August 12, 2009
For Immediate Release

RCCC Fall Semester Classes Start Aug. 17

               SALISBURY, N.C. — Fall semester classes at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College start Aug. 17. The college advises students to arrive early for classes and be prepared to make any needed schedule changes Aug. 17 or 18.

               After conducting late registration for classes earlier this week, RCCC anticipates having its largest-ever enrollment when the 2009 fall semester classes begin Aug. 17. College officials say an overall enrollment of more than 6,000 students is likely.

               The increased number of students means there are only a scattered number of seats available in most classes, with no open seats in others. At the same time, some college facilities, such as parking, will be pushed to capacity.

               Currently registered students will have only two days, Aug. 17 and 18, to try to add classes. Students can go the North Campus student center or the South Campus community service room between 9 and 11 a.m. and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. both days to inquire about adding classes.

               In addition, RCCC strongly encourages students to arrive early for classes, allowing themselves time to find a parking space and walk to their classrooms or labs.

               "Arriving on campus five minutes before your class starts, hoping to find an up close parking space will not be a good strategy for the first couple of weeks of the semester," said Gaye McConnell, RCCC vice president of student services.

               RCCC attributes its burgeoning enrollment to the scores of unemployed individuals in both counties who are coming to the college for training in a new career field and increased numbers of traditional age students who are choosing to start their college studies at RCCC.

               RCCC is a comprehensive, community-based institution of higher learning, serving the citizens of Rowan and Cabarrus counties in North Carolina. RCCC is one of 58 colleges in the state-supported North Carolina Community College System.

                RCCC offers fully-accredited associate-degree programs in more than 40 areas of study, including arts and sciences, business, information technology, health and public services, and engineering technologies. RCCC also offers accredited diploma and certificate programs focused on career training, continuing education and basic skills education. RCCC provides a strong foundation and transferable credits for students moving on to four-year colleges and universities and helps adults get the additional training they need to start new careers.

               RCCC annually provides more than 2,000 course offerings, serving an overall enrollment of approximately 20,000 students. In addition, RCCC provides the education and job-training programs needed to meet many of the workforce demands of the North Carolina Research Campus being developed in Kannapolis. For complete details, see the RCCC website at www.rowancabarrus.edu.