Counseling
Counselors help students make decisions about their career, educational, and personal/ social plans. As a part of this service, students may take appropriate tests, find occupational/ educational information and obtain financial aid information. The Counseling Center is located in Rooker Hall.
Advisement
Counselors and faculty advise students each semester in the selection of courses which will fulfill their educational goals. However, ultimate responsibility for meeting all stated graduation requirements rests with the students.
Testing
A well-planned testing program for all students is provided in the Counseling Center in Rooker Hall. English, reading, math and/or other tests are administered in the testing room located in the Counseling Center and at the NRV Mall site. Results of these tests are used in the placement and advisement session with new students who have been admitted to the college. ACT’s COMPASS and Virginia Placement Test (VPT), computerized placement tests, are used. Recent high school graduates may submit SAT or ACT scores in lieu of taking placement tests.
Orientation/Student Development
All curricular students, except those in career studies certificate programs, shall participate in SDV 100 , a course designed primarily to foster student success. This course should be completed within the first 15 credit hours of enrollment at the community college, unless the student is not required to complete an SDV course because it is waived. The requirement may be waived for students who hold an Associate Degree or Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution. Other requests for a waiver may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students must still successfully complete the required number of credits for their degree. A pre-enrollment orientation experience to enhance student success will also be offered.
Student Assistance and Intervention for Learning Success (SAILS)
Student Assistance and Intervention for Learning Success (SAILS) is an email program to alert students of a concern or praise in their classes. Utilizing the program, instructors send students an email through SAILS via their VCCS email. Students may receive a “Flag” or a “Kudos” from their instructors. A “Flag” is a concern (i.e., an assignment concern; attendance concern; in danger of failing concern; low participation concern; low quiz/test score concern; or never attended concern). “Kudos” is a praise (i.e., keep up the good work; outstanding academic performance; or showing improvement). The email will come directly to students from their instructor, but other personnel involved in student success at NRCC will be able to see the “Flag” and “Kudos.” In fact, the email may direct students to seek help from their instructor, Counseling/Advising Center, Academic Assistance, Retention Services, or Volunteer Services if they have received a “Flag.” A College Success Coach may also contact students via email, telephone, or in person to offer ways to help them be more successful.
Students have important responsibilities with SAILS:
- Students should check emails in their VCCS account daily;
- Students should update contact information (address and telephone/cell phone numbers) in the Student Information System (SIS); and
- Students should take advantage of the services available at NRCC designed to assist students in being more successful.
Career Services
Career Services, located within the Counseling Center in Rooker Hall, provides many free services for career and life planning to students and adult citizens of the service region. The following services offered are individual assessment, career counseling, and assisting students with the Virginia Education Wizard (www.vawizard.org), an online information system for career, education, and job exploration. Career Services also assists New River Community College students and alumni with the career-search process including resume review, interview skills, and mock interview sessions. For more information, contact Peggy Dunn at (540) 674-3609 or pdunn@nr.edu.
Cooperative Education
The Cooperative Education program gives students the chance to gain study-related experience in business, industry, government, and service agencies. The program, which combines work experience with classroom studies, is a joint venture between the college and cooperating employers to form a total educational program for the student.
The students enrolled in the Cooperative Education program take the same courses as do students in a regular course of study. Besides their college courses, the students are involved in a supervised work experience which is planned, progressive, and closely related to the students’ courses of study and career interests. Cooperative Education gives college credit for work experience which can be used in place of elective courses and in some cases required courses needed for graduation.
The Cooperative Education program gives students a chance to use classroom knowledge in actual work situations, to work with and observe people who have different backgrounds and training, to earn money to help pay for part of their college education, and to investigate permanent employment opportunities.
Students who would like to take part in this program should contact their faculty advisor or the Division of Business and Technologies in Edwards Hall the semester prior to enrollment, if possible, to allow sufficient time for planning.
Computing Services
Students enrolled at NRCC have the use of the college’s extensive computing facilities. Each student is provided electronic mail, five megabytes of storage space on the college’s network, and high-speed Internet access.
The college has 24 computer labs for use by individual students and classes. Each student’s orientation program includes instruction in the use of his/her e-mail and disk storage. Various other courses at the college offer instruction in the use of computer applications software and the Internet. With over 450 computer workstations for their use, NRCC students develop computing skills that will serve them well throughout their college and professional careers.
In addition to computer labs, the college has 38 electronic classrooms. These classrooms fully support multimedia applications through a networked computer workstation, video projector, and document camera. Electronic classrooms enable NRCC faculty to fully incorporate technology into the teaching and learning process.
Partners for Success
“Partners for Success” is dedicated to the retention and academic success of NRCC students. Its programs, Academic Assistance, Volunteer Services, and Student Retention Services, help students realize their educational goals by providing access to a host of support services, ranging from meeting immediate needs such as tutoring and coursework assistance to longer range needs through building mentor/student relationships. Offices for “Partners for Success” and Volunteer Services are located in 53 Godbey Hall.
Academic Assistance Academic Assistance, part of the program “Partners for Success,” consists of the Tutoring Connection and the Writing Center, located in Godbey Hall, Room 131 and on the second floor at the NRV Mall site.
Tutoring Connection personnel provide academic assistance in a variety of subject matter. The goal of tutoring is to maximize the individual student’s capacity to become a self-learner. The tutors are also encouraged to work within the faculty’s pedagogic guidelines in order to reinforce what is taking place in the classroom. Tutoring services are performed by college staff and student volunteers.
The Writing Center, a free service offered by the NRCC English Department, exists for the purpose of helping students develop skills and strategies to meet the demands of any writing task, whether it be for a writing class, another class, or personal need. Help is available through regular sessions with an assigned assistant or on a one-time, walk-in basis. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; however, arrangements can often be made for early morning or early evening hours. Check available hours at the NRV Mall site by calling Academic Assistance at (540) 674-3664.
Student Retention Services The office of Student Retention Services works with students who are struggling to stay in school. Students struggle for a variety of reasons, including academic difficulties, work-related issues, and life pressures. If you would like to discuss issues that may be inhibiting student success in your classes, please contact Starr Rowe at (540) 674-3600, ext. 4209, or visit her in Godbey Hall, Room 45.
Volunteer Services Volunteer Services’ priority is to help develop confident, motivated learners by connecting students with competent and successful partners who serve as mentors. Mentors work with students in The Connection Center. Located in Godbey Hall, The Connection Center accommodates individual and group study and meetings between students and mentors.
For more information, contact The Connection Center at (540) 674-3600, ext. 4455 or Jill Williams, director of accountability in student learning program at (540) 674-3600 ext. 4579, or email jwilliams@nr.edu.
Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing offers students who are deaf or hard of hearing quality support services so they may participate in their program of study. A campus orientation provides for a smoother transition to college life.
The Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CDHH) is ready to assist students in any way possible during their education at New River Community College. The CDHH offers many services, including:
- Qualified interpreters and note takers
- Counseling, career education, and pre-registration advising
- Information regarding financial aid/scholarships
- In-service training to faculty and staff
- Provisions for community education and advocacy
- Sign language instruction for college personnel and potential employers
- Various assistive technologies
- Captioned educational media
Those who would like more information about the center or who would like to receive a brochure may contact the coordinator, Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, 5251 College Drive, Dublin, Virginia 24084. Telephone (540) 674-3619 (Voice/TTY). Visit the center’s home page at www.nr.edu/cdhh/.
Center for Disability Services
Disability Services offers a comprehensive schedule of academic, tutoring, and counseling support services. These services are tailored to the needs of students with identified disabilities in order that they may pursue their college program of study. Among services which are available to students with disabilities are:
- Accommodations as determined by the students’ documentation and needs;
- Pre-registration advising and campus orientation;
- Individual and small group counseling and discussion;
- Assistive technology to support individualized learning;
- Small group seminars focusing on time management, priority setting, study techniques, social/interpersonal skills, and other topics.
A caring environment and individual attention can foster the development of self-confidence, motivation, and achievement. For more information, visit the website at www.nr.edu/ca/leap.php or call (540) 674-3619.
Developmental Studies
Developmental or preparatory programs are offered to prepare individuals for admission to the college transfer programs and the career/technical programs. These developmental programs are designed to develop the basic skills and understanding necessary to succeed in other community college programs.
All students who are entering a program of study or enrolling in any courses requiring a mathematics or English prerequisite, which includes transfer students who do not have credit in mathematics or English, must take the Virginia Placement Test (VPT).
For more information about placement testing, visit the website at www.nr.edu/students/tests.php.
For more information about developmental courses, visit the websites at www.nr.edu/math/develpmental_class.html and www.nr.edu/english/courses.php.
Notetaking Services
Notetaking Services provides assistance to students with a legal disability who meet Federal guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act and to students with temporary physical disabilities. Documentation may be requested to be eligible for this service. Request forms may be obtained from the Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing or the Center for Disability Services in Rooker Hall.
Student Activities
The student activities program offers meaningful educational, cultural, leadership, and social experiences which include the following: Student Government Association, intramural and extramural athletics for men and women, clubs, and special groups as approved by the college. All of the clubs have a staff or faculty advisor or sponsor. The activities counselor coordinates all student functions with assistance from the student body and other college employees. For the latest activities news, announcements, and offerings, go to the website at www.nr.edu/activities/events.php or visit the office in Martin Hall, Room 123, located in the T. J. Anderson Student Lounge.
Student Planner and Handbook
The Student Planner and Handbook provides information of interest to students. This handbook describes, in detail, student activities and clubs and lists college rules and regulations along with a calendar of events and dates pertinent to NRCC. The current Student Planner and Handbook may be viewed at www.nr.edu/students/handbook.php.
Student Conduct
Because college students are adults, the college assumes that they will conduct themselves as such. Students are responsible for representing their rights in the pursuit of quality education. Parents, sponsors, or third parties are not privy to this process, grades, or information. Guidelines and rules of student conduct are made by representatives of the students, faculty, counseling staff, and administration. The college does not want to impose a strict code of discipline, but it will take action when it is needed. The rules will become official by administrative statement.
Those violating standards of conduct relative to the college may receive disciplinary probation or dismissal, depending on the nature of the offense. A disciplinary probation period, unless it is stated otherwise, is for one semester.
The Virginia Community College System pledges to all students the privilege of exercising their rights of citizenship under the Constitution of the United States without fear or prejudice. Special care is taken to assure due process and to spell out what steps students should take when they feel their rights have been violated.
For student conduct which may disgrace or injure the college, the Chancellor is charged by the State Board for Community Colleges to impose such penalty as he may find necessary, including expulsion from the college. This authority has been given by the Chancellor to the administration of each community college, subject to review by the Chancellor or a person chosen by him. When the penalty for misconduct is suspension or dismissal, the student may appeal to the Local College Board. Final appeal may be made to the State Board for Community Colleges.
A complete statement of the rights and responsibilities of students is included in the Student Handbook. Student grievance procedures are also described in the Student Handbook.
Any student found guilty of being in or starting a riot or an unauthorized or disorderly assembly may be suspended or dismissed.
To prevent misunderstanding, the Chancellor has issued the following:
- When a group of students on campus is not authorized by the college and has been asked to leave by the President or another chosen person, those who refuse to do so will be subject to immediate suspension and/or dismissal and to legal action;
- In the event that a group appears to be in a demonstration which relates to complaints, those present should be told that there are methods used to hear complaints and that these methods must be followed. College officials will not talk with such groups under conditions of force, such as unauthorized hold of college property;
- Any unauthorized hold of buildings and/or college property is reason for immediate suspension and/or dismissal from the college of students who may be involved. Legal action may be brought against any student or other person engaged in acts on community college property which are barred by law.
The college has a policy which does not allow weapons, firearms or any device or substance designed to harm or incapacitate.
Campus Safety
To insure the safety of everyone in the college community, individuals who demonstrate inappropriate behavior may be asked to leave the campus. For more information about campus safety, please see the Student Handbook or visit www.nr.edu/nrready.
Student Dress
Dress is a matter of individual taste until that choice of clothing infringes upon others or causes a disruption in the learning environment of the college.
Student Records
The college retains student records in accordance with policies established by the Virginia State Library Archives and retention schedule. The college will retain on a permanent basis an official record of a student’s academic history (transcript).
The college may also maintain a separate student academic folder which may include, but not be limited to, the following information: application forms; standardized test results; high school transcript; domicile reclassification form; curriculum change; college transcripts; Immigration and Naturalization Service form; student update form; graduation application; credit evaluation forms; and admission correspondence. Information contained in the student academic folder will be retained in accordance with the aforementioned policy and may be destroyed three years from the date of the student’s separation from the college.
Parking Regulations
Students must register their vehicles with the Security Office, located inside the main entrance of Godbey Hall. An NRCC parking permit for the current year will be issued for each vehicle that is registered and must be visible and affixed to the rear view mirror. Motorcycle parking is permitted in the crossed-out areas. The NRV Mall Site does not require an NRCC parking permit while attending classes at the mall. Students must have a state issued handicapped parking permit to park in the handicapped spaces at the Mall Site. NRCC parking permits for handicapped persons are valid for the Dublin campus only. For handicapped parking areas at the Dublin campus, refer to the campus map located in the appendix of this book. There is no cost for parking permits.
Illegal Parking Parking is not allowed in the following areas:
- fire lanes,
- along painted curbs,
- by fire hydrants,
- no parking zones,
- driveways and entrances,
- on the grass, or
- incorrect parking between lines.
Illegally parking in handicapped spaces carries a fine of $15. All other violations are $5 and can be paid in the Business Office or mailed in the ticket envelope. Unpaid tickets will delay issuance of transcripts and future registration for classes. For more information, visit the website at http://www.nr.edu/security/parking.php or call (540) 674-3600, ext. 3646.
Exercise/Fitness Facility
NRCC has an on-campus exercise/fitness facility in Edwards 104. This facility provides students, faculty, and staff access to Nautilus weight equipment and several cardiovascular stations. Students may use the facility after receiving orientation through Student Activities. Hours of operation vary from semester to semester. For information about the fitness facility, go to www.nr.edu/fitness/ or visit Student Activities in Martin Hall, room 121.
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