TCC is among the top ten schools in the nation that are Best for Vets

Tidewater Community College was named the top two-year school in the Commonwealth by Military Times in its Best for Vets: Colleges 2021 rankings. TCC is also among the top ten schools in the nation in the Best for Vets rankings.

Best for Vets ranked TCC No. 1 in Virginia and ninth overall among two-year institutions in the nation.

“It’s a tremendous honor for TCC to be selected again as the top school for veterans in Virginia,” said Veronica Cianetti, director of military and veterans services for TCC’s Center for Military and Veterans Education (CMVE). “The staff of the CMVE and the college work daily to serve the needs of our military-related students. In addition to providing excellent student support services, we work closely with military supportive business, industry and organizations to achieve our mission of facilitating educational and employability success.”

Military-focused offerings include:

A partnership between Virginia Natural Gas and TCC for a workforce development initiative that trains veterans and transitioning military to fill the growing need for skilled workers in the natural gas industry. The week-long program, offered at the Virginia Beach Campus, began in 2017.

The Machining Skills Certification, a SkillBridge-approved program that trains military-related students in Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) machinery from setup to operation. CNC machinists are in demand throughout Hampton Roads and the nation. Military-related students may also use their GI Bill benefits to pay for this program. Contact Anthony Fontes, project coordinator, at afontes@tcc.edu for information.
Solar Ready Vets, a U.S. Department of Energy program in partnership with Naval Station Norfolk and TCC, offers transitioning military the chance to train for new careers in the solar industry. The entire program can be completed in just five weeks and the cost may be covered or reduced for veterans. For information contact Fontes at afontes@tcc.edu.

Training in truck driving. TCC recently received the sixth grant to train military veterans and their dependents for careers in trucking. Recipients of the grant pay nothing to complete the one-semester, 16-credit certificate. Classes are taught at the Center for Workforce Solutions on College Drive in northern Suffolk.

Military-related students make up about one-third of TCC’s enrollment. The statistics used for the Bets for Vets survey do not account for dependents.

The rankings are based on the results of Military Times’ annual survey — a comprehensive school-by-school assessment of veteran and military student services and rates of academic achievement — as well as a detailed review of public data collected by federal agencies. The survey asks colleges and universities to document a wide array of services, special rules, accommodations and financial incentives offered to students with military ties, and to describe numerous aspects of veteran culture on a campus.

Students looking to train for careers in advanced manufacturing have two new options

Are you looking to train for a mechatronics career in a hurry?

Then consider Tidewater Community College’s new Career Studies Certificate in Mechatronics Trainee. This certificate can be completed in just two semesters and includes the technical and hands-on training necessary for work in advanced manufacturing facilities. The coursework focuses on safe work habits and the basic skills needed for an entry-level skilled worker.

If you want to learn even more, consider the two-semester Career Studies Certificate in Mechatronics Technician. You will learn to perform maintenance on mechanical, electrical and control systems, and also how to troubleshoot machinery.

“We developed this curriculum with our industry advisory committee as a way to train skilled technicians for work as quickly as possible,” said Eric Beaver, Mechatronics department chair. “Once students are on the job, they often get the rest of their studies paid for by their employer. These new certificates are a win-win for everyone.”

Kerry Tebow earned the associate degree and has worked in the industry for a decade.

Both of these Career Studies Certificates stack into the Associate of Applied Science in Mechatronics and are taught by expert instructors with industry experience. With the graying of the advanced manufacturing workforce, skilled technicians are in high demand.

The associate degree covers motor controls, hydraulics, computer programming, pneumatics, programmable logic controllers and more. It is a one-of-a-kind program in Hampton Roads.

Workers already in the field can train to advance in areas that include new construction, maintenance and assembly lines in major manufacturing plants.

The median pay for a Mechatronics technician with an associate degree is $59,800 according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Mechatronics courses are offered days and evenings. Laboratory work is completed in the Precision Machining Lab and the Mechatronics Lab on the Chesapeake Campus.

For more information about the Mechatronics program, email Beaver at ebeaver@tcc.edu.

“I knew I had to reinvent myself to make a life for my family.” – Karen Etulle, TCC alumna

Karen Etulle is finally living the American dream.

She came to the United States in 2014 seeking a better life, but the dream was put on hold.

The mother of four faced domestic violence and went into hiding for three years, living in shelters and moving from house to house with friends.

“I had no money, no job and everything was falling apart. I knew I had to reinvent myself to make a life for my family. I found TCC with its nationally recognized cyber curriculum and got to work,” she said.

Today, the TCC alumna is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security and one of three TCC students to receive the National Science Foundation CyberCorps Scholarship for Service. The scholarship will cover tuition and fees for her last year at TCC and also pay for her bachelor’s degree.

The scholarship includes a generous stipend, book allowance and professional development funds. When she graduates, Etulle will work in a federal agency doing cyber work for at least three years.

“I’m so grateful for this scholarship and thank God for all of my opportunities,” she said.

Etulle recalls the time when she was living in a shelter and her children were asking for rice and chicken. “I went to Walmart to buy groceries and I didn’t have enough money. The man behind me paid the bill and I was so relieved. Now with everything in me, I want to pay it forward,” she said.

Etulle took some career tests online and enrolled in classes at the Virginia Beach Campus.

“I’ve learned so much. When I started, I didn’t have any money, but I found so many resources that paved the way for my success,” she said.

While at TCC, Etulle works with TCC’s Computers for Student Success and is a member of Women in Cyber Security.

“I have an apartment and my children are flourishing. I’ve found a home with cyber security and I enjoy the work,” she said.

One of her daughters is also a student at TCC. She is earning a degree with LEAP (Learn. Explore. Accelerate. Persevere), a full scholarship for first-time college students that includes a free laptop.

Etulle will complete her TCC degree in 2022 and has already been accepted at Old Dominion University to complete her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Paying it forward is important to Etulle. She’s at work organizing blood drives for American Red Cross, teaching at the Philippine Cultural Center and serving as a youth advisor at her church.

Etulle credits TCC’s faculty with giving her good insights into cyber careers. “All of my faculty come from industry and they share stories and talk passionately about their work. They inspire me every day to work hard so I can be part of that world, too.”

TCC is hiring adjunct faculty

This is an exciting time to be part of the higher education community in Hampton Roads. Tidewater Community College is currently hiring adjunct faculty to help prepare students for the future.

TCC will host adjunct faculty job fairs as follows:

July 13, 2021
Joint-Use Library – Virginia Beach Campus
4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

July 14, 2021
Portsmouth Campus Student Center
4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Prospective employees will have an opportunity to meet with pathway deans and faculty from all four campuses. Staff from TCC’s Human Resources office will be on hand to provide information about opportunities available at the college. Adjunct instructor positions are available for face-to-face instruction in the following areas:

Arts and Humanities
Art, Music

Engineering, Science and Math
Chemistry, Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology

Health Professions
Nurse Aide, Nursing (Clinical)

Professional and Public Service
Horticulture

Manufacturing and Transportation
Automotive, Diesel, Machining, Marine, Mechatronics

Maritime and Skilled Trades
AC and Refrigeration, Electrical, Engineering for Natural Science, Maritime, Safety, Trucking, Welding

The Joint Use Library is located at 1700 College Crescent in Virginia Beach. The Portsmouth Campus Student Center is located at 120 Campus Drive Portsmouth. Prospective employees should bring their resumes.

To apply for the positions online visit tcc.edu/jobs.

Free 3-D ultrasounds offer rewarding experience to students, community

Tidewater Community College’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program is once again offering ultrasounds to expectant mothers and their families. There is no charge for this service.

The program began offering obstetrics scanning to the community almost two decades ago and is back after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students and the communities we serve,” said Indu Sharma, director of TCC’s DMS program. “Obstetrics scanning is one of the most difficult exams for our students to learn because of the limited opportunities available at most hospital sites.”

The exams are completed in the Health Professions building on the Virginia Beach Campus. Sonography students work alongside a credentialed sonographer and check fetal anatomy and measurements. The scan is for educational purposes only and is not interpreted by a physician or guaranteed to detect abnormalities. If something of concern is noted, participants will be referred back to their obstetricians.

Interested moms-to-be can schedule a free 3-D/4-D ultrasound appointment by calling 757-822-7257. Three schedules are released through the year, one for the spring, summer, and fall semesters, respectively. Appointments are limited. Donations to the program are appreciated but not required. Moms should bring a CD-R or DVD-R so they can keep their ultrasound images.

Moms have to be between 28-32 weeks along and cannot be high risk or carrying twins.

For more information, contact Sharma at isharma@tcc.edu.

Accelerated Degree student now has open door to VCU

Mekhi Moore planned to attend Virginia Commonwealth University right after high school.

When he didn’t get in, he had to come up with a new plan.

Moore, 19, started searching options on Tidewater Community College’s website and found the Accelerated Degree Program (ADP).

“Right away I saw this as a way to get to VCU as quickly as possible, so I signed up and never looked back,” he said.

Accelerated Degree student Mekhi Moore in the library on Norfolk Campus.

While most of us think of it taking at least two years to earn an associate degree, TCC’s accelerated option allows students to complete all of their credits in just one year.

For Moore, the doors to VCU are now open.

“I’ll be attending my dream school in the fall and living with my best friend in an apartment off-campus,” he said.

Moore will enter VCU as a junior and begin work on his bachelor’s degree in math. Additionally, he hopes to earn his teaching credential.

While at TCC, Moore says he made some great connections, even though all of his classes were online because of the pandemic.

“We worked closely as a cohort. We had classes together, studied together and helped each other,” he said. “While the program is rigorous, we had everything we needed to be successful.”

Moore graduates from TCC this summer with an Associate of Science in General Studies.

He credits the college with giving him more than a degree. “I’m more confident. I also know how to manage my time and balance work and school,” Moore said.

Moore has a lot to say to high school juniors and seniors.

“Keep your options open and make smart decisions,” Moore said. “I’m leaving TCC with no student debt and a head start on college.”

Moore hopes to give back by becoming a high school math teacher. He wants to help guide students in those last years before adulthood.

“I still hold on to the life lessons from some of my best teachers and I want to do that for other kids,” he said.

Moore added, “I’ll graduate from college at 21 and be teaching before most people earn their degrees. TCC’s accelerated degree made that possible.”

To learn more about the program and receive help applying to TCC, contact the college’s Virtual Student Support Team by emailing info@tcc.edu or calling 757-822-1111.

TCC’s Respiratory Therapy program earns national recognition

Tidewater Community College’s Respiratory Therapy program is a recipient of the 2021 Registered Respiratory Therapy Distinguished Credentialing Success Award.

TCC’s program is one of eight in the nation to receive this distinction from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) for eight consecutive years.

TCC offers one of eight respiratory therapy programs in the state. Five are associate degree and three are bachelor’s degree programs.

TCC Respiratory Therapy graduate Daniel Velazquez.

“The COVID-19 pandemic certainly highlighted the importance of our graduates,” said Denise Bieszczad, program head for respiratory therapy at the college. “We provide critical training for front line health care workers and have continuously had the highest pass rates on national examinations of any school in Virginia, even those programs offering bachelor’s degrees.”

She attributes the program’s success to several factors, including the Regional Health Professions Center on the Virginia Beach Campus. The state-of-the-art facility offers a high-fidelity simulation laboratory that allows faculty to provide students with the most authentic educational experience.

Respiratory Therapy lab and simulators on the Virginia Beach Campus.

The college also partners with all major area health care providers to offer clinical rotations for students.

“Because of this exposure, our students get to observe respiratory care practitioners developing health care plans and evaluating therapies using critical thinking,” Bieszczad said. “They see firsthand the real-world benefits of working as a team to solve life-threatening clinical problems every day.”

Program Head Denise Bieszczad arranged to donate TCC ventilators to Sentara hospitals during the height of the pandemic.

Award winners must have three or more years of outcomes data; hold accreditation without a progress report; document registered respiratory therapy credentialing success of 90 percent or above; and meet or exceed established CoARC thresholds for certified respiratory therapist credentialing success, attrition and job placement.

For more information about the college’s Respiratory Therapy program, contact Bieszczad at 757-822-7412 or dbieszczad@tcc.edu.

TCC to offer first funeral directing degree in Virginia

Tidewater Community College introduces a new funeral directing degree this fall.

The 61-credit Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Directing prepares students to provide compassionate care for families and individuals after the loss of a loved one. The program also focuses on the business skills necessary to manage the daily operations of a funeral home.

The first and only funeral directing degree to be offered in Virginia, the program was developed by TCC after the General Assembly passed a bill to approve separate licenses for funeral director and embalmer.

“This program creates a path to licensure for people who don’t want to be in the preparation room,” said Frank Walton, TCC’s Funeral Services program head and owner of Walton Funeral Home.

“Students will gain insights into funeral home operations and management while learning to provide care for grieving families,” Walton added.

TCC’s funeral director program will be offered 100% online.

Courses include psychology of death and dying; introduction to business; principles of public speaking; business law; and principles of funeral management.

State licensure requires a 2000-hour externship at a local funeral home, giving students important hands-on training. Students will also prepare to take the state funeral laws exam and state board exam.

Upon graduation, students will be certified crematory operators and ready for work in funeral homes across Virginia.

TCC also offers an Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Services for students interested in obtaining licenses for both directing and embalming. The extensive curriculum covers everything from chemistry and restorative art to funeral service law. The program also gives students hands-on training in the embalming lab on the Virginia Beach Campus.

Fall classes begin Aug. 23.

For more information on TCC’s programs and services, email info@tcc.edu or call the Virtual Student Support Team at 757-822-1111.

TCC alumna earns summer internship at the National Institutes of Health

Tidewater Community College alumna Shannon O’Hara Wiora is getting an insider’s look at working for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

As a summer intern, O’Hara was selected for the 2021 Health Disparities in Tribal Communities summer internship program through the NIH branch that deals with neurological disorders and strokes.

“I’ll be learning about the nervous system, neurological processes, neurodegenerative diseases, movement disorders, brain cancer and stroke,” O’Hara said.

O’Hara is most excited about the research opportunities that will focus on computational methods for cell membranes.

“I love science and my TCC degree has definitely prepared me for the work ahead,” she said.

O’Hara has Asperger syndrome, a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication.

Yet she started taking classes at TCC at 16. Today, the 20-year-old is set to graduate in December 2021 with a computer science associate degree to go with a business degree.

O’Hara is engaging and forthcoming about how she learned to overcome both a disability and difficult circumstances that might have defeated others.

“Autistic people know how to get through challenges more than most people because we face them every day,” she said.

O’Hara’s world opened on the Virginia Beach Campus. The word she uses again and again to describe TCC is “opportunity.”

Accepted into the STEM Promise Scholarship Program in 2018, she was part of a cohort that receives paid tuition and fees for two years while completing a degree in a STEM field.

O’Hara would like to use her computer science background in an innovative way. “You can build your own creation in computer science,” she said. “I’d like to see what I can do to help people like me succeed.”

She recently became a board advisor for the nonprofit Family Voices. That allows her to promote acceptance of young adults and children with disabilities and weigh in on decisions with policymakers. She hopes to enhance acceptance of people with disabilities while encouraging others to succeed and accomplish their goals.

O’Hara uses words including strong, stubborn and willful when talking about herself. Her TCC experiences allow her to offer one more – “confident.”

TCC alumna turns candle making hobby into a new business

Monica “Mo” Jones never planned on starting a business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today she is glad she did as everything is coming up smelling like roses. And a lot of other amazing scents.

Jones, 38, launched Divine Scentervention, a hand-poured candle company online in 2021. This month she also opened a shop and chandlery in Virginia Beach.

To date, Jones has 16 different candle scents and wax melts including Island Getaway, Love Spell and Pink Sugar. The candles come in three sizes and have a bit of mica powder in the wax to give the candles a shimmery effect while burning.

After losing her job in April 2020, Jones started making candles at home, turning a hobby into her life’ s work.

“With one less income, I needed to cut back on my spending, so I decided to see if I could make candles that would rival those at my favorite chain store,” she said.

After some trial and error, Jones says everything fell into place.

During that time, Jones was also pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Management with a specialization in Small Business Management & Entrepreneurship.

“My classes have been a tremendous help in running my business. Especially the bookkeeping, contract law and financial management courses. That knowledge is keeping me on track with my small operation,” she said.

While at TCC, Jones fell ill with a rare autoimmune disease, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. She lost vision in her left eye, but that didn’t extinguish her desire to turn her newfound vocation into a business.

The mom of three was looking for work that would allow her to manage her children’s schedules and any health complications she might face.

“Every semester at TCC I faced some kind of health challenge, and my teachers were always willing to work with me and keep me going toward my degree,” Jones said.

Her favorite professor is Jim Roberts who taught micro and macroeconomics. She had to repeat the course, and credits Roberts with sticking with her until she passed the class during her final semester.

Jones hopes to expand her business with room sprays and body care products to mirror her favorite store, Bath and Body Works.

“I came to TCC the first time right after high school, but I wasn’t ready then,” Jones said. “Coming back as an adult was seamless and the online courses have fit my life.”

Jones says she now has work she enjoys and it doesn’t feel like a job.

“If you want to start a business, use your resources and find people who can show you the way,” Jones said. “I knew it was going to be a journey, and I’m grateful for the support I received at TCC.”

Shakespeare in the Grove returns to Chesapeake Campus, June 23-27

Tidewater Community College’s Shakespeare in the Grove is back after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are thrilled to be back with this community gem that welcomes hundreds to the Chesapeake Campus for an evening of theatre under the stars,” said Kelly Gillerlain, dean of Chesapeake Campus. “This family-friendly event is a great way to get outside and enjoy a warm summer night.”

Mistaken identities, romance, revelry and hijinks abound in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night or What you Will” on stage at TCC’s 24th Shakespeare in the Grove.

“Twelfth Night” actors Cai Luzak (Sebastian), Isabella Wisham (Viola), Alina Grace Whitmore (Orsino) and Michelle Jenkins (Olivia).

Sponsored by TCC and the Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission, Shakespeare in the Grove includes free, outdoor public performances to be held June 23-27, starting at 8 p.m., weather permitting.

“Twelfth Night or What You Will” is set on the rum-soaked streets of Port Royal in 1692. Pirates, aristocrats and peasants mingle together, making for a raucous comedy. In the plot, Viola loves Orsino, who loves Olivia, who loves Cesario, who is actually Viola! This topsy-turvy play features live music and a festive atmosphere, making for a fun-filled adventure on stage.

This is the fifth production at the new outdoor “grove” platform, located behind the Pass Building on TCC’s Chesapeake Campus, 1428 Cedar Road. A cast and crew of more than 20 student and veteran actors and 15 technicians will bring the Bard’s wild comedy to life.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner. Insect repellent is also recommended.

Refreshments can also be purchased on-site from the Kiwanis Club of Chesapeake. Offerings include popcorn, ice cream, burgers, sodas and more.

Tickets are not required and the community is encouraged to attend. Due to the need for social distancing, seating for this event is limited.

For more information, contact Matthew Gorris at mgorris@tcc.edu or 757-822-5219.

TCC STEM Promise scholar gets the surprise of a lifetime

It was just a month ago when Jaidan Williams welcomed President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden during their stop at Tidewater Community College’s Portsmouth Campus.

“I still – even now – can’t put into words what it was like to represent TCC in that way,” she said. “At first I thought I was being asked to introduce TCC’s president. It was a shock to learn I was actually introducing President Biden.”

A TCC STEM Promise scholar, Williams was selected to introduce the president before he spoke to a group of legislators, as well as faculty and staff.

Williams, 20, says she was honored to be considered for the role. “To do something like this, that no one in my family has ever done, made me so proud,” she said.

Williams graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security in May. As a STEM Promise scholar, she paid nothing for tuition and fees. Williams was also part of a cohort and received specialized advising through the program.

“The STEM Promise program was a great fit for me because of the support I received and the friends I made,” she said. “Our group shared textbooks, helped with homework and got together outside of school.”

Williams is continuing her studies at Old Dominion University and is the recipient of another full scholarship. This time she earned the National Science Foundation CyberCorps Scholarship for Service. The scholarship includes a generous stipend, book allowance and professional development funds. When she graduates, Williams will work in a federal agency doing cyber work for up to three years.

A Granby High graduate, Williams got her start at TCC as a dual enrollment student while still in high school.

“TCC has definitely been a good starting point for me. This place has catapulted me in so many different ways,” Williams said.

While at TCC, Williams was president of Phi Theta Kappa on Portsmouth Campus. She was also involved in Women in Cyber Security and a student member of Information Systems Audit and Control Association.

Williams is paying it forward by serving as a student advisor for Future Business Leaders of America at Maury High. She is also gaining leadership skills as an intern with Butterfly Village, a youth development program.

Williams encourages classmates to find out about all that TCC has to offer.

“TCC offers so many resources, but sometimes students don’t know what’s available. I encourage everyone to network, meet with professors and advisors, use the tutoring centers and career services,” she said.

Williams also credits faculty member Joel Kirsch with teaching real-world concepts. “We focused on hot topics like the cyber attack on the Colonial Pipeline. It made our class time even richer,” she said.

Williams plans a career in cyber security as an information systems auditor or in the governance, risk and compliance area.

“I got a great education at TCC, and it came with so many opportunities,” she said. “Even during the pandemic, I felt connected to my campus community.”

A proud TCC alumna, Williams is following in her mom’s footsteps by getting her start at TCC.

“My mom – Corrie Brown – earned her general studies degree at TCC and went on to earn a master’s degree,” Williams said. “She now teaches financial literacy at the high school level. I’m really proud to start in the same place that she did.”

President and Dr. Biden watch an HVAC demonstration on Portsmouth Campus.

G3 Scholarships give students an opportunity to get ahead in a career/technical field

On the heels of Governor Northam’s 21-22 budget signing, G3 Scholarships at Tidewater Community College are now open and available to eligible students seeking certifications and degrees that will lead to an in-demand job. G3 Scholarships cover tuition and fees for individuals who qualify for state financial aid, allowing students to gain the skills they need for a good career in their community without worrying about costs.

G3 Scholarships are available for select programs in five of Virginia’s most in-demand industries, including Early Childhood Education, Healthcare, Information Technology, Public Safety and Skilled Trades.

“G3 is a game-changer for our students as it provides scholarships for education and career training for today’s in-demand career fields,” said TCC President Marcia Conston. “If students want to come to TCC to get a certificate or degree that leads to a career, we will help find the money to make it happen.”

Applicants for G3 Scholarships must meet certain financial qualifications. For example, a student’s household income (for a family of four) must be less than $106,000 or a single adult making less than $51,000. Income thresholds vary as the household number increases. Once a student qualifies, G3 Scholarships require a level of academic performance to stay eligible. For full-time students who also receive the maximum Pell Grant, additional scholarship benefits are designed to help offset the cost of living so they can continue to take care of their family while going through a program.

Typically, the cost of attendance for a full-time student taking 30 credits at Tidewater Community College is $5,560 per year. The G3 Scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship that, with other financial aid, could bring that cost down to $0.

Students who are interested in learning more about the G3 Scholarship at TCC and what programs of study they can pursue can find more information here.

Students who need help applying to TCC and enrolling in classes can receive support from the college’s Virtual Student Support Team by emailing info@tcc.edu or calling 757-822-1122.

TCC Norfolk Campus welcomes the Visual Arts Center

Tidewater Community College is moving all of its visual arts programming to Norfolk Campus.

For more than 25 years, 340 High Street has served as more than a building to TCC. For many students, faculty and staff, the Visual Arts Center (VAC) became a second home. The building held a growing community and provided many students with the opportunity to explore various art forms, find their own voice and express themselves.

As part of the next evolution of arts education at TCC, and to allow for growth and expansion of services to the community, the VAC has moved to the college’s Norfolk Campus.

Due to the move, there are currently fewer summer course offerings. However, regular course offerings will be available for Fall Semester.

Faculty and staff offices have been moved to the Martin and Roper buildings on Norfolk Campus.

This summer, the following classes and resources will be offered in these locations:

Library
Martin Building, Second Floor

Printmaking
Roper 4306

Drawing
Roper 4117

Graphic Design
Martin Building 2202

Portfolio Prep
Martin 2314

Students with questions regarding course offerings are encouraged to contact Academic Advisor Jennifer Barnes by emailing jcbarnes@tcc.edu or calling 757-822-1820.

The effective date for the Portsmouth location closing is June 30, 2021.

TCC to freeze tuition and fees for fourth year in a row

Tidewater Community College will freeze tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year thanks to a unanimous decision announced today by the State Board for Community Colleges.

This marks the fourth year in a row that the Board has voted to hold tuition and fees steady for in-state students who account for more than nine out of every ten students served by Virginia’s Community Colleges.

The State Board’s decision means TCC’s in-state tuition and mandatory fees will remain at $185.35 per credit hour. Community college tuition and mandatory fees are approximately one-third of the comparable costs of attending Virginia’s public four-year universities.

“The decision by the State Board to freeze tuition and fees reaffirms our commitment to ensuring access and affordability for our students and their families,” said TCC President Marcia Conston. “While that is always a priority, it is especially significant with the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Glenn DuBois, chancellor of Virginia’s Community Colleges, said, “Our Board has had some tremendous partners in the Virginia General Assembly in working to keep our courses and programs as accessible and affordable as possible, and I applaud them. As we take our vaccines and move beyond the pandemic, we know that plenty of Virginians need our help beginning, or re-starting, their careers and we are here to help them do just that.”

Further, the State Board maintained the existing tuition rate for out-of-state students, which for TCC is $385.45 per credit hour.

TCC designated as Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education

Tidewater Community College was named a Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD).

The designation was announced in a press release from the agency on May 19, 2021.

The Center of Excellence designation recognizes community colleges and training institutions that prepare students for careers in our nation’s maritime industry. TCC is one of 27 academic institutions in sixteen states and one U.S. territory to receive the designation.

“TCC is committed to continuing the legacy of offering high-quality education and career training for the next generation of maritime professionals,” said TCC President Marcia Conston. “By working together, we’re building a pipeline of skilled technicians for careers at our ports and at sea.”

MARAD may now start working with designated institutions to enter into cooperative agreements to help advance recruitment of students and faculty, enhance facilities, award student credit for military service and potentially receive assistance in the form of surplus equipment or temporary use of MARAD vessels.

“This designation gives us a seal of approval for the work we’re doing in providing quality training for those entering the maritime industry,” added Tamara Williams, TCC’s vice president of Workforce Solutions.

Authorized under the National Defense Authorization Act of 2018, the Center of Excellence program is designed to assist the maritime industry in gaining and sustaining a well-trained labor force while enhancing diversity and inclusion in the industry.

“The Center of Excellence designation recognizes the high standard of maritime education and training provided by the designated community and technical colleges and maritime training centers. These institutions play vital roles in our nation’s maritime industry by providing the training and skills students need to begin and advance careers afloat and ashore,” said Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley.

TCC is one of two designated centers in Virginia.

For information about TCC’s workforce and educational programs, contact the Virtual Student Support Team at info@tcc.edu or call 757-822-1111.

Information regarding the Center of Excellence program and the application process was disseminated through Federal Register notices. Successful applicants include accredited community colleges, technical colleges and maritime training centers under State supervision. A searchable, interactive map is available to provide information on each Center of Excellence designee. For additional information, please visit Centers of Excellence on the MARAD website.

TCC and JenCare Medical Center to offer COVID-19 vaccine at Portsmouth Campus

Tidewater Community College and JenCare Medical Center will offer a drive-through COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the college’s Portsmouth Campus on May 28 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

All TCC students, staff and faculty who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to attend. The clinic is also open to Portsmouth community members.

Practitioners will administer the first dose of the Moderna vaccine. The second dose will be administered on June 25 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the same location.

There is no cost, but pre-registration is required. Visit here to register and for more information.

Veteran TCC staffer back on campus to help students thrive

Meet Mel Scott.

You’ll find her weekdays helping students at TCC’s new Student Resource and Empowerment Center (SREC).

“I’m passionate about helping students build a better life for themselves and their families,” she said. “We’re here to help students thrive while breaking down any barriers that could impede their education.”

Scott said she’s often surprised that students just don’t know what services and financial resources are available to them. “We make it easy to find those resources so they can save money for other things like books and childcare,” she said.

The Student Resource and Empowerment Center includes a Single Stop site that connects students with a variety of free and comprehensive social services and financial resources to help them stay focused on their academic goals. The college-wide initiative includes case managers on every TCC campus.

The SREC also has a Career Collection on every campus, where students can pick out a free, professional outfit for that important interview, internship or leadership opportunity.

Scott is a TCC alumna who is working on her Ph.D. in human services at Liberty University. She has 25 years of experience helping people do well in every area of their lives. She recently returned to TCC to become the lead case manager for the SREC.

Interested in learning more? Want to meet with Scott in person or via Zoom? Reach out to her by emailing mlscott@tcc.edu or by calling 757-822-1175. Or fill out the Single Stop benefit screener, and Scott will get back to you.

Student Resource and Empowerment Center at Portsmouth Campus. — Student Resource and Empowerment Center on Portsmouth Campus.

Join TCC for Open House on all campuses, May 15

Recent high school grad? Transitioning military? Looking for a promotion? Discover all that community college offers.

Tidewater Community College is opening its doors on all campuses for Open House on May 15 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Prospective students and their families are invited to visit TCC’s campuses in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach.

Advisors will be on hand to help students choose a pathway, apply for admission, get financial aid help and tour the campuses.

Whether you plan to take a full load or just one class, TCC offers a range of options to prepare you for the next step.

Students who are attending college for the first time or recent high school graduates are eligible to receive a free laptop when they enroll and pay for classes.

Tidewater Community College offers 150-plus programs ranging from engineering to the visual and culinary arts to cybersecurity to a plethora of options in computer science.

TCC is a great option for students looking to transfer to the four-year school of their dreams and want to get those general education requirements out of the way without accruing loads of student debt. Transitioning military and career changers can also learn more about program options.

Open house will be at the following locations:

Chesapeake Campus: 1428 Cedar Road
Norfolk Campus: 300 Granby St.
Portsmouth Campus: 120 Campus Drive
Virginia Beach Campus: Advanced Technology Center, 1800 College Crescent

Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also register for the event. For questions, email info@tcc.edu or call 757-822-1111.

TCC graduates celebrated during virtual ceremony

With “Pomp and Circumstance” playing and shout-outs from faculty and staff, Tidewater Community College celebrated its Spring Semester graduates with a virtual ceremony held on May 10.

The full stream of the ceremony is available here.

“This celebration demonstrates the tenacity and strength of our students and the TCC community,” said TCC President Marcia Conston, presiding over her third virtual commencement. “Today I acknowledge you – the class of May 2021. You have reached a significant milestone and I am very proud of you and your achievements.”

President Conston acknowledged the college’s military-related students, who make up one-third of enrollment. She also highlighted the college’s 48 Governor’s Medallion recipients who earned TCC associate degrees and certificates while still in high school.

President Conston commended faculty and staff for their role in student success. Several faculty and staff members recorded shout-out videos applauding the resilience of graduates and offering congratulations.

The ceremony featured five student speakers — Athena Jones, Eva Cole and Emmanuel Abuah earned Associate of Science degrees. Steven Dunbar and Dasha Chaney earned Associate of Applied Science degrees.

“The lessons I learned at TCC will follow me for the rest of my life and be a guide for how I live,” said Cole who hopes to one day be a physician.

“My growth at TCC has not just been educational. Being from a different culture, I struggled with my accent and my lack of social integration,” Abuah said. “TCC provided the cushion I needed to help me settle in and keep me on the path to my degree.” Abuah hopes one day be an astronaut and explore space.

Dunbar, a Culinary Arts student added, “Learning that you can meet deadlines is pretty gratifying and looking back and saying, ‘Yes! I did that,’ just feels so good,” Dunbar said. “If I could speak to students coming after me, my message is finish what you start. It’s never too late to accomplish your goals.”

Michelle Woodhouse, TCC’s vice president for academic affairs and chief academic officer, presented the 1,470 graduates. President Conston conferred the degrees.

Prior to the ceremony concluding with a benediction, Sara Hair, the college’s coordinator of leadership and development and a TCC alumna, welcomed TCC’s newest alumni.

Sara Hair, TCC’s coordinator of leadership and development.

“Welcome to our association of more than 100,000 alumni. We are embedded in the fabric of the community and are proud of you for persevering and finishing your degree,” Hair said. “Consider this your official invitation to attend our networking events and embrace all the opportunities offered by the TCC Alumni Association.”

All graduates had their names and corresponding degrees or certificates scroll on screen.