J.Drake Edens Library
As the academic heart of the Columbia College campus, the J. Drake Edens Library provides professional guidance to students, faculty, and staff and houses materials to help students explore all aspects of the liberal arts. To support that research, the library maintains a core collection of books, periodicals, and media items.
The library provides students with access to tens of thousands of full-text articles through database subscriptions. Students can access these databases from anywhere by selecting the database, then entering their Columbia College e-mail address and password. Students can receive help from librarians in selecting keywords, choosing databases, or trouble shooing technical issues by e-mailing refdesk@columbiasc.edu.
The Research and Instruction Librarians are eager to assist students, faculty, and staff with their research. The Reference Desk is located on the main floor, and librarians are available to help on an individual basis, including nights and weekends. Individual and group study rooms are available on the main and top floors of Edens Library. Computers are located near the Reference Desk, on the top floor, and in the Overton Media Center on the bottom floor.
On the lower level of Edens Library is Educational Technology. Educational Technology supports instruction at Columbia College through the use of technologies such as Google apps, SMART Boards, video editing, social media, and the campus’s online learning management system, Koala Connection. Students, faculty, and staff are all welcome to make appointments to discuss the use of technology in the classroom. Educational Technology strives to troubleshoot technical issues as well as enrich curriculum through new tech tools. Many helpful resources can be found on Educational Technology’s website and through its social media channels on Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest.
Computer and IT Services
Required Technical Competencies and Equipment for Online Courses
Hardware
Computer running Windows 8 or higher (Windows 10 recommended), MacOS 10.13 or higher, or OS Chrome with a minimum of 4GB of RAM (at least 8GB of RAM recommended)
Software
Browser: Most recent versions of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari (Mac only). Microsoft Office: Microsoft Office 365 is available for free to all students. Adobe reader Virus software
Internet Connection
Daily, reliable high -speed internet connection
Additional Requirements
Access to a microphone and webcam.
Access to a scanner or scanner app on a mobile device or tablet.
Some online programs may have additional requirements.
Students must have administrator rights to download additional software to the computer they utilize for classes.
Completing an online program on a tablet or cell phone does not meet the technology requirements of the College.
Office of Student Success
Columbia College is committed to providing educational opportunities for all students and assisting them in making their college experience successful and positive. The Office of Student Success supports the Columbia College mission by providing, in collaboration with other Divisions, academic resources and educationally-purposeful programs to foster student development and empower students to exceed their academic and professional goals.
Goals:
- Create equal opportunities for all students to learn and participate
- Increase students’ knowledge of academic success behaviors and habits
- Increase access to and facilitate use of success resources at Columbia College as well in the community
- Assist underprepared, prepared and high-achieving students in developing the skills necessary to achieve their academic goals
- Provide individual learning strategy instruction, ongoing support via peer mentoring assistance (Student Success Leaders), and referral services for students seeking to improve their learning and communication skills.
- Develop, support and help implement college-wide learning initiatives, especially in the areas involving retention, at-risk student populations and students on early alert status.
- Conduct outreach efforts to enhance the learning environment, including student workshops, classroom visits, presentations in housing, and staff information sessions.
- Provide individual support for incoming & first year students, as well as returning students.
Services:
- General Academic Advising (major/minor selection, course withdrawal, medical withdrawal)
- Academic Probation and Early Alert Recovery Guidance
- Academic Coaching to assist with goal setting and other success tools
- Assistance w/accessing campus resources (tutoring, counseling, off campus medical support)
- Academic Workshops take place throughout the year
- Peer Mentoring- Connect with a Student Success Leaders to obtain help with study skills, time management, campus acclimation
- Accessibility Accommodations- In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (as amended 2008), Columbia College recognizes a student with a disability as anyone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. All reasonable accommodations are individualized, flexible and confidential based on the nature of the disability and the academic environment. To receive services, students must provide current documentation of their disability from a qualified health professional and complete an application for program eligibility. To make an appointment for accessibility accommodations, the Director of Student Success can be reached at 803-786-3713. Appointments can be scheduled by emailing the Director of Student Success at sjamison@columbiasc.edu
Pearce Communication Center
The Pearce Communication Center, located in the lower level of Edens Library, offers all students guidance with (1) outlining and delivering speeches, (2) drafting and revising papers, and (3) speaking and writing in Spanish. The center is also equipped to record speeches so students can review their progress with the assistance of a trained communication consultant. The Pearce Communication Center offers a variety of in-house workshops and programs for specialized skills-based training on such topics as integrating sources, documentation, grammar, and punctuation. Appointments can be made online, and students are able to choose face-to-face or virtual meetings to receive one-on-one peer coaching. Morning, afternoon, and evening hours are available throughout the academic year.
Business, Math and Sciences Tutoring Center
Located in Room 126 of the Barbara Bush Center for Science and Technology, the Business, Math and Sciences Tutoring Center serves as an important resource for Columbia College students. It provides a supportive learning environment for students who need assistance outside of the classroom in Biology, Business, Chemistry, CIS and Mathematics courses. Student tutors are available numerous hours during the week, including evening and online, as well as some weekend hours to guide students with problem sets, homework, test prep and problem solving skills. A list of available tutors and their hours will be displayed outside the center. The Business, Math and Sciences Tutoring Center also provides access to computers, calculators, books, DVD’s, and other resource materials for student use while in the center. Contact the Business, Math and Sciences Tutoring Center 803-786-3724.
Office of Career Services
Columbia College’s Office of Career Services provides resources and programs for students and alumni to develop the necessary skills to conduct effective career searches and make informed career decisions. Services include career guidance, graduate school assistance, professional development workshops, resume critiques, mock interviews, internship assistance, and employment fairs. Students and alumni also have access to our employment databank, Handshake, where they can search for employment or internship opportunities.
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