Exploring Courses at Dawson Community College: A Comprehensive Guide

Dawson Community College (DCC), a public community college in Glendive, Montana, provides a variety of academic and vocational programs to meet the diverse needs of its students. With a commitment to accessible education and student success, DCC offers associate degrees, certificate programs, and flexible online learning options. This article delves into the various courses and programs available at DCC, including transfer concentrations, career and technical programs, online learning opportunities, and general registration information.

Academic Overview of Dawson Community College

Established in 1940, DCC operates as part of the Montana University System and holds the distinction of being a space-grant institution. The college enrolls approximately 400 students and is led by President Chad C. Dawson. DCC offers Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees, along with vocational certificate programs. The college's motto, "Learn Today. Lead Tomorrow," reflects its commitment to preparing students for future success.

Transfer Concentrations

At Dawson Community College, transfer concentrations are designed to facilitate students' seamless transition to four-year institutions. These concentrations are awarded without a designated major but follow specific curriculum transfer plans to ensure that students complete the necessary coursework for their intended field of study. The Associate of Arts in General Studies and Associate of Science in General Studies are popular choices for students planning to transfer.

Career and Technical Programs

DCC's Career and Technical programs equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the workforce. These programs offer hands-on, practical learning experiences led by instructors with extensive industry experience. Programs typically involve one-year, two-year, or one-semester courses of study.

These programs are open to all students, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or disabilities. DCC is committed to providing equal opportunities for all students to pursue their career goals.

Read also: The Dawson School Experience

Furthermore, DCC is opting for early implementation of the rescission of the Gainful Employment Rule. A gainful employment (GE) program is defined as any Title IV financial aid eligible, non-degree (certificate) program that trains students for specific employment in recognized career fields. This move reflects DCC's commitment to providing accessible and effective career training programs.

Online Learning at DCC

Dawson Community College offers a robust online learning environment, allowing students to access education from anywhere. With a variety of online course options, students can create fully or partially online schedules that fit their needs, making it ideal for those with time constraints or who prefer a flexible, independent study environment.

Types of Online Learning

DCC offers several types of online learning options:

Fully Online Courses: These courses require no campus visits or face-to-face meetings. While asynchronous, allowing students to study on their own schedule, they are not self-paced, and students must meet all course deadlines.
DCC Online Courses: Taught by DCC faculty and adjuncts, these courses are identified with "0AC" in the semester schedule.

Read also: Carcinosarcoma After Osimertinib
Montana Online Course Exchange (Quottly): This platform allows students to easily enroll in online courses from other Montana University System (MUS) colleges without extra applications or fees. Students can search for current Quottly courses and look for "QUO" as a placeholder in their registration. Most students are limited to two Quottly courses per semester.
HyFlex Courses: These courses offer a flexible approach, allowing students to choose between fully online, fully in-person, or a mix of both. Classes follow a set schedule, but students decide how to attend. On-campus students typically attend class in person.

DCC Online Degree Options

DCC Online offers high-quality programs designed to meet students' goals, whether they aim to finish their degree entirely online or transfer to a four-year institution. These options include:

Associate of Arts in General Studies (Transfer Plan)
Associate of Science in General Studies (Transfer Plan)
Associate of Arts/Chemical Dependency Counseling
Associate of Applied Science/Early Childhood Education

Expectations for Online Learning

Online courses are available on the first day of the semester or their designated start date. Students are expected to log in on the first day and actively participate throughout the course. Regular communication with the instructor is essential for success in online learning. Students should expect to spend at least as much time on their online class as they would on an on-campus class. It is recommended that students spend at least 9-12 hours per week on each 3-credit online class they are enrolled in.

Non-Degree Options

Dawson Community College is an excellent option for individuals looking to take courses for personal enrichment or to fulfill general education requirements at an affordable price. Whether completing a course for transfer or exploring a subject for fun, DCC offers flexible learning opportunities to meet diverse needs.

Registration Details

Registration for Summer and Fall DCC Online and Hyflex courses is open. Students can explore the current Course Schedule for available online classes at DCC. Fall Quottly Registration is open through August.

Student Life and Housing

The student housing complex at DCC consists of thirty-six, two-bedroom apartments that can house up to six students each. These fully furnished units include two bedrooms, a full kitchen, a dining area, a living room, and a full bathroom. The room and board cost covers rent, utilities, cable television, local telephone, high-speed internet access, and participation in a food plan (either 10 or 16 meals per week). Full-time students under the age of 21 must live on campus until they have earned 30 credits, and all on-campus students must participate in the food plan.

Athletics

The DCC Buccaneers varsity athletic programs provide opportunities for intercollegiate competition, fostering a sense of community and school spirit.

Accessing Moodle

For the Spring semester, many on-campus classes have transitioned to a Moodle delivery. To log in to Moodle, the username is the student's last name, first initial, and the last three digits of their D16#. Moodle can be accessed through any web browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.

tags: #dawson #community #college #courses