P&HCC Website

Learning Resource Center/Library

Learning Resource Center

The Learning Resource Center embraces the mission of the college and strives to support and strengthen the art of teaching and the process of learning as they affect students, faculty, staff, and the community. To this end, the Learning Resource Center (LRC) provides library, and instructional media services and a comprehensive learning assistance program for students, faculty, and staff. Many of the services and functions of the LRC are open to community patrons. The LRC provides a broad base of services and materials reflective of user needs. Wireless Internet access is available throughout the library and Learning Resource Center. LRC staff members assist patrons in finding needed information, services, or equipment. The LRC has designed its functions to help students learn and teachers teach.

Lester Library

The Lester Library provides a diverse collection of print and non-print resources, including books, periodicals, microforms, videos, DVDs, e-books, as well as access to over 100 full-text and bibliographic databases. Trained library staff is available to provide bibliographic instruction and research assistance both to students and community users. Registered students are able to access online resources from off-campus via a proxy server.

Students needing research assistance from off-campus sites can request help by e-mail, fax or phone. For after- hours or off- campus assistance, students can chat with a VCCS reference librarian through LRC Live, a Web-based reference service.

Loan Policy. The current loan policy is four weeks for books and 48 hours for videotapes and DVDs. In most cases, items may be renewed once, prior to the due date, either by phone or in person. Renewals are not allowed on overdue material or material on hold. Periodicals, reserve materials, and reference books are for in-library use only.

Photocopy and Microfilm Printer Machines. A coin- operated copy machine and a microfilm/microfiche reader are located on the second floor of the LRC. Photocopier charges are 10 cents per page. The library cannot provide change.

Library Card. All patrons must present a library card in order to check out materials. The first card is issued free. However, a $1 fee is charged for replacement of a lost or damaged card. To replace a card, the student must pay at the business office and bring a receipt to the library circulation desk.

Overdue Policy. Although the library does not charge fines for overdue material, patrons are encouraged to return library material on or before the due date. Patrons who have library material checked out beyond a specified due date are notified in writing or through e-mail by staff. Students with overdue material are not allowed to checkout additional material, receive transcripts, certificates, diplomas, or degrees; nor will they be allowed to re-register. Community patrons with overdue material are not allowed to checkout additional library materials until overdue material are returned. All patrons with overdue materials may be subject to action taken by the business office in accordance with VA Code§ 42.1-74.
Habitual abuse of library policies may result in library privileges being suspended.

Lost or Damaged Materials. The cost for lost, stolen, or damaged library material will be assessed based on replacement value of the same or like materials.

Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA). VIVA is a consortium of the 39 state-assisted, colleges and universities, the 32 independent Virginia institutions, and the Library of Virginia. VIVA’s mission is to provide enhanced access to library and information resources and facilitate cooperation among institutes of higher learning. Through its VIVA membership, the Lester Library makes available a variety of full-text and bibliographic databases, free to students, faculty, staff and community researchers.

Details about VIVA and a list of its current database titles are available at http://www.vivalib.org.

Interlibrary Loans. As a member of the OCLC interlibrary loan network, the library can borrow materials from other OCLC member libraries within the state at no charge. Request for out-of-state materials are honored, where possible, although fees and restrictions may apply. For additional information regarding library policies and resources, please see the Lester Library Web page.

LRC Testing Center

Testing is provided for local P&HCC students taking distance learning courses through the LRC Testing Center as well as legitimate makeup testing for students in face-to-face classes as instructed by individual faculty members and will proctor tests for other community college and senior institutions free of charge. The Testing Center also provides walk-in Virginia Placement testing for new students.

Students living in Martinsville, Henry and Patrick Counties must take proctored tests at either P&HCC’s main campus Testing Center or at the P&HCC’s Patrick County site. Students living outside the Martinsville and Henry County area must find an acceptable proctor, fill out a Student-Proctor form (located on the College website’s Testing Center page), and submit to the Testing Center for approval at least one week prior to their test.

Appointments are not necessary for students taking tests in the Testing Center; however, it is the student’s responsibility to allow an adequate amount of time to complete a test before closing time. Tests will not be given out one hour before closing time. Current semester hours are posted on the college website. A picture ID (Student ID card or Driver’s License) is required before any test will be given. Provide EMPLID, course number, instructor’s name, and test information. Leave belongings in the assigned area (including cell phones); lockers are provided.

Learning Laboratory
The Learning Laboratory provides an array of academic support services to help students achieve academic success. The Lab provides instructional material that includes computer software; instructional media equipment; a computer lab, a make-up and distance learning testing service; numerous workshops and tutoring. The computer lab can be used as an open lab when not scheduled for special instructional purposes.

Printing
Wireless Everywhere Print Anywhere (WEPA) makes printing easy & efficient for students. Convenient cloud technology lets you print from a variety of devices (smart phones, home computers, USB keys, etc) to any of the WEPA kiosk printers in the LRC Learning Lab.

Tutoring
Individual, group, and on-line tutoring is provided for most subjects free of charge to P&HCC students. Tutoring services are located on the first floor of the Learning Resource Center. Certified tutors are available for support, encouragement, and enhancing the quality of education.

Writing Center

The Writing Center offers individual as well as group tutoring sessions for students seeking guidance in their writing skills. The goal of the Writing Center is to aid in the development of the individual writer, teaching skills to help the writer become more self-sufficient. Trained tutors are available during lab hours. This service is offered at no cost to the student.

Byrd Math Lab

The goal of the Byrd Math Lab is to provide math assistance to students in all levels of math offered by P&HCC. The lab provides free individual and group tutoring. Walk-ins during regularly scheduled hours are the primary means of receiving math tutoring and are always welcomed; no appointment necessary. Scheduled appointments may be available for certain math classes upon request. Math assistance is guaranteed during the open lab hours. The college attempts to offer math tutoring during both day and evening hours to accommodate student schedules. Students should check the college webpage for current semester hours of operation.

Distance Learning

P&HCC offers a wide variety of distance learning courses, as well as a number of programs available totally in a distance learning format. The majority of distance learning courses are web-based; however, the college delivers a few courses via compressed video or video conferencing. The compressed video courses are delivered to the college’s off-campus sites and to other institutions within the Virginia Community College System. Web courses allow students to access the course using the Internet. Distance learning courses maintain the same integrity as traditional courses, but provide the course instruction in an alternate format. Distance learning courses are coordinated through the Division of Technology. Students are encouraged to complete an orientation to distance learning prior to beginning any of the college’s web- based courses.

Student Assistance & Intervention for Learning Success (SAILS)

SAILS is an early alert program designed to help students during the semester. It is a tool to inform students before they run into long-term academic trouble as well as give accolades for performing well in the class. When a student receives an email from their instructor or an advisor, they should read it carefully. These emails are to help increase communication as well as to refer students to resources that can help them succeed. In addition, students may receive a follow-up call, email, or postcard from a campus advisor/counselor. It is P&HCC’s goal to help students become successful in all of their classes.

Student Support Services

Student Support Services is a federally funded grant program (TRIO Program) through the U.S. Department of Education. The Student Support Services office is located on the first floor of the Learning Resource Center Room 109. Students must apply to participate in the program and meet eligibility criteria. Eligible participants include first generation, low income, and/or students with a disability. Free services for program participants include: tutoring; academic advising; financial aid assistance; study skills assistance; cultural and social activities; assistance with transferring to a four-year college or university, including campus visits; and support services and accommodations for a disability.

Resources for Students with disAbilities

disAbility Resources, including academic adjustments and accommodations, are available to allow the full participation of students with disabilities in all programs and services of the college. disAbility Resources may include, but are not limited to, the following: facilitating physical accessibility on campus; academic degree or course requirements may be modified in certain instances to ensure full participation; alternate methods of testing and evaluation are available for students whose disability require such methods; and, auxiliary aids and services are available for students with impaired sensory, manual, speaking, or processing skills. Student Support Services is responsible for coordinating all disAbility Resources. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact a counselor in Student Support Services as early as possible to arrange for and receive accommodations. In addition, Student Support Services will facilitate a student’s communication with instructors regarding disclosure of his or her disability and accommodations needed.

Accessible parking is available in all visitor and student parking lots on campus. An appropriate vehicle tag or permit from the Department of Motor Vehicles is required for these spaces. Inquiries about the college’s and student’s rights and responsibilities regarding persons with disabilities may be directed to the 504/ADA Coordinator located on the first floor of the Learning Resource Center, (276) 656-0257. Additional information regarding the college’s disability policies and procedures may be found at the P&HCC college web site.

Student Services

The Student Services Division exists to help meet the needs of students. College staff assist students in making informed decisions regarding their educational, vocational and personal plans.

Students entering any degree, diploma or certificate program are required to take the college placement tests. Students must take the college placement tests before enrolling in many courses such as mathematics, English, accounting, psychology, sociology, history, many computer classes, economics, biology courses, etc. (see developmental prerequisites on pages 33, and 161-162).

The tests are administered on a walk-in basis on campus in the Learning Resource Center, and when requested, in the local high schools and in off-campus locations. Results of the tests are discussed with the students following on-campus tests. A prospective student who does not receive an official report before enrolling should check with the Admissions Office for a review of test results. Students who need developmental coursework to obtain appropriate skills and competencies will be advised of the requirements and availability of these courses. Careful and appropriate interpretation of all test results is provided for each student.

Orientation

. New students should initiate a meeting with a college advisor in the Admissions Office to discuss interests, placement test results and curriculum choices. All students are required to participate in a New Student Orientation session, which is offered multiple times before classes begin each semester.

Pre-college counseling

. Student Services staff cooperate with local high schools to schedule appropriate activities for students and counselors to inform them of the programs available. All youth and adults in the service region are invited to visit and/or request information concerning P&HCC through the Student Services office.

College Survival Skills

. The SDV 108 “College Survival Skills” course offers each student an opportunity to meet individual needs and receive academic credit toward graduation. SDV 108 provides an orientation to the college, introduces study skills, career and life planning, and offers an opportunity to engage in activities aimed at self-discovery. Students enrolled in developmental courses should take SDV 108 in their first semester of enrollment.

The Career Center.

The Career Center provides assistance with personal career development for all students. Successful career choices should be based on students’ interests, values, skills, and personality. The Career Center offers guidance in choosing career objectives, pursuing internships and volunteer opportunities, initiating job searches and preparing for job application and interviews.

Services include:
• Career advising using the Virginia Wizard Career and Course Planner, or the CareerScop Interest and Aptitude Assessment;
• Resources for the job search;
• Assistance with the application process for internships or job placement;
• Guidance through the pre-employment process including resume and cover letter formatting and reviews, as well as mock interviews;
• Career and job fairs, both on and off campus, for networking with potential employers;
• College Central Network online career development program; Resume and job postings to help with your job search and career development;
• Pre-employment testing services including ACT WorkKeys and Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) assessments (may be related to specific classes or employers only).

Transfer preparation

. College transfer programs are designed to allow students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. In addition, Patrick Henry has formal articulation agreements with several institutions to make transfer easier for the student. For information about the Guaranteed Admissions Agreements and other transfer agreements, see the Student Handbook.

Student activities

. A student activities program adds to the instructional program by providing a variety of meaningful educational, cultural, social, and civic experiences. The student fee supports this program. The college encourages student participation in extra- curricular activities on campus. Students should consult the Student Handbook section of the college catalog on all student organizations and contact the Student Activities office in the Walker Building to find out how to become an active member of a campus group.

Faculty advisors

. Faculty advisors are appointed to help students complete programs and work through other problems that can affect student performance. Faculty advisors are assigned to all students according to the area of study. See the Student Handbook for detailed information about the role of faculty advisors. Students who wish to change their major should visit with their advisor and then obtain the necessary application at the admissions office. Students may only submit a “Student Information Change Form” to change curriculum two times per semester, and students must be admitted with an eligible curriculum prior to the semester beginning in order to receive financial aid.

MHC After 3

. MHC After 3 is a collaborative of many youth serving community partners dedicated to providing exemplary youth development services. MHC After 3 programs serve middle and high school youth in the Martinsville Henry County community during out of school time hours. Students benefit from daily professionally mentored arts, academics, athletics, and personal development programs. MHC After 3 funders include: 21 Century Community Learning Centers, National Science Foundation via Educational Equity Centers, Martinsville Area Community Foundation, The Harvest Foundation, private donors, and in-kind contributions from community partners, Patrick & Henry Community College, Martinsville City Public Schools, and Henry County Public Schools.

Upward Bound

. Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science provide free high quality year round programming to 130 area high school students in preparation for college entrance and success. Advisors provide weekly sessions to build student capacity for academic, career, financial, and career success. In addition to college, cultural and career exploration activities, students hone leadership, academic, and student success skills throughout the academic year and a 6 week intensive summer discovery institute. These programs are funded through competitive grants funded through the United States Department of Education, each in the amount of $262,500 annually.