General Student Information

Where to Go When You Want to Know

Services for Students

Guidance and Counseling

Guidance and counseling services are an integral part of the Student Services Department at Edgecombe Community College (ECC). Staff members of the department are individuals of varying backgrounds who are professionally trained and hold at least a master’s degree in the counseling area. Counselors are available on each campus to help students become more self-knowing, self-reliant, and directive by offering the following services:

1. Appraising, organizing, and evaluating information such as transcripts, placement test scores, and interviews with students and instructors to determine proper placement and to assist students toward self-knowledge needed for decision making and planning.
2. Providing professional counseling services to students in clarifying basic values, attitudes, interests, and abilities; assisting in all phases of decision making; assisting in formulating vocational educational plans and progress; and providing appropriate resources for more intensive and deep-seated personal problems.
3. Providing information pertinent to the selection of courses, occupational prerequisites, transfer requirements, availability of resource agencies, and other areas of concern to students.
4. Providing community services through vocational and educational counseling and other student personnel services to youth and adults in the community.
5. Disseminating information by brochures, counselor visitations, conferences, or direct correspondence; encouraging school attendance; fostering understanding of requirements for admission and for special curricula; developing proper attitudes; and contributing to student decision making and planning.
6. Providing information on loans, scholarships, grants, part-time jobs, and other resources for students who need financial assistance.

Counseling Procedures

The Student Services Department endeavors to make its services available to every student from pre-admission through graduation. The pre-admission interview is designed to help students make a decision in terms of what curriculum program or programs they are best suited to enter. The interview involves evaluation of the high school transcript, along with discussion of the students’ needs, interests, and abilities.

Students may see a counselor on an individual basis to discuss personal, academic, vocational, educational, and financial needs. Student access to a counselor is determined by student-initiated or counselor-initiated appointment or by instructor or advisor referrals.

Specialized counseling for handicapped students is available in cooperation with Vocational Rehabilitation, the Department of Social Services, the Veterans’ Administration, and other agencies. The degree of disability and the educational potential of the students determine the extent of training and placement.

Academic counseling is available to students who have deficiencies in reading, writing, listening, computing, and study skills.

Advisors maintain academic records for advisees. Faculty members also are available for consultation.

Student Assistance Procedures

Referral Service

The college recognizes that most student problems can be successfully treated, provided they are recognized in their early stages and referral is made to an appropriate resource. The problem may be one of personal relationships, physical illness, mental or emotional illness, finances, marital or family discord, alcoholism, drug abuse, legal issues, or other concerns. When students’ academic performance or attendance is unsatisfactory, and the students are unable or unwilling to correct the situation, either alone or with normal advisory assistance, there may be some cause outside the realm of their academic studies which is the basis of their problem. This policy assures that if such personal problems are the cause of unsatisfactory academic performance, students receive careful consideration and an offer of assistance to help resolve such problems in an effective and confidential manner.

Substance Abuse Program

Students will be referred to local substance abuse treatment providers.

Career Services

Career Services assists students and graduates with the career exploration process. Students or graduates who wish to talk with a professional staff member about career plans may make an appointment. Professional staff is available to assist students in choosing a major, assessing skills and interests, exploring information about jobs, arranging interviews, analyzing resumes, developing interviewing skills, and determining job-hunting strategies.

Students are encouraged to begin the job search process at least six months before graduation and to contact the North Carolina Division of Workforce Solutions for assistance in their job search.

Health Services and Standards

Student health services are not provided on campus. Students should seek medical attention from an area healthcare facility or provider.

Students with communicable diseases may be prohibited from registering for classes when health records indicate that their attendance would be detrimental to their health and safety or to the health and safety of other persons with whom they may come in contact. After recovery, students may be registered for classes.

Students who have significant health conditions or limitations may be required to submit a report or medical examination prior to their initial registration and are encouraged to inform their instructors at the beginning of each semester.

When deemed appropriate by the Vice President of Student Services, faculty advisors, instructors, and/or counselors are notified of students identified as having significant health conditions.

Certain programs have technical standards that must be met for admission to the program. Technical standards are defined as physical, mental, social, and psychological requirements needed for educational training. Those standards are required in order that students not be a danger to themselves or others with whom they come in contact in the pursuit of their educational objectives.

The college seeks to assist students who have special health conditions or limitations in the attainment of their educational goals. Services are provided in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In the event of accident or illness, the Student Services Department or the Business Office should be notified immediately. First aid is provided by college personnel in accordance with their capabilities. First aid kits and automatic electronic defibrillators (AED’s) are located in the Student Services Department and the library on both campuses, the Cosmetology Building on the Rocky Mount campus, and the reception area in Buildings B, E, and H on the Tarboro campus.

Students who become ill, are injured, or develop health problems requiring professional attention are referred to the emergency room at the most convenient hospital or to a local physician in accordance with instructions given by students or their family. In an emergency situation that requires immediate attention, students may be taken directly to the hospital by the rescue squad.

Environmental health and safety on the campus are the responsibility of the Vice President of Administrative Services.

Child Care Program

The Child Care Financial Assistance Program at ECC was established by funding from the North Carolina Community College System and the Carl Perkins Grant. The program is intended to serve student parents who need assistance paying their child care costs in order to attend ECC. It is not the intention of this program to refer or direct students to child care services. Student parents enter into child care arrangements of their own free will. The college’s role is to provide financial assistance to students.

Student parents must complete an “ECC Child Care Financial Assistance Program Application Form” available in Student Services. Applicants must have a Student Aid Report on file with the Financial Aid Office and must have completed all requirements for admission to ECC.

Applicants are notified by email regarding their application status. Approval is based on eligibility and availability of funds. If aid is awarded, student recipients need to schedule an appointment with the Child Care Coordinator to review the award and sign the agreement forms.

Graduation

A commencement exercise to award degrees, diplomas, and certificates is held at the end of the spring semester. The specific date for commencement is listed in the college calendar. All students receiving degrees, diplomas, and certificates are expected to attend commencement exercises. Students should see their advisor or Student Services for a “Graduation Request Form.” Students must submit a “Graduation Request Form” to Student Services to be included in the graduation process.

Degree, Diploma, and Certificate Requirements

The following minimum requirements have been established for the Associate in Arts, Associate in Fine Arts, Associate in General Education, Associate in Science, and Associate in Applied Science degrees; the Vocational diploma; and certificates.

1. Students must complete all course requirements as outlined in their curricula. Graduates must have earned at least a 2.0 grade point average in courses presented for graduation.
2. Students must have completed a minimum of 25 percent of the hours required in a particular curriculum program at the college if they transfer from another institution and intend to graduate from ECC.
3. Students must complete the Career Readiness Certification exam prior to graduation.
4. Students must be recommended by the chair of the department in which they complete their major work.
5. Students must fulfill all financial obligations to the college and return all borrowed library books and materials.
6. Students participating in graduation activities must wear the appropriate cap and gown attire.

Bookstore

Textbooks can be bought and resold at the college bookstore, a non-profit service of ECC. School supplies, sportswear, and gift items are also available. A bookstore is located on both campuses.

Orientation

START @ ECC (Student Transition Advising and Registration Time), New Student Orientation, takes place the first day of early registration for fall, spring, and summer semesters and other days agreed upon by College officials. The first half of the orientation consists of an information session discussing topics such as advising, the registration process, drop/add rules, disability services, the tutoring program, student clubs, financial aid and foundation/scholarships, bookstore and parking passes, the library, security, and faculty and classroom expectations. Counselors are also introduced. The second half consists of registering for classes, visiting the Financial Aid Office, completing the placement test, obtaining student IDs and parking passes (for students who register), and taking a campus tour.

New Student Orientation is required so students learn important college services and policies and can be successful at ECC. Online orientation is also available through the College’s website.

Tutoring

The Tutoring Program assists students who are experiencing academic difficulties in curriculum courses. Tutors provide additional individualized instruction and support necessary to help students achieve academic success at the college. Tutors provide assistance with study skills, test-taking skills, and class content. Students may request tutoring assistance for any curriculum course by contacting the Student Services Department. There is no fee for tutoring services. The Tutoring Program employs students and other qualified individuals as tutors. Students may apply to be tutors by contacting the Curriculum Learning Center. Online tutoring is available to all students 24 hours per day. Please contact the Curriculum Learning Center (CLC) for more information.

Student Housing

Housing for students is not provided on campus. Members of the student body live in and around the area and commute to the campus. Although organized student housing services are not provided, students who seek housing are referred to area real estate agencies and citizens who have indicated the willingness to rent to students. Such referrals are made on a non-discriminatory basis.

Disability Services

Policies and Procedures for Receiving Accommodations for A Disability

ECC recognizes its responsibility under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to provide equal access to education for students with disabilities. Support services are available to the hearing impaired, visually impaired, orthopedically handicapped, learning disabled, and those experiencing other health impairments. It is the students’ responsibility to request reasonable accommodations and provide written documentation in a timely manner.

Student Rights

1. Equal access to courses, programs, services, jobs, and activities offered by the college
2. Equal opportunity to work, learn, and receive accommodations, academic adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids and services
3. Confidentiality of information regarding their disability as applicable laws allow
4. Information available in accessible formats

Student Responsibilities

1. Meeting of qualifications and maintenance of essential institutional standards for the programs, courses, services, and activities
2. Self-identification of disability status in a reasonable and timely manner
3. Provision of disability documentation from a qualified professional that reflects students’ current disability status and the way their disability limits participation in courses, programs, services, and activities
4. Following of published procedures for obtaining academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids and services
5. Payment for all testing and evaluations required for documentation, if necessary

Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) is the civil rights guarantee for persons with disabilities in the United States. It provides protection from discrimination to individuals on the basis of disability. The ADA extends civil rights protection for people with disabilities to employment in the public and private sectors, transportation, public accommodations, services provided by state and local government, and telecommunication relay services. Appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities are mandated, and modifications must be made as needed in policies, practices, and procedures that assure accessibility of examinations and courses. This mandate includes all aspects of academic and nonacademic activities, including admissions and recruitment, admission to programs, academic adjustments, financial assistance, and counseling.

Statement of Self-Advocacy

The college promotes student self-advocacy. Students are encouraged to approach instructors and to discuss any special needs they may have in a specific setting. This philosophy promotes independence and develops the skills students need to function successfully in the world of work. The mission of ECC’s Special Needs Services is to adapt ECC’s general services to the individual and specialized needs of students with disabilities in order to provide equal access to all programs and facilities for “otherwise qualified” students with disabilities. The goal is to integrate students with disabilities into the college and to help them participate in and benefit from the programs and activities enjoyed by all students. Students who need disability accommodations must initiate contact with the special needs counselor. Federal law does not permit the college to collect information about a person’s disability during the admissions process. Therefore, it is students’ responsibility to identify themselves and request services. Students must provide specific documentation of disabilities. All documentation and information regarding students’ disabilities is kept confidential.

Process for Receiving Accommodations

Persons who wish to apply for accommodations for a disability should complete the following steps:

1. See the Student Support Counselor in the Student Services Department.
2. Sign a “Release of Information Statement.”
3. Provide documentation.

Appropriate information is released to faculty once the above steps have been completed. Accommodations are provided in accordance with the specific needs of students based upon the documentation of the disability. The Student Support Counselor will guide the student through the process of gathering appropriate documentation.

Documentation Guidelines

Documentation has two main purposes: to establish that individuals have a disability and to describe and document the functional impact of the disability for use in establishing the need for and design of accommodations. Documentation is used to evaluate requests for reasonable accommodations and/or auxiliary aids. The evaluation process includes the impact of the documentation on the goals and standards of the program, course, and/or activity.

Once the seven criteria expected to be included in documentation have been verified, recommendations for accommodations, adaptive devices, assistive services, compensatory strategies, and/or collateral support services are considered. The above guidelines were adapted from Longwood College, “What Documentation Do I Need - General Guidelines.”

Disability Harassment Policy

ECC prohibits any form of disability harassment involving any of its employees in the employment relationship or involving any college employee and a student of the college in the college relationship, whether it is in the form of a college employee harassing a student with a disability or a student with a disability harassing a college employee. The college has a firm belief and has established a policy that all employees are entitled to work and all students are entitled to learn in an environment free of discrimination based on a disability. Any act, comment, or behavior which is of a harassing nature and which in any way interferes with an employee or a student’s performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment is strictly prohibited. Students or employees who feel they have been subjected to harassment due to a disability may file a complaint with the Vice President of Student Services. Complaints involving the Vice President of Student Services should be filed with the President.

Disability Grievance Procedure

Students have the right to appeal any decisions about accommodations, discrimination, and/or harassment by using the non-academic grievance procedure.