Check out the continuing education classes that will begin at the Orange County Campus soon. Some of the classes are scheduled to start in the next few days so you may have to act fast to secure your seat! Please visit or call OCC for status information on the class that catches your eye!
Notary Public
Register with care as refunds and transfers are not accepted. The NC Secretary of State requires all candidates to speak, read, and write in English and present a valid government photo ID to be admitted to the course. See www.sosnc.com for additional requirements. Textbook included. (Because this course is self-supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.) 7 hours. $95 Register and pay online for this course. If you prefer pay with cash, you may register using an alternative method.
The Vehicle Escort Driver Certification
The course focuses on the functions and duties of the escort driver for overweight/oversized vehicles in NC, as well as highway operations and breakdown operations. Cost includes handbook and materials. (Because this course is self-supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.) 8 hours. $69
Photography: The Basics
Have you ever taken a picture of a beautiful scene, but it didn’t turn out as pretty as you remembered? Have you ever gotten a new camera but didn’t understand how it worked or the manual wasn’t helpful? Enabling you to pick up a camera and use it easily, this course helps you improve the quality of the photos you take by focusing on basic techniques and then moves well past amateur photographic knowledge. Students may need to purchase additional materials. 24 hours. $74
Digital Photography: Beyond the Basics
This course guides students deeper into the controls of a digital camera by answering such questions as: Do you shoot in jpeg, raw, or tiff? How do you control your own white balance? How should you save your work? What can you do to improve or alter the picture after you have the shot? How can you get a better exposure? Students should have completed Photography: The Basics or have basic camera knowledge. 24 hours. $74
Fine Art Photography
Students learn what makes a good black and white photograph by exploring creative tools and techniques in Photoshop. 24 hours. $74
Photojournalism: The Basics
Photojournalism is about telling a story or describing/documenting an event with photographs in a way that others can understand. Learn how to make a good photojournalistic photograph, how to record events as they happen, and how to capture all of the necessary elements. Once the course has begun, off-site locations will be determined to give students a hands-on opportunity to create great photographs. This course is suitable for all levels of photographers. 24 hours. $74
Introduction to Qigong
Qigong (chi gung) is the time-honored system of cultivating health through breath, movement, and intention. This introductory course provides you with some simple forms and principles to help you increase body awareness, support healing, and create a meditative, mindful state. Some of the many benefits of practicing qigong, include greatly reducing physical and mental stress, strengthening your body internally and externally, and improving your physical balance. No particular abilities are needed for you to attend this course and practice qigong. (Because this course is self- supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.) 6 hours. $49
Basic Principals of Interior Design and Decorating
This introductory course covers the basic principles of interior design and decorating. Topics include design flow, organization, and space planning, as well as selecting color and paint techniques, furniture, fabric, lighting, and accessories. (Self-supporting course; no tuition waivers or exemptions allowed.) 24 hours. $88
Starting Your Own Organic Garden
Suitable for gardeners of all levels, this course provides students with research-based, practical methods for gardening organically. Participants learn how to effectively plan a garden, start seeds, improve soil, control weeds, and establish an environment that is naturally resistant to pests and disease. Students also learn methods for no-dig gardening, such as container, soil bag, and straw bale gardening. Hands-on projects include using one of these methods to grow a crop of the student’s choice, as well as planning a full-scale garden. How to Grow More Vegetables by John Jeavons, ISBN 978-1580087964, is the required textbook. (Because this course is self-supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.) 24 hours. $89
Beginning Yoga I
Targeted to beginners, this course focuses on a different topic each week, including alignment of the body in postures, positive thinking, breathing exercises, philosophy, basic anatomy, deep relaxation, and asana (practice of postures). The course emphasizes the principles of yoga as well as stress management, breathing techniques, and postures. Students need a yoga mat, pillow, and comfortable clothes. (Because this course is self-supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.) 16 hours. $74
Workforce Transition Classes
Human Resources Development (HRD) courses provide skills assessment, employment skills training, and career development and enhancement. The courses are offered in short sessions to equip you with the knowledge, values, and practical skills essential to applying for, keeping, and advancing in your job. HRD courses are FREE for qualified participants. To qualify for free courses, participants must be unemployed, have been notified of a lay-off, or are underemployed (underemployed persons are defined as working part-time and/or are eligible for the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit).
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Durham Tech offers courses in English as a Second Language (ESL) to non-native speakers at several locations in Durham and Orange counties. Courses are free, and students must be at least 18 years old to enroll. Course offerings, times, and locations sometimes change without prior notice. Courses fill up quickly, and space is limited.
All new ESL students must first take a placement exam. Please take the placement exam at the time and location where you will study. Seating for the scheduled testing dates is on a first-come, first-served basis. The testing process takes more than two hours. Please do not bring children. (Students who bring children to the testing sessions will be asked to leave.) Students should bring a photo ID, pen, and pencil; students must also provide a date of birth and a current local mailing address.
More information is available on the Frequently Asked Questions page or contact the Center for the Global Learner at cgl@durhamtech.edu or 919-536-7264.
General Educational Development (GED) Preparation
The GED® Test Battery is based on high school curriculum standards and certifies mastery in four subject areas: language arts, social studies, science and math. The GED® diploma is the certified equivalent of a traditional high school diploma. Students may take courses to prepare for the battery of official GED® tests. Courses are offered in traditional classroom and lab settings as well as online. In some settings, students are able to work at their own pace. For further information about these courses and a complete schedule, please call 919-536-7218.
The Orange County Campus News 