Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC) offers continuing education instruction that is consistent with the institution’s mission, which states that DSCC provides leadership in public service activities, workforce development projects, and educational collaborations designed to cultivate integrity and self worth, to embrace lifelong learning, to promote diversity, and to improve the community at large by producing educated and productive members of society. In addition, DSCC offers a Continuing Education Program that provides educational opportunities for children and adults. These statements which are extracted from DSCC’s Mission Statement summarize the philosophy and intent of DSCC to be responsive to the economic, training and community development needs of the DSCC service area through its continuing education programs [Ref 1].

DSCC offers continuing education courses to respond to the needs of the general public, business and industry and external agencies [Ref 2]. Needs are determined through ongoing communication with area business, industry and community groups. This communication may occur through various means such as chamber events, manufacturers’ councils, civic groups and direct requests.

Continuing Education courses are designed to provide entry-level or upgraded skill training that addresses a wide variety of technologies; soft skills, such as teamwork, motivation, time management; occupational demand; and personal enrichment areas. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are awarded for attendance and completion of each course. The Office of Continuing Education is responsible for the development and offering of Continuing Education courses and activities, including online Continuing Education courses [Ref 2].

Contract training classes are provided for business and industry to meet a particular need to train new or incumbent workers [Ref 2]. Industrial maintenance courses in the areas of Basic AC/DC Electrical Systems, Motor Controls, Programmable Logic Controllers, Troubleshooting, Fluid Power and Mechanics are provided at the DSCC Obion County Training and Education Center [Ref 3]. These classes are primarily coordinated by the Industrial Training Specialist and the Dean of Continuing Education [Ref 4].

Personal enrichment and community classes are also provided for persons in the service area of DSCC. These courses include programs for youth, personal interest and leisure learning. Course options include traditional instructor-led on-ground as well as online delivery methods. These courses are coordinated by the Executive Aide for the Office of Continuing Education [Ref 2].

Continuing Education programs and offerings are evaluated each semester. An analysis is completed to determine the courses for which the interest or demand is not adequate to support the cost of holding the course. In addition, a review is done to determine new course offerings requested by the various entities in the service area. Each course is evaluated and, if viable, the course is offered the following semester. A formal program review is done periodically to ensure that Continuing Education activities and programs are consistent with the mission of DSCC [Ref 5].