Academic Success Center
The Academic Success Center, on the upper level of Phifer 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
Professional tutors are available during the hours posted each semester. E-tutoring is available during the hours posted each semester. Students may also request peer tutoring sessions which are scheduled based on tutor availability. Computers are available for completion of assignments. Computer assistance is available on a limited basis. Wireless network access is also available. The Academic Success Center is designed for students to experience an active learning environment with spaces dedicated to collaboration. Information tours are available upon request. In addition to serving curriculum students, the Academic Success Center is open to adults in the community who wish to prepare for college admission.
Burke Collegiate Scholars Program
Western Piedmont Foundation, Inc. sponsors an innovative program designed to encourage academically capable rising sixth graders identified as potential first-generation college students, 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 fourteen 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 TRIO 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 for its students through the Career Center. This service is offered on an as-needed basis to currently enrolled full or part-time students who may be experiencing issues that affect them individually or that may affect their academic progress. Students may receive short-term counseling to address or resolve personal issues. If, after initial assessment, it is determined that students need highly specialized or long-term services, a referral will be made to appropriate resources within the community for further assistance. Career Services may assist students experiencing financial difficulties with information about community support services, such as utility payment assistance, food, or housing.
Career exploration and counseling are also available to all current students and alumni who are undecided or ambiguous about their career plans and/or academic program. Career assessments may be utilized to assist students in identifying future careers. These services are confidential and available by appointment. Resume assistance and mock interviews are also provided by Career Center staff, by appointment. WPCC's Career Center, located in Hildebrand Hall, room 143, houses a variety of print and computer resources to assist students with career exploration, resume building and interview skills.
For more information on counseling and related services at WPCC, contact the Director of Personal and Career Development at 828-448-3565.
Office of Personal and Career Development
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 contact the office of Personal and Career Development and make his or her disability known and to request any accommodations needed.
Documentation that verifies the disability is required. Documentation 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 psychological/educational 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.
Students may contact the office of Personal and Career Development at any time; however, because accommodations are not retroactive, students are encouraged to call or visit at their first opportunity. Some accommodations take several days to coordinate while others may take several weeks.
If accommodations are needed for special events or activities, notify the Office of Personal and Career Development at least three working days before the event or activity is scheduled.
Regular college procedures for application and admission apply to students with disabilities. For additional information, contact the Assistant Director of Personal and Career Development at 828-448-3154.
TRIO Educational Talent Search Program
Educational Talent Search (ETS) is a federally-funded, college access program facilitated by Western Piedmont Community College. ETS works cooperatively with 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 criteria: academic potential (on grade-level or above) for success at the post-secondary level, first generation college student, and income requirements established by the federal government. Specific emphasis is placed upon completion of high school, the expectation of enrollment in a program of post-secondary education, and post-secondary completion.
Program Support Services include assistance with:
- SAT/ACT test registration and preparation
- Study and test taking skills
- Connections to tutoring
- Course selection and registration
- College applications
- FAFSA completion
- College and career tours
- Financial literacy
- Cultural enrichment activities
All services and activities are free for participants.
TRIO Student Support Services
Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded academic support program that provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements, and serves to motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education. The goal of SSS is to increase college retention and graduation rates of participants and help students make the transfer transition from community college to a four-year university.
Participants in the SSS Program must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at WPCC, be a first generation college student (neither parent has a four year Bachelor's degree), meet income eligibility, and/or be a student with a disability.
Employability Services
Employability services are available to WPCC students and alumni. Assistance with resumes, cover letters, interview preparation, job search strategies, and job listings are available. Online career resources, job openings, and job fairs are posted on WPCC's job board, College Central Network (CCN). CCN also provides up to date information on a variety of topics that assist job seekers in finding fulfilling employment, including resume building and interview tips. Full-time, part-time, and temporary positions can also be accessed through CCN. Services are provided free of charge, but students, alumni, and employers are required to register on the website prior to viewing or posting jobs. Please contact Career Services for assistance, 828-448-3180.
Voter Registration
As mandated by the Voter Registration Act of 1993, public colleges offer the opportunity for eligible persons to register to vote.
The voter registration site at WPCC is located on campus in Student Services, Hildebrand Hall. Everyone who meets the criteria for voter eligibility is welcome to register. Help will be provided to individuals needing assistance in completing and submitting a registration form. Please contact the Coordinator of Student Affairs & Recruitment for more information.