VGCC introduces new plan to enhance Advising
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 it focuses on improving 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 Aug. 28, VGCC’s South Campus , located between Creedmoor and Butner, became the first 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 South Campus Dean Cecilia Wheeler made welcoming remarks to an assembly of students, faculty and staff. Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of VGCC, then announced that the unveiling of the QEP represented “a commitment that Vance-Granville makes as an institution to our students that we will support your success through solid academic advising and career planning.” The president advised students that they too must become partners in making the plan a success. “A commitment is a two-way street, so each student needs to build relationships with your advisors and other staff,” Williams said. “At the end of the day, we want to ensure that each of you reaches your goals.”
The highlight of the ceremony came when Dean Wheeler and South Campus Director Derrick Cameron 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 artwork will be a constant reminder to students of the chance they have to first dream about their education, design a plan to complete it, and finally discover endless opportunities,” 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 South Campus Dean Cecilia Wheeler, President Stelfanie Williams and Dean of Student Learning & Success Jennifer Johnson 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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