Randolph Community College to offer tours, financial aid guidance

ASHEBORO – Campus tours will be offered as part of information sessions to prepare Randolph Community College students for the start of the new school year.

Next week’s session is slated for 4-7 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Continuing Education and Industrial Center at 413 Industrial Park Ave. in Asheboro.

In addition to tours, assistance will be provided regarding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid program. New and returning students are welcome.

“These initiatives are crucial in providing our prospective and returning students with the comprehensive support and guidance they need to embark on their academic journey with confidence,” RCC president Shah Ardalan said. “We look forward to welcoming all students to our vibrant community and are dedicated to fostering an environment where they can thrive.”

Students and parents can sign up for appointment slots for campus tours. The financial aid assistance sessions will be available in English and Spanish.

There also will be program-specific tours available by contacting Brandon Watt, a student life and recruitment specialist, at (336) 633-0224 or at [email protected]

At the Aug. 8 event, Radio La Grande will be on hand with entertainment and giveaways.

The fall semester begins Aug. 19.

Enrollment shows consistent trend

RCC had consistent enrollment numbers during the past year. It reported 5,594 students for last fall’s semester.

In the spring, RCC’s enrollment was 5,604. That was the smallest total compared with neighboring counties with the exception of Montgomery Community College’s 1,860.

Yet that marked a slight increase for RCC, which in spring 2023 had 5,515 students.

Last year’s fall numbers were slightly lower than the 5,691 in the fall of 2022.

Enrollment numbers include various levels (curriculum, workforce development, basic skills).

In general, the numbers are trending back toward pre-pandemic levels. There were 6,309 students at RCC in the fall of 2019.

RCC had more than 3,100 students in each of the past two summers. This year’s summer numbers haven’t been filed.

For last fall and this past spring, there were 690 total graduates from RCC.

Student honors bestowed

Two students from Franklinville received special RCC honors last week.

Cindy Booth received the 2004 Academic Excellence Award. She graduated with a degree in early childhood education-career track and is hoping to open an at-home childcare center.

Jill West is RCC’s nominee for the Dallas Herring Achievement Award. She graduated with degrees in human service technology and human services technology-substance abuse. She’ll seek additional degrees from Appalachian State.

The Dallas Herring Award goes to a current or former student who embodies the philosophy of “taking people where they are and carrying them as far as they can go.”

By Bob Sutton