Students First, Students Always

Admissions, Financial Aid, More Uphold SMC’s Historical Mission

Dr. David English Camak had a vision in 1911 when he launched the Textile Industrial Institute – provide local mill workers with access to an education to help their prospects for a better future. They would also be more equipped to succeed in their jobs and advance their economic and social standing.

More than a century later, Spartanburg Methodist College continues to hold true to that vision, providing access to an education for everyone and graduating the most workplace-ready students.

“Students first, students always is more than a slogan. It’s truly a belief that our mission is to bring in students to give them a chance and then give them the education and skills they need to succeed,” said SMC President Scott Cochran. “Everyone here plays a part in that journey.”

Getting a college education is more than just studies and tests, it’s a series of successes, starting with getting into college and figuring out how to pay for it. SMC has worked hard to take away as many of the barriers to college enrollment as possible.

Admissions Challenges
College admissions can be much more than just getting good grades in high school. Many institutions also want to see a candidate who has participated in various extracurricular activities, volunteered in their community, and more. On top of that, they want you to commit time, effort, and even money into various application requirements like ACT or SAT testing and paying just to apply.

For many students, especially those who may have a more challenging background, these seemingly small steps can be a large barrier. Students who may have to work a job to help support their family may not have the opportunity to volunteer or participate in outside activities. To put those students first, it’s important to break down those walls.

“We believe everyone should be able to achieve the dream of a college education based on their own merits,” said Ben Maxwell, Vice President for Enrollment at SMC. “We’ve eliminated test scores and application fees as a way to make college more accessible to everyone.”

Easing Cost Barriers
Cost is often the top reason some high-performing students cite for not being able to attend college. One of today’s biggest financial burdens is student loan debt. Many high school graduates today are considering whether college is worth it to put themselves in a financial hole as they start their adult lives.

Eliminating or reducing that financial burden allows students to make their college decision based on what career they want to pursue instead. The SMC financial aid team utilizes a robust aid program to help every student reduce their financial commitment as much as possible, including two unique options that can cover nearly all of their costs.

The Full-Tuition Scholarship and the Pioneer Promise Scholarship were created to reward high-achieving students for their academic achievements.

“Students who graduate high school near the top of their class should not be left out of a college education because of cost,” said Kyle Wade, Director of Financial Aid and Enrollment Services at SMC. “We want to celebrate and reward their hard work by eliminating the financial burden for the next step in their education.”

The Pioneer Promise Scholarship rewards students with a 4.0 or better grade point average (GPA) by covering the cost of tuition and the cost of fees and books. Students with this scholarship only pay for their housing costs if they choose to live on campus. For those with a 3.0 GPA, the Full-Tuition Scholarship will cover the cost of tuition.

In addition to these major scholarship programs, the financial aid office works closely with every student to find every possible form of aid they may qualify for. They also sit down and explain the actual cost of attending and exactly how the various financial aid packages they qualify for will impact that cost and any future obligations they may have.

Having Degrees They Want
Students first, students always extends well beyond just getting them into college. Getting them through college and on to a career is also a big part of it.

Cost is just one element of getting students to enroll. You also have to have the academic programs they want. SMC has focused on expanding their programs, including launching and growing a bachelor’s degree program over the past several years.

“Adding four-year degrees to our academic catalog expanded our ability to serve the students,” said Cochran. “Now they know they can seamlessly continue their education after receiving their associate degree and work with the same committed faculty in the same nurturing atmosphere they chose to begin with.”

The College’s six associate degrees provide students with the academic base they need for their degree path, including jumping right into the workforce if they choose. The three bachelor’s degrees allow them to continue their education and expand their professional prospects.

Providing Support
In addition to academic opportunities, it’s also crucial to provide the supportive environment necessary to maintain their focus, progress, and mental health during their studies. SMC’s single-advisor approach provides students with one voice to help them stay on track. They can turn to this person for help with choosing classes, keeping up academically, or even if they are having issues adjusting to college life. The advisors will even help with career planning and job searches as they prepare to graduate.

A final part of students first, students always is preparing them for after graduation. Beyond teaching them the detailed knowledge they need in their chosen career, teaching them how to perform in the workplace is important as well. The Camak Core professional development program provides students with the skills and tools they need to enter the workplace confidently.

“We want to develop the most workplace-ready graduates around, and that includes teaching them how to be a professional,” said Courtney Shelton, Vice President for Student and Professional Development at SMC. “Teaching them key skills like professional communication, collaboration, and problem solving will make them more valuable to potential employers.”

Most colleges have a professional development program, but it’s an optional program for students. At SMC, the professional development curriculum is a required part of their degree. The soft skills acquired in this program have students ready to find and get their first big job and contribute to their company’s success from day one.

Spartanburg Methodist College has come a long way from the one-student classroom that Dr. Camak started with in 1911, but one thing from that first year still remains, the commitment to providing a brighter future for students and a better worker for their employers.