|
|
|
|
Academic Program Information |
|
|
|
|
In implementing its statement of purpose, VHCC provides several types of programs, as well as a wide selection of curricular offerings. Each curriculum is designed to meet the general criteria established by the State Board for Community Colleges. At the same time, VHCC strives to design each curriculum with emphasis on the needs and opportunities within the College’s service region.
The State Board sets minimum standards for conferring appropriate associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas to individuals who satisfactorily complete course and program requirements. The following programs are offered by VHCC. The descriptions reflect the philosophies of the state governing agencies and the College.
The programs in general education at VHCC emphasize broad learning that goes beyond job training and skill development. Each degree and certificate program of the College contains prescribed general education courses, including academic courses in the humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, wellness and communication skills. General education is that portion of the collegiate experience that addresses the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values characteristic of educated persons. It is unbounded by disciplines and honors the connections among bodies of knowledge.
Virginia Highlands Community College is committed to offering its students programs that encompass the common knowledge, skills, and attitudes required by each individual to be more effective as a person, a worker, a consumer, and a citizen. Through a combination of general education courses, specialized courses in the major field, and student development courses, graduates are provided with a collegiate experience that supports the development of the following general education goals.
Student Learning Outcomes for Each of the
General Education Goal Areas
VHCC degree graduates will demonstrate competency in the following general education areas:
1. Communication
A competent communicator can interact with others using all forms of communication, resulting in understanding and being understood.
Degree graduates will demonstrate the ability to
1.1 understand and interpret complex materials;
1.2 assimilate, organize, develop, and present an idea formally and informally;
1.3 use standard English;
1.4 use appropriate verbal and non-verbal responses in interpersonal relations and group discussions;
1.5 use listening skills; and
1.6 recognize the role of culture in communication.
2. Critical Thinking
A competent critical thinker evaluates evidence carefully and applies reasoning to decide what to believe and how to act.
Degree graduates will demonstrate the ability to
2.1 discriminate among degrees of credibility, accuracy, and reliability of inferences drawn from given data;
2.2 recognize parallels, assumptions, or presuppositions in any given source of information;
2.3 evaluate the strengths and relevance of arguments on a particular question or issue;
2.4 weigh evidence and decide if generalizations or conclusions based on the given data are warranted;
2.5 determine whether certain conclusions or consequences are supported by the information provided; and
2.6 use problem solving skills.
3. Cultural and Social Understanding
A culturally and socially competent person possesses an awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the interconnectedness of the social and cultural dimensions within and across local, regional, state, national, and global communities.
Degree graduates will demonstrate the ability to
3.1 assess the impact that social institutions have on individuals and culture—past, present, and future;
3.2 describe their own as well as others’ personal ethical systems and values within social institutions; and
3.3 recognize the impact that arts and humanities have upon individuals and cultures.
3.4 recognize the role of language in social and cultural contexts.
3.5 recognize the interdependence of distinctive world-wide social, economic, geo-political, and cultural systems
4. Information Literacy
A person who is competent in information literacy recognizes when information is needed and has the ability to locate, evaluate, and use it effectively. (adapted from the American Library Association definition)
Degree graduates will demonstrate the ability to
4.1 determine the nature and extent of the information needed;
4.2 access needed information effectively and efficiently;
4.3 evaluate information and its sources critically and incorporate selected information into his or her knowledge base;
4.4 use information effectively, individually or as a member of a group, to accomplish a specific purpose; and
4.5 understand many of the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information and access and use information ethically and legally.
5. Personal Development
An individual engaged in personal development strives for physical well-being and emotional maturity.
Degree graduates will demonstrate the ability to
5.1 develop and/or refine personal wellness goals; and
5.2 develop and/or enhance the knowledge, skills, and understanding to make informed academic, social, personal, career, and interpersonal decisions.
6. Quantitative Reasoning
A person who is competent in quantitative reasoning possesses the skills and knowledge necessary to apply the use of logic, numbers, and mathematics to deal effectively with common problems and issues. A person who is quantitatively literate can use numerical, geometric, and measurement data and concepts, mathematical skills, and principles of mathematical reasoning to draw logical conclusions and to make well-reasoned decisions.
Degree graduates will demonstrate the ability to
6.1 use logical and mathematical reasoning within the context of various disciplines;
6.2 interpret and use mathematical formulas;
6.3 interpret mathematical models such as graphs, tables and schematics and draw inferences from them;
6.4 use graphical, symbolic, and numerical methods to analyze, organize, and interpret data;
6.5 estimate and consider answers to mathematical problems in order to determine reasonableness; and
6.6 represent mathematical information numerically, symbolically, and visually, using graphs and charts.
7. Scientific Reasoning
A person who is competent in scientific reasoning adheres to a self-correcting system of inquiry (the scientific method) and relies on empirical evidence to describe, understand, predict, and control natural phenomena.
Degree graduates will demonstrate the ability to
7.1 generate an empirically evidenced and logical argument;
7.2 distinguish a scientific argument from a non-scientific argument;
7.3 reason by deduction, induction and analogy;
7.4 distinguish between causal and correlational relationships; and
7.5 recognize methods of inquiry that lead to scientific knowledge.
1. Minimum Requirements for Associate Degrees
Associate of Arts (AA)
Associate of Science (AS)
Associate of Arts & Sciences (AA&S)
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
|
Minimum number of Semester Hours Credits |
|||||
|
General Education: |
(1) |
(2) |
(3) |
(4) |
|
|
AA |
AS |
AA&S |
AAA/AAS |
||
|
I. |
English Composition |
6 |
6 |
6 |
3 |
|
II. |
Humanities/Fine Arts |
6 |
6 |
6 |
3 |
|
Foreign Language (Intermediate Level) |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
III. |
Social/Behavioral Sciences |
12 |
9(b) |
12 |
6(a) |
|
IV. |
Natural Sciences/ Mathematics |
8 6 |
8 6(c) |
8 6(c) |
0 }3(a) 0 |
|
V. |
Wellness |
2(d) |
2(d) |
2(d) |
2(d) |
|
Other Requirements for Associate Degrees: |
|||||
|
VI. |
Student Development |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
VII.
|
Major Field Courses and Electives (columns 1-3) |
13 |
22 |
19 |
47(e) |
|
Occupational/ Technical Courses (column 4) |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
|
Minimum Total for Degree |
60-63 |
60-63 |
60-63 |
65-69(f) |
|
Notes: The VCCS Policy Manual, Section 2-IV-C, defines general education within the VCCS. Accreditation eligibility criteria of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) specify general education requirements and provide additional guidance regarding reading, writing, oral communication, and fundamental mathematical skills. Within the framework of Table 5-1 above, Section 2-IV-C, and SACS criteria, colleges must provide "… means by which students may acquire basic competencies in the use of computers." In addition to meeting the semester hour requirements listed above, each college must develop goal statements which include the eight elements found in the General Education Statement in Section 2-IV-C of the VCCS Policy Manual.
a) While general education courses other than those designated for transfer may be used to meet portions of these requirements, SACS criteria require that general education courses be general in nature and not "…narrowly focused on those skills, techniques, and procedures peculiar to a particular occupation or profession."
b) Only 6 semester hours of social/behavioral sciences are required for engineering technology majors who plan to transfer to a baccalaureate degree engineering program that requires 6 or fewer hours in this category, provided that the college/university publishes such requirements in its transfer guide.
c) Only 3 semester hours of mathematics are required for the General Studies Major.
d) Health, physical education, or recreation courses which promote physical and emotional well being.
e) AAA/AAS degree students should plan to take at least 30 hours in the major; remaining hours will be appropriate to the major.
f ) Credit range for programs in Health Technologies- 65-72 semester hour credits; for nursing the credit range is 65-69 semester hour credits.
g) All college-level course prerequisites must be included in the total credits required for each program.
2. Information Literacy Statement
Upon graduation from a degree program, all students will be able to (1) determine the nature and extent of the information needed; (2) access needed information effectively and efficiently; (3) evaluate information and its sources critically and incorporate selected information into his or her knowledge base; (4) use information effectively, individually or as a member of a group, to accomplish a specific purpose; and (5) understand many of the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information and access and use information ethically and legally.
Computer competency will be demonstrated by successfully completing one or more credit courses (approved by the division or department), a challenge exam, equivalent course(s), or course components for computer competency explicitly required in a given course syllabus. The Registrar, when doing official clearance of graduates, will ensure that students have successfully completed a challenge exam or a course or courses identified as appropriate by the academic divisions.
3. Assessment
Curricular students are required to complete tests, such as COMPASS to determine entry level placement into reading, writing and math classes. Additionally, students may be required to participate in one or more tests, projects, or other academic activities designed to measure general education achievement and/or achievement in selected major areas prior to graduation. These tests are designed to evaluate programs. Program assessment test results will remain confidential and will be used for the sole purpose of college improvement. Students may have access to their own test scores upon request.
4. Student Outcomes Assessment
The College uses a variety of assessment activities to ensure that its educational programs achieve their stated purposes.
Entering freshmen, candidates for graduation, and graduates are assessed through standardized and nationally normed instruments, in-house developed tests, exit interview questionnaires, and employer surveys.
The assessment process focuses on the following four areas: basic skills testing for English and mathematics placement, the student’s progress in the major, an assessment of the general education component among the transfer curricula, and follow-up studies on alumni, dual-enrollment students, off campus centers, transfer students and area employers.
The college transfer programs include first- and second-year courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional courses that transfer to four-year colleges and universities. A number of four-year degree programs are available on the campus of VHCC through the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) which was established in 1991 to provide expanded educational opportunities for the citizens of the region. For additional information contact the SVHEC at 276-619-4300 or www.swcenter.edu.
Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree programs are designed with two primary goals in mind: (1) to offer the student a widely accepted program of general preparation for upper-division work in his/her chosen professional field, stressing a balance of required courses common to most baccalaureate degree programs; and (2) to offer maximum flexibility so that the student may select specific courses that may be required at the college or university to which transfer is contemplated.
College Transfer Programs
Associate of Arts & Sciences (AA&S)
Business Administration
Education
Education – Specialization in Art
Education - Specialization in Teacher Preparation
Education – Specialization in Theatre Arts
General Studies
Liberal Arts
Science
Science - Specialization in Computer Science
Science - Specialization in Horticulture
Occupational/Technical Programs
The occupational and technical education programs are designed to meet the increasing demands for technicians, paraprofessional workers, and skilled craftsmen for employment in industry, business, the professions, and government. These programs may serve as initial training for students preparing to enter the job market for the first time, as a supplement to work experience for persons who are preparing for advancement in their present lines of work, or as retraining for persons who must develop new skills for the present job market.
To meet these goals, Citizens Advisory Committees provide, in partnership with industry and the community, information and advice to enable continuous updating of curricular, course content, technology and faculty knowledge of current industry practices. Preparation for successful employment may encompass many aspects of education that extends beyond the classroom, such as cooperative education and internships that are conducive to success in the workplace.
Associate of Applied Science Degree programs are designed primarily to prepare the student for employment immediately upon graduation from the community college. Thus, these programs contain a large number of specialized courses.
Virginia Highlands offers both two-year diploma and one-year certificate programs for those students interested in immediate employment in selected occupational fields. The student’s program is designed to facilitate transition into an appropriate AAS degree program at a later date. Students interested in such options should plan their programs carefully with their advisors and counselors at VHCC.
Agricultural and Natural Resources Technology
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Horticulture Technology
Business Technology
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Accounting
Administrative Support Technology
Administrative Support Technology – Specialization in Legal Assisting
Administrative Support Technology – Specialization in Medical Office Specialist
Information Systems Technology
Information Systems Technology - Specialization in Networking
Management
Management - Specialization in Hospitality and Tourism
Certificate (C)
Accounting and Information Systems Technology
Clerical Studies
Health Information Technology
Hospitality and Tourism
Networking A+
Supervision and Management
Web Design
Engineering and Industrial Technology
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Computer and Electronics Technology
General Engineering Technology
General Engineering Technology - Specialization in Computer Aided Drafting &
Design Technology
Technical Studies
Diploma (D)
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and HeatingCertificate (C)
Air Conditioning and RefrigerationHealth Technology
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Dental Hygiene (WCC*)*Wytheville Community College
Certificate (C)
Health Sciences
Public Service Technology
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Human Services
Human Services - Specialization in Early Childhood Education
Police Science
Certificate (C)
Early Childhood Teaching Assistant
Human Services Advocate
Developmental courses do not fulfill degree requirements. They are designed to help students overcome academic deficiencies and build the foundation needed to succeed in college-level courses.
The developmental courses at VHCC provide supplementary and compensatory learning experiences that are directly related to curricular or subject areas. These courses assist individuals in developing both basic study skills and subject knowledge necessary to succeed in their college programs.
Increasing numbers of students are continuing, extending, or updating their educational experience in areas of occupational-technical skills and in traditional academic areas. With this growth, VHCC assumes the responsibility to support and enhance each student’s opportunity and potential for success through the developmental studies courses and through a continued commitment to serve the educational needs of the service region.
Co-op/Internship students are employed part-time at work experience sites in positions related to their future career goals. The typical work week is 10-25 hours, depending upon the number of credits to be earned. It is preferred that students take advantage of the Internship Program (without pay) while working at nonprofit entities. Experiential learning combined with classroom theory enhances the development and professional preparation of the Co-op/Internship student.
The Center for Business and Industry
The mission of the Center for Business and Industry is to provide assistance, workforce training, and employee development to promote economic growth of business and industry and opportunities for personal development within the VHCC service area.
The services provided via the Center for Business & Industry include: Continuing Education; Workforce Development; Apprenticeship Training; Community Services (noncredit); Small Business Development Center; Manufacturing Technology Center; and Procurement Assistance Center.
Where specific employment opportunities for new or expanding industries are available, special training activities are developed and coordinated through the Workforce Services of the Virginia Department of Business Assistance. The College’s role is to provide facilities, equipment, instructors and/or administrative service as needed.
1. Continuing Education. Today’s rapidly changing technology requires that employees’ skills be continually updated to avoid obsolescence. The mission of Continuing Education is to establish and deliver a total program, credit instruction, training and testing to professional groups for certification and licensure review.
2. Workforce Development. Pre-employment training and training for employed workers that helps to meet the need for highly trained workers to meet the challenges of today’s competitive world. Conveniently scheduled, custom-designed classes are offered on the College campus or at the worksite during-all hours of the day or night.
3. Apprenticeship Training. An employer sponsored training system which provides business and industry with skilled employees. Apprentices learn the "how to" of their occupation on-the-Job (OTJ), under the direction of highly skilled mentors; and they learn the "why" in related technical instruction in the classroom.
4. Community Services. Programs and training include noncredit classes, seminars, workshops and teleconferences that will continue and expand individual and community learning experiences.
5. Small Business Development Center. A Small Business Development Center provides one-on-one counseling, business education opportunities, and resources from the federal, state, local, academic, and private sectors to assist owners and managers to improve their competitiveness and profitability. Counseling services are provided free of charge and are confidential.
6. Manufacturing Technology Center. The MTC, located at Wytheville Community College, is a catalyst for economic growth and industrial competitiveness through training, applied research, and community-industrial service.
7. Procurement Assistance Center. Contracts between government and the private sector are available at all levels. The Center provides assistance with government contracting at the federal, state and local levels.
Career Studies Certificate programs are designed in response to the non-conventional short-term program of study needs of many adults in our service region for an award which provides for upgrading, retraining, and investigating career possibilities or specialized interests.
Career Studies Programs
Career Studies Certificate (CSC)
Automotive Technology
Basic Computer Numerical Control Operation
Child Development
Child and Family Support Services
CISCO Networking and A+
Dental Assisting
Diesel Mechanic
Electrical Wiring
Emergency Medical Technology (EMT) - Intermediate
Fire Science Technology
General Banking
Horticulture
Horticulture: Floral Design and Indoor Plant Care
Horticulture: Turfgrass Management
Hotel-Restaurant-Institutional Management Culinary Arts
Industrial Maintenance
Industrial Supervisor
Information Technology Fundamentals
Information Technology Advanced
Machine Operator
Motorsports Technology
Small Business Management
Teleservices
Welding
Cooperative Career Studies Certificate (CCSC)
Computerized Tomography
Magnetic Resonance Imaging