Assessment activities, such as interest inventories and tests, are used by the counseling staff to enable each student to better understand his or her strengths, needs, interests and values. Counselors are available to administer and interpret these assessment activities by request of individual students.

Faculty Advisement

Each student is assigned a faculty advisor during the admissions process. The advisor provides the student with information about educational matters. The advisor guides the student through the student's program of study. Together, the advisor and the student plan the student's semester schedule to insure that the student meets graduation requirements. The advisor approves all forms affecting the student's schedule. Students are encouraged to visit their advisor's office soon after they begin their first semester. The advisor can help the student make the most of their educational experiences.

Student Support Services Program

This student-centered program is designed to assist a selected number of students at Piedmont Community College to initiate, resume or continue their post-secondary education. The project consists of three major components: (1) Counseling Services, (2) Peer Tutoring and (3) Transfer Information. Financial Aid information, as well as personal and academic counseling, are offered by the program staff.

Tutorial assistance is available for students who need help in their classes. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this free service by contacting the Student Support Services staff and completing a tutorial request. Students who wish to help other students may apply to the Student Support Services staff for tutoring positions. These tutors are paid an hourly wage for their service.

Educational Opportunity Center

The Educational Opportunity Center, sponsored by Piedmont Community College, serves 11 counties in the Piedmont and North Central North Carolina. It is one of 74 such centers funded by special grants from the U.S. Department of Education for the purpose of increasing the availability of educational information and assistance to personwho wish to continue their education beyond the high school level.

Eligible clients must be U.S. citizens, at least nineteen years of age, first-generation college students and have incomes that are not above 150 percent of the poverty level. Clients receive services free of charge and without regard to race, creed sex or age. Any person interested in enrolling in high school diploma programs, special training programs, trade or technical schools, two or four year colleges or graduate and professional schools may receive assistance.

Professional counselors assist clients in making career choices and setting education goals. The staff provides information concerning admissions requirements and financial aid and assists with the preparation of applications. Counseling and tutorial referral services are available on a continuing basis and appropriate contacts for supportive services are arranged for students.

The Center cooperates with other service agencies through an extensive cross-referral system to meet the special needs of students who are handicapped by physical or emotional problems, educational deficiencies or cultural barriers.

The Educational Opportunity Center serves as a clearinghouse for information concerning career and educational opportunities and coordinates its resources and staff with those of institutions of higher education and other service agencies. A permanent library of career and educational materials is maintained for the use of students, school counselors, social workers and others involved in assisting individuals to achieve their goals.

Upon request, E.O.C staff members present programs and workshops concerning financial aid, college admissions, career choices, special training programs and other topics for community agencies, civic organizations and special interest groups.

Prospective students and others interested in the services of the E.O.C. are encouraged to visit the center 208 S. Main St. in Roxboro or telephone (336) 599-0257 or 1 (800) 682-1159 for more information.