Southwest Virginia Community College is a two-year institution of higher education established as a part of a state-wide system of community colleges serving primarily the residents of the counties of Buchanan, Dickenson (partial), Russell and Tazewell. The College operates under policies established by the State Board for Community Colleges and a Local College Board. The institution is financed primarily by State funds supplemented by contributions from the participating localities. The College operates on the semester system and is open on a year-round basis. Classes normally are held from 8:00 am through 9:50 pm. The availability of college credit courses in the evening allows the student who must work while going to college the opportunity to coordinate college activities with employment.