Category: Campus News

Regional Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering Competition at ECC

February 14, 2017 | Campus News

On Wednesday, Feb. 8, some 175 high school students attended East Central College for the regional competition of Worldwide Youth in Science in Engineering (WYSE). The students came from area high schools including Washington, Borgia, Warrenton, Sullivan, St. Clair, Union, Linn, Chamois, Salem, Houston and Hallsville. This is the 17^th year that East Central College has hosted the regional competition.

Hannah Ziegler, a Washington High School student, competed for the first time this year as a senior. She competed in Biology and English. “I studied by reviewing past tests,” she said, “and since this is the only year I have left to do it, I just wanted to see how I’d do!”

This wasn’t the first time for Sullivan senior Jacob Smith, but it was his last time. “My teachers definitely wanted for me to try it out my freshman year,” he said. “After that, I enjoyed it and wanted to come back. Last year I got fourth in sectionals.”

Leo Kniffen is also a seasoned veteran at the WYSE competition. The senior at Warrenton High School has taken the physics and math tests since his freshmen year.

“When I took the tests last year, Warrenton went on to state, and then I placed first at state for physics” Kniffen said. “We’ll see how it goes this year, though. I forgot most of the stuff!”

While Kniffen didn’t place individually this year at regionals, his team did move on to the next round along with Washington, St. Francis Borgia and Sullivan High Schools.

Houston, Hallsville and Linn High Schools will also send teams to the sectional competition at Missouri S&T on April 18 with hopes to make it to state.

Picture: Washington High School WYSE team

East Central Partners with Missouri S&T in Enrollment Program

February 13, 2017 | Campus News

East Central College and Missouri University of Science and Technology are coming together to reduce college costs and help students earn a degree in less time.

The Concurrent Enrollment program will allow students who meet the admissions requirements of East Central College and Missouri S&T to be admitted to both schools. The program gives students the flexibility to take courses at both schools at the same time and allows them to access a larger selection of courses and schedules to better fit their needs.

“We are excited to be a part of this new program,” said ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. “This is a great opportunity for our institutions to work together for the benefit of our students.”

Students also will have the ability to complete an associate’s degree from East Central College while working toward a bachelor’s degree from Missouri S&T.

“The program aspires to decrease time to graduation and total credits at graduation,” said Dr. Bauer, “while increasing enrollment, retention, transfer and graduation rates.”

Legislation approved in 2016 directed the department to establish the Concurrent Enrollment pilot program. Results of the programs will be reported to the governor and the General Assembly by Jan. 1, 2020. Ten students will help pilot the program in the first year at ECC.

East Central College and Missouri S&T have a thriving transfer partnership that was established more than 40 years ago. Originally established for the benefit of engineering students, the partnership has expanded to include students majoring in more than 40 different degree programs.

Over the coming months, East Central College and Missouri S&T will work together to finalize the program specifics.

Workers Wanted: ECC Creates Apprenticeship Program for Local Workforce

February 10, 2017 | Campus News

Computer technology, health care, construction, and high-skill manufacturing account for nearly 54 percent of the American labor market, according to the National Skills Coalition. Unfortunately, only 44 percent of workers are sufficiently trained for those high-demand jobs.

East Central College is trying to buck that trend. Thanks to an $87,000 grant from the Missouri Division of Workforce Development, the college will soon build an apprenticeship program.

“We know employers in the area are faced with a skills gap,” said Mardy Leathers, Workforce Development executive director. “We want to provide both the academic education needed for the workforce and the hands-on skills to land a job in their companies.”

Statewide, there are nearly 6,500 manufacturing facilities that need highly skilled workers.

“Franklin County has more than four times the manufacturing establishments than any other county in our service region,” said Jeremy Goss, Workforce Development coordinator of business development and training. “They make up near 25 percent of all jobs in the area, higher than any other category.”

In partnership with local industry, two registered apprenticeship programs will be offered by East Central: precision machinist and industrial maintenance technician.

“These are two or three-year programs,” said Leathers. “Students enrolled in the program will get 4,000 – 6,000 structured on-the-job training hours, 33 college credit hours, industry-recognized credentials, and pay increases based on academic progress. All of this results in a Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Certificate along with industry certifications and academic credit – each poised to create a dynamic and high performing employee in the advanced manufacturing sector.”

The mission of the Center for Workforce Development is to establish and promote economic opportunities that lead to a comprehensive workforce system in the ECC Service Region (Franklin, Warren, Gasconade, Maries, Crawford, Dent, Osage, and Phelps Counties).

Businesses or students interested in the program should contact Jeremy Goss via email or call 636-649-5806.

Cutting Costs by Going Green

February 7, 2017 | Campus News

At the February Board of Trustees meeting, East Central College moved toward a greener, more environmentally friendly campus. A contract was awarded to Johnson Controls, Inc. to provide nearly $1.25 million in upgrades to campus infrastructure.

“This project will upgrade all lighting fixtures with LED high efficiency/performance lighting for both interior and exterior equipment,” said East Central College President Dr. Jon Bauer. “The improvements to the lights will lower the energy consumption and increase the amount of light on our parking lots which enhances our campus safety and security initiatives.”

The upgrade will deliver a guaranteed energy savings of more than $72,000 in the first year. “If the savings realized by the college are less than the guaranteed amount, Johnson Controls will pay East Central the difference,” said Dr. Bauer. “We will always achieve our target energy savings annually.”

The project will also include water fixture optimization, which will lessen the amount of leakage in current water fixtures. To increase the efficiency of heating, ventilating and air conditioning infrastructure, an upgraded control system will be incorporated to provide better regulation of campus buildings. According to Johnson Controls, local contractors will be utilized for the projects.

“All of these cost savings improvements are part of the College Master Plan,” said Dr. Bauer. That plan was approved in December 2015 by the Board of Trustees.

Also at the February meeting, the Board of Trustees approved a retirement incentive for full-time employees who are, or will become, eligible for state retirement in 2017. There are currently 23 employees who meet the stipulation. Eligible employees who participate in the incentive would receive a payment equivalent to one percent of base salary for every year of service at East Central, up to a maximum of 25 percent. Retirees would also receive the cash equivalent of one year of medical, vision and dental insurance.

If all eligible employees would participate, the net cost in year one would be approximately $50,000. In the second year, the savings to the institution is estimated to be $300,000.

Community Colleges Vital to State’s Economy

February 3, 2017 | Campus News

Missouri finds itself at a critical moment. The decline in state revenue and growth in expenses leaves state decision makers with a budget gap that is estimated at $700 million. Those of us at community colleges understand the difficult decisions the Governor has to make and the difficult situation the state is in.

We recognize that the decline in state revenue is real. And we believe that the only way to change the trajectory of Missouri is to grow our state’s economy.

East Central College and the other community colleges in Missouri have a vital role to play in this important work. Moreover, we believe it is important to recognize what cuts to higher education mean to our long term economic health and social wellbeing.

Restricting the ability to fulfill our mission means Missouri will not produce the workforce that our state’s businesses need. We cannot grow the economy without a skilled workforce. As I talk with employers, large and small, they share a common concern: they are worried about having the workforce to do the jobs they need done. This is the number one issue in economic development. Cutting higher education is cutting a skilled workforce, and it’s the very worst thing we can do for our economy.

Even more important is the need for thoughtful, educated, creative, and talented individuals who share in a commitment to improving our state. These individuals are our students, our graduates.

Like the state, a community college has to live within its means. A reduction in revenue means more than belt tightening. It is likely to mean reduced services and increased costs for students.

I worry about the effect on those who will find it harder to afford college. I worry about the individual who will not be able to attend. I worry about the communities who will not benefit from the contributions these individuals would otherwise provide.

For nearly 50 years, East Central has served this region. We will continue to do so, even in challenging budgetary times. But a reduction in resources comes at a cost. We look forward to working with decision makers to develop a new plan for the state, one which values education, the individuals who are looking for an upward path, and the many stakeholders who depend on a well-educated and expertly trained citizenry.

We can do this. We can show a better path forward. We are, after all, Missourians.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jon Bauer
President
East Central College

A Simple Game About a Serious Subject – NCADA Visits ECC Campus

February 2, 2017 | Campus News

Ping pong balls, candy and root beer – an odd trio of tools to bring awareness to drugs and alcohol. However, it was just that combination that brought dozens of students to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (NCADA) booth in the ECC Cafe at the end of January.

Julie Hook, a prevention specialist for the NCADA, came to campus to spread knowledge about the importance of prevention and awareness with drugs and alcohol in honor of National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week.

Students were invited to take a brief quiz testing their knowledge on drugs and alcohol, and with the points they earned from the quiz, they got to try their hand at “Root Beer Pong.” After Hook revealed the correct answer, she also gave supplemental information in regard to each question.

“Some of the topics covered included the safe disposal of pharmaceutical drugs, Missouri alcohol and tobacco laws, alcohol misuse and opioid addiction,” said Coordinator of Student Activities Courtney Henrichsen.

While the game was there to draw the students’ attention, the real goal was to provide participants with knowledge about the importance of prevention and awareness concerning alcohol and drug use.

“That old saying about an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is absolutely true,” Hook said. “Early intervention is key for preventing addiction. If someone has early warning signs of something going on, we’re more likely to get them the help they need.”

East Central College student Bobbi Francis decided to try her luck at the game. She managed to get ninety percent of the quiz questions correct. She says it’s knowledge that has been with her for a while.

“Two of my uncles have been in and out of jail because they struggle with addiction,” said Francis. “I grew up knowing a lot about their situations and what caused them.”

Francis is currently working on a degree in psychology and social work. She hopes to have a practice of her own in the children’s division.

Along with the game, Hook also brought information and brochures about the services NCADA offers, including free counseling for young adults and adolescents in Franklin County and a free educational program called Youth Mental Health First Aid.

“If we can train people to recognize a mental health disorder or if we all know the red flags and the words to say and the actions to take, we can get them the help they need,” Hook said.

East Central College understands being a college student presents many challenges, and sometimes those challenges can be overwhelming. That’s why we set up ECC Cares – a resource for students and staff to help protect the health and safety of our community. At East Central College, we know maintaining a safe, welcoming environment allows students to focus on their education and get the most out of their time at the college.

Find out more about ECC Cares.

Dr. Jon Bauer Testifies about College Funding to Missouri Legislators

January 27, 2017 | Campus News

This week in the Capitol, Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Presidents and Chancellors Council Chair Dr. Jon Bauer testified on budget priorities before both House and Senate Appropriations Committees. Dr. Bauer began his testimony by expressing concern and understanding over the current budget situation.

“I want to acknowledge the difficult budget situation we are facing as a state and the difficult decisions you have ahead of you,” Dr. Bauer said. “We know it is not going to be easy for you and your colleagues.”

The state’s slow revenue growth, drop in corporate taxes and prior shortfalls created a deficit for the current year that had grown to $39 million. To keep the budget balanced, which is legally required, Governor Eric Greitens announced another $146 million in withholds. When combined with previous withholds from Governor Jay Nixon, this brought the total withholds for this fiscal year to $346 million.

The problem still isn’t solved, however. The new Governor and legislature will have to figure out how to carve out space in Missouri’s FY 2018 budget to account for Missouri’s slow revenue.

“I don’t envy the job ahead of you,” Dr. Bauer told legislators. “I do know, though, that if you are looking for a solid investment – a place where people’s lives are changed, their families’ lives are improved, and where the bedrock of Missouri’s workforce is trained – it’s at our community colleges.”

Read Dr. Bauer’s full testimony.

Priority Deadline for Missouri Student Aid Program Feb. 1

January 25, 2017 | Campus News

The new priority deadline for the Access Missouri Grant Program – the state’s largest student financial aid program – is quickly approaching. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as the FAFSA, by Feb. 1 to be guaranteed a grant award if they meet all eligibility requirements.

This is the first year Missouri has set a priority deadline for the grant program. Students completing the FAFSA after Feb. 1 but before the April 3 final deadline could still receive a grant if funding is available. The grant is the state’s only student aid program based on financial need.

Maximum grant amounts are determined primarily by available state funding and the number of students eligible to receive the grant each year. Specific award amounts are based on students’ financial need, the type of college they attend and other financial aid they receive.

Students must file a FAFSA every year they are in school to be eligible for most federal and state financial aid programs, including the Access Missouri Grant Program.

Need help? The East Central College Financial Aid Department is here to help!

NOTE:

According to the National Association of Student Financial Administrators, there will be a system outage on January 28-29 to perform maintenance. It begins at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 28 and lasts into the early morning hours of Sunday, January 29.

During this time, a number of websites and systems will be unavailable. Find out what will affected during the outage.

Meet Student Ambassador Kjia Zuroweste

January 23, 2017 | Campus News

New Haven native Kjia Zuroweste came to East Central College with a goal.

“I really wanted to gain knowledge,” the sophomore said. “I wanted to stretch my comfort zone and enjoy the entire process.”

When she heard about the Student Ambassador Program, it seemed like a perfect fit. “I thought it would be a great opportunity to speak about my experience at ECC,” Zuroweste explained.

“Student Ambassadors are an exceptional group of students selected to represent ECC at special events on campus and in the community,” said Director of Admissions Nathaniel Mitchell.

Started in the spring of 2014, the East Central College Foundation funds students who have shown potential to be leaders on campus. The Student Ambassadors at ECC are involved in a variety of activities both on campus and in the community. Some of these activities include assisting with campus registration, graduation ceremonies and various fundraisers.

So far, Zuroweste has enjoyed her time as ambassador, though she admits people often have trouble with her name.

“My first name is Scandinavian,” she explained. “My last name is German. They get mispronounced a lot.”

She especially enjoys interactions with fellow students. “Call me crazy,” she said, “but I love having deep, philosophical conversations. I don’t care what the topic is!”

While she admits that might not be everyone’s cup of tea, she has other interests too.

“I love hunting, fishing and everything outdoors,” she said. “I also enjoy playing sports and going to the gym.”

Student Ambassadors at East Central College network and develop relationships with faculty, staff, and fellow students that can last a lifetime. Each Student Ambassador commits him or herself to a full year of service to ECC and attends a summer training session to build teamwork, communication and character building skills.

If you are interested in becoming a Student Ambassador, stop by the Student Service Center at ECC-Union to find out more, or apply online.

Sign Up for a Community Education Class in 2017!

January 9, 2017 | Campus News

The 2017 spring schedule of Community Education classes provides a variety of personal and professional enrichment opportunities for community members.

The offerings feature a variety of classes for children and adults. Children’s offerings include computer science, yoga, kindermusik, children’s chorale, and archery.

In addition to the always popular adult classes in dance, fitness, and computer skills; the schedule also includes courses in photography, local history, sign language, food safety, and CPR courses. Nearly a dozen classes are offered at no charge; a large majority of classes cost less than $100.

The complete class schedule is available at https://www.eastcentral.edu/community/schedule/ or call 636-584-6528.