The Library and Media Services support the college’s
mission and assist the full institutional community toward achieving its
goals. In addition, these areas strive to promote lifelong learning, provide
academic learning experiences, and share new ideas and resources; participate
in the college’s teaching and learning process; and
provide varied materials, services, and equipment for students, faculty,
and staff in a flexible and caring environment.
Library
The library’s collection includes more than 40,000 books, magazines,
newspapers, videotapes, and a variety of other audiovisual materials.
Also, students use online databases and the Internet to find information
on topics of interest.
The library’s web site contains
links to the college’s online catalog and full-text databases. Passwords
for remote access to databases are available at the library or by the
email link “Ask a librarian.”
Library hours, policies, research guides, and a guide to citing sources
are also available in this section.
Durham Tech participates in a consortium of community college libraries
in North Carolina. The holdings of all consortium libraries may be searched
simultaneously from the online catalog. Also, students may borrow books
from those colleges in person with a valid Durham Tech identification
card or via interlibrary loan.
Most materials may be checked out for three weeks. Reference and reserve
materials may be used only in the library. Members of the staff are always
available to help students locate and use the library’s resources.
To borrow materials, a user must present a valid Durham Tech identification
card.
Library facilities include individual and group study areas as well as
an area where students may read newspapers, popular magazines, professional
journals, and paperback books. A quiet room is also available for individual
study.
Unless otherwise posted, the main library is open Mondays through Thursdays,
8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to
2 p.m. Library hours during the summer term are Mondays through Thursdays,
8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Northern Durham Center library houses the collections on criminal
justice and fire protection as well as general reference and circulating
materials. In addition, library materials are available at the Orange
County Skills Develop-ment Center on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill.
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The Campus Learning Center (CLC) offers students a number
of alternatives to the traditional classroom setting for education.
Except for self-paced or televised credit courses, all of the following
CLC services are free:
- Skills centers offer students individualized, cost-free tutoring.
The Math Center provides personalized tutoring in all levels of mathe-
matics, including developmental math, math for sciences, and university
transfer math. Videotapes offer additional assistance in all levels
of math. The Writing Center can help students at all levels improve
their skills in grammar and writing. Handbooks, handouts, and other
materials are also available in the Writing Center. The Reading Center
provides assistance to students who are preparing for the Degrees
of Reading Power (DRP) assessment. Materials are offered to assist
with vocabulary and pronunciation as well. The Foreign Language Center
offers students enrolled in Spanish and French courses the opportunity
to practice their pronunciation and to consult a tutor about grammar
questions. In the Computer Center, students may use computers for
word processing, spread sheets, or other software available on the
machines. A lab monitor is available to assist students who are not
familiar with computers or who need help with software. Students are
asked to present a current Durham Tech identification card to access
the lab.
Depending on tutor availability, the CLC may also offer assistance
with other subjects. Look for CLC fliers each semester or view tutor
hours and availability in the Campus Learning
Center section of the web site.
- The CLC co-sponsors a series of Student Success Workshops on academic
topics, such as study skills, note-taking, learning styles, and test
anxiety; life skills topics, such as stress management; and career
skills workshops, including job-hunting tools and career choices.
Watch for fliers and brochures for dates, times, and locations of
these workshops.
- The CLC offers a number of special courses in mathematics. Students
use self-instructional materials, supplemented by assistance from
CLC instructors, to earn course credit. Students may adjust their
study schedule to suit their convenience, but all course requirements
must be completed by the last day of the semester.
Course content and requirements for CLC’s special courses are
identical to those for classroom segments of the same course, and
the same tuition is charged. Attendance policies are strictly enforced
from the first day of the semester. For example, students enrolled
in a five-semester contact-hour course must attend the course in the
CLC for five hours every week.
Students may register for CLC special courses during regular registration
but must attend an orientation during the first week of classes.
- Telecourses are videotaped college-level courses televised for adult
learners. These are complete learning systems designed for home use,
with content identical to comparable on-campus courses. However, the
televised lessons allow instructors to provide demonstrations and
other learning experiences which are unavailable in the traditional
classroom setting. Students completing a telecourse earn full curriculum
credit.
Students register for telecourses in the same way as for classroom
sections of credit courses, pay the same tuition, and pay an additional
fee. Besides viewing the lessons (on television at home or on videotape
in the CLC), students are expected to attend an orientation session
as well as three to five workshops and testing sessions on campus.
Students must also purchase textbooks and study guides and prepare
written assignments. Instructors are available to meet with telecourse
students at the workshop sessions, during their scheduled office hours,
and by telephone or email.
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The experience of being a student can be both exciting
and challenging. Counseling and Student Development staff are aware
of the diverse experiences of Durham Tech students and provide many
services which foster their academic success and personal growth. From
admission to graduation, students have found these services to be an
important part of their success.
Hours of Operation
The Counseling and Student Development office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Beginning May 19, summer office hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mondays through Thursdays and 8 a.m. to noon on Fridays. Students may also make an appointment to meet with a counselor at other
times by emailing counseling@durhamtech.edu
or by calling 919-686-3652.
Academic
and Personal Counseling
In keeping with Counseling and Student Development’s commitment
to student success, counselors also realize that a student’s academic
performance is affected by pressures of many types and degrees. For
this reason, Counseling and Student Development staff members are available
to meet with students individually to discuss a wide range of personal
concerns. Counselors provide encouragement and support, intervene in
times of crisis, make referrals when necessary, and help students identify
and resolve personal issues.
Career Services
Our diverse, rapidly-growing economy offers tremendous opportunity for
students searching for a job. However, identifying the career and specific
job that suits one’s skills, abilities, and personality can be
a frustrating task. Career Services staff offer resource materials,
interest inventories, workshops, and individual counseling to help students
develop and clarify career goals. Services are available to Durham Tech
students and alumni.
Career Services staff also act as a liaison between students seeking
jobs and prospective employers. Counselors maintain information about
full-time and part-time job opportunities, conduct job fairs, and coordinate
placement interviews. In addition, Career Services staff assist students
with résumé writing, interviewing techniques, and job-seeking
skills.
Durham Tech is a key partner in the Durham Joblink
Career Center located a few blocks from the main campus. This partnership
enables Durham Tech students and the residents of Durham to access countless
job opportunities throughout the state. In addition, a part-time Employment
Security Commission counselor is available in Counseling and Student
Development. Students interested in taking advantage of Career Services
should visit the Counseling and Student Development office, located
in the Phail Wynn Jr. Student Services Center, room 1309.
Disability Services
Students with physical, psychological, or learning disabilities may
utilize services designed to create equal access to the many aspects
of education. At Durham Tech, Disability Services provides accommodations
which reflect the college’s commitment to accessible quality education.
Students achieve educational access through the effective use of accommodations
such as individualized educational planning; support staff, including
note-takers and interpreters; assistive technology; alternative testing
arrangements; and priority assistance during registration. Through a
process of individual planning, students are encouraged to use their
diverse abilities to succeed. Students requesting accommodations due
to a disabling condition must provide the college with current assessment
documentation verifying a disability. This documentation must be submitted
on the letterhead of a qualified professional and include a clear diagnostic
statement, a description of the assessment tools used to render the
diagnosis, and a statement reflecting the student’s present needs
and level of functioning. Copies of the Disability
Services Documentation Guidelines and release
forms are available in the Counseling and Student Development office,
located in the Phail Wynn Jr. Student Services Center, room 1309. Students
with disabilities are encouraged to learn more about available accommodations
and services by calling the Disability Services coordinator at 919-686-3652
(V) or 919-686-3606 (TTY).
Student Development
The experience of college goes far beyond the classroom. Successful
students acquire skills to manage their education, career, and personal
lives. To foster the full development of students, Counseling and Student
Development staff are involved in all aspects of college life. They
answer questions and provide information about college activities, provide
support to curriculum programs, and create support services which address
the needs of the college’s diverse student population. Counselors
often facilitate relationship skills through effective student and instructor
communication.
Counseling and Student Development staff, in conjunction with Campus
Learning Center staff, also provide Student Success Workshops to address
many important issues. Study skills, time management, test anxiety,
health and wellness, career choices, and job-hunting tools are only
a few of the many topics addressed. Students are encouraged to take
advantage of these workshops each semester. For information about available
workshops and times, see the current schedule of Student Success Workshops
on this web site, in the
Counseling and Student Development office, located in the Phail Wynn
Jr. Student Services Center, room 1309, and at various other locations
on campus. Also, visit the college’s
events calendar for a list of upcoming activities and events.
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The college encourages student participation in organizations
and activities. Student activities are designed to provide a variety
of meaningful educational, cultural, and social experiences.
All organizations must be chartered and approved by the Student Senate
and must have a faculty or staff advisor. Student organizations may
not restrict membership on the basis of race, sex, color, age, religion,
national origin, or disability.
Mentor Project
The Mentor Project is a nationally acclaimed program designed to help
students who are new to Durham Tech gain the skills that will help them
be successful in their college career. Second-year students who have
maintained a grade point average of 3.0 or higher are trained and then
matched with new students to help them develop the skills necessary
to be successful in college. These skills include, but are not limited
to, taking notes and tests, making oral presentations, and managing
time. Attendance of weekly meetings and Student Success Workshops reinforce
these skills.
Student Clubs and Organizations
Durham Tech acknowledges the importance of student life outside the
classroom and supports a variety of social, cultural, and professional
opportunities to enhance a student’s in-class educational experiences.
The following organizations are among those currently available to students
at Durham Tech: Amigos Unidos (Spanish Club), Book of the Month Club,
Durham Tech Association for Education of Young Children, Electronics
Engineering Technology Club, Gamma Beta Phi (academic honor society),
Literary Club, Phi Beta Lambda (business society), Practical Nursing
Students’ Club, Scholastic Opticians Association, Science Club,
Single Parent Club, Spanish Honor Society, Student Nurses’ Organization,
Student Occupational Therapy Association, Tau Eta Sigma (dental), Tech
Tribune Student Newspaper Organization, and Thespian Society (drama
club).
Some of the activities and special events on campus include the following:
fall and spring campus festivals; Career Days; plays and other cultural
events; Cultural Exchange Day; Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day Celebration;
Senior College Day; and Spring Talent Show.
More information can be found in the student
clubs and organizations section of the web site.
Student Publications
Recognizing the importance of a public forum for the written expression
of ideas as well as the development of effective communication skills,
Durham Tech supports student involvement in campus publications. Students
produce Final Draft, a student literary
magazine.
While the views expressed in these publications do not necessarily reflect
those of the college, faculty and staff advisors assist students in
developing the publications in a manner consistent with responsible
journalism, acceptable English composition, and the stated purposes
of the college.
Student Senate
The Student Senate provides input to the college’s administration
on decisions affecting students, makes decisions regarding the allocation
of student event funds, and plans student activities and events. The
Senate also approves and provides support for student organizations.
Student senators represent academic departments and student organizations.
Student interest and leadership are necessary for the Student Senate
to function effectively; students are encouraged to become actively
involved. Additional information about the Student Senate is available
from the Counseling and Student Development office or on the Student
Senate page.
Student Participation in College Decision Making
Durham Tech encourages and provides for student involvement in institutional
governance and decision making through various means. These include
the following:
- The Student Senate consists of student representatives who provide
input and recommendations to the college’s administration.
- A student serves as a non-voting member of the college’s
Board of Trustees.
- Student involvement also occurs through membership on advisory
committees, task forces, and other campus committees.
- Students participate in college decision making through involvement
in the evaluation of courses and services.
- Student involvement is promoted through on-going interaction with
faculty and staff and through participation in student organizations
and activities.
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Source: 2008 Catalog and Student Handbook |
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