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 buildings 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 Moore County campus has expanded significantly since the 1960s.  Kennedy Hall 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 opened.

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 community members visiting the Horticultural Gardens. Little Hall 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. In 2012, Logan Hall, a 36,000 square-foot general purpose office and classroom building opened, and Blue Hall, one of the earlier structures on campus, underwent a major renovation.  Additionally, that same year, the opening of the McKean Campus Services Center allowed the old maintenance facility to become the focal point of 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 the existing Johnson and Upchurch Halls. 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 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.     

The College stands as a testament to decades of visionary leadership, community support, and continuous growth. From its beginnings in scattered locations to thriving campuses in Moore and Hoke Counties, the College has remained steadfast in its mission to provide accessible, high-quality education. As it celebrates over 60 years of service, the Colleges continues to evolve by preparing future generations for success while honoring the legacy of those who built its strong foundation.

Mission Statement

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

Core Values

Integrity

Sandhills treats its students, faculty, and staff fairly and stands behind the commitments that are stated or implied in its policy documents and promotional materials. The college demands academic work that is honest and rigorous and that meets the expectations of employers and baccalaureate-level institutions.

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 (2024)

North Carolina Community College System

The North Carolina Community College System released the most recent data in July 2024.

 Basic Skills Student Progress

• Purpose: To ensure individuals with low literacy skills are progressing academically toward credential or employment. 

• Description: Index score based on the percentage of Basic Skills periods of participation (POP) with a measurable skill gain (MSG). 

• Data Sources: Benchmark Advansys; Comprehensive Curriculum Student Report; Continuing Education Registration Report; Diploma Sender; National Student Clearinghouse

• System Average Band: 0.880 to 1.104            SCC Performance: 0.839 

Student Success Rate in College-Level English Courses

• Purpose: To ensure students are successfully completing a credit-bearing English course within their first three academic years. 
• Description: Index score based on the percentage of first-time fall associate degree seeking and transfer pathway students passing a credit-bearing English course with a “C” or better within three years
• Data Sources: Comprehensive Curriculum Student Report; National Student Clearinghouse 
• System Average Band:  0.950 to 1.099           SCC Performance: 1.005 

Student Success Rate in College-Level Math Courses

• Purpose: To ensure students are successfully completing credit-bearing Math courses within their first three academic years. 
• Description: Index score based on the 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 Sources: Comprehensive Curriculum Student Report; National Student Clearinghouse 
• System Average Band:  0.934 to 1.114           SCC Performance: 0.917  

 First Year Progression

• Purpose: To ensure first-year students are making progress toward credential completion.
• Description: Index score based on the percentage of first-time fall credential-seeking curriculum students graduated prior to or enrolled in postsecondary education the subsequent fall semester. 
• Data Sources: Comprehensive Curriculum Student Report; Graduation Extract data file; National Student Clearinghouse 
• System Average Band:  0.981 to 1.036           SCC Performance: 1.083  

Curriculum Completion

• Purpose: To ensure student completion and/or persistence toward a post-secondary credential in a timely manner. 
• Description: Index score based on the percentage of first-time fall credential-seeking curriculum students who graduate, transfer, or are 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: 0.956 to 1.048            SCC Performance: 1.024    

 Licensure and Certification Passing Rate

• Purpose: To ensure programmatic coursework prepares students to competently practice in their chosen profession. 
• Description: Index score based on the 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:  0.942 to 1.029           SCC Performance: 0.940  

Transfer Performance

• Purpose: To ensure the academic success of community college students at a four-year university or college. 
• Description: Index score based on the 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 Sources: Comprehensive Curriculum Student Report; Graduation Extract data file; National Student Clearinghouse 
• System Average Band:  0.974 to 1.012           SCC Performance: 1.007 

 

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

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Sandhills Community College is committed to providing equal educational opportunities for all students. The College ensures that no qualified individual with a disability is denied access to, participation in, or the benefits of any program or activity it offers.

Qualified individuals with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodtions to ensure equal access to educational opportunities, programs, and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate.

For more information, including documentation guidelines and policies and procedures, please visit the Office of Disability Services webpage at https://www.sandhills.edu/student-resources/disability-services.html 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. 

 

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. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are awarded 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 SAML Authentication system each time the student enters the system. 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, 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.