Adult Students Returning to School
TTC has a large population of students who have been out of school for many years and are returning to upgrade skills, retrain for new jobs or just take personal interest courses. If you are one of these students, keep reading. You’ll find you have a lot in common with TTC students.
Will I be the oldest student in class?
Nationwide, more that 6 million older adult students attend college each year; one-third of all college students now fall into this category. TTC’s focus has traditionally been on the older student with class schedules and services directed to the working adult.
Will I be able to learn and compete with younger students?
Faculty are appreciative of returning adult students because these students provide a different perspective in classes. Generally, older adult students also are self-motivated, self-directed and committed to their studies.
How can I get extra help with courses?
Learning Assistance located on each campus is the place where you can find a variety of help in selected courses.
Tutors, audiovisual media and computer software are available for tutoring and practice. Check with each campus to find out what kind of help is available and what hours you can use these resources.
- Main Campus, General Education Building
(Bldg. 100), Room 157, 843.574.6409
- Berkeley Campus, Room 177, 843.899.8055
- Palmer Campus, Room 226, 843.722.5516
Where can I get help with classroom skills?
Counseling and Career Development Services offers workshops and individual help with study skills, test taking, test anxiety, time management and stress management. Check with each campus to find out how to access these services.
- Main Campus, Student Center
(Bldg. 410), Room 210 843.574.6131
- Berkeley Campus, Room 178 843.899.8079
- Palmer Campus, Room 226 843.722.5516
An excellent course that teaches classroom skills, library skills, problem solving, career development and other important topics is COL 103, College Skills. Shorter, more concentrated versions of the COL 103 course are offered as COL 104 (Study Skills) and IDS 104 (Career Development). Ask your academic advisor about these courses.
Where can I get help with juggling college, work and family?
Counseling Services offers individual counseling to help you with your academic and personal needs. Call for an appointment or stop by the office.
- Main Campus, Student Center
(Bldg. 410), Room 210, 843.574.6131
- Berkeley Campus, Room 178, 843.899.8079
- Palmer Campus, Room 226, 843.722.5516
Can I get a meal on campus?
Main Campus has a cafeteria in the Student Center (Bldg. 410). Vending areas also are in the General Education, Health Sciences and Industrial and Engineering Technology buildings (Bldgs. 100, 630 and 700/800). Palmer Campus has a cafe, with limited hours, operated by the Division of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts students. A vending area is in the student lounge. Berkeley Campus has limited cafeteria hours and vending machines in the student lounge.
Distance Learning Courses
Through the Distance Learning Office, the College provides a number of distance learning courses delivered in a variety of ways, including Course in a Bag (video-based), online courses, mixed-mode courses, college-level courses broadcast through compressed video and broadband systems to area high schools, and courses broadcast between campuses via our instructional television system. The Distance Learning Office is constantly exploring new and more efficient ways to make courses available to more people—courses with instruction not limited to specific times or places. Courses offered through Distance Learning are identified in the On Course schedule of classes published each term and are listed on the College’s website under the TTC Course Schedule at http://www.tridenttech.edu/4648.htm.
South Carolina Technical Colleges Online (SC TechOnLine)
S.C. TechOnLine is a consortium of the state’s 16 technical colleges designed to provide convenient access to the online courses and educational resources of the S.C. Technical College System. By accessing one website with a searchable database of online course offerings, you can quickly review what is offered throughout the 16-college system. If you decide to enroll in a course at another technical college, log on the SC TechOnLine website at www.sctechonline.org/.
Learning Resources (Libraries)
Learning Resources Centers (LRCs), or libraries, are located on each TTC campus. The library website, found at www.tridenttech.edu/library.htm, is the gateway to library resources and services, making them accessible on or off campus. Through the homepage you can access the online library catalog, electronic databases, tutorials, course-related resources, reserve items, research tips and assistance. Computers are available at each campus library with the "Acceptable Use Policy" displayed by each workstation.
TTC's library collection supports all programs of study as well as the information needs of the College community. All three campus libraries share the collection which includes books, periodicals, e-books, electronic resources, videos and DVDs. The library is a teaching library with reference and research assistance readily available. From the library homepage you may take an online tour and an orientation to become more familiar with your library.
TTC's library is a member of the Charleston Area Library Consortium (CALC). Through the CALC membership, your valid TTC Student ID allows you to borrow books from Charleston-area college libraries or any state technical college library either directly or through our interlibrary loan service. You may also borrow materials from other college libraries throughout the state with a special borrowing card available through your library. All libraries have circulation policies and charge fines for material returned after the due date.
For more information call: Main Campus LRC 843.574.6095, Berkeley Campus LRC 843.899.8055, and Palmer Campus LRC 843.722.5540.
Learning Assistance
Learning Assistance (LA) provides tutoring and resources to help you keep up, catch up or get ahead. You may visit LA in Room 157 in Building 100 on Main Campus, in Room 226 on Palmer Campus or the Library on Berkeley Campus. You may make appointments for one-to-one or small group tutoring in English, math and most sciences. Sometimes, LA has tutors for other courses. Check the schedules of available tutors on each campus at the beginning of each semester. You may join a study group, participate in a walk-in Math and Science Center (on Main Campus) or view videotapes that support your math courses. Pick up a schedule for the weekly math groups that meet at various times.
During the first two weeks of each semester, the LA staff offers calculator workshops for math students using TI-34 II, TI-36X, TI-83, TI-84, and TI-85 calculators. Ask the LA receptionist on each campus for exact dates and locations. You will also find videotapes on the use of these calculators and special handouts on "How Do I Use My Calculator?"
LA also has videotapes and computer and CD tutorials to assist you in math, English, biology, and other courses. You may access the Internet for research and to type and print your course papers. Writing consultants in The Write Place can assist you with writing assignments and research papers, and they can also help with specific topics, such as using MLA and APA documentation, how to address a writing task and how to recognize errors in grammar and punctuation. You may schedule an appointment with a writing consultant for one-to-one assistance, or you may attend a small group workshop session. Ask the LA receptionist for schedules of workshops and available appointment times. The Write Place also offers informational handouts and print resources to help improve your writing skills. Consultants in LA can also assist you with using your TTC Express, WebCT and college e-mail accounts. See the LA receptionist for a schedule of appointment times.
Helping others learn is a rewarding experience. If you excel in a subject such as math, biology, Spanish or chemistry, consider volunteering to be a peer tutor. To volunteer, come by one of the locations and fill out an application. Following your training, Learning Assistance matches you with a student in need of your assistance.
To schedule appointments or to volunteer, come to the LA learning lab or call Main Campus at 843.574.6409, Palmer Campus at 843.722.5516 or Berkeley Campus at 843.899.8079. All LA services are free of charge to currently enrolled TTC students.
Developmental Studies
Developmental Studies offers courses to help you brush up on your math, reading or writing skills to prepare you for college-level work. If you are coming to college years after you graduated from high school or you did not take courses to prepare you for academic work, you will benefit from the educational program provided by Developmental Studies. The purpose of Developmental Studies courses is to help you obtain or develop skills needed for success in the program of your choice. If your placement scores fall below required levels, you should register for Developmental Studies courses. These courses include English, reading and pre-algebra mathematics.
Students enrolled in Developmental Studies courses will find that learning takes place in a technology-enriched environment. Each student will have an Individualized Study Plan (an ISP) or set of assignments based on the results of diagnostic testing or assessment. The ISP includes computer tutorials, guided instruction, self-paced lessons using a variety of media (including Internet resources), and small group and learning lab activities. Instructors will work with you to help you pace your individualized assignments so that you can complete your ISP as quickly as you can master the course objectives.
You must show satisfactory academic progress and conduct while in Developmental Studies courses. Progress is measured by department requirements. Enrollment in Developmental Studies courses (those with a zero prefix in mathematics, reading and English) will be limited to a maximum of 36 semester credit hours, the equivalent of three semesters of full-time enrollment. Exceptions will be granted only if you meet the College’s Standards of Progress and if you have the approval of the department head.
Cooperative Education
Cooperative Education is a nationally recognized program that awards college credit for work experience related to your major. A current job may qualify for co-op credits, or you may seek help in finding a co-op job through the College’s student employment referrals or through personal efforts. The job can be for pay or can be on a volunteer basis.
The credit you receive depends on the number of hours you work per week. Credits appear on your transcripts and often substitute for elective credits. You may combine co-op and class attendance in the same semester or alternate semesters of co-op with semesters of class attendance.
You must meet the following requirements for eligibility: have completed two full semesters of your program, have at least a 2.0 grade point average, and have the approval of your advisor.
Further information is available from the Co-op Center on Main Campus, Building 100, Room 204, 843.574.6118.
Continuing Education and Economic Development
The Division of Continuing Education and Economic Development promotes economic development through a variety of training opportunities, including licensure and certification, career renewal and enhancement, and customized programs. The Division also provides consulting services to improve the competitiveness and quality of area businesses. To capture the interests of youth and adults, the Division offers diverse and creative experiences for lifelong learning.
The Division’s programs and training enable individuals to keep up-to-date in their fields, embark on new career tracks or learn for the joy of personal enrichment. On campus or on-site, custom-designed training programs and consulting services help business, industry and governmental organizations remain on the cutting edge. Continuing Education courses are held days, evenings and weekends on all three TTC campuses, at various sites throughout the area and online via the Internet.
The Division offers cost-effective and affordable quality training using the latest technologies available. The instructors speak plain English, not technical jargon, and they provide individual attention.
While the Division’s courses and seminars do not carry traditional college credit, the Division awards Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to students who successfully complete qualifying courses. The CEU is a nationally recognized and accepted measure of successful completion of professional training. One CEU is awarded for each 10 contact hours of instruction completed. A cumulative record of CEUs earned is retained at the College and is available on request. Certificates of Achievement are awarded for successful completion of most courses. Only Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory grades are recorded for Continuing Education courses and programs.
The Division is located in Buildings 910 and 920 in the Complex for Industrial and Economic Development on the Main Campus. The Complex contains a variety of flexible, multipurpose instructional areas that house a wide range of training programs and accommodate group sessions for up to 150 attendees. The classrooms, seminar rooms and hands-on labs are equipped for multimedia instruction. In Building 910, a catering kitchen permits on-site meal service for special programs.
The Complex facilitates the delivery of custom-tailored training and consulting. This training includes basic skills, health care, information technology, industrial maintenance, total quality systems and computer-integrated manufacturing. The staff assists in needs and training analyses and develops custom training programs scheduled at times and locations convenient to businesses, industries or agencies. The Complex houses the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the Electro-Mechanical Skills Laboratory that provide a wide array of training services for industrial clients.
The Division delivers its programs and services through three training departments: Manufacturing, Industrial and Construction Trades; Career, Personal and Professional Development; and Health, Human Services, Environmental and Safety.
Manufacturing, Industrial and Construction Trades
This department provides local companies with concentrated review courses to prevent technical obsolescence, as well as presenting the latest in technical and scientific developments. The Division’s instructors are recruited from industry, governmental agencies and higher education faculty to provide the optimum solutions to client training needs.
Working with your company, TTC can assess your employees’ skills through the use of various testing instruments to determine your training needs. The results of these analyses provide accurate measurements of knowledge levels so courses can be designed to increase the performance of your employees. Noncredit programs as well as programs that can lead to a credit certificate, diploma or an associate degree can be developed. Your employees can take advantage of the College’s many student services. TTC will customize courses to accommodate industrial and organizational needs including skill upgrades, new technology and product introduction, licensing and certification, and work force expansion and replacement.
TTC is establishing the Industrial Skills and Apprenticeship Training Center to address the need for well-trained maintenance operator technicians. The Center, to be located on Main Campus, will consist of a new Electro-Mechanical Skills Lab and an updated Machine Tool Technology Lab. These labs will provide state-of-the-art technology and training for both small and large companies. The Center’s credit and noncredit courses will be offered in flexible formats. Courses will be available days, nights and weekends. Credit courses will articulate from high schools to technical colleges and four-year institutions. For smaller companies that do not have enough employee trainees to fill a course, TTC will facilitate partnerships through which they can jointly participate in the programs.
TTC offers education, training and consulting services to the manufacturing community to help manufacturers improve productivity and global competitiveness. Training is spearheaded by a knowledgeable and highly experienced staff using state-of-the-art labs including the Advanced Manufacturing Center, the Process Analysis and Control Lab, the Electro-Mechanical Skills Lab, the Robotic Welding Lab, and the Machine Tool Technology Lab. TTC offers courses in quality systems, process analysis, computer numerical control (CNC) machining, programmable logic controllers(PLC), supply chain management, production and inventory control, lean manufacturing, and purchasing management.
The College partners with Lehigh University to provide access to master’s degree programs via distance education. Through the Lehigh Educational Satellite Network (LESN), TTC links Charleston-area professionals to advanced courses leading to either master’s degrees or professional development. The following programs are available via satellite broadcast: chemical engineering, chemistry, molecular biology, pharmaceutical chemistry, polymer science and engineering, quality engineering, manufacturing systems engineering and polymer science.
In the area of construction trades, TTC offers courses in building maintenance, electrical building code, general contracting and residential building. All of these courses prepare students for various licensure examinations.
The College’s affiliation with the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP) provides access to an outstanding, nationwide network to help manufacturers improve competitiveness. SCMEP focuses primarily on three areas: Lean Manufacturing, Quality Systems, and Environmental, Health and Safety Systems.
This department is also the focal point for the College’s administration of the retraining portion of the South Carolina Enterprise Zone Act (EZA). The EZA allows manufacturing companies to apply to the South Carolina Department of Commerce (SCDOC) for EZA training plan approval. TTC assists companies in preparaing these plans and applications. After receiving TTC and SCDOC approval, companies can request refunds from employee withholding taxes for up to one half the cost of approved training. Training must be delivered or sponsored by the College and is limited to $500 annually for each production and maintenance employee through first-line supervisor.
Career, Personal and Professional Development
Career, Personal and Professional Development training is available via short courses, seminars and web-based courses for individuals to enhance their personal skills portfolios for new careers, for underemployed individuals, for multi-skilled workforce development and for those seeking to expand their interests, hobbies, and improve their quality of life.
The Division's computer and information systems training can open new doors to the rapidly changing world of information technology. With courses ranging from basic computer skills to advanced certifications, such as the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, Fiber Optics, and A+, Continuing Education provides training opportunities that allow individuals and organizations to fully utilize the potential of information technology through one-on-one tutoring, public courses, or customized training at your facility or ours. Training areas include: AutoCAD, GIS, software applications, basic personal computer skills, design and Internet, graphics and desktop publishing, networking/operating systems, programming, and website applications.
Professional Development courses and certificate programs include: architecture, finance, foreign languages, hospitality and tourism, insurance, real estate and appraisal, international trade, small business, teacher recertification and test preparation. Organizational development courses include: communication, customer service, human resources, leadership development, management, strategic planning, and team development. These courses also can be customized to optimize your employees’ proficiency levels.
Internet technology allows you to take self-paced or instructor-led courses anywhere at any time. The Division offers more than 400 online courses including: business administration, computer technology, design and media certifications, entrepreneurship, personal enrichment, Internet, project management, the arts, history, writing and more.
To capture the interests of youth, the Division offers Discovery Day Camps for K-12 students to provide challenging, new learning opportunities in math, science, computers, leadership, hospitality and tourism, and robotics technology. To provide lifelong learning opportunities for adults, the Division offers diverse and creative experiences in courses such as culinary arts, hospitality and tourism, interior and floral design, golf and others.
Health, Human Services, Environmental and Safety
The health care industry is one of the largest economic sectors in the United States, employing an estimated 11.3 million workers. There are more than 16,000 people employed in these professions in the tri-county area alone. Health care workers find employment in a variety of settings including hospitals, laboratories, offices and clinics, nursing facilities, and patients' homes. TTC offers short courses, certificates and entry-level training in fields such as emergency medical technician, certified nurse aide, coding specialist, medical transcription, RN/LPN refresher and medical administrative assistant.
The department also offers OSHA, EPA, NIOSH, DOT and DHEC recognized courses including: hazardous materials transportation, Hazwoper (40 hour), confined space entry and rescue, and OSHA general industry and construction standards. Additional courses include water, wastewater and swimming pool exam preparation, mold remediation, and horticulture. For law enforcement and public safety agencies, the Division offers terrorism preparedness courses and constable training.
The department's instructors and consultants are all industry specialists and authorized by appropriate regulatory agencies to provide certifications to participants successfully completing their training courses.
Continuing Education Fees and Refunds
Fees: Continuing Education fees vary with course offerings. Refer to the course schedule for individual course fees. Continuing Education fees will be assessed in addition to any fees for curriculum courses taken.
Senior Citizen Enrollment in Continuing Education Programs: Legal residents of South Carolina age 60 or over who are not employed full time may qualify to enroll at a reduced rate in certain courses. Senior citizens may register on the day a course begins, on a space-available basis. In some courses, you will be required to purchase materials.
Refund Policy: TTC reserves the right to cancel any course because of insufficient enrollment or instructor availability, in which case you will receive a full refund. You will receive a full refund if you cancel 11 or more calendar days before the course begins, or you can transfer your registration to a colleague or associate. You will receive 75 percent of your registration fee if you cancel 10 calendar days before the course starts. No-shows are responsible for the registration fee. No refunds will be given after the course begins.
For information regarding programs and services offered by the Division of Continuing Education and Economic Development, call 843.574.6022. A complete listing of current Continuing Education courses is available on TTC’s website at www.tridenttech.edu.
Alumni Association
The Alumni Association supports the advancement, growth and development of the College. It provides scholarships to continuing students at TTC, donates equipment and library books to the College, sponsors events and conducts fundraising activities. You automatically become a member of the Alumni Association when you receive a degree, diploma or certificate from TTC. Graduates may request an official membership card from the Alumni office. The card allows you to use TTC’s Learning Resources Centers, Student Employment Services and Career Development Services. Cardholders receive a 10 percent discount from TTC’s Division of Continuing Education and Economic Development on selected computer courses. Alumni also may attend all campus events sponsored by Student Activities. For more information, visit the website at http://www.tridenttech.edu/ or contact the Alumni Office at 843.574.6456.
