University/College Review: Central Virginia Community College

I attended Central Virginia Community College (CVCC for short) off and on between 1996 and 2003. I completed three associate degrees. I took a lot of classes there between my majors in general studies, business administration, and marketing.

The faculty and staff at CVCC are excellent. The teachers are both knowledgeable and approachable. And the staff, I don't think that I have ever visited an office on campus and everyone not be smiling.

I think most people know the financial benefits of attending a community college for the first two years and then transferring to a four year school. However, I'm unsure if I agree that it's better to save money than have the experience of attending a four year school for the entire four years. When you only attend a four year school as a transfer and commuter student for two years, you do not know most of your classmates when you graduate from the four year school. But I'm digressing.

A little known benefit of attending a community college is what the classes are like. The students tend to want to be there more than the students at a four year institution. This makes for a better learning environment.

Most of the classes available at CVCC transfer to the local four year colleges. However, it is the student's responsibility to make sure that what they are taking will transfer to their chosen school. I have heard some horror stories of students taking the wrong classes.

Like at most colleges, parking can be a challenge at CVCC. If you park in the main parking lot then you have to walk up a bunch of stairs. On the other hand, if you park up on the hill, then you have to walk uphill. Parking has always been an issue at this school and will probably remain one as they accept more and more students.

The library is rather small. I don't know how it compares with other community colleges, but for a library in general, it is very small. As a CVCC student, though, students are allowed to check out books from other local colleges.

While I was there, I felt like the classes were challenging. However, after I transferred, I realized that CVCC is actually an easy school. If someone didn't do very well in high school, CVCC would be a good preparation for going to a four year college. However, be careful that in your effort to save money that you don't miss out on the four year college experience.