Special Programs and Services

Academic Advisement

The mission of the academic advisement system is to help students gain the knowledge and skills and develop the attitudes and values needed to become good, responsible decision-makers regarding their educational, career, and personal goals. Students are assigned advisors during the first few weeks of the semester. The advisor will talk with the student to be sure he or she is in the correct program to meet his or her academic and career goals. Advisors help students take responsibility for choosing the correct courses to complete their program. Advisors are available at Southeast Center, Downingtown, Exton, Malin Road and the Main Campus. For information contact the Career and Counseling Center at Main Campus (610-359-5324); or Learner Services at the Southeast Center (610-957-5700) or in Exton (610-450-6510) or Downingtown (484-237-6210).

Academic Computing Services & Instructional Media

Academic Computing Services and Instructional Media maintain and coordinate the use of the academic computer network infrastructure and learning technology equipment in computing facilities and general classrooms.

Academic Computing Services operates all academic network file servers, more than 1300 computer stations, and the open computer labs located in rooms 4256 and 4274. Academic Computing and Instructional Media also collaborate in support of computing and multimedia activities and provide technical support for learning activities provided by other departments of the college. Other important services include the Wireless network environment, projector systems in classrooms, the TV Studio activities, and the modem pool service. In addition, Academic Computing generates and maintains user IDs for network, e-mail, and access to the Internet from home.

For information on these services, please call 610-359-5033 or 610-359-5292.

ACT 101

ACT 101 is a state-funded program for Pennsylvania residents who are educationally underprepared and economically disadvantaged. During the summer, ACT 101 offers an intensive seven-week program of free transitional courses, making the move to college life in the fall a smooth and meaningful experience. In the fall and spring semesters, professional counseling, tutoring (in reading, writing, mathematics and other subjects) and study skills workshops are available. Contact the ACT 101 Office, Main Campus (room 1195), at 610-359-5388 for more information, or e-mail: act101@dccc.edu.

The Assessment Center

The Assessment Center, located in Main Campus room 2195 (610-359-5322), provides a variety of testing, assessment, academic advisement and other services that support students’ progress toward their academic goals

Testing services include DCCC placement tests, SLEP Tests for English as a Second Language, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), American College Testing (ACT) and Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED) exams.

The Assessment Center also evaluates requests for transfer of credit from other colleges.

Each student is assigned an academic advisor familiar with the student’s major. Students who have questions concerning their degree or course selection should consult their academic advisor. Students who wish to change their academic major or academic advisor can submit the forms in the Assessment Center.

For more information, visit the Assessment Center's Website.

Career and Counseling Services

The College maintains a comprehensive Career and Counseling Center. Services available to students include:

Academic advising
Short-term personal and career counseling
Career information seminars
An extensive library of career and educational resources
Coordination of support services for the disabled

Counseling is offered for educational, career and personal development. Counselors can also assist with academic problems, selection of an academic major and personal concerns that may interfere with academic progress. Counseling is a walk-in service for students and no appointment is necessary. For information, call 610-359-5324, 484-237-6210 in Downingtown, 610-450-6510 in Exton, or 610-957-5700 in Southeast Center.

Continuing Education

The College also offers a number of non-credit seminars, courses, workshops and other educational opportunities for lifelong learning to the residents of Delaware and Chester counties. Each year over 25,000 residents attend classes in such areas as workforce development, business and industry training, and academic and career preparation.

These courses are offered on campus, at off-campus sites, and on a contractual basis with companies and community organizations at their location. Customized programs can also be developed to meet the needs of the client. For more information, please call 610-359-5025.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Delaware County Community College welcomes all qualified students with disabilities. Students with learning, physical and/or psychological disabilities seeking accommodations must register with the Director of Special Needs Services, room 1320 in the Career and Counseling Center at the Main Campus. For more information about eligibility and documentation requirements and reasonable accommodations, please contact the Director at 610-325-2748.

English as a Second Language

Delaware County Community College offers courses and services for students who need English for everyday life, employment and study in U.S. colleges. Two types of classes are offered:

Credit courses: Courses in reading, writing, grammar and speaking/listening are offered at three levels (Elementary, Intermediate I and Intermediate II). Students on F-1 or M-1 visas must study full-time. Permanent residents may study either full- or part-time. Students apply through the Admissions Office and are enrolled in classes after sitting for an English as a Second Language (ESL) placement test. The ESL credit program prepares students for introductory-level college courses and English 100, which is required for all degrees. ESL credits do not count toward the student’s degree but may be necessary for success. Permanent residents enrolled in ESL courses may be eligible for financial aid. Individuals on student visas are not eligible to apply for financial assistance. Tutoring is required for ESL students in reading, writing and listening/speaking courses. This service supports classroom learning and student proficiency in English.

Non-credit courses: These courses meet four hours each week. The focus is on English conversation for everyday life, with some reading and writing. Students can register for these courses through the Community Education Office.

Health Center

The College Health Center (room 2260) on the Main Campus (610-359-5140) is available to respond to medical emergencies and minor illnesses on the main campus as well as to promote physical and mental well-being through health education programs. A registered nurse is on duty during both day and evening hours to assist students with medical needs or concerns. Problems needing referrals to outside sources – doctors, hospitals, clinics or other community resources – can be discussed and appropriate referrals can be made. Information is available from the Health Center's web site.

Intercollegiate Athletics

The College offers opportunities for full- and part-time students to participate in athletic competition at the intercollegiate level. This competitive program allows student athletes to develop skills and team spirit and encourages them to achieve their highest potential. Intercollegiate teams for men include soccer, lacrosse, basketball and baseball; teams for women include volleyball, basketball and softball. Co-ed teams include golf, tennis and cross country. The College also sponsors sports clubs such as bowling and cheerleading.

For more information, contact the director of athletics at 610-359-5047 or visit the the Campus Life web site.

Intramural/Recreational Sports

The intramural/recreational sports program provides opportunities for students to participate in informal recreational activities and sports competition. The program offers vigorous team games and individual events, plus access to local recreational facilities and fitness centers.

For more information, visit the Campus Life Office on the Main Campus or call 610-359-5341, in Chester County, call 484-237-6210, or visit the Campus Life web site.

International Student Services

Delaware County Community College welcomes students from around the world. Recognizing that studying and living in a foreign country is a unique experience, one that can be both exciting and challenging, the Office of International Student Services supports non-immigrant students through a variety of programs and services. These include orientation, personal counseling, academic advising, assistance with immigration matters, and help in locating housing.

The Office of International Student Services is located on the Main Campus in rooms 3508 and 3509. For more information, call 610-359-7336, email dcccintl@dccc.edu or visit the International Student Services web site.

Student Employment Services and Co-op Center

The Student Employment Services and Co-op Center provides comprehensive support to students and graduates seeking work by offering personal consultations, career information panels, job search skills workshops, resume assistance, a reference service, employer information, on campus employer recruiting and job search on the Internet. A computer and laser printer are available for student use with resume writing software and book-marked sites for job search. Three career fairs are presented annually: information technology in the fall and allied health and nursing and a general fair in the spring. Students anticipating graduation are offered a comprehensive job search workshop and one-on-one assistance to prepare for their impending search for employment.

The Center maintains contact with and provides applicants for employers in Delaware, Chester, Montgomery counties, Philadelphia and Wilmington. Students will find full time, part time, and summer job postings available at the Center on the Main Campus and in other campus locations. Students are encouraged to utilize the Workforce Entry Center located on campus and enroll in Team Pennsylvania CareerLink, a self-directed job search system providing job opportunities throughout the area.

The Student Employment Services and Co-op Center also administers the College-Sponsored Experiential Learning (CSEL) program, made up of cooperative education and internships. This program is designed to engage students directly in their area of study through a paid or unpaid learning/work experience.

Reference File

The Student Employment Services and Co-op Center will open and maintain a file of teacher references for any student who requests one. Copies of these references will be sent to any prospective employer or college designated by the student. To open a reference file, visit the Student Employment Services Center on the Main Campus.

The Learning Centers

At the DCCC Learning Center, students have access to computing resources and receive academic support to enable them to be successful in their classroom work. All centers provide tutoring, testing service, and numerous instructional resources. Highly skilled instructional assistants in the center teach students to use technology efficiently and effectively in their courses. These services are provided at two Main Campus facilities in the Academic Building: The General Learning Center, 4th Floor (room 4260) and the Math and Science Learning Center, 1st Floor (room 1180). For hours, call 610-325-2778. For other information, call 610-325-2776.

Learning Resource Centers (LRCs) at Satellite Campuses

Learning Resource Centers at each campus offer access to general computing, a study area, a language tape copy service, tutoring, test proctoring services, videotape-based learning materials. The Centers facilitate access to book loans from the Library and generate DCCC Identification Cards. In collaboration with Learner Services, the LRCs facilitate access to career information via Internet. Also, the LRCs assist students with basic software applications’ support and information techniques for accessing the Library’s online databases and other external information resources via Internet.

For information and appointments, please contact the Learning Resource Centers at the following sites:

Southeast Center – 610-957-5725
Downingtown – 484-237-6224
Exton – 610-450-6516

The Math/Science Learning Center (Room 1180) at the Main Campus

The Math/Science Learning Center offers students instructional resources, free tutoring and testing for all for science and math courses. Computers are equipped with numerous math tutorials and science programs, and the NSF lab in the center has Internet access on all computers. Help is available from staff in accessing the math programs. Testing services are available for make-up tests and for special testing conditions. In addition, seven individualized math courses are taught in the center by our faculty in a self-paced format. Students in the courses have access to instructional software, videos, tutoring and testing support. For hours, call 610-359-5299. For other information, call 610-359-5076.

Library

The Delaware County Community College Library, located on the Main Campus, provides a state-of-the-art environment for academic research and multidiverse learning needs. With a collection of approximately 60,000 books and other materials, and over 400 periodical titles, the Library supports the curricular programs and the general educational mission of the College. All the Library's catalog, periodical databases, and other resources may be accessed in-house and remotely via the library’s electronic homepage.

The Library houses a collection of multimedia resources suitable to its comprehensive educational mission. The Library also support its patrons with a wireless network computing area that includes a large instructional lab as well as a flexible study and research area where students can access network resources via their laptops or using library-loaned computing equipment.

DCCC students on campus and/or in off-campus centers may also take advantage of the Library’s specialized services, such as Circulation, Reserves, Reference and Research Help, Interlibrary Loan, and Information Literacy Instruction.

A valid DCCC photo ID is required for all library transactions. For more information or hours, call 610-359-5149.

Peer Assistants

Peer assistants are students who care about the health, happiness and well-being of their fellow classmates. Informed, supportive peer assistants give the phrase "I know what you're going through" its true meaning.

Workshops, special activities and events designed to meet student needs are sponsored by these trained students. Whether you need help with a problem or simply need someone to talk to, peers are there for you. The Peer's Office is located in the Career and Counseling Center (610-359-5297) on the Main Campus.

Student Activities

The College supports a variety of clubs, organizations and special events to enrich the lives of students. The Campus Life Office coordinates the activities of the Student Government Association, literary magazine, radio station, theatre and academic and special-interest clubs. Many opportunities are available for social interaction and the development of leadership and career-related skills through social, cultural and recreational activities and decision-making forums. Trip programs are also featured.

The Campus Life Office, on the Main Campus, (610-359-5341) can help you join a club or organization or form a new one. For more information, visit the Campus Life web site. In Chester County, call 484-237-6210.

Transfer Office

This office provides information, answers questions and handles student concerns regarding transfer to four-year colleges and universities. College guides, catalogs, course equivalency and transfer guides for many local colleges, and other transfer information is available. Transfer counselors are available to meet with students. Call 610-359-5060, Main Campus or 610-450-6510, Exton Learner Services; 484-327-6210, Downingtown Learner Services; or 610-957-5700, Southeast Center Student Services.

Transitional Programs

For students seeking to remedy individual skill deficiencies, courses are offered in mathematics, reading/study skills and writing. These courses are required for students who, based on their placement scores, would not otherwise be successful in college-level courses. These courses are a prerequisite for many 100-level courses. No credit toward a degree is awarded for transitional courses.

Writing Center

The Writing Center on the Main Campus is a supportive environment where students can get tutoring assistance with writing assignments from any course. The Center’s professional staff uses a “writing across the curriculum” approach and can help with outlining, planning and organizing essays, writing business communications, preparing lab reports and compiling research projects. The Center’s state-of-the-art facility includes both IBM and Macintosh computers for word processing. There is no charge for any of these services.

Team PA CareerLink

Team PA CareerLink is a one-stop resource connecting job seekers with employers through technology and individual assistance. Providing a vast array of services, Team PA CareerLink is staffed by representatives from the Bureau of Employment and Career Services, Delaware County Assistance Office, Delaware County Office of Employment &Training, Delaware County Senior Employment Program, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Veterans Employment & Training Services as well as DCCC staff. Students, graduates and the community at large who seek career information, employment opportunities and support services are encouraged to log onto http://www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us or visit CareerLink’s location in the Workforce Entry Center on the Main Campus.

Workforce Entry Center

The Workforce Entry Center, located on the Main Campus, is a state-of-the-art facility focusing on workforce issues. Designed and staffed in partnership with Team PA CareerLink, the center serves job seekers, employers, educators and the community at large. Computers are available for individual job search and resume writing as well as career assessment and exploration. Working in partnership with the Student Employment Services & Co-op Center, the Workforce Entry Center serves as a gateway to resources for students and the community.