General Information
An important function of the College is to provide quality courses of continuing education for adults. The development of these courses is based upon community needs and interests.
Continuing Education provides life-long learning experiences that will help adults fulfill occupational, social and personal needs. It allows adults to achieve their fullest potential and effectiveness in a rapidly changing world of increasing knowledge, skill and understanding. Courses offered are helpful in achieving occupational goals, as well as increasing the quality of life. The diversity of these programs ranges from basic reading and writing skills to vocational and technical upgrading to cultural and personal enrichment.
CVCC also offers specialized services to the business, corporate, and industrial community.
Admission
Admission to classes in the division is open to individuals 18 years of age or older. Individuals less than 18 years old who are high school graduates or whose high school class has graduated may also enroll in continuing education courses. High school juniors and seniors, sixteen years of age and older, may enroll with permission from high school officials. See general college admissions requirements for further details.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend class regularly. Individual attendance records are maintained and retained. Students must meet attendance requirements to receive recognition for the course. Some classes are offered in accordance with state guidelines which may require stricter attendance policies.
This policy also applies to continuing education courses for which CEUs or certifications are issued. Minimum attendance requirements are communicated to students. Failure to meet these requirements will result in a grade of U (unsatisfactory). Make-up of missed class time is not guaranteed but may be permitted, within a specified timeline, in documented emergency situations with approval of the faculty, program director, and within state auditing guidelines.
Class Locations
While a number of classes are held on CVCC East and Main campuses, as well as the Alexander Center for Education in Taylorsville, others are conducted at various locations in surrounding communities or within a particular business or industry throughout the area served by CVCC.
Class Schedule
Classes are scheduled continuously throughout each semester. Special business seminars and industrial courses may be scheduled to begin at any time period appropriate to a company and CVCC. For specific announcements of course offerings, registration dates, and locations, check the website: http://www.cvcc.edu/CCE/schedules.cfm.
Continuing Education Units (C.E.U.)
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, of which CVCC is an accredited member, has recommended that the Continuing Education Unit (C.E.U.) be used as the basic instrument of measurement for a student’s participation in an institution’s offering of non-credit classes, courses, and programs. The C.E.U. is a unit measure. One C.E.U. is defined as ten contact hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction. Continuing Education Units may be offered for CVCC courses that are applicable to professional certification or license renewal.
Course Completion
Certificates are given for the satisfactory completion. Requests for enrollment verification or course transcript should be directed to the Continuing Education Business Office located at the East Campus.
Fees
Occupational Extension course fees are on a graduated scale as outlined in the fee schedule on page 14. Other Self-Supporting course fees vary. Fees may be waived in compliance with North Carolina Statutes, as specified under fee waivers. There are no registration fees for enrollees in Basic Skills Education. Other costs in continuing education classes may include textbooks, equipment, tools, or other specific fees.
Intellectual Property Rights
Ownership Of Materials
The College retains the right to use student work produced as a part of class assignments for non-profit educational purposes.
Minimum Enrollment Required
Normally, a course may be offered when a minimum of 10-15 persons enroll for the subject. The College reserves the right to cancel any course when an insufficient number of people register.
To Enroll
Individuals interested in enrolling must register and prepay by mail, telephone, fax, or visiting the CVCC East Campus or Alexander Center for Education. Applicants are registered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Continuing Education
(Program Offerings/Centers)
Health & Public Service Innovation Center
Occupational Extension Courses
The College offers many vocational, technical, and business courses. The primary objectives of these courses are to (1) provide adults additional skills and/or knowledge applicable to the present occupation; (2) provide training for occupations in which skill and knowledge requirements are undergoing transition due to technological advances in equipment, materials, and machines; and (3) provide area businesses and industries assistance in meeting manpower needs through other specialized courses.
Occupational upgrading courses are available in each of the following areas:
BUSINESS courses are available to a wide variety of business organizations, administration, management, sales, and secretarial occupations.
COMPUTER courses are also available in popular software applications currently used by local employers. Courses are also available to prepare students to take certification exams in networking such as PC Repair A+.
FIRE, RESCUE, & EMS training is offered for members of municipal, volunteer, industrial fire brigades, and rescue squads. EMT courses are available to the public. Entrance tests are required for certain courses.
Healthcare Training
Healthcare Occupation programs have been established for persons seeking initial or additional training in the medical field. All level courses from entry level to para-professional to professional are offered. Entrance tests are required for certain classes.
- Some programs require criminal background checks and/or drug testing.
Healthcare course offerings include CNA, Phlebotomy, Medical Front Office, Medication Aid, Healthcare Activities director, EKG, and Pharmacy Tech.
LAW ENFORCEMENT courses have been designed for law enforcement personnel in cooperation with training departments of agencies.
Additional information regarding occupational upgrading courses may be obtained by contacting the Continuing Education Office at the CVCC East Campus.
Learning & Personal Enrichment Innovation Center
Basic Skills Education Programs
Basic Skills Education covers the four main program areas: Adult Basic Skills, Compensatory Education, English as a Second Language, and Adult Secondary Credentials. Basic Skills Education is an instructional program designed to assist adults 16 years of age or older who need academic remediation. Emphasis is placed on assisting the adult in obtaining a higher education level.
Classes are organized and designed to assist individual student’s efforts of reaching a level where individualized study is possible. As the student gains competency in subject areas, a greater scope of subjects is introduced. Each person receives assistance in selecting the correct level from which to begin his/her studies.
After gaining competency in subject areas, the adult will be encouraged to enroll in the Adult Secondary Credential Program. This includes the Adult High School Diploma and High School Equivalency such as GED. Currently, Basic Skills Education classes are available on campus and at various locations throughout Catawba and Alexander counties. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Basic Skills office at 828-327-7000, ext. 4353.
Math Sense
Math Sense is a 40-hour intensive basic skills review for students whose placement tests indicate this is the appropriate math level in which to begin their curriculum studies. This course can be done at the student’s own pace. Topics include operations with whole numbers, decimals, and fractions; data analysis and measurement; statistics and probability; basic geometry; order of operations; and a very brief introduction to algebraic expressions and integers. Contact the Basic Skills Office for registration information 828-327-7000, ext. 4353.
English Foundations
English Foundations is a 40-hour intensive basic skills review for students whose placement tests indicate this is the appropriate reading and writing level at which to begin their curriculum studies. This course can be done at the student’s own pace. Topics include vocabulary review, comprehension development, grammar review, basic sentence and paragraph construction, and the writing process. Contact the Basic Skills Office for registration information 828-327-000, ext. 4353.
Adult Basic Education (ABE)
The Adult Basic Education program teaches basic skills to help adults survive in an adult world. Instruction is designed to assist individuals with learning to read, improving reading skills, math, and writing skills. Classes are available both on campus and at a number of off-campus locations for all program areas. Please call the Basic Skills Office for further information at 828-327-7000, ext. 4353.
ABE Academy
Under the ABE Academy program, a 2 to 4-year literacy-based vocational training program available to adults who function below high school level. The ABE Academy serves as a transitional class between high school and vocation specific classes.
English As A Second Language (ESL)
English as a Second Language is a program of instruction designed for adults with limited English skills. Information covered throughout the course will include survival language, health and safety information, dealing with cultural differences, occupational language, U.S. history and legal information, and citizenship requirements. Emphasis is placed on conversational skills. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Basic Skills Office at 828-327-7000, extension 4353. Classes are offered on and off campus.
Adult Secondary Credential Program
The Adult Secondary Credential Program allows students two options to complete a secondary credential: the Adult High School Diploma Program or the High School Equivalency Program (such as GED).
Adult High School Diploma classes offer students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma sanctioned by the Board of Education of Catawba and Alexander Counties. Students are given full credit for any units they have completed in high school. Classes are free. Please contact the Basic Skills Office at 828-327-7000, ext. 4353 for more information.
The High School Equivalency Program (HSE), (such as GED) focuses on the areas of mathematics, literature, writing, social studies, and science. Catawba Valley Community College offers classes in a variety of locations and online. Classes are free; however there is a cost for the HSE exam. Please contact the Basic Skills Office at 828-327-7000, ext. 4353, if you are in need of financial assistance for the HSE exam fee and would like to apply for a scholarship.
Personal Enrichment Programs
These programs are offered to individuals 16 years of age and older. These are short-term courses for self-improvement, cultural enrichment, and academic achievement. The program is intended to meet the growing needs and interests of the community. The purpose is to give an individual a chance to pursue special interests and to fill his/her leisure time with worthwhile educational projects. Some of these include conversational foreign languages, economics, government, consumer education, cake decorating, sign language, guitar, needlepoint, quilting, landscaping, dancing and personal development. Normally, a course may be offered when a minimum of 10-15 individuals indicate interest. Additional information regarding these classes may be obtained by contacting the Continuing Education Office at 828-327-7037.
Workforce Development Innovation Center
Catawba Valley Furniture Academy
Catawba Valley Furniture Academy is an industry-driven training program designed by local furniture manufacturers that prepares students for skilled positions in high demand. The Catawba Valley Furniture Academy covers furniture fundamentals, pattern making, manual cutting, automated cutting, sewing, introduction to upholstery, spring up, inside upholstery, and outside upholstery. This program provides career path exploration and assessment, plant tours, and career previews. The CVCC Furniture Academy is in partnership with Century Furniture, Lee Industries, Lexington Home Brands, Sherrill Furniture, and Vanguard Furniture. To find out more about the program, register for the class, and learn about scholarship opportunities, please contact us at 828-327-7000 ext. 4294 or kswright@cvcc.edu
Computrain
CVCC’s Corporate Computer Training Center provides professional development courses in the most current versions of software applications used by area businesses. These short, one-day, six-hour-per-day courses are designed for employees who need to become more productive in the shortest time possible with practical hands-on experience in a Windows and LAN environment. COMPUTRAIN will also design short courses to meet a company’s specific personal computer application needs, to be held on CVCC’s campuses or at a company’s computer lab. For more information, contact the Director of COMPUTRAIN at 828-327-7000, Ext. 4330 or e-mail sblake@cvcc.edu.
Corporate Development Center
The Corporate Development Center at CVCC was designed to meet the needs of business, industry, entrepreneurs, and job seekers. Its mission is to help individuals and businesses attain profitability/prosperity in a global economy. The Center works collaboratively with the Manufacturing Solutions Center. The Center includes the Small Business Center, Advanced Manufacturing Labs, flexible corporate training rooms, a computer lab, and a teleconferencing meeting room. Courses/Training offered at the Center include Mechatronics/Robotics, SolidWorks, Lean/ISO, Professional in Human Resources/PHR, Senior Professional in Human Resources/SPHR Certifications, Project Management Certification, Certified Production Technician, Certified Logistics Technician, Six Sigma Green & Black Belt, and the Catawba Valley Furniture Academy. For more information, call 828-327-7000, ext. 4294. Or visit the Workforce Development Innovation Center website: http://www.cvcc.edu/CCE/Workforce_Development/index.cfm.
Customized Training
The Customized Training Program supports the economic development efforts of North Carolina by providing education and training services to ensure the presence of a well-trained workforce for new and existing business and industry to remain productive and profitable within the State. This Customized Training assistance supports full-time production and direct customer service positions created in the State of North Carolina, thereby enhancing the growth potential of companies located in the state while simultaneously preparing North Carolina’s workforce with the skills essential to successful employment in emerging industries. Call 828-327-7000, ext. 4294.
Human Resources Development
The Human Resources Development Program (HRD) is designed to provide skill assessment services, employability skills training, and career development counseling to unemployed and underemployed adults. The courses shall address six core components as follows: assessment of an individual’s assets and limitations, positive self-concept, employability skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, and an awareness of the impact on information technology in the workplace. Students enrolling in HRD classes may be eligible for a fee waiver if they meet any of the following criteria: unemployed, received notice of lay-off, working and eligible for Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), or working and earning at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. For information about the HRD program call 828-327-7000, ext. 4370 or 4522. Or visit the HRD website: http://www.cvcc.edu/CCE/Workforce_Development/HRD/index.cfm.
MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISORY DEVELOPMENT courses are offered to improve supervisory and management techniques for experienced as well as beginning personnel.
Manufacturing Solutions Center
The mission of the Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC) is to help US Manufacturer’s increase sales, improve quality and improve efficiency to create or retain jobs. This is accomplished by
- enhancing and improving products through research and development.
- assisting in creating prototypes for new, innovative offerings.
- analyzing new materials to enhance structure and programs.
- testing products for reliable content and quality.
- training personnel for lean manufacturing processes and supply chain efficiencies.
- providing a forum for rollout of new 21st century technologies.
- providing hands-on guidance for international marketing and sales and military procurement.
- industry advocacy.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR EDUCATORS courses are offered to assist teachers in meeting recertification requirements.
Small Business Center
The Small Business Center (SBC) is dedicated to increasing the success rate of all businesses in Alexander and Catawba counties. The Small Business Center offers Start-It seminars for budding entrepreneurs, as well as Grow-It seminars for more seasoned business owners. Seminar topics range from feasibility to product/service analysis to marketing, operations, management, and business finances. For help with business planning, the SBC director is available by appointment for one-on-one, confidential counseling. The SBC also maintains a resource library of print and electronic media for use in exploring business ownership. In keeping with its economic development mission, many services are delivered in conjunction with chambers of commerce, economic development offices, local business and merchant associations. The SBC also works closely with CVCC career instructors to help students learn how to start and operate a business once they have mastered the subject matter of their trade. To register for a seminar, contact the SBC Support Team at dsawyer@cvcc.edu or call 828-327-7000, extension 4117. For a counseling appointment, contact the SBC Director at jneuville@cvcc.edu or call 828-327-7000, extension 4102. Funded annually by grant with tax dollars, the SBC is one of 58 centers comprising the North Carolina Community College Small Business Center Network (SBCN).
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