Distance learning at Patrick Henry Community College is defined as a formal educational process in which the majority of the instruction occurs when student and instructor are not in the same place. Distance learning courses at PHCC enable students to achieve their educational goals by delivering academically sound courses and educational support services that are flexible and responsive. Courses are designed for students who are unable to travel to the main campus or who need to work independently to pursue academic goals outside the traditional classroom setting. Distance learning courses are equivalent academically to traditional courses, and many meet general education and transfer requirements.
Students can take a single course or earn a degree or certificate through distance learning. However, distance learning is NOT for everyone; it requires a strong student commitment. Successful distance learning students are self-disciplined, self-aware, motivated, good readers, and possess good learning and study strategies.
All PHCC distance learning courses are web-based. Therefore, distance learning students must have access to the internet. PHCC provides a number of computer labs with this access. Distance learning courses are listed in the class schedule and can be identified by the words “Distance Learning” in place of the days. Students enrolling in any distance learning course should have their textbooks and other required material purchased by the beginning of class.
Patrick Henry Community College is an approved institution of the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
Students who wish to file a complaint are expected to follow the Student Grievance Process for Academic and Non-Academic. This procedure defines the rights of students in settling problems and differences through an orderly grievance procedure.
As a last resort, students may file a formal complaint with the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV), this includes all distance learning students from SARA states. Detailed information about SCHEV’s formal student complaint procedure, the types of complaints they will not address, or to file a written “Student Complaint Form” with the agency can be found on the SCHEV Student Complaint.
PHCC offers Shared Services Distance Learning (SSDL) courses through Northern Virginia Community College's Extended Learning Institute (ELI). Students can take unique online courses that offer a broader choice of career and educational content. These shared courses can also help students who have just a few course requirements to complete a degree. Students register and pay through PHCC and enjoy all of the same campus resources.