Spring 2023 PTC 101 Handbook

TO

PTC 101

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

PIEDMONT

POINTS GET INVOLVED!

HOW IT WORKS:

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Attend Student Life-sponsored events and sign in when you arrive.

You must scan your ID or enter your P# to receive points.

Continue attending events throughout the year to rack up points!

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To check your balance, please visit the Student tab on Pathway.

Email lagreca.k@ptc.edu to schedule a time to pick up prizes.

HOW TO FIND POINT VALUES: Find a list of eligible events online at www.ptc. edu/studentlifeevents. Points will be displayed beside check-in for events and on event flyers.

QUESTIONS? Please contact Kendra Lagreca at (864) 941-8698 or email lagreca.k@ptc.edu.

GET REWARDS!

PRIZE LEVELS*:

40 points: Sticker and Pen 80 points: Sticky Note Set 120 points: Drawstring Bag Earbuds with 160 points: Phone Case Stand

200 points: Padfolio 240 points: Umbrella License Plate 280 points: Frame Award 320 points: Recognition

Points expire at the end of each academic year (August) and are only valid if student is currently enrolled.

PTC STUDENT

Clubs & Organizations Clubs and organizations play an important role in student life. They can help you to develop leadership skills, promote interaction with professionals in the field, provide educational programs for the campus community and provide a social network for members. Current clubs and organizations include:

ALPHA CHI EPSILON – a chapter of Lambda Alpha Epsilon, the American Criminal Justice Association.

CHRISTIAN STUDENT UNION – Open to all students, faculty and staff, the club provides a ministry to the campus community.

COLLEGIATE FFA – Collegiate FFA is a form of membership within the National FFA Organization.

CVT CLUB – Open to CVT students, this club promotes cardiovascular care and heart disease awareness in our community.

DIVERSITY IN ACTION – Open to all students who have a desire to promote equality among the student population.

ECD CLUB – The ECD Club is open to any student in the Early Care and Education program.

FULL THROTTLE – To promote leadership among students in the automotive technology program.

HEALTH OCCUPATIONS STUDENTS OF AMERICA (HOSA) – For students enrolled in health care programs.

HORTICULTURE CLUB – Cultivates relationships between students & provides opportunities to dig deeper into horticultural topics.

HUMAN SERVICES CLUB – With the motto of “helping people help people” and open to all students, members of this organization are involved in social change.

LAMBDA CHI NU – For ADN students & graduates; the honor society recognizes academic & clinical excellence in nursing.

LITERARY AND ARTS JOURNAL CLUB MEDICAL ASSISTING CLUB – Open to all medical assisting students.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES – a professional organization that encompasses licensed practical nurses, licensed vocational nurses, and PN/VN students and affiliates.

NATIONAL TECHNICAL HONOR SOCIETY – Recognizes outstanding student achievement in Career and Technical Education.

PHI THETA KAPPA INTERNTIONAL HONOR SOCIETY – Open to students in associate degree programs, the four hallmarks are scholarship, leadership, fellowship and service.

PIEDMONT TABLETOP CLUB – Open to all students who enjoy playing games. Operates on the Greenwood Campus.

PN CARE CLUB – Open to students enrolled in the PN clinical program.

PTC SALUDA GAME CLUB – Open to all Saluda students who enjoy playing games.

RAD TECH CLUB – Open to all radiologic technology students, the club is involved with promoting the rad tech profession.

RESPIRATORY CARE CLUB – For respiratory care and pre-respiratory care students RX TECHS – A club for pharmacy technician students, the club’s mission is networking, personal and professional growth, and service to the community.

SCRIBE TRIBE – Scribe Tribe gathers to encourage others to write, brainstorm ideas and perform works.

STUDENT NURSES ASSOCIATION – A national organization open to nursing and pre-nursing students to help in professional development.

STUDENT OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT (SOTA) CLUB – Comprised of students enrolled in the OTA program on the Newberry Campus.

SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY CLUB – Open to all surgical technology and pre-surgical technology students.

TAU UPSILON ALPHA – Honor society for students who have declared a major in human services.

TRANSFER CONNECT - A club for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to meet other students and stay informed.

VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY CLUB – A student chapter of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America.

VIP (VERY INVOLVED PERSONS) CLUB – Provides local leadership and community service opportunities for all Newberry County Campus students.

YOUNG FARMERS AND RANCHERS CLUB - grows and develops young Farm Bureau members and provides them opportunities and experiences to strengthen their leadership and ensure effective Farm Bureaus

BRIGHTSPACE D2L STUDENT TRAINING SESSIONS & RESOURCES All new students & students taking an online course for the first time are encouraged to participate in Brightspace (D2L) training. PTC has several training options including live student assistance sessions, self-paced training, & customized training.

ONLINE SELF-PACED TRAINING Learn to use Brightspace (D2L) using the Are You D2L Ready? information located on the D2L homepage. Videos, guides and a self-assessment quiz will ensure you have the skills necessary to successfully use D2L. More in depth training is available in the Self-Paced Training Course. In addition to video tutorials and guides you will also have the ability to interact with the learning environment by completing sample activities. To take part in the online Self-Paced Training Course click on the Discover link on the D2L home page and select Enroll in Course. (Earn 15 Piedmont Points)

BRIGHTSPACE (D2L) LIVE STUDENT ASSISTANCE SESSIONS One-on-one assistance is available by appointment. This D2L student assistance is provided in both virtual and on-campus formats (including all county campuses).

To schedule an appointment, please complete the D2L Student Assistance Request Form.. This form can also be found in the Quick Launch section of the Pathway homepage using the D2L Help button.

Technical Support For technical and system information check the User Support widget on the home page. PTC Helpdesk: 864-941-8627 For tips on how to be successful in your online course, check out the Pathway to Online Success tip sheet: www.ptc.edu/online_success.

D2L Brightspace Pulse Brightspace Pulse is a D2L app that helps you stay on track with your courses. You can use it to stay up to date with course calendars, assignments, grades, and announcements.

Real-time alerts keep you connected even during the busiest times.

MORE TIME STUDYING.

LESS TIME ORGANIZING.

ALWAYS UP TO DATE.

With a quick glance, you can check your courses to see assignments and tests that are coming up. You can even add your own personal milestones.

You can make better decisions about how to handle your workload, submit assignments, and prepare for tests—all while keeping the stress level low.

Real-time alerts keep you up to date with the latest announcements, and grade postings.

Now available from the App Store and Google play. *

*The latest version of Brightspace Pulse is supported on devices with iOS 12+ or Android 6.0+. Older versions of Pulse will continue to work on devices with iOS11 (Iphone 5c and back) or Android 5.0 (2015~ phones and back)

Brightspace (D2L) Quick Guide Getting Started To Login to your D2L account: Go to (www.ptc.edu).

Click on the PTC PATHWAY link.

Enter your username and password.

Click Login.

Click on the D2L Login link.

Note: You will need to change your password when you login the first time .

Navigation - My Home and the Main Navigation Bar My Home is your starting point inside D2L. On the homepage, you will find Help, Resources, and other information. The My Courses area will display course tiles after you pin them. (Remember you cannot enter courses until the first day of class.)

The Minibar is located at the top of a page. It is your main navigation tool to courses, email, alerts, and personal settings in D2L. The course selector lists your courses. You can select specific courses from the course selector and pin them to the top of the list for easier navigation. Pinned courses also display as tiles in your My Courses area.

To pin courses, click on the course selector in the Minibar and select the pin icon beside the course title.

Navigation The Course Homepage and Navbar The Course Home is similar to the D2L My Home but contains course related information and tools.

The Announcements area is where instructors will share important information with you. The Calendar displays course related events.

The course homepage navbar contains links to tools used for the course. The title of the course will always bring you back to the course homepage.

The home icon will return you to the My Home page.

TIPS Are You D2L Ready? contains resources for users who are new to D2L. Run a System Check on every computer you use to access D2L. Be sure to clear your browser cookies and cache often to prevent technical difficulties.

Be sure to set your security questions in Pathway so that you can reset your password when needed.

Notification settings allow you to set up periodic updates by email or text message about Assignments, Quizzes, Grades, or Announcements.

IDOL 117K

Updated: December 7, 2021

Contact: Gilliam.k@ptc.edu

The D2L Brightspace Pulse app is available for Android or iOS mobile devices. The app allows you to access and view details about upcoming Assignments, Discussions, and Quizzes as well as Announcements from your instructors. You can download Brightspace Pulse from the Apple Store or Google Play.

D2L Course Tools The Content Tool contains the main course material for your courses. Your syllabus, assignment schedule and other course documents can be found by accessing this link from the course navigation bar.

Frequently Used Course Tools: Discussion, Assignments, Quizzes The Discussions Tool allows you to communicate with your instructor and peers without having to be online at the same time. To start a thread: 1. Click Discussion.

2. Choose and click on a Discussion Topic.

3. Click Start a New Thread.

The Assignments Tool is used for homework assignments. Homework assignments appear in folders.

To submit a file for an assignment: 1. Click Assignments.

2. From the list of folders, choose and click the folder link.

3. Click Add a File.

4. Click Upload.

5. Locate and click the file you wish to submit from your file documents.

6. Click Add. 7. Click Submit.

The Quizzes Tool is used by instructors for quizzes, exams, and tests. Some instructors may require exams and quizzes to be proctored or timed. To use the Quizzes Tool: 1. Click Quiz.

2. Click on the quiz you wish to take. Read the quiz details and instructions. Be sure to note any enforced time limits.

3. Begin the quiz. D2L automatically saves your answers as you progress through the quiz.

4. When you have finished your quiz, click Submit Quiz.

5. Click Submit Quiz on the Quiz Submission Confirmation page.

6. Review your answers and score on the Quiz Submissions page.

Note: Instructors may not allow you to review questions until after the quiz period has ended.

Frequently Used Communication Tool: Classlist The Classlist provides a list of all your classmates and instructors with a direct email link.

Frequently Used Progress Tools: Grades, Class Progress The Grades Tool shows the grades for your course.

The Class Progress Tool displays your course progress with content, discussions, assignments, quizzes and more.

IDOL 117K

Updated: December 7, 2021

Contact: Gilliam.k@ptc.edu

FREE TUTORING

APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE TO ALL STUDENTS! In-person and virtual options available.

To request a tutoring appointment, please visit www.ptc.edu/tutoring and complete the online request form.

TUTORING SERVICES AT PTC

1

Where is tutoring available?

In-person tutoring sessions are available on the Greenwood Campus and County Campuses (depending on tutor availability). Sessions can also be conducted virtually if the student prefers this method.

2

When is tutoring available?

Students schedule appointments in collaboration with their tutors to allow for as much flexibility as possible and at times that are convenient for both.

3

What will the tutor help me with?

Tutors assist students with understanding course material and may offer suggestions about how to study, take notes, or manage your time. Tutors are not allowed to complete work for students or give answers to assignments.

4

How do I sign up for tutoring?

Log into your Pathway account and go to the Student tab. There you will find a “Request Tutoring Services” link. You can also find the link on the PTC website at www.ptc.edu/tutoring. Call (864) 941-8359 if you need help completing the request.

5

How long does it take to get tutoring?

If a tutor is available for the course, students can often be matched with a tutor within 1-2 business days after submitting a request. The tutor will then reach out to the student to schedule the initial session, which will depend on the availability of the student and the tutor.

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Can I get tutoring Yes, if a tutor is available for the course. for more than one course?

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What happens if a tutor is not available for my course?

We have tutors available for many different courses, but occasionally tutors may not be readily available for some courses. If that happens, we will work to find a tutor and will communicate with the instructor of the course to determine if he/she is available to work with the student until a tutor becomes available.

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What if I need to cancel a session?

Because students and tutors coordinate their sessions, you should contact your tutor to cancel sessions and reschedule. It is important to maintain open communication with your tutor.

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Are there other tutoring resources?

Yes. NetTutor is an online tutoring resource available to students on the Resources tab in D2L. Faculty also provide open labs throughout the fall and spring semesters.

Information on these labs can be found in the Passport to Success newsletter in the Academic Resources area on the PTC website, along with tips on note taking, time management, and managing test anxiety.

For more information, visit www.ptc.edu/tutoring.

FREE ONLINE TUTORING TUTORING IS AVAILABLE

FOR ACCESS TO FREE ONLINE TUTORING • Log into your D2L account • Click on the “Resources” tab at the top • Choose “NetTutor” from the menu • Click on the course in which you need a tutor and follow the prompts

SUBJECTS • • • •

Math Biology Chemistry Computer Science

• • • •

English Reading Writing Political Science

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Psychology Spanish Humanities History

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Business Economics Accounting Student Success

How to Use NetTutor What is NetTutor NetTutor is an online tutoring service available to all PTC students free of charge. Learners have the ability to connect with tutors 24/7 for assistance in many subject areas. Learners can connect with a tutor either synchronously (in real-time), or asynchronously (submit a question and await a response).

NetTutor Subject Areas      

Accounting Chemistry Finance Math Physics Spanish

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Biology Computer Science College Skills Nursing and Allied Health Political Science Statistics

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Business Economics Humanities & Social Sciences Writing Psychology

Access NetTutor To access NetTutor: 1. From the D2L homepage, do one of the following:  Click on Resources and select NetTutor.  Scroll to the Online Tutoring: NetTutor widget and click the NetTutor link.

Connect with a Live Tutor Live tutoring is available for most subject areas. Tutors are available during scheduled times.

To view the schedule: 1.

2.

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Access NetTutor.

Select the appropriate subject.

On the subject dashboard, select the Drop-In Tutoring Hours link.

A side panel will display the days and times live tutors are available for drop-in tutoring.

To connect with a live tutor: 1. Access NetTutor during one of the days/times that tutors are available for your subject area.

2. Select the appropriate subject.

3. On the subject dashboard, select Drop in and Meet with a Live Tutor.

Submit a Question to a Tutor If there is no live tutor available or you are not able to connect during one of the scheduled times, you can drop off your question to receive feedback.

To drop off a question: 1.

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Access NetTutor.

Select the appropriate subject.

On the subject dashboard, select the Drop off a Question link.

In the pop-up window, enter a question title and click Proceed to Question Entry.

5. In the whiteboard provided, enter your question and click Submit. Share as much detail as possible about where you need help.

To view answers to dropped off questions: 1. From the subject dashboard, click on the Your {Subject} Locker link.

2. Click on the Question Feedback link.

NetTutor Online Writing Lab Learners can upload papers and receive feedback from a writing tutor.

To submit a paper for feedback: 1.

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Access NetTutor.

Select Online Writing Lab. On the Online Writing Lab dashboard, select Drop off a Paper.

In the space provided enter a name for your paper and provide information describing your assignment.

Click Next.

Select the areas where you would like to receive feedback.

Select the Citation Style and Paper Type.

Enter the paper length.

Click Next.

Drag and drop your paper in the area provided or click Choose a File to browse for your paper and select it.

Wait for the file to complete loading and select Drop Off Your Paper.

To view paper feedback: 1. From the Online Writing Lab dashboard, click on the Your Online Writing Lab Locker link.

2. Click on the Paper Feedback link.

NetTutor Tutorial Videos How to use NetTutor: https://youtu.be/Vq6J84Sv2ro Uploading a Paper in NetTutor: https://youtu.be/ZiJZAurEd_o

NetTutor Technical Support For technical support or assistance with NetTutor, call 813-674-0660 extension 204 or email support@link-systems.com.

d e d e e N s r o Tut Looking for a part-time

job?

Need some extra

cash?

Want to help people and

get paid?

Piedmont Technical College is currently seeking tutors for the main campus and all county campuses (Newberry, Abbeville, Saluda, Laurens, Edgefield, and McCormick). Compensation is based on tutor’s education level: $9.00 -- $16.00 per hour.

Tutors are needed in all subject areas. AN “A” OR “B” IN THE COURSE SUBJECT IS REQUIRED. Anyone who wishes to become a tutor will first need to apply online at www.jobs.sc.gov and follow up with a letter of interest to Tamatha Sells (Tutor Coordinator) at sells.t@ptc.edu.

CAREER PLANNING & COUNSELING SERVICES LEX WALTERS CAMPUS-GREENWOOD • 101A • (864) 941-8356

ACADEMIC COUNSELING

Our professional counselors are available to assist students with academic concerns such as: Study Skills • Test Anxiety • Critical Thinking Note Taking • Time Management • Academic Probation We also have printed materials on a variety of academic topics that students can access free of charge.

PERSONAL COUNSELING

Sometimes students become overwhelmed with personal issues and don’t know where to turn. Our professional counselors are available to offer assistance with issues such as Grief (death), Divorce, Loss of job, Anger issues, Homelessness, Suicide, etc. Some students just drop by to vent, others are looking for outlets and resources for community agencies.

CAREER PLANNING

Have you ever thought “I don’t know what to do? or “I don’t know what my career choices are?”

Our career counselors can assist you with: • Career assessments – TypeFocus, personality, interests, values, etc.

• Career/job specific resources – CareerOneStop, Candid Career • Online resources that provide an in-depth look at your career options • Learning more about yourself so you can make informed career choices

DISABILITY COUNSELING

Services are available to students who have disabilities including, but not limited to, visual impairments, hearing impairments, learning disabilities and physical disabilities. A trained counselor is available to support and assist students by coordinating efforts between students, faculty and staff to develop reasonable and appropriate classroom accommodations.

CONTACT US

Dean of Counseling and Career Planning: Cindy Klauck – (864) 941-8685 Student Disability Services Counselor: Brenda Dailey – (864) 941-8378 Career Counselors: Susan Hendricks – (864) 941-8345

Amber Campbell – (864) 941-8509

To make an appointment with Career Planning Services, visit www.ptc.edu/ccs.

DISABILITY SERVICES for

students

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES Federally-funded program serves 165 eligible participants.

It is designed to provide academic support to students who are low-income, first generation college students and/or students with a documented disability.

To apply, visit: www.ptc.edu/sssapply

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For more information, call (864) 941-8385

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Your life matters.