About the College

President’s Welcome

Thank you for considering Cape Fear Community College! As one of the largest and oldest community colleges in North Carolina, CFCC has helped thousands of students improve their lives through education for more than half a century. At CFCC, there are many opportunities awaiting you, and it is our hope that you will find a class, a program, and ultimately a career path that you will find rewarding.

Our curriculum features over 200 academic and job training programs which include two-year associate degrees along with a variety of diploma and certificate options for specialized training. Many of our programs have been recognized by national and regional accrediting agencies and other professional organizations for achieving high standards and best practices.

We take pride in our college, but more importantly, we take pride in the success of our students. Each member of our faculty and staff is here to help you reach your goal. Our class sizes, whether offered online or face-to-face, are designed to be small so that students can experience engaged, hands-on instruction. In addition, there are numerous resources outside the classroom which can provide extra academic and personal support if you need it.

Our faculty and staff are experts in their fields and are the most dedicated and talented you’ll find at any college or university. All of these resources are offered as part of the collective CFCC experience, which is designed to help you reach your educational goal, whether it is to earn a degree, improve your job skills, prepare for a new career, or for your personal enrichment.

State Board of Community Colleges

The Honorable Chaz Beasley

Dr. Grant Campbell

Dr. Shirley Carraway

Ms. Lisa Estep

Treasurer Dale Folwell

Mr. John Kane

Mr. Geoffrey Lang

Mr. Tom Looney, Chair

Mr. Bill McBrayer, Vice-Chair

Mr. Mark Merritt

Mr. Hari Nath

Mr. Anthony Pile

The Honorable David Price

The Honorable Mark Robinson

The Honorable Ray Russell

Ms. Julie Ryan

The Honorable Sam Searcy

Mr. Ray Trapp

The Honorable Terry Van Duyn

Ms. Sarah West

Mrs. Ann Whitford

Local Board of Trustees

For the North Carolina Community College System 

Mission Statement

The mission of the North Carolina Community College System is to open the door to high‑quality, accessible educational opportunities that minimize barriers to post‑secondary education, maximize student success, and improve the lives and well‑being of individuals by providing:

• Education, training and retraining for the workforce, including basic skills and literacy education, occupational and pre-baccalaureate programs.
• Support for economic development through services to and in partnership with business and industry.
• Services to communities and individuals, which improve the quality of life.

Adopted by the State Board of Community Colleges, October 1993; revised March 1994, April 1994; reaffirmed January 1998; revised and adopted June 1998; revised and adopted September 2006.

For Cape Fear Community College

Provide high-quality, dynamic, and innovative educational, cultural, training, and workforce development opportunities for individuals, businesses, and industries in New Hanover and Pender counties.

Approved by the CFCC Board of Trustees, November 14, 2018.

Vision Statement

Cape Fear Community College: A world-class college serving diverse communities, promoting excellence through innovation in education, and empowering students for life-long success.

Approved by the CFCC Board of Trustees, November 14, 2018.

College Goals

• Provide exceptional professional, technical, pre-baccalaureate, and life-long education.
• Enhance the regional economy by providing training and educational programs that support a skilled workforce and are responsive to the needs of local employers.
• Promote the region’s technological, cultural, and artistic development and civic involvement.
• Support learning environments that celebrate and value diversity, inclusiveness, and respect, and encourage the personal and intellectual growth of all students, faculty, and staff.
• Provide safe, well-maintained facilities and campuses that leverage industry standard technologies to promote student learning and engagement.
• Support and promote the holistic development of all learners’ personal abilities and well-being.

Approved by the CFCC Board of Trustees, November 14, 2018.

About the College

Cape Fear Community College is a comprehensive community college that offers education and training services through numerous (1) TECHNICAL/VOCATIONAL CURRICULA in such broad areas as health care, business, engineering technologies, computer sciences, architecture/construction/ interior design, law enforcement and numerous other fields, (2) COLLEGE TRANSFER/UNIVERSITY PARALLEL studies in the freshman and sophomore years of baccalaureate programs, and (3) a host of CONTINUING EDUCATION programs that can be broadly clustered into such categories as Basic Skills (including Adult High School and GED, among other programs), Occupational Extension (custom-designed training related directly to the in-service training needs of various professions), and Community Services/Self-Supporting classes that may include a wide range of avocational interests.

The core of the College’s mission is world-class workforce development.

CFCC is one of fifty-eight institutions comprising the North Carolina Community College System. The North Carolina Community College System and its constituent institutions operate in accord with legislation enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly and as contained in Chapter 115D of the North Carolina General Statutes. Governance of Cape Fear Community College is further defined by policies, rules, and procedures as promulgated in accord with state and federal laws by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges, the Cape Fear Community College Board of Trustees, and College officials.

Cape Fear Community College’s official service area includes New Hanover and Pender counties. CFCC’s Wilmington campus is located in downtown Wilmington and the North Campus is located in Castle Hayne. CFCC offers classes at the Burgaw Center and at the Alston W. Burke Center in Pender County. Several CFCC technical and vocational programs are unique to southeastern North Carolina and to the state as a whole, and the College therefore serves as a regional provider of workforce training. The number of different students annually enrolling at the College typically exceeds 27,000.

Note

The catalog and handbook are published for the purpose of providing information about the College and its programs. Announcements contained herein are subject to change without notice and may not be regarded in the nature of binding obligations on the College or the State. Efforts will be made to keep changes to a minimum, but changes in policy by the North Carolina State Legislature, the North Carolina Community College System, or by local conditions may make some alterations in curricula, fees, etc., necessary.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Cape Fear Community College, is fully committed to the principles and practice of equal and inclusive employment and educational opportunities. Pursuant to federal and state laws, the College does not discriminate against applicants, students, employees or visitors in any program or activity provided on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), gender, religion, age,  veteran status, or disability.

To comply, and under the guidance of, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, applicable state and federal statutes, and CFCC policies, this statement applies to all students, employees, and visitors of Cape Fear Community College. 

Furthermore, the Dean of Student Affairs serves as CFCC’s Title IX Coordinator and has primary responsibility for coordinating the College’s efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in all the operations of the College, as well as any other protected status as delineated above and retaliation for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege.

CFCC Board of Trustees, Approved, July 18, 2024

No Solicitation Policy

Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) upholds the freedoms of speech and expression guaranteed by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution for all members of the college community. CFCC is a place where all ideas and opinions may be expressed freely. The right to free speech and expression does not include unlawful activity that endangers the safety or well-being of any member of the college community. Furthermore, it does not include any activity that interferes with the educational pursuit of its students or the mission of the college.

To provide a safe learning and work environment, and protect all students, employees, and visitors of the college, solicitation is prohibited and includes, but is not limited to, third-party unsolicited verbal or written communications by mail or email, circulars and/or petitions, handbills, leaflets, pamphlets, posters, flyers, or any literature and printed materials. Salespersons, solicitors and/or external agencies will not be allowed to solicit or distribute these materials or items on college-owned property, or premises, to students or employees unless it is a recognized nonprofit/charitable organization or has prior approval from the President of the college. In addition, salespersons, solicitors, and/or external agencies may not erect a fixed or temporary structure on CFCC campus property or premises unless approved by the CFCC President or designee. Solicitation for personal or financial benefit is prohibited by CFCC employees during designated working hours.

Employees and students wishing to fundraise on campus must obtain prior approval from the Institutional Advancement office, or the President of the college. It is suggested that no employee or student accept monetary gifts. 

CFCC reserves the right to remove any individual or organization engaging in solicitation activities on campus without prior approval.

Institutional Accreditation

Cape Fear Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Questions about the accreditation of Cape Fear Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website.

Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) provides the above information to enable interested constituents (1) to learn about the accreditation status of CFCC, (2) to file a third-party comment at the time of CFCC’s decennial review, or (3) to file a complaint against CFCC for alleged non-compliance with a standard or requirement. The Commission on Colleges should be contacted only if there is evidence that appears to support Cape Fear Community College’s significant non-compliance with a requirement or standard. Otherwise, the Commission on College’s website provides membership information and the accreditation status of its members on SACSCOC’s website. All other inquiries about Cape Fear Community College should be addressed directly to the college and not to the Commission on College’s office.

Member Of

Cape Fear Community College is a member institution of the North Carolina Community College System. 

Accreditations and Certifications of Select Programs

Associate Degree Nursing: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN). The address and telephone number of Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. is 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000.

Bonnie Sanders Burney Child Development Center. North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The address is 1401 H Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005 Phone: (800) 424-2460

Cardiovascular Sonography: The CFCC Medical Sonography Program - Cardiac Concentration is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of The Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical SonographyJRC-DMS). The CAAHEP address is 9355- 113th Ste. N, #7709 Seminole, Florida 33775 Phone: (727)-210-2350. 

Cosmetology: North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners. The address is Cosmetic Art Examiners is 3000 Industrial Dr, G, Raleigh, NC 27609. Phone: (919)733-4117

Criminal Justice Technology: The North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission. The address and telephone number of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission is NC Criminal Justice Standards Division, NC Department of Justice, PO Drawer 149, 1700 Tryon Park Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610; PO Drawer 149, Raleigh, NC 27602-0149, (919) 661-5980.

Dental Assisting: The Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. The address and telephone number of the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association is 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678, (800) 232-6108.

Dental Hygiene: The Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. The address and telephone number of the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association is 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678, (800) 232-6108. The dental hygiene program is accredited without reporting requirements.

Early Childhood Education: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), NAEYC Accreditation Early Childhood Higher Education Programs, 1401 H Street NW, Suite 600, Washington DC 20005-4101, (800) 424-2460.

Human Services Addiction and Recovery Studies. Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE), The address and telephone number of the Council for Standards in Human Service is 3337 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, (571) 257-3959.

Medical Assisting: Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The CAAHEP address is 9355 - 113th Ste. N, #7709 Seminole, Florida 33775 Phone: (727)-210-2350.

Medical Sonography: The CFCC Medical Sonography Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of The Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). The CAAHEP address is 9355 - 113th Ste. N, #7709 Seminole, Florida 33775 Phone: (727)-210-2350.

Occupational Therapy Assistant: The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814, (301) 652-AOTA. 

Pharmacy Technology: The American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP), 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, MD, 20814, (301) 657-3000.

Practical Nursing: The North Carolina Board of Nursing, 4516 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh, NC 27607, (919) 782-3211.

Radiography: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182, (312) 704-5300.

Surgical Technology: The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in cooperation with the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA). Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP), 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, (727) 210-2350. Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA), 19751 East Mainstreet, Suite #339, Parker, CO 80138, (303) 694-9262.

Veterinary Medical Technology: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council of Education (COE) and Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), 1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360 (800)248-2862.

ADMISSION TO ANY AND ALL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS OFFERED BY CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE IS MADE WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, SEX, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, PHYSICAL HANDICAP, OR OTHER NON-RELEVANT FACTORS.