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Distance Learning Services
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College offers distance learning
courses to individuals who desire alternative instructional delivery. All
student support services, including but not limited to, counseling,
advising, assessment, career planning, and financial aid are available and
accessible to students enrolled in Internet courses at the College. OCtech
provides distance education in four ways:
1. Internet courses
2. C and KU band satellite reception for linking to educational programs and
tele- conferences around the country.
3. SCETV digital satellite system: OCtech serves as a receiver site for
under-graduate and graduate courses originating from the University of South
Carolina. Students interested in this option should contact the University
of South Carolina Distance Education Department to arrange for this service.
OCtech also serves as a viewing site for training provided by the Criminal
Justice Academy, the SC Bar Association and other state agencies.
4. VTEL two-way video conferencing between the sixteen colleges in the South
Carolina Technical College System.
Student support services are available to students who are enrolled in a
variety of distance education courses. Students may find the following
services beneficial or necessary to their success in these and other courses
at the College. Students are encouraged to utilize information on the
College’s website (www.octech.edu) to access detailed information about
services available.
Admissions
Students may apply for distance education courses through OCtech’s Office of
Admissions by submitting an application for admission via our web site,
traditional mail, or by a personal visit to the College. The application for
admission is available on the College’s website (www.octech.edu), as well as
in the semester brochure that is inserted in local newspapers three times a
year and also available in the Student Services Center in the Student and
Community Life Center. Applications may also be requested by telephone or
mail.
A student who is enrolled at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College and other
colleges concurrently must meet the admissions criteria of each college for
the particular program or course in which he/she plans to enroll. Although
OCtech has an “open door” admissions policy, some programs of study require
specific admissions criteria relative to that particular curriculum.
Assessment
Distance education courses require an assessment of a student’s academic
skills. OCtech utilizes the American College Testing Program’s COMPASS Test
for course placement. OCtech will also accept SAT, ACT and ASSET scores in
lieu of COMPASS scores.
Placement testing sessions are conducted daily at OCtech. The College will
also schedule assessment sessions at other non-standard times to meet the
needs of distance education students. Contact the Admissions Office for
scheduling information.
Academic Advising, Scheduling and
Registration
OCtech employs qualified staff and faculty to assist distance education
students with course selections and class scheduling to address student
needs. Advising and scheduling are typically conducted on campus with
faculty advisors or Student Services counselors by appointment or on a
walk-in basis. Students are also permitted to schedule classes by telephone,
providing all admissions requirements have been satisfied. Students may pay
required tuition and fees to the College’s Business Office by mail, in
person or by telephone.
Orientation
Distance education students are invited and encouraged to participate in
OCtech’s orientation program. Orientation programs are conducted for new
students at the beginning of each new term. Individual sessions may be
scheduled for students with special needs that prohibit their participation
in the regularly scheduled orientation program.
The College also utilizes a web orientation program where students may view
the orientation program at home. Students who wish to participate by use of
the video may contact the OCtech Student Services Division.
Personal and Academic Counseling
Distance education students may utilize counseling services by visiting the
OCtech Student Services Office. Counseling services are available to
students in the Student and Community Life Center, Monday through Thursday,
from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and on Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
Evening counseling services are available in the Student and Community Life
Center from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Students may
make an appointment with a counselor by calling 803.536.1224 or (toll free)
1.800.813.6519. Distance Education students may access all student services
through OCtech’s website (www.octech.edu).
Job Placement Assistance
Job Placement Services are available to distance education students in the
Student and Community Life Center. Students may visit the campus, or call
for assistance at 803.535.1373 or toll free at 800. 813.6519 ext. 1373.
Distance Education students may access all student services through OCtech’s
website (www.octech.edu).
Student Activities
Students who are enrolled in distance education courses are encouraged to
participate on the Student Advisory Board, in honor societies and student
clubs on campus. Information on various student organizations may be
obtained from Student Services counselors and faculty advisors on campus.
Consult a counselor in the Student Services Office for more information.
Student Financial Aid
Financial aid services are available to students enrolled in distance
education courses. Students must submit the same application and maintain
the same academic standards of progress as established for all other OCtech
students. For additional information, call 803.535.1224 or toll free at
1.800.813.6519 ext.1224.
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