Student Services and Support Services

The Student Success Center

The Student Success Center provides advising and disability services for students as they work to attain their academic and career goals. The center provides information regarding campus resources and academic programs and offers orientation and advising sessions to help students achieve their academic and career goals.

New Student Orientation

Newly admitted students will be provided a link to access new student orientation online. Students who complete orientation are provided with the tools they need to succeed at college. Orientation introduces students to college services and resources that will support their educational and personal goals.

Advising

Forsyth Tech has an advisor/advisee program that is designed to provide a more personal atmosphere for the student and to increase communication between students and faculty. After being admitted each student is assigned an academic advisor who provides information related to program content, course content and prerequisite requirements, graduation requirements and general information. Academic advisors and program instructors will assist students in course planning and scheduling and also make referrals such as services for personal counseling, financial aid counseling or academic tutoring.

Accessibility Resources

Accessibility Resources is dedicated to meeting the needs of college students with disabilities. Our goal is to ensure that all students have equal access and opportunity to benefit from classes, programs, and activities at Forsyth Tech. Forsyth Tech strives to empower students in every way possible, believing that by doing so, we can maximize their abilities.

Students who have a disability and would like to request services and accommodations must register with Accessibility Resources. They will be required to provide documentation of their disability. Information provided by a student is voluntary and appropriate confidentiality is maintained. Students who need accommodations should contact Accessibility Resources at (336) 734-7378 or (336) 734-7155; or disabilityservices@forsythtech.edu. The College has a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD/ TTY). The number is (336) 723-3411. Accessibility Resources is in the Robert L. Strickland Center, Student Success Center - Suite 2414. Their office is open Monday – Thursday 8am to 5pm and Friday 8am to 3pm.

Services are designed and developed on an individual-needs basis and are free to our students. A student may elect to use any or all the accommodations/services appropriate to meet their needs. An appointment is encouraged to discuss individual accommodations.

In strict compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, no otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall solely by reason of his or her disability be excluded from the participation in, denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or any activity of this institution. For more information regarding Accessibility Resources, please view our Forsyth Tech Student Guide at https://www.forsythtech.edu/student-services/student-resources/disability-services/.

Student Support Services

Forsyth Tech Cares

The Forsyth Tech Cares office takes a comprehensive approach in connecting students to the resources and support services they need. The office provides critical support to students by answering questions, connecting them to emergency financial assistance, childcare assistance, access to loaner technology devices (hot spots and Chromebooks), transportation and housing assistance, providing access to the Forsyth Tech Connect Pantry locations, referrals to free non-criminal legal assistance, appointments to free tax preparation, and much more. 

Forsyth Tech Cares is located on the second Floor of the Robert L. Strickland Center, within the Student Success Center - Suite 2414. Students who need assistance can come to the office, call 336-734-7195, or send an email to FTCares@forsythtech.edu.

Counseling

Counselors serve as consultants to faculty and staff in helping to meet the educational needs of students. A student experiencing academic or personal difficulties may meet with a counselor. Students needing additional services may be referred to appropriate community agencies or resource persons.

The counseling staff adheres to the ethical standards of the American Counseling Association and the National Board for Certified Counselors. All discussions and consultations are confidential; however, exceptions may be made when students present a danger to themselves or others or under subpoena by court.

Veteran Advising and Counseling

The Veteran Counselor will provide academic advising and short-term counseling to student veterans to help them navigate the change from a military environment to a civilian academic environment. Counseling is also provided on a short-term basis to help with personal and academic issues. The Certifying Official provides assistance with advising issues that are particular to the GI Bill. Both the Veteran Counselor and the Certifying Official can provide information about appropriate college and community resources.

The Veteran Counselor adheres to the ethical standards of the NC Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and the National Board for Certified Counselors. All discussions and consultations are confidential; however, exceptions may be made when veteran students present a danger to themselves or others or under subpoena by court.

Career Services  

Career Services exists to coach, prepare, support and empower Forsyth Tech students and alumni to become career ready applicants in a global work environment through educational and experiential learning. Throughout every student’s time at Forsyth Tech, we provide resources, strategies and opportunities to assist in identifying values, interests, personality and skills to help them make informed decisions about their professional lives. We are committed to educating Forsyth Tech students through the use of personalized, innovative resources and equipping them with the tools they need to have a positive impact on the community.

The following resources are available free of charge for Forsyth Tech students and alumni:

• Individual career counseling appointments
• Career exploration
• Self-assessment
• Resume and cover letter assistance
• Job search strategy and support
• Interview preparation
• Work-Based Learning internships
• Figuring out life after Forsyth Tech

For more information contact Career Services at careerservices@forsythtech.edu

James A. Rousseau II Minority Male Success Initiative

The James A. Rousseau Minority Male Success Initiative is designed to increase the progression and completion rates of minority male students attending Forsyth Tech. To accomplish this mission, we will (1) Provide integrated and targeted supports and interventions when they are most effective, (2) Aid student’s progress through programs that lead to valuable credentials, without unnecessary detours, and (3) Assist students in making informed decisions which result in understanding the requirements and processes to succeed.

More specifically, the initiative seeks to address the following objectives:

• Increase the progression of first-year minority male students
• Increase minority male utilization of campus resources and services through deliberate and intentional interactions between students and the campus community

For more information about this program, contact the Minority Male Success Initiative Office on the main campus, Allman Building (1st Floor-Suite 114); by phone at 336-734-7385 or by email to minoritymalementoring@forsythtech.edu.

Shugart Women’s Center at Forsyth Tech

The overall mission of the Shugart Women’s Center at Forsyth Tech is to promote the educational, personal and professional development of women attending Forsyth Tech by providing advocacy, referrals, information and resources to assist in achieving positive outcomes.

The director of the Shugart Women’s Center is available to provide counseling and appropriate agency referrals based on individual needs. Referral agencies include: Experiment in Self-Reliance (ESR), Family Services, Inc., Housing Authority of Winston-Salem, Work/Family Resource Center, Department of Social Services (DSS), Salvation Army and various other local agencies. Information obtained during a session remains confidential.

SWCircle (Committed to Incorporating Resources Centered in Leadership Experiences) promote educational, personal and professional development of women by providing opportunities for them to:

• Attend local conferences, seminars, and workshops (e.g. Salem College Women’s Leadership Conference)
• Create, develop, and implement service-learning opportunities (e.g. Domestic Violence Awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness, and other women related issues)
• Get involved with campus and community initiatives (e.g. These Hands Don’t Hurt, SWC Health Fair, and etc.)
• Get involved with civic service (e.g. College Advisory Board to the City Council)
• Network and develop relationships with local businesswomen both on and off campus
• Connect with a mentor

The Shugart Women’s Center houses a substantial collection of more than 550 donated books and magazines for students, staff and faculty use. The Resource Library is available for students to study or just relax. A computer with internet access is available for students to complete assignments or to do research. Materials may be checked out. This area is also used to host small group meetings.

The Shugart Women’s Center sponsors numerous empowerment sessions throughout the year. Topics include, but are not limited to: health awareness, domestic violence, stress management and self-defense. Important factual information is posted for men and women on the bulletin board located outside the Shugart Women’s Center. These displays focus on topics that impact the lives of all people such as: cancer awareness, child abuse awareness, healthy living, etc.

The Enhancement Center is stocked with professional and casual clothing for female students in need. Items are donated by individuals and by organizations. Clothing distributions are held throughout the year.

For more information about this program, contact the Shugart Women’s Center (2nd floor), Hauser Hall, Main Campus at 336.734.7280.

SWCircle (Committed to Incorporating Resources Centered in Leadership Experiences) promote educational, personal and professional development of women by providing opportunities for them to:

• Attend local conferences, seminars, and workshops (e.g. Salem College Women’s Leadership Conference)
• Create, develop, and implement service learning opportunities (e.g. Domestic Violence Awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness, and other women related issues)
• Get involved with campus and community initiatives (e.g. These Hands Don’t Hurt, SWC Health Fair, and etc.)
• Get involved with civic service (e.g. College Advisory Board to the City Council)
• Network and develop relationships with local businesswomen both on and off campus
• Connect with a mentor

For more information about this program, contact the Shugart Women’s Center (2nd floor), Hauser Hall, Main Campus at 336.734.7280.

TRIO- Student Support Services

TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded grant program that advocates for first generation, limited income, and students with accommodations.  Our mission is to advance student success by:

• Empowering students to excel at Forsyth Tech and transfer prepared to succeed in a bachelor’s degree program.
• Fostering a community of support with individualized, holistic services to promote self-enrichment and lifelong development.
• Challenging students to exceed expectations and become leaders in the classroom and community.

To participate in the program you must submit an application and meet one or more of the following criteria: the student must be a first-generation college student (neither parent(s)/guardian(s) graduated earning a four-year degree), receive a Pell grant through federal financial-aid, or have a documented learning or physical disability (registered with the office of Accessibility Services).

Program services include:

• Academic tutoring, which may include instruction in reading, writing, study skills, mathematics, science, and other subjects;
• Advice and assistance in postsecondary course selection;
• Information on both the full range of student financial aid programs and benefits;
• Resources for locating public and private scholarships;
• Assistance in completing financial aid applications, including the FAFSA;
• Education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students, including financial planning for postsecondary education; and
• Assistance in applying for transfer admission to, and obtaining financial assistance for enrollment in, four-year postsecondary education programs.
• Access to various TRiO specific workshops, cultural events, and mentoring programs.

For more information about TRiO Student Support Services please call, 336-734-7120 or email the office at sss@forsythtech.edu.

Transformative Learning

Library

The Library’s collection includes an in-house collection of more than 40,000 books and audio-visual software, with hundreds of thousands of periodical articles, ebooks and films online. Most in-house materials may be checked out for two weeks. Although no fines are charged, students are responsible for replacing books that are lost or damaged. Until replacement is made, library privileges will be revoked, the student will not be permitted to register and the student’s record will be sealed. Members of the library staff are always available to help students locate and use the library resources. Internet access and  access to over 200 databases are available to library users. Additional information on the Library, its services and supporting links can be found at the Library’s Techlink site, under “College Services.”

Also available at the Library’s Techlink page is the "Ask a Librarian" feature that allows users to engage with a librarian through chat.Located on the 1st floor of Ardmore Hall, Main Campus, the Library is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. until  8 p.m. and on Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.; Saturday hours are from 9 a.m. to noon, except during the summer term.

Learning Center

The Learning Center offers a variety of services and programs designed to assist both faculty and students. Learning Center services are also available on a limited basis on all the off-campus centers.

TUTORING SERVICES

The Learning Center offers support to students who are seeking academic assistance. Tutoring is a free service to students and takes place in one-on-one or in small group sessions. Academic assistance is available in many of the academic courses offered in-person on Main Campus, as well as virtually. The Learning Center also offers specific tutoring centers for math and science courses, all staffed by well-qualified tutors. Students can utilize the math and science centers on a drop-in basis. The various tutoring services share the goal of increasing student retention rates while assisting Forsyth Tech students in becoming independent, lifelong learners. Students can reserve tutoring appointments through the Navigate System.

Students also have access to another online tutoring resource, Smarthinking. Smarthinking has non-Forsyth Tech tutors available 24 hours a day in many subjects. Students must access Smarthinking via Techlink under the Quick Links list.

COMPUTER SERVICES

The Learning Center (Ardmore 143) has computers available for students to create and print class assignments, access the Internet, complete Blackboard assignments, and/or work from a specialized computer application for a specific class. Staff is available for assistance during the hours of operation. Additional computer labs are located at Northwest Forsyth Center, Stokes Center, Swisher Center, Transportation Center, and Woodruff Center.

TESTING SERVICES

The Testing Center proudly serves Forsyth Tech students and our community by providing a wide range of proctoring services. The Testing Center administers admissions testing, make-up, and distance education examinations for Forsyth Tech students, as well as proctoring examinations for other schools, colleges, and universities.

The Testing Center works with Accessibility Resources to ensure that students with ADA accommodations can take their examinations in a setting that is supportive of their needs.

Admissions Placement Testing - Prospective students may access their course readiness through admissions testing. The placement test can be scheduled by sending an email to placementtest@forsythtech.edu.

CLEP Testing - Students may earn college credits by successfully completing CLEP examinations. Students can register for these exams at the CLEP Website, then schedule an appointment with the Testing Center here.

Pearson VUE Testing - Forsyth Tech is an authorized Pearson Vue testing location, offering high-stakes certification testing to the community at large. Register and schedule for Pearson Vue exams on the Pearson VUE website.

Testing Fees - There is no charge for Forsyth Tech and other NCCCS students taking a proctored exam in the Testing Center at Forsyth Tech, however, additional fees may be required for any proctored exam taken outside of Forsyth Tech. The Testing Center also provides proctoring services to the community for a proctoring fee. Students must reserve testing times through the Learning Center’s TechLink page or visit the Testing Center’s scheduling site.  The Testing Center also provides proctoring services to the community for a nominal proctoring fee.  For Pearson VUE testing, please visit Pearson VUE to register and pay for your examinations.  

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Tutoring Questions: tutor@forsythtech.edu

Phone Number: (336) 734 - 7480

Admissions Testing Questions: placementtest@forsythtech.edu
Phone Number: (336)734 - 7324

General Testing Questions: LCTesting@forsythtech.edu

Phone Number: (336) 757 - 3657 or (336) 734 - 7324

The Center for Teaching and Learning Collaboratory

The Center for Teaching and Learning Collaboratory is here to provide support services for students that extend beyond the classroom. Our collection of guidelines, tutorials and how to videos meet students where they are, to help with the transition to the online environment and to increase the likelihood of persistence through their educational journey at Forsyth Tech.

Our services include:

• Help with navigating Blackboard LMS, Microsoft Suite Apps, including Outlook and MS Teams.
• Assistance with identifying and accessing campus resources to help with personal and academic challenges.
• Virtual/ remote assistance available as needed and by appointment.
• Empowering workshops offered at the start of each semester and periodically throughout the semester to assist students with becoming acclimated with the student and holistic support services available to them.

The Virtual Collaboratory

Available as needed or by appointment Monday – Thursday 8am –7pm, Friday 8am –1pm

Phone: (336) 757-3716

Email: ctlcollaboratory@forsythtech.edu

Bookstore

Forsyth Tech operates five college bookstores as a service to students, faculty and staff. The Main Campus Bookstore (1st floor), Technology Student Services Building, Main Campus offers a full line of traditional college store merchandise, including textbooks, school supplies and other course-related material, plus first-quality backpacks, emblematic apparel, Forsyth Tech gift items and educationally priced computer software. The West Campus Bookstore, Room 10, carries an abbreviated selection of the above materials, focusing on course materials for adult high school, corporate and continuing education, adult basic skills, English as a second language and other West Campus programs. The Northwest Forsyth Center Bookstore, Transportation Center Bookstore, Robert L. Strickland Center Bookstore, and the Stokes County Center Bookstore also carry an abbreviated selection of materials, which focus on the programs and courses offered at the Center.

The Bookstore stocks many “used” texts, and also “rent” texts, at the beginning of each semester. While supplies last.

Hours of operation for the College bookstores are posted at each location and on the website. Due to COVID-19 Barnes & Noble is currently only operating the Main Campus bookstores at Technology Student Service Building and the Robert L. Strickland Center for in-person shopping. As COVID-19 restrictions open back up this will change.

Barnes & Noble’s online store is available at all times to purchase books.

Book Return Policy

• A full refund will be given in your original form of payment if textbooks are returned during the first week of classes with original receipt.
• With proof of a schedule change and original receipt, a full refund will be given in your original form of payment during the first 30 days of class.  Financial aid refunds will only be allowed during the financial aid charging period at the bookstore.
• No refunds on unwrapped loose-leaf books or shrink-wrapped titles which do not have the wrapping intact.
• No refunds on Digital Content once accessed.
• Textbooks must be in their original condition.
• No refunds or exchanges without original receipt.

Housing Information

Since Forsyth Tech has no residence halls, students must make their own housing arrangements. Limited housing and apartment information may be obtained from the college information desk or student support resources.

Health Services

Limited health services are provided through the Campus Police. First aid supplies are located in the shop areas; however, injuries requiring more than minor first aid will be treated in the emergency room of either Novant Health or Wake Forest Baptist Health.

Food Services

The Grill, located on the lower level of Hauser Hall, Main Campus offers lunch daily, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. during spring and fall. Summer term hours may vary.  As COVID-19 restrictions open up The Grill hours of operation will be adjusted as well. Communication of changes will be made campus-wide when this occurs.

Vending services are available in the Technology Student Services Building, Snyder Hall, Allman Center, Parkway Building, Carolina Building and Greene Hall (all located on Main Campus); the Swisher Center; West Campus; the Woodruff Center; the Northwest Forsyth Center; the Transportation Technology Center; and the Robert L. Strickland Center.

Lost and Found

Lost and Found items can be turned over to the Campus Police Department on Main Campus and at the off-site centers. In addition to Campus Police, items can also be turned in at the administrative offices at the off-site centers. Campus Police will make every effort to locate the owner of these items.

Campus Information

Telephone Calls to Students 

Forsyth Tech does not have the facilities to forward general telephone messages to students and will not do so except in the case of an emergency. Emergency calls should be directed to Campus Police. Those calling in an emergency will be asked to state the nature of the emergency and to give their name and a return telephone number.

The policy of Forsyth Tech is not to give out identifying information about students to telephone callers and/or unidentified persons without the permission of the student (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). The Records Office only handles inquiries concerning students’ records.

Use of Facilities

• The buildings and their contents exist solely for the education of Forsyth Tech’s adult population and the use of these facilities for any other purpose is strictly prohibited.
• Effective August 15, 2010, smoking shall not be permitted in any building or the surrounding grounds owned or used by Forsyth Tech. This includes all campuses, centers and locations. Smoking shall not be permitted in any College, government or private vehicle operated or parked on grounds owned or used by Forsyth Tech.
• The revised Smoking Policy, effective January 2014 states:

Smoking Policy

Forsyth Technical Community College

Purpose

Understandable concern about the potential health consequences of smoking in Forsyth Technical Community College campus has mounted in recent years. Accordingly, some additional regulation of the smoking policy on the college campus is authorized.

I. Policy

Smoking is prohibited on all Forsyth Technical Community College property except in designated smoking areas. These areas are identified by signage and therefore smoking outside of these marked areas will be considered a violation of the code of conduct.

II. Definitions

A. Tobacco products include cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, blunts, pipes, hookahs, electronic cigarettes, or any other items containing or reasonably resembling tobacco or tobacco products that can fashioned in a smoking manner. Usages of these items are only allowed in the designated smoking areas.

B. College premises--any property in use by the College including property that is leased, owned, used for College functions, or used by the College in the conduct of any of its courses.

• Animals are prohibited inside the buildings (except for service dogs). Any animal on the campus grounds must be on a leash in compliance with the City of Winston-Salem Leash Law (City Code Ordinance chapter 6-16 Section 3-18).
• Children are not allowed in classrooms or shop areas during class sessions, nor may they be left unattended in the library, The Grill, student lounge, or on campus grounds.