Randolph Community College is a public community college in Asheboro, North Carolina. The college is considered a member of the North Carolina Community College system.
1. History of Randolph Community College
Randolph Community College was established in 1962 as “Randolph Industrial Education Center” with 75 students. On 4th September 1962, the college was officially opened.
It was in 1963 that it became a part of the North Carolina Community College. Merton H Branson was appointed as the first president of the college.
The college was known as “Randolph Technical Institute” from 1965 to 1979 and “Randolph Technical College” from 1979 to 1988. It was in 1988 that it got the name Randolph Community College knows it. The college is also known as Armadillos.
1.1. General Information:
Randolph Community College believes in creating opportunities for the students and preparing them for the job market, and envisioning a student-centered environment that will benefit their mental space.
1.2. Vision:
The institution believes in becoming “the premier educational resource for helping the people of Randolph County achieve their career goals and personal dreams.”
They are ardently committed to nurturing the students’ future and preparing them for the future, not just the job market.
They claim, “RCC will meet you where you are and take you as far as you want to go. Let us help you on your journey!”
2. Courses
Randolph provides a variety of courses that they believe will nurture a pupil’s life and prepare them for their careers.
These include Degrees, skill development, Information Technology (IT) courses, high school courses, online learning, and university partnerships. They have a program for whatever our goals and interests may be.
2.1. Degrees/Majors:
The college provides more than 30 credit programs. These include programs like business, management, engineering, human services, interior designing, medical field, advertising, teacher preparation, general education, law, human resources, photography, journalism, cosmetology, and manicuring technology.
All the courses the college provides are in-demand fields and will assist the students in getting jobs and securing their future. Some of these courses include diplomas as well.
2.2. Skill Development:
The college provides some skill development courses too that will hasten their pupils getting a job in big companies.
2.2.1. Public Safety Training:
This course gives a chance to the youth to start their career by serving the public, being trained in saving lives, and trying to make a difference.
These include programs dedicated to basic law enforcement (BLET), law enforcement, fire and rescue services, and emergency medical services.
2.2.2. Continuing Education:
The college has also arranged to provide preparation for licensure exams and earn recognized credentials in courses like Therapeutic Massage, HVAC, Nursing Assistant, Welding, Phlebotomy, Veterinary Assisting, Plumbing, and Health Coaching.
This will prepare a student to enter a new career in a month or a few weeks. Furthermore, they also provide job-related training for skills enhancement.
In addition to the courses above, they also provide training on:
- Automotive and Transportation
- Building and Construction
- Business and Trade
- Healthcare
2.2.3. Business and Industry:
Business and trade owners can make arrangements for their employees to enhance their skills and customize them so they do not clash with the organization’s schedules.
Courses are offered for all working shifts seven days a week and can be delivered on-site at businesses or one of the convenient campus locations in Randolph County.
2.2.4. College and Career Readiness:
Lastly, the college also has arrangements to improve communication skills, enhance problem-solving abilities, or get high school equivalency.
These courses help a student succeed in school and improve their job prospects. These courses are taught online and even at certain locations throughout Randolph County. These courses include:
- High School Equivalency
- English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
- Adult Basic Life Skills (ABLE)
- Adult Basic Education
2.3. Highschool Opportunities:
Regarding high school opportunities, the college has the CCP (Career & College Promise), RECHS, Apprenticeship Randolph, GED/Highschool Equivalency Diploma, and Pathways to Promises.
These opportunities include nurturing the pupil’s skillset, providing dual courses at the NC community colleges, introducing courses that help them get a diploma with a hybrid mode of learning, and ensuring that the pupils’ careers open up.
2.3.1. Career & College Promise (CCP):
This is a dual enrollment procedure for North Carolina students under which eligible students under NC can register themselves for classes in North Carolina Community Colleges through their high school for free.
If the students complete the course and do well enough, they earn dual credits and, on certain occasions, meet high school graduation requirements and college courses.
2.3.2. RECHS:
This autonomous high school is located on the Asheboro Campus of Randolph Community College.
One can earn their high school diploma and up to two years of transferable college credit or an associate degree in four/five years.
2.3.3. Apprenticeship Randolph:
Students who wish to start their professional careers early in nearby sectors can do it by participating in the Randolph Apprenticeship program.
Students receive free associate degrees from Randolph Community College from the N.C. Community College System and the U.S. Department of Labour, as well as journey worker certificates, for gaining valuable skills and experience through on-the-job training.
2.3.4. GED/Highschool Equivalency Diploma:
The RCC AHS pathway is available to students in various convenient formats, including online, in-person, or hybrid coursework. It can help adult learners obtain their high school diplomas.
To help adult students acquire their GED®/HSE or AHS Diploma quickly, this program is available online and in person only at the Asheboro Campus. Students can work mostly from home or come to our labs with an instructor based on their preference.
2.3.5. Pathways to Promises:
Together with business, Asheboro City Schools, Randolph Community College, and the Randolph County School System formed Pathways to Prosperity to develop a smooth transition for students from neighborhood high schools to rewarding careers in Randolph County.
2.4. Online Learning:
The institution provides online classes that help pupils balance their academic, professional, and personal lives. Online learning at RCC is not different from in-class learning. The instructors dedicate the same amount of time and passion for all sections, online or offline.
On certain occasions and based on the need of the situation, the instructor for an online or hybrid mode of education.
2.5. University Partnerships:
Randolph Community College collaborates with neighboring four-year colleges and universities to offer courses in specific subjects, allowing students to obtain a baccalaureate or graduate degree through special collaborations with universities throughout North Carolina.
2.6. College Transfer:
The Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science (AS) degree programs at Randolph Community College allow students to transfer to four-year colleges.
Students who complete the program and receive their degree with a 2.0 cumulative GPA and a “C” or better in each course will be eligible to transfer with junior standing to any college or university that accepts the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) or the Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (ICAA).
The senior institutions of the University of North Carolina System and numerous other private institutions in the state are included in the list of universities and colleges that the CAA or ICAA endorses.
3. Admissions
The candidates can visit the campus at 629 Industrial Park Ave and inquire about course registration. Additional information is available on the official website.
3.1. Fees:
Fees are always a burning topic whenever discussing colleges. A person may expect to pay an average of $3000, which includes tuition, clothes, food, and supplies. These may also vary from course to course.
4. Services
Randolph Community College has a separate department that provides financial assistance, ensures student wellness, and provides tutoring services to the pupils.
4.1. Financial Aid:
Randolph Community College provides financial aid of various kinds so that it may benefit its students and help them pursue a hassle-free education. Some of these include:
4.1.1. Child Care Assistance:
Under this category, RCC strives to solve the financial concerns of their student-parents. The student-parent under this scheme will receive funding for two academic years for completing an associate degree and one academic year for completing a diploma or certificate course.
The childcare fees will be the responsibility of the parent. However, the student has to qualify for some fields to obtain that. Additional information has been published on the college website.
4.1.2. Federal Financial Aid Programs:
The US Department of Education issues Financial Aid under this category and requires the submission of the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility.
4.1.3. Federal Work-Study Programs:
The United States Department of Education receives government funding for the government Work-Study (FWS) Program, which offers need-based work to college students.
However, this position is not assured. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid must show financial necessity for students.
4.1.4. Scholarship Aid:
The scholarship aid at RCC is not only merit-based. There are several scholarships, and they may probably fit the students under their criteria.
RCC Foundation Scholarships and various other scholarships are reviewed and maintained by the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs to assist students in finding additional funding for college students.
In addition to the aforementioned financial aid programs, the university also has two more that include Student Loan Information and Veteran’s Education Benefits.
5. Locations
Randolph Community College’s main campus is 629 Industrial Park Avenue, Asheboro, NC 27205. Additionally, it has two centers, one at Archdale. It is located at 110 Park Drive, inside the city of Archdale’s Creekside Park. The second center, the Emergency Services Training Center, is located at 895 Training Center Drive, Randleman, on the east side of Asheboro.
6. Campus
Students at Randolph’s don’t have to bore themselves with education only. The college has arranged several associations and clubs where the students can participate and build their skills and talents.
6.1. Student’s clubs:
These clubs include the Campus Impact Club, Criminal Justice Club, Radiography Club, Esports Club, Medical Assisting Club, Rotaract Club, Veteran’s Club, and the most popular LGBTQ+-friendly Armadillo Equity Club.
Furthermore, there’s a student lounge and the Armadillo Cafe and Market, which are engaging places for the students.
6.2. Safety and Security:
The college prioritizes the safety and security of its students. Randolph Community College is dedicated to upholding a secure, healthy, and encouraging work and study environment. T
he College has enacted campus security policies, procedures, and statements by federal and state regulations in a good-faith effort to promote the health and safety of all campus community members.
The college has set several safety protocols to safeguard students’ safety and security procedures on campuses and ensure that these safety policies are always being improved. Randolph Community College‘s preparedness is crucial in raising students’ awareness of potential risks and ensuring they have access to resources that can keep them safe.
The relevance of a person’s right to information about topics that might affect their safety while attending college is acknowledged by Randolph Community College (RCC).
The college also acknowledges the need to inform existing and prospective students and current and potential college workers about crime and security on campus. This has prompted them to introduce a safety and security report.
In ensuring the utmost security of its pupils, RCC has comprised several tips that may help a pupil avoid cybersecurity and identity theft and issued guidelines to battle the pandemic.
The college also introduced some environment-friendly tips to preserve the college’s environment. They have made an incident form tab on their website that a pupil can access in case of any kind of incident they wish to report.
Lastly, the college also has its own set of parking rules to ensure that the students get ample parking space. The school resource officers have the responsibility and authority to enforce these rules and regulations.
6.3. Library:
The college has a well-equipped library to provide the students with enough resources to ace their exams and gain knowledge.
7. Conclusion
The environment at Randolph promises better lives with financial control. With excellent academics and enough recreational activities on and around the campus, the college promises one of the best experiences in life.
Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology
