On Monday, August 15, Sampson Community College (SCC) opened its doors once again to in-person and online students for the Fall 2022 semester. During the 2022-2023 academic year, the College will continue to operate on a 16-week semester schedule and offer more in-person and hybrid classes to students, leaving behind the shortened 14-week semesters and solely online classes that were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. As September begins, SCC is looking forward to continuing the academic success brought about by its first month of courses.
The College is currently offering three ways for students to complete their coursework during the Fall 2022 semester: Full Fall (16 weeks) and Fall I & II (8 weeks). Full Fall runs from August 15 – December 13, with final exams included. The shorter Fall I & II semesters run from August 15 – October 6 and from October 12 – December 13, respectively. In addition to semester length, SCC students can also choose to either complete their courses through a traditional face-to-face, online, or hybrid format, depending on their area of study.
According to Amelia Elmore, Director of Admissions, this semester, SCC saw a great turnout of students interested in enrolling in classes during the Fall 2022 semester. As of August 12, over 1,600 curriculum students are currently registered for Fall– not including the students who are yet to register for the Fall II semester beginning in October.
Likewise, SCC’s high school opportunities: the Career & College Promise (CCP) program and Sampson Early College High School (SECHS) are also prospering this semester in terms of enrollment. Emily Brown, Director of Institutional & Student Success at SCC, stated that the College currently has around 500 students enrolled in the CCP program, in addition to the 230 SECHS students who are also dually enrolled for Fall 2022.
“In August we concluded registration for our Fall semester and welcoming students back to the campus and to the SCC online academic community,” explained Dr. Bill Starling, President of SCC. “We’re seeing more young students enrolling in occupational programs with many classes filled during earlier registrations. Though some concerns with COVID remain, it is encouraging that our faculty may again teach and advise students face-to-face.”
This semester, SCC introduced eight new programs to its course offerings– beginning and accepting students for the first time in Fall 2022. Through its Associate of Applied Science degree pathway, the College now offers Entrepreneurship and General Occupational Technology, as well as Online CDL Permit Prep, Online Hazmat Certification, Central Sterile Processing Technician, Handy Man Plumbing, Basic Ag Welding, and Esthetician I & II through its Workforce Development and Continuing Education (WD&CE) department. These new vocational courses and programs will offer more career and professional development opportunities to students and aid them in furthering their education, while preparing them for a successful career (or continued career) in the local workforce.
Also new to campus this semester, The Sampson Trades Center is continuing to undergo construction with the long-term goal of housing more occupational programs and meeting the growing need in NC for education in trades. Anticipated programing for the new trades center is expected to be short-term electrical, HVAC, plumbing, small engine repair, short-term home repair, and masonry training courses— though the College is remaining open-minded and flexible in their scheduling. With the help of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and SCC’s Sampson Trades Center Funding Partners: The Lonnie and Carol Poole Family Foundation, The Golden LEAF Foundation, GFL Environmental, and Prestage Farms, the new addition is expected to be completed in December 2022— right around the end of the Fall 2022 semester.
“We’re excited about the addition of several new degree and non-degree options for Fall and believe it will benefit many students in our service area,” remarked Blair Hairr, Vice President of Academic Affairs at SCC. “The academic leadership of the College is committed to expanding program and course offerings to best serve our community. Courses are offered in a variety of delivery methods and financial aid for students expands beyond federal aid. It’s a great time to be a Viking!”
While registration for the Full Fall & Fall I 2022 semesters at SCC are now closed, individuals still have the chance to enroll during the Fall II semester at the College’s next Admissions Day on campus: September 27. After the 27th, prospective students will have to wait to register for classes during the Spring 2023 semester instead.
As the College concludes its courses for August, it remains extremely grateful to everyone who has worked hard to make the new Fall 2022 semester possible. Because of the dedication and support from SCC’s outstanding faculty and staff year-after-year, Sampson CC continues to remain one of the top community colleges in North Carolina. SCC currently employs around 140 full-time faculty and staff members, as well as 130 part-time. As students continue to make their way back to campus for the Fall 2022 semester, SCC’s employees remain ready to assist and serve students as they continue their educational journey at the College.
Dr. Starling grateful expressed, “Sampson Community College is fortunate to enjoy an outstanding faculty that provide programs spanning from the general college through occupational studies. Our staff works together to provide opportunities at the College that continue to change the lives of our students and their families. I am proud of the institution’s service to our community.”
Sampson CC is looking forward to a prosperous Fall 2022 semester. As September begins, the College is continuing to work to move on from the effects of COVID-19 and is excited to offer more academic and vocational opportunities to students during the new semester. SCC remains committed to making the College a place where students can truly, ‘Begin Here, Go Anywhere.’ Welcome back, Vikings!
For more information about Sampson CC or how to enroll, visit www.sampsoncc.edu.
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.
