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Month: January 2017

Dr. Jon Bauer Testifies about College Funding to Missouri Legislators

January 27, 2017 | Campus News

This week in the Capitol, Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Presidents and Chancellors Council Chair Dr. Jon Bauer testified on budget priorities before both House and Senate Appropriations Committees. Dr. Bauer began his testimony by expressing concern and understanding over the current budget situation.

“I want to acknowledge the difficult budget situation we are facing as a state and the difficult decisions you have ahead of you,” Dr. Bauer said. “We know it is not going to be easy for you and your colleagues.”

The state’s slow revenue growth, drop in corporate taxes and prior shortfalls created a deficit for the current year that had grown to $39 million. To keep the budget balanced, which is legally required, Governor Eric Greitens announced another $146 million in withholds. When combined with previous withholds from Governor Jay Nixon, this brought the total withholds for this fiscal year to $346 million.

The problem still isn’t solved, however. The new Governor and legislature will have to figure out how to carve out space in Missouri’s FY 2018 budget to account for Missouri’s slow revenue.

“I don’t envy the job ahead of you,” Dr. Bauer told legislators. “I do know, though, that if you are looking for a solid investment – a place where people’s lives are changed, their families’ lives are improved, and where the bedrock of Missouri’s workforce is trained – it’s at our community colleges.”

Read Dr. Bauer’s full testimony.

Priority Deadline for Missouri Student Aid Program Feb. 1

January 25, 2017 | Campus News

The new priority deadline for the Access Missouri Grant Program – the state’s largest student financial aid program – is quickly approaching. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as the FAFSA, by Feb. 1 to be guaranteed a grant award if they meet all eligibility requirements.

This is the first year Missouri has set a priority deadline for the grant program. Students completing the FAFSA after Feb. 1 but before the April 3 final deadline could still receive a grant if funding is available. The grant is the state’s only student aid program based on financial need.

Maximum grant amounts are determined primarily by available state funding and the number of students eligible to receive the grant each year. Specific award amounts are based on students’ financial need, the type of college they attend and other financial aid they receive.

Students must file a FAFSA every year they are in school to be eligible for most federal and state financial aid programs, including the Access Missouri Grant Program.

Need help? The East Central College Financial Aid Department is here to help!

NOTE:

According to the National Association of Student Financial Administrators, there will be a system outage on January 28-29 to perform maintenance. It begins at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 28 and lasts into the early morning hours of Sunday, January 29.

During this time, a number of websites and systems will be unavailable. Find out what will affected during the outage.

Meet Student Ambassador Kjia Zuroweste

January 23, 2017 | Campus News

New Haven native Kjia Zuroweste came to East Central College with a goal.

“I really wanted to gain knowledge,” the sophomore said. “I wanted to stretch my comfort zone and enjoy the entire process.”

When she heard about the Student Ambassador Program, it seemed like a perfect fit. “I thought it would be a great opportunity to speak about my experience at ECC,” Zuroweste explained.

“Student Ambassadors are an exceptional group of students selected to represent ECC at special events on campus and in the community,” said Director of Admissions Nathaniel Mitchell.

Started in the spring of 2014, the East Central College Foundation funds students who have shown potential to be leaders on campus. The Student Ambassadors at ECC are involved in a variety of activities both on campus and in the community. Some of these activities include assisting with campus registration, graduation ceremonies and various fundraisers.

So far, Zuroweste has enjoyed her time as ambassador, though she admits people often have trouble with her name.

“My first name is Scandinavian,” she explained. “My last name is German. They get mispronounced a lot.”

She especially enjoys interactions with fellow students. “Call me crazy,” she said, “but I love having deep, philosophical conversations. I don’t care what the topic is!”

While she admits that might not be everyone’s cup of tea, she has other interests too.

“I love hunting, fishing and everything outdoors,” she said. “I also enjoy playing sports and going to the gym.”

Student Ambassadors at East Central College network and develop relationships with faculty, staff, and fellow students that can last a lifetime. Each Student Ambassador commits him or herself to a full year of service to ECC and attends a summer training session to build teamwork, communication and character building skills.

If you are interested in becoming a Student Ambassador, stop by the Student Service Center at ECC-Union to find out more, or apply online.

College Closed on January 12, 8:30 am – 1:30 pm

January 11, 2017 | Uncategorized

In view of the Spring 2017 In-Service Week, East Central College will be closed from 8:30 am – 1:30 pm on January 12, 2017 to allow all campus employees to attend.

 

 

Sign Up for a Community Education Class in 2017!

January 9, 2017 | Campus News

The 2017 spring schedule of Community Education classes provides a variety of personal and professional enrichment opportunities for community members.

The offerings feature a variety of classes for children and adults. Children’s offerings include computer science, yoga, kindermusik, children’s chorale, and archery.

In addition to the always popular adult classes in dance, fitness, and computer skills; the schedule also includes courses in photography, local history, sign language, food safety, and CPR courses. Nearly a dozen classes are offered at no charge; a large majority of classes cost less than $100.

The complete class schedule is available at https://www.eastcentral.edu/community/schedule/ or call 636-584-6528.

New Student Orientation – January 12 from 4pm – 8pm

January 4, 2017 | Uncategorized

New Student Orientation! January 12 from 4pm – 8pm

Students new to ECC for the 2017 Spring Semester should register to attend this event which will be held at ECC’s main campus in Union.

#InspiringExcellence – Vice President’s List Announced

January 3, 2017 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Each semester, East Central College recognizes students who have demonstrated superior academic achievement.

Upon completion of at least 12 semester credit hours with a semester grade point between 3.50 and 3.84, students are acknowledged by placement on the Vice President’s List. For the Fall 2016 semester, there were nearly 170 students on the list!

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