Columbia College

1. History

Columbia College was established in 1999 to support the region’s growing service industry. A facility was then acquired, renovated, equipped, and finally recruited experienced and qualified faculty.

Columbia College was approved by SCHEV (State Council of Higher Education for Virginia) in October of 2005 to offer the following certificate programs: Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), Culinary Arts of Sushi, Computer Basic, English as a Second Language (ESL), Dental Laboratory Technology, and Massage Therapy.

The programs at Columbia College were nationally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE) in February of 2007. Additionally, in January 2008, Columbia College was approved for Associate in Applied Sciences Degrees in Cosmetology, Business Administration, Computer Science, Dental Laboratory Technology, and Associate of Occupational Studies Degrees in Technical and Business English, and Teaching English for Early Childhood by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

In April of 2008, the cosmetology department added new facilities complete with brand new equipment and furnishings. Columbia College is working to constantly expand its programs in order to appeal to a more diverse population of students.

With the support of the entire staff and faculty, the school will continue to focus on improving the quality of education and assuring student success in the professional world.

2. Mission Statement

Columbia College is dedicated to providing quality workforce development programs and services to meet the needs of the Washington Metropolitan area’s citizens and employers through occupation-specific training.

3. Vision of the College

Columbia College strives to provide competitive and responsive professional training programs. It cultivates a student-centered culture that challenges and supports student learning and offers outstanding hands-on professional development programs. The College focuses on excellence in adult educational curricula and delivery which utilize creative approaches to teaching and learning while incorporating the rich cultural diversity of the Metropolitan area.

4. Educational Goals

The curriculum of each college program is guided by the following goals and objectives:

• To provide professional training opportunities that support economic independence in the community.
• To provide academic studies that assist students in developing self-confidence and success in their chosen occupational field of study.
• To provide career training opportunities for students who wish to enter rapidly growing service industries.
• To constantly innovate instruction and improve delivery of academic material for our students.

5. Strategic Objectives

1)Student Support: The College creates a campus environment that promotes equity, opportunities for individual growth, and educational achievement. 2)Excellence in both Teaching and Learning: Columbia College provides professional development opportunities for faculty and administrators benefitting both teacher and student. 3)Staff Development: Columbia College provides staff development programs that foster individual and team professional growth thus leading to a cohesive educational organization. 4)Partnerships: Columbia College has secured partnerships with key community agencies and organizations including those working with immigrant communities.

6. Memberships and Affiliations

Columbia College has expanded its educational and professional boundaries by establishing solid relationships with a variety of affiliations.

 *Nationally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE)  *Certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) to offer college- level programs.  *Authorized to enroll nonimmigrant (F1/M1) students by the U.S. Citizenship

        and Immigration Services (USCIS)

 *American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)  *National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork  *National Association of Dental Laboratories  *National Cosmetology Association  *Supporting member of Careers in Culinary Arts Program  *Virginia Health Care Association (VHCA)  *Virginia Department of Health Profession  *Virginia Board of Nursing

7. Campus and Region

Columbia College is located in the City of Fairfax, which was ranked 3rd on Forbes top 25 places to live in the United States. Fairfax is a suburb just West of Washington D.C. The campus is conveniently located in walking distance of the Dunn-Loring D.C. metro stop making the nation’s capitol easily accessible to our students. Additionally, Fairfax is in the top one percentile for most sole proprietors per capita, meaning there is a demand for skilled labor even during a recession. This means that Columbia College graduates are more likely to find employment right here in the D.C. metropolitan area than the vast majority of U.S. cities.

8. Non-Discrimination Policy

Columbia College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or disability. The College complies with the Civic Rights Act of 1964, related executive orders 11246 and 11375, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Veteran’s Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 and all Civil Rights Laws of the state of Virginia.

9. Admissions Information

Columbia College is committed to equal opportunity in student admissions. Students who are high school graduates or the equivalent, and can benefit from the College’s programs and services shall qualify for admission. Columbia College offers associate’s degree programs, certificate programs, and non-degree programs in order to accommodate a variety of students with different educational objectives and backgrounds. Some students may not qualify for programs with more stringent requirements. For more information, students should contact the appropriate department and/or the admissions office.

A.Criteria for Admission In order to qualify for enrollment in Columbia College, the applicant must meet the following conditions: 1) Be a graduate of an accredited high school or have satisfactorily completed the General Educational Development (GED) examination 2)Be a home schooled student who is in compliance with state and county education guidelines. The compliance form should be submitted with the application form

     B.Required Material

 A completed application form  A non-refundable application fee  Academic diploma/school transcript (at least high school) or GED certification  A copy of a photo ID (passport, driver’s license, state-issued ID)  Student enrollment agreement form  Personal interview

Additional Documents for International Students  I-20 Request form  Financial document (bank statement)  Family census registration form or birth certificate  I-901 SEVIS student exchange/visitor processing fee receipt  Study plan and a letter of willingness to return to his/her country upon the completion

       of the program 

 TOEFL score (minimum score: PBT 500, CBT 173, IBT 61) if applying for an Associate Degree

       program 

C.Admission Procedure 1) Submit a completed application for admission together with the non-refundable application fee. This application can either be sent before the interview or completed at the time of the interview 2) Submit proof of graduation from a high school or equivalent certified by the State Department of Education 3) Students who have requested admission prior to the interview must arrange for a personal interview after acceptance 4)Students must complete an enrollment agreement, which defines all tuition and fees along with the method of payment, in order to secure a position in their desired classes. The enrollment agreement is usually completed during the interview. Out-of-town students can submit a completed agreement by mail

D.International Students Admissions requirements and acceptance procedures are the same as U.S. citizen students In order for international students to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20), he or she must provide the financial document and/or Affidavit of Support Form (I-134) to the admissions office. The I-134 form verifies that all funds will be available for educational and living expenses while a student is studying in the United States. Once accepted, prospective students in foreign countries should apply to the American Consulate in their country for a special student non-quota F-1 or M-1 visa.   10. Orientation

All new students are required to attend orientation program sessions. The purpose of the new student orientation at Columbia College is to provide incoming students with a blueprint of all available resources the school has to offer.

Columbia College provides a comprehensive orientation program that fully prepares students, thereby providing an orderly and smooth transition into the school. During the program, new students will meet the school staff that will serve them during their matriculation. The school’s goal is to facilitate a smooth adjustment into the College.

After the orientation, new students will be familiar with the registration process, receive an overview of each program at Columbia College, get an idea on how they can develop their career, identify learning resources and student services available to them, and understand how to access and receive assistance from the school.

The orientation date will be given to students at the time of enrollment.

11. Student Financial Aid Services

The Federal Student Aid (Title IV) scholarship program is available for students who are U.S. citizens or eligible residents and will work toward a certificate in an eligible program. The purpose of the Federal Student Aid is to provide monetary assistance to students who can benefit from education beyond high school, but who cannot do so without such assistance. It is issued in the form of a grant, low interest loans, and scholarships. The eligible programs at Columbia College are ESL, Dental Laboratory Technology (certificate program), Massage Therapy, and Culinary Arts of Sushi. In order to be eligible for any of these forms of financial aid, the student must be enrolled in Columbia College. Contact the admissions office or the school’s financial aid officer at the school business office for more specific information.

a) Grant i) The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to low- income students to promote access to postsecondary education. Grant amounts vary from $400 to $5,550 per year and are dependent on the student’s financial need.

b) Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) i) FSEOGs are awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. It depends not only on your financial need but also on the amount of other aid you receive and amount of available funds at the time of application. FSEOG awards range from $100 to $4,000 a year.

c) Loan i) FEEL Stafford Subsidized Loan

A subsidized loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. If the student is eligible for a subsidized loan, the government will pay the (subsidized) interest on the student’s loan while he/she is in school and for the first six months after he/she leaves school. The loan can be repaid in the amount of $50 or $100 per month during a period of 10 years

ii) FEEL Stafford Unsubsidized Loan

The student may be able to borrow loan funds beyond his/her subsidized loan amount even if he/she has not demonstrated financial need. In that case, the student would receive an unsubsidized loan. Unlike a subsidized loan, the student is responsible for the interest from the time the unsubsidized loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. Student can choose to pay the interest or allow it to accrue and be capitalized (that is, added to the principal amount of the loan).

Other student financial assistance is available from several external and internal sources such as private financing, the Columbia College Scholarship, and the Columbia College Installment Payment Plan.

a) Private Financing Private financing is available from recommended local banks. Since it is financing from an outside agency, it is not affiliated with the Federal Financial Aid Program. See the financial aid officer in the business office for more information/assistance.

b) Columbia College Scholarship Columbia College has a scholarship for its training programs. Students with excellent academic records will be considered for the scholarship. For more information, please talk to the financial aid officer.

c) Columbia College Installment Payment Plan The Columbia College Preferred Payment Plan is designed to offer students a flexible schedule of tuition payment. A monthly payment plan is available for those who cannot afford to pay the whole amount of the tuition payment in one installment. Contact the financial aid officer in the business office for more information.

12. Career and Student Services

Student Advisement Services provides an academic support system for students at Columbia College. This support system is designed to ensure that Columbia College students have the opportunity to succeed through academic guidance and support.

Student Advisement Services provides comprehensive support through a variety of services and programs. At the student’s request, the school can provide services such as: assistance for disabled students, study skills instruction, academic counseling, tutoring, faculty mentoring and learning enhancement strategies.

By taking advantage of the services offered, students can experience not only academic success, but personal success as well. Each service is designed to benefit the student’s learning experience, assist them with academic challenges, and help achieve their goals while at Columbia College.

Students who complete programs successfully are well prepared to find jobs related to their respective fields of study. While it is impossible to guarantee that each student will find employment in their chosen field at any given time, Columbia College will work with the student to help find satisfactory employment. Program coordinators are also available to provide academic and career advisement to students.

13. Student Housing

Any students who enroll during the academic term are eligible to apply for school housing. Students who would like to get housing can 1) bring his/her family, 2) make a group with other students, or 3) will be grouped with other students who will share the apartment unit. The group will be same gender unless they are family members. Students will be assigned in one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or three-bedroom apartment units, depending on the number of people and availability. The maximum number of people is two per one-bedroom, four per two-bedroom and six per three-bedroom apartments. Preferences such as number of bedrooms or sharing bedrooms with others is considered but not guaranteed.

The minimum length for a housing contract is 3 sessions (30 weeks). The student cannot terminate the contract within this period. If a student absolutely must move out, he/she has to find another student who can fill the remaining period of the contract. If a student wants to move out after 30 weeks, he/she has to notify the school office of his/her intention to move out at least 5 weeks prior to the last date of the contract. The security deposit will be forfeited if a student does not meet the school housing regulations. Students can stay in the school housing units during vacation periods if a tuition deposit for the session (10 weeks) is paid after the vacation.

Before filling out the school housing application, student needs to bring 1) I.D. (driver's license, passport) and 2) income statement. If the student does not have an income in the U.S., he/she can bring a bank statement indicating sufficient funds.

Columbia College housing is affiliated with the following apartment complexes: Arrowood Parc Apartments, Commons of Mclean, Post Properties, and Malkin Properties

14. Academic Policies

1)Academic Freedom

In order to create an atmosphere most conducive to excellent teaching, Columbia College has adopted the following policy for academic freedom.

Academic freedom encourages the flow of ideas with the recognition that the freedom to teach and the freedom to learn carry both rights and responsibilities within the framework of the law and Columbia College’s curricular objectives.

The instructors, staff, and students of Columbia College shall be free from censorship and interference when speaking or writing. However, the authoritative position of instructors entails particular obligations. Instructors and staff, as representatives of Columbia College, are expected to be accurate, objective, and to exercise appropriate judgment and restraint, to encourage a spirit of respect for the opinion of others, and ensure the relevancy of subject matter in their respective subjects.

2)Faculty Responsibility

Columbia College requires faculty participation in curriculum development, academic planning, and the enforcement of academic quality.

The faculty has the responsibility to set, supervise, and enforce standards of academic quality that are necessary for maintaining the integrity of a Columbia College degree.

The faculty and the administration shall have collective responsibility for academic planning and for carrying out the mission of the institution.

3) Academic Term & Class Hours

Columbia College operates on a session system. The academic year is divided into five 10-week sessions. Each 10-week session has an A and B schedule. Schedule “A” meets for ten weeks and Schedule “B” meets the last five weeks of the session. Columbia College conducts classes during days, evenings and weekends. Day classes begin at 8:30 or 9:00 am, depending on the program. Evening classes begin at 5:30 or 6:00 pm, depending on the program.

Columbia College’s certificate programs operate on a clock hour system. Students must complete the full clock hours assigned for each program.

Columbia College may also refer to one of several institutions of higher education in North America:

In Canada

• Columbia College (Alberta), in Calgary
• Columbia College (British Columbia), a two-year liberal arts institution in Vancouver
• Columbia International College, a private preparatory school in Hamilton, Ontario

In the United States

• Columbia College Chicago, a large arts and communications college in Chicago, Illinois
• Columbia College (California), a community college in Sonora
• Columbia College (Missouri), a liberal arts college in Columbia
• Columbia College (Oregon), in Milton-Freewater, Oregon; listed on the National Register of Historic Places
• Columbia College (South Carolina), a private women's liberal arts college in Columbia
• Columbia College (Virginia), a community college in Fairfax, Virginia
• Columbia College, Columbia University, an undergraduate college at Columbia University in the City of New York
• Columbia College Hollywood, a film school in Los Angeles, California