Ashland Community and Technical College will once again be offering a four-week winter session for students seeking another option for earning class credit.
Registration for winter term is open. Classes begin on Dec. 14 and end on Jan. 10.
General education classes offered include: Introduction to the Humanities, Technical Algebra and Trigonometry, Trigonometry, Technical Mathematics, American Government, General Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Introduction to Sociology.
All of the above classes will be offered online, with the exception of Technical Math, which will be offered in-person at Technology Drive.
Multiple welding courses are being offered as well.
Registration for spring classes, which begin Jan. 11, is also open.
Students who wish to enroll in a winter or spring course should contact their assigned advisor or as_advisors@kctcs.edu.
ACTC offers a wide range of financial aid programs. Students must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine what types of financial aid they qualify for.
By submitting the FAFSA, students may become eligible to receive grants, loans or work study to help fund their studies. The FAFSA is free to submit and available online, and every college student should submit it every year. The deadline for the FAFSA varies, but some aid is first come, first served, so it’s best to submit it early.
To learn more about the FAFSA, visit www.ashland.kctcs.edu and click “Affording College.”
Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) has taken a more virtual approach in several of its service areas due to restrictions in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Most of our advising sessions have been done by email since around March, and it seems to be going well, at least from the feedback that I have received from students,” says Jennifer Allen, an advisor at ACTC. “I’ve not heard any complaints. We’ve also done them virtually through Microsoft Teams and Zoom, if the student requests a virtual session instead. Then, of course, we still meet them on campus.”
Remote advising will continue to be offered for the spring semester, but students can also make an appointment with the Welcome Center to meet with an advisor in person.
To set up a visit to campus or to schedule an appointment with an advisor, contact the Welcome Center by calling (606) 326-2040 or emailing as_welcome@kctcs.edu.
“Prior to COVID-19, we had greatly discouraged any type of advising that wasn’t face-to face, but we have learned that we can be just as effective using remote means of advising and not just face-to-face,” said Steve Woodburn, Chief Student Affairs Officer.
Returning students are encouraged to contact their assigned advisor to create their schedule. Students can determine who their assigned advisor is by checking their Student Self Service account. Students can also create an appointment with their advisor through Starfish if the advisor has set office hours.
Another thing that has changed over the course of the last several months due to the pandemic is how the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) handles placement testing.
“In the past, students would either have to give us an ACT score or take a placement test on campus to help determine which classes they could qualify to take,” said Woodburn. “KCTCS has put a one-year waiver on that, and in this case we can use high school GPA for any student who’s graduated high school in the last five years. We have a chart that tells us what classes they can place in based on their cumulative high school GPA.”
Currently, the waiver is expected to end at the end of the academic year.
Once enrolled, students are encouraged to complete their new student orientation, now offered electronically.
Every student is emailed the orientation link that they should view and complete before the beginning of the semester. The link remains active so students can go back to review the information at any point in the semester.
The way ACTC recruits new students has also seen major changes, especially considering recruiters for the college have not been able to visit area high schools in person.
Brittany Spillman, an ACTC recruiter, has been working with high school counselors to set up individual times for the high schools to have virtual sessions.
“We’re setting up virtual Microsoft Teams meetings, where it’s basically a live admissions presentation,” says Spillman. “We used to have a college fair every year where we got a lot of interaction with students, but we couldn’t do it in person this year.”
She says that it will be unlikely that she will be able to recruit in-person at area high schools this year.
“Even if area students are back to school in-person, the schools still aren’t allowing any outside visitors to come in, so it’s been a lot more virtual.”
Spillman says that any high school student who is considering ACTC can still meet with her on-campus to learn more about the college, preferably by appointment so that social distancing guidelines can be followed.
Allen added that college fairs for transfer students planning to attend a four-year university have also gone virtual.
“Students meet through Microsoft Teams with the university representatives, and if they have additional personal questions, they can branch off and ask those with that representative,” she said.
Robin Lewis, Director of Admissions/Registrar, says not much has changed in the way of admissions, because the admissions application has been completed by prospective students online for a while, but the turnaround time for applications to be processed is happening more rapidly.
“Applications are generally being processed in 48 hours or less,” Lewis says. “In many ways, we have been more efficient and more effective.”
Once potential students complete the application, they will receive an email from the admissions team directing them about their next steps in the admissions process.
ACTC’s admissions application is free to complete.
Lewis says it is important for prospective and current students to understand that ACTC staff are willing to ‘meet them where they are.’
“If you feel comfortable just talking on the phone, we will meet you on the phone. If you feel comfortable in front of a video screen, we will meet you there. If you feel comfortable in person, we will be here,” she says. “We really have embraced that everybody has a different take and a different need, and we will optimize the options for each individual student.”
“We know that our students are important. We know that we are here because of them, and therefore, we are going to do anything in our power to meet them where they need to be met so they can be successful,” Woodburn added. “All schools say that, but we actually do it.”
He encourages all students, prospective and enrolled, to check email, as well as Student Self Service, because that is ACTC’s primary method of communication.
The college is also utilizing a new text messaging service called SignalVine, which allows college representatives to reach out to students about different service areas including admissions advising, financial aid and prospects (recruitment). Once students have received initial communication from ACTC representatives, they are able to respond and/or maintain communication with those departments.
Registration for the spring semester is now open. Woodburn encourages students to enroll in classes early to ensure they are able to get into the classes they want.
The first day of spring classes is Jan. 11, 2021To learn more about ACTC, visit www.ashland.kctcs.edu.
ASHLAND, KY– “I enjoy teaching this program so much, that after I retired in 2014 from this program, I spent the next five years wishing I had not,” says Danny Pancake. Pancake is the program coordinator for the Computerized Manufacturing and Machining program at Ashland Community and Technical College.
“I love working with the machines and the materials and producing parts for projects and for various other ACTC programs, but I really enjoy the interaction with students. I love to watch them learn and grow, and I love helping them secure employment at the end of the tenure with us,” he added.
Through classroom instruction, students in the CMM program receive a hands-on experience learning to position work pieces, adjust machines and verify the accuracy of machine functions and finished products.
ACTC offers two diplomas and three certificates to prepare graduates for machine shop employment. Certificate and diploma credits may be applied toward an Associate in Applied Science Degree in General Occupational/Technical Studies.
Mason Tomaselli, who is in his last semester of the program, says affordable tuition, small class size and the ease of getting help or feedback from instructors were all reasons he chose ACTC, specifically CMM.
“What I learn directly applies to on-the-job skills I need,” he says. “I chose the CMM program because I like being able to envision a part or tool that’s useful in everyday life and then be able to manifest that idea. I’d also taken some blueprinting classes in high school, so it was a program I had some familiarity with. I opted for CMM instead of drafting because I wanted to take my drawing a step farther by being able to take a part off paper into reality.”
Classes in the program include: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Machining, among several others.
“Students entering the CMM program are from every area of life. I have taught both men and women, young and middle aged, and I find the one ingredient they all need to succeed is determination,” said Pancake.
Work activities in machine shops involve applying knowledge of machine capabilities, the properties of material and shop practices to set up and operate various machines.
“The most enjoyable parts of the program are working with your hands and computers, learning about different machines and getting to try new things I might not have gotten to if I wasn’t in the program,” Tomaselli says. “One of the most satisfying feelings is starting with an idea and piece of metal, and being able to turn those into a useful finished project.”
A machine tool specialist (machinist) shapes metal to precise dimensions. The technically skilled machinist must be able to read blueprints and transform this information into a part, product or entire machine. The machine tool specialist is skillful in the use of tool room and production equipment, including lathes, grinders, milling machines, saws and drilling machines.
“A person should enroll in CMM because it is an excellent field where new technology is always being discovered and implemented. We make things and we make them well,” says Pancake. “We are trained to develop skills that are in high demand and we make parts that are very much needed. We make everything from bolts or shafts to gears and pulleys. We make parts for trucks, trains, aircraft, refrigerators, washing machines, bicycles and motorcycles. We make parts for engines, windmills, turbines and any other precise metal object that is used in any fashion.”
Based on research conducted by the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYStats) in 2019 for the TENCO region, salary can range from $27,642 to $50,811 based on experience.
“Machinists don’t make the world go round, but we do make the world work. A student entering this program can be assured that if they apply themselves, they will find suitable and desirable employment that pays well,” said Pancake.
“As of this semester, I have already found a job with Steen Cannons, where I use what I learned in class every day. If you show up to class and make it known that you’re willing to work hard, companies will seek you out. People are always calling Mr. Pancake looking for a machinist,” Tomaselli says.
The degree and diploma credential programs are four semesters in length. Certificates can be earned in as little as one semester or as many as three, based on pace and the certificate chosen.
“The opportunities for employment in this highly skilled technological field are many and the variety of types of work are also plenteous. If these students do decide to further their education, they would be well suited for entry into various engineering programs, at any of our local universities,” said Pancake.
ASHLAND, KY–Ashland Community and Technology College’s cosmetology salon is now open for client services.
The Cosmetology Department released the following guidelines that will help keep employees, students and patrons safe.
Services are by appointment only and the salon is not accepting walk-ins at this time. Appointments can be made from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. by calling (606) 326-0565.
The waiting area is currently closed. Patrons should call (606) 326-0565 upon arrival and someone will let patrons know when they can enter the salon.
Facial coverings are required, and temperature will be taken upon arrival. If it is 100.4 or above (or if there have been any illness), patrons will be asked to reschedule. Social distancing guidelines will also be practiced.
Only one person per appointment should be in the salon, unless accompanying a minor or someone who needs assistance.
Patrons are asked to wash their hands before and after their service. Hand sanitizer will be available at the front desk.
“We look forward to seeing our clients. Our students do excellent work and really thrive off of the hands-on experience they receive from doing services for members of the community,” said Mourine Smith, cosmetology program coordinator.
Smith encourages the community to join the Facebook group, ACTC Cosmetology Salon, for announcements and examples of student work.
ASHLAND, Ky. — On behalf of the faculty and staff of Ashland Community and Technical College, Dr. Larry Ferguson is pleased to welcome three new faculty to the ACTC family: Heather Cantrell, Dale Queen and Robert Langford.
Heather Cantrell has worked as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) since December 2008. She is a graduate of the surgical technology program at ACTC.
Cantrell started her journey at ACTC as an adjunct faculty member/clinical instructor for the Surgical Technology Program in August 2018. She served as Interim Program Coordinator from October 2019 until she was hired full time in June 2020.
In talking about her future at ACTC, Cantrell said, “I’m excited to see and implement all the improvements made to this program, not only with the curriculum but the laboratory as well.”
Like Cantrell, Dale Queen joins the full-time faculty as a communications instructor after serving the college as an adjunct instructor.
“I loved working as an adjunct instructor and thought the timing was right when the position came open. I like the leadership and the friendliness and professionalism of all the faculty and staff,” Queen says.
He says joining the faculty in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges, but also opportunities.
“This is indeed an exciting time with education during the COVID crisis. It appears that each day will be different and we will see what works and what doesn’t work. We will need to constantly reevaluate our classes daily and be able to change quickly. My students can expect a person who cares about their education and their dreams. I want to help them achieve their goals and I always encourage them to push themselves in order to reach their dreams,” Queen says.
After 25 years with the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice, Robert Langford retired, and is now a member of the Criminal Justice program at ACTC. Like Cantrell and Queen, he taught as an adjunct instructor for the college before being hired as a full-time faculty member.
He began teaching Delinquency and the Juvenile Justice System as an adjunct instructor in 2018. He continued to teach that course, as well as adding additional classes to his course load, before getting hired full-time.
“I am working under Beverly Sharp, who is the current Criminal Justice Program Coordinator in hopes of becoming the Program Coordinator next year when she leaves our program. I hope to keep up her diligent work increasing the number of students in the Criminal Justice program,” Langford says.
He says teaching full-time has always been a career goal.
“It has been my long-term plan to become a full-time college instructor for over five years, when I started applying for adjunct positions,” he says.
Langford says his experience working in the criminal justice system will allow him to use his firsthand experience as an instructional tool.
“Students can expect me to use my 25 years of knowledge of the justice system to make classes relatable with real world knowledge and experience to engage the students making the classroom and online learning enjoyable as well as educational,” he says.
Ashland Community and Technical College saw the largest increase of total credentials awarded amongst the 16 KCTCS institutions from the 2018-2019 to 2019-2020 academic years.
In 2018-19, ACTC awarded 1,799 credentials, comprised of degrees, diplomas and certificates. This most recent academic year, the college awarded 2,530 credentials, increasing by 40.6%.
“We are elated that our efforts to best support our students in earning a credential are having fantastic outcomes. Earning these credentials will change the future for each of these students’ lives,” said ACTC president, Dr. Larry Ferguson.
Collectively, KCTCS saw a 5.8% increase, going from 37,128 credentials awarded in 2018-19 to 39,291 in 2019-20.
ACTC also increased from 710 unduplicated graduates in 2018-19 to 825 in 2019-20, a total increase of 115.
“This is stunning information given the many changes our students faced in the spring because of COVID-19,” KCTCS President Jay K. Box said. “It wasn’t easy, but they found a way to persevere under challenging circumstances and adapted to the new remote instruction like true champions. I’m extremely proud of them and of our faculty who had to turn on a dime to teach in a new way.”
For more information about ACTC, visit www.ashland.kctcs.edu or call (606) 326-2000.
ASHLAND, Ky. — Beginning Wednesday, July 8, Ashland Community and Technical College will host a series of Mini Open House Registration Days where prospective students can learn about various programs of study and register for classes.
ASHLAND, Ky. — Beginning Wednesday, July 8, Ashland Community and Technical College will host a series of Mini Open House Registration Days where prospective students can learn about various programs of study and register for classes.
Ashland Community and Technical College would like to recognize the more than 800 graduates from the Summer 2019, Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 semesters. More than 2,400 credentials were awarded, which includes degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Ashland Community and Technical College would like to recognize the more than 800 graduates from the Summer 2019, Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 semesters. More than 2,400 credentials were awarded, which includes degrees, diplomas and certificates.
As Ashland Community and Technical College continues to monitor the situation with COVID-19, based on direction from state and national health experts, the college will continue to provide only online/remote classroom instruction through May 2.
As Ashland Community and Technical College continues to monitor the situation with COVID-19, based on direction from state and national health experts, the college will continue to provide only online/remote classroom instruction through May 2.
Beginning Wednesday, March 18, Ashland Community and Technical College is cancelling all in-person classes and instruction through March 27. This includes all in-person technical courses and labs that were scheduled to resume on Wednesday.
Beginning Wednesday, March 18, Ashland Community and Technical College is cancelling all in-person classes and instruction through March 27. This includes all in-person technical courses and labs that were scheduled to resume on Wednesday.
ASHLAND, Ky. — Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) is partnering with Manpower to give students more job placement resources before and after graduation.
ASHLAND, Ky. — Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) is partnering with Manpower to give students more job placement resources before and after graduation.
