College Catalog

Mission and Programs

College History

Sandhills Community College was established in December 1963 under authority of the 1963 State Community College Act. Following the leadership of Representative H. Clifton Blue, Moore County citizens petitioned the State Board of Education for approval to establish a community college in the county and voted overwhelmingly for a one-million-dollar bond issue for construction and a tax levy for operation and maintenance of facilities. Before the end of 1963, a board of trustees had been named, an organizational meeting held, an architect selected, and Dr. Raymond Stone chosen as first President of the College.

To date, the College has had three Presidents.  Following Dr. Stone’s retirement in 1989, Dr. John R. Dempsey was selected to serve as President of the College.  In 2023, Dr. Alexander “Sandy” Stewart was named the third president in the College’s 60-year history.

In 1964, construction of facilities began on land given for the campus by Mrs. Mary Luman Meyer of Pinehurst. Temporary college offices were located in downtown Southern Pines. Classes began on October 1, 1965, in nine scattered locations. The first building on the Pinehurst campus was completed in 1965. Of the 20 building on the current campus, five were completed by 1966, including Meyer Hall for sciences, Stone Hall, Blue Hall, Sirotek Hall, and the President’s residence.

The College’s main campus in Moore County has expanded significantly since the 1960s. Kennedy Hall, the current home of the Art Department and most Health Science programs, was constructed in 1978 and completely renovated in 2023. The 1980s were a time of campus expansion with the addition of four new buildings, to include Causey Hall, Boyd Library, Owens Auditorium, and Wellard Hall. In 1997, Van Dusen Hall was opened to house Workforce Continuing Education, Public Services programs, and the Social and Behavioral Science Department.

The early and mid-2000s was a time of continued growth and renovation. The Ball Visitors Center opened in 2000 and continues to serve as a welcome and educational center for the community members visiting the Horticultural Gardens. Little Hall, a facility for culinary technology and the engineering and computer programs, and Dempsey Student Center opened in 2006. In addition, Steed Hall, home of the Landscape Gardening program, opened in 2010 to replace its former home, Huette Hall. Logan Hall, a 36,000 square-foot general purpose office and classroom building, opened in 2012. Blue Hall, one of the earlier structures on campus, underwent a major renovation in 2012 and is now the home to Career Services, Planning & Research, Basic Law Enforcement Training, and Health and Fitness Technology classes. The 2012 opening of the McKean Campus Services Center allowed the old maintenance facility to become the focal point of Workforce Continuing Education advanced manufacturing programs. In 2022, Foundation Hall opened its doors for the first time and is home to the Nursing and Emergency Medical Science (EMS) programs.

The College’s Hoke County Center in Raeford, opened a third classroom building in fall 2010 to house the SandHoke Early College High School, adding to Johnson and Upchurch Halls, in which Workforce Continuing Education and Curriculum classes are provided to Hoke County citizens. Mobile classroom cottages were added in spring 2013 to house an expansion of the SandHoke Early College High School.

The Caddell Public Safety Training Center serves as a hub for Workforce Continuing Education public safety and construction instruction. Caddell opened in 2011 with four buildings-control tower, drill tower, residential burn building, and a classroom facility. In 2021, a fifth building was added to provide space for Construction classrooms.

Sandhills has been fortunate in attracting a highly competent faculty and staff. Experienced faculty members bring to the classroom a spirit of dedication to teaching and a willingness to advise students in course selection and academic planning. Professional staff provide assistance with admissions, counseling, financial aid, and student life.

Mission Statement

The Mission of Sandhills Community College is to provide educational opportunities of the highest quality to all we serve.

Core Values

Integrity

The Mission of Sandhills Community College is to provide educational opportunities of the highest quality to all we serve.

Helpfulness

The faculty and staff of Sandhills are genuinely and eagerly helpful to the college’s students and to each other. Going the ‘extra mile’ is expected behavior at Sandhills.

Excellence

Sandhills provides educational programs of the highest quality and then provides the support necessary to promote student success. Similarly, the college employs faculty and staff who are exceptionally well-qualified to promote educational excellence and, in addition, encourages and supports them in the performance of their jobs.

Respect

The atmosphere of Sandhills Community College is one of respect, friendliness, and civility — values that are taught to students by the way in which faculty and staff interact with them and with each other.

Opportunity

Opportunity is at the core of Sandhills’ mission. The college provides educational opportunities to the students who enter through its open doors, opportunities for growth to the area’s businesses and lifelong learners, and opportunities for professional and personal development to its faculty and staff.

Equity Statement

Sandhills is committed to advancing access and opportunity in an inclusive environment that creates a sense of belonging by actively dismantling equity barriers and eliminating disparities historically underrepresented students face.

College Goals

Access and Opportunity

To ensure access for students of all abilities to credit and noncredit courses through various delivery modes; and to provide opportunities for students in curriculum studies and workforce training as well as in adult literacy and personal enrichment.

For-Credit Academic Programs

To educate and prepare students for professional and personal opportunities by providing relevant technical and transfer programs that include distinct general education competencies through a variety of course delivery modes.

Support Services

To provide comprehensive academic and student support services and resources that facilitate engagement, support student success, and help students meet their academic, career, and personal goals.

Economic Development

To provide training for local businesses and to contribute constructively to the economic well-being of the region.

Campus and Community Life

To foster an inclusive environment that encourages student involvement, celebrates faculty and staff, contributes to the cultural richness of the community, and promotes community service while honoring our core values.

Campus Resources

To ensure that the college has the necessary financial, technological, and physical and human resources to advance a culture of excellence and opportunity; to hire personnel of the highest quality who reflect its diverse community and exhibit its core values; and to create a welcoming campus with a sense of belonging.

 

Performance Measures and Standards, 2023-2024

North Carolina Community College System

The North Carolina Community College System released the most recent data in May 2023.

 Basic Skills Student Progress

• Percentage of Basic Skills periods of participation (PoP) with a measurable skill gain (MSG) (program year of July 1 – June 30)
• Data Source: LEIS annual data file; Comprehensive Curriculum Student Report; Continuing Education data file
• System Average Band: 0.884 to 1.122         
• SCC Performance: 1.016

Student Success Rate in College-Level English Courses

• Percentage of first-time associate degree-seeking and transfer pathway students passing a credit-bearing English course with a “C” or better within three years.
• Data Source: Comprehensive Curriculum Student Report; National Student Clearinghouse
• System Average Band: 0.934 to 1.074
• SCC Performance: 0.873

Student Success Rate in College-Level Math Courses

• Percentage of first-time fall associate degree-seeking and transfer pathway students passing a credit-bearing Math course with a “C” or better within three years.

• Data Source: Comprehensive Curriculum Student Report; National Student Clearinghouse
• System Average Band: 0.910 to 1.100
• SCC Performance: 0.843

 First Year Progression

• Percentage of first-time fall credential-seeking curriculum students who graduate prior to or enroll in postsecondary education during the subsequent fall term.

• Data Source: Comprehensive Curriculum Student Report; Graduation Extract data file; National Student Clearinghouse
• System Average Band: 0.971 to 1.035
• SCC Performance: 1.101

Curriculum Completion

• Percentage of first-time fall credential-seeking students who have graduated, transferred, or are still enrolled during the fourth academic year with 42 successfully completed non-developmental hours.

• Data Source: Comprehensive Curriculum Student Report; Graduation Extract data file; National Student Clearinghouse
• System Average Band: 0.968 to 1.046
• SCC Performance: 1.022

 Licensure and Certification Passing Rate

• Percentage of first-time test-takers passing licensure and certification exams within each exam. Exams included in this measure are state mandated exams which candidates must pass before becoming active practitioners.

• Data Source: Licensing agencies
• System Average Band: 0.938 to 1.026
• SCC Performance: 0.930

Transfer Performance

• Percentage of community college students (Associate Degree completers and those who have completed 30 or more articulated transfer credits) transferring at a four-year university or college during the fall semester who remain enrolled at any four-year university or college the subsequent fall semester or graduate prior to.
• Data Source: Comprehensive Curriculum Student Report; Graduation Extract data file; National Student Clearinghouse
• System Average Band: 0.954 to 1.009
• SCC Performance: 1.026

 

Campus Services

Bookstore

Students can purchase textbooks, digital course materials, laptops/tablets and school supplies through the online bookstore owned by eCampus.com.

 

Cafeteria

The Sandhills cafeteria, located in the Dempsey Student Center, is operated to provide a quality assortment of reasonably priced breakfast and lunch items for students, employees, and visitors. Food sales are supplemented by vending machine selections. Cafeteria hours and service availability may vary by semester.

 

Disability Services

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Sandhills Community College is committed to equality of educational opportunity and ensures that no qualified person shall, by reason of a disability, be denied access to, participation in, or the benefit of any program or activity operated by the College. Each qualified person with a disability shall receive necessary, reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to educational opportunities, programs, and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate.

To obtain additional information or to read documentation guidelines and/or Policies and Procedures, please go to the Office of Disability Services web page at www.sandhills.edu/disability-services-sandhills-community-college-2/ or call us at (910) 246-4138.

 

SCC Website

Interested parties may visit the Sandhills Community College website at www.sandhills.edu for a wide range of information about the college and its services. In addition to information regarding SACSCOC and specific programs subject to accreditation, visitors to the website will find class schedules, admissions and registration information for both college credit and continuing education classes, and information pages for academic and extension departments and programs. Sandhills.edu also provides links to information about student resources and library services. A calendar of upcoming events and news articles related to the college are also accessible from the site.

The MySCC page is the portal for students and acts as the central location for valuable resources.  To support that role it contains the links for students to log into their online courses, email and Self-Service.  In addition, students can access other material that will allow them to plan and be successful in their academic courses.  Current students should access this page often for time-sensitive college announcements.

 

Student Printing

As part of student technology fees, students are allotted $10 toward printing on campus each semester.  To print using a campus printer, students will enter their username and password and select the account they will use for the print job.  If the student exhausts their allotment of copies, he/she will have the option of adding money to their account either using a credit card online or through cash kiosks located in various locations on campus.  Black and white copies are $0.05 each and color copies are $0.15 each.

Technology fee funds expire at the end of each semester.  There will be no refund/carryover of unused technology fee funds.  Money added by the student to their printing account will carryover from semester to semester as long as a break in enrollment does not exceed two years.

 

Instructional Programs and Delivery

College credit and career credit classes and programs are offered for citizens with varied educational needs and backgrounds using traditional (classroom) settings and non-traditional (hybrid and eLearning) instructional methods. Courses are taught day and evening throughout the year on and off the main campus.

 

Credit Programs

University Studies Program

Courses that lead to the Associate in Arts, Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation, Associate in Engineering, Associate in Fine Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in Science in Teacher Preparation degrees are offered at the freshmen and sophomore levels. Credits earned in college transfer courses may be transferred to senior colleges and universities where students may pursue a program of study leading to a baccalaureate degree. Advisors assist students in selecting courses that will be appropriate for baccalaureate degree programs at senior institutions.

 

Applied Science Programs

Two-year programs are offered leading to the Associate in Applied Science degree. These programs are comprised of specialized and related courses required for successful employment in business, industry, health, horticulture, and service occupations.

 

Diploma Programs

One-year diploma programs are offered, leading to employment in health, business, industry, and service occupations. These programs include occupational specialty and related courses selected to give students the knowledge and skills needed for successful employment.

 

Certificate Options

Several of the occupational education programs have a certificate option that includes specialized courses but omits related and general education courses. Students who complete these programs are awarded a program certificate. Students not seeking a college degree, diploma, or certificate may enroll in selected occupational courses as long as the specific course prerequisites are met.

 

General Education Program

The College offers a non-transferable general education degree for students who want a more flexible two-year college degree. General education students are assisted in the selection of courses that will meet their own special needs and are awarded the Associate in General Education degree upon completion of the program requirements. A program specific AGE degree is offered for each of the Health Science programs which allows students to complete all required general education and non-program specific courses prior to the application process for program entry.

In addition, the college offers the Associate in General Education in Nursing which is designed for students who wish to begin their study toward the Associate in Nursing degree and Baccalaureate degree in Nursing.

 

Special Credit Courses

The College encourages the enrollment of students who are not seeking a degree but wish to further their education by taking courses of special interest. Courses may be audited or taken for college credit. Students will qualify for special credit status only during the first 16 credit hours of course work. To enroll in additional course work, students must reapply to the college, declare a major, and meet enrollment requirements.

 

Workforce Continuing Education (WCE) Career Credit 

Workforce Continuing Education (WCE) training programs are designed to provide training and certification for individuals to gain new or upgraded occupational skills. Training programs are delivered as a single course or bundled as a series of courses and are designed to provide instruction around skill competencies leading to a recognized credential (licensure, renewal, registry listing) and/or meeting local workforce labor needs.

WCE courses are offered on and off campus to meet the expressed needs of adults wishing to continue their education. The Workforce Continuing Education division awards Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for appropriate programs and courses.

 

Personal Enrichment

Personal Enrichment classes at Sandhills Community College are designed to enhance the intellectual, physical, and personal well-being of the Sandhills community. The Center for Creative Living and the Lifelong Learning Institute facilitates innovative programs that are designed to promote access to services and community resources and to encourage participation and collaboration with various community organizations and agencies.

 

Instructional Delivery

In addition to offering traditional classroom instruction, the College also offers classes in non-traditional formats and at non-traditional times. All courses use the college’s LMS to support learning through online assignments and/or posted course information.

The College currently requires no additional fees related to verification of student identification in courses using the Learning Management System (currently OpenLMS). The student’s identification is verified through the LDAP Authentication system each time the student enters the system. In addition, while completing instructional activities on the system, biometric and facial recognition technology is used to validate a student’s identity. A proctoring system is also available for instructor use.

 

Hybrid Courses

College curriculum or continuing education courses in which the instruction for some course contact hours of instruction is delivered when the student and the instructor are separated by distance are classified as hybrid courses. Instructional delivery methods may include, but are not limited to, Internet, LMS, licensed instructional videos, CD, TV, DVD, instructional software, or other media. Hybrid courses are advertised in the class schedules and are designated with an H in the section number. The hours offered through the online format are listed on the course syllabi. Students enrolled in these classes must follow the regular admissions and registration process, pay regular tuition and fees, and meet all course prerequisites.

 

Online Courses

College curriculum or continuing education course in which 100% of the instruction is delivered via the Internet/online are classified as online courses. Courses may have proctored testing, but instruction is delivered online. Although there may not be specific access times, most online courses have a specific schedule of assignments with due dates. To establish enrollment, students must log into the course and submit the orientation assignment by the deadline designated by the instructor. Students are required to log into the course several times a week for the duration of the semester, and they must also meet course deadlines specified by the instructor, as would be the case in a traditional campus course. In some online sections, faculty use a conferencing application to meet virtually with the class at a specified time. This information is communicated on the posted online course schedule. Online courses are identified in the class schedules by an N in the section number. Students enrolled in these classes must follow the regular admissions and registration process, pay regular tuition and fees, and meet all course prerequisites. As noted earlier, information related to online student support and procedures is found in the Online Education at SCC guide available on the MySCC page of the website.