Students at VGCC Franklin Campus introduced to new Advising plan
Vance-Granville Community College recently held special events for students at each of the college’s four campuses. These receptions served not only to welcome students to the start of a new semester but also to unveil VGCC’s new “ Quality Enhancement Plan ” (QEP). The five-year initiative is entitled “Advising in 3D: Dream, Design, Discover,” and its purpose is to improve academic advising and career planning for students. The QEP, developed after gathering input from VGCC students, faculty and staff and the community, aims to help students succeed by empowering them to take responsibility for their academic and career goals.
On Sept. 11, VGCC’s Franklin County Campus near Louisburg became the fourth and final location to host a QEP event. At a brief outdoor ceremony, VGCC Dean of Student Learning & Success Jennifer Johnson, who serves as chair of the QEP committee, and Franklin Campus Dean Bobbie Jo May made welcoming remarks to an assembly of students, faculty and staff. Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of VGCC, then explained to students that the new QEP is “focused on assisting you all in dreaming, designing and discovering the endless possibilities available to you through VGCC. Our QEP is about working together with you to ensure that you are prepared for the workforce or prepared to continue your education at the university level.” Williams advised students that they too must become partners in making the plan a success. “A commitment is a two-way street, so I ask you to work hard in your studies, meet with your advisors and get help when you need it through tutoring and academic support,” the president said.
The highlight of the ceremony came when Dr. Williams and two students from Franklin Campus — Cosmetology student Salina Alston and Welding student Joshua Pritchett — lifted a covering to reveal a large wooden cube on the campus grounds that is designed to symbolize the QEP. Constructed by VGCC Carpentry students under the supervision of program head/instructor Keith Tunstall and decorated by a team of college faculty and staff members, the cube has a puzzle-piece design. The words “Dream,” “Design” and “Discover” are painted on three of the sides, with “3 D” on top. “This piece of art will serve as a daily reminder to every member of our VGCC community that our institution is committed to solid academic advising and career planning, and ultimately to student success,” President Williams said. Following the ceremony, students enjoyed refreshments at a reception and had the chance to win prizes by correctly answering questions about the QEP.
VGCC’s development of the QEP is part of the process through which the college is seeking reaffirmation of its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Such a reaffirmation is required every ten years of institutions that, like VGCC, have already been accredited by the Atlanta-based agency. SACS requires each college and university to submit a QEP, a long-term course of action that addresses a topic or issue related to improving student learning and/or students’ learning environment.
Above: From left, VGCC Franklin Campus Welding student Joshua Pritchett, campus Dean Bobbie Jo May, college President Stelfanie Williams and Cosmetology student Salina Alston pose with the newly unveiled cube that represents the Quality Enhancement Plan, entitled “Advising in 3D: Dream, Design, Discover.” (VGCC photo)
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