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HISTORYIn 1961, South Carolina launched its unique program of Technical Education. Time and economic progress have proven the value of this exciting step forward. The success of the system of Technical and Comprehensive Education in this state soon became a model for the entire nation. In 1966, the eighth Technical Education Center, Piedmont Technical College, was established to serve Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry, Saluda and surrounding counties. Classes met for the first time at Piedmont Technical College on September 6, 1966, with some 300 students enrolled in day and evening classes. Dedication ceremonies were observed on October 23, 1966, with Governor Robert McNair delivering the principal dedicatory address. Since that time, enrollment has increased dramatically. This phenomenal growth in enrollment necessitated the implementation of an ambitious program of physical expansion. On October 2, 1972, five new buildings representing the first phase of a 30-year master development plan were occupied. These facilities housed classrooms, laboratories, a learning resources center and faculty offices. A general renovation of the main campus center included a student lounge and recreation complex. On April 10, 1974, the institution’s name was changed from Piedmont Technical Education Center to Piedmont Technical College to more accurately reflect its post-secondary educational mission. During that same year, the effects of the nation’s fuel shortage and widespread recession resulted in the enrollment of large numbers of working adults in career upgrading programs at the college. While funding to accommodate additional students was unavailable from traditional resources, Piedmont Technical College students took matters into their own hands and provided the manpower to increase classroom/ lab space for fellow students by 8,000 square feet. The 1981-82 year saw six new additions to the Piedmont Technical College campus: a health sciences facility, conference center, continuing education complex, student center, multi-purpose building and automotive technology facility. In 1986, a 10,000-square-foot addition to the Conference Center made it one of the finest facilities of its type in the state. Construction began on a new Engineering Technology Building and on a 10,000-square foot addition to the Continuing Education Building in 1987. The new Engineering Technology Building was built adjacent to the Industrial Technology Building and housed laboratories furnished with state-of-the-art equipment as well as classrooms. The Continuing Education addition housed classrooms and offices. An existing facility on Kateway was renovated for the use of Building Construction Technology majors by students, faculty and maintenance staff in 1987. This building provided 6,250 square feet of workshop and laboratory space. The 1988 year brought approval for capital improvement bonds, which allowed another step toward completion of the college master plan. Developed in 1970 to project facilities needs required by the student population through the year 2000, the plan called for additional space/floors in three existing structures: General Education, Library and Health Science Buildings. Construction on the three projects, which added approximately 40,000 square feet to campus facilities, was completed in the fall of 1991. As part of this same project, a bell tower was constructed on the front campus to commemorate the institution’s 25th anniversary, and renovations were made to several classroom buildings. Another expanded opportunity for area residents served by Piedmont Technical College is the availability of college transfer programs, the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees. The two degrees were added to the college curriculum in 1990. The 1991 academic year also brought added opportunities to Laurens County residents in the form of a new center located in the county seat. Area students may choose from full-credit associate’s degree courses, professional upgrade or personal interest offerings. Further expanding active partnerships with supporting counties, Piedmont Technical College celebrated the grand opening of centers in Abbeville, Edgefield and Newberry in 1995. The historic Community House became the college’s McCormick County Center in 1997, and early in the next year, the Saluda County Center made the dream of local sites in each of the seven counties a reality. Also initiated in 1995 was a bold and innovative plan to connect that 3,500-square-mile area with educational opportunities available on Piedmont Technical College’s Greenwood campus, at any of the county centers, at Lander University and area high schools and via SCETV through the Piedmont Technical College Educational Network (PEN). Another vital component of this pioneer effort was the establishment of the Ernest F. Hollings International Teleconference Center, which allows business and industry to communicate with colleagues and customers worldwide. The video teleconferencing center is two-way interactive and has full-motion transmission. In spring 1998, more than 60 student services and administrative offices, formerly located in the John S. Coleman Administration Building, were moved to the Multi-Purpose Building to await the completion of construction that brought the 1970 master plan full circle. Additions and extensive renovations to the Administration Building added centrally located, full-service facilities to students and brought total usable space to 66,061 square feet. In the Francis B. Nicholson General Education Building, new classroom and laboratory additions added 16,099 square feet to the total of that facility. Dedication ceremonies for the newly refurbished facility, which featured a showcase for regional artists in the Solutia Gallery, were held September 29, 2000. On October 16, 2001, the Greenwood Campus was officially named for longtime president Dr. Lex D. Walters. Through unique partnerships with county and state government, together with the generosity of businesses, industries and private citizens, Piedmont Technical College has established itself as an institution that is responsive both to immediate and futuristic needs. With an eye toward the projected needs of employers and employees in its seven-county support area, the college has as its goal continuous improvement in the provision of educational programs and services. As a recognized leader in two-year education, PTC constantly searches for effective ways to more fully serve the citizens of its support area. The 1970s master plan projected a total, full-credit enrollment of 3,000 by the year 2000. That goal was surpassed in 1994. In the late 1990s, distance learning opportunities, expanded course offerings at all six county centers and growth in partnerships with area employers resulted in one enrollment record after another. In recent years, fall enrollment exceeded 5,000, and spring enrollments remain at all-time highs. In August 2006, the college celebrated its 40th anniversary. Although much progress has been made, the institution recognized the need for change. For fall semester, students were presented with new opportunities: massage therapy and pottery. The pottery program was housed in PTC’s new Center for Creative Economies at the Edgefield County Center to highlight the tradition of pottery that began 200 years ago in that community. The horticulture program included a new 2 + 2 articulation agreement with Clemson University. The 2007 year continued to bring historical milestones to PTC. In the spring, more than 400 students received certificates, diplomas and degrees to mark the largest graduating class in college history. In July, longtime president, Dr. Lex D. Walters, announced he would retire at the end of the year. Honoring his 39 years of service to the technical college system, Dr. Walters was the commencement speaker at summer graduation. The college prepared itself to continue educational growth and kicked off the fall semester by introducing two new programs, Veterinary Technology and Gunsmithing. A new lab facility was built for the Veterinary Technology certificate program at the Newberry County Center. The gunsmithing lab was set up on the Greenwood campus and is the only program of its kind in the state. As the search for a new president was in progress, the college continued to forge ahead on new opportunities and in December, it announced a new educational venture for high school students. In collaboration with Greenwood District 50, Piedmont Technical College Middle College was established and set to launch in fall 2008. It would offer five programs for early entry with the credits received transferrable towards the chosen field of study at PTC. In late 2007, the library added a new computer lab to form the Information Commons and opened up a whole new world of information for students. January 2008, the PTC Foundation received the largest grant ever, 1.5 million dollars, from the United States Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). The award will be matched with funding from Saluda County to construct a new county center. On the heels of such good news, a new leader was named for the college and Dr. Walters, who had remained on staff, set a date to begin his retirement. Dr. L. Rayburn Brooks, a current sitting president in the Georgia technical college system, would take the reins beginning in March. Dr. Brooks joined PTC just as the college signed an agreement under the direction of the South Carolina Technical College System to provide a Bridge Program to the University of South Carolina. This program would give students the opportunity to attend PTC and bridge a seamless transfer to USC. The bridge idea would soon open up the door for other colleges to develop similar agreements and create even more transfer opportunities for students. COUNTY CENTERSThrough county centers, Piedmont Technical College brings many educational opportunities closer to residents of our seven supporting counties. The same top quality instruction and services are offered at the centers as on the Lex Walters Campus-Greenwood, as well as a variety of credit and non-credit courses. Courses are offered on convenient day and evening schedules. Most student support services are provided at the centers, including financial aid, placement testing, career counseling and registration. Students can also pay fees and buy books at the centers. Based on enrollment and budget, the college offers selected associate’s degree, diploma and certificate programs in their entirety at county centers. Many other college credit courses are offered each semester, and all can apply toward terminal degrees, diplomas or certificates at Piedmont Technical College, or they may apply toward university transfer credits. The Continuing Education and Economic Development Division also offers a variety of personal interest and professional upgrading courses at the centers. Piedmont Technical College’s county centers include:
LOCATION OF GREENWOOD CAMPUSThe beautiful 75-acre Lex Walters Campus is located on Emerald Road on the outskirts of Greenwood, South Carolina. A modern, functionally-designed complex of buildings embraces 390,336 gross square feet. These buildings contain classrooms; laboratories for medical, technology and business programs; industrial shops; a media center; a student center; a conference center; library; and faculty and administrative offices. The very latest in instructional equipment is provided, and an atmosphere totally conducive to learning is maintained. Free parking is available. INSTITUTIONAL VISIONWe will become a premier community college with a shared commitment to create vibrant learning communities through relentless pursuit of student success and economic prosperity for all stakeholders.
INSTITUTIONAL MISSIONPiedmont Technical College transforms lives and strengthens communities by providing opportunities for intellectual and economic growth. The College, a member of the South Carolina Technical College and Comprehensive Education System, is a public comprehensive two-year post-secondary institution. Piedmont Technical College contributes to the economic growth and development of the largest and most diverse region of the technical college system, Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry and Saluda counties and to the state. The College enrolls approximately 4,500 to 5,500 credit students. The college responds to the academic, training and public service needs of the community through excellence in teaching and educational services. Piedmont Technical College’s open admissions policy provides accessibility for individuals with diverse backgrounds the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills for employment in engineering technology, industrial technology, agriculture, business, health, and public service. Piedmont Technical College graduates develop competencies in communication, mathematics, problem solving and technology. The college offers university transfer; associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in technical and occupational areas; developmental education programs; student development programs providing academic, career and individual support; and custom-designed Continuing Education programs provide training for business and industry. (Approved by the Piedmont Technical College Area Commission, September 15, 2009)
MISSION GOALS
II. Offer quality credit courses and programs leading to associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in career and technical fields; university transfer; and developmental education to meet the emerging needs of the communities served. III. Promote community and workforce development and economic growth through new and existing partnerships with business, industry, government, community agencies, and educational institutions. IV. Provide effective enrollment management systems and student support services to ensure optimal access, retention, enrollment, program completion and student success. V. Foster a cooperative and healthy environment that enhances the awareness, understanding and celebration of differences and encourages open communication. VI. Exercise efficient and responsible stewardship of the College’s human, financial, and physical resources to ensure sustainability. VII. Use data and assessment results to make well-informed decisions regarding the continuous improvement of our programs and services. VIII. Integrate appropriate technology throughout instructional, administrative, and operational services. IX. Ensure public awareness and recognition of the value of the College through public relations activities. X. Provide a safe and accessible learning and working environment. XI. Develop and support professional development opportunities for all employees.
CORE VALUESPiedmont Technical College is guided by the practice of these Core Values: (approved by PTC Area Commission, June 23, 2009)
EDUCATIONAL VISIONPiedmont Technical College places learning first by engaging and empowering each learner to achieve learning outcomes within an innovative, learning-enriched environment. EDUCATIONAL MISSIONWorthy institutions of higher education have educational missions that characterize excellence in their academic programs. At Piedmont Technical College, our mission is to provide the educational and instructional experiences necessary for students to attain general and technical competencies in their respective curricula. These competencies are reflected in the skills necessary for a student to enter the workplace, to participate in continuous lifelong learning and to adapt to a changing world. The achievement of these educational competencies is a collaborative effort among the college, the students and the workplace. The competencies serve as the linkage in this effort by providing structure for the college’s curricula and instructional processes, an academic “roadmap” for active student participation in educational experiences and the criteria for assessing the quality of the educational preparation received by the college’s graduates. GENERAL COMPETENCIESThe “General Competencies” for graduates of all college curricula are to:
VISITORSVisitors are always welcome. Students are encouraged to invite parents and friends to visit the college. Visitors and guests must check in with the receptionist (located in the Administration Building on the Lex Walters Campus-Greenwood) or at any county center when they arrive. Students should obtain approval from the instructor before taking visitors to a class. If a campus tour is requested, please make an appointment with the College Outreach Office by calling (864) 941-8700 or 1-800-868-5528. DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAMSThe college provides a variety of courses each term via distance learning. Several formats of distance learning are currently available. The Piedmont Technical College Education Network (PEN) provides students with fully interactive education on the Lex Walters Campus-Greenwood, and at all county centers. Students enrolling in PEN classes at the county centers may select from 120 or more interactive classes originating on the Lex Walters Campus-Greenwood or one of the county centers. Students in PEN courses can see and hear all other centers and be seen and heard by all connected centers at all times during the class period. The latest in distance technologies is available through the PEN system for high-quality video and audio transmission. Students participate in class sessions as if they were in the same room with the other students and the instructor. These courses are indicated on class schedules as (P) “PEN two-way interactive teleclass.” The college also offers many Internet courses each term for students preferring that mode of study. The college Web pages are updated each term to allow students at a distance to enroll, register for classes and purchase textbooks via the Web. These courses are indicated on class schedules as (I) Internet (WEB) courses. Classes are offered on the same schedule as traditional courses. A special short-term, ten-week option for a few of these online courses is available for a late start in the fall and spring terms each year. Piedmont Technical College is a participating partner in the Southern Regional Education Board’s Electronic College and the S.C. Tech Online Consortium. All distance learning courses adhere to the SREC “Principles of Good Practice.” Several associates degree programs are available by Internet. A one-hour course CPT 117, Introduction to Online Learning, is recommended for students prior to taking an online course. Online faculty advising, a student orientation program and other student support services are available via the Web for students unable to come to the campus. The distance learning URL is http://www.ptc.edu/dl. VA CERTIFICATION FOR ONLINE COURSESTo meet VA certification requirements for off-campus courses such as Practica, Internships/Externships and residencies, as well as courses offered via the Internet or other modes of distance learning, Piedmont Technical College acknowledges that these courses are part of the college’s approved curriculum, are directly supervised by the college, are measured in the same unit as other courses, are required for graduation and are part of a program of study approved by the State Approving Agency. The college requires that the faculty teaching these courses use a grading system similar to the grading system used in resident courses and include statements in the course syllabus that indicate that appropriate assignments are needed for the completion of the course and that the student is expected to demonstrate, at least once a week, that he/she is actively involved in the class. Examples of activities that can be used to demonstrate this involvement include, but are not limited to, the following: posting/receiving e-mails, participating in online class discussions and class chat rooms and completing and submitting course assignments. Further, the college requires that these courses have schedules of time for training and instruction which demonstrate that students shall spend at least as much time in preparation, instruction and training as is normally required by the college for its resident courses. ASSOCIATE DEGREES AT A DISTANCEThe Associate in Arts Degree Program at a Distance is designed for students who plan to transfer to four-year institutions and for those who wish to broaden general knowledge. The degree stresses literature, humanities and social sciences. Its design is flexible enough to allow students to construct programs that parallel the first two years of most four-year institutions in the following curricula: the arts, business, education and the technologies. Students enrolling in Piedmont Technical College’s distance learning degree can reasonably expect to complete a two-year program within three years while attending on part-time schedules. Courses are available online via the Internet. Some provide streaming video as a part of Internet support. For details, see the Web site at: www.ptc.edu/dl or contact Dr. Dan Koenig, associate vice president for Instructional Support and Technology, by calling (864) 941-8446 or e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Many other associate degrees and certificates are available totally online. A complete listing is available on the Web at www.ptc.edu/dl. HEALTH AND MEDICAL SERVICESThe college maintains a number of first aid stations for the treatment of minor injuries. These are located in:
First aid assistance for minor injuries can be obtained from the faculty/staff member present or by calling the Public Safety Office at extension 8000. For emergency cases that cannot await referral to the student’s family physician, please call the Public Safety Office at extension 8000, the central college switchboard at extension 0, and leave your telephone number. Depending on the circumstances, EMS may be called, or, if appropriate, the student may be transported to the emergency room of the nearest hospital for treatment. Physician and hospital charges will be the responsibility of the student, although in the case of injuries resulting from school-sponsored activities, college insurance may pay a portion of these costs. Students or faculty who are injured should report to the Human Resources and Public Safety Offices as soon as possible after the accident to complete insurance claim forms and accident reports. Staff should report to their supervisors before going to the Human Resources and Public Safety Offices. FACILITIES MANAGEMENTStudents who would like to request repairs to facilities are encouraged to notify their instructor. Instructors should enter a work request using the MySchoolBuilding website or by contacting the division secretary. For requests that require immediate action, please contact Facilities Management directly at (864) 941-8335 or (864) 941-8333. After 5:00 p.m., contact Campus Public Safety at (864)941-8000. Return to top BUSINESS OFFICETuition and fees are paid at the Business Office, located in the A Building. This office also distributes refund checks, financial aid checks and all other payments as authorized. Please visit or call the Business Office (864) 941-8322 during office hours for assistance and information regarding financial matters or visit our Web site at www.ptc.edu/Business_Office. CAMPUS SHOPFor your convenience, the college contracts its bookstore operations with Barnes & Noble. This operation is called the Campus Shop. Any students who need assistance are encouraged to call the Campus Shop staff by dialing (864) 941-8683. Barnes & Noble provides books, academic supplies, clothing, nursing uniforms, graduation invitations, rings and miscellaneous supplies for purchase. To assist you in making your textbook and course material purchases, you may go online to the Campus Shop Web page www.ptc.edu/Campus_Shop. Each course will list the books and/or course materials needed and the cost of each title. Ordering textbooks and course materials may be completed online and the materials will be sent to you. You may elect to sell some of your used textbooks during the last four exam days each term. Dates and hours of the buy-back will be posted. Please contact the CampusShop for buy-back policies. Barnes & Noble maintains a good selection of used books at reduced rates. Full textbook refunds will be given if returned within 10 days from start of classes and the books are in new, unmarked condition. Your cash register receipt will be required. For your convenience, we accept Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover and Barnes & Noble Gift Cards for Campus Shop purchases. PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICEThe Public Safety Office ensures that the proper atmosphere for maximum learning is provided through protection of student rights, property and individual freedoms while enforcing institutional policy in the areas of traffic control and crime prevention. The office assists in emergency medical aid, emergency transportation to medical facilities, parking control and security. Entrances to college facilities are open from 7:30 a.m until 11 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday and Sunday on an as-necessary basis, which differs each semester. Special provisions are made by Public Safety to assist each instructor in meeting the needs of their students by making lab areas available upon the instructor’s request. Access after normal hours is limited to pre-approved visits only, by notifying the Public Safety personnel on duty by calling (864) 941-8000. Faculty and students are discouraged from being on campus when it is closed. College policy emphasizes that keys be issued on a need-to-have only basis. All keys are contained in a secure key control cabinet. (PTC ID 4-2). The college Public Safety Office is staffed with two full-time campus police officers commissioned as state constables. Contract security officers are employed to provide campus safety and security coverage 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office is utilized for warrant processing, transporting and housing of any criminal offenders. In the future, local law enforcement substations may be located at some of the college’s county centers. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to report all suspicions of, or actual occurrences of, criminal activity and other emergencies. These are to be reported to the Public Safety Office located in building F, room 109-F or by telephone at (864) 941-8000 and (864) 941-8568. The public may call the Crime Prevention Hotline at (864) 941-8563 to report criminal, safety or related information 24 hours a day. Voice mail is available on this telephone line, and the information will be considered confidential and will be utilized as facts can be established. If for any reason the Public Safety officer on duty cannot be contacted by use of (864) 941-8000, please call the main switchboard at (864) 941-8324. Faculty, staff and students may, at their discretion, report criminal activity to the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office. It is the policy of Piedmont Technical College that the sale, consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs is prohibited, except that the president may authorize the consumption of alcoholic beverages by adult groups in accordance with Institutional Directive 6-5. The Public Safety Department is charged with exercising appropriate enforcement authority when either college policy, county ordinances or state laws are violated. Federal violations will be investigated by the proper federal authority. (PTC ID 6-5) Excessive noise can result in a citation when the noise generated causes a complaint by the occupants of the campus and/or is found to be of a disruptive type or volume by the officer issuing the citation. The said noise would be of such nature as to be disruptive to the campus environment. South Carolina Statutes:“It is unlawful for a person to carry onto any premises or property owned, operated or controlled by a private or public school, college, university, technical college, other postsecondary institution or any public building a firearm of any kind (guards, law enforcement, military excluded). It is unlawful for any person (law enforcement and authorized officials excluded) to carry on his person, while on any school or college property, a knife with a blade over two inches long, a blackjack, a metal pipe or pole, firearms or any other type of weapon, device or object which may be used to inflict bodily injury or death.” General Information on Motor VehiclesThe operation of motor vehicles on Piedmont Technical College property is a privilege granted by the governing board of the college. This right is extended to all faculty, staff, students and visitors who have business at the college. Those persons who qualify for and desire this privilege are expected to adhere to the laws of South Carolina governing the operation of motor vehicles and the motor vehicle regulations of Piedmont Technical College. Failure to comply will result in a penalty appropriate to the offense. Vehicle Registration and DetailsMotor vehicles operated on the Lex Walters Campus-Greenwood and county centers must be registered with the Public Safety Office. Registration stickers are available from the Library or at county centers at no cost to the student. During registration week, maps designating authorized parking areas will be distributed to all students. Parking tickets will be issued for all parking violations, including parking in unauthorized areas. Fines will be paid at the Business Office. Disputed citations may be appealed to the Traffic Citation Appeals Committee. Appeal forms can be obtained from the Public Safety Office. The committee will meet once a month or as required by volume of appeals. Tobacco Use PolicyPiedmont Technical College is a tobacco-free campus. Tobacco use in any area of the College could result in a $25 citation. Parking and Traffic ViolationsCitations will be issued for the following violations of college traffic and parking regulations. Directive and ticket books per approval of the president:
NOTE: Under the code of “other” will be citations in the following amounts for:
Student Right To KnowUnder Title II of Public Law 101-542, the college is required to provide information regarding campus public safety policies and report the number of on-campus criminal offenses during the most recent calendar year and during the two preceding calendar years. To view thse reports, go to the Piedmont Technical College website (www.ptc.edu) Click on the Public Safety link which will take you to the Public Safety webpage. Near the bottom of the page, click link Campus Security Act then click on Campus Crime Report link. This will give you the latest information available. Traditionally, Piedmont Technical College provides students and visitors with a safe, secure environment. A crime-free environment requires the awareness and vigilance of faculty, staff, students and visitors. Periodically, the Public Safety Office schedules safety/awareness meetings to report on-campus security procedures and practices and to encourage students and employees to take responsibility for their own security and the security of others. Handouts reflecting security practices and reports of crime statistics are available. ID ChecksCollege policy requires that persons on campus be enrolled as students, employed by the institution or have other legitimate business on the premises. To ensure enforcement of this policy, public safety staff members are empowered by the administration to make periodic identity checks. Photo and Videotape PolicyPiedmont Technical College and the Office of College Communications take photographs (still and video) of students throughout the year. These photographs often include students in classrooms, study areas, attending special events, etc. PTC reserves the right to use these photographs as a part of its publicity and marketing efforts. Students who enroll at PTC do so with the understanding that these photographs might include their likeness and might be used in college publications, both printed and electronic, for recruiting and advertising purposes. |
