By Karen Manning

Special to the Pilot

Students of all ages and from many walks of life are preparing for the fall 2012 semester at Sandhills Community College when classes begin on Aug. 20.

"Sandhills has a solid reputation for serving students >who are recent >high school graduates as well as our population of traditional and non-traditional students," said Dr. John Turner, provost. ""Our faculty and staff are looking forward to continuing that tradition this year."

Enrolling at Sandhills is relatively easy. An application is available online at sandhills.edu or at the college. Unlike many colleges and universities, there is no charge to apply. Plus, all applicants are accepted.

Registration for classes will be on Aug. 16, from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., for current and returning students. Registration for new students will begin at 1 p.m. Current and past students can register for classes using WebAdvisor until Aug. 10

"We give our new students personal attention as they move through the admission and registration processes," says Kellie Shoemake, dean of student services. "We phone each of them soon after they apply for admission to ensure that they understand their next steps to enrollment. Through this conversation, we try to gain an understanding of their current needs and goals, while giving them a chance to ask any questions they may have about our processes.

"We find that some students are already well-prepared to move forward with their college program, while others gain more confidence through this opportunity to talk with us. In either case, they seem pleased that we take the time to seek them out personally and let them know that we care about them.

"After being admitted to the college, new students complete a placement test and, afterward, select courses that will help them achieve their career goals. Our pre-advising team works with them to do this, and then assists them to develop a personal educational plan.

"Through the years, we have realized that our individual touch with students encourages them to meet their goals and move successfully toward a new career," Shoemake concludes.

New Programs, New Opportunities

The high demand for people with computer skills is the cause of new offerings in the Computer Engineering program at Sandhills. In addition to the associate degree in the program and a microcomputer servicing certificate, two new diploma programs have been added: Computer Upgrade and Repair, and Electronics. Seven new certificates also have been added: Repair, Advanced Repair, Electronics, Forensics, Advanced Forensics, Networking and Security.

For more information on the Computer Engineering programs, visit the Computers Technology section under Programs and Majors at sandhills.edu or call Paul Steel at (910) 695-3815 or email him at steelp@sandhills.edu.

In Health Sciences, there's a new Ophthalmic Medical Assistant program. This program prepares individuals to perform ophthalmic procedures under the supervision of a licensed physician. Graduates are employable in medical institutions, clinics or physician practices. For more information, visit the Health Sciences area of the website or contact Alberta Purvis at (910) 695-3861 or by email at purvisa@sandhills.edu.

The college continues to offer degrees, diplomas and certificates in automotive technologies, cosmetology, engineering technologies, golf course management, many more health sciences areas, hospitality and culinary, landscape gardening, management and business technologies, nursing, public services and college transfer.

Flyer Fever

"We're expecting great years from all Flyer teams this year, including our brand new women's golf team," says Athletic Director Aaron Denton. "I >think our team will >compete >at a high level right away."

The Flyers' men's basketball team will take to the court again, still flying high from earning the title of the 2012 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III champions last March. Coach Mike Apple and the Flyers have their first home game on Nov. 10.

"We're adding fun events to our home basketball and volleyball games," says Denton. "There will be Student Night, Military Night and other special offerings for the community so people will have even more fun cheering for the Flyers."

The basketball team plays at The O'Neal School and at Pinecrest High School in Southern Pines. The volleyball team plays on campus in the Dempsey Student Center, kicking off its season on Aug. 23.

Men's golf and women's volleyball have also qualified for national play in recent years.

"This year, our athletes are also doing several -community involvement -activities," Denton reports. "For example, most of our athletes will be mentoring at Southern Middle School."

Karen Manning is the director of marketing and public relations for Sandhills Community College.