Month: November 2017

Food, Games and Massages – Finals Week Fun to Help Students Relax!

November 28, 2017 | Campus News

Finals can be stressful. To help students relax, Campus Life and Leadership has planned a week full of fun activities!

When you need a study break, check out one of these FREE events on campus Dec. 4 – Dec. 7:

Monday, Dec. 4

Grab & Go Breakfast: Join us in the The Learning Center Lobby from 7:30-10:00 a.m. for free food courtesy of DECA
Balloon Stress Busters: Join us as we pop and smash balloons in the cafe from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. courtesy of The Learning Center

Tuesday, Dec. 5

Sheba the Comfort Dog: Come see our furry friend in The Learning Center from 11 – 1 p.m.
Nacho Bar: Grab some free nachos in the cafe from 12 – 1 p.m.

Wednesday 12/6

Massage & Skincare: Come get free hand and neck massages as well as facial masks and peels from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in The Learning Center courtesy of ECC student and licensed esthetician Betty Cattinari
Bingo: Join us in the cafe to play the classic game and win some great prizes from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. courtesy of The Library.
Dodgeball: Do you have what it takes to win? Enter the S-MSTA Dodgeball Tournament in the gym at 3:30 p.m. Entry fee per team (5 per team) – $20. All proceeds will go to help: All Abilities Athletics

Thursday 12/7

Massage & Skincare: Come get free hand and neck massages as well as facial masks and peels from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. in The Learning Center courtesy of ECC student and licensed esthetician Betty Cattinari
Massage & Skincare: Come get free hand and neck massages as well as facial masks and peels from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. in The Learning Center courtesy of ECC student and licensed esthetician Betty Cattinari

Other goodies:

Central Methodist University will also be passing out kettle corn throughout the week.
The Student Government Association will have tables set up with “survival bags” around campus.
The Learning Center will have snack and study sessions throughout the week.
Rotaract will be sponsoring a Grab & Go Breakfast during the actual week of testing (December 13-16).

Finals Week Information for Students

November 27, 2017 | Campus News

Finals week is around the corner! The Learning Center and Testing Center in Union are extending their hours to give students more opportunities to study and take exams!

December 9 – 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
December 11-14 – 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
December 15 – 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
December 16 – 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Testing Center only)

Students do not need to make an appointment to take a test at The Testing Center in Union. However, students who have accommodations on record and need an individual testing room need to make an appointment by calling 636.584.6550.

Meanwhile, The Testing Center in Rolla will also extend its hours during finals week:

December 9 – 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
December 11-14 – 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
December 15 – 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

For any exams taken between December 4 – 16, students will need to make an appointment by calling 573.466.4076.

Please bring valid identification to take an exam at either location! Students without proper identification won’t be allowed to take a test.

“As the semester comes to an end,” said The Learning Center Associate Director Kristin Milligan, “there will be many students taking exams during finals week. The wait may be a longer than anticipated. Please do not wait to the last day to test nor the last minute to visit the Testing Center in Union or Rolla!”

The last test will be administered an hour before close at both locations. Please arrive early and give yourself the full allotted time for your exam.

Join us for Adult Learner Night on December 7

November 20, 2017 | Campus News

East Central College serves a diverse population that reflects our entire community, throughout all life stages. Nearly 25 percent of our students are non-traditional, adult learners!

Whether you are going to college for the first time as an adult or returning to college after a long absence, East Central College wants to help.

Join us on December 7 at the Union or Rolla location from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. for Adult Learner Night! Learn about degree options, financial aid, career services, learning resources and more.

Free Textbook Giveaway Winner!

November 17, 2017 | Campus News

After high school, Michael Davis started a career in construction.

“It just wasn’t for me,” Davis explained.

So, he started working in hardware retail.

“I figured I would work my way up to management,” he said, “but I wasn’t very happy at that job either.”

Davis was missing something in his life. He wanted a career that was fulfilling – something that would make him happy.

“I’ve always liked helping people,” he said, “so I decided I wanted to become a counselor. I would love to be able to get involved in youth ministry.”

His first step was enrolling at East Central College. The St. Clair resident is now working toward an Associate’s of Arts in the social sciences pathway. He plans to transfer to a four-year institution after graduation to pursue a degree in psychology.

Because Davis signed up for classes between October 23 – November 10, he was entered to win free textbooks for the Spring 2018 semester. More than 1,200 students were eligible to win, and Davis was chosen!

“I was really excited when I found out,” he said. “This is going to help tremendously.”

Congrats and thank you for enrolling early!

#InspiringExcellence – Receiving Financial Aid a Life-Changing Event for East Central College Student

November 17, 2017 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Going to college can be a life-changing decision. No one knows that better than Ronda Esparza.

“Ronda came to the Financial Aid department in the summer of 2013,” said Barb Kuelker, East Central College financial aid specialist. “I could tell she was a bit nervous.”

Ronda had never gone to college. In fact, at the age of 14, she dropped out of high school. For years, she battled substance abuse until it eventually landed her in prison.

“She found solace in the prison ministry,” said Kuelker. “This led her to obtain her high school equivalency and come up with a plan for her future.”

That plan led her to East Central College.

“She didn’t want to ignore her past. She wanted to use it to help others, “explained Kuekler. “Ronda wanted to become a substance abuse counselor.”

With the help of the East Central College Financial Aid department, Ronda figured out how to pay for college. She took out student loans and worked part-time jobs. She also obtained Pell grants, scholarships and Access Missouri grants to help cover costs. Her schedule only allowed her to take 6-9 credit hours each semester, but Ronda never gave up.

“When she needed help, she asked for it. She tackled each class with sheer determination. It took four long years, but she did it,” said Kuekler.

During that span, she began interning at The Freedom Center for Recovery in Union, where she managed to earn her credentials as a Recognized Associate Substance Abuse Counselor (RASAC) and a Missouri Associate Alcohol and Drug Counselor (MAADC).

In May 2017, Ronda graduated with an Associate’s of Arts. She is currently enrolled at Central Methodist University working towards a degree in psychology.

“I am so proud of Ronda. She is making a difference in our community, and it’s something she could not have done without her education and the financial aid she received,” Kuekler said.

Ronda was recently recognized at the Missouri Association of Student Financial Aid Personnel (MASFAP) 50^th Anniversary Celebration with the Student Success Story Award – focusing on individuals who truly benefited from receiving financial aid.

East Central College Named Top Community College Provider of Apprenticeships in U.S.

November 15, 2017 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Sullivan-based Aerofil Technology Inc. competes on the global market, and maintaining a developed workforce is crucial to keeping up with demand.

“The industry keeps changing, and we have to change with it. You have to keep getting better as a company, and training employees is a part of that,” said Aerofil CEO Bob Dunaway.

The company reached out to East Central College in Union for help.

“East Central College is proud to be the workforce training provider for the area,” said President Dr. Jon Bauer, “and we credit Aerofil for dedicating its time and resources to its employees. It makes the workforce stronger, and it makes the local economy stronger.”

East Central College instructors are currently delivering training to Aerofil employees in manufacturing maintenance and logistics at the Aerofil facility. It’s being made possible through a U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship grant – tasking institutions to design programs to help close the skills gap in their area.

“Our country faces a chronic shortage of skilled laborers,” said HBM Holdings CEO Mike DeCola. The company recently acquired Aerofil. “We have to close that gap. As employers, it is our responsibility to train our workers, and no one is training employees better than Aerofil and East Central College.”

More than 100 registered apprenticeships are being created through the partnership, and it’s getting noticed at the national level.

“Not only is East Central College a leader in Missouri, but no other community college in the United States provides more registered apprenticeships than they do,” said Neil Perry, Missouri State Director of the U.S. Department of Labor.

Missouri now ranks third in the country in registered apprenticeships. “Community colleges like East Central College are a big part of the reason why,” said Perry.

After completion of an apprenticeship, Aerofil employees will receive a Certificate of Specialization in Industrial Maintenance Technology and will receive industry credentials. “East Central College figured out how to make this partnership work,” said Dunaway. “So far, it has been fantastic.”

East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD) launched the program with Aerofil in April 2017. In addition to 31 credit hours, the program also consists of 3,900 hours of structured, on-the-job training. CWD spent nearly two years researching and designing the apprenticeship program before its launch.

“This is a great example of collaboration and innovation,” said Dr. Bauer. “Many departments at East Central College came together to deliver programming that specifically meet the needs of Aerofil.”

It is being fully funded by the DOL grant program and Aerofil at no cost to the student. The funds are paying all costs for industry credentials, program administration, tuition, fees, books, supplies and apprentice wages.

“These types of partnerships don’t happen in a vacuum. They don’t happen overnight. Hard work got us here, and hard work will keep this partnership strong,” said Missouri Director of Workforce Development Mardy Leathers.

The grant program was originally scheduled to expire in April 2018. Due to the success of the program, it has been extended an additional year. “Programs such as this will give more businesses the chance to work with colleges like East Central to train their employees for the future,” explained Leathers.

The event coincided with National Apprenticeship Week – a national celebration that offers leaders in business, labor, education, and other critical partners a chance to express their support for Apprenticeship.

Gift Wrapping Station at The Learning Center

November 15, 2017 | Campus News

If you think wrapping holiday gifts is a chore, The Learning Center wants to lift the burden! To raise funds for The Learning Center Scholarship Fund, they will wrap your gifts, big or small, from now until December 11.

All you have to do is drop them off inside The Learning Center, and they will take care of the rest.

Price list:

Small Items (books, movies, video games, etc.) – $2
Medium Items (clothes, board games, etc.) – $4
Large Items (small appliances, toys, etc.) – $5
Extra Large Items (TV’s, bedding, etc.) – $7

Ask about a discount for multiple items!

Also, be sure to stop by The Learning Center lobby November 28-29 for the Holiday Treats fundraiser from 9:30 – 2:00 p.m. All proceeds will support The Learning Center Scholarship Fund.

Get Help With Financial Aid During FAFSA Nights

November 14, 2017 | Campus News

Getting financial aid for college can be stressful for many people. What forms do I fill out? What scholarships and grants am I eligible for? When are the deadlines?

East Central College wants to make the process easier! We will be holding a series of workshops to help students fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

FAFSA Nights will be held at the Union (Buescher Hall, Room 182) and Rolla Main locations from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. on the following dates:

October 5
October 19
November 2
November 16
November 30

“Because students are able to file the FAFSA as early as October 1, we want to make sure they feel comfortable going into the process,” said Director of Student Financial Aid Karen Griffen. “These workshops are open to all students – not just those planning to come to East Central College”

What should I bring?

Social Security Number
Driver’s License
W-2 Forms
2016 Federal Income Tax Return
Your Parent’s Federal Income Tax Return (if applicable)
Veterans Non-Education Benefit Records
Child Support Received and/or Paid
Worker’s Compensation
Current Business and Investment Information
Alien Registration or Permanent Resident Card

Questions? 636.584.6588 or FinAid@EastCentral.edu

International Education Week – November 13-17

November 13, 2017 | Campus News

International Education Week 2017 is here! Celebrated November 13-17, it is a week designated by the U.S. Departments of State and Education to promote and celebrate international exchange. Check out an event on campus, and join in on the fun!

The International Candy Bar will open at , 11 a.m. on Monday, November 13 outside The Learning Center. Stop by and try candy from around the world!

The popular Soup & Stories series will be held Tuesday-Thursday in the Café. Hear stories from our international students and have a free bowl of soup provided by the East Central College Culinary Program. Dessert will also provided by Café Central!

Tuesday, 11/14
11:30am-12:00 pm Alexsandar Stojov (Serbia)
12:00pm-12:30 pm Nicholas Tosovksy-Heinemeier (American in Spain) & Amiru N’Diaye-Pipio (Spain)

Wednesday, 11/15
11:30am-12:00 pm Magnus Andersen (Denmark)
12:00pm-12:30 pm Lewis Brass & Billy Thompson (United Kingdom)

Thursday, 11/16
11:30am-12:00 pm Sebastián Jarrín (Ecuador)
12:00pm-12:30 pm Flavian Hunter (Trinidad)

International Education Week will also feature guest speakers throughout the week. On Tuesday, November 14 from 5 – 6 p.m. in Hansen Hall 286, Roselyne Hazard will talk about her work with immigrants and refugees in the St. Louis area. Hazard is a therapist and clinical supervisor for ALIVE and a member of the Speakers Bureau for the International Institute of St. Louis. Originally from Belgium, Roselyne has lived in Spain, Central America, South America and the Caribbean before moving to the United States 25 years ago. She is an East Central College alumna and has a Master’s of Social Work and Licensed Clinical Social Work from St. Louis University.

On Thursday, November 16 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. in Hansen Hall 286, Kate Camargo will be the featured speaker. Camargo has served as a health education specialist in the Peace Corps from 2007-2009 in Mali, West Africa. She worked in a rural health clinic, where she assisted the clinic’s nurse and midwives with vaccination campaigns, maternal education and infant growth tracking. She also provided health education in local primary and secondary schools. Following her Peace Corps service, she received a Master of Public Affairs (MPA) from Indiana University. Kate currently works as a Foundation Partnerships Associate with Action Against Hunger, a global humanitarian organization dedicated to ending world hunger.

Restructured Scholarships Open More Opportunities for Students

November 10, 2017 | Campus News

East Central College is restructuring its scholarships to help more students pay for college.

“This will not only encourage the recruitment of full-time students,” said Vice President of Student Services Shelli Allen, “but we also hope it will increase participation in part-time students.”

The new scholarship procedures were put together by a task force comprised of faculty, staff and administrators. The group reviewed current scholarships, researched best practices across the industry and determined how East Central College should allocate scholarships to students.

“The group decided there needed to be a bigger emphasis on persistence and completion,” explained Allen. “The College Completion Scholarship, for example, is an award for students who are within 12 credit hours of degree or certificate completion.”

Another award, the Operation: Graduation! Scholarship, is designed to help students who are meeting the “15 to Finish” timeline toward degree completion within the first two years of college.

“We want to do everything we can to lift the financial burden on our students,” said East Central College President Dr. Jon Bauer. “The scholarship task force found a way to use the funds we have to reach the students who need it most.”

Broader eligibility criteria is also a key component of the restructure. The Board of Trustees Scholarship, for example, was previously open only to students in the top 10 percent of their graduating class. It will now be open to high school graduates with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or who rank in the top 10 percent. The scholarship also now includes HiSET students, home schooled students, transfer students and currently enrolled students at East Central College.

Other changes include scholarships for students enrolled at least half-time, targeted recruitment scholarships for fine and performing arts and modified credit hour requirements for scholarship renewal.