July 30, 2008
New Course at NETC Helps Condition Students for College

Beginning this Fall semester, Northeastern Technical College will offer a class to help students be successful in college.

College 103 College Skills is designed to help recent high school graduates and those who have been away from school for a long time adjust to college level coursework by developing the skills needed to achieve their educational goals.

 “Entering college can be an intimidating experience for students,” said Mark Knockemus, an English instructor at the college and director of the College 103 project. “So this class was created to help students develop the skills they need so they can focus on what they have come to Northeastern Technical College to learn and achieve.”

During the semester-long course, students will complete assignments designed to develop and improve “hard” skills including study habits, listening and testing skills, note-taking, time management and research skills.  Students will also engage in activities that develop “soft” skills such as goal setting and positive thinking.

“Students often become discouraged and give up on their college dreams because they do poorly on their first assignments or tests in college,” said Knockemus.  “But this course will not only help them develop the hard skills necessary to succeed, it will also help them learn how to overcome adverse situations, remain positive and excel.”

The course will also incorporate learning activities that will serve to channel students toward other services the college provides to help them achieve success.  For example, early in the semester students will go on a campus scavenger hunt to locate and learn about the services offered by the Career Center, Writing Center, Success Center and Student Support Services.

Starting this Fall, students enrolling in the Associate in Business or Associate in Science pathways at the college will be required to complete College 103 as part of their programs.  Students enrolled in other associate degree pathways can also use the course to complete open elective requirements. Eventually, College 103 will be phased into the college’s curriculum as a requirement for all associate degree pathway students.

“College 103 is a product of our quality enhancement plan which is all about helping our students develop the skills they need to be successful in college,” said Ron Bartley, president of the college.  “We expect this class to alleviate the intimidation factor of going to college and we look forward to watching our students develop their skills and grow their confidence as a result of this course.”

Three sections of College 103 will be offered during the Fall semester, which starts August 20.  The first section will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 to 9am.  Two sections will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  One will be offered from and 11 am to 12:15 pm and the second will be offered from 6 – 8:45 pm

Northeastern Technical College is accepting applications for admission now and will hold open registration August 18.  Fall semester classes start on August 20 and late registration is August 20-21.  Financial aid is available but applications must be filed immediately to ensure applications are processed in time to begin classes on August 20.

For more information about College 103, applying to Northeastern Technical College, or financial aid, call 1-800-921-7399.  Admission applications are available at any of the college’s campuses in Pageland, Cheraw, Dillon or Bennettsville.  Applications are also available by visiting the Admissions page, where students can also apply online.