State Employees Credit Union Provides Continuing Education Scholarships for Randolph Community College Students

Randolph Community College’s Corporate and Continuing Education Department has received funding from the State Employees Credit Union Foundation for 10 Continuing Education scholarships for the 2013-2014 school year—five scholarships per semester at $750 each. The SECU Foundation Continuing Education Scholarship Program is designed to remove financial barriers for students seeking to gain new and/or upgrade current job-related skills. Preference will be given to students with limited or no access to financial aid from other programs.
          
Regina Brewer, director of RCC’s Continuing Education program, said the funds must be used for students enrolled in short-term training programs that lead to a state-regulated or industry-recognized credential, such as machining, maintenance mechanic, welding, HVAC, and electrical. The funds may be used to pay registration fees, book costs, certification fees, and for course supplies.
          
The scholarship program is being administered through the Continuing Education department in collaboration with the College’s Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs.

For more on this story and how to apply, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2013/2013-08-23.php.

Randolph Community College Opens 51st School Year

Over 220 Randolph Community College faculty and staff members gathered for the school’s fall convocation on Aug. 15 in the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center auditorium. The college opens its 51st year when classes begin Monday, Aug. 19.
          
Traditionally during the fall convocation, new faculty and staff are introduced and President Robert S. Shackleford introduces his initiatives for the year.
           
RCC Board of Trustees Chair Mac Sherrill welcomed the group on behalf of the Board and recalled the beginning days of his own college career in 1963. “Driving onto the campus today, I sort of felt that excitement,” he said. “Thank you for the outstanding job you are doing here at RCC.”

For more on this story, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2013/2013-08-16a.php.

Randolph Community College's Graves Appointed to N.C. Criminal Justice Information Network Governing Board

Robert Graves

Robert A. Graves, director of safety and emergency preparedness at Randolph Community College, has been appointed to serve a four-year term on the North Carolina Criminal Justice Information Network Governing Board. Graves was appointed by Speaker of the N.C. House of Representatives Thom Tillis; the appointment is effective immediately and will expire on June 30, 2017.
           
According to their website (www.cjin.nc.gov), the North Carolina Criminal Justice Information Network (CJIN) is a statewide criminal justice infrastructure that allows the sharing of information between state and local criminal justice agencies. North Carolina is recognized in the nation as one of the leading states in developing a statewide criminal justice information network. The CJIN Board recommends projects to provide more effective communications for law enforcement across the state. 

For more on this story, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2013/2013-08-16.php.

Randolph Community College Celebrates Students in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program

Randolph Community College faculty, staff, students and families helped honor the students in the College’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program on Saturday, Aug. 10, in the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center auditorium. Of the 92 students who earned awards, approximately 50 students attended the ceremony along with their families and friends.
          
Yacine Kout, director of the ESOL program, said when he started overseeing the program, the College had no formal way of recognizing these students. One student approached him excitedly after seeing a graduation ceremony printed on the calendar, only to be told it was a GED graduation ceremony. Kout established the annual ESOL celebration last year. “We do recognize the challenges you face and your tremendous efforts to get where you are today,” Kout told the assembled students. “Without your determination to better your lives, none of this would be possible.”

For more on this story and a list of students honored, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2013/2013-08-14a.php.

To see more photos, go to RCC's Facebook page.

Space Available in Randolph Community College Continuing Education Welding Courses This Fall

The demand for welders in industries such as construction, aviation, and manufacturing remains strong in 2013, and Randolph Community College’s Curriculum Welding program has attracted many students this fall. But there are still spaces in RCC’s short-term, Continuing Education Welding courses, according to Lisa Bock, director of the Archdale Center.
           
“For the student who wants to explore welding as a career option, these courses are great introductions,” said Bock. “And for people who need to weld on their farms or in conjunction with avocations or current employment, these courses are great for enhancing skills and building credentials.”
          
“Basic Welding” is being offered at both the Asheboro Campus and Archdale Center on Saturdays, Aug. 31 - Oct. 5. The Asheboro course will meet from 8 a.m.-12 noon; and Archdale will offer two classes during these dates—the first from 8 a.m.-12 noon and the second from 1-5 p.m. Students will 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. This class will also be offered again later in the semester at Archdale, on Saturdays, from 8 a.m.-12 noon, Oct. 12 - Nov. 16. Tuition is $70, plus $26.25 for supplies.


For more courses and how to register, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2013/2013-08-14.php.

Randolph Community College Kicks Off 6th Cultural Arts Season with Cabaret Show Featuring Lane Ragsdale Sept. 12

Randolph Community College’s Cultural Arts Series embarks on its sixth season on Thursday, Sept. 12, with “Homemade Song: Out on the Edge With You—A Cabaret Starring Lane Ragsdale and Friends” at 7 p.m. in the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center auditorium on the Asheboro Campus. The event is free and open to the public.
           
Randolph County’s own professional singer and personality extraordinaire, Lane Ragsdale, brings together a dazzling, authentic cabaret show incorporating his friends, stories from his life in Asheboro, New York City, and beyond in 2013. In addition to standards, Ragsdale and friends will also showcase music from the television shows “Smash” and “Nashville,” as well as selections from Adele, Pink and Lady Gaga. Get ready to laugh, cry, reflect, and sing along as Lane goes “Out On The Edge With You!”
           
Additional events this season include the annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Concert on Wednesday, Dec. 4, featuring the First Presbyterian Bell Choir; “The Ugly Duckling” presented by UNCG’s North Carolina Theatre for Young People on Tuesday, March 4, 2014; and the Salem College Dance Concert of Student Choreography on Thursday, April 24, 2014.
           
Seating for the Cultural Arts shows is limited, so reservations are encouraged. Free tickets can be reserved at the following link: http://2013-14rccculturalartsseries.eventbrite.com/.
           
RCC’s Asheboro Campus is located at 629 Industrial Park Avenue. Take the McDowell Road exit off of U.S. 220 Bypass/I73-74 and follow the signs.

Randolph Community College’s Archdale Center Sets Internal Auditor Workshop Sept. 4-5

If your company is ISO certified and you have someone in your organization who needs Internal Auditor training, Randolph Community College’s Archdale Center has scheduled a two-day Internal Auditor Workshop on Sept. 4 and 5. ISO standards are designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of company operations.
          
This certification workshop is designed to provide participants with the skills necessary to conduct internal first party guideline audits. Attendees will gain an understanding of the purpose of ISO 9001:2008, including audit requirements, procedures, documentation, corrective action and audit reporting. Attendees will also learn how to make preparations for conducting an internal audit and participate as an effective team member. For certification, attendees must successfully complete the course and exam meeting the training requirements for ISO 9001:2008.
           
The class will meet from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 4 and 5. Class will be held at the RCC Archdale Center, Room 307, located at 110 Park Drive in Creekside Park on Highway 311 south of Archdale.
           
RCC’s Customized Training Program is sponsoring the class, so there is no registration fee.  Seating is limited, so reserve your seats now by calling 336-862-7980 or 336-633-0216.

Randolph Community College Student Leadership Academy Application Deadline Aug. 30

New students registering at Randolph Community College this fall, returning RCC students, and Randolph Early College High School juniors and seniors are eligible to apply for Randolph Community College’s 7th annual Student Leadership Academy, which begins Saturday, Sept. 14 with a team building activity. Participating students are selected to attend the Student Leadership Academy through a competitive application process. The application deadline is 3 p.m., Friday, Aug. 30.
          
The 2013-2014 Student Leadership Academy will offer students the opportunity to learn about leadership from local and regional leaders. Participants will have the chance to identify their own leadership styles and learn how to use these styles effectively. Students will create a personal portfolio, which will be reviewed by Human Resource professionals. In addition, students are required to participate in a Student Leadership Project.

For more on this story and how to apply, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2013/2013-08-09a.php.

Randolph Community College Small Business Center Schedules Seminars for late August, early September

Randolph Community College’s Small Business Center is offering several seminars in late August and early September to help entrepreneurs who wish to open their own businesses or business owners who need help in marketing and other key areas.
           
“Build Your Business with Social Networking (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn)” will be offered from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20, at the Continuing Education and Industrial Center (CEIC) on the Asheboro Campus. This course is ideal for someone who wants to learn how to advance their business with social media. Students will be taught how to set up an account, post messages, find people, and promote safely through these media. The cost for this seminar, featuring Martin Brossman, a leading authority on social media and online marketing, is $19 and can be paid at the door. The seminar is jointly sponsored by RCC and the Asheboro / Randolph Chamber of Commerce.
         
 “CSI-Randolph County, Customer Services Investigations” will be held from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29, in the CEIC. Taught by Francisco Corea, the seminar will examine ways to attract new customers, keep them happy, and keep them coming back. The class will also cover reasons why customers leave and what can be done. Students will leave with skills to improve customer relationships, build customer loyalty, and increase sales. This is a free seminar.
           
September begins with a “Creative Marketing for Artists and Crafters” seminar, taught by Greta Lint and scheduled for 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3, also in the CEIC. Students will learn the top 10 marketing methods of over 25 artists—painters, sculptors, folk artists, jewelry makers, musical instrument makers, theater artists, writers, crafters, etc.—who make their livings from their art. Stop suffering from starving artist syndrome and instead become a marketing maven in this fun, invigorating seminar, which is being offered free of charge!

For more seminars and how to register, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2013/2013-08-09.php.

Randolph Community College Archdale Computer Courses Scheduled

Randolph Community College’s Archdale Center will be offering several computer skills classes beginning this month.
           
“Microsoft Excel, Basic,” scheduled for 5:30-8:30 p.m., Mondays, Aug. 19 through Oct. 14, will include introductory and intermediate levels. Students will learn to create/edit simple worksheets, work with menus and toolbars, use basic formulas, format entries, merge cells, hide/unhide rows/columns; and learn about date and time functions, text alignment, inserting and deleting columns/rows, freezing/unfreezing cells, splitting the window and page breaks.
           
In September, “Exploring Windows 7” is a basic course for students who have little or no experience in using a computer. The focus is on the following items: introduction to the new Windows 7 operating system; safely starting and shutting down a computer; using the mouse; opening, closing, minimizing, maximizing and moving windows; using different types of screen and ribbon menus; locating controls for sound; desktop appearance; setting the date and time; getting the most out of the Windows keyboard; ergonomics; purchasing a computer; hardware; software; how to copy and paste from one document to another; creating simple documents in Microsoft Word. The class will meet from 9 a.m.-12 noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 10 - Oct. 3.

For more classes and additional information, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2013/2013-08-08.php.

Register Now for Fall 2013 Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration Classes at Randolph Community College

Registration for fall semester classes in Salem College’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program at the University Center of Randolph County is open and will continue until classes begin on Aug. 28. The University Center is located on Randolph Community College’s Asheboro Campus. Students are urged to register as early as possible before scheduling options decline.
           
The fall semester for Salem College classes begins on Wednesday, Aug. 28, and runs through Monday, Dec. 16.
           
Classes available on Tuesday evenings will be International Marketing (MKTG 234) from 5:15-7:15 p.m. and Entrepreneurship: Managing Technology & Innovation from 7:15-9:15 p.m. Business Ethics (BUAD 124) will be offered on Wednesdays from 5:15-7:15 p.m. along with Business Law (BUAD 220) from 7:15-9:15 p.m. Health Care Organization & Management (BUAD 205) will be offered on Thursday evenings from 5:15-7:15 p.m. All classes will be held in RCC’s Computer Technology Center Room 113 on the Asheboro Campus.

For more on this story, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2013/2013-08-06.php.

Randolph Community College Announces 2013 Summer Session Honor Roll

Randolph Community College announces the President’s List, Dean’s List, and Honor List for the 2013 summer session.
           
To be eligible, a student must complete at least 12 credit hours for the session, excluding Developmental Studies hours and proficiency hours with no incompletes, and earn a grade point average of 4.0 for the President’s List, 3.50-3.99 for the Dean’s List, or 3.00-3.49 for the Honor List. Also, students who complete at least six but less than 12 credit hours for the session and earn a grade point average of 3.00-4.00, excluding Developmental Studies hours and proficiency hours with no incompletes, are eligible for the Honor List.
           
For the complete list of students, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2013/2013-08-05.php.
           

Kristopher Julian Named Randolph Community College Marketing Director

Kris Julian

Kristopher N. Julian recently joined Randolph Community College as the director of marketing, responsible for planning, development, implementation and measurement of the College’s marketing strategies, communications, and public relations activities, both external and internal.
           
A graduate of Asheboro High School, Julian earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in Graphic Design from RCC and graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in Art Management. He served as a Student Ambassador while enrolled at RCC.
           
Julian was the owner and graphic designer of his own graphic design firm for five years. He is a member of the Asheboro Rotary where he has been named a Paul Harris Fellow, a member of Randolph/Asheboro Chamber of Commerce, and he has served as school board chair for two years for Central United Methodist Church.
           
Julian also volunteers his time maintaining and designing elements for a few nonprofit websites.
           
Julian lives in Asheboro with his wife, Amanda, and 6-year-old daughter. He is the son of Vickie and Max Frazier of Asheboro and Ed and Jan Julian of Franklinville.

New State Budget Will Affect Classes at Randolph Community College

The 2013-14 budget passed by the North Carolina State Legislature recently will force Randolph Community College to make some hard choices for this fall, according to RCC President Robert S. Shackleford Jr.
           
Overall, the General Fund appropriation for community colleges declines by 1.6% in the new budget. It includes a $2.50 per credit hour tuition increase for community college curriculum students and a continuing education registration fee increase of $5 per course. It also repeals the senior citizen tuition waiver.
           
Although 1.6% doesn’t sound like a large cut, it comes on top of cuts made by previous legislatures for the last several years. “It’s a compounded effect,” said Shackleford. “Between 2008 and 2012, our per-student funding has decreased 21% while enrollment increased 26%.” Shackleford said some community colleges are being forced to lay off personnel for the fall and others are eliminating programs, even premiere programs. “Those measures directly impact students and we will make every effort to minimize those kinds of cuts.”

For more on this story, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2013/2013-08-02.php.

Randolph Community College Now Offering Open GED Testing; GED Tests to Change in 2014

Randolph Community College’s College and Career Readiness Division has begun offering Open General Educational Development (GED) Testing, according to Ashley Moody, director for Adult Basic Education/Adult High School, in an effort to allow as many people as possible to complete their GEDs before testing guidelines and prices change statewide at the end of 2013.
           
The Open Testing eliminates the requirement for students to enroll in classes or take pre-tests, said Moody. Those options are still available for students who need to take the traditional route to earning their GED (commonly known as the high school equivalency exam). RCC offers GED classes at various times during the day and evening in Asheboro, Archdale, and in outlying communities such as Ramseur, Randleman, and Liberty.
           
Computer-based GED Testing is expected to be implemented in community colleges statewide by January 2014; some community colleges are already offering the computer tests. In addition, the testing fee will rise from the current $35 for a complete battery of paper-based tests, including any re-testing, to $120 for the complete battery of computer-based tests, which does not include any re-testing. The re-testing fee after Jan. 1, 2014, will be $30 per re-test.
           
The current 2002 GED test series is comprised of five content areas: social studies, science, mathematics, reading, and writing. The 2014 GED test series will be comprised of four content areas: literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. The 2014 GED test series will only be available on computer; no paper-based testing will be available.
           
Moody said the 2014 GED test series is aligned with Common Core State Standards, so scores from the 2002 series of GED tests are not transferable to the 2014 assessment. So students who have passed some, but not all, of the current GED tests will have to start all over; the fee that students paid for the original GED test is also not transferable.
           
GED Testing is offered at the Asheboro Campus and the Archdale Center at various times during the day and evening. RCC is also adding some testing on Saturdays to allow for easier access for students.
           
To sign up for GED Testing, students should call 336-633-0106 in Asheboro or 336-862-7980 in Archdale. For more information on the GED program, contact Aimee Corning at 336-633-0148 or e-mail ascorning@randolph.edu.