Continuing Education
at Mayland Community College
 Visit the Continuing Education Website here.
An important function of the College is to provide a variety of courses for the continuing education of adults. The development of these courses is based upon the needs and interests of the professional, business, industry, civic and cultural communities.
Continuing Education promotes the concept of lifelong learning by providing meaningful educational experiences that will help adults meet occupational and professional goals and fulfill social and personal needs. Courses and programs are offered to allow adults to achieve their fullest potential in our ever-changing world of knowledge, skill and understanding. The diversity of these programs ranges from basic reading and writing skills to vocational and technical upgrading and cultural and personal enrichment.
Should you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us.
Topics covered in this Continuing Education section include:
Class Locations
Access maps of our campus locations here.
While some classes are held on the Mayland Community College Main Campus and at the Avery and Yancey Campuses, others are conducted or may be organized in surrounding communities or within particular businesses or industries throughout Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties.
Admission
 Admission to Continuing Education classes is open to individuals 18 years of age or older. Individuals younger than 18 years old who are high school graduates or whose high school class has graduated may also enroll in Continuing Education courses. High school juniors and seniors, 16 years of age and older, may enroll with permission from high school officials. There are no formal education requirements for most Continuing Education courses. Individuals interested in attending Continuing Education courses may register by attending the first class, but preregistration is preferred for classes. Applicants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Some courses, such as real estate and emergency medical technician, require minimum placement test scores prior to enrollment.
Class Schedule
Classes are normally scheduled on a semester basis with new classes beginning in August, January, and June. Special seminars, business, and industrial courses may be scheduled to begin at any time appropriate for the company and Mayland Community College. Classes may last an average of 4 to 11 weeks, depending on the nature of the course. However, some classes are offered on a short-term basis and some may continue up to 17 weeks. Information about classes is released regularly through the local news media. Semester class schedules and updates are published and distributed by the College.
To register for a class being held at the Avery Campus in Newland, you can sign up online here or call (828) 733-5883.
To register for a class being held at the Yancey Campus in Burnsville, you can sign up online here or call (828) 682-7315.
To register for a class being held at the Main Campus in Spruce Pine, you can sign up online here or call (828) 765-7351 or 1-800-4-MAYLAND.
Minimum Enrollment Required
Normally, a course will be offered when a minimum of ten persons enroll for the subject. The College reserves the right to cancel any course when an insufficient number of people register.
Class Hours
The majority of Continuing Education courses are offered one or two evenings per week. Courses may meet for one to four hours per evening. Special extension, industrial and seminar programs may be scheduled at the convenience of the participants and College.
Fees
The registration fee for Continuing Education classes usually range from $50 to $65, and are based on the number of hours for the class. Self-supporting Continuing Education classes may cost less than $50 or more than $65 depending on instructor charges, the number of students, and/or the costs of textbooks, supplies and materials needed for the class.
In accordance with North Carolina Statutes, registration fees for some Continuing Education classes may be waived for qualifying individuals. The registration fee is waived for all enrollees in Adult Basic Education. Also, North Carolina residents who are 65 years old or older are exempt from registration and tuition fees, with the exception of Self Supporting Continuing Education classes. Class fees are also waived for students in Human Resources Development Program classes if the student is unemployed, has received notice of a layoff, or meets income guidelines.
Other costs may be incurred when taking Continuing Education classes including costs for texbooks, tools, equipment, supplies and insurance. Registration fees are subject to change contingent upon action by the North Carolina General Assembly.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, of which Mayland Community College is an accredited member, has recommended that the Continuing Education Unit (CEU) be used as the basic instrument of measurement for an individual’s participation in non-credit classes, courses and programs. One CEU is defined as 10 contact hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction and qualified instruction. Mayland Community College follows national guidelines for the recording of Continuing Education Units as outlined in the Commission on Colleges document CEU: Guidelines and Criteria.
Continuing Education Units are formally awarded for courses that are applicable to professional certification, license renewal and many professional and occupational upgrading courses. Continuing Education Units are not awarded for Human Resources Development (HRD) classes or Small Business Center (SBC) classes.
Occupational Extension Courses
State regulations require that students enrolling in any occupational extension class more than twice within a five-year period pay for the class on a self-supporting basis. The fee for such a class will vary depending upon the length of instruction. Fees are subject to increase or decrease without notice from MCC. For more information on this regulation, contact the Avery Campus at (828) 733-5883; the Yancey Campus at (828) 682-7315; or the Mayland Community College Continuing Education Department at (828) 765-7351, ext. 241.
The College offers many vocational, technical and business courses through Occupational Extension. The primary objectives of these courses are to: (1) provide adults additional skills and/or knowledge applicable to their present occupations; (2) provide training for occupations in which skill and knowledge requirements are undergoing transition due to technological advances in equipment, materials, and machines; and (3) provide assistance to area businesses and industries in meeting their manpower needs through specialized courses.
Occupational upgrading courses are available in each of the following areas:
- BUSINESS MANAGEMENT courses are available to a wide variety of business organizations and to people in administrative, management, sales and secretarial occupations.
- FIRE SERVICE training is offered in fire fighting techniques for members of municipal, volunteer and industrial fire brigades.
- HEALTH OCCUPATIONS programs have been established for persons seeking additional medical, allied health and nursing knowledge and skills. All levels of courses from paraprofessional to professional are offered.
- LAW ENFORCEMENT courses have been designed for upgrading both experienced and recently employed policemen, law enforcement officials, security personnel and corrections personnel.
- MANAGEMENT & SUPERVISORY DEVELOPMENT courses are offered to improve supervisory and management techniques for beginning and experienced personnel.
- TECHNICAL courses are available for upgrading the knowledge and skills of persons working in the numerous technical and paraprofessional occupations.
- VOCATIONAL UPGRADING courses are designed for persons working in skilled and semi-skilled occupations.
Information concerning course offerings may be obtained by calling the Continuing Education Offices at 765-7351, ext. 241 (Mitchell County), (828) 733-5883 (Avery County) or (828) 682-7315 (Yancey County).
Focused Industrial Training
Focused Industrial Training (FIT) programs provide for customized training and services for manufacturing industries in our service area. Companies that manufacture products and/or process industrial materials are eligible for Focused Industrial Training and services. FIT programs are directed toward skilled and semi-skilled production workers, industrial maintenance workers, and leaders of personnel who perform industrial processes. A fee per student is assessed, based on length of instruction for participants in Focused Industrial Training program classes. For more information about Focused Industrial Training call (828) 682-7315.
New and Expanding Industry Training
The purpose of the New and Expanding Industry Training (NEIT) Program is to provide customized training assistance in support of new, full-time production positions created in Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties. New and Expanding Industry Training enhances the growth potential of area industries while preparing the area workforce with the skills essential for successful employment in emerging industries.
Companies that create 12 or more new production jobs in excess of their previous three-year maximum level are eligible for assistance through the New and Expanding Industry Training Program. NEIT may provide training needs assessment, program development, instructional costs, and training delivery for new, frontline production personnel and their supervisors. There is no charge to the company for New and Expanding Industry Training. For more information about New and Expanding Industry Training call (828) 682-7315.
Community Services/Lifelong Learning
 The Community Services/Lifelong Learning Program offers individuals 18 years of age and older short-term courses for self-improvement and academic achievement. Cultural and civic enrichment events are also provided. The program is intended to meet the growing needs and interests of the community. The purpose is to give individuals a chance to pursue special interests and to fill their leisure time with worthwhile educational projects. Some of these include conversational foreign languages, local flora, consumer education, writing courses, creative arts, cake decorating, weaving, yoga, ceramics, concerts, special speakers and personal development. Additional information regarding community services courses or programs may be obtained by contacting the Continuing Education Office at the College at (828) 765-7351, ext. 241.
Human Resources Development Program (HRD)
Access the HRD Website here.
The Human Resources Development (HRD) Program at Mayland Community College is designed to provide employment skills training to unemployed and underemployed adults. HRD classes are designed to help the student become his or her best self by addressing six core components:
- assessment of an individual's assets and limitations,
- development of a positive self-concept,
- development of employment skills,
- development of communications skills,
- development of problem solving skills, and
- develop awareness of the impact of information technology in the workplace.
Tuition and fees for HRD classes are waived if the student is unemployed, has received notice of a layoff or meets certain income guidelines. For more information, please call the HRD office at (828)-765-7351 ext. 249.
Small Business Center (SBC)
Access the Small Business Center Website here.
The Small Business Center (SBC), located on the Main Campus, is an educational resource center for existing and prospective small business owners, managers and employees. The mission of the Small Business Center is to help increase the success rate and number of small businesses in Avery, Mitchell and Yancey Counties. Private and confidential counseling is available for clients who want to start a business or wish to strengthen their existing businesses. Seminars are offered each semester on how to start a business, how to finance a business, how to write a business plan, marketing and advertising for businesses, and basic bookkeeping and taxes. These seminars are offered at the Main Campus and at the campuses in Avery and Yancey Counties. In addition to these seminars, other classes and workshops of interest to the business community are also offered each semester at the Main Campus, Avery Campus, and Yancey Campus. A schedule of all SBC seminars can be found here or obtained by calling the SBC at (828) 765-7351 or 1-800-4-MAYLAND at extension 249. There is no charge for SBC seminars.
The SBC provides referral services for local, state or federal programs and agencies, as well as other organizations that can assist a small business. The SBC also maintains a special collection of books, videos, and software useful to the small business owner or those who are interested in starting their own business, located in the college's Learning Resources Center (LRC). The materials may be checked out by the general public with a Mayland Community College Library Card. For more information on the SBC, please call extension 227 at (828) 765-7351 or 1-800-4-MAYLAND.
Basic Skills
Visit the G.E.D./Basic skills Website here.
Mayland Community College’s Basic Skills Program offers free instruction in reading, English, mathematics and other subjects to adults seeking to strengthen their academic abilities. These services are available to students eighteen years of age or older or for students as young as sixteen with notarized documentation from parents and public school officials. The program focuses on services that assist adults in obtaining jobs and promotions, becoming more effective role models for their children, exercising the responsibilities of citizenship, and seeking further educational and/or training opportunities, including earning a high school equivalency (GED) certificate.
Basic Skills classes are offered at various locations across Mayland's three-county area during morning, afternoon, and evening hours, and students may enroll in most classes at any time during the year. For mor einformation about any of Mayland's Basic Skills classes, call (828) 765-7351, ext. 291 or 1-800-4-MAYLAND (1-800-462-9526), ext. 291.
The following sections offer specific descriptions of educational offerings within the Basic Skills program.
Basic Skills Programs
Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education assists adults who wish to enhance and extend their basic skills in reading, English, and mathematics. ABE students may be interested in improving their academic skills for any number of reasons, including preparing for college placement or job readiness exams, becoming more effective teachers/role models for their children, or simply satisfying a personal goal. An individualized educational plan is designed for each student utilizing materials intended for adult learners.
Free ABE classes are available on Mayland’s Main Campus as well as the Avery and Yancey Campuses. Persons interested in enrolling should contact the Basic Skills Program at one of these locations: (828) 765-7351, ext. 291 or 1-800-4-MAYLAND, ext. 291 on the Main Campus in Spruce Pine, (828) 733-5017 on the Avery Campus in Newland, or (828) 682-2154 on the Yancey Campus in Burnsville.
GED Studies Program
The GED Studies Program helps prepare adults who have not received a high school diploma to successfully complete the tests of General Educational Development (GED) and earn a high school equivalency certificate, meaning that the holder has achieved a level of general education equivalent to that of a high school graduate. GED preparation classes are offered at no cost to students at all three campus locations and at various other locations throughout Mayland’s three-county service area.
The Basic Skills program also works hand-in-hand with industry leaders to schedule classes at industry sites for employees preparing to meet the technical requirements of today’s demanding workplace. In addition to offering employees an opportunity to earn the GED certificate, these courses provide employers with job-specific curricula needed for specialized training. Adequate student enrollment is necessary for workplace classes to be scheduled.
Mayland also offers official GED testing at all three of the college’s campus sites. A $7.50 GED testing fee covering the entire battery of GED exams is required before the first test is taken. In addition, students who re-test in the Language Arts: Writing section of the test battery pay an additional $2.50 fee. GED tests are administered by appointment only and an official, state-issued photo identification
(such as a driver’s license) is required at each testing session. Phone (828) 765-7351, ext. 217 or 1-800-4-MAYLAND, ext. 217 to schedule testing at any of the three Mayland campus sites.
Compensatory Education Program
The Compensatory Education Program is designed for developmentally disabled adults who are functioning at levels generally described as mentally challenged. These adults are provided a uniquely-designed educational plan and learning environment.
The role of the Compensatory Education Program is to help each student develop work, social, academic, and independent living skills in order to fulfill his or her potential as a citizen and member of the community. The Basic Skills staff takes pride in the educational services to this special population and welcomes inquiries from interested families.
English As A Second Language (ESL)
Mayland’s English as a Second Language (ESL) Program offers classes that stress everyday life skills that enable the student to become a functioning member of society by learning the English language. Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced English are offered, with the majority of students being from the Latino population. Citizenship classes are also offered upon request.
For information about the free ESL classes being offered at various locations throughout the Tri-County area, interested students can call (828) 765-7351, ext. 308 or 1-800-4-MAYLAND, ext. 207.
College Preparation/Developmental Skills
Mayland offers skills development classes in reading, writing, and mathematics for students who are pursuing a certificate, diploma, or degree in Mayland’s curriculum programs. These courses are open to students who have earned a high school diploma or GED but who lack the academic skills or background to be successful in college-level courses. Students may enroll in the Basic Skills Program’s College Preparation courses in order to get prepared before doing college placement testing.
Students who have already completed placement testing but who need to improve skills in order to perform at college level will be enrolled in Mayland’s Developmental Skills courses. Successful completion of these courses will allow a student to progress to subsequent college-level studies. Credit earned in developmental classes counts only in computation of course load. Credit does not count toward graduation, and grades earned do not count in the computation of students’ GPA.
page updated on Tuesday, September 12, 2006
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