Academic Success Center
The Academic Success Center, located in Moore Hall, specializes in free individualized instruction. The open lab environment enables staff to serve students with varying educational purposes and levels of academic competencies. Curriculum students may be assigned work to be completed in the Center or they may come on their own to receive individual instruction in subjects such as Math, English, Chemistry, and Physics. Computers are available for completion of assignments. A computer tutor is available on a limited basis to provide assistance. In addition to serving curriculum students, the Academic Success Center is open to adults in the community who wish to prepare for college admission. Professional tutors are available during the hours posted each semester. E-tutoring in math and reading/writing is available during the hours posted each semester. Students may also request peer tutoring sessions, which are scheduled based on tutor availability.
Burke Collegiate Scholars Program
Western Piedmont Foundation, Inc. sponsors an innovative program designed to encourage academically capable rising sixth graders identified as a potential first-generation college student, to complete high school and enroll at WPCC with eligibility for full funding for tuition and fees for five consecutive semesters should students not be eligible for sufficient Pell Grant funding. Each year, the Foundation selects one Burke Collegiate Scholar and two runners up in each of Burke County’s fifteen elementary schools to participate in the program. The awards are made on the basis of academic potential, leadership skills, first generation college status, and financial need. During these students’ middle school and high school years, the Foundation and WPCC’s Educational Talent Search Program provide support in the form of regular academic and enrichment programs.
Burke Middle College
Burke Middle College is an educational opportunity for academically capable individuals who would be more successful in a non-traditional high school setting. These students enroll in core academic courses that meet high school graduation requirements as well as being dually enrolled in college courses for which they will receive both high school and college credit. For more information call 828-448-3175.
Counseling Services and Career Center
WPCC provides free, confidential counseling and related services for its students through the Career Center. These services are offered on an as-needed basis for full or part-time students dealing with issues which affect them as individuals or which may affect their academic progress. After initial assessment, students found to need highly specialized or long-term services will be referred to appropriate resources within the community to receive further assistance. Career Services may assist students experiencing financial difficulties with information about community support services, such as utility payment assistance, food, and housing.
Career counseling and exploration are also available for those students who are undecided or ambiguous about their career plans. Career assessments are available to assist students in identifying future careers. Career testing and counseling are available on an individual basis by appointment. In addition, WPCC’s Career Center, located in Hildebrand Hall, room 128, houses a variety of printed, audio-visual and computer resources to assist students in their exploration.
For more information on counseling and related services at WPCC, contact the Career Counselor at 828-448-3565.
Office of Disability Services
Western Piedmont Community College provides equal access to education for persons with disabilities in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act. However, it is the responsibility of the student to make his or her disability known and to request academic adjustments or modifications. The Office of Disability Services advises and assists in securing academic adjustments and support services for qualified students with disabilities. Request for modifications, adjustments or accommodations should be made three working days before events or activities and submitted to the Coordinator of Disability Services. Every effort will be made to make reasonable adjustments.
In order to establish the student’s eligibility for services, documentation of disability is required of all students who request academic accommodations or modifications. Documentation should be submitted to the Coordinator of Disability Services and may include results of medical or psychological tests or other professional evaluations that verify the existence of a qualifying disability. Students with learning disabilities should provide a current psychological evaluation that states the specific learning disability and the functional limitation within the learning environment. All documentation and records provided will be maintained in a confidential manner as outlined in the Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.
Regular College procedures for application and admission apply to students with disabilities. For additional information, contact the Coordinator of Disability Services at 828-448-3153.
Educational Talent Search Program
Educational Talent Search (ETS) is a federally-funded, academic outreach program facilitated by Western Piedmont Community College. ETS works cooperatively with the Burke County Public Schools to provide identified, eligible participants in grades 6-12 with additional academic and career counseling to help maximize their success in school and life. Participants are selected during their middle school years based upon the following guidelines: academic potential (on grade-level or above) for success at the postsecondary level, first generation college student, and income requirements established by the federal government. Specific emphasis is placed upon completion of high school and the expectation of enrollment in a program of postsecondary education.
Services provided include academic support such as improving study skills and test taking skills, including SAT/ACT preparation and test registration; assistance with class selection and registration; tours of colleges; and help with completing college applications and applying for financial aid. Careers are also explored through interest inventories, business, industry, and agency tours. Additionally, participants are given the opportunity to participate in various cultural enrichment activities. All services and activities are provided without charge to participants and parents.
Employability Services
Employability services are available to WPCC students and alumni. Assistance with resumes, cover letters, interview preparation, job search strategies, and job listings is available. Online career resources, job openings, job fairs, and networking opportunities are posted on the WPCC's job board, College Central Network. For further information, contact Career Services, Hildebrand Hall, or call 828-448-3180.
The Pioneer Press
The College publishes a bi-weekly newsletter, the Pioneer Press, with announcements, college activities, committee meetings, and other information that is of interest to students, faculty, and staff. Any member of the College may contribute items for the Pioneer Press. Contact the Office of Student Development for details.
Voter Registration
As mandated by the Voter Registration Act of 1993, public colleges offer the opportunity for persons to register to vote.
The voter registration site on campus is located within the Office of Student Activities in Hildebrand Hall. Everyone who meets the criteria for voter eligibility is welcome to register. If requested, help will be provided to students needing assistance in completing the registration form.