Shumaker: Preparations for the new semester underway

Published 12:00 am Saturday, July 6, 2019

With the new semester beginning in just over a month, things are taking shape at the Reserve Campus.

Included in the update are renovations to building D that will culminate in roof repairs and some replacements. The current welding shop will be moved into a temporary facility on the campus while it undergoes major renovations in the coming year. Just before the summer session began, older buildings were demolished and removed to update the campus.

Transfer degrees to any state university are becoming very popular with the local community. Imagine a two-year degree that transfers to any state university in Louisiana. The cost savings alone is well worth attending a local community college. There are more courses available at the Reserve Campus than ever before, and the number continues to grow.

Local high schools students are beginning their college paths early with dual enrollment classes for both high school and college credit. There is a large increase in the number of these students, as they get a head start on college credits that will transfer after graduation. In school year 2017-18, there were just over 12,000 students taking dual enrollment courses through the 13 community colleges that make up the Louisiana Community Technical College System. Dual Enrollment is offered to all high schools in the three River Parishes, including all public, private or parochial high schools.

River Parishes Community College, Reserve Campus is ready to serve the residents of all of the River Parishes. Late registration starts August 13, and the last day to get into classes for the fall semester is August 27. Some programs do require test scores, which must be completed before registering for those program classes. Interested students should visit the campus soon in order to ensure they get the classes they need. Returning students and transfer students should schedule classes as soon as possible to ensure a seat. The closer we get to the start of the semester, the faster classes are filled and then closed.

Penelope Shumaker is Campus Director for the Reserve Campus of River Parishes Community College. Email pshumaker@rpcc.edu or call 985-536-4418, ext. 203.