WPCC announces shortened Friday hours

Fewer on-campus classes on Fridays had led Western Piedmont Community College to reduce its operational hours that day for the last several summers. This year, however, the shortened day may continue in the fall.

“We will evaluate the implementation of this schedule and, if successful, we will continue this schedule in fall,” said Susan Berley, WPCC vice president for student success and support services.

She noted, however, that there are some seated Friday afternoon classes and faculty are encouraged to continue running seated classes on Friday afternoons when it is beneficial to students. Personnel needed to continue operations for Friday afternoon classes are on campus.

This summer, WPCC will close earlier than previous summers. Hours are 8 a.m. to noon. Past summers the college remained open until 1 p.m.

In addition to fewer classes, fewer students are utilizing academic and support services on Friday afternoons, Berley said.

“We adjusted the closing time slightly this year to align with student traffic patterns we are seeing,” she said. “Most neighboring colleges have alternative schedules on Fridays.”

Employees will continue to work 40-hours per week. They are coming in earlier or staying later, which allows WPCC to extend its availability to students on other days when we have a larger student presence on campus, Berley said. In addition, if the WPCC needs to schedule all-campus meetings or other events on Friday afternoons, employees are expected to attend.