6.5.0 Counseling

 In addition to a system of faculty advisors in each instructional division, a professional counselor is available to serve students and faculty. The counseling and advising programs function to assist students in making decisions regarding their vocational, educational, and personal/social plans. As part of this assistance, appropriate tests, inventories, occupational and educational information, and information regarding financial assistance or employment are available.

Should a problem require assistance above and beyond that which the counselor feels adequate to handle, the student will be referred to another appropriate professional resource person, either on campus or in the larger community.

6.5.1 Recruitment page top

VHCC cooperates with the regional high schools to provide pre-college counseling to those students planning to attend. Students in area high schools are kept informed of the offerings of the College.

In addition, the College works closely with organizations in the community to determine the educational needs and interests of citizens throughout the region. College representatives respond to requests for information from all individuals in the community. The Director of Admissions, Records, and Financial Aid coordinates the recruitment effort in high schools of the service region. The Dean of the Center for Business and Industry coordinates recruitment efforts for the non-high school population.

 6.5.2 Faculty Advisors page top

All curricular students are assigned a faculty advisor who is a member of the teaching faculty. Advisors act as academic consultants, helping students plan their programs of study. Students should consult their advisor before each registration and are encouraged to confer with them frequently regarding academic matters.

Academic advising is a comprehensive program facilitated by counselors, teaching faculty, and student services personnel who share responsibility with advisees for student success.  The advising relationship is a continuous developmental process involving open communication in an atmosphere of mutual respect and honesty.  It assists students with the transition to college and the evaluation and attainment of their academic, career, and personal goals.  By their participation in a range of advising activities, including individual and group advising sessions, classes, and workshops, students gain an understanding of campus and college resources and develop the skills to make informed, independent decisions.

6.5.3 Testing page top

VHCC offers testing services for students on both a group and an individual basis. Available tests include interest inventories, measures of study habits and attitudes, educational and occupational ability tests, and personality assessments.

VHCC requires students to take English and mathematics placement tests. Students who submit official satisfactory ACT or SAT scores taken within the last three years are exempt from the placement test requirement. Students may submit placement scores from other institutions provided the placement test is the same as that used at VHCC and testing was completed within the past three years.

6.5.4 Orientation page top

 All curricular students, except those in career studies certificate programs, participate in an SDV course designed primarily to foster student success. This course should be completed within the first fifteen credit hours of enrollment at VHCC unless the SDV requirement is waived.

6.5.5 Career Planning and Placement page top

VHCC provides career planning and placement services through its Career Planning and Placement Center.

6.5.6 Financial Aid page top

VHCC provides student financial aid to qualified students through a program of financial resources (grants, scholarships, loans, student employment) and assistance (financial counseling, budgeting, planning) to meet a student’s needs associated with the expenses of an education at the College.

Students wishing to apply for financial aid may secure application forms and information from the Office of Financial Aid or by visiting www.vhcc.edu/financialaid. All applicants must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for federal and state financial aid programs.

The VHCC financial aid program is administered by the Director of Admissions, Records, and Financial Aid and follows all the regulations and guidelines outlined in VCCS Policy 6.4.2 – Financial Aid.

6.5.7 Housing page top

 VHCC does not maintain lists of available housing or a list of persons desiring housing accommodations. All such inquiries should be directed to appropriate real estate brokers or other available sources of information.

6.5.8 Student Handbook page top

VHCC annually publishes a Student Handbook which informs students of pertinent information, policies, and procedures. Copies of the Student Handbook are available in the Student Success Center and electronically at www.vhcc.edu/studenthandbook.

6.5.9 Requirements for Student Activities page top

VHCC supports the development of a student activities program designed to promote educational and cultural experiences.   Student activities are out-of classroom activities that support the mission of the college and provide students avenues for personal growth and enrichment.  Through participation in clubs and organizations, or other planned activities, students develop a wide range of abilities, including intellectual, communication, athletic, and leadership skills.  Students develop self-confidence, interpersonal skills, and an appreciation for other cultures and lifestyles.  Finally, students develop a sense of integrity, purpose, and social responsibility that empowers them to be productive within and beyond the college community.

VHCC recognizes and encourages honorary, scholastic, service organizations, and sports clubs that do not restrict membership based on race, color, gender, age, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. Private clubs, private associations, social fraternities, and social sororities are not authorized or recognized by VHCC. The following regulations and procedures apply to all student activity programs:

• The entire program of student activities is under college supervision.
• There is a faculty or staff sponsor for each student organization.
• All student activity funds are deposited with and expended through the College Business Office, subject to State Board policies, procedures, and regulations pertaining to such funds.
• VHCC, with the approval of its local board, has its own regulations and procedures to implement the student activity program.
• All student activity programs and organizations comply with VHCC’s non-discrimination policy.

6.5.9.0 Campus Organizations page top

The rules and regulations governing campus student organizations are outlined below:

1. A group becomes an organization only after administrative review and formal recognition by the President. Prior to being formally recognized, a group must meet the following requirements:
   
   1. Submit an application which includes a statement of purpose, a list of officers, a signed statement by a current VHCC employee willing to serve as campus advisor, and a copy of the constitution and by-laws. When an organization is affiliated with an external body, a copy of that body’s constitution and by-laws should also be submitted with the application. These documents are submitted to one of the division counselors. The VHCC Student Advisory Committee makes a recommendation to the President regarding the establishment of the organization.
      
   2. Organizations must agree to abide by all policies and regulations of VHCC and the State Board.
      
2. Formal recognition of an organization is granted or denied by the President within three weeks of receipt of the completed and signed application to the division counselor. Formal recognition of an organization implies neither approval nor disapproval of the stated aims, objectives, and policies of the organization.
   
3. All changes and amendments to an organization's constitution or by-laws, including changes and amendments adopted by an affiliated external body, must be submitted to the President. The President will make a recommendation regarding the changes to College organizations within three weeks of receipt.
   
4. Membership in VHCC organizations is open to any member of the College community willing to subscribe to the constitution and bylaws of the organization. No one shall be denied membership because of race, color, religion, national origin, political affiliation, sex, age, handicap, or marital status. The organization’s advisor maintains a current membership list.
   
5. If an organization is unable to secure an advisor from current VHCC employees, the President may, in writing, authorize the organization to secure an advisor from outside the College.
   
6. A group or organization may use the College name as a whole or as a part of or in conjunction with its name ONLY with the express written permission of the President.
   
7. College organizations may distribute or communicate information related to their purpose and aims through print and/or electronic media.
   
8. All organizational funds will be deposited with and expended through the College Business Office, subject to VCCS policies, procedures, and regulations pertaining to such funds.
   
9. An organization engaging in illegal activities, either on- or off-campus, may have sanctions imposed, including admonition, probation, restitution, or withdrawal of College recognition.
   
10. College organizations may use college facilities for regular business meetings, social programs, and programs open to the public unless, in the opinion of the President, the planned program poses a serious threat to the continued well-being and safety of the College. College facilities are scheduled by the Office of the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services.
    
11. Activity hour is designed primarily for the purpose of: (1) providing time for the faculty, staff, administration, and students to implement the College's plan of governance; (2) enabling the College to develop and implement an effective program of extracurricular activities; and (3) establishing a time for various forms of communication (counseling, advising, etc.) that need to take place between and among faculty, staff, and students. As a general rule, courses should be taught and course-related business conducted during those times officially scheduled for classes to meet. Classes should not be scheduled during the activity hours. College organizations are encouraged to schedule meetings during this time.

6.5.9.1 Intramural Programs and Sports Clubs page top

VHCC supports the development of intramural programs or sports clubs on-campus and/or off-campus in community facilities. These programs will be designed to promote the physical well-being of the individual student and the development of recreational skills. Competition of intramural teams, including "all-star" teams, in civic leagues and competition between intramural or sports club teams of other institutions is authorized with the approval of the VHCC College Board providing that all direct expenses, including transportation, are paid from non-state funds.

A twelve-person board of directors, nominated by the colleges and selected by the Chancellor, is responsible for developing guidelines, organizing leagues, and overseeing the operation of club sports in the VCCS.

6.5.9.2 Alcoholic Beverages at Social Functions page top

The State Board for Community Colleges has delegated to the VHCC College Board the responsibility for taking action on requests to serve alcohol at College social functions in view of local mores and in accordance with State regulations (Code of Virginia Sections 4.1-100 and 4.1-200, and Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control – Special Event Licensure).

Within the framework established by the State Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, VHCC, under special conditions, may be permitted to obtain a one-day banquet license to serve alcohol at college sponsored functions provided that no person under 21 years of age is possessing, dispensing or drinking alcoholic beverages.

The VHCC administration and the College Board must approve this type of activity before the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board is contacted.

6.5.9.3 Student Newspapers page top

Currently, VHCC does not regularly publish a student newspaper. The VCCS recommends that should the College publish a student newspaper an advisory committee be selected in part from the communications media, i.e., newspapers, television and radio stations. This committee is to serve in an advisory capacity to the faculty advisor and students to assure that journalism in the College newspaper is maintained at a high level and that the papers are printed in good taste and within the canons of acceptable public newspapers. This advisory committee is not to be established to censor the newspaper.

6.5.10 Computer Services

The Coordinator of Distance Learning and Educational Technologies is responsible for providing computer services through assigned staff. The office of the Senior Computer/Electronics Technician is located in Room 729 of the Learning Resource Center (LRC) Building. This individual also serves as the College's Data Processing Liaison. Requests for mainframe computer services available through the VCCS Computing Network (VCCNET) should be directed to this office.


6.5.11 Library and Instructional Services page top

The Division of Library and Instructional Services is made up of the Library, the Learning Laboratory, the Audio Visual Department, Academic Computing, and Distance Education. The purpose of the division is to facilitate learning by supporting and enriching the curricula of the College; to teach electronic and traditional research skills while providing technological access to resources both remote and on-site; to assist with individualized testing and assessment services; to provide a study center for students; to provide audio visual materials and services; and to provide computer resources in support of instruction, administration, and public service.

The Library and Learning Laboratory are open day and evening hours throughout the week to provide services to faculty and students. Specific schedules of the hours are available on the Library/Learning Lab’s home page (www.vhcc.edu/library), on bookmarks provided at the circulation desk, and on the sign outside the Library entrance. The hours for both the Library and Learning Lab are generally:

Exceptions to this schedule are noted on the sign and Library’s web page.

The functional roles of the various components of the Library and Instructional Services are explained in the following sections.

6.5.11.1 Learning Laboratory

The purpose of the Learning Laboratory is to provide individualized, developmental, testing, supplemental, and assessment services, in addition to a study center to help meet the educational needs of faculty, students, and the community at large.

The Lab’s services also include individualized enrichment studies, tutorial services, test scoring and make-up tests, computer assisted instruction, and reading programs in conjunction with developmental English classes. Services for persons with disabilities, open lab for general study, and credit courses offered by the instructional divisions are available through the Learning Lab.

Audio visual equipment, typewriters, and computer terminals are available in the Learning Lab. Other services will be addressed on an individual basis.

As an instructional support center, the Learning Lab is oriented toward development and delivery of curricular and non-curricular learning activities and services. It assists community users, students, and faculty alike in their efforts to gain access to valuable, effective resources for learning.

The Learning Laboratory is the College center for computer assisted instructional activities. Microcomputers and main frame computer access are available through the Learning Laboratory in support of the instructional offerings of the College. Information on scheduling and use can be obtained from Learning Laboratory personnel and is available to faculty, students, and community users.

6.5.11.2 Library page top

The purpose of the Library is to provide reference services and an organized, accessible, comprehensive collection of materials which support and enrich, the curricula of the College in addition to providing basic reference sources for students, faculty, and community patrons.

The Virginia Highlands Community College Library houses over 29,000 volumes in the Library and Learning Laboratory. Over 200 current periodicals as well as microfilm holdings of back periodicals are available for student use. The Library also has a wide variety of cassettes, art prints, newspapers, and pamphlets available for circulation. Electronic access for students and faculty to research materials is available through the Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA) and the VHCC Library’s homepage. These resources provide bibliographic and full-text resources on a wide variety of topics.

In addition to the reference, circulation, and study areas, a lounge area is provided for light reading.

The staff of the Library is available for reference assistance to any student desiring to locate materials or working on instructionally-related projects. The Library is open free of charge to any user in the community, whether a student at Virginia Highlands Community College or not. Community use is encouraged and can be obtained by registering at the Circulation Desk.

A Library user identification card is available to students as they register and to the community patrons at the Circulation Desk. All users are required to have this card and have it revalidated regularly. There is a replacement fee for lost or stolen cards.

The circulation period for books is two weeks; magazines, two days. Materials may be renewed if they are not reserved.

When classes are to be assigned a limited number of books/materials to use, faculty members are requested to put these materials on reserve to facilitate students' access. Forms to complete this procedure are available at the circulation desk. The forms need to be completed in sufficient time prior to making a class assignment in order for the materials to be readily available for students.

6.5.11.3 Library and Instructional Services Fine Policy page top

Materials (books, filmstrips, tapes, equipment, etc.) checked out from the Library are often needed by entire classes and therefore it is necessary to provide a means for the orderly return of materials under circulation. All materials and equipment are to be returned to the Library during its hours of operation. A remote book return is available at the entrance to the Learning Resources Center building nearest Parking Lot 4. This return is available for returning all library materials when the Library is not open. The following schedule of fines is established for any overdue materials and equipment.

A fine of $.25 per day per item will be charged for materials including books, cassettes, magazines, etc., which are overdue in the Library. For materials on reserve, timed overnight material or equipment, or special circulations, a fine of $2.00 per day (or portion thereof) per item, unless otherwise specified on the item circulated, will be charged on overdues. Equipment and overnight reserves are expected to be returned by 10:00 a.m. on the date due. After this time they will be considered to be overdue. Circulation privileges are restricted if fines or overdues are outstanding.

A maximum fine for regularly circulated items is $5 per item, and the maximum fine for hourly, reserve, overnight, or special circulation is $15 per item. After a student has been notified by the Library that material is seriously overdue and that the fines have reached the maximum, the Business Office will be contacted for collection of the fine, and official records and transcripts of the student will be withheld until the material is returned, paid for, and/or the fine satisfied.

In the event that an item is lost, the borrower will be charged the value of the item, that value considered to be the purchase cost of the item if the specific title is still available or the average volume cost paid the previous academic year if the item is no longer in print. This applies to all materials circulated including books, hardware, or audio visual software.

6.5.11.4 Audio Visual Service

The purpose of Audio Visual Services is to provide for the production of up-to-date instructional material for faculty and students and to assist them in producing their own materials.

The staff provides expertise in photography, video and audio production, graphics, and equipment operation in support of the educational program. In addition, Audio Visual supports appropriate curriculum-related student projects and the public information function of the administration for college activities, recruitment, and publicity. Audio Visual Productions will be provided through the Audio Visual office. The scheduling and delivery of audio visual materials for instructional use will be handled through the instructor for group presentations and should be scheduled through the Audio Visual Manager.

Commercially prepared materials will be acquired as needed. When commercial materials are unavailable, the Audio Visual Production service will, as possible, produce original media for instructional purposes. Faculty is advised of the absolute necessity of strict adherence to copyright laws.

The cost of audio visual materials will be borne, as funds are available, by the Library and Instructional Services Division with the exception that the rental cost of films or other audio visual materials will be charged to the department using the materials on the basis of actual cost.

Faculty are requested to provide as much planning for production time as possible. Student production must be approved by the appropriate faculty members prior to being submitted to the Audio Visual Manager as outlined above.

6.5.11.5 Academic Computing and Distance Education page top

The purpose of academic computing is to provide instructional hardware, software, training, and classroom assistance.

The academic computing system is comprised of seven instructional labs, one general learning lab, and two video conferencing classrooms. In addition, several regular classrooms are equipped with computers that instructors use for delivering content. These computers, as well as other computers on campus, are connected through a Local Area Network (LAN). The LAN also supports the automated library system providing remote access to local, state, and national comprehensive collections of materials.

Distance education describes an instructional situation where the student and instructor are separated by either time, place or both time and place and technology provides a channel of communication. VHCC offers high quality distance education courses to provide equal access and flexibility to both traditional and nontraditional students, and to expand the number and type of course offerings.

VHCC provides educational support services such as library and reserve materials, computer software and support, tutoring and other student services to help ensure that distance education students get all the assistance that they may need.

For more information concerning distance education courses, visit the VHCC website at http://www.vhcc.edu/distance or contact the Coordinator of Academic Computing and Technologies.