Area residents, local employees and students interested in taking college credit classes can register for spring semester classes at Sandhills Community College on Thursday, Jan. 7.

Classes begin Monday, Jan. 11.

College professionals in admissions, counseling and financial aid are eager to discuss academic program offerings, academic advising and financial aid opportunities.

Sandhills offers personal attention and small classes throughout the day, evening and online. The college offers many hybrid classes, which combine traditional classroom and online instruction.

One of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in North Carolina, Sandhills Community College is a fully accredited two-year institution that has served the Sandhills since 1963. Sandhills offers associate's degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the arts, sciences and fine arts and more than 40 technical programs. Sandhills was the first comprehensive community college in North Carolina to offer a college-transfer program. Students can earn the first two years of a bachelor's degree with a seamless transition to any of the 16 University of North Carolina four-year colleges and universities.

For more information on registration or to obtain a schedule of courses for the spring term, visit Student Services in Stone Hall or access the college's Web site at www.sandhills.edu

The Continuing Education division of the college offers professional development classes, noncredit online classes, community enrichment and computer classes. The Small Business Center offers free business seminars and active retirees in the area enjoy classes offered through the Center for Creative Retirement. GED and English as a Second Language classes are offered through basic skills, and HRD prepares individuals to enter the workforce.

Registration for Continuing Education classes begins Dec. 16. Classes begin all semester, and individuals are advised to register at least two weeks prior to the beginning date of the class.

The college's Web site lists all classes and a schedule was mailed to each household in Moore and Hoke counties. They are also available in the Continuing Education office in Van Dusen Hall and at the Sandhills Hoke Center.