Helpful Stepping Stones Show the Way
Antonia Florence, assistant editor
There is no reason to go through college alone. PVCC students have a variety of support services available to them and could think of these services as stepping stones leading through a muddy garden.
If your class schedule takes you past an office that you would like to know more about, lightly tap on the door, introduce yourself and ask what they offer. If you are not in immediate need of their services, you may know someone who is.
The PVCC website includes a tremendous amount of information. Explore by clicking on every tab and link. Be prepared to learn about the college’s history, future plans, and educational opportunities other than degrees and career studies certificates. Grants and scholarships are available for students regardless of their financial situation and do not need to be paid back. You will also find information about free tutoring, guaranteed admissions to four-year colleges and universities, international travel opportunities and so much more.
One link is for the Student Success Office in room M132. Their focus is to help students achieve their educational and personal goals by identifying and removing potential barriers. If it is deemed that a student needs help through off-campus resources then the Student Success Office will facilitate this introduction.
Another link is to Career Services in room M128 where they provide guidance to students through career assessments, exploring options and job-search strategies. In addition, they will help you prepare your resume, write targeted cover letters, and provide tips for filling out job applications. They also help students hone their interview techniques and suggest salary negotiating strategies, and facilitate internships and work study positions.
PVCC, in conjunction with the YMCA Intergenerational Learning Center, offers reduced fee child-care for dependents of PVCC students while they are attending class. Full and partial grants may also be available depending on a student’s financial situation. The center is located in the Jefferson School adjacent to PVCC satellite classrooms and the Culinary Arts department.
PVCC Safe offers safety tips that are valuable on and off campus. Campus police officers are sworn officers who are employed by PVCC to protect campus and its surrounding areas, according to the school’s website. They will provide a protective escort on campus for any student, staff or faculty member to their vehicle or another building. To summon an escort 24 hours a day call 434-981-6362.
These are just a few of the many safety nets and services provided by PVCC. Taking advantage of them may save a student from making costly education and career mistakes. These services have already been paid for through tuition, fees and other resources. They will make walking along the muddy garden path a more pleasant productive experience.
