Continuing Education Programs
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.
Section Topics
General Information
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.
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Class Locations
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. During the summer months, children five years of age or older can participate in Kids Kollege classes. 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 pre-registration is preferred. 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 22 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 at the Avery Campus, call (828)-733-5883.
To register for a class at the Yancey Campus call (828)-682-7315.
To register for classes at the Main Campus, Spruce Pine call ext. 241 at (828)-765-7351.
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 textbooks, 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 Mayland. 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), 733-5883 (Avery County), or 682-7315 (Yancey County).
Customized Training Program
The Customized Training Program supports the economic development efforts of the State by providing education and training opportunities for eligible businesses and industries. Amended in 2008, this program integrates the New and Expanding Industry Training Program and the Customized Industry Training Program to more effectively respond to business and industry. The Customized Training Program also includes the former Focused Industry Training Program and shall offer programs and training services to assist new and existing business and industry to remain productive, profitable, and within the State.
The program was developed in recognition of the fact that one of the most important factors for a business or industry considering locating, expanding, or remaining in North Carolina is the ability of the State to ensure the presence of a well-trained workforce. The program is designed to react quickly to the needs of businesses and to respect the confidential nature of proprietary processes and information within those businesses.
Purpose
The purpose of the Customized Training Program is to provide customized training assistance in support of full-time production and direct customer service positions created in the State of North Carolina, thereby enhancing the growth potential of companies located in the state while simultaneously preparing North Carolina’s workforce with the skills essential to successful employment in emerging industries.
Eligibility
Those businesses and industries eligible for support through the Customized Training Program include Manufacturing, Technology Intensive (i.e., Information Technology, Life Sciences), Regional or National Warehousing and Distribution Centers, Customer Support Centers, Air Courier Services, National Headquarters with operations outside North Carolina, and Civil Service employees providing technical support to US military installations located in North Carolina.
In order to receive assistance, eligible businesses and industries must demonstrate two or more of the following criteria:
The business is making an appreciable capital investment; The business is deploying new technology;
The business is creating jobs, expanding an existing workforce, or enhancing the productivity and profitability of the operations within the State; and,
The skills of the workers will be enhanced by the assistance.
Resources may support training assessment, instructional design, instructional costs, and training delivery for personnel involved in the direct production of goods and services. Production and technology support positions are also eligible for training support.
The use of Customized Training funds requires that trainees are paid by the company for all time during training hours.
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 765-7351, ext. 219.
Human
Resources
Development
Program (HRD)
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: 1) assessment of an individual's assets and limitations, 2) development of a positive self-concept, 3) development of employment skills, 4) development of communications skills, 5) development of problem solving skills, and 6) develop awareness of the impact of information technology in the workplace. Tuition and fees for HRD classes range from $50-$65. Tuition may be waived if a student is unemployed, has received notice of a layoff, or meets state income guidelines.For more information, please call the HRD office at (828)-765-7351 ext. 249.
Small Business
Center (SBC)
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. We are one of a network of 58 centers, one at each community college in North Carolina. Private and confidential counseling is available for clients who want to start or expand a business or strengthen their existing businesses. We also offer seminars 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 at www.mayland.edu or obtained by calling the SBC at (828)- 765-7351 or 1-800-4-MAYLAND at ext. 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 Resource 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 (828)765-7351, ext. 227.
Basic Skills
Mayland Community College’s Basic Skills Program offers free instruction in reading, writing, 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 building academic skills in order to obtain jobs and promotions, become more effective role models for their children, exercise the responsibilities of citizenship, and seek 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 more information about any of Mayland’s Basic Skills classes, call (828) 765-7351, ext. 291 or 1-800-4-MAYLAND, 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 (ABE) assists adults who wish to enhance their basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. ABE students may be interested in improving 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 and at other sites across the area. Persons interested in enrolling should contact the Basic Skills Program at one of these locations: in Mitchell County call (828) 765-7351, ext. 291 or 1-800-4-MAYLAND, ext. 291; in Avery County call (828) 733-5017; or in Yancey County (828) 682-2154.
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.
Compensatory Education
Program
The Compensatory Education Program is designed for developmentally disabled adults. 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) Program
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 classes 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. 207 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 free 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.
