2017-2018 NRCC Catalog - General Information

The College

New River Community College is a two-year institution of higher learning operating under a state-wide system of community colleges. The college serves those who live in the counties of Floyd, Giles, Pulaski, Montgomery, and the city of Radford.

The college acts under policies set up by the State Board of Community Colleges and the local Community College Board. The school is funded mainly with state funds, but the participating localities also add to the support of the college.

The college is open on a year-round basis under the semester system. Classes are held from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Since college credit courses are offered in the evening and on weekends, students who work may also attend college.

History

In 1959 New River Community College began offering vocational/technical courses as a vocational/technical school to residents in the New River Valley. It is one of five colleges which developed from existing vocational/ technical schools into community colleges under 1966 General Assembly legislation which formed the Virginia Community College System.

The Local Board was set up in August 1969, and the college was named New River Community College in October 1969. The college continued the career/ technical education degrees in Machine Shop, Drafting and Design, Auto Mechanics, Practical Nursing, Industrial Electricity, Electronics, Instrumentation, Clerk Typing, and Stenography.

Programs leading to the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Accounting, Business Management and Secretarial Science were added in the fall term of 1970. Degree programs designed for transfer to four-year colleges were also offered at that time. These included the Associate of Arts Degree program in Liberal Arts and the Associate in Science Degree programs in Science, Education, Business Administration, and General Studies.

Localities & Facilities

The college is located on a one-hundred acre site at the intersection of U.S. Routes 11 and 100 in Dublin, Virginia. The campus provides modern, well-equipped facilities for the career/technical programs as well as for university-parallel programs.

The facilities contain labs for Administrative Support Technology, Accounting, Automotive, Computer Aided Drafting and Design, Electronics, Electricity, Forensic Science, Information Technology, Instrumentation, Machine Shop, Natural Science classes, Nursing, Programmable Logic Controllers, and Welding.

Besides the special labs, there are general classrooms, a large lecture room, a modern library, a learning lab, a spacious industrial training room, a student center, an auditorium, and faculty and administrative offices.

The college’s Christiansburg site, located in the New River Valley Mall, offers increased educational opportunities to residents of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, and Pulaski counties and the city of Radford. Faculty from the college’s teaching divisions provide high quality instruction equivalent to on-campus instruction. More information about the college’s NRV Mall site is available here.

In addition to the Dublin and Christiansburg locations, the college makes use of public schools, industrial plants, and other facilities off campus to provide instruction that is closer to the people served by the college.

Programs

New River Community College offers programs two years beyond the high school level.

Career/Technical Education The career and technical education degrees are designed to meet the demand for technicians, semi-professional workers, and skilled craftsmen in the New River Valley who will be employed in industry, business, the professions, and government.

University Parallel/College Transfer Education The university parallel/college transfer degrees include college freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education. These courses meet the standards for transfer to baccalaureate degree programs in four-year colleges and universities.

General Education The courses in general education include common knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed by an individual to be effective as a person, a worker, a consumer, and a citizen.

Continuing Education Degree credit and non-degree credit courses are offered during the day and evening hours for adults in the region wishing to continue learning.

Customized Training Programs Customized training is offered where specific employment chances are open for new or expanding industry. Customized training programs are coordinated with Virginia’s economic growth efforts and with the needs of employers.

Developmental Courses Basic or developmental courses are designed to prepare people for admission to college transfer and career/technical education courses of study in the community college. These courses are designed to assist the person with basic skills and knowledge needed to succeed in other community college programs.

Recognition

The college, part of the Virginia Community College System, is governed by the State Board for Community Colleges in Virginia. The college’s associate degree courses are approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

The college has been fully approved by the State Department of Education for payment of veterans’ benefits as well as by other state and federal agencies for funding. Also, this school is authorized under Federal Law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.

The college is an institutional member of the American Association of Community Colleges and a number of other state and national organizations.

Accreditation

NRCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of New River Community College.

International & Intercultural Education

New River Community College affirms the importance of multiculturalism and international awareness. The college is committed to addressing international/intercultural education issues as an integral part of the student’s academic and social development. Through the institution’s curricula as well as through extra-curricular activities, New River Community College supports efforts to foster understanding of international concepts and issues so that students can be well prepared for employment, life and citizenship in the New River Valley, the state of Virginia, the United States and the world. To this end, the college encourages and supports the development of the many aspects of international/intercultural education and pledges to promote knowledge, understanding and appreciation of other peoples and cultures.

Library

The New River Community College Library serves the educational and informational needs of the students, faculty, and staff of the college, as well as the citizens, businesses and industries of the New River Valley. It provides the basic tools necessary for education and research, including the latest in information and educational technology.

Students and researchers have access to a library collection of 35,000 books and periodicals, over 48,000 e-books, and 15,000 media and streaming video titles. The library’s membership in the VIVA (Virtual Library of Virginia) consortium provides an extensive collection of research databases consisting of the latest journal, magazine and newspaper articles; research reports; dissertations; specialized resources and more. Faculty, staff and students may access these resources 24/7 from off-campus via the college’s proxy server.

Students may utilize a variety of course-related software and wireless Internet service through the vast array of computers housed in the library. Equipment necessary for viewing media as well as laptops, scanners and a photocopier can also be found. Additional library services include: reference assistance, class and individualized instruction, embedded librarians, 24/7 online chat assistance, textbook reserves, group study rooms and Interlibrary Loan.

Distance Education

New River’s commitment to increasing educational access is realized through the college’s distance education efforts. The distance education program is part of the college’s determination to increase educational access and student success. This program is for students who need to pursue academic goals outside the traditional classroom setting. Currently, the program offers over 270 online courses, which are available in most degrees and certificates. The degrees listed below can be fulfilled entirely by completing distance education courses:

• Associate of Arts and Sciences in Business Administration
• Associate of Arts and Sciences in General Studies
• Associate of Arts and Sciences in Liberal Arts
• Associate of Arts and Sciences in Science
• Associate of Applied Science in Accounting
• Associate of Applied Science in Administrative Support Technology
• Associate of Applied Science in Business Management
• Associate of Applied Science in Business Management with a Specialization in Marketing Management
• Associate of Applied Science in Administrative Support Technology with a Specialization in Medical Administrative Support
• Associate of Applied Science in Administrative Support Technology with a Specialization in Paralegal Administrative Support

The Distance Education department, in conjunction with the Information Technology department, coordinates the college’s instructional technology efforts. Through the effective use of various mobile technologies, instructional programs are developed and distributed throughout the region, state, and nation. Teleconferencing services are available. To assist in the development and delivery of instruction in the region, the college possesses dedicated distance learning classrooms, electronic lecture halls, and production facilities.

Testing Centers are located inside Martin Hall, New River Community College, Dublin Campus and inside the New River Valley Mall site, Christiansburg, Va. The centers provide a secure location for students to take tests.

Division of Arts and Sciences

The Arts and Sciences Division administers the transfer degrees and other programs and professional development training in the following areas:

Early Childhood Development
Human Services
Nursing
Nurse Aide
Practical Nursing

For more information, contact the Division Office at (540) 674-3611.

Cultural Enrichment The college offers a variety of courses for personal enrichment and enjoyment on the New River Community College campus and at sites located throughout the New River Valley.

The facilities and personnel of the college provide specialized services in response to identified needs. These services include cultural events, workshops, lectures, conferences, seminars and special community projects which are designed to provide cultural and educational opportunities for the citizens of the New River Valley.

Courses and workshops often result from requests by individuals or groups within the region. Non-credit offerings are supported entirely by fees paid by participants.

Facility Usage Community groups and organizations may also make special arrangements to use college facilities for their own programs or meetings by contacting the Division of Arts and Sciences at (540) 674-3611.

Division of Business & Technologies

The Division of Business and Technologies administers programs and professional development training in the following areas:

• Accounting
• Administrative Support Technology
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
• Architecture
• Automotive
• Business Management
• Electrical Engineering
• Electronics Technology
• Engineering Design Technology
• Game Design Technology
• Instrumentation and Control Automation
• Information Technology
• Machining
• Marketing
• Medical Administration
• Mobile and Web Application Development
• Network and Technical Support
• Paralegal Administration
• Police Science
• Welding

For more information, contact the Division Office at (540) 674-3607.

Workforce Development and External Relations

New River Community College offers workforce development programs and activities through the Office of Workforce Development and External Relations. NRCC is a member of the National Council for Workforce Education, the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers and the Learning Resources Network (LERN).

Online registration is available for non-credit offerings. More information is available at www.nr.edu/workforce and click on the Classes and Programs tab or call (540) 674-3613.

Credit and non-credit programs/activities are customized to meet the training, retraining or professional development needs of area businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals. Workforce Development and External Relations includes the following functions:

• Career Readiness Certificate/WorkKeys
• Community Service
• Computer Training
• FANTIC
• Motorcycle Safety
• Open Enrollment Courses for the Public
• Public Information Office
• Rapid Response
• Transitional Programs
• WCG Approved Credential Programs
• Workforce training (customized for employers)
• World Languages Institute

Workforce Development also offers online courses that are informative, convenient and highly interactive.  Most courses are project-oriented and include lessons, hands-on assignments, discussion areas, and more. To learn about online non-credit course offerings, visit www.nr.edu/workforce or call (540) 674-3613.

Career Readiness Certificate

The Career Readiness Certificate is based on established WorkKeys® assessment tests. To earn the certificate, individuals undergo testing related to reading, applied math, and locating information through the WorkKeys® skills testing program.

Individuals can earn three levels of Career Readiness Certificates based on their test performance: Bronze, Silver or Gold. This multi-level approach enables individuals to advance through the Silver and Gold certifications as they refine their skills.

Career seekers can obtain Career Readiness Certificates by taking WorkKeys® assessment tests. For more information about the Career Readiness Certificate, call (540) 674-3600, ext. 4352 or email WFDtraining@nr.edu.

FANTIC

FANTIC is Financial Aid for Non-credit Training Leading to Industry Credentials (FANTIC) provides funding for students demonstrating financial need who desire to enroll in an approved WCG training program leading to the attainment of an industry-recognized credential or licensure and are not eligible for other funding grants or financial assistance.

Motorcycle Safety

This program allows participants to learn principles and basic skills of motorcycle riding with an emphasis on safety. Includes street strategies, protective gear, and selection and care/maintenance of motorcycles.  Completion of the Basic Rider Course prepares the rider for state licensing with an exemption in the skills portion of the DMV test. Multiple levels of training are offered. More information can be found at https://www.nr.edu/motorcycle or by calling (540) 674-3613.

Public Information Office

The Public Information Office promotes the college, its programs and its benefit to the surrounding area by planning and implementing college-wide publications, promoting internal relations, and coordinating media coverage of college events and programs. The office garners external support for the college in the form of marketing, public relations, public information and related activities.

Rapid Response

The western region Virginia Rapid Response unit is based at New River Community College. The region encompasses 34 cities and counties from Alleghany and Bath counties to the north on the West Virginia border, Pittsylvania County to the south on the North Carolina border, and Lee County to the west on the Kentucky and Tennessee borders.

Rapid Response assists businesses with layoff aversion strategies, employment transition services during layoffs or closures, and access to an available skilled workforce when hiring.

Tailored, no-cost services include: job search assistance, financial management seminars, on-site employment transition resources, stress management seminars, assistance filing unemployment insurance claims, labor market information, and other information as needed. Details are available from Beckie Cox, NRCC Rapid Response coordinator at (540) 674-3600, ext. 4284, or email at bcox@nr.edu.

Transitional Programs

Transitional Programs are serving businesses in various stages of the business cycle with access to a pool of skilled workers and employment transition services.

Adult Education programs assist adults in raising their educational and skills levels in a variety of programming: Workforce Development, Secondary Credentialing (GED® and Adult High School), English as a Second Language, and PluggedInVA. Learners have the opportunity to develop personal career pathways, receiving the instruction they need to journey down those pathways. Workforce Development courses help adults raise their basic skills and employability in order to attain or retain employment or advance in their present job. Secondary Credentialing courses include GED® and High School Diploma. The High School Diploma program provides a computer assisted instructional method to allow students to gain credits toward a High School diploma. Learners must be at least 18 years old to enroll in Adult Education programs. If you desire to enroll in an Adult Education Workforce Development, GED Preparation, or high school diploma course, you are asked to call (540) 674-3682 or email AdultBasicEd@nr.edu. If you would like to register to take the GED® Examination, call (540) 674-3652 or email GED@nr.edu. NRCC is an Official Pearson Vue Testing Center for the 21st Century GED®. In addition to courses being offered in each locality, Distance Education is also offered. For questions or to enroll in an Adult Education program through Distance Education, call (540) 674-3682 or email ABEDE@nr.edu.

English as a Second Language courses include EL-Civics and ESL Bridge. EL Civics courses assist second language learners in developing their English skills in order to better understand and navigate governmental, educational, workplace systems, and key institutions. The ESL Bridge course is designed to support ESL learners as they bridge into college or employment. All people desiring to enroll in the ESL program are encouraged to call (540) 674-3682 or email ESL@nr.edu.

PluggedInVA programs offer adult learners a contextualized educational program as well as technical training in college courses in an effort to develop necessary skills for the workplace at entry level jobs in targeted industries. The PluggedInVA training model includes College & Career Readiness, College & Career Success, and Occupational Training at the college level, a Capstone Project, Entrepreneurship Training, and Job Placement. All people desiring to enroll in a PluggedInVA Training program are encouraged to call (540) 674-3682 or email AdultBasicEd@nr.edu.

Great Expectations helps foster youth in the New River Valley complete high school, transition to the community college, and move from foster care independent living. Program participants receive support to help them live productive and fulfilling lives. Program components include: mentoring and tutoring, help with applying for college admission and financial aid, career exploration and coaching, help with applying for and keeping a job, life skills training - including managing finances, and personalized counseling. Contact the Great Expectations program at (540) 674-3682 or by emailing GE@nr.edu.

Middle College is a free college-entry program for young adults under the age of 24 who need to attain a GED® or high school diploma or want to transition to New River Community College. Middle College students receive academic assistance in preparing for the GED® or high school diploma as well as a career development course that assists them in making a career decision and successfully transitioning to NRCC. Additionally, Middle College students receive assistance with the college admission, financial aid and registration processes. Middle College students also have an opportunity to attain a Virginia’s Career Readiness Certificate, which verifies employable skills. For more information, call (540) 674-3682 or email middlecollege@nr.edu. Information can also be obtained on the program’s website: http://www.nr.edu/middlecollege.

Workforce Credential Grant (WCG)

WCG is an innovative program created in 2016 as the “New Economy Workforce Credential Grant Program” (WCG) by the General Assembly of Virginia. WCG was established for the purpose of:

1. creating and sustaining a demand-driven supply of credentialed workers for high-demand occupations in the Commonwealth by addressing and closing the gap between the skills needed by workers and skills of the available workforce

2. expanding the affordability of workforce training and credentialing

3. Increasing the interest of current and future Virginia workers in technician, technologist, and trade-level positions to fill the available and emerging jobs that require less than a bachelor’s degree but more than a high school diploma.

The purpose of the grant is to offset the cost of non-credit training and certification. Students enrolling in one of the workforce credential training programs covered by the new grant will pay only one-third of the normal cost of training and credential. Students can use FANTIC funds to help cover the first one-third if necessary.

World Languages Institute (WLI)

World Languages Institute offers online college credit language classes such as Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Russian supported by a special arrangement with Northern Virginia Community College. More information about WLI college credit courses is available by contacting Linda Claussen at 540-674-3600, ext. 4364.

In addition to these ongoing college credit offerings, the WLI also offers non-credit options in conjunction with online learning providers. These online courses run for six weeks and include subjects such as Beginning Conversational French, Conversational Japanese, Instant Italian and Spanish for Law Enforcement.

WLI also offers flexible, non-credit options for business, industry and non-profit organizations. For further information about customized language training for business, industry and non-profit organizations, contact Mark Rowh at 540-674-3600, ext. 4241.

The following grading system is used for non-credit classes:

Head Start Early Learning Center

Operated by New River Community Action (NRCA) as a part of its Federal Head Start programs in the New River Valley, a Head Start Early Learning Center is located on campus in Godbey Hall. The program is operated for 3 and 4 year olds and selection is based on financial need. NRCA is responsible for the selection of children and operations of the program. Please visit www.swva.net/nrca/headstart.html for more information on this program.

NRCC Educational Foundation, Inc.

Established in 1980, the NRCC Educational Foundation, Inc., is a nonprofit corporation which secures voluntary support and manages, invests, and expends such funds solely for the benefit of New River Community College.

The Foundation Board of Directors, representing the counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, and Pulaski, and the city of Radford, volunteer their expertise and service on behalf of the college and community.

The Foundation assists New River Community College in a variety of ways: through the endowment and distribution of scholarship funds, the purchase of equipment and furnishings, and the financial support of academic and community enrichment programs.

For more information visit the website at www.nr.edu/foundation, email at foundation@nr.edu, or call (540) 674-3618.