Category: Campus News

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.

East Central College – Rolla Locations Closed August 15

August 8, 2017 | Campus News ECC Rolla

To help prepare for the new school year and the coming reaccreditation process, East Central College-Rolla will be closed on August 15 for staff in-service. The closing affects ECC Rolla Main, 500 Forum Drive, and ECC Rolla North, 2303 N. Bishop Avenue.

East Central College will host a team from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) October 16-18. The team will review the institution’s ongoing ability to meet HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation. Accreditation ensures East Central College’s academic program meets acceptable levels of quality. Learn more about the HLC visit!

Normal business hours will resume on August 16 at the college. Students are welcome to call 573-466-4100 with any questions.

Take a College Placement Test and Skip the Classes You Don’t Need!

August 3, 2017 | Campus News

Take a college placement test, and skip classes you don’t need! The Learning Center (TLC) is holding a series of placement test prep sessions for incoming students. These study sessions will review math, English and reading skills in order to prepare students for college placement tests.

“Placement tests help East Central College advisors figure out what classes best fit a student’s academic level,” said TLC Director Erin Anglin. “It also allows students to skip over classes they don’t need – saving time and money.”

The study sessions are short and are designed to help refresh a student’s memory before taking the test:

Friday 8/11 -10:00 a.m. (Math),11:00 a.m. (Reading & English)
Tuesday 8/15 -12:00 p.m. (Reading & English),1:00 p.m. (Math)
Wednesday 8/16 -10:00 a.m. (Math),11:00 a.m. (Reading & English)

If students cannot attend one of the group sessions, they can make an individual appointment with a Specialist to go over content. Call 636-584-6688 or 636-584-6124 for more information.

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.

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.