Southwest Virginia
Higher Education Center
Fall Semester 2007
Welcome to the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC)! We are pleased that you are pursuing your educational goals with us. For your convenience, the most up to date information relating to classes at the Center, including cancellations, is available on our website, http://www.swcenter.edu.
The SVHEC is generally open 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays and Sundays when classes are scheduled. Consult the current lobby directory or our website (www.swcenter.edu) for up-to-date information. The Administrative offices are open 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, university representatives can meet with students after hours by appointment.
Several institutions are a part of the SVHEC partnership. So that you may know who they are when classes are listed on our lobby directory, the names and abbreviations of the SVHEC partners are listed below for your convenience.
Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Products – No alcoholic beverages
are allowed in the Center or parking lots. Exceptions are made for attendees
at special events that have a permit from the Virginia Department of
Alcohol Beverage Control. Beverages permitted by the ABC
Board for a specific event in the building are ONLY for attendees
of said event. The SVHEC is a tobacco-free facility and no tobacco products
are allowed in the building.
Bookstore – The Virginia Highlands Community College
bookstore is open from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Friday and CLOSED Saturday & Sunday. The Bookstore will
work extended hours at the beginning of each semester. If you cannot get to
the Bookstore between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., let us know
and we will make special arrangements for you.
Children – Children in the facility are to be supervised at
all times by a responsible adult. Children may not attend classes
unless they are registered or invited to participate for a specific instructional
purpose (e.g. to make a presentation).
Classrooms – All of the
classrooms, labs, and large spaces are scheduled by Sonia Vanhook or Brenda
Wilson and assigned to institutions for specific courses or events. Do not
assume when a room is unoccupied that you can use it for a project, study
group, breakout session, etc., Instead, contact Sonia at 619-4301 or email
her at svanhook@swcenter.edu. She will schedule
a room for you. Students are always welcome to meet in the lobby areas and
Le Cafe when their project or group activity is not disruptive to others.
Please leave the classrooms neat by placing all cups and trash in the waste
cans. Recycle cans and plastic bottles.
Code of Conduct – Students must adhere to the standards of conduct
established by the college or university in which they are enrolled.
Computers – Resource Center and Computer Lab:
Computers are available in the Resource Center, located on the second floor
in the back corridor,
for use by registered students, faculty and guests. To access the lab, obtain an access card from the Information Desk in
the front lobby. Please refer to our Computer Lab Policies for
more information. The classroom computer labs on the second floor are for scheduled classes
ONLY. They are not available for personal use. Tobacco
products, food and drinks are not allowed in the Resource Center and Computer
Labs.
Please check at the Information Desk or call the SVHEC, (619-4300) if you
need to use the Resource Center at night to ensure that the building will be
open.
Computers may be used from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m.
to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays. However, when classes are not in session, lab
hours may be reduced from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. At times when classes
are cancelled or dismissed early, the SVHEC Resource Center may close early. Students who need access
to a computer at other times are welcome to use them at the Virginia Highlands
Community College library. Check their website at http://www.vhcc.edu/library/
for hours of operation. Keep in mind that the Higher Education Center
and VHCC are closed for holidays and inclement weather. Don't get caught
"off guard." Check the holiday schedule and plan accordingly.
Faculty, students, and guests have free access to the printers in the labs.
However, paper is not provided. Students may bring their own paper for the
printer in the Resource Center or they may purchase paper at the Information
Desk in packets of twenty-five sheets for a cost of $0.25 per packet.
Copies – Copies may be made for $0.05 per page at the Information Desk.
E-mail – E-mail accounts are available to all registered students.
You may access your email account from the SVHEC Resource Center. Please inquire
with your institution’s on-site representative for details.
Emergency – Make sure family members know the name of your course(s),
the sponsoring institution, and the classroom number. This will help us get
an emergency message to you promptly. The emergency number to call is (276)
619-4300.
Faculty – While many of the faculty who teach at the SVHEC are
in the building regularly, most have office space on their respective main
campus. If you need to get in touch with your instructor, please consult your
course syllabus or the site director for telephone numbers and e-mail addresses.
First Aid Kit – A well-equipped first-aid kit is available at
the Information Desk.
Food and Drinks – Vending Machines are located in Le Café,
otherwise known as the student lounge, on the first floor. They are equipped
to change dollar bills. If you lose money in a vending machine, leave your
name and the amount of money lost with the Information Desk and your money
will be refunded. Beverages
are allowed in all classrooms except the computer laboratory – but please
be careful not to spill. If you do, please clean the spill immediately. The
Information Desk staff can provide cleaning supplies if you need them.
Honor Code – All SVHEC partner institutions subscribe to an HONOR
CODE, designed to assure all students an academic community of trust,
honor, and fair competition. The SVHEC supports this premise and expects
all students to act appropriately. An all-purpose pledge that can be written
on any examination is: “I have neither given nor received help on this
exam.” Lying, cheating, or stealing will not be tolerated at the SVHEC,
and can result in dismissal or sanctions by the institution in which the
student is enrolled.
Illegal Drugs – The possession and/or use of illegal drugs is strictly
prohibited. Violators will be reported to the proper authorities for
further action.
Information Line – Before driving long
distances to attend regularly scheduled classes, consider calling the SVHEC
Information Line at 276-619-4308. Cancellations due to weather, instructor’s
illness, etc., will be recorded daily, if we have been advised, as well as
program updates and events.
Library –
The
Virginia Highlands Community College library is
available to assist students at the Higher Education Center. Although any of
the library staff can help you, Joel Rudy is our Reference and Bibliographic
Instruction librarian. He is available to work with you individually or during
a class meeting. To contact Joel, dial 739-2512 or email him at jrudy@vhcc.edu.
The library is located on the first floor of the Learning Resource Center
(LRC) at Virginia Highlands Community College. Library hours are Monday – Thursday
from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday from
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and Sunday from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
VHCC library cards are free to all students and available at the VHCC library.
You will need your student ID or some form of registration verification when
you request a library card.
In addition to the VHCC Library, SVHEC students can access their home campus
library in the Center’s Resource Lab. The Resource lab is open Monday – Friday
from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
when classes are in session.
Microwave Oven & Refrigerator – For your convenience, Le
Café (the student lounge) is equipped with a microwave and a refrigerator.
Students are welcome to use both. DO NOT leave food in the refrigerator for
more than 24 hours or it will be discarded.
Parking – For your safety and that of other students, carefully
observe the traffic signs and arrows in the parking lot. You may park anywhere
in the parking lot without a parking permit except in the handicapped spaces.
On special occasions, such as the Virginia Highlands Festival, we may offer
a reserved parking area. Also, please observe the 30-minute time limit in the
spaces designated for Bookstore customers, loading and unloading, and other
short visits to the building.
Pencil Sharpeners – Pencil sharpeners are located at the main Information Desk and in classrooms throughout the building.
Persons with Disabilities – In
1990, the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed into law, extending equal protection to persons with disabilities in the private sector, public institutions, employment, communications and public accommodations. In compliance with this act, the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center is committed to making its facilities accessible and usable to all persons with a disability. If you are a prospective or current student with a disability and desire assistive devices, services or other accommodations, please notify your college or university site representative. If you are a guest with a disability and desire assistive devices, services or other accommodations, please notify the Information Desk at 276-619-4300.
The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation.
Printers - Printers are available in the computer classrooms and the
Resource Center free of charge. However, students and faculty must bring
their own paper or purchase it at The Information Desk for 25 cents per pack.
Registration – Student registration and payments are
currently handled through the partner institutions. Please see the appropriate
college representative for assistance.
Resource Center –
Computers are available in the Resource Center, located on the second floor
in the back corridor,
for use by registered students, faculty and guests. To access the lab, obtain an access card from the Information Desk in
the front lobby. Please refer to our Computer Lab Policies for
more information. The classroom computer labs on the second floor are for scheduled classes
ONLY. They are not available for personal use. Tobacco
products, food and drinks are not allowed in the Resource Center and Computer
Labs.
Please check at the Information Desk or call the SVHEC, (619-4300) if you
need to use the Resource Center at night to ensure that the building will be
open.
Computers may be used from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m.
to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays. However, when classes are not in session, lab
hours may be reduced from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. At times when classes
are cancelled or dismissed early, the SVHEC Resource Center may close early. Students who need access
to a computer at other times are welcome to use them at the Virginia Highlands
Community College library. Check their website at http://www.vhcc.edu/library/
for hours of operation. Keep in mind that the Higher Education Center
and VHCC are closed for holidays and inclement weather. Don't get caught
"off guard." Check the holiday schedule and plan accordingly.
Faculty, students, and guest have free access to the printers in the labs.
However, paper is not provided. Students may bring their own paper for the
printer in the Resource Center or they may purchase paper at the Information
Desk in packets of twenty-five sheets for a cost of $0.25 per packet.
Restrooms – Restrooms are located at the east and west end on
the first floor, and the east end of the second floor. Please help us keep these
rooms clean by alerting us when they need service. Tobacco, chewing gum, etc.
are not appropriate in the fixtures.
Smoking Policy – Smoking or the use of any tobacco product,
is not permitted in the building. Our smoking area is outside the
Executive Auditorium at the west end of the building.
Student Mailboxes – Student mailboxes for distance learning students
(handouts, returned homework, and exams) are located at the Information Desk.
Telephones – Courtesy telephones are located in the
main lobby, adjacent to the Information Desk and on the second floor near the
restrooms. These phones will permit local calls at no charge. Long distance
and collect calls may be accessed with a calling card or credit card.
Tobacco Products – The Southwest Virginia Higher Education
Center is a tobacco-free facility.
Video checkout Procedures – To check out a videotape, complete
a request form at the Information Desk. All institutions, with the exception
of ODU store the tapes behind the Information Desk. Most tapes may be checked
out for 24 hours, unless prior arrangements are made with your site director.
Weapons – Possession and/or use of weapons or any object that could be used to assault another person are prohibited on the premises of the SVHEC. Violators will be reported to the proper authorities for further action.
Weather Cancellations – In the event of inclement weather, call the SVHEC Information Line at (276) 619-4308, check our website (www.swcenter.edu), or listen to your local
television or radio station. Do not assume when classes are cancelled at the university’s main campus or at Virginia Highlands Community College
that your class at the HEC is also cancelled. Many times our classes meet when other institutions are closed or are operating on a snow delay.
We are proud of our SVHEC and hope you enjoy being here. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!
Revised 8/6/06
SVHEC does not discriminate against employees,
students, or applicants on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation,
disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political
affiliation. Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should
contact the Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Office.
Established by the General Assembly in '91 to strengthen the economy
of the region through the education and training of the current and future workforce.
Hi-tech learning and conference center for education, professional development,
and business and industry use.
State-of-the-art technology including high speed internet, wireless Internet access, and satellite
reception.
Conference facility with 13,000 square foot Grand Hall (1500 person capacity),
tiered executive auditorium (110 person capacity), u-shaped classroom (65
person capacity), plus 25 other classrooms available.
Computer classrooms available to business and industry.
The Library at Virginia Highlands Community College works with the
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center to provide resources and assistance
to students enrolled in classes at the SVHEC. Students are welcomed and encouraged
to make use of the library at Virginia Highlands. The library is located on
the first floor of the Learning Resources Center (LRC) building on the main
campus of Virginia Highlands Community College next to parking lot 4.
Available Resources
Some of the materials available include books (including best sellers in our McNaughton collection), magazines, newspapers, computers, cassettes, videos, plus topographic maps and art prints.
Computer Access
The Virginia Highlands Community College Library provides free access to the
Internet and word processing on several computers. To access the Internet,
choose Netscape or Internet Explorer. Choose VHCC library home page
from the VHCC page on any VHCC computer to access the on site library web page.
To access the library from an off-campus location, type www.vhcc.edu/library.
Personal assistance is available in the VHCC library to students wanting to
access their home institution library via the Internet.
Virtual Library of Virginia
The Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA) is an important resource for Virginia libraries. VIVA is a consortium of academic libraries with a goal to increase availability of information through cooperative consortium of academic libraries with a goal to increase availability of information through cooperative purchasing to students and faculty. Through VIVA, which is available from any VHCC computer with Netscape, as well as for staff and students on their personal computers, the on site library offers many full-text articles from magazines, journals, and newspapers.
The Information Resources web page, which can be accessed from Popular Links on the VHCC home page, is both an alphabetical and subject listing of all titles available through VIVA and the Virginia Community College System. Also, there is access to Research Guides that have been created by librarians in the VCCS.
Databases
Many of the full-text articles are readily available from databases linked to the VHCC Library home page, under Popular Links.
InfoTrac — a magazine indexing system which has full-text articles
and some abstracts and citations. There is a wide variety of subject areas
covered in the various databases offered through InfoTrac.
SIRS (Social Issues Research Series) provide access to newspaper and magazine articles on a variety of current topics.
ProjectMuse contains journals published electronically by the Johns Hopkins Press-cover a wide variety of subjects, humanities, mathematics, medicine and social sciences.
FirstSearch can be used to find books, articles, films, computer software and other types of materials world-wide on the subject you need.
FirstSearch contains WorldCat the Internet version of OCLC (Online Computer Library Center). If you cannot find the title you want in WorldCat, it may be difficult for us to locate it for you on interlibrary loan.
SVHEC Library Services Web Site
A Library Services page is available off of the main SVHEC web site at http://www.swcenter.edu/pages/library_services.asp.
This page features links to all of the various home institution libraries.
Also included is an "Ask a Librarian" feature, which allows students
to e-mail questions to the librarians at Virginia Highlands Community College.
Librarians will provide assistance with specific course needs.
ID Cards
A bar coded student photo identification card is available to students attending
the Southwest VA Higher Education Center institutions from the VHCC Library.
Ask for yours!
Be sure to ask a staff member for assistance or information.
