Students start fall classes at Beaufort County Community College on Aug. 16.

Students will arrive as early as 8 a.m. for classes. At 10 a.m., students will be treated to a Welcome Back Bash between Buildings 1 and 9 with free drinks and snacks.

Students will return to some new surroundings. They will be welcomed back by a new electronic sign used to keep them updated on important events, new programs and weather-related closings. The furniture in the Learning Resource Center and the lobby of Building 8 has been replaced. The classrooms for the electrical engineering program have been modernized. A small food pantry has been set up through the Student Services Department for students in need on campus. A new training ambulance is in use for the EMS program, and the fire program received a new trailer to store training props. The kitchen for a new culinary program is under construction in the Continuing Education Department.

Some big changes are in store online. Students will be introduced to Self Service, a program that lets them register for classes on their own, adjust and view their schedule, view their financial information and access their transcripts. A new website has been rolled out with a more sleek design and includes a chat feature, so students can better connect to campus services.

Some big behind-the-scenes changes that will greet returning faculty include a new HVAC system for Building 9 and a voice-over IP phone system.

These are just some of the accomplishments the staff at BCCC has achieved over the summer. These projects are funded through a combination of state and county allocations and private funds through grants from generous donors. The changes are part of BCCC’s commitment to provide our students with the educational experiences that prepare them for the modern workforce or a four-year university.