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 Uptown Christiansburg (formerly NRV 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 Christiansburg 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 30,000 books and periodicals, over 35,000 e-books, as well as mixed 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.
Students may utilize a variety of course-related software and wireless Internet service through the computers housed in the library. Equipment necessary for viewing media as well as laptops, a scanner, microform reader and a photocopier are also housed in the library. Additional services include: reference assistance, class and individualized instruction, embedded librarians, 24/7 online chat assistance, textbook reserves, study rooms and Interlibrary Loan.
Online Learning
NRCC’s commitment to increasing educational access is realized through the college’s online efforts. The Department of Online Learning is part of the college’s mission to increase access for all. We strive for excellence as we pursue academic goals outside the traditional classroom setting. Currently, the program offers over 250 online courses, which are available in most degrees and certificates. The degrees listed below can be fulfilled entirely by completing online courses:
Testing Centers are located inside Martin Hall, New River Community College in Dublin and NRCC’s Christiansburg site. Upon request of the professor, the centers provide a secure, professional 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
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
- Automotive
- Business Management
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Technology
- Engineering Design Technology
- Instrumentation and Control Automation
- Information Technology
- Machining
- Medical Administration
- Mobile Application Development
- Network and Technical Support
- Paralegal Administration
- Police Science
- Welding
For more information, contact the Division Office at (540) 674-3607.
Nursing Unit
The Nursing Unit administers programs and professional development training in the following areas:
- Nursing
- Practical Nursing
For more information, contact Helen Wolfe, Interim Coordinator of Nursing at (540) 674-3600, ext. 4252.
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 and the Learning Resources Network (LERN).
Online registration is available for short-term course offerings. More information is available at www.nr.edu/workforce (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. NRCC’s Workforce Development and External Relations unit offers a comprehensive program of training activities for regional employers and adult students. Some of the functions of this unit include:
- Facilities for Training and Meeting
- Computer Training
- FANTIC
- FastForward Program
- Commercial Driver’s License - Class A
- Pharmacy Technician
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
- Medical Assistant
- Nurse Aide
- Apartment Maintenance Technician
- EKG/Phlebotomy
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Production Technician
- Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
- Motorcycle Safety, Sidecar/Trike
- National Career Readiness Certificate/WorkKeys 2.0
- On-site Training for Local Employers
- Open Enrollment Courses for the Public
- Public Information Office
- Transitional 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.
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 FastForward training program leading to the attainment of an industry-recognized credential or licensure and are not eligible for other funding grants or financial assistance.
FastForward Program
The innovative program launched in 2016 as the “New Economy Workforce Credential Grant Program” (WCG) after approval by the General Assembly of Virginia, now known as FastForward, was established to:
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create and sustain 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
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expand the affordability of workforce training and credentialing
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Increase 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. Courses offered under this program may be completed on a short-term basis (weeks or months as opposed to years of study). Students in FastForward programs also benefit from significant cost reductions. Subject to the availability of funds, students pay only one-third of the normal cost of training. Pending availability of state funds, students can use FANTIC funds (see above) to help cover the first one-third if necessary.
National Career Readiness Certificate
The National Career Readiness Certificate is based on established WorkKeys® 2.0 assessment tests. To earn the certificate, individuals undergo testing in Workplace Documents, Applied Math, and Graphic Literacy through the WorkKeys® 2.0 skills testing program.
Individuals can earn four levels of National Career Readiness Certificates based on their test performance: Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum. This multi-level approach enables individuals to advance through the Silver, Gold and Platinum certifications as they refine their skills.
Career seekers can obtain National Career Readiness Certificates by taking WorkKeys® 2.0 assessment tests. For more information about the Career Readiness Certificate, call (540) 674-3613 or email WorkKeys@nr.edu.
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.
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 English Language Acquisition. Learners have the opportunity to develop personal career pathways, receiving the instruction they need to journey down those pathways. Learners must be at least 18 years old to enroll in Adult Education programs. If you would like to enroll in an Adult Education Workforce Development or GED Preparation program, 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, online courses are also offered.
English Language Acquisition courses are available. Anyone desiring to enroll in the ELA program is encouraged to call (540) 674-3682 or email ESL@nr.edu.
The Great Expectations program helps foster youth in the New River Valley complete high school, transition to community college, and move from foster care to 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.
Motorcycle Safety, Sidecar/Trike
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.
The Side Car/Trike Education Program (S/TEP) is offered as training for sidecar and trike operation. It is designed to teach riders the skills necessary to safely operate a three-wheel vehicle on the street, even if one has never ridden any kind of motorcycle. The 16-hour course takes the rider through the basics of motorcycle operation (controls are much the same as a two-wheel motorcycle). Effective braking, turning skills, obstacle avoidance, and other safe riding strategies are discussed in the classroom. Sidecar units are available for participants to use if they currently do not have one. However, riders are encouraged to bring their own sidecar or trike for use in the course.
Grading for Workforce Development CE Classes
The following grading system is used for non-credit classes:
| S |
Satisfactory: Individual demonstrates subject competency (assignments, labs, tests, clinical, etc.) and fulfilled attendance needed to pass the course. Individuals are ready to progress to higher level course. CEUs can be awarded. |
| G |
Progress: Optional grade used in unique circumstances and only at the discretion of the college for courses such as ESL, in which demonstration of progression toward subject competency is desired. Individual fulfilled attendance requirements but fails to demonstrate the level of subject competency needed to earn an “S” or CEUs. Individual is not ready to progress to a higher level course but would benefit from repeating the course. CEUs cannot be awarded. |
| U |
Unsatisfactory: Individual fails to demonstrate subject competency and/or fulfillment of attendance requirement needed to pass the course and to move to a higher level course. CEUs cannot be awarded. |
| I |
Incomplete: Individual, due to unavoidable circumstances, attended part but not all of a course. CEUs cannot be awarded. Courses for which the grade of “I” has been awarded must be successfully completed by the end of the end of subsequent semester for another grade (“S”, “U”, or “G”) to be awarded by the instructor. If “S” is awarded. CEUs can be awarded. If “U” or “G” is awarded, CEUs cannot be awarded. |
| N |
No Show: Individual neither attends nor formally withdraws from a course for which registered. |
| W |
Withdrawal: Individual formally withdraws from a course after the refund period but prior to the start of the course. |
| X |
No Grade: No grade awarded. Course taken for purpose of learning the subject matter and not for a grade. CEUs cannot be awarded. |
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 https://newrivercommunityaction.org/ for more information on this program.
NRCC Educational Foundation, Inc.
Established in 1980, the NRCC Educational Foundation, Inc., is a nonprofit corporation that 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.
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