Tri-County's Virtual Advising System is Convenient
Way to Communicate with Clemson Advisor

CONTACT: AMANDA BLANTON, EXT. 1501

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9/23/2003
(By Lisa Garrett)

CLEMSON --- Before her graduation from Tri-County Technical Colege's Criminal Justice department, Leanne Hiott had lots of questions about transferring into Clemson University's Technology and Human Resource Development (THRD) curriculum. Instead of vacating her coveted parking space on Tri-County's campus and traveling to Clemson for an advising session (and to search for yet another parking place), she communicated with her advisor, THRD professor Dr. Cheryl Evanciew, via computer in Tri-County's library. All of her questions were answered by logging on to this virtual advising system, saving valuable time and travel costs.

Through Tri-County's articulation agreement with Clemson's THRD program area, anyone with an associate degree in any technology program can transfer a block of technical courses, as well as university transfer general education courses, and can enter Clemson as a junior, said Amanda Blanton, Tri-County's director of Collaboration and Special Projects. The agreement is an effort by Clemson to make information about the THRD program more accessible for Tri-County students who want to add a bachelor's degree to their credentials, said Blanton.

"Virtual advising is very convenient and saved me a trip to Clemson," said Hiott, who earned a Criminal Justice degree last spring and was able to transfer all 71 credits when she entered Clemson this fall.

This virtual advising system is set up in Tri-County's library. Students should work with their department heads to decide if they want to pursue this route at Clemson. If so, contact Dr. Evanciew to set up an appointment and go to the library at that specified time for the advising session. Dr. Evanciew will be on screen when the student arrives, and he or she can converse with her and never leave the building.

Students usually discuss the curriculum, transferring to the program, and job opportunities, said Blanton.

"This replaces one-on-one meetings -- not by necessity -- but this format is more convenient for both parties," said Tim Busha, Hiott's Tri-County advisor and head of Tri-County's Criminal Justice Department.

"Virtual advising provides an additional opportunity for collaboration between Clemson and Tri-County," added Busha, who commended Dr. Evanciew and her commitment to the program.

Virtual advising also allows students who are intimidated by the larger setting of Clemson to talk to an advisor in Tri-County's familiar setting to find out the opportunities in THRD, Busha added.

Blanton agreed. "They feel comfortable on the Tri-County campus, and this helps to bridge the transition. Advisors may accompany students to the virtual advising appointment.

"THRD is a good major for our technical grads," said Blanton. "Usually they are already working, and a bachelor's degree can help with promotions. This degree helps them to prepare to go into training and development for their companies. This is a big area now because many companies have established their own ongoing training programs."

She continued: "This articulation agreement disproves that a technical degree is a terminal degree. The key is to consult with your advisor to make sure you are taking the right courses for the program."
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