2007 SwVCC News

College Plus Learning Community Offers Step-up for SwVCC Students

College Plus Learning Community

Students entering Southwest Virginia Community College are getting a step-up through the General Studies Learning Community program. Students that need developmental math or English can take the courses this summer as part of the learning community. The program, College Plus, allows students to take a cluster of the same classes. Going through the classes as a group or cohort allows students to develop a support system of other students. Enrollment is limited, students interested in the College Plus program need to contact Greg Horn at 276.964.7223, Ellen Elmes at 276.964.7205, or Barbara Davis at 276.964.7229 for more information or to pre-register.


Students entering Southwest Virginia Community College are getting a step-up through the General Studies Learning Community program. Students that need developmental math or English can take the courses this summer as part of the learning community.

To enter the summer learning community, students must take either developmental math or English and the College Survival Skills Course. The classes are scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the summer semester. Basic Algebra I (MTH 03) will be offered from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., College Survival Skills (SDV 108-LC) will be held from 9:40 a.m. to 10:10 a.m., Preparing for College Writing (ENG 01/03) will be offered from 10:30 a.m. to 12:05 p.m., for the duration of the ten week regular term.

The General Studies learning community titled College Plus was launched in the Fall of 2006. It is designed to enhance the student’s college experience through increased interaction with a group of students who have similar concerns and interests—as well as to allow for special, value-added opportunities like trips, speakers, films and increased contact with faculty.

The program allows students to take a cluster of the same classes. Going through the classes as a group or cohort allows students to develop a support system of other students.

“If you’re enrolling in General Studies and just want to get more out of SwVCC, more attention from teachers, more interesting learning opportunities and more fun, then College Plus is for you. The idea is that by having a small group of students take some of their courses together, study together, and do more activities together, we can improve the quality of their experience at Southwest,” said Greg Horn, English professor at SwVCC.

According to Ellen Elmes, SwVCC Art instructor, students in the summer general studies learning community will explore Appalachian Culture. The learning community will focus on a documentary film series call “Country Boys” about two young men growing up and experiencing life as students in rural Appalachia. The series explores the hopes and dreams of the young men, as well as, the challenges they face while trying to achieve their goals.

In addition, students involved with the community will participate in two activities during the summer to further explore the Appalachian Culture theme. Students will travel to Clintwood to the Ralph Stanley Museum and will also view the Dickenson County mural. As a bonus, students will also visit Appalshop in Whitesburg, KY.

“Our reasoning for creating this learning cluster for summer is that it gives students the opportunity to get developmental classes out of the way, as well as a chance to gain an early awareness of good study habits and access to learning resources. We want to expose students to Appalachian culture to instill a sense of pride. We hope this experience will enhance students’ self-esteem,” said Elmes.

Enrollment is limited, students interested in the College Plus program need to contact Greg Horn at 276.964.7223, Ellen Elmes at 276.964.7205, or Barbara Davis at 276.964.7229 for more information or to pre-register.