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Frequently Asked Questions

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Admissions

What if I want to begin at Central Carolina and earn my first two years of college here and then complete a four-year degree at another state supported college?
AA/AS - You would want to earn an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science. These are associate degrees which can help you prepare for transfer to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree.

What is the difference between an academic advisor and a counselor?
Academic Advisor
Your academic advisor is your partner to your success in taking the right courses, completing your program, and learning about your career opportunities. Your advisor is the faculty member in your program of study who advises you on courses needed to complete your certificate, diploma, or associate degree. You need to get to know your advisor and seek assistance in your college plans.
Counselor
A staff member in Admissions & Counseling Services whose role is to admit you into the College, provide career counseling, provide personal counseling and refer you to others as needed. Counselors are not academic advisors.

What is the add/drop period, and why is it important?
This period includes the first five days of 16-week courses and first three days of 8 and 10-week courses. You may drop or add courses to your schedule through the Add/Drop period.

What is articulation, and why should I be interested in knowing about it?
Central Carolina has agreements with the local area public high schools and career centers to evaluate specific courses and provide credit for these courses if approved by the department chairman at CCTC. You may receive college credit for selected courses taken and successfully completed at your high school or career center within the last 3 years after successfully passing a proficiency test.

What is the difference between a certificate, diploma, and associate degree?
Certificate
A program that takes less than one year to complete as a full time student. It often can be transferred into the diploma or degree
Diploma
A program that takes between one to two years to complete as a full-time student. It often can be transferred into an associate degree in that field of study.
Associate Degree
A program that takes at least two years as a full-time student to complete, and you earn a degree.

What if I decide I don’t like the certificate, diploma, or associate degree I am enrolled in?
You would need to request a change of program through the Admissions and Counseling Services Office in Building 300. You would complete paperwork and receive counseling on other career options and the appropriate certificate, diploma, or degree you would need to earn to work in that career field

What is a credit hour?
It is credit given for attending one lecture hour of class each week for 16 weeks or its equivalent. Most of your college courses will be 3 credit hours, meaning their total meeting time for a week is 3 hours.

How do I know how much remaining course work I have to complete my certificate, diploma, or associate degree?
You or your academic advisor can perform a degree audit. This is a guide accessible through myCCTC that displays the courses required in your program of study, the courses you have taken, the grades you received, and the number of courses still required for you to graduate.

What is a degree plan?
It is a specific list of required courses and electives you need to take to complete your degree.

What is the difference between a free elective and a departmental elective?
Elective
A course that is your choice, rather than one identified as a program requirement. Usually a program of study will have one or two electives required, but the choice of which elective course you "elect" to take is flexible with your advisor's approval.
Free Elective
Any course above the 100 level that will enhance your program and be approved by your advisor.
Departmental Elective
An approved list of courses within your program.

What is the difference between full time and part time?
FULL TIME STATUS: Taking 12 or more credit hours each semester.
PART TIME STATUS:
Half TimeTaking 6 credit hours per semester.
Three-Quarter Time Taking 9 credit hours per semester.

How do I calculate my GPA?
  1. Record grades and semester hours for coursework.
  2. Multiply the number of semester hours (QHRS) times the number of grade points to determine the quality points (QPTS)
    Grade points: A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0
  3. Add up the total number of semester hours (QHRS) and quality points (QPTS).
  4. Divide the quality points (QPTS) by the number of semester hours (QHRS)

    Example:
    Course Grade Pts X Sem. Hrs. = Quality Pts.
    Math C (2.0) X 5.0 = 10.0
    English B (3.0) X 3.0 = 9.0
    Reading A (4.0) X 2.0 = 8.0
    TOTAL 10.0 hours, 27.0 points

    Semester GPA 27.0 / 10.0 = 2.7


What is the difference between a semester and a minimester?
Semester
A 16-week period of instruction and examinations.
Minimester
An 8- or 5-week period of instruction and examinations.

What is my program and how do I choose it?
The field of study in which you enroll that outlines the courses and the number of credit hours required by the State in order to earn a certificate, diploma, or degree. You choose a program during the meeting with an admissions counselor.

What is the difference between a prerequisite and corequisite?
Prerequisite
A course that must be completed successfully in order to enter the next course in a subject sequence. For example, if you don't complete ENG 101, you can't take ENG 102.
Corequisite
A course that must be taken at the same time as another course.

How do I guarantee my seat in my classes?
Once you have seen your advisor and registered yourself in classes, a seat is held in those classes until you go to the cashier to have your tuition posted or until the payment deadline. Once you have been to the cashier and your tuition is posted, your seat in the class is secured.

What is a course syllabus?
An outline of course content which includes expectations, attendance policy, and may sometimes include assignments and due dates by the instructor of each course. Some courses will have a timeline of specific assignments and due dates.

What is a section number?
Each semester a section number is assigned to each class offered to indicate when, where, and at what time the class is meeting. You need to know these numbers to make sure that you are attending the right class. The section number is a 3 digit number that follows the course number (i.e., RDG 031 101 – 101 is the section number).

How do I know when and where my classes are being held?
You may view or print your schedule from your myCCTC account. On this schedule, you will see the class number, section number, days and times the class meets, and the location of your class. It is important to pay close attention to the section number because we offer multiple sections of the same class. When you see a sign on a classroom door that says it is cancelled or the room has changed, make sure you are reading the correct class and section number.

How do I withdraw from a class?
If you need to withdraw from a class, you must go to Admissions and Counseling Services to complete the paperwork. There are dates set in the academic calendar for the last day you are allowed to withdraw. This is the process you use after the drop/add period has ended.

How do I withdraw from Central Carolina?
You must come to the Admissions and Counseling Services Office to complete the paperwork. You need to do so if you plan to stop attending college for the remainder of the semester or longer.
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Early Care and Education

 

Does the Early Childhood Associate Degree lead to teacher certification?
The degree does not lead to teacher certification. A certified teacher in SC must complete a baccalaureate degree and the additional requirements for certification. Please see the SC Department of Education, Certification and Teacher Quality website at myscschools.com.

Can I complete this program if I work full time?
Classes are offered during the day and evening, however, lab experiences must be during the workday as there are no placements available during the evening. The hours can be somewhat flexible, but students should plan to complete most lab hours during the morning hours.

How can I get the T.E.A.C.H. scholarship?
A student who works at least 30 hours per week in child care may be eligible for the T.E.A.C.H. scholarship. Applications are available from the early childhood instructors and at the Admission and Counseling Services Offices at each campus or by writing to Center for Child Care Career Development, P. O. Box 5616, Greenville, South Carolina 29606-5616.
A student should apply well ahead of the semester start as it takes several weeks to approve and distribute the scholarship. Once written approval for the scholarship has been received, the student should apply to the college and register for classes.

I have a CDA (Child Development Associate Credential). Can I get college credit toward the associate degree?
The CDA is a non-credit credential and does not apply to college credit. A student who has the SC Early Childhood Credential has completed ECD 101 and that course is applicable to the associate degree.
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Nursing

What are the requirements to start the practical nursing program?
There is a competitive admission process for acceptance to the Practical Nursing Program. Students who have met the entrance requirements for the program should meet with the advisor to complete the Practical Nursing Program admission application. Eligibility requirements include completion of English 101, Math 101, and Biology 210 with a grade of C or better; an ACT composite score of 19 or higher or a SAT verbal score of 470 and SAT math score of 460 or higher; a program GPA of 2.5 or higher. Your advisor will assist you in the completing the application form.

How long before I graduate once in the practical nursing program?
The practical nursing program is 12 months, starting in August. The Diploma in Health Science with a Major in Nursing (PN) is to be completed the following August.

Do I have to be a resident of Sumter, Lee, Kershaw or Clarendon County to be accepted into the ADN or PN Program at Central Carolina Technical College?
Students who meet the admission requirements for either program are eligible to apply to the nursing programs at Central Carolina Technical College regardless of their county of residency.

Do I have to be accepted as a CCTC student before I make an application to the ADN Program?
Students are required to submit official high school and college transcripts to Central Carolina Technical College and be admitted to the College prior to submission of an application to the ADN program.

What are the courses that count toward the calculation of my GPA when applying to the nursing program?
The courses that are used to calculate the GPA when applying to the nursing program are those courses included in the curriculum of the nursing program.

How do you figure the program GPA?
Each program course has an assigned number of credit hours (example: Eng 101 is a 3 hour course). The grade received for the class is assigned a numerical weight (example: A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, F=0). The numerical weight for the grade earned in the class is multiplied by the number of credit hours in the course (example: A in Eng 101 is 4 x 3 = 12 points.) Then the total points earned for the grades are divided by the total number of credit hours.

Do I have to take the ACT or SAT for admission into the transition program?
Yes, the ACT or SAT component is a requirement for admission to the LPN to ADN transition program.

Do I have to take the ACT or SAT to apply for the ADN program even if I have a degree in another field?
Yes, the ACT or SAT component is required for all students applying to the nursing programs.

Do you have a waiting list?
No, the nursing programs at Central Carolina Technical College do not have a waiting list. There is a competitive admission process. Students who have met the entrance requirements are eligible to apply to the nursing program. The deadline to submit the application to each program is as follows: PN Program August Admission - March 15th deadline ADN Program August Admission – March 15th deadline ADN Program January Admission – August 31st deadline The entrance requirements are outlined in the Central Carolina Technical College Catalog and on the website.

How do I apply to the ADN program?
Students interested in the Associate Degree Nursing Program must first apply to Central Carolina Technical College. General admission requirements to the College may be found in the Central Carolina Technical College Catalog. Any student who is accepted to the College and is interested in the ADN program is enrolled in the Health Science Prep Certificate Program and assigned an advisor. Once the student has met the program admission requirements, the student may then submit an Admission Eligibility Verification and Application form. Application forms are accepted twice a year. For fall admission, the student must submit their application form by March 15th of that year and for spring admission, the student must submit their application form by August 31st of the prior year.

How do I apply for financial aid?
Any student wishing to apply for financial aid must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms are available at the Central Carolina Technical College Financial Aid Office located in Building 300, at the Sumter Main Campus. Students may submit the form by mail or electronically. Students are encouraged to apply electronically. They may do so by first registering for pin number(s) at http://www.pin.ed.gov/ and then applying for aid at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.

How long does it take to complete the ADN program?
The ADN program is a five semester program. Students must complete all course requirements within three years of the starting date of the first nursing course.

What is distance learning?
Distance education is a format whereby students take classes from a distance site using either the internet or close circuit TV.

Are any nursing courses offered as internet classes?
NUR 106, NUR 201, and NUR 217
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Online Learning

How do I turn in assignments, communicate with my instructor, and take tests/exams?
Students turn in homework/assignments and communicate with their instructor through the internal course e-mail component, or by using personal e-mail and/or by other course tools or as stated in the course syllabus.
Instructors may also be available for telephone and office conferences and online office hours using a chat component within the course.
Students communicate with other students enrolled in the course through private e-mail and public "bulletin board" postings.
Students may take some or all of their tests over the Internet or they may be required to come to the campus to take exams or tests in the Central Carolina Testing Center on the main campus. You must make an appointment to take a test in an online class.
If you are permitted to take a test at an outreach location you must have your instructor’s permission and you must schedule a testing time with the proctor at the outreach location.

How often do I have to come to campus?
A general orientation for students taking online courses will be offered at the beginning of each semester. Check the Semester Course Schedule for these dates.
Some online courses require on-campus visits for activities such as orientations, labs, student presentations, supervised tests, etc. Students should check the course syllabus for any on-campus meetings.

What do I need to take an online course?
Students must have completed any required developmental studies courses in English and Reading and any other course prerequisites prior to registering for an online course.
Since online courses are Internet and computer-based, students need to have good computer skills.
Students should be familiar with performing Internet searches and using e-mail, chat, and discussion boards.
Students should have access to a reliable computer with Internet access. Students will have to enable JAVA and "cookies" and disable pop-up blockers for proper operation of some software.

How does an online course differ from a traditional classroom course?
The biggest difference is that students do not attend class in a classroom. You "attend" class online. Students will need to set up a time EVERY day to logon to their course and work on course assignments. "Attendance" will be documented by course participation, which is identified in the course syllabus. Students who do not maintain active participation in an online course as defined in the course syllabus will be processed in accordance with the current College attendance policy.

How do I access my course?
Registered students will be given access information, which includes the URL (web address), username, and password, at the orientation that is given at the beginning of each semester. This information is also available in the Distance Education Handbook, semester schedule, and on the College website at Distance Education Handbook.

How do I enroll in an online course?
Current students should contact their advisor if interested in taking an online course. New students should contact the Admissions and Counseling Office for admissions information. Online courses will be listed in the semester schedule and online at Distance Education.

How do I get my books?
The Central Carolina Bookstore will have the books for online courses. Be sure to ask for the book for the online section.

As a "distance student", what resources do I have at Central Carolina?
Online students have all the resources available to all Central Carolina students, which includes the Library and online library resources, Testing Center, Book Store, counseling, advisement, financial aid, and just about anything else you need related to your course or program. If you need something, just ask! We'll try to help.

What about privacy?
Online courses are password protected, so only the instructor, course management personnel, and students enrolled in the course have access to course materials and communications.

Who do I contact with questions pertaining to the course?
Contact your instructor. If you are having trouble contacting the instructor, contact Nancy Bishop at (803) 778-6638 or by e-mail at bishopnw@cctech.edu.

Who do I contact for technical questions?
Help Desk at 1-800-221-8711, ext 207, or at (803) 778-6607 or by e-mail at helpdesk@cctech.edu. Contact Rick Green at (803) 778-7897 or by e-mail at greenrl@cctech.edu.

Who can I ask about distance education?
Nancy Bishop at (803) 778-6638 or by e-mail at bishopnw@cctech.edu.
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Student Records

Where is Central Carolina Technical College located?
Central Carolina Technical College's main campus is located at 506 N. Guignard Drive, Sumter, SC 29150, which is at the corner of Guignard and Miller Drives.

Directions to Central Carolina's Main Campus:
From Highway 15 North:
Turn left at the Piggly Wiggly on to Highway 521 North. Continue north, and then turn left at the 7th stop light. The College will be on your right. The College is at the corner of Guignard and Miller Drives.
From Highway 15 South:
Turn left at Guignard Drive. At the second stop light turn left. The College will be on your right.
From Columbia:
Highway 78/376 West: At Alice Drive (Rte 120) (Arby's on the corner), turn right. At the third stoplight, turn left. You are on Miller Drive. The College will be on your left just before you get to the next stoplight.
From Florence:
Highway 78/376 East: You are on the bypass. Exit at the Main Street exit. At the stop sign turn right. At the stoplight turn right. Go under the overpass. At the first stoplight, turn right. The road will curve at the next stoplight. Follow the curve. Go to the second stop light after the curve. The College will be on your right when you pass through the second stoplight.
From Highway 521 North:
When you see the Piggly Wiggly on your right, continue north and then turn left at the 7th stoplight. The College will be on your right. The College is at the corner of Guignard and Miller Drives.
From Camden:
Highway 521 South: Stay on 521 South. Turn right at the Walgreen's Pharmacy. Turn right at the second stoplight. The College will be on your right.

How can I find out if the College is closed?
The holiday and inclement weather closing messages can be heard by calling the College at (803) 778-1961. Additionally, if ice, snow, or other weather conditions force the closing of school, public announcements will be made on area radio and television stations.

What is myCCTC and how do I logon and use it?
Through Central Carolina Technical College's secure myCCTC Internet service, students are provided with a single log-in connection to a vast array of resources including access to grades, transcripts, on-line library holdings, course information, and other College news and events.
The College's Help Desk provides assistance to students in accessing and/or using myCCTC as well as other computer resources. The Help Desk is located on the Main Campus in room M117, or can be reached by phone at (803) 778-6607 or e-mail at helpdesk@cctech.edu.

Are grades mailed to the students?
Grades are not mailed to students, and students should check myCCTC for grades at the conclusion of a semester.

How can I order a Transcript, and is there a charge?
Central Carolina Technical College transcripts may be obtained at the Center for Student Information located in Building 100, Room 101. A $5 fee will be charged for each transcript this is requested. For further information about obtaining a copy of your transcript call the Center for Student Information at (803)778-6603 or (803)774-3339.

What is the difference between an official and unofficial transcript?
An official transcript is sent directly to the institution or individual designated by the student.
An unofficial transcript is issued directly to the student, may not be accepted by certain institutions or individuals.
For students having access, unofficial transcripts may be obtained on myCCTC.

Where is the security office and when is the office open?
Central Carolina's Security Office is located on the Main Campus in the 300 building. Security maintains hours from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Monday-Friday, and from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday.

Do I need a parking decal while attending Central Carolina Technical College?
Yes, if you attend classes on the Main Campus your vehicle must be registered at the College Security Office in the 300 building. A valid driver's license and state vehicle registration certificate, as well as a tuition payment receipt is required to register a vehicle. Student parking decals are $5 and are valid for one academic year beginning in the fall. Each vehicle driven on campus must be registered. The parking decal must be clearly displayed on the left side of the rear bumper or rear window.

Does Central Carolina Technical College issue student ID cards?
Upon enrollment, students are required to obtain a College Identification Card from the Security Office. A tuition payment receipt and picture ID are required for the College Identification Card to be issued. ID’s must be validated each semester of attendance. There is no charge for an initial ID card; however, a $2 fee will be charged for a replacement.

How do I withdraw from a class?
If students realize they can no longer meet the requirements of a class, they may withdraw from the class before the published withdrawal deadline and receive a grade of "W". Students must initiate the withdrawal with the Office of Admissions and Counseling Services at the Main Campus or contact the F.E. Dubose Campus at (803) 473-2531; the Shaw Center at (803) 499-4171; the Base Education Office at (803) 666-2422; the Kershaw Campus at (803) 425-8388; and the Lee County site at (803) 483-2282. A one time semester $20 administrative fee will be assessed

Who do I talk to about a scholarship?
Scholarships are provided through the Central Carolina Technical College Foundation. Applications are accepted until all funds are awarded. Students are encouraged to apply early. Screening applicants will begin in late February. Check with the Financial Aid Office concerning applications and deadline dates. For further information, contact the Central Carolina Technical College Foundation Office at (803) 778-6646.

Who do I talk to about online courses?
Central Carolina provides a variety of distance learning credit and continuing education courses delivered by various methods including: online courses taught on the Internet; telecourses, and satellite downlink courses. The Distance Education Office for credit courses is located in Room M585 on the Main Campus in Sumter. The telephone number is (803) 778-6638 and additional information about distance education at Central Carolina can be found at Distance Education.
Information concerning Online Continuing Education courses can be obtained by calling (803) 774-3338.

When is graduation?
Central Carolina Technical College holds one graduation ceremony per academic year. The ceremony is held at the Sumter County Exhibition Center in May and graduates from December, May and August of the academic year are encouraged to participate. For details, contact The Center for Student Information at (803)778-6603. Additional information concerning graduation can be found in myCCTC. Once you log into myCCTC the Graduation Information is within the Student Tab.

What is WorkKeys is and where are the WorkKeys tests administered?
WorkKeys is a national system, developed by American College Testing (ACT) for documenting and improving workplace skills. Central Carolina Technical College is a WorkKeys Service Center. The test is administered at 101 South Main Street, Sumter. For details, contact workkeys@cctech.edu.

What is the difference between credit and continuing education courses?
Credit courses:
College credit is awarded for attending and passing the course. A specified number of credit hours are needed for completion of a college certificate, diploma, or degree.
Continuing Education courses:
The Continuing Education Division offers non-credit courses, workshops, and seminars specializing in six program areas: Business; General Interest: Environmental, Health and Human Services; Industrial; and Technology. Community interest and personal enrichment courses are offered at convenient times and locations. Continuing Education Units (CEU), a nationally recognized award system, are awarded for these courses

Where do I go to register for a credit course?
If you are a new student to the College, register for a credit course in the Admissions and Counseling Services Office at the Main Campus in Sumter or at any of the off-site Centers. If you are a continuing credit student, you would meet with your academic advisor to register for the course.

What is an academic advisor and how do I determine who is my advisor?
An academic advisor is the faculty member in your program of study who advises you on courses needed to complete your certificate, diploma, or associate degree. Staff in the Admissions and Counseling Services Office can assist you with locating your advisor. For information contact (803) 778-6605.

Where do I go to register for a non-credit course?
You can register for a non-credit, continuing education course at the Continuing Education Office is located at at 101 South Main Street, Sumter. For detailed information call (803) 778-6650.

What forms of payment does the college accept for payment of classes and can I pay online?
The College accepts cash, checks, Visa, Master Charge, and American Express for payment of classes. Discover cards are not accepted. At this time payment cannot be made on line; however, charge card payment can be accepted over the telephone
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