Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

PCC, the DVD makes fall term debut

Photos and story by James Hill

PCC has produced Oregon’s first interactive DVD for prospective college students. The DVD, "College That Fits Your Life,"debuted this fall. "The DVD is envisioned to eventually replace the college viewbooks, which are spendy, bulky and hold little shelf life,"said Frost Johnson, director of enrollment services. "Plus, the DVD is interactive and has links to the college Web site. It will provide our prospective students with richer introduction to PCC and more timely information." The college’s Public Affairs department produced the DVD in partnership with Ascension Entertainment. The DVD will operate via a player connected to either a TV or a computer (most new computers contain DVD capability.) "A light bulb came on when Ascension approached us for a pilot project,?said Susan Hereford, PCC’s communications and media relations manager, who headed up the team producing the DVD. "This is technology kids know about and use. The data on DVD availability in homes and businesses has been skyrocketing in the last several years."The DVD, which targets the 14 to 28 year old audience, provides general information about the college, student life and Portland; interviews with current students, graduates, faculty, university admissions directors and employers; information on transfer education and career training programs; and links to the college Web site for information on admission, registration, financial aid.Prospective students inquiring about PCC will receive a DVD. The DVD will be also be distributed to high school students through their counseling offices and at college fairs. The college also hopes to place the DVD in Hollywood and Blockbuster video outlets for free checkout.Please contact Dennis Bailey-Fougnier, coordinator of admissions at PCC, for more information about the DVD, or to receive a copy at 503-977-4520.