Across North Carolina and the United States, four-year institutions have made decisions and announcements regarding the Fall 2020 semester. With several UNC System schools planning to begin the semester early, cancel fall break, and finish exams before Thanksgiving, many students are left with decisions to make about the Fall semester. Decisions about finances, decisions about where to enroll, decisions about how to stay safe. Considering those lingering decisions, Sampson Community College started a fall campaign, “Consider Sampson,’ encouraging students to consider Sampson Community College as an affordable, nearby option this fall. President, Dr. William Starling, says the College has countless degree options for students who choose to attend.
“Many of you may be uncertain where to attend College this fall. We understand. Let us help you create a path to the career or degree of your choice. From certifications to college transfer, maybe we can be part of your plan,” he remarked.
For several students, putting a halt to attending a four-year institution may appear difficult. Some students worry about a disconnect from on-campus life, less vigorous courses, and more. However, the College has worked diligently over the years to maintain relationships with major universities across the state and even has admission agreements with others.
SCC currently offers admission agreements with four different universities, including East Carolina University, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, North Carolina State University, and Fayetteville State University. The benefits of these admission agreements include joint advising, specialized events, access to campus events, and more.
The College is also included in the North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement, a statewide agreement that aims for a smooth transfer of students from North Carolina community colleges to UNC System schools. Through the articulation agreement, students have assured admission to one of 16 UNC institutions and can transfer with junior status.
“I am in constant communication with a variety of universities to ensure that the students at SCC have accurate and updated information regarding transferring. Every student has a different goal, and my goal is to help them achieve it,” Transfer and Student Success Coach, Stephanie Gore stated.
Students who begin their secondary educational journey at Sampson Community College are well equipped to transfer to four-year institutions and have all credits transfer. As they begin here, students are paired with advisors who specialize in students’ university of interest, ensuring that students spend time only taking transferable courses.
In the Arts & Sciences division, instructors are graded each semester to evaluate if their online and in-person courses meet certain standards to ensure rigor and quality course standards. Courses are graded based on course content, materials, and more.
“I feel really good about this course review rubric because when I look at an instructor’s course if there are deficiencies, I can point them out. I think it’s a part of the process. When you have these measures in place it does ensure academic integrity and good things come from that,” noted Arts & Sciences Division Chair, Lew Gravis.
Students also have the option to take courses in any of the several other divisions at the college, including Healthcare, Education, Public Service, Human Services Technology, Business & Technology, and Applied Technical.
“The SCC Foundation has worked to provide additional resources for students to eliminate financial barriers. We hope students who are undecided about the next steps will consider Sampson and the many opportunities right here at home to earn college transfer credit or workforce training,” stated Lisa Turlington, Executive Director of the Foundation.
Students who are unsure about fall plans can look forward to well-established guidelines for achieving success at Sampson Community College. Registration for fall 2020 opens July 1.
About Sampson Community College: Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options, and early college education.
