Continuing Education

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The Continuing Education Division at Vance-Granville Community College offers a variety of continuing education programs to meet the needs, interests and life-learning opportunities for its citizens. There are opportunities for students to gain basic academic skills, develop job training and retraining skills, along with personal growth and cultural programs. The Continuing Education Division provides life-long learning opportunities. Some courses are offered on a semester basis and other courses are scheduled when a need is established and space as well as an instructor are available. To view a current schedule for Continuing Education, go to www.vgcc.edu/coned

CONTINUING EDUCATION SERVICES FOR MINORS

For the purposes of this subsection, the word “minor” shall not include minors who have graduated from high school. The major purpose of community colleges is to serve students who have graduated from high school, have obtained a high school equivalency diploma, or are beyond the compulsory age limit of the public school and have left public school. However, a minor may enroll in Continuing Education course sections subject to the following:

Minors Age 16 and 17. A minor, age 16 or 17, may enroll in Continuing Education course sections subject to the following conditions:

• Minors shall not displace adults.
• Minors shall pay the registration fees associated with the course section except for cases where they meet eligibility requirements for a fee waiver.
• If the minor is enrolled in high school, the following restrictions apply:
  1. Colleges shall not designate Continuing Education course sections taken by the high school student to provide partial or full credit towards meeting high school graduation requirements. Exception: Students who are enrolled in Continuing Education coursework through Workforce Continuing Education Career and College Promise pathways.
  2. Colleges shall not offer Continuing Education course sections that are specifically scheduled for high school students except:
     1. Continuing Education course sections that maintain 90% (ninety percent) of instructional hours within the summer reporting term as defined in 1G SBCCC 200.99(a)(1)(B).
     2. Self-supporting courses which may be provided during any reporting term.

Minors Less than Age 16. A minor less than 16 years old may enroll in Continuing Education course sections subject to the following conditions:

• Minors less than 16 years old may enroll in self-supporting safe driving course sections during any reporting term.
• A college may provide classes for minors less than 16 years old only during the summer reporting term. These classes must be self-supporting and may not be designated by the college to provide partial or full credit towards meeting high school graduation requirements.

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JUVENILE JUSTICE

Colleges may provide Continuing Education course sections to juveniles of any age who are committed to the Division of Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety, if the juvenile is otherwise qualified for registration in the Continuing Education class and has the approval of the Director of the Youth Development Center to which the juvenile is assigned.

Once enrolled, minors shall be treated the same as all other students.

Authority G.S. 115D-5; G.S. 115D-20(4)(b);

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CEUs/CERTIFICATES

The Continuing Education Division will award Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for all appropriate programs to students who meet the satisfactory requirement. All students must attend scheduled class meetings and complete required assignments to earn a satisfactory grade (S). Students who do not meet this requirement will receive an unsatisfactory grade (U) and will not earn CEU’s nor receive a certificate of completion. The CEU is an established method of recording an individual’s participation in an organized continuing education experience under qualified instruction.

Anyone earning CEUs at Vance-Granville Community College can obtain an official transcript from the Records Office. A $5.00 per copy transcript fee must be included with the request. Certificates of completion are normally awarded by request. For more information on transcript requests, please visit www.vgcc.edu/student-portal/transcript-requests.

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COSTS

Costs for Continuing Education courses follow an established fee schedule as listed on the Continuing Education website: www.vgcc.edu/coned.

There are no fee exemptions for Self-Supporting courses. Most cultural activities are offered free to the public; however, there are times when a nominal fee may be charged. Registration for the Continuing Education Division is online or walk-in.

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REFUND PROCEDURE

Students will be eligible for a 100 percent registration fee refund if official withdrawal occurs prior to the first course meeting or the course is canceled due to insufficient enrollment. A seventy-five (75) percent registration fee refund will be given if the student withdraws prior to or on the ten (10) percent point of the scheduled hours once the course begins. For contact-hour courses, five (5) calendar days from the first day of class is the determination date. Students must contact the Coordinator or Director of the program area to start the process for a refund. Additionally, a Request for Refund form must be completed and brought to the Continuing Education office to begin the refund process. If a physical form is not received, an email must be sent to the Coordinator or Director, as the official request for a refund to begin the refund process.

Additional fees (if applicable) will be 100 percent refunded when a student officially withdraws from a course prior to the first-class meeting. These fees are non-refundable once the course begins. For Self-Supporting courses, no refund will be made unless the course is canceled.

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INDEBTEDNESS TO COLLEGE

No student in any program will be permitted to register or remain enrolled in College-sponsored activities if he/she has an indebtedness to the College. Examples of indebtedness include unpaid tuition, fees, loans, parking fines, child care fees, laptops that were checked out and not returned, and returned checks. Diplomas, certificates, and/or Academic transcripts will be withheld when financial obligations to the College are not met.

Exceptions below can be found in 1E SBCC 200.2

A person or organization demonstrates to the satisfaction of the college the ability to pay the outstanding obligation and guarantees in writing to pay the balance if the student fails to do so;

A student is registered in a course section offered for the benefit of a company or agency. For the purpose of this rule, company or agency specific course sections are courses where the company pays the tuition or registration, and courses where attendance in the course section is limited to employees of the company or agency.

A student is registered in a course that is on a specialized course list approved by the State Board of Community Colleges and supports the organizational training needs for entities specified in G.S. 115D-5(b)(2)

Unless otherwise prohibited by law, colleges may withhold transcripts of grades and any other service pending resolution of outstanding monetary obligations. If a student has a financial obligation to VGCC, the student should contact the Business Office regarding the release of their transcript. This statement shall not be construed to prohibit a college’s board of trustees from adding more stringent provisions that are allowable under law regarding outstanding monetary balances.

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COURSE CANCELLATION POLICY

Vance-Granville Community College reserves the right to cancel any
scheduled course or program due to low registration and/or attendance.

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DEPARTMENTAL PROGRAMS

There are several programs offered through different departments within the Continuing Education Division. The N.C. Legislature establishes fees charged for these programs except for Self-Supporting courses. Registration fees, costs of books and supplies for these programs vary according to length and content of courses. There is no registration fee for most of the Law Enforcement, Fire Service, and some Emergency Medical Care courses provided for agency personnel.
Registration fees by length of course are as follows beginning August 15, 2013: *

• $70 for 0-24 hours
• $125 for 25-50
• $180 for 50+ hours

*Subject to change by N.C. Legislature

Other Costs:
Campus Security Access Fee – $4.00 per course*
Technology Fee – $3.00 per Computer Course*
Insurance Fee – $0.60 cent per course*
*Subject to change by the VGCC Board of Trustees

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Occupational Extension Department

The Occupational Extension Department provides a variety of programs. Courses consist of, but are not limited to, Computer, Software and State Certification classes, Job Training Certification, Manicure and Nail Tech, CDL-A Truck Driver Training, and Biowork. Specialty courses are also offered including: Medical Coding, Health Unit Coordinator, Heavy Equipment Operator, OSHA 10, Forklift, Carpentry, Natural Hair Care, Real Estate, Aviation and Drone Programming, Small Engine Repair, and Introduction to Welding.

We offer a wide variety of course options that provide transfer equivalency credit to students. Students may enroll in a qualifying curriculum class as a continuing education student and receive curriculum credit for satisfactory completion of the course. The OE department has worked with a wide variety of curriculum programs to create and update the transfer equivalency list. There are now 47 approved transfer equivalency credits.

The Occupational Extension Department also provides courses that prepare building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and fire prevention inspectors who enforce the State Building Codes. Continuing education courses are also offered for currently qualified inspectors.

Additionally, a number of online courses are available at ed2go through VGCC. Occupational Extension courses are scheduled during the day, at night, and occasionally on the weekends as needed to ensure training is available to all students.

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Customized Training Department

The Customized Training Department works with new, expanding, and existing industries in providing customized training programs tailored to meet the needs of the industry and its employees. The training programs are flexible in design to accomplish specific objectives and are jointly planned by company personnel and industrial training specialists from the College.

Training includes:

1. Customized Training Program
   • The program supports the economic development efforts of the State by providing education and training opportunities for eligible industries.
   • The program was developed in recognition of the fact that one of the most important factors for an industry considering locating, expanding or remaining in North Carolina is the ability of the State to ensure the presence of a well-trained workforce. The program is designed to react quickly to the needs of industries and to respect the confidential nature of proprietary processes and information within those industries.
   • The purpose of the Customized Training Program is to provide customized training assistance in support of full-time production and direct customer service positions created in North Carolina, thereby enhancing the growth potential of companies located in the state. It prepares the workforce with the skills essential to successful employment in emerging industries.
2. Occupational Training
   • This program provides numerous occupational related courses for employment in the fields of Biotechnology, Leadership, Safety & Health, Teams, Customer Service, Quality, Computers, Technical & Vocational and many more.

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Occupational Healthcare Programs

This program provides Nurse Aide I & II certification programs in which classroom education, laboratory training, and clinical experiences in local nursing homes and hospitals are provided. The North Carolina Board of Nursing and the Division of Health Service Regulation recommend that students must be 16 1/2 years old to register for a Nurse Aide 1 class.

Medication Aide, Phlebotomy, Home Care Aide, Dialysis, Geriatric Aide, Sterile Processing Technician, Physical Therapy Aide and Nurse Aide I Refresher are also offered by the Occupational Healthcare Department. The Medication Aide course prepares the student to administer medications in a nursing home under a licensed nurse’s direction. Students must pass a state exam after completion of the class to become listed on the Medication Aide registry. Requirements include listing on the Nurse Aide I registry and a high school diploma or high school equivalency.

The Phlebotomy course includes classroom lectures, labs, and individual clinical practice in venipuncture.

The Nurse Aide 1 Refresher course prepares students for the North Carolina Nurse Aide competency exam and for students seeking relisting on the NC Nurse Aide Registry. The pre-requisite for this class is successful completion of a NC Nurse Aide 1 State Approved Course OR previous listing on a Nurse Aide 1 registry.

The Nurse Aide Level 2 Refresher is for persons who have lost their Nurse Aide 2 certification. Students must be listed on an active Nurse Aide 1 registry. The pre-requisites for this class are Nurse Aide Level I & II.

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Fire/Rescue Program

The Fire/Rescue Program provides educational and training programs for members of fire departments and rescue agencies, and governmental agencies. In addition, other academic, vocational and technical courses are offered. Program offerings and services include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Fire Service training is designed to train and upgrade firefighters in all aspects of firefighting procedures and equipment. Certification programs such as Firefighter I and II, Driver/Operator, and Hazardous Materials Responder are offered.
• Rescue training, such as Rescue Technician training, enables the participant to gain certification in this area. Specialized and customized training is also available.

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Emergency Medical Services Programs

The Emergency Medical Services Programs of the College provide educational and training programs for emergency care units, industrial safety, and governmental agencies. In addition, other academic, vocational and technical courses are offered. The Emergency Medical Services offerings include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Emergency Medical Service training is designed to train people to become state certified as Emergency Medical Technicians from the basic through the paramedic level. Medical Responder and First Responder are also offered. Continuing Education and American Heart Association classes such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support are offered.
• CPR and first aid courses are offered to train students to provide immediate aid to victims of accidents and sudden illness. Many classes are offered on site at businesses, industries and government agencies.

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Law Enforcement & Corrections Training Programs

Law Enforcement and Corrections Training is designed to meet the needs of state, county, city, and other law enforcement and correction agencies through a combination of required training for certification and in-service training to maintain and upgrade skills. The following in-service training opportunities are available: Firearm Re-Qualification, Officer Survival, Cultural Diversity, Detention Officer Certification, Basic Radar Operator, Straight Baton, State mandated topics and others. Official registration takes place on the first day of the class. Walk-in registration will be allowed only if space is available. Pre-registration is required for most classes.

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Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET)

Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) is designed to give students essential skills required for entry-level employment as law enforcement officers with state, county, or municipal governments, or with private enterprise.

This program utilizes State commission-mandated topics and methods of instruction. General subject includes, but is not limited to, criminal, juvenile, civil, traffic, and alcoholic beverage laws; investigative, patrol, custody, and court procedures; emergency responses; and ethics and community relations.

BLET Admission Guidelines

Students are admitted to the Basic Law Enforcement Training program in accordance with policies set by Vance-Granville Community College and the North Carolina Department of Justice – Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and/or the North Carolina Department Justice – Sheriff’s Education and Training Standards Commission. Each applicant is required to meet the minimum admission requirements as set by the appropriate commission. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the program, only an opportunity for consideration.

Each step must be completed before proceeding to the next step. The primary selection date will be two weeks prior to scheduled start date of course offering. Applications will continue to be processed only if the program has not reached its maximum capacity of twenty-four (24). Applicants are cautioned that Title 12, Chapter 9B .0203(b), of North Carolina Administrative Code states “The school shall give priority admission in accredited criminal justice training courses to individuals holding full-time employment with criminal justice agencies.”

If the Cadet applicant is hired and employed at the start of the academy, then all costs incurred are covered by the employing agency.  If the student is sponsored only, then the student will be responsible for the costs involved in the academy. The total costs of the program are approximately $1,300.00

If the cost of the program is covered by the employer, the student can use VA educational benefits to receive the cost of housing allowance.

Calendar for 2024-25

Fall 2024: July 17, 2024 – November 22, 2024

Spring 2025: January – May, 2025*

*Dates will be announced once new program state requirement changes are incorporated.

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Human Resources Development

Human Resources Development (HRD) is a pre-vocational and pre-employment skills training program designed to educate and prepare students for success in the workplace. HRD is mainly intended for those individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, dislocated workers, or employed but seeking skills upgrading or retraining. It is state funded through the N.C. Community College System.

The HRD program focuses upon customer wants and needs. Training may include a variety of topics relating to job orientation and motivation, employability skills, self-sufficiency, or customized skills training. Training length will vary according to customer needs. HRD can be linked to other college training programs or connected to agencies outside the institution where appropriate. Upon completing prescribed classes, students are assisted with job placement or further training.

Core Curriculum Components
The core curriculum for HRD training includes, but is not limited to the following components:

• Employability Skills: Self-assessment and values clarification
• Employability Lab: Open entry/exit employability skills
• Career Planning & Assessment: Goal setting and action plan
• Occupational Readiness/Pathways: Employability skills/occupational extension courses
• Technology Awareness: Information technology/applications for job search
• Employability Motivation & Retention: Self-esteem/keeping a job
• Economic Literacy: Personal finances, changing economy
• Working Smart Curriculum: Soft/critical skills for the workplace. Upon successful completion the student will receive a credential recognized by employers in NC & SC.
• NC FAST-Human Services Exploration (Employability Skills training and Career Exploration is provided to help the student understand the role of Income Maintenance Caseworkers within the Division of Social Services.) This is Phase I and a pre-requisite to Phase II (Income Maintenance Caseworker Class-NC FAST Phase II run through Occupational Extension)

There is no cost to enroll in the HRD program for eligible students. For more information or to apply, those interested should contact the HRD office at 252-738-3328.

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National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)

The National Career Readiness Certificate is an assessment-based credential that gives employers and career seekers a uniform measure of key workplace skills.

The National Career Readiness Certification is a portable credential that promotes career development and skill attainment for the individual and confirms to employers that an individual possesses basic workplace skills. National Career Readiness Certification participants are assessed in Applied Mathematics, Workplace Documents, and Graphic Literacy. Based on assessment results, customers may earn the certification by completing the nationally recognized ACT WorkKeys® Assessment and earn a Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum certificate that will demonstrate proficiency in these areas. Costs for the ACT WorkKeys® assessments vary between $20-$25 each based on type.

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Small Business Center

The Small Business Center of the College was created to provide the small businesses of the community with a focal point for training, education, counseling, and referral. The Small Business Center addresses the continuing need for updated information, refinement of management skills, and the improvement of profit advantage in risk-taking. Special attention is given to the critical areas of capital formation and prevention of business failures.

The Small Business Center program offerings and services include the following:

1. Seminars are designed to provide small business owners with updated information on various business topics.
2. Entrepreneurship program offerings, but not limited to, Ice House Entrepreneurship Training, NC REAL Agricultural Entrepreneurship and NC REAL Craft Artists Entrepreneurship.
3. Counseling services to new and existing small businesses.
4. Referrals to appropriate agencies such as The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), Small Business Administration (SBA), the N.C. Department of Commerce and local agencies.
5. A network of linkages with Chambers of Commerce, Small Business Administration, economic development agencies, related educational and development agencies, business volunteers, Department of Economic Development, banks, and other financial institutions.
6. A resource and information center provided for use by new and existing small businesses – This center is physically located at our South Campus in Creedmoor.
7. Kauffman FastTrac

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Personal Enrichment Department

The purpose of the Personal Enrichment Program is to provide lifelong learning to meet individual needs and interests, and contribute to the community’s overall cultural, civic, and intellectual growth.

We offer a number of affordable, non-credit classes that allow students to explore their personal interests. Classes are held in a non-competitive environment allowing students to choose as many classes as they would like.

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COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS

The College and Career Readiness Program is designed to develop and improve a person’s proficiency in reading, writing, math, communication, and critical thinking. Adult participants improve skills for the workplace, achieve personal goals, and prepare for enrollment in the Adult High School (AHS) or High School Equivalency (HSE) program.

Adults 18 years of age or older with less than an eighth-grade education or those assessed as performing at less than a high school level of proficiency in reading, math, or language skills may enroll in the Adult Basic Education (ABE) Program. Classes are available on Vance-Granville Community College’s Main campus. Instructors work individually with students in planning the most effective study program. Students enrolled in the program study in a classroom setting. Adult Basic Education classes are free.

College and Career Readiness programs are located at each of VGCC’s campuses and are designed to provide students with access to a variety of instructional approaches and materials. Technology is used to enhance traditional classroom instruction and provide an interactive learning experience for students. Student learning needs are assessed individually, and instructional plans are developed that consider each learner’s skill development level and preferred learning style.

Upon enrollment, students meet with the College and Career Readiness staff to discuss educational goals and to determine the most convenient schedule for each student. During the initial orientation process, the students are administered placement tests. This assessment procedure is necessary to establish precise learning goals and select the appropriate educational plans. Students and staff determine whether the appropriate path of learning is ABE, AHS, HSE, Distance Education, or ESL. Adults with intellectual disabilities are served in all program areas depending upon their assessment scores. Students will then attend classes and are encouraged to participate in a variety of instructional activities that include independent study, small/whole group instruction, computer-assisted instruction, and class projects. Students are required to participate in an ongoing assessment process that monitors progress and directs future learning and goal setting.

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Adult High School (AHS) Diploma

The Adult High School (AHS) Diploma Program is available to meet the needs of adults 18 years of age and older who have not completed high school. There are several steps in the application process. Students must first take a placement test to determine their skill level in reading and math. Since this is a high school program, the applicant’s test results must demonstrate a high school proficiency level in the two tested areas. The next step is the evaluation of the official transcript from the former high school. Students requiring more than six (6) high school credits are encouraged to pursue their High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma. Once it is determined that the applicant will be accepted, the applicant will decide whether he/she would like to enroll in the more traditional classroom setting or the online program. The Adult High School Diploma Program requirements are the same for both programs, traditional and online. All requirements are based on the revised North Carolina Standard Course of Study. It is mandatory that students successfully master and complete the required courses. The basic courses required for high school completion according to the North Carolina Standard Course of Study are as follows:

Whether enrolled in the online or traditional Adult High School Diploma Program, students will receive support and constant encouragement. The online program is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and utilizes Internet-based instruction to complete the necessary school credits.. Both choices are equal in quality and will give students an opportunity to earn the necessary high school diploma to become more marketable in today’s world. All classes are free. Students are encouraged to further their education at Vance-Granville Community College upon successful completion of the adult high school diploma.

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Diplomas and Certificates

1. The Adult High School Diploma is awarded to students who successfully complete the credits required by the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. The diploma is awarded by all service area Boards of Education (Vance, Granville, Franklin, and Warren) in cooperation with Vance-Granville Community College.
2. The High School Equivalency Diploma is awarded by the North Carolina Community College System to individuals who achieve passing scores on the High School Equivalency Test.

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High School Equivalency (HSE)

The High School Equivalency Program is designed to develop and improve a person’s proficiency in skills and general knowledge in the following content areas: language arts (reading and writing), social studies, science, and math. Any person 18 years of age or older may enroll in the program. Classes are available at each of Vance-Granville Community College’s campuses and at other sites located throughout the college’s service area.

Students must first take a placement test to determine their skill level in reading and math. Instructors work individually with students to set goals and plan the most effective study program. Classroom instruction for students in the program focuses on improving critical thinking, reading comprehension, writing ability, and mathematical reasoning in preparation for testing.

Preparation for the high school equivalency test through distance education (online) is available to students who qualify. The distance education program is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and utilizes Internet-based instruction to prepare the student for testing.

High School Equivalency (HSE) classes are free. Students are encouraged to further their education at Vance-Granville Community College upon successful completion of the high school equivalency diploma.

High School Equivalency (HSE) Test

The High School Equivalency test measures a person’s proficiency in skills and general knowledge in the following content areas: language arts, social studies, science, and math. Upon successful completion of the entire battery, a student is awarded a diploma that is considered the equivalent of a high school diploma. The High School Equivalency test is administered throughout the semester to meet the testing needs of students. The testing fee is subject to change by the State Board of Community Colleges. For more information on high school equivalency testing, please visit GED.com or contact the College and Career Readiness department at 252-738-3275.

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English as a Second Language (ESL)

This program offers individuals whose native language is not English an opportunity to improve their ability to understand, speak, read, and write in English. Students entering the program are assessed to determine areas of strengths or weaknesses. At the introductory level, instructors assist students with developing the conversational skills needed for day-to-day survival and success in the workplace. At the intermediate and advanced levels, more detailed attention is given to grammar, language usage, sentence structure, composition, and pronunciation to strengthen the student’s confidence in using English. Instructors provide various instructional activities for students including computer-assisted learning, small and whole group instruction, and individual assistance.

Classes are available at Vance-Granville Community College’s campuses and other sites throughout the college’s service area. All English as a Second Language classes are free.

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Minors in Literacy Education Programs

Minors (16-17 years of age) are eligible to enroll in the ABE, AHS, or HSE programs if they meet the enrollment criteria:

• Parent/Guardian and minor must complete Minor Admissions paperwork and
• Attend a mandatory Parent/Minor meeting with the director.

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GOVERNOR’S RAPID RESPONSE

The North Carolina Department of Commerce, through the Division of Employment and Training, (NC Works) provides the Governor’s Rapid Response program designed to offer immediate assistance to workers being dislocated due to plant closings. Generally, a team of college staff from various departments provide information and orientation to potential or existing dislocated workers on educational opportunities available at the college including continuing education, occupational extension, community service, curriculum, special support programs, and workforce development services. Additionally, requested short-term skills training courses are usually planned and offered on short notice expressly for workers being permanently laid off, or pending lay-off, by a particular employer.

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