Continuing Education
 What Continuing Education opportunities does PRCC offer?
Currently, the Office of Extended Education & Instructional Design does not offer any Continuing Education opportunities. Contact Gwen Smith at 601-403-1315 in the PRCC district Tech Prep office for possible professional development opportunities. Workforce also has opportunities for CEUs. Contact them at 601-554-4667.
How are Continuing Education Units (CEUs) processed at PRCC?
The Office of Extended Education & Instructional Design transcripts CEUs when a local school district or other approved organization requests approval to host a CEU professional development session. For more information on this process review the Continuing Education web site and then call 601-403-1374.
What is the process to receive approval to host a CEU course?
It is very important that the established procedure be followed in order to host a CEU course. 1- At least two weeks prior to the date of the course, request approval by completing the CEU Host Request form. 2- Upon approval of the course, use the provided CEU Transcript Request form to gather the information from each course participant. 3 - Submit the required information at the completion of the course. For more information, review the Continuing Education web site.
How many CEUs can be earned for each hour of the course?
For each hour of the course, a participant is awarded .1 CEUs. A ten hour course would be worth 1 CEU credit. No PRCC CEU course is approved for less than .5 CEUs.
What is the difference between CEUs and community education classes?
Continuing Education Units are opportunities for individuals who need training to retain certification. Community education opportunities are provided to teach people a hobby or to reinforce life-long learning.
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Distance Education (Online Classes)
What is an online class?
Pearl River Community College offers online classes through the Mississippi Virtual College (MSVCC). The MSVCC is a consortium of the 15 community colleges in the state of Mississippi. A student enrolled in an online class is expected to complete his or her work by using the Course Management Software Blackboard. PRCC online classes are conducted completely online except for exam proctoring when students are expected to come to campus to take exams. This occurs two to three times each semester.
Will I ever have to come to campus for anything?
Online students are required to drive to either the Poplarville campus or the Forrest County Center at least twice (but no more than three times) for each online class to take proctored exams. Other visits to the campus may be recommended but are not currently required. This would be an occasion such as advisement.
What is a proctored exam?
A proctored exam is a test a student takes in the presence of a specified College employee at a designated testing site. To take a proctored exam, the student must 1- schedule an appointment and 2- show a picture ID prior to taking the exam. More information about test proctoring.
What computer knowledge should I have to take an online class?
Students should be familiar with the operating system of their computer and Microsoft Office. Students should also be familiar with the basics of email and maneuvering through the Internet. Prior to taking the first online class, a student may take the READI assessment. This assessment will provide a very good understanding of the skills needed to take an online class.
If you are not accustomed to checking your email daily and problem solving technical issues, you should reconsider your decision to take an online class.
Do I need a computer of my own to take online classes?
YES! It is very important that you have a computer of your own to take online classes. Do not rely on computers in a lab or library. These should only be used as backup if your computer breaks or there is a power outage.
What are the computer requirements for an online class?
Each student planning to take an online class should have his or her own personnel computer. Your computer should be equipped with at least the following:
- Processor: Pentium 4, 2.8 GHz
- Memory (RAM): 512 MB or higher
- Hard Drive: 40 Gigabytes (Gb)
- DVD-ROM Drive
- Sound Card
- Speakers
- Video Card
- Modem: 56 Kbps minimum (highly recommended: cable, DSL, or other high-speed connection)
- Operating System: Windows XP Professional or above
- Web Browser: Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Apple Safari (AOL's browser is incompatible with many of the Blackboard functions; therefore, the use of AOL's browser is not recommended for taking online courses.)
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How do I register for an online class?
To register for an online class, review the steps in Enrolling in an Online Course.
Why was my online class rejected?
There are several reasons your online class would have been rejected. Here are a few of those reasons. Contact an a counselor at 601-403-1250 or your advisor for further assistance.
- You have never completed an application for PRCC. You must first be admitted to the College before you can take any classes. PRCC Application
- You do not have an ACT score that is high enough to allow you to take certain classes. You must either take remedial classes or receive an override from an advisor.
- There are pre-requisites you have not met for this course. For example, many BOT classes require you to take a level one course before you can take a level two course, and English Composition I must be taken before English Composition II. See an advisor for assistance.
How do I Verify my classes?
To verify your online classes, you will need to login to your Student Profile. In the upper right corner, it will either state "Verified" or "Non-Verified." After using the self-registration process, you have reserved the classes. At this point, the classes are "Non-Verified." The Office of Extended Education & Instructional Design has to officially enter your classes into PRCC's system and the state Enrollment Tool. If you do not have holds or restrictions on your PRCC account, then your classes will be entered and your profile will immediately change to "Verified." If you have holds or restrictions (such as ACT, class pre-requisites, or Business Office Holds), then you should expect to receive an email stating that you were not registered for the class(es). At this point, it is your responsibility to determine why you were denied the class(es). You are encouraged to not delay as classes have a tendency to fill and close. A seat in the class will not be held for you. You will have to re-register.
How do I change my online class schedule?
To change your online class schedule, complete the Schedule Change Form. The form is automatically submitted to the Office of Extended Education & Instructional Design. **Be aware that each schedule change form submitted results in a $15 schedule change fee applied to your account.
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How do I withdraw from my online classes?
The process for withdrawing from online classes depends on when you wish you withdraw.
- If you are planning to withdraw from a class before the beginning of a semester, complete the Schedule Change Form.
- If you are withdrawing after the semester has begun, then complete the Withdrawal Form. You are allowed to complete this form until the 75% point in the semester. This date is posted both in the PRCC Blackboard and on the Distance Learning web site each semester.
What is my Student Profile?
The Student Profile is a list of the online courses for which you registered for any particular semester. After completing the self-registration for online classes, your student profile will read Non-Verified which means you have reserved your seat in the classes, but you are not officially registered until the Office of Extended Education & Instructional Design reviews your classes. After reviewing the courses you requested, the courses will either be Verified or rejected (See Why was my online class rejected?) To confirm your registration, access your Student Profile. As stated in the Self Registration instructions, your course requests have been accepted when your profile status changes to "Verified."
How do I view my Student Profile?
There are several links to the Student Profile throughout the PRCC Distance Learning web site. Your Student Profile can be accessed at http://sbcjcweb.sbcjc.cc.ms.us/msvccvisitor/studentlogin.asp.
Where do I get my textbooks for my online class?
Students taking online courses are responsible for acquiring the required textbooks by whatever means he or she chooses. Students may choose to place an order for textbooks required for online courses from the PRCC Bookstore. Purchasing textbooks for online classes follows much the same procedure as for traditional classes; however, the Student Profile provides specific information regarding textbooks for online classes. Options for obtaining textbooks for online classes:
- Students may choose to place an order for textbooks required for online courses from the PRCC Bookstore. Visit the PRCC Business Office, obtain a Clearance Slip, and take the Clearance Slip and the Student Profile to the Textbooks Store to purchase the textbooks. This method will allow you to use Financial Aid to purchase the textbooks.
- Students may also choose to place their online book order from MBS Direct. Students choosing to place their online book order from MBS Direct who plan to pay by credit card may contact MBS Direct themselves. Students authorized to make charges to their accounts must complete an online textbook order form in its entirety. To order textbooks, students can visit the bookstore web site at http://www.prcc.edu and click on the link for "online textbook orders" or come in to either of the PRCC campus bookstores. Students must submit a copy of their Student Profile along with each order. After the online textbook order form has been completed, the student can bring the form along with a copy of their Student Profile to the campus bookstore or fax a copy to the store nearest them. STudents using Financial Aid must have the amount of Financial Aid verified by the Business OFfice before an order can be placed. TExtbooks ordered from MBS Direct may be returned directly to MBS Direct for refund or credit (based on the return policy set by MBS Direct). All orders being charged to the student's account must be delivered to the PRCC Bookstore for verification.
- Use the information on the Student Profile to purchase the textbooks from a vendor of your choice such as Amazon.com. Financial Aid cannot be used for this purchase; however, Financial Aid refunds that are received later in the semester can be used to pay for charges incurred.
- From the PRCC web site, select Rent Your Textbooks. You will not be able to use your financial aid monies until you receive your refund, but textbooks acquired through this means are less expensive than those bought outright.
The student should have the textbooks required for online courses in his/her possession on or before the day online classes begin. STudents must use the exact ISBN for the text rather than simply the title of the text. Many "textbooks: are bundles which include access codes. USed textbooks purchased from online vendors, other bookstores, or other students are not guaranteed to have the proper access codes. Be mindful of the fact that many textbooks change from semester to semester due to requirements from the publishers.
Additional Textbook information.
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How do I login to the PRCC Blackboard?
To login to the PRCC Blackboard, go to this web site: http://pearlrivercc.blackboard.com.
Your username is the first part of your PRCC email address. For example, if your email address is john.smith.4@student.prcc.edu, then your username for Blackboard is john.smith.4 only.
Your password is the six-digit PIN that you use to access the Wildcat Web and your student email. If you do not know your six-digit PIN, refer to these instructions.
What is my Blackboard username?
Your Blackboard username is the first part of your PRCC email address. For example, if your email address is john.smith.4@student.prcc.edu, then your username for Blackboard is john.smith.4 only.
What is my Blackboard Password?
Your password is the six-digit PIN that you use to access the Wildcat Web and your student email.
If you do not know your six-digit PIN, you have a few options.
- The first time you login to Wildcat Web, your six-digit PIN is a randomly generated number. If you are a new student, then contact Information Technology to acquire your PIN. On the first day of class, your instructors should also have this information for you.
- If you are a person who was a student at PRCC several years ago, you may need to contact Information Technology at 601-403-1219 to either learn your PIN or to reactivate your PIN.
- If you have logged into Wildcat Web and do not remember your PIN, before contacting Information Technology, use the "Forgot PIN" feature to see if you have saved a hint to help you remember your PIN.
When can I login to the PRCC Blackboard?
You can log into Blackboard within 24 hours after you register for courses and the courses have been verified in Wildcat Web by office personnel.
Why can't I see my classes in the PRCC Blackboard?
Even though you are able to login to Blackboard, your courses will not appear until the first day of classes. Keep in mind that traditional day and night classes begin before online classes. You will see those day and night classes in Blackboard before seeing the online courses.
How do I contact my online class instructor?
To contact your online instructor, look at the information in your course or on your Student Profile. The instructor information will be in the course syllabus and is often located in a separate link in the course called "Instructor Information." Unless your instructor has told you to call, it is always best to try to contact the instructor through email first. All PRCC online instructors are in our Instructor Listing.
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Dual Enrollment
What is dual enrollment?
The term dual enrollment can mean several things depending on the circumstances. Dual Enrollment can mean:
- a student enrolled at more than one college
- a student enrolled in academic as well as career/technical courses
- a high school student enrolled in college courses
For purposes of the Office of Extended Education & Instructional Design, dual enrollment references high school students. A high school student is dually enrolled if he or she takes college classes in any of the following formats: day classes, night classes, weekend classes, online classes, or college classes taught by a high school instructor during the school day at the student's high school.
What are the requirements for high school dual enrollment?
A high school student is eligible for dual enrollment at Pearl River Community College if the student has:
- Completed a minimum of 14 core high school units (exception: any student who has earned a minimum of 30 on the ACT and has the required GPA and recommendation as described below can participate even if 14 core credits have not been earned)
- Earned a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, or better, on all high school courses, as documented on an official high school transcript
- Obtained an unconditional written recommendation from their high school principal and/or guidance counselor
- Scored the appropriate sub-test scores on the English, Reading, and Mathematics subtests of the ACT test: English (16 or above), Reading (16 or above), and Mathematics(18 or above)
- All dual enrollment students must have ACT scores on file with PRCC.
How does a high school apply for Option 1 dual enrollment classes?
- Complete the Request for Dual Enrollment and submit this form to the PRCC Office of Extended Education and Instructional Design. It is very important that you submit the information regarding the instructor for the course. If that individual has never taught for PRCC, then his or her transcript will have to be approved before the course is approved.
- After the request has been approved, complete and submit the Articulation Agreement.
- Each student must submit a PRCC application, a Transcript & Grade Request form, a Student/Parent Dual Enrollment Agreement form, and submit an official high school transcript. ACT scores should be on file with the PRCC Admission's Office. If the student did not request scores be sent to PRCC at the time of the testing, it is the student's responsibility to do this prior to the beginning of the course.
- A letter of reference for each student must be written by the high school principal or high school counselor. One letter listing each student is sufficient.
- The student (or school if it chooses) is responsible for the cost of the textbook for the course. Textbook prices vary from course to course and from semester to semester. Please contact the Office of Extended Education and Instructional Design at 601-403-1374 to determine the current textbook cost.
Each of these items for each student must be submitted to the Office of Extended Education and Instructional Design.
How much do high school dual enrollment classes cost?
Students taking regular day, night, weekend, or online classes pay regular tuition for each class. Students taking a college course taught by a high school instructor, during the regular school day, at the student's high school pay $25 per class plus the cost of the textbook. Textbook costs are subject to change. For current textbook prices, contact the Office of Extended Education & Instructional Design and ask for dual enrollment textbook prices.
Who teaches high school dual enrollment classes?
Regular day classes, night classes, weekend classes, and online classes are taught by an instructor employed by the College. Dual Enrollment classes taught at the high school (Option 1 Dual Enrollment) are taught by an instructor who is employed by the local K-12 district. This instructor must be qualified according to the SACS requirements to which PRCC adheres. Before a dual enrollment course is approved, the instructor's credentials must be approved.
What are the high school dual enrollment instructor's responsibilities?
Once approved to teach a course, the instructor is the primary contact with the College. From time to time a principal or a counselor may assist in the initial establishment of the course, but the instructor is the person who completes the online enrollment information and submits grades. Instructor Responsibilities include:
Instructors unsure of the process for accessing Wildcat Web can contact the Office of Extended Education and Instructional Design at 601-403-1374. Enrollment Audit Instructions.
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Instructional Design
How do I login to PRCC Blackboard?
The URL for the PRCC Blackboard is http://pearlrivercc.blackboard.com.
Username is the first part of the PRCC email address. For example, if the email is john.smith.4@student.prcc.edu, then the username is john.smith.4.
Password is the six-digit PIN used to access Wildcat Web.
What is Wildcat Web?
Wildcat Web is the database system used by PRCC. All student data is maintained in this database. Students can login to Wildcat Web to register for classes (except online classes), view grades, and review financial aid information.
To access Wildcat Web, go to http://www.prcc.edu and select Wildcat Web. The URL directly to Wildcat Web is http://pr6.prcc.edu:8020/pls/prcc/twbkwbis.P_GenMenu?name=homepage.
How do I login to Wildcat Web?
Access Wildcat Web by visiting http://www.prcc.edu and selecting Wildcat Web. The URL directly to Wildcat Web is http://pr6.prcc.edu:8020/pls/prcc/twbkwbis.P_GenMenu?name=homepage.
On the login screen, use the following information to login to Wildcat Web.
Username is the PRCC Student ID. If you do not know your Student ID, follow the My Unique PRCC ID Number directions.
PIN- The first time you login to Wildcat Web, your six-digit PIN is a randomly generated number. If you attend Orientation, your PIN will be provided for you at this time. On the first day of class, your instructors should also have this information for you. When you change your WIldcat Web PIN, within 24 hours, this new six-digit number will be your password for email and for PRCC Blackboard.
More instructions on logging into Wildcat Web.
What is my PRCC student email address?
PRCC Student email addresses use the following format: student's first name.student's last name.student's day of birth. For example, student John Smith with a date of birth of March 10, 1985 would have an email address of john.smith.10@student.prcc.edu.
If more than one John Smith shares the number 10, as his date of birth, then the system automatically generates the number.
To precisely determine your unique email address, login to Wildcat Web, select Personnel Information, and View Email Address.
More information on determining your PRCC student email.
How do I login to PRCC student email?
The URL to access PRCC student email is http://student.prcc.edu. At this site, enter your PRCC student email address and your password.
Password for PRCC student email is the six-digit PIN used to access Wildcat Web.
More information on the PRCC student email system (Gmail).
How can I change my passwords to Wildcat Web, PRCC Email, and Blackboard?
Since the password for all three systems is the same, users are only allowed to change the password in one location - Wildcat Web. Access Wildcat Web and change your PIN.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU ALLOW 24 HOURS FOR THIS CHANGE TO FILTER THROUGH WILDCAT WEB AND INTO PRCC STUDENT EMAIL AND BLACKBOARD. DO NOT CONTINUE CHANGING THE PIN UNTIL YOU HAVE WAITED THE 24 HOUR PERIOD FOR THE CHANGE TO FILTER THROUGH THE OTHER SYSTEMS.
Why aren't all my instructors using technology?
Each instructor is free to select the tools he or she uses to supplement instruction. If you are accustomed to instructors using technology or would like to see technology used as a supplemental tool in classes, then encourage your instructors to approach the Office of Extended Education & Instructional Design about instructional technology options.
Where can I access Blackboard on campus?
Any Internet accessible computer can access Blackboard. At all locations, students are encouraged to visit the campus library. However, if you are an online student, do NOT depend on any campus computer for access to Blackboard. An online student should have access to their own personal computer.
What are Clickers?
Instructors who opt to use Clickers will convey this to students during the first class meeting by giving a Clicker Card to the students. Students will take their card to the Textbook Store to purchase the Clicker.
A Clicker is a tool by which students will respond to instructor prompts. Clickers can be used to take attendance, conduct quizzes, and quickly asses knowledge of concepts.
For more information about Clickers, visit eInstruction.
What are hybrid classes?
Hybrid classes are a blend of both traditional classes and online classes. Hybrid classes are often called blended classes.
For more information regarding a variety of schedule types, review Types of Schedules.
What are weekend classes?
Weekend classes allow a student to take a class in a time frame that is outside the normal two or three day a week schedule. A weekend class meets three weekends and on that final weekend, students take the final exam for the course. Here is the times a weekend class will meet:
| Friday |
6:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. |
| Saturday |
8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. |
| Sunday |
1:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. |
| Friday |
6:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. |
| Saturday |
8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. |
| Sunday |
1:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. |
| Friday |
6:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. (final exam) |
For more information regarding a variety of schedule types, review Types of Schedules.
What is a four day week?
A four day week is an alternative to the traditional five day school week. Many colleges that avail themselves of a four day week offer Monday/ Wednesday classes that are the same time frame as Tuesday/Thursday classes.
PRCC has a number of classes that meet just on Monday and Wednesday. These classes can be identified in the current course schedule. (From the PRCC homepage- http://www.prcc.edu- select Class Schedules and the current schedule provided.)
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Weekend / Night Classes
Which night classes are addressed by the Office of Extended Education & Instructional Design?
Night classes in Picayune, Poplarville, Sumrall, and Columbia are part of the Extended Education & Instructional Design umbrella.
How many nights to night classes meet?
Traditional night classes meet one night per week for __ weeks. (The number of weeks depends on whether it is a summer, fall, or spring night class.
Do night classes meet even when the College is closed for a holiday?
It depends on the holiday. Here is a list of the nights that classes DO meet even if the College is closed:
- Memorial Day Holiday
- Columbus Day Holiday
- Martin Luther King Holiday
What is the schedule for a weekend class?
Weekend classes allow a student to take a class in a time frame that is outside the normal two or three day a week schedule. A weekend class meets three weekends and on that final weekend, students take the final exam for the course. Here are the times a weekend class will meet:
| Friday |
6:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. |
| Saturday |
8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. |
| Sunday |
1:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. |
| Friday |
6:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. |
| Saturday |
8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. |
| Sunday |
1:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. |
| Friday |
6:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. (final exam) |
For more information regarding a variety of schedule types, review Types of Schedules.
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