Survey Indicates Much Satisfaction Among RichmondCC Graduates

According to a survey filled out by Richmond Community College graduates, they had a great experience in college and feel well prepared for their next step, whether it’s to go to another college or go to work.

At the Oct. 4 meeting, the RichmondCC Board of Trustees were given the opportunity to review an exit survey that RichmondCC students filled out prior to graduation.

“This survey tells us that our students are happy and satisfied with the education they are receiving at Richmond Community College, but it also gives us an idea where our students are going after they graduate. Are they going to work? Are they transferring? Where are they transferring?” Dr. Dale McInnis, College president, said.

About one-third of RichmondCC students transfer to another college or university, while 22.6 percent accept employment. The survey also captured information about what companies are hiring RichmondCC graduates and how satisfied graduates are with their salary upon accepting employment.

The survey also provided information about obstacles students faced while attending college and what their experience at RichmondCC was like.

 Some of the comments included: “I loved the experience and the instructors were great”; “Please continue the wonderful environment and support system provided here at RCC”; “Such a wonderful school! Teachers are always happy to help if there is any confusion. Felt at home at RichmondCC.”

Record Fall Enrollment

The Board also received another report on fall enrollment for curriculum courses. As of Sept. 14, the College has a student enrollment of 2,685. This is a 4 percent increase over last year and surpasses the record set in fall 2013.

Growth in the Early College programs and the high school dual enrollment program has played a major role in boosting overall enrollment.

“The excitement over the RichmondCC Guarantee has helped spur more students to take advantage of the free college classes they can take while in high school, which is one requirement of the Guarantee,” McInnis said. “We also had 74 students take advantage of the Guarantee, so those students are starting their first of two years of free college this fall semester.”

The enrollment report also indicated a growth in students outside RichmondCC’s service area, “indicating we have several destination programs that are drawing students to us,” McInnis added.

Architecture Firm Approved

The Board of Trustees approved the architecture firm that will be overseeing the renovations on the College’s main campus in Hamlet. The contract was awarded to ADW Architects of Charlotte after the College interviewed seven firms.

“We had 26 architectural firms to submit proposals for the main campus renovations, and we interviewed seven,” McInnis said. “It was a tough decision, but ADW received very good performance reviews from other colleges that had used them. We look forward to seeing this project get started and having these much needed renovations completed.”

The College will be funding the facility improvements and renovations using the $7.2 million it received from the Connect NC bond that passed in March. Renovations will include:

• New and expanded classrooms, labs and shops
• New Student Career and Transfer Center
• Expanded space for Richmond Early College High School
• Expanded student testing space
• New cafeteria and student dining room
• New and repaired parking lots
• Expanded Bookstore
• Additional faculty offices
• Replacement of chillers and boilers