Randolph Community College Sets Several Courses in Seagrove Starting Feb. 28

Randolph Community College has scheduled several Basic Skills and Human Resources Development (HRD) courses to be held at Seagrove Elementary School to benefit Seagrove-area residents. The courses are part of RCC's initiative to expand the College's physical presence in cities, towns, and communities throughout Randolph County.

The Basic Skills courses include Adult Basic Education (ABE), General Educational Development (GED), and English as a Second Language (ESL). All classes begin on Monday, Feb. 28, but residents can join the classes at any point. They will meet Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 5:30-8:30 p.m. All Basic Skills classes are free and books are provided for classroom use; the fee for GED Testing is $7.50. For more information on the Basic Skills classes, call 336-633-0107.

The first HRD course scheduled is Computer Basics for the Workplace, which will meet from 5:30-8:30 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, Feb. 28 through April 11. A second course, Job Search Tools and Strategies, will meet from 5:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, March 1-May 31. The third course, Computer Applications for the Workplace, will meet from 5:30-8:30 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, April 13-May 30.

Fees for HRD courses are waived for individuals who are unemployed, have received notification of a pending layoff, or who meet income requirements. For more information on these courses, call 336-633-0268.

Seagrove Residents Learn More About Randolph Community College Offerings

A small group of Seagrove residents gathered in the meeting room at the Seagrove Public Library early on Feb. 15 for "Breakfast with the President," one of a series of meetings being conducted by Randolph Community College President Robert S. Shackleford Jr. and other college staff in various communities around the county to update residents on the College's work and its impact on individual communities.

For more on this story, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2011/2011-02-17.php.

Randolph Community College Foundation Scholarship Applications Available

The Randolph Community College Foundation scholarship application for the 2011-2012 school year is now available online at www.randolph.edu/scholars. Current Randolph Community College students and those planning to enroll in fall 2011 are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is April 30, 2011.

The RCC Foundation has over 56 unrestricted scholarships open to any student who has financial need and who enrolls in at least 6 credit hours and maintains at least a 2.0 GPA. An additional 62 restricted scholarships have additional criteria such as enrollment in a specific program of study, residency requirements or have financial need. Scholarships awarded based on the online application for 2010-2011 totaled over $123,000.

Joyce Wolford, executive director of the RCC Foundation, said that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for most Foundation scholarships. Even if students do not qualify for other forms of financial aid, they may qualify for a Foundation scholarship, said Wolford, but FAFSA results are needed to make that determination. "It's a free application that just takes some time," she said. "A Foundation scholarship can make a big difference for students struggling with the costs of tuition, books, or transportation to and from school." FAFSA results must be available to the College by May 6 to be eligible for Foundation scholarships.

Students who need assistance completing the Foundation scholarship application can contact Wolford at (336) 633-0295.

Randolph Community College Interior Design Students Complete Projects; Applications for 2011 Sought

Randolph County Emergency Services now has a detailed plan for expansion of its 9-1-1 Call Center and a local engaged couple and their builder obtained some great ideas for the renovation of an old family home thanks to the efforts of Randolph Community College's Interior Design students in the first year of a student/community project called the Randolph County Design Initiative.

For more on this story, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2011/2011-02-15.php .

SNL Cinematographer to Speak at Randolph Community College Feb. 23

Saturday Night Live cinematographer Alex Buono will speak at Randolph Community College at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 23, hosted by the American Society of Media Photographers-North Carolina and sponsored by Canon and Explorers of Light. The lecture, which will be held in the Photography Imaging Center on the Asheboro Campus, is free and open to the public, but preregistration is required.

As a 10‑year veteran of the Saturday Night Live Film Unit, Alex Buono must deliver high‑end commercial parodies and short films in as few as 24 hours. During this lecture, he will share how shooting with the Canon 5DmII & 7D has revolutionized the way he works.

Buono will use his experience at SNL to demonstrate everything photographers need to know when it comes to shooting videos with a DSLR. Topics covered will include an extensive setup primer: discussing shutter speeds, frame rates, aspect ratios, camera settings, and vital production gear. Buono will also cover his work flow, both on‑set and in post production, including topics such as "Advantages of Canon DSLR versus other formats"; "Transcoding files into edit‑friendly codecs"; and "How to create time lapse sequences."

Whether you are a still photographer looking to transition into video production or a veteran cinematographer looking to embrace new technology, this lecture will provide a comprehensive introduction to HDSLR cinema.

Bring $5 cash to the meeting if you want to take advantage of the Pay‑for‑Meal (refreshments and pizza). Correct change is appreciated. Social hour starts at 6 p.m. and the program begins at 7 p.m. Seating is limited; visit this website to preregister: http://www.asmp-nc.org/BuonoCanon1102PR.php.

RCC's Asheboro Campus is located at 629 Industrial Park Avenue. Take the McDowell Road exit off of Highway 220 Bypass and follow the signs.

Randolph Community College Offers Free Career Readiness Certificates

Randolph Community College is now offering free Career Readiness Certificates to the first 300 individuals who inquire through the Corporate and Continuing Education Division.

This certificate is a nationally recognized certification that shows employers your proficiencies in three key areas. The certificate is a portable credential and is a perfect resume builder. The certification assessment details will be provided during the initial visit.

Opportunities are limited, so respond immediately by calling 336-633-0216. The Office of Corporate and Continuing Education can be found in the Administration/Education Center on the Asheboro Campus.

Randolph Community College and Wheatmore High School Debut EmpowerU

Randolph Community College and Wheatmore High School are announcing a community collaborative, titled EmpowerU, to help parents become full partners in their children's education. The partnership will offer free courses, family events, and activities that will equip families with new or additional skills, knowledge, resources, and confidence.

"Studies show that the most successful students are those whose parents are involved," said Paul Brannon, Wheatmore's principal. "EmpowerU was created to help families learn what they can do to support their children's academic success and well-being."

Upcoming sessions of EmpowerU include "Staying one step ahead: An adults guide to youth culture and technology," scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29; "Helping your high school student prepare for college and saving for college and beyond," 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 28; and "Preparing for high school years: Transitioning from middle to high school," which will be held in May. A specific date will be announced later.

Sessions are open to all interested parents and will be held at Wheatmore High School, which is located at 3678 Finch Farm Road in Trinity.

Kelley Named Randolph Community College Vice President for Student Services

James William "J.W." Kelley has joined Randolph Community College as vice president for student services. In this position, Kelley will set the direction for Student Services programs and activities that enhance opportunities for students to succeed. In addition, the vice president for student services oversees all areas of Student Services including student recruitment, enrollment management, admissions, placement/testing, orientation, registration and records, financial aid and veterans affairs, retention, student activities, student organizations, career development, counseling, the RCC Student Success Center, and the Information Center.

For more on this story, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2011/2011-02-09b.php.

9/11 Survivor to Speak at Emergency Services Weekend at Randolph Community College

Phillip Larimore, a retired New York City firefighter and survivor of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, will be the guest speaker at the kickoff of Randolph Community College's 7th Annual Emergency Services Weekend School, March 4-6. Larimore will speak from 6:30-9 p.m., Friday, March 4, in the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center auditorium. The kickoff event is free and open to the public.

For more of this story, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2011/2011-02-09a.php.

Randolph Community College Hosts FAFSA Day 2011 on Feb. 19

Randolph Community College will participate in FAFSA Day on Saturday, Feb. 19, in which college financial aid officers and other volunteers will help students complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms over the Internet.

The program is open to students who plan to attend college in the 2011-12 academic year and will be held at approximately 100 locations across North Carolina. RCC's event will be held from 9 a.m.-noon, Feb. 19, in Rooms 111, 113, 115, and 117 of the M.H. Branson Business Education Center on the Asheboro Campus.

The event is free and students should register for FAFSA Day by calling the College Foundation of North Carolina toll free at 1-866-866-CFNC or by going to www.cfnc.org. On the website, click on Randolph County on the North Carolina map to register for RCC's event.

Participants should bring their completed 2010 federal 1040 tax forms and each student and one parent should obtain a FAFSA Personal Identification Number (PIN) prior to FAFSA Day from the U.S. Department of Education at www.pin.ed.gov.

It is helpful (though not required) for attendees to complete as much of the 2011-2012 FAFSA on the Web Worksheet ( http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/fotw1112/pdf/fafsaws12c.pdf ) as possible and then bring it with them on FAFSA Day.

RCC's Asheboro Campus is located at 629 Industrial Park Avenue. Take the McDowell Road exit from 220 Bypass. Follow the signs and use entrance B or C. The Business Education Center is located just behind the Computer Technology Center.

Randolph Community College Offers Welding Course in Asheboro Feb. 26

Randolph Community College will offer a Basic Welding course at the Asheboro Campus beginning Feb. 26.

Learn the basic principles, concepts, and procedures of welding using electrical arc welding and oxyacetylene welding equipment. Students also will be introduced to MIG and TIG welding. Students will learn how to use welding equipment and accessories safely through hands‑on practice. Upon completion, the student will be able to perform vertical and horizontal welding tasks.

The course will meet on Saturdays, from 8 a.m.‑12 noon, Feb. 26‑April 9. The registration is $65, plus fees.

For those who have already completed a basic welding class, RCC will offer an Advanced TIG and Alloys Welding Program at the Asheboro Campus March 21 through May 12. This course will meet 8 a.m.‑4:30 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, and 7:30‑11:30 a.m. on Fridays. Registration is $175, plus fees.

Call 336‑633‑0268 in Asheboro or 336‑862‑7980 in Archdale to register for these courses. Students may also register online by going to http://www.randolph.edu/continuinged/registration.php; click on web registration/new students.

Seagrove Home Businesses Invited to Information Session Feb. 17

Randolph Community College's Small Business Center, in conjunction with the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation, will sponsor a "Putting Your Business on the Map" information session for Seagrove area home-based businesses on Thursday, Feb. 17, from 6-8 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Seagrove Fellowship Hall, 7931 U.S. Highway 220 South. A free soup supper will be served.

The purpose of the session is to "map" Seagrove businesses to see what type of education and services are needed to help businesses in the area rise to the next level of success. Depending on the results of the meeting, a series of free Small Business Center courses will be scheduled to aid the businesses.

For more information, call Lonnie Hamm, Randolph Community College Small Business Center director, at 336-633-0240; Harry Lane, EDC existing business and industry coordinator, at 626-2233; or Seagrove Mayor Allen Hale at 336-873-7307.

Small Engine Repair/Maintenance Class Begins Feb. 19 at Randolph Community College in Asheboro

It's time to think about getting those lawn mowers, golf carts, tractors, and other small engine-powered units out of storage and into service for the spring. Randolph Community College will offer a course in Fundamentals of Small Engine Mechanics: Out of Storage – Into Service beginning Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Asheboro Campus.

The course will provide an introduction to the steps needed to remove engine-powered units from storage and into service, whether it is a new engine or used power equipment that has been out of service. These types of engines are used on golf carts, push mowers, riding mowers, small tractors, garden tillers, blowers, string trimmers, hedge trimmers, etc.

The class will meet from 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturdays, Feb. 19 through March 26. The registration fee is $121.25. Call 336-633-0268 or 336-862-7980 to register for this course. Students may also register online by going to http://www.randolph.edu/continuinged/registration.php; click on web registration/new students.

Dancing with the Randolph Stars Voting Site Posted

Online voting is now available for the Randolph Community College Foundation's 2011 Dancing with the Randolph Stars. Eighteen local celebrity pairs are competing in this event to raise money for student scholarships at RCC. The benefit is scheduled for Saturday, June 4, at AVS Catering & Banquet Centre.

Each couple will perform a short dance routine at the event on June 4. Even if you don't plan to attend the event, you can help by voting between now and noon on June 2 at www.randolph.edu/dancing.php. Every $10 donation equals one vote for your favorite couple. All proceeds benefit students at Randolph Community College.

Basic Web Page Design Class Begins Feb. 24 at Randolph Community College Archdale Center

Did you know that most Internet providers will give you free space for your own personal Web site? Learn more by taking a class in Basic Web Page Design at Randolph Community College's Archdale Center. This Continuing Education class will meet from 6-9 p.m. on Thursdays, Feb. 24 through April 14. Registration is $65, plus $2 for supplies.

Basic Web Page Design is intended to be an introduction for anyone who may be considering a personal, nonprofit, or business Web site. Its primary focus is how to find a reputable hosting company and how to upload, submit, and revise content and graphics.

Students will learn to design and construct a basic Web site using a personal domain name. Free design software and FTP software will be used and no knowledge of code is necessary. Templates will be provided for an easy start. Students must provide their own flash memory drive, which will be used in class and at home.

Emphasis will be placed on links, images, page content, and layout. Once the class is completed, students will feel comfortable migrating to a paid hosting site and using professional software programs like Dreamweaver or Expression Web to further improve their Web sites. Students will also learn how Web sites are found on search engines such as Google, Bing, or Yahoo.

The instructor for Basic Web Page Design is Bob Moyer, who has taught Digital Photography, eBay, Genealogy, and Basic Computer classes at RCC for the last 10 years.

Call 336-862-7980 or 336-633-0268 to register for this course. Students may also register online by going to http://www.randolph.edu/continuinged/registration.php; click on web registration/new students.