A Bladen Community College Campus Weekly.
Vol. VI, No. 42
November 13, 2014
BCC pays tribute to veterans
Bladen Community College paid tribute to the nation’s veterans
with a ceremony on Veterans Day. A Color Guard from Paul R.
Brown Leadership Academy kicked off the ceremonial program with
Posting of the Colors. During the program, veterans in attendance
were asked to stand and to step forward as their respective service
anthems were played.
The guest speaker for the program was Marine Corps Sergeant
Richard Shaw, a criminal justice student at BCC, who spoke of his
experiences from two combat tours of duty in the Middle East and of
his battle with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) that eventually resulted in his medical separation from service. He pointed out
that individuals who suffer from PTSD are often in a state of denial
and do not seek help because of the perceived stigma the sufferer associates with the admission of the condition. He stated that he refused
to seek treatment for the condition until his wife insisted he do so.
Sergeant Shaw said that misconceptions abound regarding PTSD
and that the condition can result from any traumatic situation, not just
combat-related trauma.
From the office
of the
Vice President
for Finance
The College has worked over the past several months
building a partnership with Softdocs in student services and
now in the business office to go “paperless.” Softdocs is a
privately-held software developer specializing in enterprise
content management solutions for the educational and municipal marketplace.
By building a partnership with Softdocs, the College’s student services department has been able to greatly reduce the
amount of paper it generates as a student matriculates through
our system. The business office hopes to also reap the benefits that student services has gained and ultimately improve
our customer service to students.
Managing paper-based documents can be a time consuming
process. Valuable employees are forced to spend too much
time physically filing documents, making copies and tracking
a document’s history and location. Softdocs will streamline
this process so that employees will have instant access to all
necessary documents via their computer.
This week our Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable,
and Human Resources departments will be working with a
Softdocs consultant to perform the discovery phase. The discovery process involves reviewing our business practices to
determine where efficiencies can be gained. Softdocs will
then work behind the scenes with our IT staff over the next
few weeks to perform the installation phase. Last, Softdocs
will train staff so that our college will be able to leverage this
new content management system improving our services to
students.
Jay Stanley
Staff Sergeant Richard Shaw, USMC, lRetired
Upcoming Events
November 13 - All Campus Assembly in Auditorium at 3 p.m.
November 20 - SGA will provide lunch in the Auditorium 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
November 24 - SGA sponsors Cape Fear Valley Blood Drive in Student Lounge 9 a.m. until noon.
November 27-28 - Thanksgiving Holiday break.
December 2 - BCC Board of Trustees meet in the Trustees Conference Room at 6 p.m.
BCC Birthdays through November 19: Charles Young, November 14
Stop in at the Library and take a look at the Native American artifacts display.
Faculty
andthe
Staff
Spotlight
Lighting
candle
Kathy McGurgan - Director of Evening Programs
Most everyone, particularly those who take evening classes, knows Kathy McGurgan.
She has the responsibility of making sure the evening classes operate as scheduled and that
faculty who are teaching the classes have the resources they need to do their job.
A native of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Ms. McGurgan enlisted in the United States Navy
while a senior in high school. She went to boot camp in Orlando, Florida, shortly after
graduating. After completing Personelman school at Meridian, Mississippi, she was assigned to Argentia, Newfoundland, where she worked for three years in educational services. She was then assigned to Guantanomo Bay, Cuba, for three years. She served in the
Navy for a total of 13 years—active duty and reserves—before her final discharge in 1996.
She moved to Bladen County when she left the Navy and began attending Bladen Community College, where she earned an associate degree in business. After earning her degree
she went to work for DuPont Fayetteville Works, where she remained for three years. She
then worked for Maidenform for five years. During this period she earned her bachelor’s
degree in Management and Organizational Development from Mt. Olive College.
Ms. McGurgan came to BCC in 2007 as the Coordinator of Distance and Evening Programs. Earlier this year, she was named Director of Evening Programs.
“Having been a working student, I completely understand how vital it is to have access to
higher educational opportunities and am grateful that Dr. Findt has given me the opportunity to be the Director of Evening Programs. My primary purpose is to keep the college open
at night. Here at BCC, I feel like a vital member of the team, and I enjoy keeping this campus open for evening classes for nontraditional students.”
Distance Learning at BCC
This week is Distance Learning Week and Bladen Community College offers a wide variety of distance courses for all students. They include a variety of courses for students
who cannot take courses on campus. Distance courses
can be taken online, in the hybrid format, or through
information television. The College offers several degrees 100% online. They include: Business Administration, General Education, College Transfer (AA &
AS), Computer Information Technology, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood, and Office Administration.
The Distance Learning Division also coordinates
several agreements with other community colleges in
the area. The agreements allow students to take their
general education requirements at Bladen Community
College before transferring to the other college to take
their field-specific courses. These include Accounting, Human Resource Management, Hospitality Management and Physical Therapist Assistant with
Fayetteville Technical Community College. Check out the distance education display in the lobby of Building 1.
LEC celebrating National Tutor
Appreciation Week
LEC hosting Red Carpet Candy Bar
Awards
The Learning Enhancement Center (LEC) is celebrating National Tutor Appreciation Week November 1727. Stop by the center during this week to enter a
drawing for a $25 gift certificate to Outback Steakhouse. While visiting the center, show your appreciation to our tutors and staff by posting a message on
our Tree of Thanks.
Felisa W illiams 879.5560
The Learning Enhancement Center is hosting the first annual Red Carpet Candy Bar Awards on Wednesday, November 19, at noon. Students, staff and instructors who have served as tutors this semester will
be recognized for their many efforts to provide positive, encouraging
coaching to our students seeking a development in their education.
Please come and share in this event. Tutors play a big role in our college’s academic achievements.
Felisa W illiams 879.5560
Nelnet plan for spring
Registration
Spring 2015 Early Registration
Last Day to Required
Number
Months
enroll online down payment Payments of payments
November 12
25%
3
Dec - Feb 20
December 5
50%
2
Jan & Feb 20
Spring Regular and Late Registration
January 12
50%
1
Feb 20 Only
Full payments may be made on e-Cashier using ACH or
credit card.
Microsoft IT Academy offers
certifications at no cost
Upswing
Upswing, the online tutoring service, is available to students taking
most of the courses offered at BCC...and it is FREE. Tutors are
available 24/7 for immediate tutoring or students can schedule a
tutoring session for a later time or date. Upswing Ambassadors
Robin Novak (in photo above) and Katiesha Hayes are teaching
students how to access and use the program after the students are
signed up. On Wednesdays, they are signing up new students at the
booth above located in the Learning Enhancement Center.
BCC ADNs can earn BSN
Individuals who complete their associate degree in nursing at BCC
can earn their bachelor’s in nursing through the Bridge Program offered
by University of North Carolina-Pembroke. BCC is proud to partner
with UNCP to create a seamless opportunity for Bladen County registered nurses to continue their education through UNCP’s bachelor of
science in nursing (BSN) program. The articulation agreement, known
as the Bridge Program, allows registered nurses (RNs), who graduate
with an associate’s degree in nursing, to transfer up to 62 credit hours
into the RN to BSN program. This opportunity to complete more transferrable credit hours on the community college campus eases time and
financial barriers registered nurses often face as they return to school to
further their degrees. Pre-licensure nursing students and general education students are also encouraged to learn more about the program, as
careful selection of general education courses now provides students
with a successful path to an accelerated nursing degree in the future. For
more information, contact Michelle Norris, BCC Nursing Faculty and
RN-BSN Liaison, at 910.879.5541 or email [email protected].
Book buyback at the Book Store
Book buyback at the Book Store will be on December 15 & 16, 9 a.m.
until 1 p.m. and 2 - 5 p.m.
In a program offered through a grant, Bladen
Community College is offering individuals the opportunity to earn certification in five different areas
through the Microsoft IT Academy. The grant that
funds the certification examinations is available for
this fiscal year. It provides the opportunity for certification in Microsoft Office Excel 2013, Microsoft
Office Word 2013, Microsoft Office Powerpoint
2013, Microsoft Office Access 2013 and Microsoft
Office Outlook 2013. During last fiscal year 13 BCC
faculty, staff and students earned certification in one
or more of the areas. These certifications can enhance employability and can be beneficial not on employment resumes, but also enhance chances of promotion in your current job.
Don’t miss this great opportunity. For more information on taking one or more of the exams, call Cynthia McKoy at 879.5566 or Chad McKenzie at
879.5640.
Support SGA Blood Drive
The Student Government Association is sponsoring a Cape Fear Valley Blood Drive on Monday,
November 24, in the Student Lounge. Every donor will receive a give-away. Be a part of this
worthwhile work. After all, you could save a life
in doing so.
Learning Enhancement Center
regular hours of Operation
The Learning Enhancement Center will return to its
regular hours of operation with full tutoring services
on Monday, August 18.
Monday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday - Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Felisa Williams 879.5560
Ghost Walk
Researching
Developmental
Education
A team from the Community College Research Center (CCRC)
was on campus last week reviewing the recent redesign of the
developmental education program. In photo above, researchers (across table from left) Julia Rausman and Jane Serbousek
interview BCC instructors, from left, Sharon Autry, Samantha
Pope, Chris Conner, and Clint Spivey. In photo at right,
CCRC researcher Hoori Santikian interviews Lisa DeVane.
Also in that interview was CCRC interviewer Jessica
Breathwaite (not in photo).
What is QEP?
January 2013 marked the
implementation of the college’s QEP, Quality Enhancement Plan, which is
designed to enhance student
learning through problem
solving. Students will learn
to use the 4 P ProblemSolving Action Plan to tackle assignments and make
decisions. Make sure you
have your P’s— Plan, Prepare, Practice and Produce.
Chaplains on the BCC campus
As the end of the semester approaches and stress levels inTwyla Davis 879.5516
crease among students, remember that there are chaplains on
campus three days a week that can help. They station themselves in the back corner office of the library. They have
From the Green Technology Committee
green shirts with Campus Crusade Chaplain on the pocket so
Many actions that help the environment can also save you
they can be easily identified. These pastors have years of
money week in and week out. Things as simple as using grocery bags for household garbage rather than purchasing garbage experience working with, and a heart for, college students.
bags can save as much as $15 to $30 in a year. Washing out and They are here to support our campus. Everyone is reminded
reusing containers that goods such as shredded cheese are packed to make their students aware of the availability of the chaplains should they be needed. The schedule follows:
in can save a substantial amount on bags and cartons. Using
Tuesdays
1 - 2 p.m. Pastor Devon Varnam
milk jugs for watering, etc. can save money. Go online and
Wednesdays
10 - 12 a.m. Pastor Thomas McCuddy
check out the various ways you can reuse products to save monThursdays
10
- 12 a.m. Pastor Joey Autry
ey and conserve resources.
Twyla Davis 879.5516
Kathy McGurgan 879.5668
Dr. Joyce Bahhouth introduces speakers from UNC—Pembroke to the ACA 122 class.
UNCP administrators and faculty help students in ACA 122
Administrators and faculty members from University of North Carolina - Pembroke were on campus on Friday, November 7 to
speak to students in Nash Hester’s ACA 122 , College Transfer Success, class. According to Bladen Community College Dean
of Arts and Sciences Joyce Bahhouth, the purpose of the visit was to give the UNCP team an opportunity to speak about their different programs. She said that students are expected to use the information they gathered as they prepare their career research
project required of all ACA 122 students.
“The main purpose of ACA 122 is to provide students information and strategies necessary to develop their academic and professional goals beyond the community college experience,” said Dr. Bahhouth. “Visits such as this from universities can help
them as they formulate plans for their future.”
The speakers for the program were Dr. Meredith Storms, Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Chemistry; Dr. John Spillan, Professor for Management and Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs in the School of Business; Department Chair for Elementary Education Dr. Karen Stanley; and Director of the Teaching Fellows Program Ms. Karen Granger. The classes they spoke to
were Hybrid classes taught at BCC and through interactive TV to
the local high schools.
The speakers introduced their programs, pointed out that stuThe following instructors will be available for tutoring the
dents
need to master foundation courses, and stressed the fact
indicated courses on the days and times below:
that students need to complete their two-year degrees at BCC
before they go on to UNCP. They asked the students to explore
Day
Instructor
Time
their options, meet with people in the field they want to seek, and
follow their passion. They each talked about their fields, highMondays
Lisa Devane
10:45 - 11:45 a.m.
lighted some challenges, and discussed job opportunities. Finally, they answered students’ questions regarding advising, specifWednesdays Nash Hester
10 - 11 a.m.
ic programs, and college transferability.
Wednesdays Stephen Prince
11—12 noon
The class session was recorded and will be linked to other
Wednesdays Pricilla Pope
2 - 3 p.m.
ACA 122 online classes.
Instructor tutoring at LEC
Thursdays
Thursdays
John Trogdon
Jennifer Whittington
9 - 10 a.m.
1 - 2 p.m.
Fridays
Fridays
Fridays
Ray Sheppard
ReGina Brown
Bruce Blansett
9 - 10 a.m.
10 - 11 a.m.
10 - 11 a.m.
If you would like to schedule tutoring with any of the above
instructors, stop by the LEC and get on the schedule. Drop-in
tutoring at these times is also available.
Felisa Williams 879.5560
Join the Ink Quill Society
If you are an aspiring writer or just like subjects related to
reading and writing activities, the Ink Quill Society offers
a great opportunity to take part in these activities and
even have some of your works published later in the year.
The society meets at 2 p.m. on Friday in the Library. For
more information on the Ink Quill Society, call or drop by
and see Ms. Rebecca James 879.5553
Native American Heritage Month
Learning Native
American culture
Powwows have long been a
part of Native American culture. BCC was treated to a
program on Thursday presented by volunteers from the
Lumbee Tribe that involved
the Native American songs
and dances that were—and
still are—an integral part of
the heritage of powwows.
BCC’s Chris Connor, second
from right in top photo, is one
of the tribe members who participates in such programs.
In above photo, performers
play a musical piece used in
powwows. In photos at right
and left, dancers show their
interpretation in dance of the
musical accompaniment.