Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) is a two-year community college in Alberta, Virginia. Founded in 1970, it has the largest catchment area of any community college in Virginia. There is a major branch campus in Keysville and learning centers in Emporia, South Boston, Chase City, South Hill, and Blackstone. The Alberta campus is known as the Christianna campus, while the Keysville campus is known as the John H. Daniel campus. Today, there are about 8,000 students enrolled at SVCC at any given time.

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Information Summary

Ranks 70th in Virginia and 3144th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	49.0
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$7,003
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	21 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	58% / 39%
Enrollment Total (all students)	3,430

Academics

Popular departments at SVCC include Business Technology, Engineering and Industrial Technology, Health Technology, and Public Service Technology.

Transfer Track

The University Parallel program prepares students planning to transfer for their academic careers at four-year institutions, giving them a strong background in the liberal arts. Students in this program may also choose to specialize in Administration of Justice or Human Services.

Teacher Certifications

The Teacher Recertification program at SVCC, in conjunction with the Southside Educational Technology Consortium (SETC) offers online courses for teachers already in the field.

There is also an alternative licensure option, EducateVA, for adults with a four year college degree with a GPA of 2.5 or better and five or more professional work experience in another field who would like to move into teaching as a career. Prospective students in EducateVA must pass a criminal background check. The certification program combines online and in-person instruction over a 16 week period, include six full Saturdays. After graduating, students will qualify for a one-year provisional license. After successful completion of the first year, graduates will be eligible for a full, five-year renewable teaching license.

Online Education

SVCC offers both hybrid classes and fully online classes for student convenience. Hybrid classes are taught half in-person and half online. All classes with online content use the Blackboard online course management system. Students must have access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection, Microsoft Word, and email.

Partnership with Old Dominion University

SVCC partners with Old Dominion University to offer bachelor

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

In keeping with their mission to offer higher education to any adult who wishes to receive it, SVCC has open admissions. Students under 18 may also enrol in courses with their principal

Financial Aid

In addition to the federal aid options open to any college or university student in the United States, in-state students at SVCC have access to two extremely helpful grants from the state of Virginia. These grants are as follows:

Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program

The Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP) is a grant that does not need to be repaid. This grant is available to students who have graduated from a Virginia high school with a GPA of at least 2.5. Awards from the VGAP cover the entire cost of tuition and fees for full time attendance between 12 and 15 credit hours. It additionally awards up to a $1000 for the cost of textbooks.

Virginia Commonwealth Award

The Virginia Commonwealth Award (COMA) is a grant that does not need to be repaid. This grant is available to students who attend at least half-time during the summer, fall, and spring semesters. Qualifying students must have been a Virginia resident for at least one year. COMA pays for tuition and fees for between 6 and 12 credit hours. COMA will not cover the expense of textbooks.

In addition, SVCC administrates several of their own need- and merit-based scholarships. These include targeted scholarships in several departments and scholarships for students from unusual categories, such as first-time college attendees and inmates who are enrolled in classes from prison.

Student Financial Aid Details

Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Virginia.

Students

Demographics

About 63% of the student body is female and 37% is male. The average age of students is 27.

Orientation Days

The orientation period at the beginning of the year introduces first-year students to the inner workings and procedures of the college. Students are offered workshops, assessment testing and placement, effective job search strategies, and opportunities for personal growth and development. Goal setting, stress management, transfer information, budgeting, and health issues are all discussed.

Counseling Services

Professional counsellors are available to help students with personal, educational, or career-oriented concerns. Students who need regular or extensive assistance will be referred to appropriate services outside the college.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Athletics

The athletics department at SVCC competes on the intervarsity level in men

Bibliography

Campus Without Walls. Southside Virginia Community College. Web. 27 May 2011.

General Information. Southside Virginia Community College. Web. 27 May 2011.

Fiske, Edward B. Fiske Guide to Colleges 2011. Chicago: Sourcebooks, 2010. Print.

Pope, Loren. Looking Beyond the Ivy League: Finding the College That

Southside Virginia Community College