Dabney S. Lancaster Community College (DSLCC) awards Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees in occupational/technical areas. These degree programs are designed primarily for individuals seeking employment upon graduation and are based on occupational needs and trends within the service area of the College.

Each A.A.S. program contains a general education component which includes courses in written and oral communications, health or physical education, social sciences, humanities and mathematics, as well as an orientation to the higher education environment. Each degree program includes one or more courses which support computer competency.

Students may aspire to transfer to a four-year institution. Students planning to transfer should work with their academic advisor and faculty advisor to substitute transferable arts and sciences courses.

Students entering from high school vocational education programs may receive advanced placement. In addition, several programs are Tech Prep (A.A.S.) majors which allow entering students credit for course work previously completed, as stipulated in the official Tech Prep curriculum agreement with feeder high schools. The College is a member of the Tech Prep Educational Consortium of Western Virginia, with five area school divisions.

The major components of the A.A.S. Degree programs are built upon the knowledge, skills and attitudes that students need to perform successfully in their chosen field. Careful attention should be paid to academic standards which are needed to progress in each of the degree programs, including sequenced courses and prerequisites or corequisites required.

Basic Computer Competencies Requirements

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) believes that all students should experience a teaching-learning environment that espouses computer and information literacy in accessing electronic resources and applying knowledge through technology. The VCCS endorses the principle of computer competency for all students intent on completing a curriculum in specific computer competencies defined within programs and by individual institutions.

The computer competent student will:

be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of computing concepts, components, and operations to accomplish educational and career tasks
be able to use appropriate components of an integrated productivity software package involving word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and/or communication applications
be able to access, retrieve, assess, and apply networked information resources, e.g., on-line catalog, virtual libraries, the Internet and World Wide Web
be able to use telecommunication software, e.g., electronic mail, listservs, bulletin boards, and/or newsgroups, to communicate with faculty, students, and information providers

DSLCC requires courses in each associate degree curriculum which give students the opportunity to master the above skills. In addition, many elective courses are offered which give the student additional opportunity for skill building.

It is the policy of Dabney S. Lancaster Community College to promote equal opportunity in educational programs and activities, admissions and employment, without regard to race, creed, gender, national origin, disability or any other non-merit factor. For concerns or information requests pertaining to students, contact the Director of Student Services and Research (540/863-2850). For matters related to employment, contact the Human Resources Officer (540/863-2808).