2008-2009 Catalog and Student Handbook

Post Office Box 4305 (27893-0305)

902 Herring Avenue

Wilson, NC 27893-3310

Telephone (252) 291-1195 (Voice/TDD)

Fax (252) 243-7148

www.wilsoncc.edu

Published June 2008

Wilson Community College

This catalog is printed on 100% post consumer recycled paper using vegetable inks.

6,000 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $11,601.61 or $1.94 per copy

Equal opportunity institution

A Message from Our President

Welcome to a uniquely American place, a community college. Originally conceptualized by Thomas Jefferson at the time of the birth of our country, the community college has for over 100 years been a very important link to education and a vital point of service for members of its community. Wilson Community College is a dynamic member of the over 1,100 community colleges serving the United States and proud to be one of the 58 community colleges serving the State of North Carolina.

It is our purpose at Wilson Community College to be a partner with you in seeking and accomplishing your training, learning, and educational goals. The College is here to assist you in defining and refining those goals, finding pathways and providing tools to meet them, and to ultimately help you discover what is already there inside you.

This catalog will provide you with information on how to access and request these services, as well as details on current curriculum offerings, course descriptions, financial aid and many, many other services and programs designed by Wilson Community College in response to the needs of members of our community.

Rusty Stephens, Ed. D.

President, Wilson Community College

Introduction

This catalog/student handbook is designed to serve primarily as a reference guide to Wilson Community College. It describes educational programs, admissions requirements and procedures, facilities, student activities, student services, and College personnel.

Material contained herein is subject to change without notice and should not be regarded as a binding obligation on the College or State. Changes in the policy of the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges, the North Carolina Community College System, or in local conditions may make some alterations necessary in curricula, fees, and other areas. Every effort will be made to minimize the inconveniences such changes might create for students.

Affirmative Action Statement

The College affirms its commitment to a policy of equal opportunity and to direct good faith efforts toward the provision of equal rights and privileges for all individuals involved in the educational community. The College will not discriminate in any way because of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, political affiliation, or belief.

Location

The main campus of Wilson Community College is located at 902 Herring Avenue, Wilson, North Carolina. It is just off U.S. Highway 301 and is easily accessible from N.C. Highway 58, U.S. Highway 264, and I-95. Maps are provided at the back of this catalog/student handbook for your convenience.

Accreditations

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

Wilson Community College is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

The Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) through the Accreditation Review Committee in Surgical Technology (ARC-ST).

Governance

Board of Trustees Wilson Community College

Mr. E. Bruce Beasley III

Mr. Randall H. Boykin

Mr. Jerry W. Dorsey

Ms. Alice B. Freeman

Mr. James M. Johnson III

Ms. Doris H. Jones

Mr. George D. Leach, Vice Chair

Mr. Steven R. Leder, Chair

Ms. Betty P. Putney

Mr. Grady M. "Bucky" Robbins

Ms. Page T. Smith

Mr. Bobby R. Williamson

SGA Representative

Board of Directors Wilson Community College Foundation, Inc.

Mr. Paul N. Blake III

Mr. Fred Bunn

Ms. Patricia W. Campbell

Ms. Betsy B. Davis

Mr. Harry A. Goodwin, Secretary/Treasurer

Mr. R. F. "Randy" Harrison, Chairman

Mr. Kenneth R. Hyde, Jr.

Mr. Kenneth A. Jones

Mr. Steven R. Leder

Mr. Keith Merrick

Mr. W. L. "Billy" Price, Jr.

Mr. Kenneth R. Powell, Vice Chairman

Mr. Coalter Paxton III

Mr. Lee Stephenson

Mr. A. J. Walston

Mr. Bobby Williamson

Mr. Chris Williford

Board of County Commissioners Wilson County

Mr. R.S. "Sid" Boyette, Vice Chair

Ms. Josephine F. Edwards

Mr. Frank E. Emory, Chair

Ms. Bobbie D. Jones

Mr. Roger Lucas

Mr. Grady M. "Bucky" Robbins

Mr. Tim Williford

Mr. Ellis C. Williford, County Manager

North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges

Ms. Nancy Margulies Brenner

Mr. James W. Daniels

Mr. Jimmie E. Ford

Dr. Stuart B. Fountain

Ms. Raichelle Glover

Dr. Bob H. Greene

Mr. G. Gordon "Buddy" Greenwood

Ms. Estell C. Lee Harrelson

Dr. Thomas Houlihan

Ms. Anne-Marie Knighton

Mr. Edwin H. Madden, Jr.

Mr. Chester Middlesworth

The Honorable Richard H. Moore, Ex Officio

The Honorable Beverly E. Perdue, Ex Officio

Dr. Linwood Powell, Vice Chair

Ms. Hilda Pinnix-Ragland, Chair

Ms. B. Joanne Steiner

Ms. Norma Bulluck Turnage

Mr. Herbert L. Watkins

Mr. Allen H. Wellons, J.D.

NCCCS Student Representative
Dr. Scott Ralls, President, North Carolina Community College System

History

Wilson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System. Established in 1958 as Wilson Industrial Education Center, it is one of the system's oldest institutions. From its inception, it has offered quality education to those who have enrolled in its programs. The first classes began September 29, 1958 in the Coon High School Annex. Construction began on the first building on the current site in 1958. In 1964, the State Board of Education granted authority to award the Associate in Applied Science Degree and the school name was changed to Wilson County Technical Institute.

As enrollment increased, alterations were made and an automotive shop and a welding classroom-laboratory building were completed. In 1969, both enrollment and staff increased as the Institute responded to the demand for technical education. During the same year, the Institute was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Grants totaling $1 million were received and Buildings J and D were occupied in 1970. In 1971, following the death of the Institute's first president, Salvatore DelMastro, Dr. Ernest B. Parry was appointed president. He served until his retirement in July 1982 when Dr. Frank L. Eagles was appointed president. Dr. Eagles served as president until his retirement in September 2003 when Dr. Rusty Stephens became the fourth president of the College.

From 1971 to the present, Wilson Community College has received federal and state grants enabling it to provide additional services such as a program for counseling and tutoring disadvantaged and academically deprived students, a program for the "hardcore" unemployed, classroom training in Adult Basic Education, and a method of upgrading the Heavy Equipment program.

During the period 1977-78, Buildings G and L were built. Building G made possible significant improvements in both student life and the educational program. Included in the structure are a student lounge complex, bookstore, classrooms, labs and faculty offices. Building L provides an environment for instruction in the repair of diesel powered vehicles. An administrative and classroom building, Building B, connecting existing Buildings A and C, was built in the spring of 1986. Building K, which contains sewing and crafts and facilities for the pottery/ceramics classes, was opened in 1989. In 1997, the Salvatore DelMastro auditorium was completed (Building E) allowing the old auditorium to be converted to additional library facilities. Building M, completed in 2000, is a welding facility, and in 2003 the new Frank L. Eagles Community Business Center addition to Building G was completed, adding much needed meeting rooms and classrooms to the College facilities.

The name was officially changed to Wilson Technical Community College in 1989. In 1993, the Department of Community Colleges granted the College the authority to award the Associate in Arts degree. The courses required for this degree parallel the first two years of those offered by four-year colleges and universities. In 1997, the College converted from the quarter system to the semester system. This change was made in the entire North Carolina Community College System to enhance the transferability of students to four-year institutions.

Since 1997, the College has experienced extraordinary student growth and continues to serve as a major source of education and training for the workforce in Wilson County. In 2007, the official name of the college was changed to Wilson Community College. As the College celebrates its 50th year of serving the Wilson community, a new student center is under construction and is being built using innovative sustainable technology. This new building will set the pace for a new direction for the College as it strives to be a leader in the use of environmentally friendly technologies and sustainable programs.

Teaching and Staff Awards

Teacher of the Year

Staff Person of the Year

Open Door Policy

The College adheres to the OPEN DOOR POLICY of the North Carolina Community College System. Any person, whether a high school graduate, or non-graduate who is eighteen years old or older, and who is able to profit from further formal education, will be served by the institution. The OPEN DOOR POLICY does not mean that there are no restrictions on admission to specified curricula. Students are assisted in selecting programs that serve their needs and objectives in life, consistent with their background, aptitudes, and interests. The restrictions on admission are flexible enough to allow students opportunities to improve their educational status. Preparatory studies are provided for students who lack skills necessary for admission to their chosen programs.

Mission Statement

The mission of Wilson Community College, a public post-secondary comprehensive educational institution, is to provide accessible, student-centered academic and personal enrichment opportunities to enhance lifelong learning through college transfer, technical, vocational, and adult education programs. The College embraces and is committed to the values of lifelong learning; community; sustainability; leadership; scholarship; accessibility and affordability; diversity and inclusiveness; research, assessment, and collaboration; and technology.

(approved by the Board of Trustees August 28, 2006)

Vision Statement

Wilson Community College is a venue for learning and provides innovative leadership in meeting the needs of the community. As supported by the Community College Laws of North Carolina, the mission of the College is to provide accessible, student-centered academic and personal enrichment opportunities to enhance lifelong learning through college transfer, technical, vocational, and adult education programs. The College's mission is about student learning and how we can improve it.

A commitment to shared values guides Wilson Community College. These values flow from the mission and vision of the College and influence the planning process by guiding decisions, shaping policies, and directing courses of action.

Value One: Lifelong Learning

Wilson Community College is committed to fostering opportunities for learning that continue for a lifetime. The College seeks to expand non-traditional instructional delivery methods, affording students more opportunities to advance their education. The College continues to explore new ways to encourage those in need of literacy education and involves industry leaders in program development to ensure students are prepared for an ever-changing workplace.

Lifelong learning empowers individuals to master skills necessary for success. Lifelong learning and the teaching models that support it have also been shown to promote societal openness, provide greater involvement in peaceful political discourse, and be a limiting factor in the gap that separates the world's haves and have-nots.

Lifelong learning and innovations in teaching are inextricably linked; this new style of meeting the willing learners where they are facilitates opportunities and removes barriers to the educational process. Innovations in teaching provide exposure to the skills that foster learning, including developing a mindset for inquiry, experimentation, and renewal.

Value Two: Community

Wilson Community College values the sense of community within the organiz

ation and also

As a vital member of the larger community, the College acknowledges the importance of service and encourages employees to actively participate in the community. It supports an atmosphere of involvement in community activities and an attitude of giving to meet community needs.

Value Three: Sustainability

Wilson Community College embraces its role as a partner in meeting state, national, and global needs and is positioning itself as a leader in sustainability. Sustainability is an approach to life in which resources (environmental, economic, and social) are used to meet current needs while ensuring that future generations have those same resources to meet their needs. It strives to meet the needs for new and developing jobs addressing the issues of sustainability and promoting the stewardship of resources, the environment, and economic development.

Science and technology are driving forces of the future. Through the development of sustainable curricula and programs, the College's "growing green" philosophy is entering new and challenging fields to develop a knowledge base, essential skills, and actions to put theory into practice.

Sustainability awareness is promoted through the efforts of students, employees, and community leaders. The College studies economic and environmental issues that impact operations and engages in activities that are economically and environmentally sound. The College encourages the use of energy conservation, recycling, and the use of sustainable practices in the construction of facilities and maintenance of buildings and grounds. The College seeks to have sustainability as a factor in planning and decisions at all levels.

Value Four: Leadership

Wilson Community College is committed to developing a climate conducive to the flowering of effective leadership which envisions leaders as servants first, whose core focus is on the growth and development of those around them through a positive nurturing approach. Characteristics of a leader include professionalism, integrity, mutual respect, and responsibility.

Professionalism is manifested in attitude and behavior; not just knowing how to do one's job, but also demonstrating a willingness to learn, share, and cooperate.

The College's integrity is held in the highest regard. Through positive role modeling, the College promotes high ethical and moral standards, and endeavors to instill those principles in its employees and students.

Mutual respect is important in creating an atmosphere conducive to learning. The College benefits from a sense of respect for oneself and others. An atmosphere of respect is shared and encouraged between employees, students, and the community.

Each employee takes responsibility for their role in furthering the College's mission. Employees are proactive in maintaining a nurturing environment where student success is the primary focus.

Value Five: Scholarship

Wilson Community College values scholarship and is committed to providing professional and scholarly activities that support its mission. The College defines scholarship as knowledge acquired in a variety of ways, through research, practice, and teaching. Scholarship involves organizing information and knowledge into a logical framework that allows for clear and cohesive sharing. The College realizes it is the responsibility of all who pursue scholarship to recognize that the ultimate goal of knowledge is wisdom.

The College encourages scholarship through education, which enables faculty to be learned and current in their disciplines. Education involves not only the transmission of knowledge, but also the stimulation of active learning. Students are encouraged to become leaders and critical thinkers, who will be self-actualized to continue in the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.

The College also promotes the implementation of scholarship. This process connects learning across the disciplines in an integrative and inclusive manner. This cross-curricula approach is designed to bridge the gaps that sometimes occur when disciplines are treated as stand-alone entities.

The College recognizes that there are some dimensions of scholarship that are universal and apply to all employees such as conducting research, being knowledgeable in their areas of expertise, keeping abreast of developments in their field, and adhering to the highest standards of integrity in all aspects of their work.

Value Six: Accessibility and Affordability

Wilson Community College values accessible and affordable programs and services. The College embraces the open door philosophy, which allows easy access to its offerings. The relatively low cost of attending a community college helps to ensure that pursuing an education remains affordable.

The College remains accessible through the establishment of a welcoming environment, by providing appropriate support, respect, and appreciation for diverse needs. Through creative risk-taking and use of resources and services, the College becomes a venue for excellence in education and a model of accessibility.

Affordability makes an educational experience possible. Affordable programs and services provide access to higher education for people of all socio-economic levels, giving them the opportunity to improve their economic situation. These opportunities empower them to pursue their goals.

The College strives to maintain accessible and affordable education for all who desire it. Commitment to accessibility and affordability help make the College a preferred choice for higher education.

Value Seven: Diversity and Inclusiveness

Wilson Community College values diversity, those traits which make a person unique. The College relies on the abilities, talents, and leadership of its diverse members to fulfill its mission. This philosophy of inclusiveness strengthens the College.

Diversity can refer to gender, race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or age, but can also reflect societal changes. The College can improve and prosper to become a successful center of learning by ensuring every person is valued and appreciated.

The College embraces diversity and inclusiveness as evidenced by the policies adopted by the Board of Trustees and procedures adopted by Administration. Further, the College strives to reflect diversity through its recruitment and retention activities. By doing so, the College empowers students and staff, harnesses potential, increases productivity and efficiency, and accomplishes its mission.

The College is committed to creating an environment of diversity and inclusiveness by respecting and appreciating individual differences. Within this environment, the College must treat all individuals equitably. This is accomplished by protecting individual rights and treating members with courtesy and respect with the intent of improving morale and preserving individuality. The College and the larger community benefit from the results of a diverse and inclusive atmosphere.

Value Eight: Research, Assessment, and Collaboration

Wilson Community College values research, assessment, and collaboration expressed through a proactive sharing and cooperation.

Research contributes to the growth of human knowledge in both academic and nonacademic areas. Research can lead to new techniques, technologies, and methods of providing instruction and services.

Employees

Assessment of programs and services generates data used to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement. By using the results of systematic assessment, employees can determine what methods work best to carry out their responsibilities. Once data is collected and analyzed, action plans are developed to strengthen existing programs and services and to develop new ones. The College also embraces the concept of evaluation and rewards. Employees are recognized for their accomplishments, creativity, and contributions to scholarship as they relate to the mission of the College. The criteria for evaluation accommodate both the talents of the employees and the needs of the College. The criteria allow for changes in the personal and professional growth of employees over the course of their career.

Working with others through collaboration provides the foundation for investigation

and assessment.

The College is a system that evolves to meet current and future needs. Growth and renewal enable the College to remain current, engaging, and relevant. Through research, assessment, and collaboration the College becomes an empowered community.

Value Nine: Technology

Wilson Community College values technology as a tool for enhancing instruction, expanding the availability of education, expediting employee tasks, and improving the local community. The College recognizes technology is advancing rapidly and is used in almost every aspect of daily living.

The College incorporates technology as a method of enhancing instruction. Students, regardless of curricula, are exposed to emerging technologies that can enhance their daily lives and career paths. They are equipped with the knowledge they need to implement appropriate technologies in the community, thereby establishing a direct link between the classroom, the workforce, and personal enrichment.

The College expands the availability of education by employing modern technology for distance education programs. By utilizing interactive course management delivery systems, it is possible to use the full potential of technology as a means of instruction. The use of distance education makes it possible for the College to provide students from around the world an opportunity to receive an education.

The College is committed to providing the most recent technology to its employees to ensure that the operations of the College are carried out efficiently. Access to new technologies allows employees the opportunity to grow and increases productivity, thus enhancing employee morale and the success of the College in fulfilling its mission.

The College provides the community access to technology, which they might not otherwise have. This reduces the digital divide and enables the community to learn and thrive in the emerging global economy.

Summary:

Commitment to these values allow Wilson Community College to provide accessible, student-centered academic and personal enrichment opportunities to enhance lifelong learning through college transfer, technical, vocational, and adult education programs.

(approved by the Board of Trustees August 28, 2006)

Commitment to Sustainability

Wilson Community College is committed to the principles of sustainability and to advancing a sustainability-literate faculty, staff, and student body. It is our mission to exhibit sustainable practices through our curricula, work environment and interactions with the broader community. Through invitation and inclusion, the College provides community stakeholders with information and understanding they can use, while demonstrating how our activities impact our environment, relationships and economic endeavors. Our teaching and business practices consider these principles in order to provide for a better future, one in which peoples' needs can be met without compromising the ongoing needs of future generations.

Sustainability awareness is promoted through the efforts of students, employees, and community leaders. Through the development of sustainable curricula and programs, the College's "growing green" philosophy is entering new and challenging fields to develop a knowledge base, essential skills, and actions to put theory into practice. The College studies economic and environmental issues that impact operations and engages in activities that are economically and environmentally sound. The College encourages the use of energy conservation, recycling, and the use of sustainable practices in the construction of facilities and maintenance of buildings and grounds. The College seeks to have sustainability as a factor in planning and decisions at all levels.

The College is proud of its contribution to sustainability and offers many important resources to further sustainability in all aspects of the community. These resources and the College's efforts are highlighted on our "Growing Green" page on the College's website: www.wilsoncc.edu.

Institutional Planning and Research

To ensure the effectiveness of programs and services provided by the College, this office, under the management of the Planning and Research Director, provides guidance for the College's ongoing, integrated and institution-wide research-based planning and evaluation process, provides research services for administrative decision making and program/service area reviews, and ensures the College community remains current on the requirements of its accrediting agency. A broad-based, comprehensive planning process defines institutional goals, which reflect the mission of the College.

Wilson Community College Foundation, Inc.

The Foundation was established in 1981 as a non-profit organization charged with the mission of promoting the general welfare of Wilson Community College. Through the solicitation of gifts and bequests, the Foundation financially supports and promotes a variety of activities. The majority of funds raised are distributed to our students through scholarships that directly aid them with their education. Other funds are given as project and mini-grants to help fund professional development for faculty and staff. Students interested in scholarship opportunities can receive an application through the Financial Aid Office.

Public Information Office

This office, managed by the Director of Public Relations, is responsible for College publicity, including internal communications, and increasing public awareness of the College and its programs. The Director of Public Relations oversees both the advertising and promotional printing programs and exercises editorial control over all publicity and promotional materials.

Student Services - General Information

The Student Services Division is designed to facilitate personal growth and development of students and to support the instructional programs of the College. Offices within the Division of Student Services include: Admissions and Registration, Student Financial Aid, Student Life and Activities, Veterans' Affairs, Counselors for Admissions, Retention Services, Career Placement, Testing, and Services for Special Populations such as Disabilities.

Student Services' Mission

The Student Services Division is designed to provide students with comprehensive services and programs to enable them to become successful and achieve personal, academic, and career goals. The services include academic support, counseling, testing, planning, referral and retention services, disability services, and financial aid, while incorporating all the components within the established Wilson Community College policies and procedures. The Student Services Division will assist students in succeeding in the global economy to become productive citizens of our society.