Morgantown Catalog Section I – Background

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History

West Virginia Junior College was founded in 1922. The institution (originally called Morgantown Commercial College) was located on High Street and if offered basic courses that emphasized business skills required at the time, such as typing, bookkeeping and penmanship. The institution grew over the decades both in student body and course offerings.

In 1952, the institution received its initial institutional accreditation and it was renamed the Morgantown Business College. As it grew, the institution began expanding its curriculum by adding medical and computer courses. In 1968, the current campus was constructed, and the institution moved from its original location on High Street to its current location.

In the 1970’s, the institution continued to expand both its computer and medical curriculums. In the early 1970’s, it was one of the first institutions in the state to develop a curriculum for the evolving career field that is known today as medical assisting. Also, in the 1970’s, the institution was granted the authority to offer associate degrees by what was then known as the West Virginia Board of Regents. (Today, the institution is authorized to operate as a post-secondary institution by the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education.)

Growth in both student body and curriculum offerings continued in the 1980’s as the institution established a branch campus in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. In the 1990’s, the institution embarked on a program to upgrade and enhance both the institution and its curriculum. As a result, in 1998 the Institution received a higher grant of accreditation and changed its name to West Virginia Junior College. Recognizing the increasing need for medical personnel, the institution has continued to increase its emphasis on health career education.

Approvals/Accreditation/Authorization to Operate

• West Virginia Junior College is institutionally accredited* by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools to award diplomas and associate’s degrees. The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools contact information is 6116 Executive Blvd, Suite 730, North Bethesda, MD 20852, Phone (301) 291-7550.
• West Virginia Junior College is authorized to offer post-secondary education programs leading to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree in the state of West Virginia in accordance with its permit issued by the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education, 1018 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Suite 700, Charleston, WV 25301, (304) 558-0265 in accordance with Chapter 18B of the West Virginia State Code.

• The West Virginia Junior College Nursing program is granted state accreditation by the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses. 5001 MacCorkle Avenue, SW, South Charleston, WV 25309, Phone (304) 744-0900.

• The associate degree nursing program at West Virginia Junior College at the Morgantown campus located in Morgantown, WV is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000 acenursing.org The most recent decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the associate degree nursing program is Initial Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenuring.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm

• West Virginia Junior College is certified by the S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20202 (800) 872-5327, under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended to participate in Title IV student aid programs.
• West Virginia Junior College offers some programs that are approved by the State Approving Agency (through the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, 1018 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Suite 700, Charleston, WV 25301, (304) 558-0263) for students to use veterans’ benefits. Please check with the financial aid office to confirm if your program of interest is an approved program prior to enrolling.
• West Virginia Junior College is approved under the U.S. Department of Labor WorkForce Investment Act to train WorkForce Act eligible individuals.

*Accreditation is a complex subject. This institution is “institutionally” accredited by a national accreditation agency. Other types of accreditation include regional institutional, and programmatic accreditation. The type of accreditation can impact important student benefits, such as academic credit transfer and graduate job eligibility. Prospective students should direct any accreditation questions to the Campus President before enrolling.

Note: For the most current information regarding Approval/Accreditation/Authorization, please ask the Campus President.

Statement of Legal Control

The West Virginia Junior College is a private corporation. It operates a main campus in Morgantown, WV and an additional campuses in Uniontown, PA and Irwin, PA. The corporation has no other campuses and is not affiliated with any other public or private organization or educational institution. WVJC operates under policies and guidelines established by its Board of Directors. Its Chief Executive Officer is its on-site Campus President.

The Campus President is charged with responsibility to manage all aspects of the campus operation and to exercise such discretion as he/she deems appropriate, within the broad guidelines and policies established by the Board of Directors. The institution’s corporate officers execute legal documents and perform other similar ministerial functions as required of corporate officers by law. No corporate officer has managerial or administrative responsibility and is not in the chain of command, unless he or she also holds the position of Campus President.

General Information

IMPORTANT NOTICE – Students are expected to read and be familiar with this catalog before they begin classes. It contains important information for attendance at this campus. The student’s and Institution’s contractual rights and responsibilities to each other are contained in the student’s enrollment agreement, arbitration agreement, if any, and this catalog is incorporated into and is a part of the enrollment agreement. (In the event of a conflict between the enrollment agreement and this catalog, the enrollment agreement controls.)

This catalog, the student’s enrollment agreement and arbitration agreement, if any, shall be considered the only official documents of the Institution. Brochures, advertisements or documents and/or oral statements should be considered for general informational purposes only, are subject to change with or without notice, and do not create any legally binding rights or responsibilities on the part of the Institution or the student. This catalog is current at the time of printing; however, the Institution reserves the right to make changes, additions, or deletions or to waive or change any requirement or rule, or to terminate any other campus or educational activities or services, where the administration, in its sole opinion, deems such actions to be appropriate. Attachments to this catalog (appendixes, supplements, etc.) if any, are a part of this catalog and should be referred to where pertinent. Any obligation to provide any benefits or services offered by this Institution (such as review privileges, placement assistance, etc.) shall end if the Institution terminates operation of this campus.

This catalog is current at the time of publication. Check with the Registrar for updated information.

Non-Discrimination Policy

This Institution does not discriminate in any of its programs, activities, services or employment practices on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, age, color, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other prohibited criteria. The institution will conduct all of its activities in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal anti-discrimination laws. For all disabilities, accessibility to facilities and services will be made through reasonable accommodations in accordance with legal requirements. Any inquiries concerning such matters should be made to the Campus President.

Student Accommodations Policy

The Institution prohibits discrimination based on disability and is committed to ensuring that all qualified individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in educational programs and activities on an equal basis. In accordance with applicable law and College policies, the College will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities on an individualized, case-by-case basis.

Students who wish to request accommodations should note the following:

• A student requesting an accommodation based on a disability must have a disability covered by law and meet the academic and technical standards required for admission or participation in the College’s programs and activities, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Appropriate supporting documentation may be requested. Documentation requirements vary according to each individual’s disability and situation and must be from a qualified professional with relevant experience and no personal relationship with the individual being evaluated. Appropriate supporting documentation will generally provide information to establish the existence of the disability, describe the nature of the disability, explain the limitations of the student, and offer accommodation recommendations.
• Accommodation requests and supporting documentation are reviewed on an individualized, case-by-case basis.
• The College will engage in an interactive process with the student to determine what, if any, reasonable accommodations are available. Accommodations are not retroactive.
• The College is only obligated to provide reasonable accommodations. An accommodation is not reasonable if it would result in an undue burden or require a fundamental alteration of the College’s programs or activities.

Once a student’s accommodation request has been approved, the College will prepare an Accommodation Plan outlining the approved accommodations.

Any complaint or grievance based on this policy will be addressed in accordance with the Internal Grievance Complaint Policy and Procedure found in the College    Catalog.

Mission

West Virginia Junior College is dedicated to providing an opportunity to individuals who desire specialized career training delivered through either a residential or online education experience. It is through the educational process that students receive support and encouragement so they may reach their full potential. This Institution believes this will enhance employability. To accomplish this important goal, this Institution is committed to career training which emphasizes skills, attitudes, and work habits consistent with good business practices through educational excellence.

This Institution maintains the philosophy that the “student comes first” and practices and “open door” policy allowing students accessibility to all faculty and administrative staff. A cohesive bond between the student and the school is developed as a result of this open communication and is fundamental in the development of the skills and knowledge necessary to prepare for entry into a career field. The mission of the Institution will be accomplished by the achievement of the following objectives:

a. Continually offer students viable career options by providing quality educational programs based on employer-driven requirements.
b. Maintaining a qualified faculty and staff dedicated to the personal and professional development of each student.
c. Develop each student’s ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to think critically.
d. Constantly analyze and update curricula to remain in the forefront of changing and emerging technologies.

Institutional Operating Standards

The following standards have been adopted by this institution to govern its operations and establish expectations for all employees:

• To provide quality value-added service to our customers,
• To exhibit a high level of ethical standards in every action taken and statement made,
• To comply with all federal, state or other laws, rules or regulations,
• To operate in the progressive, professional manner required in a competitive, worldwide marketplace while always maintaining the above three principles.

While these standards are general in nature, they reflect the institution’s expectations that all employees and representatives act with integrity, honesty and fairness at all times. This applies to both conduct involving students and fellow employees as well as to the general public, the government, and all regulatory agencies and their staff. The institution recognizes that its reputation is its most valuable asset, and its reputation depends on the actions of its employees, hence, the above-stated requirements.

Affiliations

The Institution is a member of the following:

WV Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
Chamber of Commerce

Separate Educational Centers

WV STEPS
64 Medical Center Drive, HSC South Room 3642, Morgantown, WV 26506

DAVIS MEDICAL CENTER
812 Gorman Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241

LOGAN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
20 Hospital Drive, Logan, WV 25601

MONHEALTH STONEWALL JACKSON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
230 Hospital Plaza, Weston, WV 26452

ROANE GENERAL HOSPITAL
200 Hospital Drive, Spencer, WV 25276

GREENBRIER VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER
1320 Maplewood Avenue, Ronceverte, WV 24970