Newsroom

College first in State to offer GED Test on Computer

In striving to provide more adult learners throughout the state with a high school credential, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is partnering with GED Testing Service to offer the GED test on computer. Registration, scheduling, and testing will be available beginning March 30^th.

Pennsylvania Highlands is the first in Pennsylvania to offer GED testing on the computer. Registering, scheduling and testing on computer provides a new experience for GED test-takers and continue to improve the GED testing system, which is a gateway for adults to find jobs or better paying jobs, enter workforce or college training programs, and better support themselves and their families.

Randy Trask, GED Testing Service’s president and CEO said, “Adult learners are often times juggling jobs, families, study time and transportation issues. GED testing on computer will be a significant step to make the scheduling and testing experience easier, more flexible and faster for adult learners across the state and eventually the country. We are so pleased that Pennsylvania Highlands is our partner in this important endeavor and hope that other testing centers in Pennsylvania join us in the transition to GED testing on computer.”

The GED test on computer is the same test content currently offered on paper. Its accompanying systems will provide an array of new benefits for both the testing center and GED test-takers. Some of the initial benefits include:

• An introduction of basic keyboarding and computer skills
• Enhanced test security
• Flexible testing appointments for test-takers
• Instant test scores
• One-stop online registration and scheduling

Test-takers interested in taking the test on computer at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College should go to www.GEDcomputer.com.

The implementation of GED testing on computer also has an important role to increasing accessibility and flexibility for test-takers, since a double-digit increase in the number of GED test-takers is expected by 2013. A new GED assessment is schedule to be released in Jan. 2014, and a significant number of adults who haven’t taken or passed all five content areas will want to test before their scores expire and the new assessment begins.

While testing and scheduling on computer is a significant new benefit for test-takers, GED Testing Service warns consumers there are those who will attempt to bilk unsuspecting adults out of precious dollars by creating confusion. “It is so important that consumers understand that GED testing on computer doesn’t mean the GED test is online,” said Trask. “Potential test-takers should not respond to individuals or so-called “institutions” offering an on-line GED test. The GED test – whether on paper or computer – must be taken in-person at an official GED testing center.”

For more information about GED testing on computer, please visit www.GEDtestingservice.com.

Somerset approved by Middle States Commission

The Somerset Center has been approved as an additional location by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. This approval will allow Pennsylvania Highlands Community College to offer complete degree programs at the newly renovated Somerset facility.

“We are thrilled to receive Middle States approval as an additional location in Somerset County,” said Dr. Walter Asonevich, President of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. “It is critical that our Somerset students have the opportunity to complete their degrees locally when possible. Our commitment to the continued growth and development of our Somerset facility has brought us to this point.”

To discover all of the opportunities that Somerset has to offer, including degree programs, contact the Center at 814.443.2500 or stop by our facility located in the Georgian Place.

Somerset Center receives Donation

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation received a $1,000 donation from Robert Levin of Levin Furniture to help defray the cost of placing furniture in the student lounge area of the College’s new Somerset Center. “Our students truly appreciate having a comfortable space in which to study and socialize,” said Adam Bowser, Director, Somerset Center, “We are very fortunate to have the support of Levin Furniture and the Levin family.”

College welcomes Community to new Somerset Center

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College welcomed the Somerset County community to its new location at 315 Georgian Place with a public reception held on Thursday, January 26th. Approximately 50 residents and business professionals attended the reception to tour the facility and learn more about the College’s continued impact on Somerset and surrounding counties.

“Our growth in Somerset County is what precipitated this move,” said College President Dr. Walter Asonevich. “There were critical elements that we felt we needed to provide our students. These include improved access to technology, an additional classroom and a student lounge.” Pennsylvania Highlands has signed a five year lease for the 3868 square foot of space. “Based on what we have seen thus far, we can and do anticipate the need for additional space in the future,” Asonevich said.

The Pennsylvania Highlands Somerset Center offers coursework in Accounting, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Education, and General Studies.

Members of the College’s Advisory Council, which is comprised of Somerset County business, education and community leaders, assisted in finding a suitable location for the Center and continue to provide valuable input regarding the specific educational needs of the Somerset County community.

Ellis Griffith appointed to College Foundation Board of Directors

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation has announced the appointment of Ellis Griffith to its Board of Directors.

Mr. Griffith is a partner with Improvements and Innovations, a local company providing business and education consulting. He is the former Superintendent of Juniata Valley School District and served as the Director of the former Huntingdon Vo-Tech. Currently, he is a member of the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Huntingdon County Advisory Council and the Southern Alleghenies Workforce Investment Board.

In his role as a Foundation Director, Mr. Griffith will work to raise funds to assist with the further development of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College in the Huntingdon County area.