Central Carolina open houses will continue despite low attendance
Events to learn about programs are in response to COVID-19
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Central Carolina Technical College's open houses didn't generate much attendance this past week, but the college will carry on with the plan of hosting additional daily open houses promoting its programs next week.
Cathy Frye, a spokeswoman in the college's public relations department, said the exploration opportunities for prospective students - called Become A Titan Open House - are a new offering this year and in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing that CCTC is open for face-to-face business - not just virtual. Open house opportunities were available at three Sumter campuses and the Kershaw County campus in Camden.
The fact that the open houses are new may have contributed to the low attendance, Frye said, as well as COVID-19 and people still being hesitant for face-to-face contact even while wearing face masks.
She said Central Carolina will still hold the second week of face-to-face open houses Monday through Friday as originally planned, and they are a good opportunity to learn about the college's specific programs.
"If somebody is on the fence [about attending], this is the best way to talk to an actual program manager, rather than just focusing on the paperwork of admissions and financial aid, but actually learning about what each program can offer and being more in-depth there," Frye said.
The daily sessions will be from 11 a.m. to noon at three local sites - Room 401 on the main campus on North Guignard Drive; the main lobby of the Health Sciences Center, 133 S. Main St.; and the main lobby of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Training Center, 853 Broad St. - and also at the Kershaw County campus near Interstate 20 in the entrance lobby to the Fred R. Sheheen Center for Excellence, 90 Campus Drive.
Face masks are mandatory at the sessions.
The college's fall semester begins Aug. 24 and will be virtual but include a hybrid component for courses that involve labs, Frye said. After opening, every three weeks college officials will re-evaluate whether students can return to campus for face-to-face classes.