Student Services

YOU GROW HERE – Student Services

Counseling Office The Counseling office provides academic, career, transfer, and short-term personal (relative to academic progress) counseling services for both day and evening students. The college counselors are committed to maintaining an environment that is conducive to the personal, social, and intellectual development of CCBC students.

Counselors share the academic advising function of course registration. Counselors meet with incoming first-semester students to interpret placement test scores and identify appropriate course selections for their academic and vocational goals. Full-time faculty also provide academic advising for course selection and areas related to their expertise. Students may find faculty advisor contact information by logging in to My CCBC and selecting the “Student” tab and then “Advisor Information.”

Counseling services are provided Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. An academic advisor is available most Wednesday evenings from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Career Center The Career Center assists all registered students and alumni with career planning and all aspects of conducting a successful job search. The staff assists students by helping them to develop strategies to obtain employment. Services offered by the center include assistance with job search skills, resume writing, business etiquette, and interview techniques.

The Career Center is in the upper level of the Student Services Center and has information to assist students throughout their decision-making and job-hunting activities. Resources include computer software, books, periodicals, and specialty web sites. These materials are available to conduct research, explore career options, obtain occupational descriptions, find job openings, and prepare for interviews. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Contact the office by phone at 724- 480-3413 or via email at career.services@ccbc.edu.

Student Success Center The Tutor Center provides one-to-one and group academic coaching for students in a variety of subject areas. Students can also learn strategies for academic success, such as note taking, test taking, time organization, and study techniques. Additional assistance is available for students with limited English proficiency.

A learning lab is located next to the Success Center. The learning lab computers and software are user- friendly and cover a wide range of subjects, including English, reading, mathematics, and MLA and APA styles. Coaching schedules vary by semester and are available in the library, online, and in This Week in Titan Life. Virtual and in-person appointments are scheduled using TutorTrac.

Brainfuse is a user-friendly 24/7 online tutoring service that is free for CCBC students. There is a link to Brainfuse in each student’s Blackboard account. For more information, pick up a Brainfuse Student Guide at the Student Success Center, which is in the upper level of the Learning Resources Center.

ACT 101 The ACT 101 Program provides eligible students with free academic and personal support to assist and encourage them to achieve their goals. All ACT 101 students will receive a year-long package of services from the ACT 101 staff, including personalized tutoring assistance and mentoring. The ACT 101 student academic monitoring system provides continuous contact with each ACT 101 student so that problems causing students to withdraw from college can be discovered and resolved at an early stage.

To be eligible for ACT 101 program services, students must be full-time residents of Pennsylvania and must meet certain economic and academic criteria. At Community College of Beaver County, student eligibility is determined after a student has taken the College placement test. Students who place into preparatory courses and meet certain economic criteria will be invited to participate in the program. For further information, call 724-480-3414.

Access-Ability Services Community College of Beaver County is committed to offering a quality education to all individuals and to providing access to everyone with the ability to benefit from a program of higher education. Located in the Learning Resources Center, the office’s mission is to arrange and provide services for students with disabilities, learning challenges, and limited English proficiency.

To receive accommodations, students with disabilities must first make their disability known to the Supportive Services staff and then request the service or services needed at least three weeks (6 weeks for interpreting services) prior to the beginning of each semester.

Eligibility for services will be determined by the Director of Student Support Services. Eligibility is based on presentation of appropriate documentation of the disability from a licensed professional. Reasonable and appropriate requests will be authorized; however, requests that fundamentally alter or change program or course standards and requirements will not be approved. Once identification and eligibility has been determined and approved, the Supportive Services Office may then arrange and provide appropriate, reasonable accommodations.

Services include, but are not limited to, escorting, special testing accommodations, note taking assistance, adaptive equipment use, and other reasonable academic accommodations. Students with limited English proficiency may also request services to achieve academic success. English Language Learners (ELL) may work under the direction of specialists who will plan an individual program to meet students’ needs.

For further information, or to make an appointment, call 724-480- 3502, or 7-1-1 PA Relay, or email supportive.services@ccbc.edu.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities in a Dual Enrollment Course When taking a college level course, high school students with documented disabilities are eligible to receive accommodations. Accommodations at the college level may differ from those at the high school level. The college will not provide modifications to change the course content or performance expectations that would substantially alter the essential elements of the courses.

Library Located on the upper level of the Learning Resources Center, the CCBC Library is a place to research, create, study, and gather.

The collection features more than 30,000 titles including fiction, nonfiction, reference books, a children’s library, DVDs and more. The Beaver County Library System online catalog, which includes the college holdings, the county’s public libraries and law library, allows users to search the entire collection on-site or remotely. In addition, numerous online databases – ranging from academic specialties and streaming video to language learning and eBooks - are available on and off site for courserelated or personal research. A direct link to Access PA SHAREit allows patrons to search libraries throughout the state for material not available locally. Patrons also may make use of interlibrary loan services to obtain such material from libraries nationally and internationally.

The library’s computers provide Internet access and the current edition of Microsoft Office software, easy Blackboard connection and printer access. Phone chargers, headphones, laptops, webcams, and some hardcopy textbooks are also available for in-library borrowing. Reading rooms with smart TVs, Wi-Fi, whiteboard walls and mobile furniture are available for individual, small or large group interactions; individual study nooks encourage quiet study. A children’s library room includes a picture and juvenile book collection, STEM blocks and study tables and Wi-Fi for CCBC students and public patrons with children. A Maker’s Space featuring 3D printers, Cricut models, virtual reality glasses, STEM kits and a sewing machine offers space to create while a multi-media room showcases podcasting equipment and video equipment.

Classrooms where librarians provide orientation and course-related group instruction on the use of print and electronic resources are housed in the library. Staff also offers individual research assistance to help patrons and students navigate the library website and make good use of library resources from assignment guides to open educational resources.

All resources are available with your CCBC/BCLS library card. Library hours for Fall are: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays. The hours are subject to change. Email the library at library@ccbc.edu, chat from the library website pages or call 724.480.3442.

GED Testing General Educational Development (GED) Testing is a program designed to prepare individuals who do not have a formal high school education to take a series of tests to qualify for a High School Equivalency Diploma.

To take the GED exam, an applicant must be: • Pennsylvania resident (valid ID required) • 18 years of age or older • Not enrolled in an approved or licensed secondary school

Testers that are of the ages 16 to 18 must have a letter of withdrawal from a school district superintendent as well as an additional letter of request from one of the following: • An employer who requires a high school equivalency for job opportunities, • A college, trade school, or university official who accepts applicants based on GED test scores, • A recruiting office for individuals who are required to have a high school diploma or equivalency to enter a branch of the armed forces, or • A director of state institutions for residents, patients, or inmates requesting testing before their anticipated release or discharge from the institution.

PA has a compulsory school age of 17, thus individuals that are 16 must have a letter from the superintendent stating that they are withdrawn from the school and are permitted to obtain a GED, or a work permit, and one of the five additional letters of request listed above.

As of January 2014, the GED Exam is computerized through the service provider Pearson VUE. Tests are administered in the upper level of the Learning Resources Center (Library), room 209. To view the test, schedule, register to take the exam, and schedule appointments to take the exam go to www.GED.com.

Appointments and payment may no longer be accepted by the test center staff. Contact the GED Testing Center at 724-4803434 for further information or the Pearson VUE call center at 1-877-EXAM-GED (392-6433) for technical questions and assistance with the website.

For information regarding GED preparatory classes, contact Adult Literacy Action at 724-773-7810. For GED transcript requests, contact the PA GED department in Harrisburg at 717-783-6788.

KEYS (Keystone Education Yields Success) This program has been designed in conjunction with the PA Department of Welfare to provide support and services to PA TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and some food stamp recipients enrolled in a community college. Further information can be obtained by calling 724-480-3430.

Student Life

New Student Orientation New and transfer students are required to participate in the student orientation program to become acquainted with the College and the campus. The event gives new/transfer students the opportunity to meet administrators, faculty, and staff, get an initial understanding of the CCBC environment, and outline resources that will be useful during the first weeks on campus. Traditionally held on the Friday before the start of the Fall term, students will be contacted by mail about fall New Student Orientation. An online component to the orientation is also provided for students and is housed in the college’s Learning Management System, Blackboard. It is full of essential information to assist in their transition to the expectations of college. Students can access the online orientation beginning one month prior to the first date of classes for a given term, or within 72 hours of their enrollment to the college if they enroll after that date.

Parking All students are expected to become familiar with the College motor vehicle regulations. Copies are available at the Security office located in the Student Services Center. All financial obligations incurred because of parking or traffic violations are considered financial obligations to CCBC.

Housing CCBC is a commuter college with no on-campus residence halls. Admissions & Registration assists students who require housing by providing a list of contacts for room/house rentals. However, CCBC does not inspect the accommodations provided by the private owners nor in any way, direct or implied, recommend or approve the properties listed. For Aviation students, the College has a housing agreement with Penn State-Beaver to use their residence halls on a space-available basis.

Healthcare Services CCBC assumes no responsibility for medical treatment of its students. However, the College has decided for Medic Rescue at the student’s expense in the case of serious accident or illness. In case of an emergency, contact the Campus Security office at 724-480-3555.

Titan Café A grab-n-go market with seating is in the upper level of the Student Services Center. The College also provides vending services in most campus buildings.

Barnes & Noble Bookstore The Barnes & Noble CCBC Bookstore sells textbooks, school supplies, laptops, back packs, and other items related to student studies. In addition, the bookstore also carries reference materials, study aids, gift cards, beauty supplies, candy, CCBC attire, nursing student supplies and scrubs, and giftware. Please note that CCBC textbooks and merchandise are also available on our website www.ccbc.bncollege.com.

Textbook Buy Back The bookstore buys back books from students all year if the student has a valid student ID card. The best time to sell back is during finals. Students can save 50% of the selling price if the same text is used the following term, the book is in re-saleable condition, and the store requires more to meet demand. If this is not the case, the bookstore will give students the latest national pricing.

Refund Policy The refund policy for textbooks states that students will receive a full refund in the original form of payment if the textbook is returned within the first week of class in original condition and with a receipt. With a proof of schedule change, a full refund will be given in the original form of payment with a receipt during the first 30 days of classes. No refunds will be given on textbooks without a receipt.

For general merchandise, full refunds are granted in the original form of payment with a receipt for items returned within 30 days of original purchase. Without a receipt, a merchandise credit will be issued at the current selling price. Cash back on merchandise credits will not exceed $5. All merchandise must be in original condition

Hours The bookstore’s regular store hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The summer hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Hours of operation are extended during the first week of classes. Please contact the bookstore or view the special back to school hours on the website.

The bookstore accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Barnes & Noble Gift Cards and cash. Student financial aid is accepted for four weeks in the fall and spring terms. Please check with the bookstore for the dates of availability.

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Students at CCBC have an obligation to conduct themselves appropriately, both on and off campus. Students are expected to abide by the laws governing the community (federal, state, local) as well as to the regulations prescribed by the College.

The Board of Trustees of CCBC has policies and regulations pertaining to student conduct and misconduct and the disciplinary procedures of the College. These policy statements are published as “Students Rights and Responsibilities”. Copies are available in the office of the Vice President of Human Resources (who is the Affirmative Action Officer and Title IX Coordinator for the College) located in the Administrative Services Building, room 5106, phone ext. 3366 or the Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment. The statements are also provided in the Student Handbook. Each student is expected to become familiar with the policy statements regarding student conduct and college disciplinary procedures.

Prohibiting Tobacco Use on Campus At CCBC, we want our campus and facilities to provide a healthy, comfortable, and productive environment for students, employees, and the public.

Since the use of tobacco and tobacco products poses a significant health risk, College policy is that smoking or other use of tobacco products (including e-cigarettes) is prohibited on the grounds or within buildings under control of the College. This includes campus facilities, centers and/or sites owned and/or operated by the College and also applies to college-owned and college-operated vehicles.

Student Conduct Community College of Beaver County is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a lawful and legal manner. Any student who commits or attempts to commit an act of misconduct shall be subject to disciplinary procedures. The College administration will enforce the student conduct policy. The policy is made available to students in the Student Handbook, which is available on www.ccbc.edu and through the My.CCBC.edu portal.

Sexual Harassment CCBC is committed to the maintenance of a working and academic environment free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates federal, state and local laws. CCBC will not tolerate any behavior by an employee or student, which constitutes sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature under the following policy: Submission of such conduct is an explicit or implicit condition of employment or academic success.

Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for an employment or academic decision. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or academic environment.

Sexual harassment is a serious matter. A charge of sexual harassment is not to be taken lightly by a Complainant, Respondent, or any other member of the College community. Violators of this policy will be subjected to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, reprimand, suspension, termination of employment, or expulsion from CCBC. Students with questions or concerns, or who wish to file a sexual harassment complaint, should contact the Vice President of Human Resources (who is the Affirmative Action Officer and Title IX Coordinator for the College) located in the Administrative Services Building, room 5106, phone ext. 3366 or the Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment, located in Library Room 205, phone ext. 3423. All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.

Student Publications

Student Handbook The Student Handbook is updated and published annually and contains general information, policies, and athletic and events schedules. The handbook can be viewed online on My CCBC and through the College’s website.

This Week in Titan Life The Office of Student Life coordinates a regular communication outlet or students. This Week in Titan Life is a weekly digital publication that is distributed via institutional email and containing a range of information important to students by addressing such topics as financial aid, changes in office hours, library and bookstore announcements, club information, government regulations affecting students, and special campus events.