Moving Online: Support for our Students
This page should be your main source for information about moving all classes and services online due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Please check back often as the situation is fluid and the information will be updated as necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions: Online Classes and Support Services
The College
With the Governor’s mandate to “stay at home”, the college has decided to close to the public. All buildings, except Boyd Library, will be locked. Because your success is important to us, all support services and resources have moved online.
Academic and Online Class Support
What options are available if I need access to internet?
The SCC Boyd Library’s computer lab is open for students in need of a computer or internet access. Check their current hours.
WiFi is also available for students to access while social distancing in the Faulkner parking lot (next to Meyer Hall closest to Airport Road). Select the network Flyers_OD and agree to the user agreement. The network is available Monday through Friday 6 am-10 pm, Saturday 7 am – 7 pm and Sunday 8 am – 5 pm.
These North and South Carolina internet providers are offering free or low cost internet access during COVID-19.
The NC Department of Information Technology has developed an interactive map to help North Carolina residents find free and low-cost internet and mobile service offerings in their area.
The Southern Pines Public Library is providing Drive-In Wi-Fi as a way for people to access this critical service while maintaining social distance by sitting in a vehicle or outdoors, at least six feet apart. The Library and the TOSP IT Department installed an outdoor Wireless Access Point enabling connection from mobile devices in the parking lot between the Library and the green space. To connect select the network SPPLguest, open your browser and click through a user agreement.
How do I attend class online?
The following links provide tips, guidance and best practices for successfully attending classes online:
How to Attend Your Class During Emergency Closures.
Best Practices for learning online.
Try this sample Moodle course before you use your real one.
How do I communicate in online courses?
Learning online often requires more written communication than a traditional face-to-face course. The quality of your written interactions with instructors and classmates has a major impact on your experience as an online student.
Observe any guidelines or “netiquette” information provided by your instructor. Your instructor may have guidelines that are specific to your course. Be sure to review any emails or announcements from your instructor to learn about these expectations.
Use a civil tone and non-offensive language. While you are encouraged to think critically and engage in rigorous debate, avoid using personal attacks or crude language. This is especially important when discussing topics which may elicit strong personal responses from others in the course.
Be cautious when using humor or sarcasm. If your tone is misunderstood by readers, your words may be taken literally or offensively.
Write clearly and succinctly. Aim to make your messages easy to read and understand. If you frequently rely on idioms or slang phrases, consider how your messages might be rephrased for clarity.
Attribute any sources you use. Doing so should make your comments more effective while also encouraging a more rigorous and structured debate.
Respect others’ privacy. Avoid sharing personal information about others without their consent.
What online support is available to assist me in successfully completing my classes?
Tutoring is available online, please complete the “Request A Tutor” form and email it to russells@sandhills.edu.
The Writing (SCCwritinglab@sandhills.edu) and Speaking Labs are also helping students online.
Additional useful links:
Who do I contact with questions or concerns about my classes?
Find your instructor’s email information in the SCC Directory as they will not be working from campus.
For technical questions or concerns with Moodle, email, or Self-Service, use the “Questions?” help ticket system on MySCC. Please include the course, section and specific course item for the quickest solution.
Student Services
How do I drop a class?
If you need to drop a class for the Spring 2020 semester, email your instructor requesting to be dropped. Your instructor will notify the Registrar’s Office who will then process the drop. NOTE: With the challenges our students are experiencing this semester due to COVID-19, Sandhills will not be issuing grades of FW (withdrawal failing) for the Spring 2020 semester.
How do I register for classes for Summer or Fall 2020 semester?
Details about Summer and Fall 2020 registration for new and returning students can be found on the College’s Advising & Registration page.
How do I request a transcript from SCC?
Sandhills Community College has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to provide transcript ordering via the web. Official transcripts are processed electronically through the National Student Clearinghouse’s eTranscript service. Requests can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week using any major credit card.
More detailed information about ordering transcripts.
How do I get assistance with applying for financial aid?
The Financial Aid Office has an online financial aid lab to assist students with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To schedule an appointment with a Financial Aid Advisor, go to our Financial Aid Application Steps page and click on the “Financial Aid Appointment – Online/Virtual” link. Be sure to review the list of information and documentation you will need in preparation for your appointment.
Who do I contact for financial aid questions?
The Financial Aid Office is continuing to process financial aid applications and documentation for the 2019-20 academic year. If you are missing documentation, you will receive an email from financialaid@sandhills.edu with a link to submit the documentation online.
The Financial Aid Office will begin awarding financial aid for the 2020-21 academic year at the end of April. Continue to check your student email for details.
For general questions about financial aid, email the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@sandhills.edu. If you would prefer to speak to a financial aid staff member by phone or Collaborate video conference, send an email to that email address requesting to schedule a time to talk.
Sandhills is waiting for final guidance from the Department of Education concerning changes to financial aid regulations due to COVID-19. Continue to check back here for updates and information.
Who do I contact with questions about scholarships or the Sandhills Promise?
For questions about SCC Scholarships and the Sandhills Promise Program, contact Jonathan Garrison, Director of Sandhills Promise and Scholarships, at garrisonj@sandhills.edu. If you would prefer to speak to Jonathan by phone or Collaborate video conference, send an email to him requesting to schedule a time to talk.
Who do I contact with questions about my Veterans’ Benefits?
If you have questions about the status of your VA benefits or the updates on VA regulations due to COVID-19, please email Teresa Taylor at taylorte@sandhills.edu. If you would prefer to speak with her by phone, send an email to her requesting to schedule a time to talk.
Read the latest summary of changes to VA Regulations due to COVID-19.
How do I access personal counseling services?
Tim Hunt, our Director of Personal Counseling Services and Rosa McAllister-McRae, our Director of Student Services at the Hoke Center & Personal Counselor, are available for telephone or virtual personal counseling services. Email one of them at huntt@sandhills.edu or mcallisterr@sandhills.edu, respectively, to schedule an appointment.
Who do I contact if I am facing a financial emergency?
Sandhills is fortunate to have generous donors in our community who believe in helping students with completing their education. Oftentimes, our students’ needs include assistance beyond tuition and fees.
If you are facing a financial emergency due to losses related to COVID-19, please complete the COVID-19 Student Assistance Application. In order to complete the application, you will need to log in to the College’s student Engage software using the same username and password you use for logging into Moodle.
Once the application has been submitted, you will be contacted by Shenika Ward, our Student Resource Specialist, who will assist you in connecting to community resources, as well as resources available through the college to meet your specific need.
How do I submit a request to allow a third-party to have access to my student record?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prevents others from gaining access to your student record without written consent. If you would like to request that a third-party have access to all or part of your student record at Sandhills, complete the FERPA Release Form and email it from your student email account to Jennifer Fields, our FERPA Specialist, at fieldsj@sandhills.edu.
More detailed instructions on completing the form are here.
How to I change my mailing address?
If you need to update your mailing address, email Cary Greene, Director of Admissions, at greenec@sandhills.edu from your student email account. Provide your full name, date of birth, and your updated mailing address.
How do I request assistance with completing a resume or searching for a job?
To request assistance with resume writing or a job search, contact Gwen Russell, Director of Career Development Services, at russellg@sandhills.edu. If you would prefer to speak to Gwen by phone, send an email to her requesting to schedule a time to talk.
How do I change my major?
To request a change in your program of study, contact Kathy Liles, Student Success Specialist, at lilesk@sandhills.edu. If you would prefer to speak to Kathy by phone or Collaborate video conference, send an email to her requesting to schedule a time to talk.
Student Life
Just because we aren’t on campus, doesn’t mean we don’t have student activities. Check for any current virtual student activities.
