TCC named one of Newsweek’s “America’s Top Online Colleges”

Tidewater Community College was named one of “America’s Top Online Colleges” by Newsweek and Statista. This is the second year the college was recognized for its online degrees and certificates.

TCC is the only community college in Virginia recognized and one of 200 colleges and universities named nationwide.

With the increase in online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this is the second time Newsweek and Statista have recognized colleges and universities providing online learning for adult learners.

Between June 20 and August 29, 2022, Statista surveyed about 9,000 individuals in the United States. Survey respondents indicated which institutions they used to obtain an online degree or where they attended an online course. In the next step, respondents shared their experiences by rating the institutions regarding several criteria.

Learn more about TCC’s online programs. To get started at TCC, contact the Virtual Student Support Team by emailing enroll@tcc.edu or calling 757-822-1111.

TCC moves to remote work and learning environment due to COVID-19

Tidewater Community College students are being asked not to return to campus after Winter Break due to the increase in COVID-19 cases and the spread of the Omicron variant.

Out of an abundance of caution, TCC is implementing a remote work and learning environment from Jan. 3 – Jan 18, 2022.

Spring Semester classes begin on Jan. 10. All in-person classes will be switched to synchronous online delivery. Classes will remain in remote delivery at least through Jan. 18.

Spring Semester enrollment is ongoing. TCC virtual resources will continue to be available by email at info@tcc.edu or by calling 757-822-1111.

Student support services will be available for extended hours Jan 3 – 14 as follows:

Monday – Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The college will offer a virtual Special Enrollment Day on Jan. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon. For assistance, email info@tcc.edu or call 757-822-1111.

For more information on college operations, email info@tcc.edu.

TCC named to Newsweek’s “America’s Top Online Colleges” listing

Tidewater Community College was named one of “America’s Top Online Colleges” by Newsweek and Statista.

TCC is the only community college in Virginia recognized and one of 150 colleges and universities named nationwide.

With the increase in online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this is the first time Newsweek and Statista have recognized colleges and universities providing online learning for adult learners.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, as of 2019, the latest year for which figures are available, 79 percent of U.S. colleges offered either standalone courses or entire degree programs online. That figure included about 96 percent of all public two and four-year colleges. By one recent estimate, the number of students enrolled exclusively in online programs had jumped 93 percent from 2019 to 2020.

Ranking for “America’s Top Online Colleges” was based on an online survey among U.S. residents who have used online learning services to obtain an academic degree or acquire knowledge and skills for their job (professional development) or hobbies (personal development).

Between July 26 and September 13, 2021, Statista surveyed more than 9,000 individuals in the United States. Survey respondents indicated which institutions they used to obtain an online degree or where they attended an online course. In the next step, respondents shared their experiences by rating the institutions through specific criteria. Finally, respondents could indicate how satisfied they were with the organization and to what extent they would recommend it to others.

To learn more about TCC’s online programs, visit here. To get started at TCC, contact the Virtual Student Support Team by emailing enroll@tcc.edu or calling 757-822-1111.

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 welcomes more students back to its campuses this summer

Tidewater Community College will scale up face-to-face instruction and staff availability on all campuses with the start of Summer Session in May.

A total of 25% of courses will be offered with in-person instruction in compliance with state and federal health guidelines. Priority is being given to programs that require hands-on instruction including the health professions, skilled trades, chemistry, automotive and music.

“We’re confident that the protocols we’ve put into place to protect students from COVID-19 are working,” said Michelle Woodhouse, interim vice president of academic affairs and chief academic officer. “We’re moving forward now to bring more students back to campus.”

Summer Session begins May 24 and concludes August 9. Students can choose how to continue their learning with online, hybrid and face-to-face classes available.

“In keeping with our Campus Reopening Plan approved by the State Council for Higher Education, class sizes will not be full capacity and we will continue using technology to keep all students learning,” Woodhouse added.

Face-to-face instruction will comply with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for physical distancing, hygiene and safety.  Face coverings are required in all classrooms and common areas. Enhanced protocols are in place for cleaning and sanitizing all buildings and facilities.

All courses will be active in CANVAS, and instruction and support for successful online learning will be provided. On campus and virtual resources will continue to be available. Libraries and selected computer labs will also be open for students enrolled in summer classes. Students will be able to continue accessing Wi-Fi in designated parking spaces on all campuses.

TCC will provide regular updates that include any modifications necessary related to guidance received from Gov. Ralph Northam’s office, the CDC and the Virginia Health Department.

Students with questions can find support by emailing info@tcc.edu.

TCC grad passionate about helping teens in trouble

Maya Johns dreams of opening a youth center for troubled teens. With her Tidewater. Community College degree, she is one step closer to making that dream come true.

Johns, 30, will graduate with her Associate of Applied Science in Human Services during TCC’s 71^st Commencement Exercises to be held virtually on Dec. 21.

The Chesapeake native’s journey to a college degree included a few stops and starts. It wasn’t until her best friend enrolled in classes alongside her that the dream of a college degree began to take shape.

“I chose human services to help people,” Johns said. “In a world full of struggle and strife, a straight path is something we all long for. What better way to give back than to truly walk with someone on this journey, providing help and hope.”

Johns’ human services degree included internship hours at Teens with a Purpose, a youth organization empowering young people to use their voices, creativity and actions to affect personal growth, transform lives and impact communities.

“In my background, I saw a lot of things happen that held my friends back,” she said. “I want to show them and others that there are opportunities out there. You don’t have to be a product of your environment.”

A single mom of two children, Johns recalls the struggle of juggling life, work and school.

“There were a few times when my children had to come to class with me and plenty of long nights,” she said. “We’d all be around the kitchen table doing homework and I’d feel so tired, but my kids looked at me like I was their superhero!”

Johns chose TCC for its Human Services program and for the smaller classes. “TCC has so much to offer, and the faculty and staff are rooting for you,” she said. “Even with my online classes, I felt a real connection to my TCC community.”

Johns credits professor Shelby Johnson for teaching real-world concepts. “Everything was a teaching moment with Professor Johnson. It wasn’t just textbook learning. She talked about what to expect in the field and the rewards that come from helping people.”

Johns plans to continue at Old Dominion University for her bachelor’s in human services.

Graduation week will include another milestone for Johns. She and her partner, Charles, will welcome a third baby next week.

“I want my kids to know that you never give up,” Johns said. “Be resilient and show strength, and take every opportunity that comes your way.”

Eight things to know about TCC’s Fire Science program

The program can be completed 100% online.
Every professor is either an active or senior retired fire officer, including program head Rick Dienst, a deputy fire chief in the Air Force for 22 years. He is in his 18^th year at TCC. Other faculty are TCC alumnus, Ed Elliott, former fire lieutenant for the City of Chesapeake; and Travis Halstead, a retired training officer for the Virginia Beach Fire Department.
TCC’s articulation agreement with Southern Illinois University Carbondale allows students who graduate with an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Technology to transfer into SIU’s Fire Service Management bachelor’s program.
Your experience could jumpstart your associate degree. Current firefighters and former military can receive academic credit, which shortens your time to a degree. Fire academy graduates generally receive eight credits. Licensed emergency medical technicians can also receive credit for their prior education.
Students can take classes year-round in fire science. In addition to the typical 16-week semester, students can take classes in the 12-week session or eight-week session and during the summer.
If you’re already a firefighter, TCC’s fire science program can help you earn a promotion. In some jurisdictions, completing TCC’s Career Studies Certificate in Fire Science Supervision makes you eligible for a promotion. Many who work as firefighters are eligible for tuition reimbursements from their employer.
Former military members are ideal for the demands of this profession. “They’ve got the discipline for this,” Dienst said. Three-quarters of the students in the program are former military, many of whom use their GI Bill benefits for tuition.
TCC is one of two fire science programs in the state. Thomas Nelson Community College offers the other.

Need one more good reason to consider TCC’s fire science program. “I don’t know too many firefighters who don’t like their job,” Dienst said. “At the end of the day, you feel like you accomplished something.”

For information on the program, reach out to Dienst at rdienst@tcc.edu or at 757-822-7209.

TCC to hold mini-mester session after Thanksgiving

Tidewater Community College will hold a mini-mester session or a “miniature semester” that will allow students to earn college credits at an accelerated pace between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The mini-mester session is from Nov. 30 – Dec. 18.

During that time, the college will offer three-week three-credit courses exclusively online in a variety of subjects, including art, communications, economics, English, history, math, political science and psychology.

Each course will use low- to no-cost digital resources, so no pricey textbooks are needed.

The mini-mester session is designed for:

Four-year college students that attend another college or university in Virginia. Visiting students can complete one or more of the classes at TCC in just three weeks and transfer it back to their school. (To determine eligibility for financial aid, students should contact their school’s financial aid office.)
High School students can get ahead by earning college credits that can transfer to most Virginia colleges and universities.
Current TCC students can keep moving forward with this accelerated session.

Available classes include:

ART 101 History & Appreciation of Art I
CST 110 Introduction to Communication
ECO 201 Principles of Macroeconomics
ENG 111 College Composition I
HIS 111 History of World Civilization I
HIS 112 History of World Civilization II
HIS 121 United States History II
MTH 154 Quantitative Reasoning
MTH 155 Statistical Reasoning
PLS 211 U.S Government I

To search for mini-mester session classes, visit here. Be sure to select mini-session. Add the course name in the subject section and the course number in the catalog section.

For more information and help with enrollment, email enroll@tcc.edu or call 757-822-1111.

TCC military-related students to receive housing stipend while learning online

COVID-19 has disrupted all of our lives.

But thanks to a new law, the pandemic doesn’t have to derail the educational plans of TCC’s military-related students.

A new law, S. 3503, gives the Veterans Administration temporary authority to continue GI Bill payments uninterrupted and allows for continued payment of benefits, even if the program has changed from resident training to online training.

Since the start of the pandemic, TCC transitioned to remote learning for most students and will continue in that format at least through Spring Semester 2021.

“We’re honored to serve our military students and their families and know that having this financial resource guaranteed will certainly help many of our students on their academic journeys,” said Veronica Cianetti, Director, Military and Veterans Services at TCC’s Center for Military and Veterans Education (CMVE).

Traditionally, the housing stipend is only given to students who attend classes on campus. But with most colleges transitioning to remote learning due to COVID-19, the new law extends protection for veteran students studying online.

The protection will continue until at least December 2021.

To learn more about TCC’s services for military-related students, visit here.

For more information about using your GI Bill benefits, call the CMVE at 757-822-7645 or 855-399-7480 (toll-free if outside the U.S.).

Live! Inside the TCC kitchens

In this series, we provide a closer look at hands-on learning during COVID-19.

While COVID-19 means online learning for most Tidewater Community College students, some are back in the classroom for hands-on training. In fact, more than 400 sections of classes in interior design, automotive, health professions, welding, veterinary technology, culinary arts, visual arts, electronics technology and other programs have on-campus components.

A peek inside the TCC kitchens

Step inside the TCC kitchens for International Cuisine and you’ll see students preparing food specialties from around world. In the large commercial space, students are working at individual cooking stations, creating dishes that look great, and smell even better!

Brandon Parrish cooking couscous.
Tarranium Burns making veggie wraps.

“It may look different in here with the distancing, masks and cleaning protocols, but it’s all going well,” said chef Caroline Blackmon, who joined the college in 2015 after owning and operating her own cafe and catering business.

She added, “For culinary courses, the book helps teach concepts, but there’s nothing that beats the real-world experiences you gain in the kitchen.”

Chef Caroline Blackmon helping with a recipe.

International Cuisine is considered a “challenge” class, where students work independently and select recipes to demonstrate their skills. During this lab, TCC student chefs are creating a variety of entrees from matzo ball soup to curry tuna and couscous to American pot roast.

What if I can’t cook?

You don’t need any experience to sign up for the Culinary Arts program at TCC. Anyone with the desire to cook and the willingness to work hard can excel in the program. TCC’s Culinary Arts program is taught by expert faculty chefs who combine practical experience and academic perspective in all course work and integrate computer applications in the classroom and labs.

Student voices

Angelique Sherrod
Making matzo ball soup

“This is a program where we help each other, and I feel relieved to be back at school,” said Angelique Sherrod. “I absolutely, positively love it. I would not trade my time here for any of those fancy schools. This place feels like home.”

“This has been a very encouraging and positive experience,” said Brandon Parrish. “Chef Blackmon is kind, helpful and honest. She also has high expectations because she knows we can do it and wants us to succeed.”

“I completed the sanitization and safety class with chef Amie Burns last fall and now we are using those skills daily,” said Tarranium Burns. “I’m excited to get out there and use what I’m learning in the culinary world.”

Good to know

TCC’s Culinary Arts program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Education Foundation Accrediting Commission. Students who complete TCC’s Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts and maintain a student membership in ACF automatically receive their first industry credential, Certified Culinarian.

TCC students can complete their TCC culinary degree for less than the cost of one semester at a for-profit, four-year culinary school.

Sign up!

To learn more about TCC’s culinary program, email program head chef Don Averso at daverso@tcc.edu. For more information about getting started at TCC, email enroll@tcc.edu or call 757-822-1111.

TCC classes will stay largely online for the spring semester

Most of Tidewater Community College’s class schedule will remain online for the Spring 2021 Semester, with some classes being taught with a combination of online and in-person instruction.

Spring classes begin Jan. 11.

Career and technical courses, as well as some academic courses that require hands-on instruction, will be taught online and supplemented with on-campus sessions.

More than 400 sections of classes, including automotive, health professions, welding, veterinary technology, culinary arts, music, visual arts, electronics technology and other programs, will have on-campus components. Browse spring classes here.

“It’s been a successful fall semester for our students at TCC, who have embraced both the face-to-face instruction we offer and the remote learning option,” said Michelle Woodhouse, interim vice president for Academic Affairs and chief academic officer. “The safety of our students, faculty and staff remains our top priority, which is why we will continue to offer most classes online for the spring 2021 semester. However, we will increase our hybrid offerings, which allow students to combine traditional learning with web-based instruction.”

The college will continue to comply with health and safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Virginia Department of Health.

Faculty, staff, students and visitors must wear face coverings, use hand-sanitizer and complete a health self-assessment when they enter all college buildings. Signs serve as reminders for all to practice physical distancing and healthy hygiene.

Current and new students and their families can use TCC’s virtual student support services to prepare for the coming spring semester. Assistance is available with admissions, academic advising, financial aid, tuition payments and more.

For those without access to technology, TCC offers Virtual Student Support Rooms. These rooms are equipped with computers and internet access and will link directly to TCC’s virtual resources. Students will also be able to obtain I.D. cards, drop off documentation, and access computer labs.

For further assistance, call 757-822-1111 or email enroll@tcc.edu.

“Don’t let a temporary situation derail your long-term plans”

Still on the fence about attending college during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Fall classes start at Tidewater Community College on Aug. 24. There’s still time to enroll.

Business Professor Linda Williams offers her thoughts on why community college is an ideal option during these uncertain times.

Why TCC?

TCC delivers an educational experience that is every bit as high quality as the four-year school. So, with many universities going to online learning, taking away the on-campus experience, you only have instruction left. Why pay $30,000 to sit in your dorm room and learn online when you can come to community college and get the same education for a quarter of the price? TCC will put you in a better place financially.

Are there benefits of online learning?

I can appreciate a certain amount of apprehension about online learning, but online education is the best preparation you can have for your future. This is a skill that is going to be extremely marketable when you get out of school.

The world has discovered during COVID-19 that people are effective and efficient when they telework. I don’t think corporate America is ever going back to big buildings full of people. Why would they pay rent, electric and other expenses to house all of their employees when they can cut expenses by having some work from home? Some preliminary data from Business News Daily shows that those who telework typically work longer hours, amounting to 1.4 more productive workdays per month.

What if I’m unsure about my major?

If you are exploring career paths, it makes sense to study different subjects at community college. Why pay large tuition bills to later discover that the path ahead is not a fit for you? Also, TCC has academic advisors on every campus to help you plan your journey.

What is some fresh advice for students?

Engage! When I teach my “live” online courses, I spend the first few minutes of class checking in with students and giving them a chance to express how they are feeling. During these uncertain times, it’s important to have people around you – even if it’s virtually. I always tell students to not let a temporary situation derail your long-term plans. If you were planning to go to college and launch yourself into the next phase of life, do it now.

About Professor Williams

Williams hosts a dynamic YouTube channel with dozens of instructional videos, which have received more than 850,000 views from people around the globe. She uses everyday concepts, including flip flops and a basket of bulldog puppies, to teach finance and statistics. Williams enjoys teaching for those lightbulb moments. “I love hearing from my students that they were able to complete a mathematical process or learn a new theory after watching one of my videos,” she said. “It makes it all worthwhile.”

Williams has taught at TCC’s since 2009. She has owned several businesses and worked as an industry consultant for some large firms from Sara Lee to DuPont to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Portsmouth biology professors get creative with virtual labs

What can you do with two pieces of bubble gum, two pieces of wax, 1 meter of string and a ruler?

Demonstrate the scientific method, of course!

Tidewater Community College students taking summer biology classes on the Portsmouth Campus discovered that in their initial remote lab experiment.

“Our faculty found creative ways for students to be successful and save money,” said Michelle Woodhouse, interim vice president for Academic Affairs and chief academic officer.

TCC students didn’t have to hunt down the supplies for the online labs, either. Instead, everything they needed for every lab was packaged and delivered curbside by staffer Nancy Jones, who wore gloves and a mask while passing kits through the passenger window.

Jones typically sets up labs for science students, but the transition to virtual learning due to COVID-19 prompted professors Katrina Dash and Siobhan Harris to be more innovative than usual. Typically science kits for in-person labs cost students $140. Instead, Dash and Harris devised their own kits that largely consist of everyday items, including peroxide, vinegar, food coloring, sugar and fruit.

Originally the plan called for students to purchase the materials themselves.

“Then we re-evaluated,” Jones said. “We didn’t want to spring that on our students and have them out shopping during COVID.”

Instead, Jones collected the items, many already in supply on campus and others bought at The Dollar Store. “Baking soda is a cleaning agent and so is peroxide, so because of COVID-19, they were a little harder to find.”

Jones assembled all the nonperishable items in the kits in her home – “to the delight of my cats” – she noted and even color-coded them for easy distribution at the Portsmouth Campus. BIO 101 students received one kit; BIO 106, another, and she even ensured students had the right size of gloves before they drove away.

Cost to the student: $0. She estimates each kit cost no more than $5 to assemble.

“Students take pictures of themselves performing the labs,” Harris said. Also, they answer questions on the lab and must pass a quiz. The integrity of the lab is important. We want this to be a real learning experience.”

Ninety kits were assembled; WAVY chatted with the professors and Jones during one of two distribution days.

Now you can earn your associate degree in computer science from TCC entirely online

Tidewater Community College’s associate degree in computer science is now offered 100% online.

TCC designed its 61-credit Associate of Science in Computer Science for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

Students pursuing the associate degree advance from problem-solving skills to computer applications and learn programming and advanced concepts, such as virtual memory. Free software is available for students to use at home.

TCC also offers the following transfer degrees 100% online:

The additional TCC degrees or certificate programs that are 100% online are in Accounting, Acquisition & Procurement, Criminal Justice, Hospitality Management, Industrial Technology, Land Surveying, Law Enforcement, Management, Small Business Management & Entrepreneurship and Technical Studies.

The next start dates for Summer Session classes at TCC are June 1 and July 6. Dynamic sessions are offered continuously.

Email enroll@tcc.edu or call 757-822-1111 for enrollment information.

Back to school with College Anywhere VA

Don’t put your future on hold.

Pursue a meaningful career or be transfer-ready for the four-year school of your choice. It’s now even easier to get started with a new tool from Virginia’s Community Colleges, CollegeAnywhereVA.org. Tidewater Community College is one of 23 community colleges in the Virginia Community College System (VCCS).

College Anywhere VA is an online portal enabling Virginians to find online courses that best meet their needs. In addition to connecting students with high-quality and affordable remote-learning courses, the site connects current and prospective students with advisors, known as College Navigators, who streamline the application and course enrollment process.

Summer classes start May 18 and fall semester begins Aug. 24.

“Our students, especially our high school seniors, have lost so many experiences over the last couple months — no proms, no yearbook exchange, no graduation ceremonies. We owe it to them to provide them with the virtual door to their next educational step,” said Glenn Dubois, VCCS chancellor.

College Anywhere VA provides a transparent view into the 10,000+ online courses offered through Virginia’s community colleges. Depending on student goals, these courses could:

count toward an associate degree or certificate program;
count toward a degree or certificate program at another institution; or
include valuable workforce training programs that prepare students for career credentials.

Virginia’s Community Colleges, including TCC, have guaranteed transfer agreements with dozens of private and public institutions across the commonwealth. Tuition and fees are roughly one-third of the comparable costs at four-year universities.

Create a peaceful, productive study space

Learning at home can be fraught with distractions. With remote learning in full swing, make sure your study space works for you.

Jennifer Hopkins, Interior Design program head at Tidewater Community College, offers these tips to create a peaceful, productive corner in your world.

“During this extraordinary time, we are spending more time at home and our spaces need to be functional and comfortable,” she said.

Here’s how:

Find a work space away from the chaos of daily life and commit to honoring your school schedule (if possible) so you can succeed. This may take help from family members who also want to see you achieve.
If you do school work during the day, find a location that has good natural light and/or a view. It takes hours focused on technology to learn online, so nice lighting will prevent strain and provide a break from screen time.
Many students enjoy music in the background to help block distractions, create a sense of calm and remain on task. Studies show that classical music remains the No. 1 choice for productivity. But your music should work for you, whether it’s Mozart or Drake.

Arrange your work area to prevent glare while still providing plenty of light. Desk lamps should be placed on the left side for a right-handed person so paperwork isn’t shaded by the working hand. Left-handed people should do the opposite.
If young children are in the home, make sure you put all school work away between sessions to prevent curious or sticky hands from wandering too close!
Fully clean or declutter your space each evening to make your routine less stressful the next day. Put something beautiful near you such as a plant, flowers or favorite photo.

TCC will extend remote learning through the spring semester

Tidewater Community College will continue remote learning for all students for the remainder of the spring semester.

All campuses and buildings are closed to students and the public through April 4. The college will provide virtual services only. TCC converted to remote learning on March 23 due to COVID-19.

Students needing support are encouraged to use TCC’s virtual resources. They can also connect with the college via chat through tcc.edu, by phone at 757-822-1111 or by emailing enroll@tcc.edu.

Back to class with Canvas and Zoom

It’s almost time to get back to your studies, but are you ready for remote instruction?

With classes resuming on Monday, March 23, now is the time to learn how to succeed in your remote courses.

If the concept is a bit daunting, Tidewater Community College has an e-course just for you. A new resource developed by the college introduces you to remote learning through Canvas and Zoom.

To access this resource use this link.

The course is user-friendly and includes three sections:

*Learning Online
*Learning with Canvas
*Learning with Zoom

In Learning Online, you’ll discover the basics about technology access, which includes specifics on computer requirements. It also has lessons on time management, communications skills, study skills and resources for everything from tutoring to free Office 365 and virus protection.

In Learning with Canvas, you will see how to use Canvas effectively. Canvas is TCC’s learning management system that facilitates the delivery of course materials online. Beginning March 23, all TCC courses will be available to students in Canvas. To access Canvas, sign in to myTCC and click on the Canvas icon.

You may also access Canvas by navigating directly to https://learn.vccs.edu/ or by downloading the Canvas student app to your mobile device. For more information about how to use the Canvas Student app, review the Canvas Student Android Guide or the Canvas Student iOS Guide.

Zoom is TCC’s web conferencing solution designed to make you feel like you are sitting in class. Your instructor can share information in lecture format and you can both write on a screen-annotated whiteboard. Zoom includes two-way audio and video, customized screen sharing, breakout rooms for group work and a chat function.

You can also set up Zoom study groupsby inviting others to join a meeting you are hosting.

Students may access Zoom by signing into myTCC and clicking on the Zoom icon. You can also navigate directly to https://vccs.zoom.us/, or download the Zoom app to your mobile device.

Students who do not have a computer can apply to Computers for Student Success to receive one. Applications are ranked on need and urgency of need. If your application is approved, most students pay only a $25 processing fee. Those with the most urgent need can receive their computer for free. Here is the application link. Also, the club repairs student computers for $20. Call 757-512-5807 or email TCCCompClub@gmail.com with questions.

As we move to remote learning, remember that we are here to help. Contact TCC’s Canvas support team by email or use the online help request form or call 757-822-1470. The hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You can also contact TCC’s Information Center by emailing info@tcc.edu or calling 757-822-1122 and selecting option 4.

You can enroll in classes 100% online

While we’re happy to serve you in person at Tidewater Community College, you can also enroll in classes for Summer Session and Fall Semester 100% online!

If you have questions along the way:

Returning students can email an e-advisor at https://forms.tcc.edu/e-advising/
New students must email virtualadvisor@tcc.edu or follow these directions prior to enrolling in classes for the first time.

Any student needing assistance can call 757-822-1122 and select option #4 or email info@tcc.edu.

Returning students can follow these enrollment steps:

Login to SIS

Click on Self Service

Click on Student Center

Under the Academics Heading, click on Enroll. Make sure that your user preferences are set to the institution (TCC) and term (summer or fall) for which you wish to enroll and/or pay tuition.

Select the Term to enroll from the list shown, then click on CONTINUE.

If you know it, enter the five-digit class Number of the first lecture class from the enrollment worksheet; click Enter. If the course requires a Permission Number, enter your permission number in the box and click on NEXT.

If you do not have the five-digit class numbers for the classes you wish to take, you can search for classes by clicking Class Search under the Find Classes heading. Click on Search. Enter the search criteria. View class listings and when you find the class you wish to take, click on Select Class. Click on NEXT to add that class to your Shopping Cart.

When you have selected all your classes, scroll below your class listings and click on Proceed to Step 2 of 3.

On the confirm classes screen, view all your classes and click Finish Enrolling to have these classes added to your schedule. If you do not follow this step, you are not enrolled.

If you have errors, a message will provide information that will tell you why that class cannot be added to your schedule. Click on Add Another Class, this will return you to your shopping cart, click on the trash can icon in the delete column to remove the classes that could not be added to your schedule.

To enroll in a class with a required lab, enter the class # for the Lecture section and click on Enter. A Related Class Sections screen will open providing a list of the available lab sections. Click on the circle in the left column to select your related lab section. Click on NEXT and follow the prompts above to continue the enrollment process.

If you are a new degree-seeking student and you are ready to enroll in classes, you can follow the above steps, however, you must first make an appointment with an academic advisor. If you do not wish to come to campus in person, you can email virtualadvisor@tcc.edu and request an online appointment. You can also make your own virtual appointment by logging onto SIS and following these directions.

The first tuition deadline for summer session is April 27 by 11 p.m.

The first tuition deadline for fall semester is Aug. 3 at 11 p.m.