‘Welcome back!’ (The Daily Dispatch, Sept. 5, 2012)
By Allie Rae Mauser
The Daily Dispatch, Henderson, NC
www.HendersonDispatch.com
September 5, 2012
Vance-Granville Community College’s main campus kicked off the start of their fall semester Tuesday with a Welcome Back reception where students were introduced to the school’s new Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP).
A brief ceremony was held in the courtyard of VGCC’s main campus, followed by lunch in the student lounge, where students played games, won prizes and mingled with faculty and staff.
“Institutions of higher education are required to gain or maintain accreditation with SACS, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools,” said Stelfanie Williams, president at VGCC. “Part of SACS’ goal is to enhance educational quality by ensuring schools meet standards, which address the needs of society and students.”
According to SACS’ 2012 Edition of the Principles of Accreditation, participation in the accreditation process is voluntary and is an earned renewable status. This year’s standards are geared toward improving the quality of academic planning and career guidance.
“In talking with students and looking at data it’s been decided there needs to be a stronger focus on solid academic planning,” Williams said. “We are supporting the success of our students by improving this area.”
A cubed piece of artwork displaying the words “dream,” “design,” and “discover” was unveiled in the courtyard area, to be a reminder to students of the new QEP.
“This is a great symbol of our commitment to you,” Williams said. “Study hard, meet with your advisors, and do your part to ensure success. This artwork is in place to be a constant reminder to students of the chance they have to follow their dreams, design their educational plan, and discover their opportunities.”
According to Williams, part of the plan for improvement in the advising department has been to surround students with a support system of faculty advisors, professional advisors and counselors.
“We’re doing things for students when they first get here,” said Maria Bailey, health sciences admissions coordinator. “As part of our effort to improve the advising and career planning process, we’ve enhanced our orientation program.”
Student Tania Perales spoke of the help she’s received in choosing classes for her major.
“They tell you what classes are about, and which are right for your career path,” Perales said. “I would have no idea what to do without them.”
The newly adopted QEP adds to VGCC’s continued effort to make the advising process beneficial for students.
“We added the Student Learning and Success Center right around a year ago,” said Jo Anna Jones, vice president of Institutional Advancement. “It will be a tool we can use to make QEP happen. It’s an avenue we have in place to support it.”
William Douglas, an early college student at VGCC, can attest to the success of a more widespread academic advising system constructed through the QEP.
“I would say everything’s right on par,” Douglas said. “Even the students around here are helpful in giving information about a class.”
Creating a system of support that encompasses students at VGCC is an aspect of the QEP, Williams stressed as being vital to a student’s academic achievement.
“This is something the whole institution is committed to,” Williams said. “It’s in place to insure they’re successful.”
Reprinted with permission of The Daily Dispatch.
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