Month: July 2017

New School Year Brings Changes to AEL Program

July 24, 2017 | Campus News

The East Central College Adult Education and Literacy Program assisted nearly 400 students last year, and they expect that number to grow for the 2017-2018 school year.

“Our services are very much needed in the East Central College service area,” said AEL Director Alice Whalen. “Franklin County has nearly 13,500 adults who do not have a high school education. Gasconade is close to 2,500, Phelps hovers around 5,600 and Warren has nearly 5,200 people without a high school diploma or High School Equivalency (HSE) Certificate.”

To help better serve students, a few changes are coming to AEL classes starting this fall. One of those changes is the addition of English language evening classes at the Union and Rolla locations. All students are required to take an orientation class before enrolling in the AEL program. Find a class near you!

Additionally, there are a few location changes for the new year. English language classes in Washington were moved to the East Central College campus in Union. Sullivan AEL classes were moved to The Ridge Church of Sullivan Annex, 80 Wildwood Terrace. The Gerald class site was closed due to low enrollment, but the Owensville and Hermann locations still offer evening classes for residents in Gasconade County. Sullivan will offer evening classes in addition to day classes.

All classes are provided at no cost with books and materials provided for students while in class. Instruction is individualized to meet a person’s needs with instructors who will work with students to reach their goals.

“We are also excited to offer job-training classes in the near future,” said Whalen. “While the process is still ongoing, students will soon be able to get certifications in Microsoft Office programs. AEL is also working with the ECC Center for Workforce Development to add programs for Certified Nursing Assistants, welding and Certified Logistics Associates and Technicians.”

For more information about the AEL program, visit eastcentral.edu/ael or call 636-584-6533 or 844-322-4235.

Board of Trustees Approves Collective Bargaining Agreement

July 20, 2017 | Campus News

The East Central College Board of Trustees unanimously approved the negotiated collective bargaining agreement with faculty for the 2017-2018 school year at the July 20 meeting.

“We came up with many creative solutions to the issues this year,” said ECC-National Education Association (NEA) President Sue Henderson. “I am very thankful for the faculty and administrators involved in the process.”

Several new policies were added for the new school year including creating more opportunities for faculty to develop and work on projects and initiatives, allowing NEA officers scheduled release time to perform official duties and reframing the division chair roles to have a greater focus on learning, teaching and mentoring.

“We want to create an environment at East Central College where our faculty have the flexibility and resources they need to succeed,” said ECC V.P. of Academic Affairs Dr. Tia Robinson. “It’s vital to our student’s success to have our faculty engaged and involved.”

Several revisions were also agreed upon from the previous agreement.

“We are reducing office hours from 10 to 7,” said Henderson. “This puts East Central College more in line with comparable institutions.”

Henderson added that many students don’t take advantage of office hours, so the NEA wanted to figure out a way for faculty to interact with more students.

“We are redefining where office hours can take place,” she said. “We want our faculty to meet students where they are. That is why we are allowing office hours to take place in labs and The Learning Center.”

Campus Orientation Dates

July 19, 2017 | Campus News

On Saturday, July 29, East Central College will hold a new student campus orientation. Orientation check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Health and Science Building atrium. The day will wrap up around 1:00 p.m.

Additional orientation dates include August 1, 3, 16 and 18.

Students will learn about student rights and responsibilities, campus safety, financial aid, instructional technology and campus life. There will also be a faculty question and answer panel!

Questions? Contact studentservices@eastcentral.edu or call 636-584-6588.

Orientation is a required component of the foundation seminar course.

“Walk-In Wednesday” Event at ECC-Rolla August 2

July 13, 2017 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College – Rolla will hold a full-day, extended hours event on August 2 for the community. Walk-In Wednesday will give potential students a chance to enroll in college, register for classes, seek financial aid assistance, and learn about payment options.

From 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. at ECC – Rolla Main, 500 Forum Drive, students will also get the chance to take a placement test for classes, talk with an academic advisor about degree options, and more!

“While the first day of classes is August 21,” said ECC-Rolla Director Christina Ayres, “there is still plenty of time to enroll. From Computer Information Systems to Early Childhood Education, we have so many options for students.”

Additionally, with the launch of “Math Pathways” for the 2017-2018 school year statewide, students will find more options for math classes at East Central College – Rolla. College Algebra may no longer be required depending on a student’s degree.

“These math pathways will allow students to take a math course that is more relevant to their program of study,” said Dean of Instruction, Ann Boehmer.

While College Algebra is still an option, Statistics, Contemporary Mathematics, and Precalculus will now satisfy the general education math requirement for an Associate of Arts degree. For students seeking degrees in a STEM field, algebraic intensive math, such as College Algebra or the Calculus sequence, will still be required.

“We already have students taking advantage of these new ‘Math Pathways,’” said Ayres. “Students are finding a new direction forward. It’s exciting to see students utilizing these new courses to work toward their graduation goals.”

Students who attend the all-day event at any point will be entered in a drawing for an ECC gift basket worth up to $50! Call 573-466-4100 or email ECCRolla@eastcentral.edu for more information.

East Central College Hosts RegFest for Potential Students

July 12, 2017 | Campus News

East Central College is excited to invite the community to RegFest at its Union and Rolla locations from 5 – 7 p.m. on July 18!

RegFest is a chance for potential students to talk with admissions representatives about programs, start the enrollment process, learn how to pay for college, and register for fall classes.

“While the fall semester is quickly approaching,” said Director of Admissions Nathaniel Mitchell, “there is still time to sign up for classes. It’s never too late to start your college education.”

At the Union location, 1964 Prairie Dell Rd., free food, door prizes, and concert ticket giveaways from KSHE 95 and New County 92.3 will be on hand. At the Rolla Main location, 500 Forum Drive, KZNN 105.3 will be on location with St. Louis Cardinals tickets!

Attendees are asked to bring a valid picture I.D., official high school transcript, and 2015 tax information.

“If students don’t have all the information readily available, that’s okay! We can still help them start the process of signing up for classes,” explained Mitchell.

Learn more about RegFest!

Community Education Summer Camp Classes a Hit!

July 6, 2017 | Campus News

Art has always been a passion of Madeline Havelka.

“As a viewer, you can interpret art based on your own experiences,” she said. “As the artist, it is so fun to experiment and be the ones to tell the actual story.”

Madeline graduated from East Central College in 2016 with an Associate of Fine Arts degree. After graduation, she decided to continue her education at Lincoln University where she is working to get a bachelor’s degree in art education.

“I started teaching a summer class through ECC’s Community Education Summer Camp Program last year,” she explained. “I completely fell in love with it. It was a part of my decision to become an art teacher.”

This year, Madeline mentored a handful of local, young artists at the Arts & Crafts Summer Camp June 26-29.

“My goal with my art is to express my life and emotions through each piece that I create,” she said. “With my students in the summer camp class, it’s the same concept. I wanted the kids to get to express themselves freely inside the classroom.”

Each year, East Central College Community Education offers a variety of fun, educational classes for students of all ages during the summer – from robotics to art to archery!

Madeline believes these types of courses truly bring something unique to the community.

“It is so much different than being in any other classroom. They have the freedom to grow and try new things!”

Learn more about East Central College Community Education and summer camps.