SANFORD - Central Carolina Community College has been ranked 21st among the 50 best online community colleges for 2016-17 by the Center for Online Education. There are 1,108 community colleges currently operating in the U.S., according to American Association of Community Colleges data.
The ranking list said this of the CCCC program:
"CCCC allows students to pursue more than 130 associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas, many of which are available at least partially online. Online programs are usually blended, and fall into one of three categories. University Transfer programs are designed for students who eventually plan to pursue a bachelor's degree, and include AA, associate of engineering, and AS degrees. Career & technical programs include AAS degrees in 10 vocational fields. Finally, accelerated options include both one-year tracks and two-year pathways that require two days of class per week.
"CCCC uses Blackboard to facilitate its online programming. Distance learners can access free online tutoring through the school's Upswing program, which is accessible 24 hours a day. An extensive mobile app also makes it convenient for students to access course materials and complete assignments on the go."
CCCC President Dr. T. Eston Marchant said he is proud of the most recent online community college ranking. "Central Carolina Community College strives for excellence in all of our academic endeavors. Our faculty and staff do an incredible job in providing online education as part of the educational opportunities provided for our students."
Amanda Carter, CCCC Director of the Center for Teaching & Learning, said it is an honor for Central Carolina Community College to be recognized as a leader in online education. "CCCC gives online students an opportunity to meet educational goals with great instructors at an accredited institution," said Carter.
"Many adult learners are raising a family and working at least one job to make ends meet. Going back to school on a campus is not always an option. Distance education provides an affordable option for adult learners to move forward to the next stage of their careers while taking classes online," said Carter.
Library and Information Technology is among the CCCC programs utilizing the online technology.
"The Library and Information Technology program is 100 percent online, which has been a great boost to libraries across North Carolina. We have many students who need or want additional training in library science but who live in rural areas and would have no way of getting it if it wasn't for our program," said Amy Whitmer, CCCC Lead Instructor, Library and Information Technology. "Our students graduate and get jobs in libraries that otherwise might go to people who had no education or experience in the field who then had to undergo extensive on-the-job training. But our graduates are ready to work with only minimal help. Hiring our graduates ends up being a cost- and time-saver for rural libraries that are already stretched to the limit with scheduling and funding.
"Online education at CCCC is an inexpensive and convenient way for students who may not have an opportunity to go to college to get the education and job training they need to go out and get good jobs. Many of the Library and Information Technology graduates are able to quickly get jobs in their field and go on to have fulfilling careers that never would have been possible without an online program that they could do from anywhere," said Whitmer.
CCCC's Business Technologies program also maintains an online education presence.
In the Business Technologies Department, we really believe in online education," said Drew Goodson, CCCC Department Chair, Business Technologies. "All of our faculty teach online and online education is something we put a lot of effort into. All of the business technology faculty try to integrate new technologies and practices into their online courses. We strive to constantly improve our online offerings.
"Online education has been a major source of growth for our department and we are excited to use online classes to educate even more current and future business leaders," said Goodson. "Online education gives students a lot of flexibility, allowing them to learn on their own schedule and at their preferred location. Online courses have allowed students who might not otherwise be able to attend college to earn a business degree and obtain the skills needed to succeed in the business world.
"Online courses also benefit seated Business students by allowing them more flexibility in scheduling," said Goodson. "Sometimes adding a course online is the only way a seated student can stay on track to graduate."
Brian Merritt, CCCC Vice President of Student Learning, said the college is committed to learning by providing broad access to the college's programs and services. "Many of our academic programs have removed barriers to enrollment by offering most or all of the degree via distance education, and I'm thrilled to see us recognized for the work," said Merritt.
For more information on CCCC's Distance Education programs, contact Amanda Carter, Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, at 919-718-7515 or by email at abcarter@cccc.edu.
For more on Central Carolina Community College, visit the website www.cccc.edu.
Central Carolina Community College has been ranked 21st among the 50 best online community colleges for 2016-17 by the Center for Online Education. There are 1,108 community colleges currently operating in the U.S., according to American Association of Community Colleges data. For more information on CCCC's Distance Education programs, contact Amanda Carter, Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, at 919-718-7515 or by email at abcarter@cccc.edu.