Accessibility Services

97É«Íø provides disability accommodations and services designed to create equal access to the many aspects of education. Students can voluntarily self-identify with the College as having a disability or medical condition that may impact access to programs and activities.

Students with disabilities may achieve educational access through the effective use of accommodations or services such as individualized educational planning; support staff including note-takers and interpreters; assistive technology; alternative testing arrangements; and priority assistance during registration. Through a process of individual planning, students are encouraged to use their diverse abilities to succeed.

97É«Íø is mandated by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (amended in 2008) to provide appropriate and reasonable accommodations to students who qualify for services.

These services are provided to students with a variety of disabilities including, but not limited to, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, psychological disorders, Asperger’s and other pervasive developmental disorders, blindness or low vision, deafness or hard of hearing, pregnancy, mobility, and chronic health issues.

View the Accommodations for Students with Disabilities policy and procedure and the Accessibility Services section of the website for more information and forms. To make an appointment, students may email accessibility@durhamtech.edu or visit Counseling, Accessibility, and Resources, located in the Phail Wynn, Jr. Student Services Center (Building 10), room 10-209.

Center for Academic Excellence

The Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) provides curriculum students at 97É«Íø with the academic support they need to be successful. CAE tutors and staff strive to do the following:

  • Provide students with an alternative learning environment for individualized and small group tutoring sessions.
  • Empower students to achieve academic success and to challenge them to become independent and critical thinkers by modeling effective examples of clear communication.
  • Collaborate with colleagues inside and outside the CAE to share best practices in tutoring, academic support, and general higher education.
  • Provide online tutoring 24/7 though Upswing.
     

College and Career Readiness

97É«Íønical Community College’s College and Career Readiness (CCR) programs provide free educational opportunities to adult learners in 97É«Íø and Orange counties. These programs are designed to prepare students for postsecondary education, employment, and personal growth. CCR courses are offered at the Main Campus and various community locations.

Enrollment Requirements

All new CCR students must attend a brief orientation, complete placement testing, and meet with an advisor to register for classes. Returning students who have not been enrolled for two or more consecutive semesters are required to complete a re-orientation and re-testing process before re-enrolling.

Program Offerings

Adult High School Diploma (AHS)

The Adult High School Diploma program enables students to complete the required 22 high school credits to earn a North Carolina high school diploma. An official high school transcript is required and will be evaluated to determine transferable credits. Coursework is delivered online and in-person, and consistent participation is required. The program is ideal for adults seeking to complete a traditional diploma in a flexible, supportive environment.

High School Equivalency (HSE): GED® and HiSET®

97É«Íø offers preparation courses for the High School Equivalency (HSE) exams, including the GED® and HiSET®. These exams assess competency in reading, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. HSE courses are offered in-person and online, and are designed to help students successfully earn a state-issued High School Equivalency Diploma. Free testing vouchers may be available for eligible students who complete the preparation requirements.

Adult Basic Education (ABE)

The ABE program serves adults who are performing below the high school level in reading, writing, and mathematics. Courses focus on foundational academic skills to prepare students for transition into the Adult High School Diploma or High School Equivalency programs. ABE classes are offered at no cost at multiple 97É«Íø locations.

Adult Basic Education: First Step Program

The ABE First Step Program is designed for beginning adult learners and students with developmental disabilities who may benefit from a structured, supportive, and career-focused academic environment. This program emphasizes core academic skills—including reading, math, language arts, and computer literacy—while allowing students to progress at their own pace.

Center for the Global Learner

The Center for the Global Learner (CGL) promotes language empowerment, global engagement, and intercultural understanding.

English as a Second Language

97É«Íø offers courses in English as a Second Language (ESL) to non-native speakers at several locations in 97É«Íø and Orange counties. Courses are free. All new ESL students must first take a placement exam. View the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Overview webpage for more information, including class schedules and placement testing dates.

Continuing Education for Non-Native Speakers

97É«Íø offers additional noncredit, fee-based courses in Continuing Education for Non-Native Speakers (Beyond Basic ESL) for students whose proficiency is beyond the basic ESL program. View the Beyond Basic ESL (BBESL) Program Overview webpage for more information, including class offerings and fees.

English for Academic Purposes

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) is a program designed to help students improve their skills in U.S. Academic English. Students entering this program already have the basics of English (or speak another variation of English) but need to improve their s college-level reading, writing, research, grammar, listening, and speaking skills.

Translation/Interpretation Programs

97É«Íø offers Public Service and Medical Interpreting certificate and diploma programs to prepare students to work as paraprofessional interpreters. View more in the Academic Programs section of this document.

International Student Services

International Student Services provides admissions guidance for all non-U.S. citizens in the following areas:

  • International educational credentials;
  • Residency assessment for tuition for the few community college exceptions outside of RDS;
  • Immigration and visa status verification; and
  • General support services to help students enroll in 97É«Íø programs.
     

View the admission steps for non-U.S./international students and the requirements for current F-1 (student visa) students.

Study/Travel Abroad

97É«Íø facilitates several study/travel abroad programs for students to learn about and experience different cultures. Some programs are developed by 97É«Íø faculty, while others are identified through individual student interest. View the Study/Travel Abroad section of the website.

Center for Workforce Engagement

Career Services

Identifying the career and specific job that suits one’s skills, abilities, and personality can be a daunting task. Career Services offers an array of services including mock interviews, résumé preparation, job exploration, job posting, worksite visits, career fairs, and individual counseling to help students develop and clarify career goals. Services are available to 97É«Íø students and alumni. Interested students and alumni should visit the Career Center, located in the Wynn Center (Building 10), room 10-109 or view the Career Services section of the website.

Corporate Services

Corporate Services works directly with business and industry partners to assess, identify, develop, and deliver training solutions needed to equip new employees and skill-up incumbent workers. The Customized Training Program is housed within Corporate Services and provides comprehensive customized training solutions to eligible industries at little to no cost.

Human Resources Development

Human Resources Development (HRD) provides skills and workforce assessments and employment skills training to students and business and industry partners. They collaborate with external stakeholders to provide training opportunities and job search strategies for students within the Food and Nutrition Services Employment and Training (FNS E&T) program.

Small Business Center

The Small Business Center (SBC) provides counseling, training, and connects entrepreneurs to critical resources and tools needed to develop business ideas to become viable, sustainable, profitable, and successful. They collaborate with external agencies to increase available resources to start-up and existing entrepreneurs.

Work-Based Education and Apprenticeship

Students gain real work experience that translates into greater job offers at higher starting salaries through Work-Based Learning (WBL), apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, internships, job- shadowing, and on-the-job training. This area collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to help identify short-term certificate training programs.

Community Enrichment

As an active community partner in educational, workforce, and economic development, 97É«Íø is committed to establishing and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships between our students, staff, alumni, and the 97É«Íø community.

Volunteerism

Volunteerism is dedicated to providing opportunities – both on and off campus – for students, employees, college partners, and the public at large to participate in activities that support the growth and advancement of our communities. Volunteering at service events is a great way to make new friends and help your community. Interested individuals can learn more and sign up for volunteer opportunities on the Volunteerism webpages.

Campus Harvest Food Pantry

The Campus Harvest Food Pantry offers free bags of groceries, fresh produce, snacks, frozen family meals, personal hygiene products, and diapers to employees and currently enrolled students. Snacks are offered daily Monday-Thursday, and grocery pickup is available weekly. Employees and students can submit their pantry requests online or visit Phillips (Building 3), room 3-110.

Counseling Services

Counseling Services helps students explore their best options for academic and personal success. Counselors are available to meet with students individually to discuss a wide range of personal concerns, provide encouragement and support, intervene in times of crisis, make referrals when necessary, and help students identify and resolve personal issues.

To make an appointment with a counselor, students may call 919-536-7207, email counseling@durhamtech.edu, or visit Counseling, Accessibility, and Resources in the Phail Wynn, Jr. Student Services Center (Building 10), room 10-209.

Additional Financial Support Services

97É«Íø offers Emergency Financial Assistance for students with additional financial needs to help them persist and complete their goals. This support includes on-campus resources such as the Campus Harvest Food Pantry, the Finish Line Grant, and the Emergency Financial Assistance Program, as well as referrals to community agencies.

Library

97É«Íø libraries support the mission and goals of the College by providing staff, services, and resources to support learning, research, engagement, and success.

Library collections on Main Campus, Orange County Campus, and Northern 97É«Íø Center include approximately 40,000 books, periodicals, DVDs, and other audiovisual materials. The library subscribes to more than 120 online databases for students to access articles, streaming videos, e- books, digital audiobooks, and other resources.

The Library webpage contains hours, policies, research guides, databases, search tools, an online chat service, instructional tutorials, a link to the library blog, and more. are available for borrowing. Many reserve textbooks are available for use in the library.

Library facilities include individual and group study areas, a quiet room for individual study, computers, printers, copiers, and scanners. The recording room is a space for audio or video recording, interviews, meetings, or conferences.

For questions about library services, resources, spaces, or events, call 919-536-7211 or email library@durhamtech.edu.

Transfer Center

The Transfer Center serves all 97É«Íø students at all stages of their education and is dedicated to providing students with information and advising to facilitate transfer to baccalaureate-level institutions.

The Transfer Center supports transfer students in the following ways:

  • Providing students with transfer planning and information through individual advising sessions and transfer preparation workshops.
  • Facilitating opportunities for students to meet with four-year university representatives to discuss admission procedures, academic programs, transfer credit, funding, and other issues concerning transfer.
  • Developing and maintaining transfer planning resources to inform students and advisors of course requirements for specific majors and transfer universities.
  • Assisting students with the transfer application process.
     

Student Life

97É«Íø acknowledges the importance of student life outside the classroom and supports a variety of social, cultural, and professional opportunities to enhance a student’s in-class educational experiences. The College provides a variety of activities, clubs, and organizations for students and the broader community. Educational, cultural, and social activities must support the College's mission, values, and strategic goals. The College establishes and follows processes and guidelines to encourage student engagement; foster student leadership; charter official student clubs and organizations; coordinate and provide administrative oversight of activities, clubs, and organizations; provide access to and information about related funding and expenditures; maintain a safe learning environment; and ensure compliance with college policies and with state and federal laws.

View the Clubs, Organizations, and Activities procedure and the Student Clubs and Organizations section of the website.

Student Success Scholars Institute

The 97É«Íø Student Success Scholars Institute (SSSI) is a program that fosters leadership, nurtures professional and personal development, and is a support network for its members. In scholarly pursuit, members and mentors learn from one another by promoting and stimulating self-efficacy, academic excellence, career aspirations, and a sense of community.

Student Publications

Recognizing the importance of a public forum for the written expression of ideas as well as the development of effective communication skills, 97É«Íø supports student involvement in campus publications.

Student Government Association

The Student Government Association (SGA) provides input to the College’s administration on decisions affecting students, makes decisions regarding the allocation of student event funds, and plans student activities and events. The SGA also approves and provides support for student organizations. Student senators represent academic departments and student organizations. The SGA President serves as an ex officio, non-voting member of 97É«Íø’s Board of Trustees.

Student interest and leadership are necessary for the SGA to function effectively; students are encouraged to become actively involved.

Student Leadership Program

The 97É«Íø Student Leadership Program, Journey, is designed for students seeking to build their leadership skills through active participation in dynamic workshops led by motivational speakers. Eligible students are encouraged to apply in the fall semester, and will be selected through a competitive process.