Learn About REACH / Student Support Services
Purpose Statement
REACH / Student Support Services is an educational assistance program designed to provide selected students with counseling, advising, and instructional support services. Program services are supplemental to other services available to all students at Virginia Western Community College. While students are ultimately responsible for their success, the purpose of Student Support Services is to assist program participants stay in school, maintain good academic standing, and to help them graduate and/or transfer from Virginia Western Community College.
Eligibility is limited to Virginia Western Community College students who are selected into the program based on their individual academic needs and who demonstrate academic potential. The REACH / Student Support Services applicant must be either a first-generation college student and meet low-income guidelines, or have a documented disability (physical, psychological, or learning). The individual must be currently enrolled at Virginia Western and be a U. S. citizen, or be in the United States for other than a temporary purpose with the intent to become a permanent citizen. Students who have already earned a Bachelor’s degree are not eligible. Students who have already received Associate degree(s) will be considered on an individual basis.
Commitment to Students Success
As a means of facilitating student success, REACH / Student Support Services makes the following commitments to program participants:
- To provide accurate, timely, and consistent academic advising and priority registration.
- To provide educational, vocational, and limited short-term personal counseling.
- To provide free one-on-one tutoring in up to two classes per semester in most academic subjects. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- To provide instruction in academic skill building and learning strategies.
- To provide assistance in transferring to four-year colleges/universities.
- To provide assistance in obtaining financial aid at VWCC and transfer institutions.
- To provide culturally enriching field trips and extracurricular activities, as funds permit.
- To serve as consultants to members of the student’s significant social group (parents, siblings, other family members), when appropriate.
- To provide appropriate referrals to other College offices/personnel as well as to local community agencies.
- To assist College faculty and staff to understand, communicate with, and to relate positively to the student.
- To facilitate and/or provide in a timely manner appropriate accommodations based on professional documentation of a disability, where applicable.
Participants Responsibility
It should be understood that if any student selected for participation in the REACH / Student Support Services program fails to honor the responsibilities outlined below, any or all services or privileges available to that student through REACH / Student Support Services may be withdrawn and participation terminated.
For optimum academic success, program participants are expected to:
- Attend all classes, be on time, and complete all assignments regularly. Discuss extenuating circumstances with your instructor and let REACH / Student Support Services know if you need assistance.
- Work vigorously and continuously in the pursuit of your personal, academic, and career goals.
- Actively participate in REACH / Student Support Services.
- Consult with your REACH / Student Support Services Counselor or Advisor each semester prior to registration.
- Seek advising assistance on appropriate courses and course load
- Register for classes through your REACH / Student Support Services counselor/advisor TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PRIORITY REGISTRATION
- Keep scheduled appointments.
- Attend REACH / Student Support Services workshops, as appropriate.
- Request and commit to tutoring services when needed.
- Demonstrate progress in a curriculum toward a degree. (Excessive withdrawals or failures resulting in continued poor academic standing may indicate lack of progress.)
- Meet with your REACH / Student Support Services Counselor/Advisor to discuss strategies when academic difficulties arise.
- Complete and return required paperwork/forms in a timely manner.
- Tutor requests
- Financial Aid applications, if applicable
- Accommodation requests, if applicable
- Graduation applications
- REACH / Student Support Services surveys and evaluations
- Other academic forms, as needed
- Utilize career and transfer resources and services available in REACH / Student Support Services, as needed.
- Keep informed about important dates/deadlines by checking the College Academic Calendar regularly. (Available in the College Catalog, Schedule of Classes, in REACH / Student Support Services, and bulletin boards across campus.)
- Read the REACH / Student Support Services newsletter when it arrives in the mail, noting important dates and opportunities offered through REACH / Student Support Services.
- Respond to all written and oral communications from the REACH / Student Support Services staff in accordance with established deadlines.
- Request appropriate services and bring any problems or concerns you may have to the attention of your REACH / Student Support Services Counselor or Advisor. Let us help.
REACH-Student Support Services
Student Center 102
540-857-7286
