register for classes via any computer with access to the World Wide Web. Not only can students view DCC’s schedule of classes, but also classes at any of Virginia’s 23 community colleges. Students also can check grades, view transcripts, determine graduation requirements, update records, such as address changes, and in the future make tuition payments, via credit card. DCC Online can be accessed through the College’s homepage, www.dcc.vccs.edu; then click “DCC Online”.

            Foster says DCC Online will simplify the registration process for the student.

“DCC strives to deliver superior service in every area to our students and the community,” Foster adds. “All of Virginia’s community colleges have adopted or are in the process of adopting this new system.”

Foster also noted that new this fall is the DCC Bookstore website which provides the new and used pricelists for books in all courses this fall. To access this site, go to http://www.dcc.vccs.edu/bookstore/Textbooks.html.

In addition to the many on-campus offerings, the college offers credit and non-credit courses at several conveniently located off-campus sites in Danville, Halifax County, and Pittsylvania County.  In Danville, off-campus sites are located in Camp Grove on Bradley Road; Cardinal Village Housing Authority; North Main Street (in the Salvation Army Building). For more information on the neighborhood centers, click here.

In Halifax County, DCC’s off-campus sites include: Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (South Boston), and Volens Center (at Volens Elementary School).  For Pittsylvania County, DCC has an off-campus site at the Riddle Center in Gretna, and in Cascade, home of DCC’s newest community site.

Students who are unable to come to the main campus or off-campus sites have a greater variety of distance learning options this fall.  Foster says the courses include web-based and independent study courses. However, Foster cautions that distance learning is not for everybody, because it requires self-discipline and highly motivated learners.

Some of the classes offered via distance learning include the following areas: Administration of Justice, Administrative Support Technology, Business Administration, College Orientation, Computers, Job Seeking Skills, English, Health, Information Systems Technology, Mathematics, Motorsports Management, Natural Science, Graphic Imaging Technology, Psychology, and Student Development.

            New programs offered this fall include Gerontology, a career studies option that is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to work with an aging population in both nursing and community settings. The curriculum includes a 12-credit sequence of courses that can be completed in one or two semesters.

DCC also has new programs to assist the unemployed, underemployed, and displaced workers. In 2002, DCC was designated a Workforce Investment Act One-Stop Job Training Center.  The One-Stop Center offers several important services, such as career counseling, job and career resources, and education and training programs.  Working with the Virginia Employment Commission, the college is also assisting students through the Trade Readjustment Act  which provides educational services for retraining laid off workers.

 Another free service to help adults pursue college education and training is the Southern Piedmont Educational Opportunity Center (SPEOC). This new program was established with a five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s TRIO program. The SPEOC serves adults aged 19 and older who live in the Cities of Danville and Martinsville, and Halifax, Henry, Franklin, Patrick, and Pittsylvania Counties.

            DCC is also continuing its plans for renovation and beautification of the campus. In the Spring of 2003, the Wyatt Building was re-opened with a fresh new look. This fall, another DCC building - the Taylor Building, will undergo a similar transformation. However, during the renovations, the building will be closed. Classes and offices will be will be moved to different on-campus locations. In addition, extensive landscaping upgrades will be continued this fall.

“We are striving to minimize any inconveniences for our students and visitors,” Foster says. “But the result will be another state-of-the-art facility.”

            For more information, call the college at (434) 797-2222, or click here.