TCTC4ME
www.tctc.edu
2012-2013 VIEWBOOK
WORLD
It is a that can be ANYTHING want it to be
YOU
Meet General Engineering Technology Student, Charmaine Staggers, Page 30
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ANNIVERSARY
TRI-COUNTY TECHNICAL COLLEGE This book offers just a glimpse of what it’s like to be a student at Tri-County Technical College. The people are real, the photos are real, and the stories are real.
4-5
Classes Close to Home
6-7
Instructors Who Know My Name
8-9
An Affordable Education
10-13
Campus Life
14-17
Programs and Services for Student Success
18-19
Fun Facts
20-31
Hands-On Training for Real-World Skills
32-33
Quality Courses that Transfer
34
Enrollment Checklist
Beyond these pages, though, is a College filled with faculty, staff and students who are happy to answer any questions you might have. Come visit to learn more.
Take a Tour Small group walking tours of our Pendleton Campus are offered every Friday at 11 a.m. To register, call the Information Center at 864-646-1500. For a tour of one of our other campuses, call 864-260-6700 for Anderson, 864-220-8888 for Easley, or 864-886-4555 for Oconee. If you have a larger group, 20-100, please call any of the campuses directly, and we will make arrangements for larger-scale presentations.
Come to Our Open House During our annual open house, we showcase programs and services from each of our divisions to give you a better idea of the way we teach and the hands-on training opportunities available. We typically offer this event in February, so check out our wesite home page at the beginning of the year for details.
ADMISSION TO THE COLLEGE To be accepted at TCTC, pay the non-refundable application fee and provide the Admissions Office with proof of an official high school diploma or transcript verifying graduation/GED completion. Applicants without a high school/GED credential may be admitted into certificate programs. Applicants under the age of seventeen not seeking dual enrollment courses are required to meet with the Dean of Enrollment Management to determine eligibility for admission. Please check the College Catalog for additional program-specific entry requirements. 2 • 2012-2013 • VIEWBOOK
COLLEGE ACCREDITATION Tri-County Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Tri-County Technical College. (www.sacs.org) Tri-County Technical College does not discriminate in admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, qualifying disability, veteran’s status, age, or national origin. For more information about our graduation rates, median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information for individual certificates or diploma programs of at least 16 credit hours, visit www.tctc.edu/programsofstudy.
opening doors to dreamers for
FIVE DECADES
Pick your career pathway. What do you dream of doing? Working in a classroom? On a computer? In a courtroom? In a board room? Now think about how that job has changed over the last five years. No matter the job you dream about, it has likely advanced. Ever-evolving technology, shifts in our economy, real-time communications – the world is changing, and the workplace is changing. For 50 years, Tri-County Technical College has been training students to meet the needs of our marketplace and to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Our instructors are totally committed to student success and teach well beyond basic book-learning. They help develop students who can keep up with a fast-paced future that shows no signs of slowing down. Our approach to hands-on real-world training, combined with classrooms that promote collaboration and connection, prepares students just like you to land those dream jobs – and to soar to success. 2012-2013 • VIEWBOOK • 3
We Dream Big, Too Over the last few years, Tri-County has aspired to make a college education accessible to residents throughout our service area. We broke ground on our first community campus in Anderson in 2005, and we have yet to slow down. We now serve you where you live in Anderson, Easley, Pendleton and Seneca, as well as through learning centers in Honea Path and Sandy Springs (coming soon). Our focus isn’t just on access, though. We’re also focused on success. We’re still dreaming, and exciting changes are ahead as we strive to keep pace with the needs of our students and the counties we serve.
Brandon Owen dreams of being a doctor, and his plans were to get his start on general education courses at Tri-County Technical College’s Pendleton Campus. Once he started looking at his options, though, he realized he could get the classes he wanted much closer to home at the Anderson Campus. “Tri-County is the perfect size, and the classes are the perfect size. I can get the classes I need at the Anderson Campus, so I can work and go to school close to home, which makes it easy on gas and on life,” he says.
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Our Dream Team
At Tri-County Technical College, we believe that what we teach is as important as who teaches it. Our instructors are truly experts in their fields. Many have not only exceeded the education and professional development requirements to teach at the college level, but they’ve also worked in the field, which enables them to bring their real-world experiences to the classroom.
Meet One of the Faves Recently crowned “Favorite Teacher” by Tri-County students through the Campus Store’s Facebook contest, Mr. Hubert McClure is a math instructor who makes a sometimes tough subject fun and offers encouragement for his students. He’s been where they are, literally, having come through Tri-County Technical College for his associate degree before attending Clemson University for both his Bachelor’s and Master’s. When he’s not helping his students, he maintains the farm where he grew up and surveys land through a side business that he co-owns. Known for his favorite phrase, “dang ole,” Mr. McClure also works with students outside the classroom, advising H ub e rt Mc C lu re the Student Republicans and Student Veterans organizations at the College. His popularity with his students and colleagues is likely one of the reasons he was “bailed out” from his recent lock-up for the Muscular Dystrophy Association to raise funds for neuromuscular diseases. A proud Southerner, he’s a fan of “The Andy Griffith Show,” “Smokey and the Bandit,” Gone with the Wind and the song, “Sweet Home Alabama.” Mr. McClure’s students often credit him for helping them through College, and they praise his teaching style and his willingness to help.
Criminal Justice instructor, Robert Newton, is a firm believer in helping students – and he embraces the “unconventional” approach to teaching to help them reach their full potential. He uses multiple teaching styles, personal experiences from his time in law enforcement, and fun approaches in the classroom to help students see beyond the old adage that Criminal Justice means just being a “cop.” He earned his B.S. in Criminal Justice from Baptist College at Charleston (now Charleston Southern University). When he’s not teaching, he enjoys golfing, working with computers, studying history of all sorts, and being a Washington Redskins fan.
Katy Goforth is Director of Learning Communities and is a College Skills and Freshman Seminar adjunct instructor at TCTC. She loves that her students choose Tri-County and are excited to be here. She says it makes the learning taking place in the classroom more meaningful to all of her students – and it’s fun! She serves as a volunteer Guardian ad Litem for Anderson County and is a self-proclaimed sucker when it comes to fostering dogs. She and her husband restore vintage camping trailers from the 50s and 60s, and one of her top stress relievers is watching “America’s Next Top Model.” She holds a B.A. in Speech and Communications, and an M.A. in Professional Communications, both from Clemson University.
Donna Shannon, registered dental hygienist, certified dental assistant and department head for our Allied Health/Expanded Duty Dental Assisting program, was recently honored with the Presidential Medallion for Instructional Excellence, the highest award presented to the faculty at the College. “Donna is known for her quality instruction,” said Janet Fuller, nursing department head at Tri-County. “She continually has outstanding student evaluations. Her students pass their national certification exams at 100 percent,” she added. When she came to the College, she had 20 years’ experience in dental hygiene and degrees from Florence-Darlington Technical College and the University of North Carolina. But her excitement for learning new things didn’t stop there. In fact, she has just finished her first upholstery class. When she’s not teaching her students or attending a class on her own, she can be found fly fishing or shag dancing. 6 • 2012-2013 • VIEWBOOK
TCTEA Faculty of the Year The College recently recognized Dr. Harriette Dudley as our 2012 Tri-County Technical Education Association Faculty Member of the Year. She had short-lived aspirations to be a professional football cheerleader for the Rams (and even tried out for the squad in 2000), but fortunately for us, she te Du d le y Dr. H a r r ie t followed her dreams of teaching, serving in the classroom for most of her professional life in pre-K, elementary and Head Start settings, and now sharing that passion with our Early Childhood Development students. Dr. Dudley holds a bachelor of arts from the University of Missouri - Columbia, a master of arts in teaching from Norfolk State University, and a doctor of education from Morgan State University. Determination and perseverance would certainly describe this instructor (to complete her doctoral classes, she flew from St. Louis, MO, to Baltimore, MD, every weekend for a year), but she is also a woman of many talents. She has been singing, acting and dancing in plays and musicals since she was nine years old and most recently performed in The Pocketbook Monologues in 2010 at St. Louis Community College. She also received the phenomenal woman award from the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority in 2009, the service excellence award from St. Louis Community College in 2009 and the teacher of the year award from the Sentinel Newspaper in 2008. Dr. Dudley is a member of the American Association of Women in Community Colleges and the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
A self-proclaimed former procrastinator, Rob Massey, Tri-County’s Director of Advising and Tutoring Services, is now focused on helping our students gain the skills they need to be successful in college and life. “I didn’t know how to study until I got to graduate school,” he says. “But then I had to learn better time management and better ways to study.” His initial plans were to be a music teacher, having earned his bachelor’s degree from Lander University in Music Education, and he still enjoys singing in church. He’s a fan of reality television, particularly “Survivor” and “Big Brother.” And he’s an avid softball player, having played most recently on a regional travel team. He spends every Labor Day weekend in prison – but don’t worry. He works through Christians in Action to bring the game of softball, along with inspiring messages, to area prisons. His graduate studies at Clemson University focused on education, guidance and counseling, and he is excited to be working with our students to help them meet their educational goals.
Danny Stovall spent 13 years in the U.S. Navy riding submarines and 22 years working for Robert Bosch Corporation before coming to the Anderson area. He has been instrumental in helping start up the Mechatronics program at the College and now serves as Program Coordinator of both Mechatronics and our Automotive program. “I have really enjoyed seeing these programs grow at Tri-County,” he says. He and his wife live on a 36-acre farm near the Abbeville/ Anderson County line where they raise Boer Goats and Anatolian Shepherd Livestock Guardian dogs. He started the Splash of Color Boer Goat Sale in Tennessee where he and others from around the country bring red, black or spotted goats to sell. Last year, he sold more than 100 goats and is already gearing up for the next big event. Mr. Stovall earned an Associate in Engineering Technology and an Associate in Industrial Technology from Trident Technical College and his B.S. from Limestone College.
Jeff Christmas, instructor of music and choral director at TCTC, has a B.S. in Music Industry Studies from Appalachian State University and a Master of Music from the Boston Conservatory. During his college internship, he worked for the Jim Henson Company in Hollywood, California. More recently, he sang the baritone solo in Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass at the Brooks Center at Clemson. He appreciates the diverse group of students TCTC offers. “The different perspectives they bring to the classroom keep things fresh, exciting, and interesting,” he says.
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Think You’re Dreaming the Impossible Dream?
Pinch yourself and know you are awake because at Tri-County, you really can get a quality education where paying less doesn’t mean getting less. We are committed to ensuring that you are able to pursue your educational goals, regardless of financial resources.
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ANNIVERSARY
FALL 2012 SEMESTER
FALL 2012 SEMESTER
12 Credit Hours
12 Credit Hours
$1824
$5762
SPRING 2013 SEMESTER
SPRING 2013 SEMESTER
12 Credit Hours
$1824
12 Credit Hours
$5762
$3,648
FRESHMAN YEAR TOTAL
$11,524
FRESHMAN YEAR TOTAL
*excludes activity fee, medical fee and other non-tuition fees.
$24.7 Million
80%
Received by Students in Financial Aid
FALL 2012 SEMESTER
FALL 2012 SEMESTER
12 Credit Hours
12 Credit Hours
$10,425
$10,010
SPRING 2013 SEMESTER
SPRING 2013 SEMESTER
12 Credit Hours
$10,425
12 Credit Hours
$10,010
FRESHMAN YEAR TOTAL
$20,850
FRESHMAN YEAR TOTAL
$20,020
*excludes activity fee, medical fee and other non-tuition fees.
*excludes activity fee, medical fee and other non-tuition fees.
OF OUR STUDENTS
Receive Some Form of Financial Aid
2571
Source: Institution Websites, May 2012
Lottery Scholarships totaling
$2.6 MILLION
1218
LIFE Scholarships totaling
$4.6 MILLION
4257
It all starts with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Our federal school code is 004926.
Pell Grants totaling
$14.3 MILLION 2012-2013 • VIEWBOOK • 9
All Work and No Play? We Wouldn’t Dream of It! “Jump in big!” – that’s the Philosophy of new Student Government Association president Donald Joslyn when it comes to getting involved on campus. “There are so many opportunities and functions for students to participate in at Tri-County. Students just need to come out and be a part of something,” he says. Donald served in Afghanistan for a year-and-a-half and saw a lot that has helped form who he is today. A father of three children, ages 1, 4 and 8, he learned to take pride in his work and his life ambitions so he could be a great example to his family and others around him. “When I was in the military, I wanted to be the best I could be. I took pride in my training, and I brought those feelings with me to this College. I want the student organizations to be the very best they can be,” he says. He also recognizes that being involved on campus will help when setting yourself apart from the competition in the job search process. “A lot of employers look at not just your degree, but what you’ve done to go the extra mile, to show you care, to be a well-rounded person. They want to see student involvement,” he adds. Donald is in his second year of studies pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. The program is offered at the Anderson, Easley, and Pendleton Campuses and online, which was appealing to him as he was making a decision about his home and his future upon returning from his service in Afghanistan. Although he admits it takes dedication and discipline, he has taken about half of his courses online, but with his new role as SGA president, you’ll see him in the classroom and on campus more often.
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DID YOU KNOW? The many partnerships Tri-County has with Clemson University enable our students to participate in the Tiger Band. Associate in Science major Jordan White, made the initial decision to enroll at Tri-County because her classes are close to her home, and with a Tri-County Foundation scholarship and a LIFE scholarship, her tuition, books, and fees were covered. As she explored the resources available to her, she was equally excited to learn that she could also use her interest in twirling to participate in the Tiger Band. Jordan is confident that she made the right decision, both academically and financially, by starting at Tri-County. She plans to transfer to Clemson University upon completion of her studies here.
- Jo rd
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i te
3FIRST PLACE AWARDS
at the 2012 South Carolina Speech and Theatre Association’s Annual College Festival Competition, plus first-place overall honors and Sweepstakes Winner for the first time ever. TCTC students competed against other two- and four-year public and private colleges from across the State, some of whom have full programs in drama and speech.
FIRST national championship start for the TCTC Men’s Golf Team this year.
FIRST TCTC
All-American Golfer, with a 6 place finish in the National Championship, Andrew Harvey. th
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2012-2013 • VIEWBOOK • 11
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Tri-County offers more than 25 student organizations to help you meet new people, build new skills and just enhance your college experience. Some focus on majors, such as the Criminal Justice Club, while others, like the TCTC Book Discussion Club, are designed to broaden your horizon. Even if you’re not one to join in, don’t overlook the opportunities you have to hear guest speakers, to participate in one of the many service projects on campus or to come out and support the men’s golf program or cheer on the women’s basketball team. There truly is something for everyone!
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Student Services For Student Success
At Tri-County, we are all about helping you succeed, and we have an array of services centered on helping you become a stronger student with a brighter future.
ACADEMIC ADVISING You’ll have the opportunity to meet with an academic advisor following your initial orientation session at the College and in each semester that follows. He/She will assist with course selection and registration, educational planning, referrals to other support services, transfer plans and more. Additionally, advising resources and information will be available to you year-round through our advising center.
ASSESSMENT CENTER Assessment Center hours are available at the Anderson, Easley and Pendleton Campuses for the initial placement testing, as well as for make-up tests arranged by instructors.
CAMPUS SAFETY The Campus Safety Department works to provide a safe environment for all students, employees, and visitors on all campuses of Tri-County Technical College. Physical security of the buildings and the equipment also is tasked within the Campus Safety Department. Campus Safety is responsible for enforcing College rules, parking and traffic laws, and all laws in the State of South Carolina. A full report is maintained on our website at www.tctc.edu/SecurityReport.
CALL ME MISTER PROGRAM If you’re a young African-American man interested in teaching young children, consider becoming a part of the Call Me MISTER (Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models) at TCTC. The program aims to recruit, train and certify young black males to become elementary school teachers in SC public schools.
Tony Webb tells his fourth grade Blue Ridge Elementary School class that he struggled academically in high school and college, but he hopes that his confidence and success will be a role model for his students. Tony is the College’s first MISTER to enter the program where African-American males are recruited, trained and certified to become teachers in our public schools. “I went from being a high school student who barely graduated to being named to the President’s List at TriCounty. There were teachers along the way, in high school and college, who encouraged me and saw potential in me I didn’t know I had,” said Tony. “Tri-County teachers are supportive of where you are and where you need to be to be successful,” he said. “I credit Tri-County, the Call Me MISTER program and the wonderful mentors I have had. The MISTER program helped me with personal issues and provided the confidence boost I needed. Years ago, I never thought I would be a Clemson graduate,” Tony added. 14 • 2012-2013 • VIEWBOOK
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COMPREHENSIVE STUDIES The TCTC Campus Store is located on the Pendleton Campus and offers a complete line of textbooks and study guides, educational supplies, name-brand book bags and slings, electronic supplies, Microsoft products, College clothing, and other general merchandise. Shop in person or online at iShopTCTC.com. You can also learn about their specials and new products on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TCTCBookstore.
CAREER SERVICES We offer personalized career counseling and goal-setting resources to both current and prospective students, as well as to our graduating students and alumni. We also maintain a current listing of local job openings, as well as information on local and regional employers. We offer career-related workshops and seminars, and we maintain an extensive resource library to make sure your employment needs are met.
The Comprehensive Studies Division offers courses and learning experiences that are designed to give you the skills and confidence needed for success in curriculum programs.
The Corporate and Community Education Division offers personal and professional development non-credit classes in business, healthcare, workforce development and personal interest areas to more than 12,000 community members each year. The QuickJobs Centers offer quality and relevant certificate programs and courses, some of which can be completed in less than three months. For a current schedule of these CCE classes, please contact the Corporate and Community Education Customer Resource Center in the Industrial and Business Development Center on the Pendleton Campus at 864-646-1700 or visit the division website at www.tctc.edu/learn.
DISABILITY SERVICES The faculty and staff at Tri-County Technical College are dedicated to providing students who have disabilities with full access to programs and services by providing reasonable and effective accommodations that promote student independence. The College Café is located in the Student Center on the Pendleton Campus. You’ll find great food at a great price, a comfortable atmosphere in which to enjoy it all, and the convenience of free WiFi. The Café is also a great place to gather with friends, take study breaks, hang out, relax and unwind. We also offer a delicious selection of hot food and snack items at both our Anderson and Easley Campuses.
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AND THERE’S MORE... Rachel Shingleton, a student at Pendleton High School, started taking dual-credit courses at Tri-County during her junior year. “It was a great opportunity to meet my high-school requirements and earn college credit at the same time. I enjoyed coming to a college campus for classes and have been able to apply my college skills to my high school classes,” said Rachel, who experienced a significant GPA increase after taking dual-enrollment classes. Rachel was recently named Anderson County’s Distinguished Young Woman and finished as second runner up to South Carolina’s Distinguished Young Woman. She attributes her success to her dual-enrollment involvement. “Tri-County has definitely been a great experience for me,” she added.
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l Shi n R ach e
g le t o n
DUAL ENROLLMENT
IT RESOURCES
Are you interested in taking college courses while in high school? If so, you can “step” into college early at Tri-County Technical College through dual enrollment through the Secondary Transition Enrollment Program (STEP). If you are a high school junior or senior and if you have permission from your principal and parents/guardian, you can transition into college by earning college credit while in high school.
Information and technology resources, such as computers, printers, and Internet access, are provided to students to facilitate the accomplishment of their academic endeavors. Computers are available in the library and in the open computer laboratories.
eTC
Whether you are doing research on campus or from a remote location, the library provides access to literally millions of resources – both print and online. Our helpful staff and research librarians can help you find exactly what you need to complete your course assignments.
Designed especially for our Tri-County community, the web-based portal offers a one-stop location for all College information, including e-mail, campus announcements, activity calendars, financial aid status updates, registration tools and more.
HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION Tri-County doesn’t have residence halls, but there are many apartments for rent near the campus. Most students drive to and from the College, and some form their own car pools. With high gas prices having no end in sight, you also might consider one of the free transportation services available to TCTC students. The Clemson Area Transit (CAT) bus is free to all, and the Electric City Transit system is free to students showing a valid TCTC ID.
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LIBRARY
OPEN COMPUTER LABS The College has two open computer labs located in Pickens Hall and Fulp Hall on the Pendleton Campus, as well as one on the Anderson and Easley Campuses.
STUDENT RECORDS The Student Records Office plays a vital role in delivering a wide range of services in the areas of academic records, registration, publications, graduation certification and commencement ceremony, issuance of transcript and enrollment verification, advanced standing, grade collection, and scheduling and maintenance of academic courses.
“The B.L.A.S.T., Begin Learning About Something Today, learning community class was one of my first classes in 20 years. I was so worried about some of the computer classes and how much things would have changed. This class helped me with time management and selfresponsibility. It brought a lot of self-awareness and interdependence to the table,” said Brent Lipscomb. “It’s hard to admit, but I was one of those who wanted to just say I was ‘born dumb’ and use that as an excuse. This class taught me to get past that and that I could do so much more.” Brent plans to complete his associate in Arts degree before transferring to Clemson to study psychology. His dream is to continue his education through a master’s degree and become a personal counselor.
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TECHNICAL ADVANCED PLACEMENT (TAP) Our TAP program offers you the opportunity to receive college credit at Tri-County Technical College for courses taken in high school, mostly in occupational and technical areas. You’ll need to demonstrate through a TAP exam and a portfolio or skills assessment that you’ve gained skills and knowledge equivalent to what’s required in a TCTC certificate, diploma, or degree program.
TUTORING CENTER Even some of the most successful students need help at times, and our tutoring services program provides that help to all students who need tutoring in mathematics, science or writing. In addition, students will have access to supplementary materials in those disciplines, including handouts; instructional CDs and videotapes; textbooks; solution manuals; and computer software. The Center offers graphing calculator assistance, and computers are provided to students for research and word processing. Academic skills workshops focusing on developing study skills, note-taking skills, and test-taking skills are offered on a regular basis.
Learning through Community and Connections Learning communities at Tri-County are made possible by Learning through Community and Connections (LC2). LC2 and their courses are designed to provide you with a “leg up” on becoming part of the College community. Also, you will learn skills, habits, and attitudes that are necessary tools to succeed at TCTC and in life. Some communities are stand-alone courses and others link 2 -3 courses thematically through the exploration of a particular topic. Many of the learning communities include a Freshman Seminar course that is designed to help students develop a better understanding of the learning process and acquire essential academic survival skills. Learning communities are open to all students and strongly recommended for first-time students. You will have a community of friends learning alongside you. And, last but not least, it’s fun! Let your advisor know you are interested in being part of a community!
2012-2013 • VIEWBOOK • 17
Fun Facts 6780
Average Age of Our Students
Number of Students Last Fall
57.1% Female 42.9% Male
60.8% Enrolled FULL-TIME
31 countries 41 states
Employer satisfaction with TCTC Grads
98%
39.2% Enrolled Part-Time
According to a recent CNN study, a high school graduate with no college education can expect to earn a weekly salary of about $583.
For associate degree holders, that figure is 15% more. 18 • 2012-2013 • VIEWBOOK
Cost of a Burger, Fries and Drink in the College Café:
<$4
100% Pass Rates
Achieved by Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Medical Laboratory Technology, and Practical Nursing (LPN) Students on Certification Exams
1
#
Foundation’s endowment ranking among the 16 technical colleges in the State
$1 Million Single-largest financial gift to the College to date, from The Abney Foundation in 2002
TCTC Firsts... • Training program in the State for Veterinary Technicians •
Community college to offer Bridge to Clemson, an invitation-only program that blends the traditional academic experience at Tri-County with the social and cultural experiences of being a Clemson University student.
$2631 Average Gift from Individuals to our College’s Foundation toward Scholarships, Educational Support, Technology, etc.
• Technical college in the State to offer PRE-PHARMACY PROGRAM, providing students with the courses needed to apply to pharmacy school. •
Technician of the Year Award from SC Association of Veterinarians, given to Christee Williams, a licensed veterinary technician and instructor in the department since 1988
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial in South Carolina, located at the main entrance to the Pendleton Campus
Number of Steps up
•
“Cardiac Hill” = 78
Multi-county technical institute in the State
• Community College in the country to acquire a surgical simulator and integrate it into its Surgical Technology procedures 2012-2013 • VIEWBOOK • 19
Architecture & Construction
CARPENTRY | HVAC | MASONRY | PLUMBING | WELDING |WIRING
TRI-COUNTY PROGRAMS • Construction Technology Basic Carpentry Basic Masonry Residential Plumbing Residential Wiring
• Engineering Graphics Technology • Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning • Industrial Electronics Technology Basic Electronics
• Welding Technology Industrial Welding
CAREERS • Brickmason, Blockmason • Carpenter • Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technician • Electrical and Electronic Repairer, Powerhouse, Substation and Relay • Electrical Power Line Installer and Repairer • Electrician • Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer • Mechanical Drafter • Plumber, Pipefitter, Steamfitter • Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter • Welder, Cutter, Solderer and Brazer
With a range of jobs that spans everything from designing to constructing to maintaining, our construction program is designed to meet the needs of our service area. Employment opportunities are expected to grow 21% by 2020. Building construction is one of the few areas where you can start your career with some basic skills and then work your way up the proverbial ladder to success, whether your idea of success is adding new skills or even owning your own business. Hands-on training is key to providing the skills needed for success, and at Tri-County, we often combine that training with community connections. Our students have worked on projects like the Anderson Interfaith Ministries’ house and are currently building a fullscale reproduction of a Rosenwald school on our Anderson Campus through a partnership with the Anderson County Museum. On the horizon are plans to build a full-scale reproduction of an electric trolley that ran in Anderson in the early 1900s. Coursework prepares students for successful completion of the Residential Builder’s License Exam and may be applied toward the Builder’s License required work experience. Daytime and evening classes are offered on the Pendleton Campus.
After serving in the military for four years, Nick Moyer decided to come to TCTC with the goal of graduation with honors. He had some experience in HVAC already, but realized he needed additional training to be truly successful. “I know that I need a degree to get a good job. Just having experience is not enough in today’s world,” he says.
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Mo ye
r
Arts & AV Technology
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY | DIGITAL PRODUCTION GRAPHIC DESIGN | RADIO & TELEVISION BROADCASTING
Tri-County is one of the few colleges in the nation that offers a two-year degree in Radio & Television Broadcasting. You’ll learn not only the technical aspects of the behind-thescenes work in radio and television, but you’ll also develop your own personal talents and communication style for creative careers in the field. Jobs are plentiful in the field, and the demand has enabled us to offer exciting new certificates over the last few years. Our newest program, Digital Photography, teaches not only the artistry behind breath-taking photos, but also the techniques and practices needed for electronic media, portraiture and print.
Eric Graham thought he wanted to be in the field of radio when he first came to Tri-County Technical College, but his studies led him down a different pathway – a pathway that now puts him behind the camera and in an editing studio in his job at GreenvilleHD. com. “I enjoy the creative process of videography and editing. It’s the kind of field where the hands-on training is important, and so are the new experiences you gain every day,” m a h a he says. “I weighed the pros and Gr - Er ic cons of going to Tri-County with going to a four-year program. Because of all the experiences the Tri-County instructors bring to the classroom, plus all the connections they have in the field, I chose Tri-County hands-down.” Eric said he felt like he could get a great job following completion of his RTV degree in 2007, but little did he know, his job would bring him full-circle. He recently returned to the College as the videographer for GreenvilleHD.com to shoot Tri-County’s campus video.
TRI-COUNTY PROGRAMS • Radio and Television Broadcasting Digital Photography Digital Production Techniques Graphic Communications
CAREERS • Audio & Video Equipment Technician • Broadcast Technician • Camera Operator • Electronics Technician • Graphic Designer • Media Producer and Director • Photographer • Radio and Television Announcer • Reporter and Correspondent • Sound Engineering Technician
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BUSINESS
ACCOUNTING | ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE | MANAGEMENT
TRI-COUNTY PROGRAMS • Accounting
Financial Accounting Managerial Accounting Payroll Accounting Tax Accounting
Whether it’s the idea of being your own boss, crunching numbers or closing a deal that appeals to you, there are a number of programs that can put you on the pathway to success. And because we are constantly evaluating the needs of the businesses around us and adjusting our programs as needs change, Tri-County is the best place to get your start in the world of business.
• Administrative Office Technology Administrative Support Data Entry Clerk Medical Office Specialist Office Support Specialist
• Management
Business Foundations Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management Human Resource Specialist Marketing Web-Based Business Marketing
• Management: Banking and Finance Emphasis
CAREERS • Accounting and Auditing Clerk, Bookkeeper • Banking: Credit Authorizer, Checker, Clerk • Executive/Administrative Assistant • Management: Office/ Administrative Settings • Management: Retail/ Sales Settings • Medical Office Specialist • Office/Administrative Support • Payroll, Timekeeping Clerk • Tax Preparer
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Through our accounting program, we are meeting a variety of needs of the businesses our area. Not only do we offer a top-notch associate degree program, but we also offer certificates in specialty areas, including Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Payroll Accounting and Tax Accounting. Students studying Administrative Office Technology benefit from training for a variety of skills in a variety of settings, including the ever-growing healthcare field. If being “in charge” is more your goal, you’ll be glad to know you can attain an associate degree in Management, as well as in Management: Banking and Finance Emphasis, both of which will provide you with the skills needed for entry-level positions. Certificates in this area can complement either degree or can stand alone to provide you with training in entrepreneurship/small business management, human resources, marketing and web-based business marketing.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
TRI-COUNTY PROGRAMS • Early Childhood Development Associate Degree
Whether it’s helping little ones master the ABC song or teaching them a mathematic equation, there’s no better feeling than the “ah-ha” moment when a child gets it. Through studies in Early Childhood Development at TCTC, you’ll receive effective training that will help you promote the positive development of young children, and you’ll have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through placements in early childhood centers and public schools. We offer an associate degree, diploma and certificate, as well as specialized certificates in Infant/Toddler Care and Childcare Management.
“I always knew working with kids was my passion, but from the very first couple of days in my ECD 101 class, I knew this was what I wanted to pursue – to get my degree in Early Childhood Development. My instructor brought in so much from her experiences in other places – even from India – and, wow – I just didn’t know there were so many options, so many different perspectives, in early childhood studies,” says Marquita “Marcie” Taylor, a current substitute teacher in Anderson District V Schools. Through the ECD program, Marcie had the opportunity to complete labs with many different age groups, and she has found her niche. “When I did my lab last semester at First Baptist Church in Anderson, I worked with pre-schoolers, ages 4- to 5-, and I knew right away this is where I belong. Those young kids are wiser and smarter and ready to learn more – that age group has my heart,” she added.
Early Childhood Development Diploma Early Childhood Development Certificate Care Management Infant/Toddler
CAREERS • Childcare Center Manager • Childcare Worker • Pre-School Teacher • Teacher Assistant
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HEALTH SCIENCE
ALLIED HEALTH | NURSING | VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY
Whether you want to work with people or pets, the exciting field of healthcare combines cutting-edge technology with your compassion to care for the sick and injured among us.
ALLIED HEALTH At TCTC, we train for a variety of allied health settings, from medical laboratories and surgical operating rooms to dental offices and pharmacies. We train our students to be a part of an overall healthcare team – and the training is proven time and again in many ways. Our Class of 2011 Medical Laboratory Technology graduates received 100% pass rates on their national certification exam, earning an average score of 616, compared to the national score of 510. Our 2010 Dental Assisting students also are celebrating 100% pass rates on the Dental Assisting National Board, and our Medical Assisting students received perfect scores as well.
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It’s not just the strong scores and high pass rates that reaffirm our efforts. Alan Rusnak, Morgan Fleming, Marshall Price and Claire Reid are Tri-County graduates who transitioned successfully to the PharmD program at Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy. “TriCounty can be proud of these students,” says Dr. Laura Fox, assistant dean, professional and student affairs, and associate professor of pharmaceutics at PC. “Academically, we see no difference between students who have completed 65 hours of pre-pharmacy coursework in two or three years and our four-year degree students.” Tri-County d i was the first technical college in the State to offer a pre-pharmacy package of Re classes. Other colleges and universities are also recognizing Tri-County’s ability to prepare our graduates for solid careers. Effective Fall 2011, MLT graduates who meet specific criteria can enroll as juniors at Clemson University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in microbiology with a concentration in biomedicine. “I believe the outstanding reputation of our science department was a key factor in Clemson’s confidence that our graduates would be well-prepared for their program,” said Polly Kay, TCTC’s MLT program coordinator.
We have an agreement in place that allows graduates from Tri-County’s Medical Laboratory Technology program to be accepted in the Microbiology/Biomedicine program with junior standing at Clemson. 24 • 2012-2013 • VIEWBOOK
HEALTH SCIENCE
ALLIED HEALTH | NURSING | VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY
Ever since Angie Sutton played with Dr. Barbie at age four, she knew she wanted to work in healthcare. When she came to TCTC, she knew Medical Laboratory Technology was perfect for her. “I love the mystery and science of lab work. It is a fascinating world of discovery! The lab technician’s job is not a clean one, but it is definitely intriguing and full of possibilities,” she u t ton S y d n says. Her possibilities just We ie a n d g n A expanded, as Angie is the first student to enter Clemson University through a new articulation agreement enabling her to enroll as a junior in the Microbiology/Biomedicine program. US News and World Report named lab technicians as one of the 50 best careers for 2011 and predicted strong growth over the next decade. Angie’s mom, Wendy, shown in the photo, is also a Tri-County student.
TRI-COUNTY PROGRAMS • Allied Health Preparation • Associate Degree Nursing Health Science L.P.N.to A.D.N. Nursing Preparation
• Expanded Duty Dental Assisting • Medical Assisting • Medical Laboratory Technology • Practical Nursing • Pre-Dental Hygiene • Pre-Nursing • Pre-Pharmacy • Surgical Technology • Veterinary Technology
CAREERS • Expanded Duty Dental Assistant • Licensed Practical Nurse • Medical Assistant • Medical Laboratory Technician • Registered Nurse • Surgical Technologist • Veterinary Technician
Our Nursing programs are approved by the State Board of Nursing for South Carolina and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission, 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326. Phone: 404-975-5000. Website: www.nlnac.org. 2012-2013 • VIEWBOOK • 25
HEALTH SCIENCE
ALLIED HEALTH | NURSING | VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY
NURSING The Associate Degree program at TCTC will prepare you with the training needed to take the National Council Licensing Exam to become a Registered Nurse, and our graduates meet and often exceed state and national averages for pass rates. We also offer a Practical Nursing program that prepares you to work as a beginning-level staff nurse who would work under the direction of an RN or physician. For the 6th time in a decade, our graduates achieved 100% pass rates on their national licensing exam. One of our Practical Nursing students is also an entrepreneur, having developed a simulator kit for individual use. The kits contain low-fidelity simulators for a tracheotomy, male and female catheters, nasogastric intubation, wound care, and injection pad and an IV pad. “We students were asking how to practice our skills at home, but there was no easy way to do so,” said creator Tanya Mikkelson. “The simulators were all in the college labs, and there weren’t mobile units for students to purchase to practice on at home.” After lots of trial and error, a great deal of research and many late nights, Tanya perfected the design and found a manufacturer. She sought the help of the Clemson University Small Business Development Center for advice on creating a business plan, and pitched the product to Julie Vernon, Practical Nursing Coordinator. “I was blown away…. These are the most realistic simulators I have ever seen,” said Ms. Vernon. “At the root of this endeavor is her desire to help others. She used her artistic abilities to help herself and her classmates.” Tri-County purchased 92 kits, and several four-year colleges have agreed to purchase kits for Fall 2012. “This was so exciting for me…. Every college I have approached has said, ‘we need this,’” said Tanya.
We have an agreement in place that allows graduates from Tri-County’s Associate Degree Nursing program to be accepted in the Nursing program with junior standing at Clemson. 26 • 2012-2013 • VIEWBOOK
HEALTH SCIENCE
ALLIED HEALTH | NURSING | VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY
VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY Students in the Veterinary Technology program will learn a variety of skills, ranging from taking vital statistics to assisting in an operating room. The support that technicians offer to veterinarians is multi-faceted. Some will administer anesthesia and do laboratory tests, while others will provide rehabilitation and take radiographs and sonographs. The program at Tri-County is known for its hands-on training and was, in fact, the only community college in the country to receive Pepper, a simulated head of a grown Labrador Retriever designed to teach anesthesia techniques.
“Even though we have a large class for this year, we get a lot of attention and handson training that helps me learn and retain information a lot better,” says Chelsea BarnesWalker. “My - Che l s e a Ba instructors r ne s-W alke r really challenge me to be my best. If I could change anything, it would be to come here as soon as I got out of high school,” she added.
We have an agreement in place that allows graduates from Tri-County’s Veterinary Technology program to be accepted in the Animal and Veterinary Sciences program with junior standing at Clemson.
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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMPUTERS | INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
TRI-COUNTY PROGRAMS • Computer Technology • Computer Technology: Information Technology Emphasis
CAREERS • Computer Programmer • Computer Support Specialist • Database Administrator • Network and Computer Systems Administrator
It is virtually impossible to work in today’s world without computers. And if you consider yourself “into computers,” becoming the person who designs them, builds them, maintains them, repairs them, or even teaches others how to use them could be the best career move you make. As the world continues to want products faster and productivity boosted, nationwide, one in six new professional jobs will be in the world of Information Technology. Opportunities are available for individuals who are willing to keep up their training and knowledge to meet tomorrow’s needs, and Tri-County can help you be a part of that exciting future. Hands-on training helps students prepare for entry-level positions in a variety of environments, from business to industry, from education to government. For students pursuing a career in computer programming, we have the Associate Degree in Computer Technology. For those who are interested in a career as a computer support technician or network support technician, we offer an Information Technology emphasis. Other programs can also lead to jobs in the IT arena.
“My favorite part of teaching in the Computer & Information Technology Department is seeing students put together their own projects outside of class (and not for any course requirements) based on their own interests. As examples, I have seen a ‘Fantastic 4’ web site, and a ‘March Madness’ application. We encourage our students to do things such as this, because who knows what the next killer app (such as Facebook) will be?” says CIT Instructor George Fiori.
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LAW, PUBLIC SAFETY, CORRECTIONS & SECURITY CRIMINAL JUSTICE
TRI-COUNTY PROGRAMS Few jobs will test your endurance like serving and protecting your community, but few jobs will provide greater satisfaction than those in the public service sector. You’ll help and protect others, uphold the law, and keep order in the community. About 20% of today’s jobs in South Carolina have to do with the government or military services, and the employment opportunities are numerous. Our program covers an overview of courts and corrections systems, as well as education and human service agencies. You’ll learn practical, theoretical, and technical applications of law enforcement, as well as get a broader understanding of the overall criminal justice system.
Ryan Chapman credits the small class sizes and one-on-one instruction for his success at Tri-County. This recent Criminal Justice graduate says, “The quality of instruction here is top-notch. The instructors bring a lot from the career field. I’ve learned to do finger-printing, blood-spatters, crime scene photos and more.” Ryan is also a volunteer firefighter and hopes to combine that experience with the knowledge he has gained - Ry a n C h a pm here to study arson-related crimes.
• Criminal Justice Technology
Crime Scene Investigation Law Enforcement and Corrections Service
CAREERS • Correctional Officer • Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officer • Security Officer
an
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MANUFACTURING AUTOMOTIVE | EGT | GET | IET | IST | MTT MECHATRONICS | WELDING It doesn’t get much better than South Carolina to get a great job in the field of manufacturing. Earlier this year, Michelin announced it would be opening a new global factory in Anderson County, and just up the Interstate, BMW announced new plans and new jobs on the horizon. In fact, there are almost 5000 manufacturing-related companies in our State, ranging from plastics to pharmaceuticals, from computers to robots. Today’s technicians use their minds as much as their hands to work through ideas and make improving processes. Better jobs, better paychecks are new possibilities for those with the handson training needed to succeed in this new world.
IT IS A WORLD THAT CAN BE ANYTHING YOU WANT IT TO BE If it’s built, grown, driven or flown, it is probably the result of a manufacturing process e rs St ag g – a process that involves technology and e n i a m engineering mind-sets. Careers in these areas - Ch ar offer a variety or employment opportunities, high salary options and a career that can help improve the quality of our daily lives. Even with those promises, fewer women enter into these fields. Tri-County, however, is working hard to turn that around. Charmaine Staggers is a General Engineering Technology student at Tri-County who embraces her newfound career path. She started out in our Arts & Sciences Division with a goal to transfer, but she felt her plan needed something more specific – and something more immediate. When she ventured to our Engineering and Industrial Technology Division, she found what she calls her “ideal world.” Charmaine said that, like most other women she knows, she thought this world was all about “machines, oil, dust, and debris.” Now, however, she says, “It is a world that can be anything you want it to be.”
TRI-COUNTY PROGRAMS • Automotive Technology
Automotive Air Conditioning Systems Automotive Transmission Systems Automotive Braking Systems Automotive Engine Electrical Systems Automotive Engine Performance Systems
• Engineering Graphics Technology • General Engineering Technology Engineering Science-Transfer
• Industrial Electronics Technology Basic Electronics
• Industrial Supervision Technology
Introduction to Manufacturing Management Technology Manufacturing and Continuous Process Improvement Introduction to Quality Assurance
• Machine Tool Technology
Introduction to CNC Basic Machining CAD/CAM/CNC Fundamentals CNC Math and Print Reading
• Mechatronics Technology Mechatronics I
• Welding Technology
Mechatronics II
Operations of Manufacturing Robots
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“In General Engineering Technology, we get an overview of all the spectrums of engineering – some electrical, some mechanical, some robotics. When I leave Tri-County, I’ll be prepared to go to the workplace to do some programming, troubleshooting, and even design,” says Charmaine. She credits her instructors for providing her with real-life training that will help her get a great job. “Our instructors make an effort to know what industries in our area lack and what they are in need of. They strengthen our skills in those areas to make us more marketable.” One of her favorite projects was to take an everyday object that’s not all it could be and redesign it. Being a mom of two little ones, she realized the challenges of sippy cups. She and her team members set out to research materials, plan a design, come up with new ideas and more to build a better product. “It would be great to think of a new component that could go into a fighter jet or something like that, but my hope is to see the needs that are out there all the time and to work to change our everyday quality of life,” she says. Charmaine plans to attend the USC-Upstate Engineering Management Technology program. We have a transfer agreement in place that allows Tri-County students who earn at least 30 semester hours in the pre-engineering program at Tri-County, maintain an overall GPA of at least 2.75, and meet all other admissions requirements, to be admitted as sophomores at USC, where they can continue their education in chemical, mechanical, electrical, civil, biomedical or nuclear engineering.
MANUFACTURING
AUTOMOTIVE | EGT | GET | IET | IST | MTT | MECHATRONICS | WELDING CAREERS Cassandra DeGive is on track to be our second female graduate through our Welding program when she completes her classes this summer, and she’s the first female to win an award at the State Welding Competition. She admits that her initial interest in welding came about when she heard about a $27-an-hour paycheck one of her - Cas s welding friends was bringing home, but once she started a ndra DeG i ve in the program, she knew she was where she wanted to be. She has learned to make unique household items out of scrap pieces of metal and hopes to one day open a business that combines her welding with her creativity. Cassandra already has landed a job in the welding field, working full-time at Sargent Metal, but earning her degree is important to her. “I am driven to do this. I never finished high school, but with my GED and supportive people in my life, I know I can graduate from college,” she says. “The instructors here are phenomenal. If I have ever needed anything, they have always been there to help me succeed. I have learned the full scope of welding processes and am ready for a great future.”
• Automotive Service Technician and Mechanic • Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operator • Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setter, Operator and Tender • Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technician • Electrical and Electronics Repairer, Commercial and Industrial Equipment • Electrical and Electronics Repairer, Powerhouse, Substation and Relay • Electrical Power Line Installer and Repairer • Electrician • Engineering Technician • First Line Supervisor/Manager of Mechanic, Installer and Repairer • First-Line Supervisor/Manager of Production and Operating Worder
Congratulations to the very first class of BMW Scholars graduates, pictured here. Seven of this inaugural class are also Tri-County graduates, and all were officially hired as full-time BMW production and equipment service associates. “This is a great example of how collaboration between the educational and manufacturing sector leads to far better outcomes for our next generation,” said BMW’s President Josef Kerscher. BMW partners with Tri-County, along with two of our sister colleges, to recruit for its new apprenticeship program, providing workplace benefits, along with tuition and book assistance. Applications are being accepted now from Tri-County students for the Fall Semester.
• Industrial Machinery Mechanic • Inspector, Tester, Sorter, Sampler and Weigher • Installation, Maintenance and Repair Worker • Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator and Tender • Numerical Tool and Process Control Programmer • Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter • Tool and Die Maker • Welder, Cutter, Solderer and Brazer
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UNIVERSITY TRANSFER ARTS & SCIENCE | ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS
UNIVERSITY TRANSFER Our Arts & Sciences Division offers full programs designed to give students the opportunity to complete the first two years of college work at Tri-County Technical College and then transfer to a four-year institution to complete their bachelor’s degree. For maximum transfer of credit, we recommend that students work with their academic advisors to review the requirements for their anticipated major at the college to which they plan to transfer and schedule their courses accordingly. The Associate in Arts Degree is designed for students who plan careers in business, education, journalism, psychology, or another liberal arts field, while the Associate in Science Degree is designed for students who plan careers in computer science, engineering, medicine, agriculture, or another science-related area.
TRANSFER AGREEMENTS ARE IN PLACE! Thanks to a statewide articulation agreement, 86 courses taught at two-year colleges like Tri-County Technical College will automatically transfer to any State public college or university. In addition, Tri-County has other agreements in place with local universities to make a four-year degree more accessible to you. We have included information on the Health Education pages and Manufacturing pages about agreements for those programs of study and have listed others here for your convenience. More are coming so check our website for the latest information or call Admissions at 864-646-1550.
ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS Tri-County has a transfer agreement with Anderson University that includes more than 100 Tri-County courses that will seamlessly transfer into a variety of Anderson University majors. We have an agreement in place that allows graduates from Tri-County’s Associate in Science program (with selected other criteria) to be accepted in the Biological Sciences program with junior standing at Clemson. Tri-County has a transfer agreement with Limestone College that allows Tri-County students to transfer up to 66 credit hours from an approved course listing to Limestone College. 32 • 2012-2013 • VIEWBOOK
BRIDGE PROGRAMS
Bridge to Clemson: A first of its kind in South Carolina, this invitation-only program - Cour blends the traditional academic experience at Tri-County with the social and cultural t ne y experiences of being at Clemson University. Invitations are extended by Clemson to those who narrowly miss admission to the University. Bridge students must earn 30 transfer credits at Tri-County during their Bridge year and maintain a 2.5 GPA in order to transition to Clemson for their sophomore year. They live together in a local apartment complex and have access to student life programs and services at Tri-County and Clemson. Bridge to USC: This statewide agreement is intended to make transitions from SC technical colleges to USC as seamless as possible and to increase the success of transfer students once they’re enrolled at the Columbia campus. The University and technical colleges will identify and contact students who are eligible for the program. Participating students will have access to a variety of services from Tri-County and USC. Bridge to Erskine: This program is for students who wish to begin their studies at Tri-County and transfer to Erskine. Erskine approves entry into the program, and a variety of acclimationto-Erskine programs and activities are provided. Students study for one year at Tri-County, and after completing a minimum of 30 semester hours of specified courses at a 2.7 GPA, can transfer seamlessly to Erskine College as sophomores. Participants receive admissions counseling from both Tri-County and Erskine. Students are assigned a student mentor who will guide them through the transfer process and their first semester at Erskine. Bridge to Lander: Lander University has developed a partnership agreement with all 16 technical colleges in S.C., which helps to ensure a successful transition from Tri-County to Lander. The program provides advising and academic support for prospective freshman transfer students who have been identified by the institutions and who meet the GPA requirements. USC Upstate Direct Connect: USC Upstate has developed a partnership agreement with several Upstate colleges that guarantees admission to USC Upstate for any student who graduates with an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science or select Associate in Applied Science degree. The program provides enhanced academic advising and accelerated admission to USC Upstate to provide a smooth transition.
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“I really like the challenge I get at Tri-County. The class sizes are really great because you get to know your instructor and you have more contact. I feel like I’ve made better grades because of that. I have made a lot of friends since I have been here, and it’s just been a really great experience,” says Courtney Ambrose, Bridge to Clemson student.
For more information about Bridge programs and others in the works, contact the Director of Bridge and Educational Partnership at 864-646-1615.
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TCTC Is for ME! NOW WHAT?
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
APPLY TO TRI-COUNTY
COMPLETE THE FINANCIAL AID PROCESS
COMPLETE THE PRE-ORIENTATION ASSESSMENTS
• FAFSA applications may be completed online at www. fafsa.gov.
• You’ll take the Smarter Measure assessment through the eTC Get Ready tab.
ATTEND ORIENTATION/ ADVISEMENT AND REGISTER FOR CLASSES
• Our federal school code is 004926.
• You’ll take the academic placement assessment, COMPASS, at the Anderson, Easley or Pendleton Campuses. (Bring a photo ID.)
• Submit an application for admission at www.tctc.edu/ apply. • Pay the $30 non-refundable application fee. • Send your final, official transcripts for high school/ GED and all colleges attended. • Once you are admitted, you will be mailed an acceptance packet that will include your eTC portal login information. eTC is your online connection to all TCTC information and services, and you can access it fully as an admitted student.
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• Check the status of your financial aid application on the Get Ready tab in your eTC account and submit any requested documents. • Questions? Contact Financial Aid at 864-6461650 or finaid@tctc.edu.
• Information and sample questions are available at www.tctc.edu under Admissions and Placement Testing. • Questions? Contact the Assessment Center at 864-646-1300 or placement@tctc.edu.
• During orientation you will meet with an academic advisor to plan your schedule and register for classes. • Questions about orientation? Contact Orientation Services at 864646-1502 or orientation@ tctc.edu. • Questions about registering for classes? Contact Student Records at 864-646-1600 or registrar@tctc.edu.
CONTACT INFORMATION 2012-2013 | www.tctc.edu
Anderson Campus 511 Michelin Boulevard Anderson, SC 29625 864-260-6700
Easley Campus 1774 Powdersville Road Easley, SC 29642 864-220-8888
Oconee Campus Hamilton Career Center 100 Vocational Drive Seneca, SC 29672 864-886-4555
Important Telephone Numbers Main Number 864-646-8361 College Information 864-646-1500 Admissions 864-646-1550 Financial Aid 864-646-1650 Career Services 864-646-1577 Toll Free (within the 864 area code) 1-866-269-5677 TDD/VOICE 1-800-735-2905
Pendleton Campus 7900 Highway 76 Pendleton, SC 29670 864-646-8361
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2012
ANNIVERSARY
PO Box 587 • Pendleton, SC 29670
“Jump in big!” -Student Government President, Donald Joslyn We’re more than exceptional training and seamless transfers – we’re also a great experience for students looking to get involved in a vibrant campus community. Get to know Donald on page 10, or better yet, come join us next semester and get involved!
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