Counseling Center

Professional counselors and student services specialists are available to assist students in solving problems which may interfere with their academic progress at RCC. Contact the Counseling Center at either campus for hours of operation. Students may make appointments with a specific counselor or walk in and be seen by the first available counselor or student services specialist. Evening appointments are also available at both campuses.

Academic and Career Planning

Academic and vocational plans, goals, and opportunities may be discussed and explored with a counselor. Careful consideration is given to motivation, abilities, aptitudes and past achievements, when assisting a student to select a program.  Appropriate tests and inventories, including the Virginia Education Wizard, and online career guidance programs are also available to help in decision making.

Career Development Services

The Counseling Center provides a variety of resources, free of charge, for students who have career development concerns. Career services are available to employers, community members, alumni, and currently enrolled students.  Students are encouraged to make an appointment to use these services to ensure that personnel are available to provide assistance and direction. Contact the Counseling Center to schedule an appointment.

Personal Counseling: Sometimes college students may be confronted with new and perplexing situations which create pressures and anxieties that require professional assistance.  The counselors are trained to give individual help on a strictly confidential basis. RCC counselors do not provide mental health counseling, but will make appropriate referrals when necessary.

College Success Skills: All curricular students, except those in career studies certificate programs, shall participate in an SDV 100 course designed primarily to foster student success.  The course assists students in developing and practicing skills and strategies which promote a successful college experience. This course should be completed within the first 15 credit hours of enrollment at RCC.

New Student Workshops: These information sessions are available on campus and online each term. New students should attend a workshop or complete an online workshop after taking the placement tests.  General information about the College and the registration process is provided. Counselors and academic advisors assist new students in selecting classes for their first semester and completing their registration forms.

Academic Advising: The counseling staff provides assistance in program selection for new students and in course selection for undecided and non-degree students and students  are assigned a faculty advisor during the first semester of curricular enrollment.

Transfer Planning: Counselors are available to help students plan for transferring to another college. Catalogs and web resources are available to help the student carefully plan a transfer program. The counselors have current information about transfer agreements and can assist students with the transfer process. The counselors can help weigh factors to be considered in making transfer choices (for example, admissions standards, school size, application deadlines, number of hours and courses accepted for transferring, etc.). A “transfer week” is scheduled annually in the Fall semester. Representatives from most Virginia four-year colleges, and some from other states, will visit RCC to discuss their colleges with interested students.

Services for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities who need accommodations to fully participate in the programs and services offered by RCC are encouraged to register with the RCC Counselor at the Glenns or Warsaw Campus. To be eligible for services, students must submit appropriate medical documentation of their disability. Services are provided based on each student’s individual needs. Services may include, but are not limited to: orientation to campus, academic accommodations, physical barrier removal, liaison with faculty and staff, and/or information and referral.  In the event that an accommodation request is denied, students may refer to the grievance procedures for students with disabilities.

Student Support Services

Enrolling in and attending college presents many new opportunities for growth and development. Student Support Services (SSS) is a program designed to help students who are income eligible, first generation and/or have a documented disability successfully navigate this new adventure. Through individualized planning, active participation, and peer support, program participants increase their college persistence and graduation rates. Available support services (FREE of charge) include:

• Personal and Academic Counseling
• Academic  and Financial Literacy Skills Development
• Career Counseling
• Academic Support (tutoring)
• Transfer Guidance
• Financial Aid/Scholarship Guidance and Assistance
• Cultural Exposure

SSS is a TRIO grant program funded by the United States. Department of Education and hosted by RCC’s Office of Student Development to advance its purpose of supporting student success.

Open Access Computer Labs

The Student Success Labs are located in libraries on both campuses and at other off-campus sites. The computers in the Success Labs offer software which specifically supports student coursework.  Printing is available using your student ID card.  Students can check out laptop and notebook computers for on-campus use only.  A current student ID is required.  The college also offers wireless internet connectivity.