Author: gjones

ECC Staff Conducts Wellness Checks on Students

January 13, 2021 | Campus News

Winter break typically is a time when college is not on the top of students’ minds.

But over the break, East Central College students were given a quick reminder of the college via wellbeing check phone calls from student services staff.

Vice President of Academic Affairs Robyn Walter said ECC staff reached out to current students to check in, adding that the calls were multi purposed with the goal of getting assistance to students in need.

Walter explained that the ECC employees contacted students to ask about their overall wellness, if they needed financial assistance or if they had health concerns.

“The focus is to connect with our students and help identify potential health, wellbeing, financial, or other personal or school related concerns so that we can link them now to campus or community resources before classes begin,” she said.

The spring semester is slated to begin Tuesday, Jan. 19.

During the conversation with students, they were informed of the ECC Food Bank form, ECC counseling services, bookstore information and financial assistance contact information.

According to Dr. Parvi Govindaswamy, the plan to contact students over break began during a discussion among members of the Civic and Community Engagement Coalition.

“One of our goals at ECC is to make sure we understand the issues students in our community may face,” said Dr. Govindaswamy.

Resources

Listed below are resources for ECC students:

An ECC Food Bank request form can be found at www.eastcentral.edu/current/. Click the “Food Pantry” tab under Support Services.
For ECC Counseling visit www.eastcentral.edu/counseling/.
To contact the bookstore, call 636-584-6737.
For information on financial aid email finaid@eastcentral.edu.

Adult Education Instructor Encourages Students to Persevere

January 12, 2021 | Campus News

In order to improve over time, we all share the need to move forward even when it’s difficult.

That’s according to Kathy Amsinger, an adult education instructor, who teaches her students to persevere and persist in order to reach their goals.

Amsinger teaches with the Adult Education & Literacy (AEL) program, offered through East Central College, at the Rolla and St. James class locations. She has been the instructor at these sites for over six years, and prior to that taught at Linn and Cuba.

Each student who attends AEL classes receives an individualized lesson plan.

Amsinger added that 90-95 percent of the students need help with math. She helps them “fill in the holes” of what they’ve missed.

Amsinger said she loves watching the transition that takes place in her student’s attitudes and beliefs. The tools that she gives them to build skills in math carry over to the other subjects as well.

She stresses that critical thinking and seeking out detail are essential to success in all areas, and that due to modern day technology, we tend to scan for information more than look for details.

“The good news is, you can learn,” Amsinger said.

With her years of experience, her view is that it may be scary for some adult learners to begin this journey, wondering if they’ll succeed or if they’ll face disappointment. Amsinger once had an instructor tell her, “it’s about 10 percent academics and 90 percent working on how they perceive themselves.”

Part of her mission is to encourage students to learn how to motivate themselves with positive self-talk.

She has been faced with helping students that were ready to take the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) and didn’t believe in themselves, as well as students who were not yet ready to test and thought they could pass.

To each group, she teaches the same concept.

“How we deal with ups and downs determines our success,” Amsinger said. “It takes hard work and sweat equity; pushing through days when you want to give up.”

While many students face obstacles, Amsinger lets her students know that an excuse can turn into a habit, and that she will help them develop effective routines.

“It’s exciting to help them in this journey,” she added. “It’s all about their success —That’s why I keep doing it.”

She has witnessed many changes in the program, including the objectives the students are supposed to meet, and explains that changes have been good for the most part.

Amsinger promotes ECC and its quest to award a Transition Scholarship for a free three credit hour course to graduates of the AEL program.

“They invest in our students. Yay, East Central!” Amsinger tells her students.

Her goal is to prepare each of her students to pass the HiSET and earn their High School Equivalency certificate, then see them move on to more achievements. She inspires in her students a willingness to work hard, continue to grow and remain teachable.

“We are all the same. We are all a work in progress.”

Enrollment Open for English Language Classes

January 5, 2021 | Campus News

Area residents seeking English language skills can enroll now through East Central College’s Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program.

The English Language Acquisition (English as a Second Language) classes provide students with a working knowledge of English in preparation for citizenship tests, the workplace, additional education, and daily living.

The experienced instructors who teach English language classes provide students with reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, according to Alice Whalen, director of the AEL program.

“We know there are groups of community members in the Franklin and Phelps county areas who need to enhance their English language skills.” She said.

“Students are also looking to improve their English language skills for travel, social or employment purposes.”

Whalen noted that the students studying English will also participate in cultural and social activities in the community. Students take the class with a range of experience; some students need help preparing to enter college.

The classes are available during the day in Union, Rolla and Washington. Evening classes are held in Union and Rolla.

To find the times and locations of classes, as well as other services offered through the AEL program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/ael.

For more information about AEL, call 636-584-6533 or 844-ECC-4AEL (844-322-4235), or email ael@eastcentral.edu.

Fast-Track Programs

According to Whalen, students enrolled in English language classes could be eligible for recently announced workforce programs.

That includes Certified Nursing Assistant and Introduction to Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), which both will be taught at the ECC Union campus; and Maintenance Assistants (MA) certificate program courses that will be taught at the Rolla North site.

The Fast-Track classes begin in January 2021, so students must enroll quickly to complete the required AEL orientation prior to classes beginning. Local job centers will provide financial assistance for eligible students.

Students Named to 2020 Fall Semester Vice President’s List

December 22, 2020 | Campus News

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

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 2018 semester, there were 164 students on the list!

President’s List for Fall 2020 Semester

December 22, 2020 | Campus News

East Central College recognizes students who have demonstrated exemplary academic achievement each semester.

Upon completion of at least 12 fall semester credit hours with a semester grade point average of 3.85 or greater, students are acknowledged on the President’s List.

There were 134 students named to the list from the fall semester!

From Homeschool to Honor Society, Siblings Learn Together

December 21, 2020 | Campus News

Belle area siblings Kya and Jace Nilges were homeschooled together, and now they are continuing their education together at East Central College in Rolla.

They both took time off after high school to work before enrolling at ECC. They decided to take the plunge and enroll in Fall of 2019.

The siblings agreed that attending ECC turned out being an easier transition than either of them thought.

“I was worried about coming to college, but it ended up being totally fine and I wished I had done it sooner,” Kya explained.

“I was kind of worried I’d be out of my depth,” Jace added. “I expected it to be much harder than it was.”

Jace, who is 15 months older than Kya, said they both recognize the value of attending ECC because of the short drive from their hometown and the affordability of classes.

“We chose ECC for the proximity and the price. It’s also a good stepping-stone in getting credits to transfer. It makes it a lot easier and more efficient,” added Kya.

Kya plans on completing an associate degree in liberal studies, then she hopes to transfer to Stephen’s College to pursue Fashion Communication or Communication Design. Jace is leaning toward an associate degree in Radiologic Technology through ECC and the Rolla Technical Center.

Students with Honors

The duo was invited into Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for two-year colleges, based on their impressive GPAs. While neither one of them quite expected being inducted into an honor society, they both embraced the opportunity.

“I didn’t really know much about Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) before I was sent the invitation,” Jace said.

“It was kind of a surprise but then thought ‘well yeah, this sounds good!’ I’m glad I was invited.”

Kya noted that she was aware of PTK but she did not expect to be part of the organization. They were inducted into PTK in November.

“It’s really amazing to be a part of it,” she said. “I did not expect this good of grades. We were both homeschooled so I had no idea what my grades would be like starting out — It was unpredictable.”

They attribute part of their success to holding each other accountable in their schoolwork. Going to school with a sibling gives the opportunity of always having a study partner.

“It’s nice to have someone built-in to study with. You always have someone there to talk it through with. A lot of other people don’t have that,” Kya commented.

They also attribute some of their success to having chosen ECC.

“Attending ECC has given me a lot more opportunities and I have become way more confident in myself.” Kya said.

Jace had parting advice to those considering enrollment at ECC:

“Going to college seems scary but the scariest part is taking that first step. Once you’re actually in school, it just becomes normal. You are more capable than you think you are.”

After Four Years, Returning Student Completes Degree

December 18, 2020 | Campus News

It occurs often in life that we need some encouragement and support to help us.

That was the case for Mercedes Mangrum. East Central College sent her a text, a postcard, a letter, an e-mail, showing her the value of finishing her college degree. And she made up her mind that this 2020 fall semester would be the time to do it.

“My decision to complete this semester was solely to give myself options for future endeavors.”

Mercedes graduated from St. Clair High School in 2012, enrolled at ECC, and took classes off and on until 2016 when she paused for personal reasons.

The 26-year-old spent the last four years working and is currently an administrative assistant at a counseling facility in Creve Coeur. She needed only four classes (12 college credits) to complete the requirements for an Associate of Arts degree. She’ll have the degree at the end of the year, knowing her effort was worth it.

“As an older student, I did feel more focused and ready to complete my degree. ECC classes were affordable for me which made achieving my degree possible.”

She’ll be an ECC graduate, but she’s not stopping her education. She is considering Harris-Stowe State University for a more diverse experience and to learn more about her heritage. Her mother is Cambodian, and her father is African American.

Mercedes is one of the hundreds of students with some college credits hours from East Central College who haven’t completed their degree. Many of them could finish in one or two semesters.

Mercedes has a message to those other ECC students who are so close to completing their degree.

“Keep going, there is no failing. Keep persevering toward your goal and keep learning. I believe knowledge is power.”

East Central College has a dedicated program to help those ECC students complete their degree.

AEL Instructor to Retire After 13 Years

December 17, 2020 | Campus News

Don Boettcher is hanging up his hat after 13 years as an instructor with East Central College’s Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) Program.

Boettcher, 87, taught college and career readiness classes. That Includes assisting students who did not have a high school diploma prepare for the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET), formerly called the GED.

According to Alice Whalen, AEL director, Boettcher cared deeply about his job as an instructor and each student he taught.

“Don has adapted to many changes in the adult education program over the years, but his care and support for the students has never changed,” she said, “He has always shown the greatest care and concern for their success.”

His AEL teaching career began after he got a call from ECC in 2007 to teach GED classes.

The college was offering high school equivalency classes in the Gerald area and needed someone nearby to teach evening classes.

Boettcher taught HiSET prep courses two nights a week at New Life Tabernacle in Gerald. He taught students a variety of subjects to help prepare them for the test.

After teaching students in the Gerald area for a few years, Boettcher taught at the Sullivan class site.

About Boettcher

Boettcher and his wife, MaryJane, live in Sullivan. He is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. The couple moved to Missouri in 1965.

He had served in the U.S. Air Force in the 1950s, and later he worked as a market researcher for a Canadian-owned brewing company. When the couple moved to Missouri Boettcher was a market planning manager, and at one point he worked at an advertising firm.

AEL Program

ECC’s AEL program offers several programs to help adult learners with workforce training skills, English Language Acquisition, Communication and Customer Service Certificate Programs and much more.

AEL instructors must have a bachelor’s degree, pass a fingerprint background check and complete training for certification once hired.

Volunteers with the program must complete a Missouri background check and complete virtual training with the East Central Area Literacy Council.

To learn more about the AEL Program, people may visit www.eastcentral.edu/ael/.

Area residents interested in becoming instructors or classroom assistants may call 636-584-6533 or email ael@eastcentral.edu.

Actor’s Showcase Performance Premieres Thursday

December 16, 2020 | Campus News Performing Arts Theatre

Every year the East Central College Theatre Department Acting I and II students present an onstage showcase of their work — and year will be no exception.

That’s according to Grace Austin, theatre director, who said the Fall 2020 Actor’s Showcase will premiere Thursday, Dec. 17, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

She explained that the acting students will perform, “The Way Home,” written by St. Louis playwright Will Bonfiglio.

“Will Bonfiglio has again written an original show for the students to perform based on found text and travel advice platforms,” Austin said. “The show covers all concepts of home, road trips, playlists, adventure and returning to where your heart is.”

The performance will premiere on the ECC Theatre YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0n2PWRj9Zw.

Austin noted that the play was filmed over three nights in December, with three students joining the class remotely via Zoom.

The actors who performed “The Way Home” are Logan Head, Shania Wilson, Sebastian Monotowine, Grace Allagier, Faythe Anderson, Kennedy Smith, Isabelle Obie, Isaac Corum, Harley Vuocolo, Isaac Gibson, Alex Kreite, Jacob Fitts, Hannah Folk, Dora Bell and Gavin Salsman.

The “run crew” includes Jarred Snider and Samantha Doepker with lighting design by Bess Moynihan and theatre management by Sylvia Sellers.

In-Person, Online and Streaming Classes at ECC this Spring

December 16, 2020 | Campus News

The spring semester at East Central College will look much like the fall semester, with a full range of class offerings and delivery methods.

According to ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer, not much has changed in course delivery from Fall to Spring, primarily because what the college has done has worked so well.

“The spring semester schedule includes classes offered in-person, online and/or streaming,” he said. “We plan to open the spring with this combination of delivery options.”

Dr. Bauer urged students to sign up as soon as possible for spring classes to ensure the classes they want will be available when they need them.

“The earlier you register, the more likely it is you can enroll in the type of classes you prefer,” he said.

The 2021 Spring semester begins Tuesday, Jan. 19. For some students, it will be their first taste of college.

“We have students who start their college education during the spring semester,” Dr. Bauer added. “That’s really just around the corner, so don’t delay.”

For more registration information, visit eastcentral.edu/admissions/ or call 636-584-6588.

In-Person Classes

Dr. Bauer explained that ECC’s in-person classes have been successful because of the safety protocols in place.

“We will continue to have the COVID protections that we have now, including a mask requirement and reduced seating in classes in order to maintain social distancing,” he said.

In addition, ECC has stations at each entrance and other areas of campus with hand sanitizer and thermometers.

Students and employees are encouraged to stay home if they are feeling ill. The college has an employee serving as a COVID-19 contact to assist students and employees with questions about procedures, and also to follow up with local health departments to assist in keeping the campus safe.

ECC Rolla Classes

Christina Ayres, Director of the ECC Rolla sites, said fall semester students were able to schedule classes based on their comfort level, around work or home obligations.

The Spring semester will be much of the same.

“For every student it was a personal decision,” Ayres said. “Our students are absolutely committed to their education.”

She noted that for some students it was practical to stay at home because of their children or due to a family illness.

“We increased our online offerings so students could take advantage of learning at home,” Ayres said. “We want to offer options so students can make the best decision based on their circumstances.”