By Holly Desrosier
Craven Community College (Craven CC) is currently registering new and returning students for B-Term through March 10. Classes for the shortened eight-week semester run from March 11 to May 12.
B-Term classes offer the same amount of credits and coursework as traditional 16-week semesters but in a condensed schedule. This is ideal for students trying to balance school on top of jobs and families, or for students who want to earn credits faster. It’s also a great chance for high school graduates to start on the college track.
“If a student missed registration for the regular or late term semesters, B-Term offers the opportunity to complete courses and stay on schedule for degree completion,” said Bill Bondurant, director of advising and counseling. “Shortened semester dates may work better for students with busy schedules.”
The college has degree and certificate programs to fit everyone’s educational aspirations in fields such as health care, law enforcement, early childhood education, cosmetology, automotive and information technology. One popular degree program is Business Administration, which is designed to prepare graduates to compete in management, financial and customer service fields.
“A degree in Business Administration allows students to enter into many careers and management positions,” said Nanette Sanders-Cobb, Craven CC business administration faculty. “Students graduate career ready in fields such as investment offices, insurance or financial offices, as well as franchise ownership. Students are ready for careers as customer service representatives in any organization, as well as bank tellers or credit unions.”
Some of the important concepts she tries to instill in each of her students is the importance of possessing soft skills, practicing self-management and teamwork, acquiring good people skills and developing themselves as good communicators and critical thinkers. Acquiring these abilities will enable them to achieve the end goal of being workforce ready.
Classes are offered on the New Bern and Havelock campuses, online and hybrid. There are several advanced degree options through university transfer programs with schools such as NC State, NC Wesleyan and ECU, so it’s also a great choice for students interested in pursuing a four-year degree but wanting to stay close to home. Students that plan to attend a four-year university can earn a two-year degree at Craven CC, qualify for admission at any of the 16 public universities in the state and enter as a junior.
Academic, admissions and financial aid advisors are always on hand to assist students with navigating the application and financial aid processes. They are available to show students how to apply for financial aid and scholarships, answer questions and assist students who may not know which academic path to follow.
“Since many of the B-Term courses are online, it’s convenient for students with full work schedules or child care constraints,” added Bondurant. “Taking B-Term courses can accelerate completion of degrees, diplomas and certificates.”
Additionally, for anyone interested in boosting or beginning a career, the Volt Center offers several opportunities. The college’s Workforce Development (WFD) department has various trades classes and programs for extensive career training, enrichment or job changes, all available at the Volt Center.
Students can register at the New Bern or Havelock campus during office hours: Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Current students can go online and use WebAdvisor to view the current class listing and register quickly and easily.
For more information on B-Term registration, contact the New Bern campus at 252-638-7200, the Havelock campus at 252-444-6005 or visit www.cravencc.edu.
This article was originally published in the New Bern Sun Journal on February 12, 2020.