East Central College   

Author: akolb

#InspiringExcellence – EMS Instructor Wins Statewide Award

September 26, 2017 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Over the last 41 years, East Central College Instructor Lora Copeland has given her expertise on cardiac rhythm interpretation to more than 750 paramedic students.

“She actually helped create what is now the Paramedic Program at the college back in 1976,” said EMS Program Coordinator Tom Fitts, “just two years after receiving her Registered Nurse license!”

During the day, she acts as the critical care manager of the Mercy ICU in Washington. At night, she spends her time in an East Central College classroom. Her dedication to teaching students is remarkable.

“When we decided to offer a day class regarding rhythm interpretation,” said Fitts, “Lora said she ‘probably had enough vacation time’ to take off to teach those classes. I let her know I could not, in good conscience, let her use her vacation time for our students!”

Her lifelong dedication to the classroom is now being recognized at the state level. She was awarded the Jack Lyon Memorial Award by the Missouri EMS Association – presented to an outstanding instructor of an ongoing EMT-B, EMT-P or continuing education program that is accredited by the Missouri Bureau of EMS.

“Lora’s impact on the program has been huge,” said Fitts.  “Students may not know her by name, but they certainly know her by reputation.”

“I was fortunate enough to have Lora as my cardiology instructor when I took my paramedic training at East Central College in 1982,” said Union Ambulance District Chief Ken Koch, “and I still remember the lessons learned.”

This will be Copeland’s last year with the college. She plans to retire from the classroom to spend more time with her grandchildren. It is without a doubt – she’ll be missed.

“Lora’s expertise in the subject matter, as well as her calm, thoughtful demeanor made her a favorite of the students,” said St. Charles County Ambulance District CEO Taz Meyer. “The students always knew they could have confidence in Lora as a trusted resource.”

“I wish that every school had Lora as one of their teachers,” said EMS Adjunct Janet Fitts. “Not only would our cardiac care be better, but our patients would benefit from the compassion she has modeled for all of us.”

She was recently featured in The Missourian for her years of dedication.

Ace Your Semester – Fall Workshop Series for Students

August 31, 2017 | Campus News

The Learning Center is offering a fall semester workshop series for students. These free sessions will take place in the BH 103 computer lab, which is located by the elevator in the Karen S. Weida Student Service Center.

There is no need to RSVP for the workshops. Students just have to show up!

Topics:

  • Accountability: Take Control of Your Learning
    • September 5, 12 p.m.
    • October 25, 3:30 p.m.
  • Working When You Don’t Feel Like It
    • September 6, 3:30 p.m.
    • October 26, 12 p.m.
  • Setting SMART Goals
    • September 12, 12 p.m.
    • November 1, 3:30 p.m.
  • 30 Day Study Challenge (Study Skills)
    • September 13, 3:30 p.m.
    • November 2, 12 p.m.
  • Find Your Balance: Managing Stress
    • September 20, 3:30 p.m.
    • November 9, 12 p.m.

Questions? Contact Erin Anglin or Kristin Milligan.

Higher Learning Commission Welcomes Comments on East Central College

August 14, 2017 | Campus News

East Central College is seeking comments from the public about the College in preparation for its periodic evaluation by its regional accrediting agency, the Higher Learning Commission. The process validates the quality of an institution as a whole and evaluates multiple aspects of an institution ranging from its academic offerings, governance and administration, mission, finances and resources.

ECC will host an HLC team for an accreditation site visit in the fall. The HLC site visit team will review the institution’s ongoing ability to meet HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation.

“East Central College has proudly been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1976,” explained ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. “It is a vigorous process, but it’s an important one. We look forward to hosting representatives from the HLC on campus in October.”

As part of the process, the public, including employees, may submit written, signed comments on HLC’s website at www.hlcommission.org/comment or submit comments to the following address:

Public Comment on East Central College
Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604-1411

Accreditation ensures an institution’s academic program meets acceptable levels of quality. Institutions must be accredited by a federally recognized accrediting agency to qualify for participation in federal financial aid programs.

Learn more about East Central College’s accreditation review!

Math Pathways Provide New Options for Students

August 13, 2017 | Campus News

This fall, a change is coming to East Central College. Under the guidance of the Missouri Department of Higher Education, colleges across the state will divide mathematics requirements into different “Math Pathways” that align with students’ programs of study.

“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.

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

“A student in a humanities-related field might be best served by Contemporary Math, which is a mathematical reasoning course,” said Boehmer. “A student in a social science field might find Statistics to best serve them in their program of study.”

The development of new Math Pathways is supported by a growing number of educators nationwide who believe college algebra is not the best math course for many students, depending on the type of degree they are seeking.

The Missouri Department of Higher Education website goes into further detail of why the Math Pathways came about.

“Too often we hear the refrains ‘I’m just not good in math’ and ‘I don’t need math for my career,’” the website states. “Part of our challenge is changing perceptions of mathematics from something to be feared to something essential to one’s success in college and career. To that end, we must focus our attention not only on what is taught but how it is taught. We must align the appropriate mathematical concepts and skills with each program of study and do a better job of teaching those concepts and skills.”

The pathways aren’t being implemented overnight. The process began at ECC in October 2014 when a representative from the math department was asked to assist in the establishment of the Missouri Mathematics Pathways Task Force (MMPT).  Since that time, the math department has been working diligently in designing and redesigning courses.

“ECC’s math department has taken the creation of these pathways to heart.  Our faculty are aware of our obligation to our stakeholders in both learning competencies and transferability to four-year colleges and universities,” Boehmer said.

Missouri worked with higher education institutions in four other states to create the new math options. Higher education officials believe more math options will help increase college completion rates.

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 an English Language 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 Adult Education and Literacyor call 636-584-6533 or 844-322-4235.

“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!

Financial Aid Application Deadline Approaching

June 19, 2017 | Campus News

The priority deadline for students to submit their Financial Aid Application (FAFSA) and requested documentation to East Central College is around the corner! Students need to fill out the proper paperwork on or before July 1.

“If all of their paperwork is turned in, ECC can guarantee that it is processed by our fee deadline so that their financial aid will be used to hold their classes,” said Director of Student Financial Aid Karen Griffin. “If a student turns in their paperwork after the priority deadline, we cannot make that assurance.”

Griffin recommends students who don’t file the FAFSA or other relevant documents by July 1 to sign up for a payment plan to secure their classes. Payment plans can be accessed by logging into eCentral.

Students should allow up to 4 weeks for the processing of financial aid applications.

Financial assistance is provided through many forms – grants, scholarships, loans, etc. Through a process of careful planning and preparation, higher education can be an obtainable goal. Each student must take the responsibility to review his or her goals, evaluate their family’s financial situation, and determine a course of action.

Students do not have to do this entire process alone. The Office of Financial Aid is there to help! Call 636-584-6588, email finaid@eastcentral.edu or visit https://www.eastcentral.edu/finaid for more information.

AEL Program Awarded Dollar General Grant

June 12, 2017 | Campus News

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation awarded the East Central College Foundation, working on behalf of the ECC Adult Education and Literacy Program, an $8,000 grant to support its mission in 2017. This local grant award is part of more than $7.5 million in grants awarded to nearly 900 schools, nonprofits and organizations across the 44 states that Dollar General serves.

“We will use this grant to support our college and career readiness advocate Mary Eagan,” said AEL Director Alice Whalen. “She assists students enrolled in the adult education and literacy program – which serves 18 classes at 11 locations in Phelps, Crawford, Gasconade and Franklin Counties.  Mary helps students connect with Missouri Job Centers and other support agencies for employment, childcare and transportation assistance. The support of the East Central College Foundation was key to the success of the proposal.”

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports initiatives that help others improve their lives through literacy and education. Since its inception in 1993, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded more than $135 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 8.6 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy or continued education.

“There are more than 12,000 individuals in the six counties of the East Central College region in need of basic literacy skills services,” explained Whalen. “The college and career readiness advocate facilitates student success by helping them overcome barriers to the completion of their high school education.”

The East Central College Adult Education and Literacy program is free to the public. You can find out more about the program at www.eastcentral.edu/ael or call 636-584-6533.