2022-2023 Catalog and Student Handbook 
    
    Oct 04, 2024  
2022-2023 Catalog and Student Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Campus Services


Student Activities [opens in same tab] 

 


Academic Success Center

Robeson Community College Academic Success Center offers a variety of academic success services, including individual and group tutoring, workshops, registering for classes, and academic advising.  The staff of the Academic Success Center motivates and empowers students by aiding them to identify their academic interests, personal goals, and career opportunities.

Academic Advising/Coaching

Academic advising and coaching at Robeson Community College is essential to the total development of the student and is an integral part of the educational process of the institution. The intent is to create a model that includes diverse backgrounds and perspectives, while achieving excellence and success. The emphasis on the academic advising coach system is continual contact between the advisor and the advisee in order to build a rapport and achieve student outcomes.  

The purpose for the academic advising coach is to assist the student in developing an educational plan that supports the student’s goals.  The academic advising coach is a connection between the student and the college community. Academic advising coaches are assigned to all students whether they attend full-time, part-time, or as special credit.  Having an assigned academic advising coach gives the student a definite source of help. Each student has an opportunity to develop a supportive relationship with a person who has knowledge of the field of interest for which the student is training.

The most significant part of the advising process is the relationship between the academic advising coach and the student. The academic advising coach serves as a resource to the student to provide information about educational requirements, program opportunities, college policies and procedures, as well as college support services.  

The academic advising coaches have a scheduling system to meet with students and post their hours of advising.  Academic advising coaches will meet with students based on their needs by way of phone, in person, or virtually.  While it is the responsibility of the student to schedule meetings with their academic advising coach each semester, the academic advising coach may need to contact the student more to discuss registration, academic opportunities, or their progress.

Bookstore

The bookstore is located in Building 9. It is maintained for the convenience of students in purchasing necessary textbooks and supplies. Fall and Spring hours of operation are Monday – Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm and Friday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm. Summer hours of operation are Monday – Thursday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm. Please see the store website [opens in a new tab] for extended hours at the begining of the semester, promotions, textbook information, and shop online 24/7. Contact the bookstore at 910-272-3520 or email: bookstore@robeson.edu.

Business Office

The receipt of fees and the disbursement of approved refunds are the responsibility of the Business Office. Office hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Thursday and 8:00am to3:00 pm on Friday. Summer hours are 7:30am to 5:30pm Monday through Thursday. Unpaid obligations to this office become part of the student’s college financial record until they are cleared up. The Business Office is located in Building 2.

Returned Check Policy

Students who write checks for registration and/or fee charges which are returned to the College unpaid by financial institutions will be notified by the Business Office via certified letter and phone using the address and telephone number currently in the system. At this time a $25 returned check fee will be charged. These students will be given thirty (30) days to clear the debt either by cash payment or certified check. If after thirty (30) days the debt is not cleared, a warrant will be issued by the Robeson County Magistrate’s Office. After this time, the student must make payment of the returned check plus court costs to the Clerk of Superior Court. Until the debt is repaid students will not be allowed to register for future class(es), curriculum or noncurriculum, or view grades and/or receive transcripts.

Campus Security

Uniformed security personnel are employed by the College. Among their duties are campus safety and security, parking, and traffic control. Any acts of vandalism, theft, etc., should be directed to their attention or to the attention of Institutional Services. Loitering in the parking areas is not permitted.

Counseling and Career Services

Counseling services are available to assist students experiencing academic, personal, and social difficulties. Professionally-trained counselors are available to offer support while helping students learn new strategies and coping skills that can lead to a healthy emotional and social well-being. Services offered include brief individual counseling, group counseling/support groups, mental health assessment and referral, and prevention education programs/events designed to meet the educational, psychological, and social needs of our students. All students seeking counseling and career services are encouraged to schedule an appointment to ensure students can be assisted in a timely manner; walk-ins are welcome during normal business hours. Appointments can be made via phone (910) 272-3353, in-person at the Counseling and Career Services Office in Building 13, or online via the Counseling Appointment Request- Online Form [opens is in new window] located on the Counseling and Career Services webpage [opens in new window]. Counseling services are also available to distance learning students by phone or scheduled virtual sessions via videoconferencing. Students must use their assigned RCC e-mail account to communicate online with counselors. Information shared is kept confidential and handled professionally in accordance with the American Counseling Association Ethical & Professional Standards, and regulating Counseling laws in North Carolina.

Crisis Emergency Support Contacts:

  1. Monarch Mobile Crisis 800-568-9689 
  2. Eastpointe Call Center 800-913-6109 
  3. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 Veterans Press 1 
  4. LGBTQ Trevor Lifeline 866-488-7386 
  5. National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-4673 
  6. Crisis Text Line Text “HOME” to 741741  

Career Services

Career Services exist to coach, prepare, support, and empower Robeson Community College students and alumni to become career ready.  The Counseling and Career Services Department provides career planning resources, strategies, and opportunities through exploration of interests, values, skills, and personality tendencies. A variety of inventories are administered and interpreted by the counselors during career counseling to assist in making informed career decisions.

The following resources are available free of charge for Robeson Community College students and alumni:

  • Individual career counseling appointments
  • Interests, Personality, Career, and Skills Assessments
  • Career Exploration
  • Resume, Cover Letter, and Job Application assistance
  • Employment opportunity searches
  • Interview Preparation
  • Internship/apprenticeship connections
  • Career related workshops/events (e.g. Annual Career Fair)

Job Placement 

Counseling and Career Services helps currently enrolled students, and/or alumni in seeking full-time or part-time employment. Employers are encouraged to utilize our services to post job opportunities and recruit interested students and alumni. Career Fairs are held annually for all students, alumni, and the community. Students can access employment opportunities and career-related resources at the Counseling and Career Services office and/or on the Counseling and Career Services webpage [opens in new window]; information is updated regularly. All graduating students who seek assistance with locating employment are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a counselor.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Awareness Prevention Program

Robeson Community College operates a drug abuse awareness prevention program for all students and employees. Counseling, referral services, and informational resources are provided by professionally trained counselors. Counselors are available to talk with anyone concerning drug/alcohol use and may be contacted directly or indirectly. Persons requesting anonymity can call Counseling and Career Services in building 13 for information without disclosing their names (910-272-3353). Referrals to external agencies may be deemed appropriate in some situations.

Anyone seeking information concerning drugs and/or alcohol use and abuse can receive free information at the Drug/Alcohol resource area in the Counseling and Career Services department. Drug/Alcohol information is also displayed and distributed around campus at other locations. Robeson Community College also sponsors events where speakers are invited to share their expertise on drug and/or alcohol use to the entire college community. Other activities are planned throughout the academic year to create an awareness of the effects of drugs and alcohol, and how these behaviors affect learning and working.  Below are additional contacts where more information and/or assistance on drugs and alcohol can be received. Click here to read RCC’s Drug and Alcohol Policy [opens in a new window] .

Hotline Numbers for Drug/Alcohol Information:

  1. Crime stoppers (910) 738-1133 (do not have to give name)
  2. Eastpointe  (800) 913-6109
  3. Palmer Prevention, Inc. (Free Services) (910) 522-0421
  4. Lumberton Treatment Center (910) 739-9160
  5. NC Substance Abuse Prevention 24-hour Mobile Crisis (844) 709-4097
  6.  Robeson Health Care Corporation (910) 521-2900
  7. RHA Health Services (910) 739-8849
  8. Alcohol and Drug Council NC (800) 688-4232
  9. Narcotics Anonymous NC (855) 227-6262
  10. Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline (800) 662-HELP (4357)

AIDS Awareness

Robeson Community College provides information to students about AIDS via handouts that are available in Counseling and Career Services. The counselors are available to provide referral information for students and brief individual counseling about the HIV virus that causes AIDS.

The Center for Disease Control’s National AIDS Hotline (1-800-CDC-INFO) offers 24-hour seven days a week service to respond to any questions about HIV infection and AIDS. The Robeson County Health Department is also available to assist with any HIV/AIDS concerns 910-671-3200. Click here to read RCC’s Aids Policy [opens in a new window] .

Health Services

Robeson Community College maintains no health facilities other than first aid equipment. Emergency facilities are available in Lumberton at Southeastern Regional Medical Center, the Robeson County Emergency Medical Service, and the Lumberton Rescue Unit nearby. In case of emergency, call 911 and then notify Campus Security (Ms. Patricia Clark – (910) 272-3505 or any RCC personnel.

Housing

The College does not operate residence hall facilities nor does it assume responsibility for housing. Upon request, the Counseling and Career staff will assist students in locating adequate assistance with housing in the area. Final decisions and arrangements are the responsibility of the student.

Disability/Accessibility Services

Robeson Community College is committed to full compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, ADA Amendment Act of 2008, NC Senate Bill 866, and the Higher Education Opportunities Act.  Under the Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a person with a disability is defined as any person who (1) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities or (2) has a record of such impairment, or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment. Major life activities include walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, caring for oneself, and performing manual tasks. 

The College ensures that its programs, activities, and facilities are appropriately accessible to students. The College focuses on the student as an individual and works toward equal opportunity, full integration into the campus environment, physical accessibility, and the provision of reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services to students.

Federal law prohibits RCC from requesting information regarding an individuals’ disability on the admissions application; therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to contact the Disabilities Counselor/Coordinator in Counseling and Career Services, building 13 or (910) 272-3345, to disclose his/her disability and to request services.

To receive accommodations, students must do the following:

  1. Complete standard RCC admission application with the Admissions Office.
  2. Disability Services Application
    Complete a disability services application packet in Counseling and Career Services, building 13, or download and print the following forms:  RCC Agreement Release Form [PDF opens in a new window] RCC Disability Verification Form [PDF opens in a new window]  and, RCC Student Intake Form Disability Services [PDF opens in a new window] . Contact the Disabilities Counselor/Coordinator in Counseling and Career Services, at (910) 272-3345, for information on submitting the completed application packet (forms). Application packets must be received at least one month prior to requesting accommodations.
  3. Documentation Guidelines
    Provide current documentation of disability. Current documentation is necessary to establish that an individual has a disability, identify the functional limitations and how they impact the academic performance of the student, and assists in developing appropriate accommodations.
    1. Documentation must be current and from a service provider who is certified or licensed to evaluate and/or diagnose a disability. These professionals may include a medical doctor, psychologist, ophthalmologist, educational diagnosticians, and other certified/licensed service providers. If you received services in high school, please provide a copy of your most recent psychological or psycho-educational plan to the Disabilities Counselor/Coordinator.
      • It should be noted that a school plan such as an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan is insufficient documentation, but can be included as part of a more comprehensive assessment.
      • Prior history of accommodation does not, in and of itself, warrant the provision of similar accommodations.
    2. All documentation provided for disability/accessibility services is kept confidential and will not be disclosed to a third party without consent except in emergency situations. All documentation provided to determine eligibility does not become part of the student’s academic record.
  4. Verification of Eligibility
Once the Disabilities Counselor/Coordinator verifies a student’s eligibility for services, a meeting will be scheduled to develop an individualized accommodation plan. Accommodations are determined on an individual basis. Individuals with similar disabilities may not receive the exact same accommodations.
a. As the liaison between faculty and students, the Disabilities Counselor/Coordinator will send out Disability Certification Notices that identifies the accommodations students qualify to receive. Instructors are responsible for providing the documented accommodations.
b. Students are to meet with each instructor to discuss how accommodations will be implemented. Students are responsible for monitoring progress with instructors and requesting additional assistance if needed.
c. At the end of each semester and before the upcoming semester, students receiving accommodations should meet with the Disabilities Counselor/Coordinator to re-evaluate the individualized accommodation plan. Revisions will be made during this time.
5. Typical Accommodations
Regardless of the instructional delivery, accommodations may include, but are not limited to:
  • Test administration modification
  • Individual counseling
  • Assistive technology (e.g. large screen, large tactile keypad)
  • Tutorial services
  • Assistive Listening Devices
  • Talking scientific calculators
  • Enlarged print
  • Sign language interpreting services
  • Special seating
  • Assistance with completing forms
6. Late Request for Accommodations
Requests for disability services must be made at least one month prior to the first day of class. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate all students. However, if requests are not received in a timely manner prior to the time the student needs special accommodations, it may not be possible to provide the necessary services until a later term.

Learning Resource Services

Learning Resource Services staff are committed to providing a wide range of resources and services in support of the College’s mission. The Robeson Community College Anne Moss-Biggs Library is conveniently located in the center of the campus in Building 4. Its attractive surroundings are a pleasant place for research, study, and reading. A qualified library team is focused on providing learning resources (in both print and digital formats) that complement and assist the College’s academic and continuing education programs. Library staff are on duty during the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday to answer reference questions. The Library’s open hours vary between semesters and throughout the summer sessions, so please check the RCC website for current hours.

The RCC Anne Moss-Biggs Library’s print collection includes more than 20,000 monographs, as well as a host of periodicals and newspapers, which have been selected to support the degree, diploma, and enrichment programs offered by the College. The Library issues RCC ID cards, which grant patrons borrowing privileges. These cards also serve as RCC College I.D.’s for current RCC students, staff, and faculty. To obtain an RCC ID, users must fill out a registration form at the library, or submit their photo and necessary information via the ID card online registration form located on the RCC website. Note that proof of course registration, and payment thereof, are required for all current students. Books, periodicals, and records are loaned for three weeks. Renewals may be obtained in person or by telephone. To encourage prompt return or renewal of materials, a daily fine is charged on overdue materials. Lost or badly damaged materials must be paid at the replacement cost, plus a $5.00 administrative fee. Failure to return materials or pay charges will result in the loss of borrowing privileges. Students who have not returned materials or paid fines will be obligated to do so before re-registering or graduating.

The RCC Anne Moss-Biggs Library supports Distance Learning. The RCC Library independently subscribes to 185 specialized databases and provides access to NC LIVE (a search platform created by the statewide library consortium), all of which enhance and support the College’s curricula. In addition to NC LIVE, databases such as Access World News, Opposing Viewpoints, and PrepSTEP provide access to full-text journals, eBooks, digitized newspapers, language learning tools, college and career preparation resources, streaming videos, tutorials, practice tests, and more. From the RCC website, the Library’s online research guides point users to appropriate subject matter and/or course-specific resources and to online tutorials that assist with the efficacious use of the Library’s various databases. The Library also ensures that all of its e-resources are accessible both on and off campus for the RCC community of users through the use of a virtual private network.

Bibliographic instruction, aimed at educating patrons on how to fully utilize the Library’s resources and services, is available by request. The Library’s Instruction Lab offers a convenient, state-of-the-art classroom for instruction of all types. Faculty may reserve use of the Instruction Lab from the Library’s webpages.

RCC students, staff, and faculty also have access to the Library’s FabLab, which is a makerspace within which users can create a variety of projects, such as posters, 3D objects, screen recordings, and podcasts.

Finally, the RCC Anne Moss-Biggs Library is a member of the North Carolina Community College Libraries Reciprocal Lending Agreement, which strives to increase access to the library resources within the North Carolina Community College System Libraries, to maximize use of the combined collections of the system libraries and to support the NCCCS Distance Learning Initiative. The NCCC Libraries have agreed to lend materials to any student, staff, or faculty member in the system who provides valid identification showing current college affiliation. The RCC Library is committed to providing an accessible facility, professional services, and quality resources to assist students as they pursue their educational goals.

New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation (NSO) is held each semester for new and returning students who have not been enrolled within the last year. New Student Orientation is designed to help make the transition to college as smooth as possible. The orientation process is designed to accomplish the following:

  • Acquaint students with the campus.
  • Introduce students to key personnel on campus.
  • Advise students of college support services.
  • Provide academic information.
  • Acquaint students with college survival skills.

 

ACA 111 –The College Student Success course is designed to help you become a more successful student.

This course introduces the college’s physical, academic, and social environment and promotes the personal development essential for success. Topics include campus facilities and resources; policies, procedures, and programs; study skills; and life management issues such as health, self-esteem, motivation, goal setting, diversity, and communication. Upon completion, students should be able to function effectively within the college environment to meet their educational goals.

ACA 122  - The College Transfer Success course is designed specifically for students enrolled in the University Transfer program.

This course provides information and strategies necessary to develop clear academic strategies and professional goals beyond the community college experience. Topics include the CAA, college culture, career exploration, gathering information on senior institutions, strategic planning, critical thinking, and communication skills for a successful academic transition. Upon completion, students should be able to develop an academic plan to transition successfully to senior institutions.

Student Services

Robeson Community College provides many personal services designed to make the educational experiences of its students profitable and satisfying. The faculty and administration recognize that the central purpose of the College is to provide an environment wherein each student may achieve maximum development-intellectually, socially, and physically. The services, organizations, and activities are provided as a means of contribution to the total growth of the individual.

The basic objectives of Student Services at Robeson Community College are built upon the stated philosophy and objectives of Robeson Community College and the North Carolina Community College System.

  1. To interpret the College’s objectives, opportunities, and policies to prospective students.
  2. To assist in the implementation of the “Open Door” philosophy and policy.
  3. To assist the student in satisfactorily selecting, entering, progressing within, and completing a course of study whether general, technical, trade, upgrading, basic education, or cultural in nature.
  4. To provide a professional, competent, and continuing, counseling program in assisting students with academic, vocational, personal, and social-economic problems.
  5. To properly record, maintain, and make available to proper persons information regarding students.
  6. To provide, develop, encourage, and evaluate a program of student activities.
  7. To encourage suitable vocational-educational placement upon termination of individual studies at the college.
  8. To promote and encourage programs related to the health, safety, and physical welfare of the student.
  9. To initiate, encourage, complete and share systematic research and the results thereof.
  10. To continuously evaluate and improve Student Service.

With these objectives, it is imperative that close, full cooperation be maintained not only within the Student Services staff, but also with the administration, faculty, students, and the community. It is with this cooperation and with these purposes that the Student Services staff dedicates itself to serving RCC students, staff, and community.

Tutorial Services

The Academic Success Center serves students by offering tutoring, writing assistance, and supplemental instruction in an environment that is supportive and encouraging.

The Academic Success Center assists students having difficulty in their classes and who need additional support with particular concepts in their areas of study. Students seeking to enhance skills to improve their academics may also attend workshops. Furthermore, students are welcome to utilize the center’s computer lab and study in an environment that is conducive to learning. 

In addition to services offered in The Academic Success Center, students may access the The Academic Success Center website [opens in a new window] for online tutoring services.  Upswing is the online platform students can use 24/7 to receive tutoring from the convenience of their choice of location.  As students access the website they will find links to materials to enhance student understanding of concepts and practices in areas of study.

Services provided by The Academic Success Center are free and available to all RCC students. Students are encouraged to ask their instructors, counselors and advisors to refer them for assistance in their courses. Students may visit the center in person to complete a request or go online to Request a Tutor Form for tutoring assistance.  Please note staff will attempt to accommodate all student requests. However, tutoring assistance as well as a passing grade is not guaranteed. To contact The Academic Success Center, call 910-272-3663.

Voter Registration Assistance

Information, forms and assistance completing voter registration materials can be secured by contacting a counselor in the Counseling and Career Services Office located in Room 1315 of Fred G. Williams Jr. Student Center, building 13.