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Butler County Community College (BC3), chartered in 1965, was the first community college in Western Pennsylvania. On September 26, 1966, the College opened its doors to 242 day and 190 evening students. Today, 3,872 students are enrolled in credit programs. Another 15,000 people take part annually in the many other educational opportunities available.
The BC3 main campus is located on 329 acres along Decatur Drive in Butler Township. The College is easily accessible from many of the major highways that traverse Butler County. The 18 modern campus buildings are placed under tall oak trees, among rolling hills, and border on the old Oak Hills Golf Course.
College Facilities
The 18 buildings on campus house classrooms, the Library, and 36 laboratory areas in addition to the College’s administration and student support offices.
Main Campus Location
The College is located two miles south of the city of Butler, Pennsylvania, on a spacious, wooded campus. Information about the College and its programs may be obtained by visiting bc3.edu/admissions or by calling the BC3 Admissions Office at 724-284-8501.
BC3 @ Cranberry – Located in Cranberry Township, BC3 @ Cranberry offers a wide range of courses and services. Programs include Business Adminstration, Business Management, Criminology, Early Childhood Education (Pre K-4), General Studies, Graphic Design, Photography, Pre-Nursing, Professional Media Production, Psychology and Social Work. Both day and evening courses are available along with a variety of noncredit opportunities. Also available are admissions services, financial aid information, placement testing, academic advising, career counseling, scheduling and registration as well as workshops and seminars for academic and career enhancement. Call 724-772-5520 for more information.
BC3 @ Lawrence Crossing – Conveniently located in Union Township in Lawrence County, BC3 @ Lawrence Crossing houses various programming and student services both day and evening. The 25,000 square foot facility has state of the art technology and laboratories including a medical assistant lab, science lab, computer labs, interactive classroom, classrooms, student lounges and conference rooms. Fourteen associate degree programs are available at BC3 @ Lawrence Crossing: Business Adminstration, Business Management, Cosmetology Management, Criminology, Early Childhood Education (Pre K-4), Emergency Services/Police Services, General Studies, Medical Assistant, Medical Coding Specialist, Physical Education/Sports Management, Pre-Nursing, Psychology, Secondary Education and Social Work. Edinboro University and LaRoche College partnerships are also available at Lawrence Crossing for students interested in bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education and Psychology. Committed to student success, student services include free tutoring, admissions, financial aid, placement testing, career counseling, academic advising, clubs and activities. An expanded schedule of Lifelong Learning courses is also available at Lawrence Crossing. Call 724-658-1938 for more information.
BC3 @ LindenPointe – Located in Hermitage, BC3 @ LindenPointe offers expanded program and course offerings which include Business Administration, Business Management, Criminology, Early Childhood Education (Pre K-4), General Studies, Marketing Management, Pre-Nursing, Psychology, Secondary Education and Social Work. The 20,000 square foot building features state of the art classrooms, computer labs, science lab, student lounges, conference rooms, administrative offices, and parking for over 250 vehicles. Services available include free tutoring, financial aid information, placement testing, admission services, course registration, and academic advising, as well as many Lifelong Learning opportunities. Call 724-346-2073 for more information.
BC3 @ Brockway – Formerly known as BC3 @ Upper Allegheny, BC3 @ Brockway will be serving primarily Clarion, Jefferson, Elk and Clearfield counties. Fall classes will start in the new facility located on Wood Street in Brockway, in the former Owens-Illinois administrative offices. The new 14,000 square foot facility will include state-of-the-art classrooms, computer labs, biology/science lab, conference room, large multipurpose room, student lounges, administrative offices and an outdoor patio. BC3 @ Brockway will offer five degrees: Business Management, General Studies, Psychology, Social Work, Pre-Nursing and Early Childhood Education (Pre K-4). Students will have access to face-to-face, online, and hybrid courses and can attend full-time or part-time. Both day and evening courses will be available, along with a variety of noncredit opportunities. BC3 @ Brockway offers admissions services, financial aid information, placement testing, academic advising, career counseling, scheduling and registration. Call 814-590-9952 for more information.
BC3 Education Foundation, Inc.
The Butler County Community College Education Foundation, Inc. is a 501(C)(3) charitable organization and is responsible for fundraising for the College. It is managed by a 21 member volunteer Board of Directors consisting of community leaders committed to the success of the College. The Foundation seeks and manages private gifts to support the College with student scholarships, equipment purchases, faculty enhancement awards and grants for capital and program improvements.
BC3 Alumni Association
The Butler County Community College Alumni Association was established in 1998 to enhance the relationship between the College, former students, and the community. The goals of the Alumni Association are to recognize alumni accomplishments, provide recreational opportunities for alumni and their families, and to support the mission of the College. Membership is open to all individuals who have attended BC3 and to anyone interested in supporting the mission of the Alumni Association and the College. Membership benefits include membership eligibility in the Butler Armco Employees Credit Union, discounts on Succop Theater tickets and the BC3 Bookstore, free admission to athletic events, special offers to alumni events, and a subscription to the “Pioneer Perspectives” newsletter. For information contact Michelle Jamieson, Alumni Director, call 724-287-8711, ext. 8235, or visit the Alumni page of bc3.edu.
Educational Technology
The Division of Educational Technology oversees all online credit course offerings, supports the instructional technology needs of courses on campus and online, and provides help desk support for students in the use of the College’s course management system (Blackboard) and the student email system (@my.bc3.edu). This Division also provides guidance and training to faculty in the use and integration of instructional technology.
Field House
The Field House is home to all of the college’s athletic, intramural and physical education programs. The main floor is adaptable to basketball, tennis, volleyball, badminton and includes an indoor batting cage. A racquetball court and ping-pong tables are located on the upper level along with a fitness center that features the most current cardiovascular, free weight and Cybex exercise equipment. There are two large locker rooms for students, a training room and classroom located on the lower level, and athletic offices located on the upper level. Outdoor facilities on campus include a baseball field, walking and jogging trails and golfing areas.
College Bookstore
The Bookstore is located on the second floor of the Student Success Center. Textbooks and educational supplies are sold, as well as clothing, cards and gifts. Bookstore hours during the fall and spring semesters are 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Summer hours from June 10 - August 2 are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and closed on Friday.
Books may be purchased online, by mail, or by calling the Bookstore at 724-284-8503. Books for courses held at other BC3 locations may also be purchased online or by mail.
Student Union
The Student Union is located in the lower level of Founders Hall. It is a place where students eat, relax and socialize. The Pioneer Café provides food and vending machines. Also located in the Student Union is the Activities Office which is part of Student Life and coordinates student activities on campus. Other student lounge areas are located on each floor of the Science and Technology Building and upstairs in the Student Success Center.
The Office of Student Life provides students with information and coordinates student activities on campus.
Other student lounge areas are located on each floor of the Science and Technology Building, and in the lobby of the Student Services Building.
Cultural Center
The Cultural Center at BC3 is housed in the Science and Technology building and is comprised of the Succop Theater and the Mary Hulton Phillips Gallery. The state-of-the-art Succop Theater has hosted a wide variety of programs since its opening and is the home of Butler’s only Performing Arts Series featuring world class theater, music and dance performances. In addition, many local performing arts organizations have enjoyed successful productions in the Succop Theater.
The Mary Hulton Phillips Gallery is adjacent to the theater lobby and features exhibits from local and regional artists in addition to showcasing student works and pieces from BC3’s permanent collection. The gallery is open in conjunction with events in the Succop Theater and additional public hours as advertised. For more information about the Succop Theater and the Mary Hulton Phillips Gallery or for tickets to upcoming performances, call 724-284-8505.
The Business Learning Center (BLC)
The Business Learning Center (BLC) is located in the upper level of the Business and Health Professions Building. It is open during the semester from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday. A member of the College staff is in the BLC during these hours.
The goal of the Business Learning Center is to complement students’ educational experiences in the classroom with individualized, self-paced learning opportunities. Staff are present throughout the day and evening to ensure that these learning opportunities are available. By providing a modern computer lab, open to all BC3 students, the BLC seeks to assure that students have access to apply information and practice skills acquired in the classroom. State-of-the-art computer hardware is available. JAWS software and a Braille printer are available for use by any student with a visual handicap.
Technology Independent Study Lab (TISL)
The Technology Independent Study Lab (TISL) is a computer/Internet Lab designed primarily for technology student use. Located in Room 316 of the Science and Technology Building, it contains 24 stations, two laser printers, a variety of software applications, and tutorial assistance for educational purposes.
John A. Beck, Jr. Library
John A. Beck, Jr. Library provides an organized and readily accessible collection of print and non-print materials selected to support the curricular and recreational needs of BC3 students and employees. Patrons may use Beck Library’s Internet-based catalog to search the library’s book and audiovisual collections, or they may use the online subscription databases to locate articles. Interlibrary loan and reciprocal borrowing services are available if the library does not have the materials needed by staff or students. A photocopier, AV equipment, and group study rooms are available for patrons to use. Library staff provides individualized reference service and classroom instruction.
Library Hours
Fall and Spring Semesters:
Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Summer hours are posted. The library is closed during scheduled College holidays.
Continuing Education
The mission of Continuing Education is to meet the educational needs of individuals and organizations in areas of occupational advancement, public safety, basic skills and personal enrichment.
It is the goal of Continuing Education to meet the self-defined noncredit educational needs of the community and its citizens in an effective and efficient manner. To this end, flexibility and innovation characterize the business and community educational courses and programs offered by the Continuing Education Division. Over 18,000 people of all ages are involved in courses and programs each year.
These programs are offered day or evening, weekday or weekend, and vary in length from short-term workshops and seminars to a full, 15-week semester. No previous college experience is required. Participants in these programs do not receive college credit. With sufficient student demand, classes can be developed at any time in various locations such as Main Campus, BC3 @ Cranberry, BC3 @ Lawrence Crossing, BC3 @ LindenPointe, BC3 @ Brockway and various community locations and high schools.
New programs are constantly being considered and individuals and groups are encouraged to call the Continuing Education Office to request course offerings at 724-284-8504. Each semester, a list of noncredit course offerings is published and distributed to community residents and major businesses and industries in Butler, Lawrence, and Mercer Counties.
Registration for Continuing Education classes is on-going. Fall semester noncredit usually begins the last week of August and the spring term begins the last week of January. Summer sessions begin in mid-May.
The possibilities for programs and courses in Continuing Education are extensive. The divisions working within Continuing Education include: Lifelong Learing, Adult Literacy, Professional Education & Certificate Programs, Business Training, Public Safety, College Within the High School, and Kids on Campus. For a description of offerings within each division, please see individual listings.
Lifelong Learning
The Adult & Community Education program promotes lifelong learning and offers classes that will expand your knowledge, enhance your skills and enrich your personal life experience. In addition to classes that will assist you in occupational or professional advancement, there are many opportunities to experience fun and the joy of learning! Educational opportunities are offered for all ages and all skill levels throughout the year at various sites around the Butler Main Campus, BC3 @ Cranberry, BC3 @ Lawrence Crossing, BC3 @ LindenPointe and BC3 @ Brockway. The program features classes in computer and software applications, academic development, SAT Prep for high school students, foreign and American Sign languages, real estate license preparation, business management and career development, professional development, accounting, aviation science, cultural and fine arts, cooking, home & garden, personal development and finances, outdoor adventure, physical fitness, and dance. In addition, access to over 300 unique online courses every month is available to you through our website, providing an opportunity to learn when it is most convenient for you. For more information or a current schedule, please call 724-284-8504.
Adult Literacy
The Adult Literacy program assists adults in meeting basic education needs by providing free instruction, flexible scheduling, and opportunities to improve personal and workplace skills. Following an orientation, assessment and goal setting process, students choose an educational plan that may include one-on-one tutor instruction, admission into an adult basic education or GED class, or guided study through distance learning. Instruction is available to improve reading, writing and/or math skills, or in combination to prepare for the GED exam. Beginning computer classes and labs, as well as assistance with reading, writing and math, are offered to qualified students who need to develop essential skills for the workplace. Adult Literacy helps adult learners transition to post secondary education and training through Transitions program. The program also offers opportunities in English for Speakers of Other Languages and Financial Literacy. For more information or for assistance with enrollment, please call 724-287-8711, ext. 8350.
Professional Education & Certificate Programs
BC3’s Office of Professional Education & Certificate Programs offers noncredit courses and programs designed to meet your learning and professional development needs. Whether you want training for a new career, want to upgrade your skills for a current job, need continuing education courses for license renewal, or just want to take classes of interest to you, we have a variety of programs from which you can choose. Noncredit programs and courses include: Act 48 courses for school personnel; Continuing education courses for certified public accountants, enrolled agents, and other tax practitioners; Continuing Legal Education; Computer certification programs & courses; Personal Care Home Administrator Training; Notary Training; Certificates of Completion in Floral Design, Web Site Design, Adobe Photoshop, Professional Cake Decorating and Leadership and Supervision; ServSafe Food Safety Training. Many new offerings are currently being created. Call 724-287-8711 ext. 8421 to obtain further information on our courses and programs.
Business Training/ Workforce Development
The Business Training department of the Workforce Development division at Butler County Community College (BC3) offers training to business, industry, government, and non-profit organizations on a customized, contracted basis.
BC3 is proud of its reputation for delivering quality training and education to the Western Pennsylvania Workforce. We combine the expertise of our full time faculty, continuing professional education faculty, public safety professionals and corporate trainers to deliver customized business and industry training.
Business Training Instructors combine subject knowledge with “real world” experience to develop and deliver effective training programs. We offer training programs for many industries in the area including manufacturing, healthcare, finance and transportation. Some of our programs include leadership and supervision, communications, team building, computer courses at all levels, Solidworks, CNC, Industrial Mechanics and Blueprint reading just to name a few. Training may be conducted at the company site or at any of the college’s locations. Let us assist you in developing a program to meet your company’s specific training needs.
The Business Training department works as your partner, helping you analyze and define individual employee needs for training. We will help you develop a needs assessment along with course content and objectives. Training will also be scheduled in a way that fits your specific requirements.
We can also help you integrate programs into your performance management system, so that you can align training activities with business goals and performance improvement needs. BC3 serves the community as a national assessment center for the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) certification.
BC3 is also a WEDnet PA partner. We will assist your company in applying for training grants through the State’s Guaranteed Free Training program or in applying for other grant opportunities. For more information on how we may help you improve your bottom line through focused customized training, please call 724-287-8711, ext. 8290.
Public Safety – EMS/Police Division
The Emergency Medical Services/Police Division is an integrated part of Public Safety. Accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Health—Bureau of EMS, our certification programs include Emergency First Responder and Emergency Medical Technician. We also offer a full variety of continuing education programs such as Basic Life Support, First Aid, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and International Trauma Life Support. We also offer several Phlebotomy programs throughout the year.
The police programs consist of classes designed for the currently certified police officer and include such programs as Field Sobriety, Interrogation Tactics, and High Risk Entry. For more information or to register, please call (724) 287-8711x 8418 or visit us at http://www.bc3.edu/publicsafety/ems.asp.
Fire, Rescue, and Hazardous Materials Education
Fire, Rescue, and Hazardous Materials training programs are designed specifically to meet the needs of today’s volunteer or career emergency responder. Classes are enriched through hands-on, state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. State and National Fire Academy courses are available as well as specific courses designed for an individual department, or group. Courses from the Department of Health, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Fish and Boat Commission, PA Emergency Management Agency, and the Office of Domestic Preparedness. Please call 724-287-8711, ext. 8396 for additional information.
Business & Industry Safety Training Programs
The Business and Industry Safety Training Programs provides a variety of industrial and commercial training courses designed to satisfy the requirements of the regulatory agencies such as OSHA, DOT, and the EPA. Site specific safety training programs are also available to address areas of safety that are of particular interest to many organizations. These cost effective, quality safety and health training courses provide practical hands-on and classroom experiences for all participants. Contact 724-287-8711, ext. 8358.
High School Programming
Butler County Community College’s College Within the High School program is specifically designed for college bound high school students who have demonstrated a strong academic performance by the end of their sophmore year. This program allows students with a 3.0 or higher G.P.A. and the permission of their guidance counselor or principal to earn transferable college credits during their junior and senior year right in their own high school.
College Within the High School courses use the same syllabus and instructional materials and follow the same semester schedule as do the same courses taught at one of BC3’s campuses or online. Classes are scheduled in area high schools before, during, or after the school day, in the evening, or on a Saturday.
For more information, contact the High School Programming Office at 724-287-8711, ext. 8254.
The Kids on Campus Program offers year round enrichment classes and learning opportunities for children. Our weekly summer enrichment program features unique educational classes for elementary and middle school students. Course offerings include instruction in: reading, writing, mathematics, study skills, robotics, applied, earth, natural, and physical sciences, languages (foreign and American Sign), computer skills, geography, history, creative writing, music, art, theater, cooking, crafts and other subjects of interest. The goal of the program is educational enrichment for children through hands-on activities that make learning fun! For more information or a current schedule, please call 724-284-8504.
Butler County Community College Center for Economic Education
The Center is committed to offering quality teaching materials and professional development programs to elementary and secondary school teachers that will enable them to more effectively teach finance and economics.
The mission of the Center is to promote and encourage understanding of economic concepts through education in the K-12 classroom.
The goal is to ensure that young people develop an economic way of thinking that will help them make good decisions about managing their resources.
Program implementation is accomplished through staff development opportunities for teachers and curriculum specialists. Workshops and on-site consultations assist schools in developing an effective, interactive, and high-interest education plan that meets the Pennsylvania Department of Education Standards in Economics.
Through the BC3 Center for Economic Education, teachers receive professional training in economic content and effective teaching methods.
The Center works with its local schools and teachers to implement hands-on, real life curricula. The BC3 Center is an affiliate of Economics Pennsylvania and the Council for Economic Education.
There are a variety of exams used for teacher certification in Pennsylvania. PAPA (Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment) is a basic skills exam required for undergraduate candidates completing teacher certification programs. Butler County Community College offers PAPA Prep classes on campus and online. PAPA Prep (EDUC 111) is a mandatory one-credit course requirement for all BC3 education majors. Failure to pass the PAPA exam can result in delay of admission into a college of education.
In addition to the PAPA exam, PECT (Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests) or Praxis II exams must be passed for teacher certification in the state of Pennsylvania. PECT exams are required for PreK-4 certification and Special Education PreK-4 and 7-12 certifications. Praxis II exams are required for middle school and high school content certifications. BC3 offers noncredit online prep classes for PAPA, PECT and Praxis II exams. Tutoring is also available. Contact Tracy Hack, Coordinator, at 724-287-8711, ext. 8201 or e-mail tracy.hack@bc3.edu.
The College has adopted the following definition of information literacy and is seeking to incorporate it throughout its curricula. Information literacy is a set of abilities requiring individuals to “recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.”
Information literacy forms the basis for lifelong learning. It is common to all disciplines, to all learning environments, and to all levels of education. It enables learners to master content and extend their investigations, become more self-directed, and assume greater control over their own learning. An information literate individual is able to:
- Determine the nature and extent of information needed
- Access the needed information effectively and efficiently
- Evaluate information and its sources critically
- Incorporate selected information into one’s knowledge base
- Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose
- Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information, and access and use information ethically and legally; observe laws, regulations, and institutional policies related to the access and use of information.
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