With the establishment of the University Center of Randolph County on the Asheboro Campus of Randolph Community College in August of 2008, a number of new and exciting educational opportunities became available to the citizens of Randolph County. One of these opportunities is the ability to complete a 4-year degree (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration) from Salem College without having to leave Randolph County. The first of several upcoming information sessions about the program is scheduled for June 26 at RCC.
The Salem College Business Administration program, which got underway last fall, will be a greatly enhanced program when classes start again on Aug. 27. One of the most significant enhancements for the fall of 2009 is that students are now able to take three courses per semester instead of two. If students register for all three courses, they can apply for financial aid as full-time students. Students can take one, two, or three courses, but in order to be eligible for financial aid, they must enroll in all three. This major program enhancement allows associate degree graduates to finish their bachelor’s degree in 3 years (3 courses, 6 semesters) instead of 4½ years.
Salem College also offers a Half-Price Grant to all part-time students (taking one or two courses at Salem) without a prior undergraduate degree for the first semester at Salem. If students enroll in one course, the tuition is cut in half. If students enroll in two courses, they pay for one of those courses.
According to Ed Hartgrove, executive-in-residence in the Business and Economics Department, and professor for all three courses this fall, "The program is now more financial-aid friendly. We listened to current and prospective students and responded to their needs. This will be a huge benefit for students."
The Salem College program allows students to take most of their "core" courses as Randolph Community College students. If students complete the Associate in Arts degree at RCC, they will satisfy most of Salem's general education requirements. Students may be enrolled at RCC and Salem College simultaneously. They may also enroll at Salem anytime, regardless of whether or not they have finished an associate degree. However, the program is designed for those who have already completed their associate degree or are in the process of doing so.
Another program enhancement for fall 2009 is that students will now have the opportunity to choose between two areas of specialization: Marketing or Finance.
"Many students have a fear that they may not be able to handle a 4-year curriculum. However, our program is student friendly," said Hartgrove. "I teach the courses and also serve as an advisor to students once they enroll in the program. Students who enroll in this program will take the same courses that they would take if they were on campus at Salem. There is no difference in content or quality. And students currently enrolled in the program are performing quite well," said Hartgrove.
Holly Passmore, 23, of Trinity, has been enrolled in the program since its inception last fall while holding a full-time job. "I had just completed my Associate in Applied Science Degree in Business Administration at RCC when I heard about the Salem College program. After meeting the professor and learning that I could earn a four-year business degree from Salem, I jumped at the chance. It has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. The classes are taught by knowledgeable professors who give a comprehensive analysis of the subject with real-life applications. I recommend this program to everyone! It is an amazing opportunity!" said Passmore.
Applications can be submitted up until the day classes begin. Students may enroll in the fall or spring semester. Classes will begin on Thursday, August 27 at 5:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Two courses, Principles of Management and Principles of Marketing, will be taught back to back on Thursday nights and one course, Introduction to Microeconomics, will be taught on Tuesday nights from 5:15-7:15.
Information Sessions on the Salem College program will be held on RCC's Asheboro Campus on Friday, June 26 from 12-2 p.m., July 16 from 7-8:30 p.m., Aug. 5 from 12-2, and Aug. 11 from 7-8:30 in the Student Services Center conference room. Those who attend the sessions on June 26 and Aug. 5 are encouraged to bring their lunch with them. Drinks will be provided at these sessions. Information sessions can also be conducted on-site for businesses or employers who are interested.
Randolph Community College creates opportunities and changes lives, and the ability that students now have to complete their Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration without ever having to leave this county is just one more example that proves that this is indeed true. For more information, visit www.randolph.edu and click on University Center under the QuickLinks menu, contact Ed Hartgrove, at (336) 917-5855 or ed.hartgrove@salem.edu, or contact Clark Adams, RCC's Salem College liaison for the Business Administration program, at (336) 633-0328 or wcadams@randolph.edu.
