Educational Services

The Office of Secondary School Programs

Tel: 757/825-2801

The Office of Secondary School programs includes the Dual Enrollment Program, the Early College Scholars Program, and the Career Coach Program. The programs are designed to increase opportunities for students in high school on the Peninsula. By partnering with local school divisions, the Office works to increase college and career readiness of area students, thereby meeting the educational and workforce needs of the community.

Dual Enrollment (DE)

Email: Dual Enrollment

 The Dual Enrollment Program provides opportunities for qualified high school juniors and seniors to enroll in college coursework and earn college credit while still in high school.

• DE admissions requirements reflect the admissions standards at the College; students must apply to the College and take the college placement exam which is offered at no cost.
• DE courses are taught by full or part-time faculty who meet VCCS credentialing requirements.
• DE courses offered in the high schools follow a community college course outline, include the same content as campus-based courses, and use college-approved textbooks.
• Credit for DE courses is generally accepted at Virginia private and public colleges. Students should contact their intended four-year institution to discuss the applicability of dual enrollment coursework.

 Advantages of Dual Enrollment (DE)

• DE provides college-level instruction to high school students during regular school hours.
• DE may accelerate a student’s college career and provide quality; affordable education close to home.
• DE enriches the course opportunities for outstanding high school students in both academic and career-technical education.
• DE provides access to college resources, facilities, and services, such as learning resources, advising, career counseling, and mentoring.
• DE students may enter college with credits applicable to their degree program.
• DE students gain understanding of the rigor of college work as well as college faculty expectations.

Eligibility for Dual Enrollment

DE courses are college-level courses. The amount of effort and work necessary to succeed in DE courses is greater than in typical high school courses. In addition, credit and grades earned in DE courses become a part of a student’s permanent college transcript. To do well in these courses, it is important for students to realize the benefits of dual enrollment.

Although high school students are normally not qualified for general admission, colleges may offer admission to those students who meet additional criteria. Dual enrollment is restricted to high school juniors and seniors and home school students studying at the high school junior or senior levels. Home school students must also provide a copy of a home school agreement approved by the school district or a letter from the local school board or a copy of the letter filed by the parent/legal guardian declaring home school for religious exemption. Documentation of parental permission is required for all dual enrollment students.

All dual enrollment students must apply to the College, taken the placement test or other admission criteria, met course prerequisites and submit a signed dual enrollment registration form prior to published dual enrollment dates for that term. Students are responsible for ensuring all requirements have been fulfilled and turned in prior to the registration deadline. Students will not be registered for classes after registration deadline dates have passed. For current registration dates and deadlines, please check https://tncc.edu/programs/high-school/dual-enrollment or email Dual Enrollment.

All students admitted under this section must demonstrate readiness for college by meeting the criteria below.

Students interested in a taking DE courses in their high school should talk with their school counselor about dual enrollment opportunities. Students interested in taking college courses on the Thomas Nelson campus should contact a Thomas Nelson Dual Enrollment Coordinator for more information: dualenrollment@tncc.edu or 757-825-2706.

Dual enrollment students are not eligible to take developmental courses or to receive financial aid. For more information, please visit our website at https://tncc.edu/programs/high-school/dual enrollment.

Career Coaches

Visit the website: High School Career Coaching  

Thomas Nelson Community College has two career coaches stationed in area high schools: Heritage High School and Warhill High School. The fundamental purpose of the Virginia Community College System Career Coach Program is to empower students to make informed decisions about their career and educational plans, and to prepare students for success in post-secondary education and training. The major responsibilities of a Career Coach include:

• Facilitating the development of individual career plans and portfolios.
• Administering and providing interpretation of career assessments, such as the Virginia Education Wizard.
• Sharing information on careers, career pathways, and related employment.
• Connecting students to early college programs such as dual enrollment.
• Easing the transition of students from high school to post-secondary education and the skilled workforce.

Great Expectations

Tel: 757/825-3452 or visit the Great Expectations website

The Great Expectations coach reaches out to current and former foster youth (ages 17-24), helping them consider their career options and what community colleges have to offer. Together they explore the person’s skills, values, and interests, and match them to higher education options. They help with college applications and guide young people through the financial aid process. Once a student has enrolled, the coach provides intensive, “high touch” support to ensure these students’ success. This active support includes regular check-ins, curriculum advising, mentoring, tutoring, direct financial assistance in the case of emergencies, incentives for success, and peer connections through group activities. Key components include:

• Individualized tutoring
• Help applying for college admission and financial aid
• Career exploration and coaching
• Help applying for and keeping a job
• Life skills training, including managing finances, healthy relationships
• Personalized counseling and academic advising
• Peer mentors
• Summer Prep Program

The Great Expectations Coach also focuses on way to help at-risk youth overcome well-documented barriers to their life success, including housing, transportation and medical and childcare issues. Great Expectations helps Virginia’s foster youth complete high school, gain access to a community college education and transition successfully from the foster care system to living independently. Thomas Nelson offers foster youth a feasible path to a four-year degree, a wide range of general and technical two-year degrees, or other workforce credentials that give them skills valued by employers, with the goal of earning a family-sustaining income in the future. For student referrals, please contact the office at 757/825-3452.

eCampus

Tel: 757/825-2800, email eCampus or visit the eCampus website 

The purpose of eCampus at Thomas Nelson Community College is to support the mission and core values of the College by increasing access to educational programs and services. Thomas Nelson Community College eCampus options improve accessibility by minimizing enrollment barriers due to time constraints, geography, job obligations, and/or family commitments.

ECampus courses are a flexible and convenient alternative to courses taught on campus. ECampus courses provide the same content and quality as on-campus courses and have specific online qualities that equal or exceed direct classroom instruction. ECampus courses take advantage of a variety of online teaching and learning formats. Instead of working under the constraints of classroom times and locations, students are able to work independently, within the requirements of the online course calendar and assignment schedule. However, such flexibility requires a strong student commitment and self-discipline.

ECampus courses require students to have access to personal computers or other electronic devices, as well as access to the Internet. ECampus students should be comfortable using educational technology, software, and e-learning tools such as Microsoft Office software and learning management systems such as “Canvas.” Many eCampus courses require proctored exams as part of the course assessment process.  ECampus students have access to library services, including online library collections and databases, and can communicate with Thomas Nelson librarians via email, chat, or telephone. Orientation sessions to prepare students who are taking eCampus courses at Thomas Nelson are strongly recommended. Most services can be conducted online other than acquiring the student ID and parking pass. Additional information may be obtained from the Thomas Nelson Office of Enrollment Services (Tel: 757-825-2800), from Thomas Nelson academic advisors, or from the eCampus web site at http://tncc.edu/distance.

Learning Resources Center

Tel: 757/825-2877

The Learning Resources Center (LRC) provides a variety of instructional resources for students, faculty, and the community. The Historic Triangle Campus LRC is located in Room 100. The Hampton Campus LRC is located in Wythe Hall. The Learning Resource Center is comprised of the Library and the Tutor Zone.

Library

Tel: 757/825-2877 or visit the Library online 

Libraries are located on the Hampton Campus in Wythe Hall and in Room 100 on the Historic Triangle Campus. The library offers a wealth of information resources in all formats for students and faculty. In addition to a book collection of more than 50,000 volumes, the library provides periodicals, compact discs and other instructional media, reference services, along with access to hundreds of online database resources. Reference librarians are available to assist with research requests during the library’s operating hours. Research inquiries can also be submitted after hours through the state of Virginia’s LRC Live link located on the Thomas Nelson Library’s homepage. The library participates in the Virginia Tidewater Consortium program that allows students, faculty, and staff of member institutions to borrow materials and use the facilities of consortium libraries.

Technology Assistance

Tel: 757/825-2993 or visit the Technology Assistance website

Technology assistance at the Hampton Campus is located inside the Library in Wythe Hall. Technology assistance is available at the Historic Triangle Campus inside the Library, Room 100. The library’s technology assistance services provide computer and related technology help to students, faculty, and staff.

Canvas Administration and Support for Academic Technologies

Tel: 757/825-2819 or email Canvas Administration and Support 

Support for the College’s Learning Management System, Canvas, and for use of academic technologies is available in the form of workshops, one-on-one sessions for students, faculty and staff, webinars, and more.

Tutor Zone

Tel: 757/825-2940 or visit the Tutor Zone online

The Tutor Zone is located inside the library on each campus. The Tutor Zone consists of the Math Center, Writing Center, and Peer Tutoring Center. Along with in-person tutoring, the college offers Brainfuse, an online tutoring service. Brainfuse is available to all students, including eCampus students, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Math Center 

Tel: 757/825-2884 or visit the Math Center online  

The Math Center is in the library on both the Hampton and Historic Triangle Campuses. The Math Center offers individual tutoring to all students at the college who use mathematics in their classes and who require assistance. In addition, a variety of instructional materials are available to help students review and improve their mathematical skills. Computer tutorials include pre-algebra, algebra, precalculus, calculus, geometry, technical math, math for liberal arts, and statistics. Hours vary according to the academic year and are posted in the facility and on the Math Center webpage.

Writing Center 

757/825-2940 or visit the Writing Center online

The Writing Center is in the library on the Hampton and Historic Triangle Campuses. Its mission is to provide help in all aspects of the writing process, from preliminary brainstorming and outlining, to analysis and composition. All students, whether enrolled in English class or not, may use the Writing Center for assistance with writing skills. Individualized sessions are offered to help students think critically about their own writing and to offer suggestions that help make students’ writing stronger. Sample student essays, and tutorial books are among the materials available for student use. Hours vary according to the academic year and are posted on the Writing Center webpage.

Peer Tutoring Center

757/825-2940 or visit the Peer Tutoring Center online

The Peer Tutoring Center is in the library on both the Hampton and Historic Triangle Campuses. The mission of Peer Tutoring is to support student mastery of course material through interaction with Peer Tutors. Peer Tutors are students - your peers - who have taken the class and passed with an ‘A.’ They can help students tackle tough parts of the class by offering advice and helpful approaches to conquering concepts. Peer Tutors tutor a range of courses from biology and chemistry to accounting and languages. Subject and Peer Tutor availability change from semester to semester. Hours vary according to the academic year and are posted on the Peer Tutoring Center webpage. 

Testing Center

Tel: 757/825-3540 or visit the Tutor Center website 

Testing Centers are located on both the Hampton and Historic Triangle Campuses in order to provide testing accommodations to students who have authorized testing accommodations. Students who  may need extra time for quizzes/tests/exams as well as students who need their tests read to them will utilize the Testing Centers. The Hampton Testing Center is located in Room 254B Wythe Hall, and the Historic Triangle Testing Center is located in Room 123. Students who require testing accommodations will need to make an appointment for services.

Office of Student Services

The Office of Student Services provide students with a variety of support services designed to assist students in achieving academic and personal success. This division provides new and continuing students with opportunities and experiences that promote their academic and personal growth, while encouraging their personal responsibility in preparing for future success. The division supports the instructional programs of the College through coordinating advising/registration for new, continuing and returning students, crisis counseling, services for students with disabilities, orientation activities, student activities, athletics, and intervention strategies for students experiencing difficulties.

Academic Advising

Tel: 757/825-2827 or visit Academic Affairs online 

Academic Advising assists students with a wide range of services as it relates to programs of study, curricula planning, transfer, college resources, and support services. It is a program designed to enable students to develop and attain their academic, personal, and career goals. The advising program focuses on the development of a continuous relationship between academic advisors, faculty, support staff and administrators to support each student’s growth in these areas. Students meet with an assigned academic or faculty advisor to obtain information and assistance with academic planning.

Students enrolled in curricular degree and certificate programs are assigned an academic advisor within their academic division. New students at Thomas Nelson are required to meet with their assigned academic advisor to explore program options that meet their educational and career objectives. To locate an Academic Advising Center, please visit one of the following advising locations:

Arts, Business, Humanities and Social Sciences

Hampton Campus, Diggs Hall, Room 222

Historic Triangle Campus, Room 117

Public Safety, Allied Health and Human Services

Hampton Campus, Hastings Hall, Room 323

Historic Triangle Campus, Room 117

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Hampton Campus, Hastings Hall, Room 323

Historic Triangle Campus, Room 117

Before meeting with your advisor review your desired or anticipated program of study online at degrees and programs.

Student Support Services

The goal of Support Services is to assist students in developing skills to make intelligent decisions regarding their educational, career, personal and social goals. The professional counselor sees new, entering, and non-curricular students. The professional counselor interprets various educational assessments for students. The professional counselor is available to assist students throughout their college experience with educational, career, and personal planning concerns. Students have an opportunity to confidentially discuss personal concerns in a non-judgmental environment. These services are free to all currently enrolled students. These offices work closely with community agencies and resources to refer students when appropriate and based on the needs of the student. 

For information or a counseling appointment, call 757/825-2827 (Hampton) or 757/253-4755 (Historic Triangle).

Advising-Military Installations

Advising is provided by a college representative at the major military installations in the College service region. Military personnel desiring educational and career advising may schedule an appointment with a college representative by contacting the post or base education center and scheduling an appointment.  Students should make an appointment to see their Academic Advisor by going to MyTNCC and clicking on Navigate.  Full services, including admissions, assessment, advising, registration, and tuition payment are provided at the military installations. 

College Success Skills (SDV 100)

All curricular students are required to take the one-credit College Success Skills course during their first semester of attendance. The objective of the College orientation program is to assist incoming students in becoming adequately acquainted with college life. More information on the orientation program may be obtained in the Office of Student Services, Hampton Campus, Griffin Hall, Room 201 or on the Historic Triangle Campus, Room 117 or by calling 757/253-4755.

College Success Skills Waiver

Applicants to the College, who have completed a two-year or four-year academic degree at a regionally accredited U.S. institution of higher education, may request a waiver of the College Success Skills (SDV 100 ) course. Students requesting a waiver of SDV 100  will be required to fulfill the program requirements by the election of additional credit hours to compensate for the course waiver. Students receiving a waiver for the SDV 100  course assume all responsibility for knowledge of the college’s policies on curricular requirements, scholastic honesty, and standards of conduct for the student body. The College may substitute other transfer credit earned to satisfy the total credit hour requirement of the degree. Students who have completed SDV 100  at another VCCS institution can receive transfer credit for the course. Transfer students who determine that they need additional information from the college may enroll in the SDV 100  course.

TRiO Student Support Services

Visit us online at https://www.tncc.edu/services/trio. 

TRiO Student Support Services is a college success program that services 160 students each year. TRiO student’s goals are to earn an associate’s degree at Thomas Nelson and transfer to a four-year college or university. Students receive personalized advising, transfer planning, and leadership development.

TRiO students benefit from a structured program of personalized advising designed to ensure they have well developed goals, can access the resources they need to succeed, and have opportunities to explore their passions and interests. In addition, our students attend and participate in various events, workshops, and programs including but not limited to study skills and strategies, school-life balance, financial literacy, transferring and scholarships, and visits to four-year colleges.

Eligibility Criteria

Students are selected to participate in the program, based on the following criteria:

• be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident,
• be accepted or currently enrolled at Thomas Nelson,
• be seeking an associate’s degree
• be planning to graduate and immediately transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree, and
• show need for academic support.

Students must also meet at least one of the following criteria:

• have a family taxable income that meets appropriate federal guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Education to receive the Pell Grant,
• be a first-generation college student (neither parent has graduated from a four-year college/university), or
• have a documented disability.

Transfer Services

Students interested in transferring to a four-year institution should meet with their assigned academic advisor/s to discuss the requirements necessary to transfer successfully to a four-year college or university.

Transfer services are offered to assist students with choosing a major and career planning by providing information on:

• Articulation and Guaranteed Admission Agreements
• Four-year college transfer admission requirements
• Academic program transfer course equivalencies
• Information on the four-year college transfer admissions requirements
• Academic advising for selection of academic program transfer course equivalencies

The following are some steps to make transferring to a four-year college or university a seamless transition

• Speak to an academic advisor to assist you with selecting the most appropriate major/s
• Decide on a career or major
• Choose a college or university
• Maintain communication with the intended transfer college or university for accurate and updated transfer information
• Determine classes that will transfer to your chosen college or university
• Apply for admission and financial aid
• Transfer

 Students are encouraged to use Virginia’s Education Wizard, a helpful interactive website which helps them choose a career, plan how to pay for college, transfer to a four-year college or university. 

Disability Support Services

Tel: 757/825-2867

Thomas Nelson Community College is committed to creating an accessible environment for students with disabilities, while allowing students the opportunity for growth, greater responsibility and empowerment. Students who will require more extensive accommodations, such as Sign Language Interpreters or textbooks in alternate formats, should contact Disability Support Services at least four weeks prior to the start of classes. The student with a disability should contact the Office of Disability Support Services (voice 757/825-2833) at least two weeks prior to the start of classes to ensure there is adequate time to discuss any necessary and appropriate accommodations.

It is recommended that the student registers with the Office of Disability and Support Services for accommodations. If the student chooses not to register, a faculty member is not required to provide any accommodations until he or she receives an official letter of accommodation from this office. The student is not required to share information regarding his/her disabilities with the instructor.

Prior to or during the meeting with the Coordinator of Disability Support Services, the student should provide recent documentation of the disability (within three years) and review all limitations (all of which are held in complete confidence). Disability Support Services and the student discuss the appropriate and reasonable accommodations the student may receive at the college during the initial meeting. The student is briefed on what his or her responsibilities are as well as the responsibilities of Disability Support Services staff and faculty. The purpose of this is to demonstrate to the student that the primary individual responsible for his/her needs is the student himself or herself through advocacy. Disability Support Services continues to act as a resource and advocate, but it is the student who is expected to accept the leadership role for requesting their accommodations.  

Following are some of the services available for students with disabilities:

• Access to Assistive Technology
• Coordination with community agencies
• Liaison with faculty
• Note-takers
• Testing accommodations
• Textbooks in an alternate format
• Tutoring assistance
• Interpreters for deaf students
• Counseling/advising services

For further information, contact Disability Support Services on the Hampton Campus, Griffin Hall, Room 201 and on the Historic Triangle Campus, Room 117, or telephone 757/825-2833.

Student Life and Leadership

Tel: 757/825-2863

The Office of Student Life and Leadership implements, coordinates, and integrates the operation of campus organizations and activities for students. The Office of Student Life and Leadership is the hub for extracurricular programs and services. Students can obtain information on clubs and organizations, community service opportunities and scholarships, opportunities for leadership development, students’ rights and responsibilities, activities and events. The office provides a variety of educational, cultural, volunteer, and social experiences, and assists in integrating them with college instructional program. Additionally, help is provided to individual students, informal groups, faculty, and staff to develop new activities and services that meet the needs of the college community. All campus wide activities and events of interest appear in the monthly Student Navigator, Thomas Nelson Web calendar and Thomas Nelson Facebook page. For further information, contact the Student Life and Leadership staff in Room 224 Griffin Hall in Hampton at 757/825-2863 and Room 106B at the Historic Triangle Campus or at 757/258-6588.

Office of Athletics and Intramurals

Tel: 825-3888

In support of Thomas Nelson Community College’s mission, the Office of Athletics and Intramurals recruits and develops a diverse population of student athletes that will compete at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), club/recreational, and intramural levels of athletic events. The office is committed to supporting student athletes to reach their full potential in their pursuit of achieving academic and athletic success. By providing engaging experiences through athletic participation, student athletes are afforded opportunities to develop skills for lifelong learning to become positive contributors in their respective communities. Students have options to participate in various sports based on their athletic skills and level of commitment. 

For further information, contact the Office of Athletics and Intramurals located in Griffin Hall, Room 225 at the Hampton campus or 757/825-3888.

Alumni Affairs

Tel: 757/825-2719

Thomas Nelson Community College actively seeks to stay in contact with graduates and former students of the college. Information about current college events and activities and the successes of our alumni are posted on the web site and published in an alumni newsletter. For further information, contact the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs or by calling 757/825-2719.