Community college offers no textbook classes

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WYTHEVILLE (WCC) -   Going to college just got a little bit less expensive for students at Wytheville Community College (WCC). WCC now offers students significant savings by providing classes this fall that do not require them to buy books or supplemental course materials. This cost-saving measure is possible through WCC's use of open educational resources in several selected courses.

Nearly 20 courses with almost 30 sections will not require a textbook or will use materials that cost less than $40. These classes will be offered both online and on campus at WCC's main campus, WCC at the Crossroads Institute in Galax, and WCC at the Summit Center in Marion.

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Last year, WCC's administration committed to offering a "zero" textbook cost degree, the Associates of Arts and Sciences in Science with a Specialization in Mathematics. As part of this initiative, 10 faculty members who teach core courses for the math degree began designing the no-cost classes.

These courses are not just available for students in the math degree program.  Popular offerings such as College Chemistry I (CHM 111), Introduction to Communication (CST 110), College Composition I (ENG 111), Introduction to Computer Applications and Concepts (ITE 115), Precalculus II (MTH 164), Principles of Sociology (SOC 200), and College Success Skills (SDV 100) will be offered without textbooks when WCC classes begin August 22, 2016.

In addition, WCC's schedule also includes low or no-cost textbook option courses in Administrative Support Technology, Business, Communication Studies and Theatre, Health, Humanities, Information Technology Database, and Information Technology Essentials.

"WCC recognizes that the cost of textbooks can be a financial burden to many students," said Dr. Lorri Huffard, Vice President of Instruction and Student Development.  "WCC is committed to making a college education as affordable as possible, and our faculty have done an outstanding job in identifying high quality open educational resources to help students save money."

For more information on these courses or to register for courses please contact WCC's Academic Resource Center at (276)223-4825.