by Wendy Harrison

FRANKLIN
Paul D. Camp Community College offered a beneficial experience this year for first time college students heading to the college for the fall 2018 semester.

The Student Development (SDV) Jumpstart Program is designed to give incoming students an edge regarding transitioning to the expectations of college life in order to help them ensure success.

“An advantage of participating in the new offering includes a head start with college credit in Student Development-College Success Skills class before the semester starts,” said Dean of Student Services and Counselor Trina Jones. “A grant received enables a student to attend without incurring the cost of tuition, book and fees.

Presenters and activities are planned to address questions or concerns new students may have, and to enlighten them not only of the overall process of transitioning to community college and a four-year university or college, but also tips that will help them prepare ahead of time for the workplace, scholarships, transferring credits and program requirements.

One recent topic highlighted transfer information. Old Dominion University Transfer Evaluation Specialist Tamara Barnes served as guest speaker.

A first generation student, as well as a transfer student, Barnes took a break before going to college, pulling double duty as she raised her two children and continued her education at the same time. She advised the students to complete their education first.

She shared various transfer tools that ODU offers and directed them where to find scholarship information for community college students on their website. “You can start investigating that now,” she said, “Two years [in community college] goes by fast. Know your resources. They are your most powerful tool for your education.”

Other guests, such as Ken DeLoach of State Farm Insurance and entrepreneur Mario Hatchett shared their expertise in business, which allowed students to glean knowledge of business practices and leadership in the community.

According to Student Support Services Counselor Dr. Hyler Scott, the information that the incoming students gather during the SDV sessions behoove them even more than just a brief visit to the college. “We are providing a unique perspective as transfer students ourselves, so we know all of the ins and outs involved in these processes,” she said. “We can help them with information about things they may not even think to ask.”

The program was held for five days on each campus in Franklin and Suffolk. It is also scheduled to begin at college’s Smithfield location on Monday, July 30, and run until Friday, Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The college site is at 253 James St. on the second floor of the Smithfield Library.

There is still availability for first-time college students planning to enroll at PDCCC for the fall 2018 semester. Visit www.pdc.edu to sign up for Enrollment Day by Monday, July 30.

Wendy Harrison is the public relations specialist for Paul D. Camp Community College. She can be reached at wharrison@pdc.edu.