Foreword

This handbook is prepared and published in order to give each student another source of information about this college and its activities. Any worthy institution will, in the course of years, come to stand for practices, customs and ideals which give it a spirit and character of its own. This handbook represents an effort on the part of the Office of Student Affairs to relate facts and policies concerning Pearl River Community College. Through the use of this book, the members of the student body should develop an understanding and appreciation of their college and the ideals for which it stands. It is  not assumed that these policies are complete, nor will they serve indefinitely. They will be amended as changes in local conditions and practices may indicate.

• PRCC reserves the right to change all policies, rules, or procedures stated herein.
• PRCC offers equal education opportunities to all persons without regard to sex, race, religion, color, national origin, handicap, age or marital status.

Pearl River Community College is the pioneer junior college in the State of Mississippi, beginning with the 1921-22 session. This institution has been the leader in the field of higher education and has a tradition for maintaining high academic standards throughout its history. PRCC graduates have won distinction in every line of endeavor and have made valuable contributions to our society. The goal of this great institution has been, and shall continue to be, to provide its citizens with quality, economical, and convenient learning opportunities. Your college is truly what the River Magic is all about.

Accreditations

Pearl River Community College, a member   of the American Association of Community & Junior Colleges and the Mississippi Association of Colleges, is accredited by the Commission on  Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees.

Statement of Philosophy

Located in South Mississippi, prcc is an open admission, community based, comprehensive institution designed to provide economical and quality educational opportunities to residents of Forrest, Hancock, Jefferson Davis, Lamar, Marion, and Pearl River counties. The college, organized by the Pearl River County Board of Supervisors and approved by the Legislature in 1921, has developed an educational mission characterized by diversification, growth, and community orientation. The mission of PRCC reflects this philosophy.

College Mission

Pearl River College IS A PUBLICLY supported comprehensive community college. Its mission is to serve its six county district with quality academic, vocational and technical programs, workforce training, remedial education, distance education, student services, and cultural programs.

Goals

In order to accomplish its mission, PRCC seeks to provide:
Academic courses equivalent to the first two years of a bachelors degree for students planning to transfer to a university or senior college.
Technical and vocational courses to prepare students for careers or to enhance present skills.

• Guidance, counseling, learning resources, financial aid, and other student services.
• Activities and events in the fine arts, humanities, and athletics to enrich the cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities of the College and the community.
• Remedial instruction in basic skills such as language, mathematics, and reading necessary for academic and career advancement.
• Training to advance the skills of the workforce of the community.
• NOTE — Policies and procedures which govern the Distance Education Program and courses offered at PRCC will be published in a Distance Education Manual and will be on the college's website.

As Mississippi's first twoyear institution of higher learning, Pearl River Community College has a history of leadership in providing quality higher education in our state. As we move into the 21st century our institutional focus, as always, remains on our students. Our commitment to you as a student at PRCC is that we will go beyond the call of duty in providing you with a quality educational experience while you are on our campus.
 The faculty, staff, and administration at PRCC is committed to helping our students achieve the goals they have set for themselves. We realize that we live in a changing and demanding world that requires that our students be better prepared than ever before. Whether our students move from our campus to the world of work or on to additional higher educational opportunities, we want to provide them with the knowledge and skills that will ensure their future success.
 This handbook is designed to serve as a guide for your educational experience at Pearl River. We hope that this document will provide you with the answers to many of the questions you may have about life on our campus and will assist in making your school year successful and productive.
 Please accept my personal best wishes for a great school year.

Dr. William Lewis

Welcome from the Dean of Student Affairs

Welcome to Pearl River Community College for the 2002-2003 school year. You are considered the most important person on our campus and PRCC is committed to meeting your educational needs on a daily basis. We are extremely proud of our student services and strive to make every effort in helping you to have an enjoyable and successful educational experience.
 Each student is encouraged to use the many student services provided here at Pearl River. Our goal is that these services will greatly enhance your educational experience with us. My office door is always open to you, so feel free to call on me or any of my staff in student services at any time.
 Let me encourage you to review the ’Cat Country Guide and use it to be an informed student with us. Best wishes to you for a successful year at The River.

Dr. Miller Hammill

Alma Mater

School Calendar
2002 FALL SEMESTER
 

August 12	Day & Night Class Registration (Hattiesburg Campus)
August 13	Night Class Registration (Poplarville Campus)
August 15-16	New Student Orientation & Registration
(Poplarville)	Returning Student Registration
August 19	Day & Night Classes Begin
August 23	Last Day To Drop or Add Classes
August 15	Day Classes Begin
September 2	Labor Day Holiday
October 14	Columbus Day Holiday
October 18	Last Day To Withdraw With A Guaranteed
	"WP" Grade
NOVEMBER 27-29	Thanksgiving Holidays
December 9-12	Final Examinations (Night Classes)
December 10-13	Final Examinations (Day Classes)
December 19 thru JANUARY 1, 2003	Christmas Holidays

2003 SPRING SEMESTER
 

January 6	Day & Night Class Registration (Hattiesburg Campus)
January 7-8	Day & Night Class Registration (Poplarville Campus)
January 9	Day Classes Begin
January 13	Night Classes Begin
January 15	Last Day To Drop or Add Classes
January 20	Martin Luther King Holiday
MARCH 3-4	Mardi Gras Holiday
March 12	Last Day To Withdraw With A Guaranteed "WP" Grade
March 17-21	Spring Break
April 18	Good Friday / Easter Holiday
May 7-13	Final Examinations (Night Classes)
May 8-13	Final Examinations (Day Classes)
May 16	2003 Commencement Exercises

2003 SUMMER SEMESTER
 

May 12-23	Registration First & Second Term Day Classes (Poplarville Campus)
May 19	Registration For Day & Night Classes (Hattiesburg Campus)
May 20	Registration For Night Classes (Poplarville Campus)
May 26	Night Classes Begin
JUNE 2	Day Classes Begin (First Term)
June 2-20	Registration For Second Term Day Classes (Poplarville Campus)
June 30	Final Examinations (First Term Day Classes)
July 1	Day Classes Begin (Second Term)
JULY 29	Final Examinations (Second Term Day Classes)
August 1	Vocational-Technical Commencement
August 4-7	Final Examinations (Night Classes)