ORIENTATION

OCtech Student Orientation Presentation
All new students participate in an informative orientation program prior to the beginning of their first semester. During this "get acquainted" period, students are welcomed to the College by the faculty and staff. College services, policies and facilities are explained and students are informed of their responsibilities. For more information contact Dana Rickards at 535-1219 or via e-mail at RickardsD@octech.edu.

COUNSELING SERVICES

Counseling/Admissions Services
Students entering college for the first time, or after an extended period of time, may find this transition difficult or confusing. Professional counselors are available for day and evening students to provide individual assistance to make the transition to college life easier. Services are designed to assist current and prospective students in making realistic and appropriate college decisions. Areas with which new or returning students may need assistance are career and/or curriculum planning, personal issues, academic concerns, or financial problems. Students are encouraged to visit a counselor as the need arises.

Career Planning
Career Planning is a process that integrates an analysis of one's self with an analysis of the world of work. When O-C Tech students are just out of high school or already members of the work force, Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College's Career Planning service can provide the answers they need on job opportunities, expected salaries, projected job openings, and training required. A qualified career counselor can help interpret current job information and match that information to career goals. A fully-computerized career guidance service, operated in conjunction with the South Carolina Occupational Information System (SCOIS), facilitates this process. Also available are interest inventories, personality testing and testing for basic academic skills.

Students who are not sure about the career they want to pursue can find the personal help they need in the Career Center.
Contacts:
Jean Rickenbacker: 535-1373
Tracy Dibble: 535-1225
Martha Ann Weeks: 535-1369
Kevin James: 535-1228
Dana Rickards: 535-1219

Job Placement Office
The Job Placement Office (JPO) offers placement services for enrolled students, graduates and alumni in exploring and securing job opportunities. All full-time, part-time and temporary positions for students are routed through the JPO. The Job Placement Coordinator is available to assist students with information, referrals, resume and application preparation, interviewing techniques, follow-up practices, and up-to-date information on job opportunities. Students need to register with the JPO while they are in college if they are interested in part-time jobs. They should register prior to graduation for assistance with full-time job placement.
Contact: Jean Rickenbacker: 535-1373

Students with Disabilities
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College is committed to insuring that students with disabilities are provided an educational environment that is both sensitive to and accommodative of their needs. Students who have a qualifying disability and who require special accommodations should contact the Student Services Office in Building A, (30 days) prior to the commencement of the next semester, to insure prompt delivery of services where accommodations are deemed necessary. For additional information about policies and procedures, students are encouraged to obtain a copy of the "Students with Disabilities Policy" from the Student Services Office.
Contact: Tracy Dibble: 535-1225

Student Transitional Education Program (STEP)
The Student Transitional Education Program offers support services to eligible college students to enhance their academic skills, increase retention and graduation rates, and as appropriate, facilitate their entrance into a four-year college. Students receive tutorial, counseling, career guidance, and cultural enrichment.
Contacts:
Patricia Nicholas: 535-1383
Charlene Minus: 535-1382

Graduation
Graduation exercises are held twice a year, in May and August. A minimum program grade point average of 2.0 is required for graduation from a degree, diploma or certificate program.