SANFORD, N.C. - Student success is paramount at Central Carolina Community College.

Thus, it was no surprise several years ago when a group of CCCC faculty and staff members came up with the idea of celebrating National Advising Day - the first college in the U.S. to celebrate such a day. The idea came about after talking about ways to celebrate advising and draw attention to it as a way of promoting student success.

This year, National Advising Day was observed on Tuesday, Oct. 4. CCCC held National Advising Day events at its three main campuses in Chatham, Harnett, and Lee Counties in North Carolina.

"National Advising Day is an opportunity to promote the importance of advising as a key part of student success," said Dr. Julie Dixon, CCCC Associate Dean of Academic Advising and Transfer. "We want to use this day to bring attention to advising, to celebrate the advisors -- both Education Navigators and Faculty Advisors -- who do so much to support students, and to educate those who are less familiar with advising on what it is and what it can do for all college students."

Dr. Dixon says that students who receive quality advising are more likely to achieve their academic and personal goals. "Community college students in particular most benefit from advising because many are unfamiliar with all of the career and transfer options that are available, with all of the resources the college has to support them, and how the faculty and staff at this college are interested in them and their success," she said.

Dr. Dixon notes that this year's National Advising Day is part of the Year of Advising campaign at CCCC -- a year of professional development and improved technology to increase efficiencies and effectiveness in our advising practices. "CCCC is committed to quality advising for all students, and our Year of Advising campaign supports advisors in the good work they do promoting student success," she said.

CCCC President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman is extremely supportive of advising and student success - and of a National Advising Day.

"CCCC's 2020-2024 Strategic Plan is 'Equitable Pathways to Achievable Dreams.' This means our students need to be able to make informed decisions about their careers and then they should be provided the most appropriate learning pathway using on/off ramps that best meet their individual needs," says Dr. Chapman. "Exceptional advising is essential for this to occur. It requires active engagement of both the students and advisors beginning early in the students' academic experience and persisting throughout their time with the college. I am pleased to celebrate and recognize all advisors today -- thank you for working to ensure our students' success!"

Dr. Dixon says that all CCCC advisors -- both Education Navigators and Faculty Advisors -- are committed to the success of their advisees. "We have a strong foundation of advising here at CCCC that puts our students first, and provides the resources and knowledge for every student to reach their goals -- academic goals, career goals and personal goals," says Dr. Dixon. "I am excited to be a part of such a strong team of advisors, and we are lucky to have this opportunity to celebrate all that they do."

For more information on Central Carolina Community College - which is dedicated to providing pathways to achievable dreams, visit www.cccc.edu.