Catawba Valley Community College Continuing Education: A Comprehensive Guide to Lifelong Learning

Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) is committed to providing quality continuing education courses for adults, fostering lifelong learning experiences that address occupational, social, and personal needs. These courses empower adults to reach their full potential in a rapidly evolving world. Admission to these courses is generally open to individuals 18 years of age or older, with certain exceptions for younger students who have graduated high school or have permission from high school officials.

The Importance of Continuing Education

Continuing Education at CVCC offers a pathway to achieving occupational goals and enhancing the overall quality of life. The college understands the needs of the community and responds by providing a range of courses and programs.

Meeting Community Needs

CVCC's Continuing Education programs are designed to meet the diverse needs and interests of the community. These programs offer individuals the chance to pursue special interests and engage in worthwhile educational projects during their leisure time.

Open-Door Policy and Equal Opportunity

Since its establishment in 1960, CVCC has maintained an open-door policy, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds. The college is committed to providing equal opportunities for both employees and students, irrespective of race, color, national origin, sex/gender identity, religion, creed, age, disability, veteran or active military status, genetic characteristics, or any other category protected by law.

Key Features of CVCC's Continuing Education Programs

Attendance Policy

Regular class attendance is expected, and individual attendance records are maintained. Students must meet minimum attendance requirements to receive recognition for the course. Failure to do so will result in an unsatisfactory grade ("U"). This policy applies to all continuing education courses, including those for which Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or certifications are issued.

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Course Scheduling

Classes are scheduled continuously throughout each semester. Special business seminars and industrial courses can be arranged to begin at any time period suitable for both the company and CVCC.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

CVCC, as an accredited member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, utilizes the Continuing Education Unit (CEU) to measure student participation in non-credit classes, courses, and programs. One CEU is defined as ten contact hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction. Certificates are awarded upon satisfactory completion.

Fees and Waivers

Occupational Extension course fees follow a graduated scale, while other self-supporting course fees may vary. Fee waivers are available in compliance with North Carolina Statutes. There are no registration fees for enrollees in Basic Skills Education. Courses are typically offered when a minimum of 10-15 persons enroll.

Comprehensive Course Offerings

The College offers many vocational, technical, and business courses. COMPUTER courses are also available in popular software applications currently used by local employers. FIRE, RESCUE, & EMS training is offered for members of municipal, volunteer, industrial fire brigades, and rescue squads. EMT courses are available to the public. 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.

Core Program Areas

CVCC's Continuing Education division encompasses several key program areas designed to address a wide spectrum of educational needs.

Basic Skills Education

Basic Skills Education covers four main program areas: Adult Basic Skills, Compensatory Education, English as a Second Language, and Adult Secondary Credentials. This program is designed to assist adults aged 16 or older who require academic remediation.

Adult Basic Skills (ABE)

The Adult Basic Education program focuses on teaching fundamental skills to help adults succeed. Instruction is provided in reading, math, and writing skills. Classes are available both on campus and at various off-campus locations.

ABE Academy

The ABE Academy program is a 2 to 4-year literacy-based vocational training program for adults who function below the high school level.

Compensatory Education

Classes are organized 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. 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.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

The English as a Second Language program provides instruction for adults with limited English skills. The curriculum includes grammar, reading, writing, history, legal information, and citizenship requirements, with an emphasis on conversational skills.

Adult Secondary Credentials

Adult High School Diploma

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 receive full credit for any units they have completed in high school, and classes are free.

High School Equivalency Program (HSE)

The High School Equivalency Program (HSE), such as GED, focuses on mathematics, literature, writing, social studies, and science. Classes are available in various locations and online. While the classes are free, there is a cost for the HSE exam.

Self-Supporting Courses

These are short-term courses for self-improvement, cultural enrichment, and academic achievement, intended to meet the growing needs and interests of the community. Topics include conversational foreign languages, economics, government, consumer education, cake decorating, sign language, guitar, needlepoint, quilting, landscaping, dancing, and personal development.

Catawba Valley Furniture Academy

The Catawba Valley Furniture Academy is an industry-driven training program designed by local furniture manufacturers to prepare students for skilled positions in high demand. The academy covers furniture fundamentals, pattern making, manual cutting, automated cutting, sewing, introduction to upholstery, spring up, inside upholstery, and outside upholstery. The CVCC Furniture Academy is in partnership with Century Furniture, Lee Industries, Lexington Home Brands, Sherrill Furniture, and Vanguard Furniture.

Corporate Computer Training Center (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.

Corporate Development Center

The Corporate Development Center at CVCC is designed to meet the needs of business, industry, entrepreneurs, and job seekers. It 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.

Customized Training Program

The Customized Training Program supports the economic development efforts of North Carolina by providing education and training services to ensure a well-trained workforce for new and existing businesses. This assistance supports full-time production and direct customer service positions, enhancing the growth potential of companies in the state.

Human Resources Development Program (HRD)

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 address six core components: 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 specific criteria.

Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC)

The mission of the Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC) is to help US Manufacturers increase sales, improve quality and improve efficiency to create or retain jobs.

Small Business Center (SBC)

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.

Course Spotlights

CVCC offers a variety of specialized courses to meet specific industry needs. Here are a few examples:

Certified Logistics Associate and Certified Logistics Technician

These certifications provide individuals with resources to increase career opportunities as logistics technicians. These 5-week courses use the MSSC curriculum, allowing students to complete training at their own pace.

CDL HazMat Endorsement Training

This online course is designed for people who have already earned a Class A license and are looking to add this endorsement. It prepares commercial drivers to take and deliver materials that the FMCSA deems hazardous.

CDL Class A Training

This online course prepares individuals for a career in truck driving, equipping them with the skills to pass the federal CDL test.

Forklift Operator Training

This course equips participants with the skills and competencies to excel as forklift operators in the warehousing and production environment.

Basic Land Surveying

This course introduces the key principles and techniques of measuring, mapping, and representing land features.

Customer Service

This comprehensive course provides participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to begin working in an entry-level, customer-facing position.

Medical Billing

This fully online, instructor-led course provides training in medical billing using interactive modules and required textbooks.

Phlebotomy

This 12-week Saturday course includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience in an area hospital lab, training students in phlebotomy duties.

Mental Health Care Concepts

This course provides a basic understanding of mental health care concepts, including common mental health disorders, treatment options, and patient care fundamentals.

Nursing Support Technician-Certified (NST-C)

This course is designed to provide the fundamental knowledge and practical skills to excel as a nursing support technician-certified (NST-C).

Ambulance Operator (AO)

This comprehensive course prepares participants for a career as an ambulance operator (AO), covering essential topics such as Basic Life Support (BLS), scene and patient assessment techniques, and ambulance operation procedures.

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.

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.

Important Policies and Resources

Catalog of Record

The present online catalog represents the most current annual version of the holistic college catalog. The catalog of record is the catalog that is current at the time a student enrolls at CVCC in his/her program of study. If a student changes his/her program of study, then the catalog of record becomes the catalog that is current at the time of that program change.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate under a program of study, a student must meet the requirements of his/her catalog of record or any catalog in effect within the next five years as long as the student has been continuously enrolled. A break in enrollment occurs when a student is not enrolled for two consecutive semesters (i.e. fall and spring or spring and fall). Students are not required to be enrolled during the summer semesters to maintain continuous enrollment. If a student breaks enrollment, the catalog of record will be become the catalog that is current at the time of reentry. From that point of reentry, the rule of continuous enrollment will apply. The Chief Student Services Officer or designee has the authority to choose a catalog within a five-year period of continuous enrollment that best suits the student’s needs for his/her particular program of study at the time of graduation.

Access to Technology

While enrolled at CVCC, all students should have regular, reliable access to a personal, Internet-connected computer in order to successfully complete their coursework. (Desktop and laptop devices are preferred, but tablets will also function in most cases.

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