Success and Testing Centers

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Welcome to the Student Success and Testing Centers where we provide enrollment services to new and returning students at the College.

Success Centers are one-stop service areas where students can receive advising assistance, enrollment processing, etc., in the areas of admissions to the College, academic advising, financial aid, and veteran affairs.

The College Testing Centers provide a world class testing environment for placement tests, distance courses, program entry, certification, and the like.

>> See the current Registration & Advising Schedule
>> Information about New Student Orientation

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Academic Advising [Back to top]

Academic Advising at the Student Access Center is designed to facilitate a seamless transition into J. Sargeant Reynolds that assists students clarify academic, curricular and career goals, while receiving institutional support that will encourage academic success. Advisors interpret placement test scores and recommend courses for new and returning non-curricular students. Advisors also assist students with registration and enrollment management. First-time students at JSRCC are encouraged to attend a new student orientation program to receive academic advising. 

>> Sign up for New Student Orientation

Academic Programs
If your goal is to eventually earn a four year degree from a college or university:
• Associates in Arts- AA
• Associates in Science-AS

If your goal is to gain skills necessary for a specific vocation/occupation:
• Associates in Applied Arts- AAA
• Associates in Applied Science- AAS
• Certificate Programs- CSC

Types of classes
Fall and Spring Semester
16 week classes
8 week classes
Dynamics- Classes that meet at lengths other than other than 16 weeks, 10 weeks, 8 weeks or 5 weeks

Summer Semester
10 week classes
5 week classes
Dynamic Classes • Distance Learning
• Non Credit Courses- Community College Workforce Alliance


Students also receive their Placement Test Results and recommended courses for their First Semester! The staff of the Student Success Centers are committed to assisting students exceed their academic expectations.

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Veterans Affairs [Back to top]
Qualifying veterans and dependents are eligible to receive certain educational benefits while attending J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Those interested in obtaining these benefits must follow the instructions below and submit all required documentation at least 30 days prior to the first day of the term the student is planning to enroll.

General instructions for applying for V.A. Educational Benefits:
Forms: Complete in ink, in their entirety, with a legal signature and accompanying date. Links to needed forms can be found below in the Forms section.

Submission of forms: Submit all forms/application materials to any of the 3 JSRCC Success Centers or via fax at 804-371-3292.

Deadlines: Although the college may certify a student for benefits up to one year retroactively, students are urged to submit their requests for certification at least 30 days prior to the first day of the term the student is planning to enroll.

Information Sheet: All students seeking Veteran’s benefits are strongly encouraged to review the Information Sheet. This is found below in the Forms section.
JSRCC does not participate in Advance or Accelerated pay. It is the student’s responsibility to pay for all classes (i.e. financial aid, FACTS payment, out of pocket). Veteran’s benefits are provided only after courses have been paid for and enrollment has been verified after the drop/add period of each term.

Detailed Instructions:
If you’ve received benefits at JSRCC (in the past 3 years):
1. Complete the Request for Certification form (must be completed each semester).
2. Active duty beneficiaries must indicate that they are on active duty.

If you have never received benefits at JSRCC (but have received them at another institution):
1. Complete the Request for Certification form (must be completed each semester).
2. Request for Change of Program or Place of Training by completing:
VA Form 22-1995 for Veterans or Reservists: Chapter 30, 1606, 1607
VA Form 22-5495 for Dependents: Chapter 35
3. If a Reservist, also include a Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) form from the reserve unit.
4. If a Veteran, also include a copy of form DD-214.

If you have never received V.A. Educational Benefits before:
1. Complete V.A. Online application (Form 22-1990 for Veterans or Reservists or Form 22-5490 for Dependents)
2. Send copy of Form DD-214 to
Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Regional Office
PO Box 4616
Buffalo, NY 14202
3. Submit the following to the JSRCC Certifying Official:
A copy of DD-214 (only if discharged), or Notice of Basic Eligibility (Reservists)
Completed Request for Certification form (must be completed each semester)
Copy of Certificate of Eligibility. (Student will receive the Certificate of Eligibility from the VA 6-8 weeks after completing the online application.)

If you are receiving Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill) complete the following:
1. Complete VA Online Application (Form 22-1990-Veterans
Any soldier/veteran who wants to transfer your entitlement to a spouse/dependent needs to visit this webpage https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/TEB/
2. Bring the Certificate of Eligibility to the VA Certifying Official
*If you are eligible for this benefit nothing can be processed until the Certificate of Eligibility has been received. Therefore, if the student has not received their eligibility letter by the date of enrollment in classes; it is the student’s responsibility to pay all tuition and fees.

If you are receiving other educational benefits such as Vocational Rehabilitation (Chp. 31) or Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP):
1. Contact your counselor with that department for the proper paper work to be submitted to the Veteran Certifying Official at JSRCC:
a. Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)

Doris Sullivan
540-857-7101
Virginia Department of Veterans Services
270 Franklin Road SW
Room 503
Roanoke, VA 24011-2215
Doris.Sullivan@dvs.virginia.gov

b. Vocational Rehabilitation: Chapter 31
Priscilla Stinson
VA McGuire Hospital
804-675-5565
2. Complete the Request for Certification form (must be completed each semester).
3. If a Reservist, also include a Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) form from the reserve unit.
4. If a Veteran, also include a copy of form DD-214.

Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA)
if you are a spouse of an active duty service member, you may be eligible to receive free tuition. MyCAA provides up to $6000 of financial assistance for eligible spouses directly to participating schools or other programs.   A military spouse can apply for MyCAA Financial Assistance after completing a MyCAA Career and Training Plan.

•  Eligible spouses who are ready to explore portable careers options and develop a career goal and plan should establish a MyCAA Account by visiting the MyCAA website ~ https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa. This is an easy, self-help process.
  If you have questions contact Military OneSource Career/Education Consultant
  (1-800-342-9647)
• Contact Certifying Official at JSRCC indicating their program desire. The Certifying Official will then explain and help the student through the admissions process.
• Complete the Request for Certification form (must be completed each semester).

Forms:
• Information Sheet
• Request for Certification form (Statement of Understanding)
• VA Forms Useful Links
• G. I. Bill
• Monthly Verification or 1-877-823-2378 ( The following students (Chapters 30, 1606, and 1607)  are responsible for calling to verify their enrollment with the VA on the last day of each month.  If you do not verify your enrollment the student will not receive their monthly payment.)
• Ask the VA Questions or 1-888-442-4551
• VA Forms
To contact the VA Certifying Official:
Tramaine Carroll-Payne
Georgiadis Hall, Room 201
1651 E. Parham Rd.
Richmond, VA 23228
804-523-5368
Email: tcarroll@reynolds.edu

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Testing Center [Back to top]

Testing Times

Start Times
Tests will be administered beginning at 9am Monday through Saturday at Downtown and Parham Road Campuses. At Western Campus, tests will be administered beginning at 9 am on Tuesday and Thursday and 3 pm on Wednesday.

Last Seatings for Tests:
Compass, Asset, Kaplan Nursing exam, NLNs, Diagnostic Readiness Test for RN Licensure, CSC 155, ITE 115 and ServSafe

Day	PRC	DTC
Mon	4:30pm	4:30pm
Tues	4:30pm	4:30pm
Wed	4:30pm	4:30pm
Thurs	4:30pm	4:30pm
Fri	11:30am	11:30am
Sat	9:00am	9:00am

Last seatings for Compass and Asset tests at WC:

Tuesday

11:30am

Wednesday

4:30pm

Thursday

11:30am

Distance Learning, Makeup and all other tests:

Day	PRC	DTC
Mon	6:00pm	6:00pm
Tues	6:00pm	6:00pm
Wed	6:00pm	6:00pm
Thurs	6:00pm	6:00pm
Fri	1:00pm	1:00pm
Sat	11:00am	11:00am

Last seatings for Makeup and Distance Learning tests at WC:

Tuesday

12:00pm

Wednesday

6:00pm

Thursday

12:00pm

If you arrive and there are no available testing seats, please check in with the Testing Center staff. You will be instructed to please remain in the designated waiting area and given an estimate of the length of your wait. The Testing Center will only proctor 2 tests per day per student. 

Testing Center Hours of Operation, Contacts and Locations:
The Testing Center will not be open on the Saturdays in weeks that the College observes a national holiday.
Downtown Testing Center Room 164 804-523-5470 Hours: Mon-Thurs: 8:30am-8:00pm Fridays: 8:30am-3:00pm 1st and 3rd Saturdays: 8:30am-1:00pm	Parham Road Campus Georgiadis Hall, Room 210 804-523-5411 Hours: Mon-Thurs: 8:30am-8:00pm Fridays: 8:30am-3:00pm 2nd and 4th Saturdays: 8:30am-1:00pm	Western Campus Building C-20 Room 239 804-523-5421 Hours: Tues & Thurs: 9:00am-2:00pm Wed: 3:00pm- 8:00pm

Paying for Tests
Please note that the following tests administered in the Testing Centers require advance payment before the test will be proctored: COMPASS, Asset, Kaplan Nursing exam, Diagnostic Readiness Test for RN Licensure, and ITE 115 and 100 Please see below for detailed directions regarding paying for tests. It is important to note that the Business Office does not have Saturday hours. Any tests being taken on Saturdays must be paid for in advance.

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Tests Administered in the Testing Centers [Back to top]
1. COMPASS Placement Test
• The COMPASS Placement Test is designed to assess new students in the academic areas of reading, writing and math. This assessment recommends first semester courses based on the student’s skill level . It is very important that you take this test seriously as the placement test determines the English and Math courses that you will take at JSRCC. Students may only take the test once and must receive special permission to retest.
• All applications for admissions to the college must be submitted and processed and an JSRCC Empl # assigned prior to taking placement tests. Click here to enroll
• An assessment, not a pass or fail test
• The test is not timed, but most people should take approximately 1 – 1.5 hours to complete
• There is a six ($6) dollar fee which must be paid in cash at the Business Office. The Business Offices are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday between the hours of 8:30 and 5:00pm and from 8:30 to 3:00pm on Fridays. On Wednesdays, the Business Office is open from 8:30 until 7:00pm. If you plan on taking a test on Saturday, you will need to may payment Monday through Friday.
• See sample questions

2. Placement Testing for High School Dual Enrollment
• Same process as for COMPASS Placement Tests
• Contact Dual Enrollment and/or your High School Guidance Counselor prior to scheduling this test.
• There is a six ($6) dollar fee which must be paid in cash at the Business Office. The Business Offices are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday between the hours of 8:30 and 5:00pm and from 8:30 to 3:00pm on Fridays. On Wednesdays, the Business Office is open from 8:30 until 7:00pm. If you plan on taking a test on Saturday, you will need to may payment Monday through Friday.
• See Sample questions in:
Writing | Math | Reading | ESL

3. Ability-to-Benefit Assessment Test
• Students who pass this test may be admitted to the college as either non-curricular or curricular students, provided they also have satisfied other admission requirements.
• For more detailed information, contact the Office of Admissions, 523-5029, or any of the Student Success Centers, Parham- 523-5368, Downtown- 523-5455, Western- 523-5400.

4. Special Accommodations Tests for students with disabilities
• Services for students with documented disabilities to meet their specific needs.

5. Distance Learning Testing
• Students enrolled in Distance Learning Course(s) utilize the Testing Center for test administration.
• Distance Learning students must print out and bring their testing ticket with them in order for test to be administered as well as a picture ID and their EMPL number.

6. Testing for Students attending other Virginia Community Colleges
• Students enrolled in Distance Learning Course(s) at other Virginia Community College System schools are able to have tests proctored at the JSRCC Testing Center.
• Contact the Testing Center for details.

7. Computer Literacy Tests
Students in programs that require ITE 115, ITE 100 or CSC 155 can satisfy the computer competency course requirement in the curriculum by passing the college’s computer competency or Credit by Able exam administered in the Testing Centers.
• For ITE 100 and 115, you will need to purchase a code from a JSRCC bookstore. There is no fee for CSC 155 testing.
• View The Computer Competency website or contact the Testing Center for details.

8. Kaplan Nursing exam, NLNs, Diagnostic Readiness Test for RN Licensure and ServSafe Tests
• Students should contact the Testing Center for details.
• There is currently no fee for the Kaplan Nursing exam. An information sheet is available in the School of Nursing (Room 507 Downtown Campus) or at the Parham Road and Downtown Campus Testing Centers.
•There is a $40.00 fee for the NLNs and Diagnostic Readiness Test for RN Licensure. You will need to get a testing form from The School of Nursing and Allied Health. You will take this form to the Business Office along with your $40.00 payment (check or cash).

9. The JSRCC ESL Placement Test

Please note that the following tests are not administered at Western Campus:
Kaplan Nursing exam, NLNs, ITE 115, ITE 100, CSC 155, Diagnostic Readiness Test for RN Licensure, ServSafe.

Information for Faculty: [Back to top]
Beginning May 19, 2008, students will no longer schedule appointments to take tests in the Testing Centers.
• If you are a Distance Learning faculty member, please note that we will still retain the current system of providing tests through the Distance Learning Offices as has been in the past. These procedures will change beginning with the Fall 2008 semester.
• Distance Learning students must have a complete and current test ticket. The test ticket should contain the instructor’s name, the course number, the test number and the last day the test can be taken.
• Each test must have a completed (in its entirety) coversheet. Please see the internal website to download coversheets.
• Tests that arrive without a completed coversheet will not be proctored.
• Each test that a faculty member provides to the Testing Center must contain a time limit for the test. Tests that do not have time limits established by the faculty member will not be proctored.
• Please deliver makeup tests to the Testing Center in a timely fashion.

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Parent/Family Information [Back to top]

We are delighted that you have entrusted JSRCC with assisting your student in reaching their academic goals! The Student Access Center provides services to students in the following areas:
• Admissions
• Academic Advising
• Financial Aid
• Veterans Affairs

The Student Access and Testing Center services are an intentional, educational partnership between staff and students. Grounded in teaching and learning, the Student Access Center provides Academic Advising and retention services to students with fewer than 30 credits. In addition, all J. Sargeant Reynolds students are advised and receive services in the areas of Admissions, Financial Aid, Veterans Affairs, Testing and Enrollment Management/Registration.

The staff of the Student Success Centers are committed to assisting students exceed their academic expectation and we understand that family support is important to their success. The following are ways that you can support and encourage your student to achieve his/her academic goals.

Encourage your student to visit the Student Access Center early in their academic career at JSRCC.
We have developed the First Year Advising Model which includes:
• Group Advising
• Individual Advising

These advising sessions provide information to meet the specific needs of students new to college, further we have Academic Advisors (link to Advising Web page- No web page) trained to work specifically with new students.

• Encourage them to seek advising during Early Bird Registration, before In Person Registration in order to avoid waiting in lines and to get an optimal schedule.
• Encourage them to respond to all correspondence sent to them from the school.
• Encourage them to participate in Study Skills workshops (Link to Student Retention Workshops- No web page) that have been designed to assist students in areas where they may need assistance, they include:
•Time Management | Critical Thinking | Financial Aid | Note Taking | Test Taking | Stress Management •Remind them of the free tutoring available through the Academic Support Center.
• Support them in visiting the Career, Employment and Transfer Center to investigate career and transfer opportunities. Be patient. Students are usually more successful when they have selected an academic program based on their interests and ability.
• Encourage them to participate in Campus Activities and Clubs Office of Student Life to develop their leadership skills. Transfer institutions and employers are impressed by students who have expressed and leadership skills.• Remind them of deadlines, Financial Aid, tuition payment, scholarships, add/drop and withdraw.

• Encourage your son/daughter to contact the Office of Student Accommodations , if they have a documented disability and would like to know more about the services we provide.

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Success Center Hours & Locations [Back to top]

Success Center Hours & Locations
Note: the Testing centers will close at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2009

Downtown Campus
First Floor Lobby, Room 125 
804.523.5455

8:30am - 5:00pm (Monday through Thursday)
8:30am - 7:00pm (Wednesdays)
8:30am - 3:00pm (Fridays)

Western Campus
Building C-20, Room 238
804.523.5400

8:30am - 5:00pm (Monday through Thursday)
8:30am - 3:00pm (Fridays)

Parham Road Campus
Building B, Room 201
804.523.5368

8:30am -5:00pm (Mon, Tues, Thurs)
8:30am - 7:00pm (Wednesdays)
8:30am - 3:00pm(Fridays)

Fall Registration Hours:

July 27-August 14:
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday)
8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Wednesday)
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Friday, July 31)
8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Friday, August 7 and 14)

August 17- 21:
8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Monday through Thursday)
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Friday)

August 24- 28:
8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. (Monday through Thursday)
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Friday)