TCC Magazine - Winter 2020 Issue

M AGA Z I N E

MORE

CANS “I CAN” LEADS TO STATELEVEL APPOINTMENT

Career Academies Training for High School Students

Community College Month Free Classes

Money for College Save with EICC Scholarships WINTER 2021

As your hometown college, we offer the quality, flexibility and affordability you won’t find anywhere else.

• #1 college choice for area high school students.

• State universities and public colleges work with us making it easy for students to transfer.

• More than 30 career programs and shortterm training leading directly to employment.

• Competitive tuition, one of the lowest in the state, financial aid and scholarships.

• Leader in online learning with more than 1,000 students each semester.

SUMMER CLASSES BEGIN MAY 24 FALL CLASSES BEGIN AUGUST 23 Call 1-888-336-3907 or email eiccinfo@eicc.edu

2

eicc.edu/tccmagazine

C O N T E N T S

M AGA Z I N E

WINTER 2021 4 MONEY FOR COLLEGE Save with EICC Scholarships

5 COMMUNITY COLLEGE MONTH

Celebrate with free classes

6 GEARING UP WITH MONIFAH GEAR UP program makes an impact

8 MORE CANS 10 CAREER ACADEMIES

Training for high school students

12 A WOMAN TO WATCH

Iowa Restaurant Association honors EICC Program Facilitator

13 COURSE DELIVERY EVOLUTION Adapting courses to fit student needs

14 NEW AND UPDATED New offerings and program updates

15 PROGRAM LIST

Explore your options

EDITOR'S NOTES Each new year brings with it thoughts of turning the page and the excitement of what is yet to come. Perhaps none more so, at least in our lifetimes, than this one as we close the chapter on what was a very difficult year for so many.

Featured in this edition of TCC Magazine are stories of two students overcoming personal obstacles to start new chapters in their own lives. They illustrate that anything is possible when we are willing to commit ourselves to making them happen.

That’s really what THE Community’s College is about, helping people help themselves. If this is the year you decide to try something new, let us help. Whether it’s working toward a degree, starting a new career or picking up a class or two to build your resume, we can show you the way.

Happy New Year to you all!

COVER STORY

MORE

CANS “I CAN” LEADS TO STATE-LEVEL APPOINTMENT

PAGE

8

It is the policy of Eastern Iowa Community College District not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status, as required by the Iowa Code §§216.6 and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681-1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.).

If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Debora J. Sullivan, Equal Employment Opportunity Officer/Equity Coordinator, Eastern Iowa Community College District, 101 West Third Street, Davenport, Iowa 52801, 563-336-3487, djsullivan@eicc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1475, Chicago, Illinois 60661-7204, phone number 312-730-1560, fax 312-730-1576, OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

Money for college…

is within your reach!

B

efore you read any further, grab a pen and paper or your phone and make this note:

arch 1.

EICC Scholarship Deadline M

APPLY, APPLY, APPLY!

Congrats! You’ve completed step one in securing some extra cash for college.

When it comes to enrolling in college, we know how you will pay for it is the first thing on your mind. Here at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, we’re always looking for ways to eliminate financial barriers. Not only do we make college affordable by offering financial aid and one of the lowest tuition rates in the state, but we also help students with a wide variety of scholarship options.

Through our foundations, we provide dozens and dozens and dozens (really, it’s true!) of scholarship opportunities for deserving students.

Entering a specific career and technical program?

We have a scholarship for that.

First generation college student?

Yep. We have one for that, too.

Have no idea what you want to study but plan to take general education classes?

Don’t worry, there’s one for you as well!

The list literally goes on and on. It doesn’t matter whether you were the class valedictorian or somewhere in the middle, whether you just graduated from high school or it’s been many years since you’ve been in the classroom, or whether you take Arts and Sciences courses for college transfer or are enrolled in a career technology program, there are scholarships you just might be eligible for.

High school students who have completed college classes with us can also take advantage of our Connections Scholarship. The scholarship provides three different levels of support, from half tuition for the entire first year a student is enrolled at one of our colleges to a free class.

The scholarship application deadline for Fall classes is March 1 and the deadline for Spring classes is November 1. All you need to do to apply is go online to eicc.edu/scholarships and click on the college you’ll be attending. From there, you just fill the application out. It’s really that simple!

If you’re a high school student applying for a Connections Scholarship, visit eicc.edu/connections and you’ll see the link to apply at the very top of the page.

Of course, if you have any questions our friendly staff can help walk you through the process.

Scott Community College Foundation: 563-441-4063 Clinton Community College Paul B. Sharar Foundation: 563-244-7040 Muscatine Community College Foundation: 563-288-6005 So, you have your note. You have the web links. What are you waiting for? Scholarships are a gift that do not need to be paid back and help tremendously in reducing the cost of college. We encourage you to apply today!

Oh and one last thing, if you still haven’t completed your enrollment application do not worry. You can do that right now. Just visit eicc.edu/apply to get started. In less than ten minutes you’ll be well on your way to an exciting new beginning.

TUITION FREE LAST DOLLAR PROGRAM In addition to one of our many scholarships, another great way to get money for college is through Iowa’s Last Dollar Program.

You can earn a Certificate, Diploma, or Associate’s Degree to work in one of Iowa’s high-demand jobs, and your tuition is covered. The state covers the remaining cost of tuition for students enrolled in any one of 4

eicc.edu/tccmagazine

more than 25 different high-demand career technology programs. All you have to do is fill out the FAFSA. The state then covers the remaining balance beyond the aid for which you are eligible. Even if you receive no federal or state aid, the program will pay your entire tuition. That’s right, regardless of your personal income situation, you will pay no tuition costs.

Learn more at eicc.edu/last$

APRIL IS COMMUNITY COLLEGE MONTH AS THE COMMUNITY’S COLLEGE,

there’s nothing more important to Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) than making a difference in the communities we serve. During the year, we try to do that in a number of ways, from training the next generation of healthcare workers to offering seamless transfer opportunities to providing education and training for more than 200 local employers, just to name a few.

But in April we get to do something really special, something we look forward to all year long.

Celebrate Community College Month!

Yes, April is community college month and it’s the perfect time of year to celebrate all Eastern Iowa Community Colleges has to offer. We can think of no better way to do that than inviting you to attend a class free of charge. It’s just our way of thanking the community for your support, and to introduce you to the many great classes we have available.

“Community College Month is a great time to connect with EICC,” said Paula Arends, Director of Workforce Innovation.

“Throughout the entire month of April, we will offer an opportunity for our community to learn, be entertained, and possibly plant a seed for future career or life goals."

• Provide higher education to students with the fewest resources and the greatest obstacles.

“Due to COVID-19, EICC is taking precautions to keep our staff, students, and communities healthy. This year’s Community College Month offerings are all being offered virtually. All you need is a computer, internet access, and an email, and you can take advantage of as many sessions as you wish!” Arends said.

A wide range of classes are scheduled, with a number of times available. Each session will run anywhere from one hour to 90 minutes long. Whether you’re interested in improving a skill or just want to explore something new, we have a class sure to spark your interest and curiosity! Did we mention they’re all free?

• Information Technology • Augmented and

Vet Tech Culinary Arts Virtual Reality Maintaining your Vehicle • Healthcare Small Business • Agriculture Development • Strengths Finder • Administrative Assisting • Management/Leadership • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning • Art • • • •

Plus many more!

To learn more and view a full list of free classes, visit eicc.edu/freeclasses You can also browse through all of our excellent Continuing Education offerings at eicc.edu/ce

The important role community colleges play in our country goes far beyond what many realize. Here are a few interesting facts about community colleges and the work we do.

Public community colleges:

Classes will be offered online at Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Community Colleges, as well as at Scott’s Urban Campus.

They will be Live Online courses, meaning you get to interact with your instructor and classmates face-to-face over Zoom.

A sampling of free classes includes:

Did you know?

• Are the most in-demand institutions during and following times of economic recession.

• Are primary educators/certifiers of in-demand nursing and other healthcare professionals.

• Are there for their communities in times of crisis.

• Community colleges are committed to meeting their communities’ basic needs, including access to food, housing, transportation, childcare and other services while students seek education and vital workforce training.

• Serve the most demographically and socioeconomically diverse students.

• Offer the most affordable highquality higher educations.

• Guarantee fair admissions for all students.

• Make higher education that would be unattainable for many students accessible to all students.

Association of Community College Trustees, 2020

THE Community's College | MAGAZINE

5

IN A WORLD OF LEBRONS AND BEYONCES…BE A

MON W

ith a beautiful smile and personality to match, Scott Community College student Monifah Ponton has a way of making those around her feel at ease. Within minutes of meeting two things are clear:

1) Ponton cares deeply about helping other people.

2) Under that bright smile is a fierce

determination to do something great.

For Ponton, who graduated from high school during one of our country’s most intense years (yes, 2020!), the definition of greatness has evolved over time shaping and reshaping her hopes and dreams.

“I used to want to be a fashion designer or singer,” she said. “Then one day after a speaker came to my high school, it really hit me what I wanted to do. I wanted to help people.”

“I’m not saying Beyonce can’t save the world, but how many Beyonces can we have?” she smiled.

The way Ponton sees it, greatness comes in many forms and what the world really needs right now is people who can lift up and help the most vulnerable, like scientists, doctors, nurses, social workers and mental health providers.

“There are so many people suffering with mental health problems who have no one else to talk to, young children living in poverty, so many homeless individuals. If you don’t have those professionals to help what do we do? We are failing our own people.”

6

eicc.edu/tccmagazine

NIFAH That’s exactly why Ponton has set her sights on becoming a therapist or social worker.

It’s a dream born with the words of one motivational speaker but in part being carried out thanks to Iowa’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, better known as GEAR UP. Ponton has been involved with GEAR UP since seventh grade.

Having struggled with depression for years, Ponton attributes the people she’s connected with through GEAR UP for helping her cope.

“With GEAR UP, I realized I can't always be strong. There is nothing wrong with recognizing you need a break. The support I’ve received has helped assure me to feel okay about my feelings,” she said. “The program also makes you realize what you truly have to do to reach your goals. Without GEAR UP I honestly don't know where I’d be.”

Administered by Iowa College Aid, GEAR UP Iowa is a federal grant that prepares students from low-income school districts to enter and do well in college. The 22 million dollar grant serves more than 8,000 students in 12 Iowa districts, including

View a video about GEAR UP and learn more at

eicc.edu/gearup “It’s hard to turn your bedroom into your education space. Very hard,” Ponton said.“This year has probably been one of the toughest things I’ve had to deal with and depression makes it a lot harder.”

Clinton, Columbus Junction and Davenport.

More than 200 GEAR UP Iowa students are enrolled at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges. Following students from seventh grade through their first year in college, the program provides academic support, college/career exposure, skill development, and most importantly, inspiration.

“Inspirational quotes or advice are uploaded on the Canvas App (the college’s online platform) all the time. It’s those little things that can make a difference, even when you have to reread them over and over they are definitely there,” she said. “As hard as it’s been, I’m grateful I still went to college.”

“GEAR UP has helped motivate me. I learned I could actually go to college and for less debt,” Ponton said. “The support I’ve received from EICC’s GEAR UP Coordinator, Brittany Beard, has also been crucial. I can talk to her no matter the time of day, even on weekends. If she doesn’t know the answer she will find out.”

If anything, the experience of beginning her college journey in 2020 and being a part of the GEAR UP program has reinforced her passion to pursue a career helping others and shown how small acts of care, compassion and kindness can go a long way.

Navigating the first year of college is never easy for any student, but for the class of 2020 there have been an unprecedented number of unique challenges. Ponton could not have predicted how important the extra support would become. In the midst of college classes, homework, and juggling two jobs, has been the everpresent heaviness of a global pandemic.

“It’s helped me grow as a person,” she said.

“I want to be that person people can talk to, and help them reach their best potential.”

In other words...a Monifah.

“It makes you realize what you truly have to do to reach your goals. Without GEAR UP I honestly don’t know where I’d be.”

THE Community's College | MAGAZINE

7

MORE

CANS “I CAN” LEADS TO STATE-LEVEL APPOINTMENT

I

t’s one thing to be told it’s never too late to chase your dreams and something else entirely to see someone actually doing it, barriers and all.

That’s what you get when you meet Megan Linzy, a Scott Community College graduate and Office Coordinator for Eastern Iowa Community Colleges' (EICC) West Davenport Center. Like many adult students who come to EICC, Linzy faced her fair share of obstacles in getting her education. Most include the life circumstances you find yourself in as an adult…jobs, children, caring for family. Others Linzy had been battling for decades.

8

eicc.edu/tccmagazine

“As a student in elementary school I suffered a lot of learning disabilities, and school was very difficult for me,” Linzy said. “I quit at 16 because I thought I could make more money working in a restaurant.”

It’s this enthusiasm and work ethic that’s earned Linzy the honor of becoming one of the state of Iowa’s first Coalition on Adult Education (COABE) Ambassadors.

As an ambassador, she’s tasked with sharing her experiences statewide and connecting with local organizations and political leaders to demonstrate the power of adult education through storytelling.

Over the years, Linzy worked her way up to restaurant manager but struggled to make ends meet.

Then at 36, she was faced with a decision.

“I ended up being diagnosed with a permanent disability and it made me have to rethink the career I’d spent my whole life working in,” she said. “All of the sudden I had to make different choices on what I wanted to do with my life and without an education that was kind of difficult.”

Linzy had tried many times to complete her high school diploma, but to no avail. As an adult, she discovered she has a profound case of dyslexia and dyscalculia, creating a significant barrier to her learning ability.

In addition, Linzy suffers from diagnosed short-term memory loss. Despite these challenges and her many failed attempts, in early 2013 she enrolled in the college’s high school equivalency program anyway.

“I realized I would just need to become a life-long learner,” she said. “It was an ‘aha moment’ for me.”

The lightbulb was on and burning brightly. Before she knew it, Linzy was walking proudly across the stage at graduation with a newfound passion: adult education.

“I realized I truly wanted to be a teacher for adults like myself, so many of those students are so smart,” Linzy said. “They come in and I’m just like ‘wow, what are you waiting for?’"

Taking her own advice to heart, Linzy immediately enrolled at Scott Community College and began a four and a half year journey to earn her Associate’s Degree.

During that time, she started working part-time helping adult students like herself at EICC’s West Davenport Center and, of course, experienced her fair share of life events. The same year she entered college, her mother was diagnosed with cancer and she became her caretaker. It would have been easy to give up, but her mother’s diagnosis only motivated her more.

“I was her first child to go to college and even attempt to get a diploma in my family, so she wanted me to focus on that. I graduated with my Associate’s Degree in May 2017 and she passed away in March of 2018, so she got to see me walk across the stage. That was probably the greatest part of all of it,” Linzy said.

As it often does, life got even busier those last two semesters with her oldest son expecting his first child and her second son expecting triplets, adding grandmothering to her already full plate.

“It was a little bit interesting,” she said with a smile. “It was a lot of work, but it’s the kind of thing many of our adult students here at EICC have to overcome.”

Adult Education Classes at EICC Eastern Iowa Community Colleges provide a number of programs for adults to brush up on reading, math, writing and English.

These programs include Adult Basic Education, High School Equivalency and English Language Acquisition (ELA). Classes are offered at Bettendorf, Columbus Junction, Clinton, Davenport, Maquoketa, Muscatine, and West Liberty, as well as online via Zoom.

Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes develop reading, writing, speaking and math skills. Programming is designed to help anyone 17 years of age or older, who is not enrolled in high school, to take the steps necessary toward passing the High School Equivalency Test.

To learn more, visit eicc.edu/adulted

It’s a role Linzy is well prepared for. In 2017, she was nominated COABE’s national outstanding student of the year, receiving a $10,000 scholarship and giving a speech in front of 2,000 people.

With this new state-level appointment she’ll have the opportunity to reach even more people, showing how adult education can change lives.

“It’s scary, but exciting,” Linzy said of the appointment.“Talking in front of people is not easy for me. Some days, when I open those new doors and walk through them I can feel the anxiety build but I’ve learned to push my fears away because I know something greater is on the other side. I just have to be brave.”

It’s this message of bravery she hopes resonates with adults who could greatly benefit from expanding their education but may be unsure of where to start.

Having struggled for years, Linzy relied on her strong work ethic as well as a wide array of support services she discovered at EICC. From the encouragement of her teachers to assistance from disability services to scholarships from the college’s foundation to guidance from TRIO student support services, she learned there are people who can help you in your journey.

“It was really great having those resources,” she said. “I learned how to focus on my strengths.”

Now working full-time with adult students as an Office Coordinator at EICC’s West Davenport Center, a role she just started this January, Linzy has come full circle. She’s back where her journey began, this time as the mentor and guide she once relied upon.

As if that isn’t enough to demonstrate the power of education, she’s starting the final year of her Bachelor’s Degree in Adult Education and representing adult students as a COABE Ambassador, with her greatest hope being she will inspire others to go after their dreams no matter what obstacles they may face.

“Right now in this world, we need more cans,” she said. “Small goals lead to big goals.”

THE Community's College | MAGAZINE

9

CAREER ACADEMIES

TRAINING FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

S

parks flying, machines cutting, stethoscopes listening, skillets sizzling — that’s what a typical class may look like for hundreds of high school students across Eastern Iowa who take classes with EICC while still in high school.

10 eicc.edu/tccmagazine

Over the last three decades,

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges has worked side-by side with local school districts to provide education and training to thousands of students through concurrent enrollment, which now includes more recently established Career Academies.

While many general education concurrent enrollment courses are often delivered at the high school, Career Academies utilize the college’s labs and facilities to train students in specialized fields ranging from healthcare to manufacturing to information technology. A Career Academy’s structured career and technical curriculum leads to completion of a postsecondary Certificate, Diploma and/or Associate’s Degree, preparing students to enter good jobs and careers available in the region. With so many options to enhance their learning, it’s easier than ever for high school students to graduate with college credit, certifications and more at absolutely no cost to them.

“It’s extremely important to help high school students in understanding career/technical education fields,” said Daniel Marvin, Career Academy Coordinator. “Students can try their hand at different things and discover their passions and strengths, as well as what careers they may not like. It’s great for students to have these experiences before they graduate to help them make better career choices.”

Easton Valley seniors Parker Olsen, Nate Rathje and Abram Driscoll have been learning how to weld at the college’s Blong Technology Center, working toward a certificate and earning college credit. All three young men agree the experience has opened their eyes to a number of career possibilities, as well as taught them a skill set they can use in everyday life.

“Whenever I see a student come to the realization they’ve created something or completed a project, you can see from their big smiles how fulfilling it is for them. To me, that’s what we’re trying to bring them, a discovery of what they may want to do and enjoy doing.”

“There are a lot of people that want to do this kind of stuff and their high school doesn’t require it or always offer it, so I’m happy we can come to EICC,” Rathje said.

“It gives you a little bit of a head start,” Olsen said. “If you can come here and get your certificate before you’re out of high school, you can go straight into what you want to do after your graduate. It’s a huge help.”

In addition to helping students discover their next steps, especially for those who might not normally pursue further education or training, giving high school students the opportunity to learn a specific trade develops a pipeline to meet the demands of business and industry for a skilled workforce. As local industries continue to express the need for trained workers, Career Academies can help.

“I personally would rather do a hands-on course. I like these way better because I can really see my improvement,” Olsen said.

For Marvin, seeing students like Olsen light up when they have completed a project or done well is the cornerstone of what Career Academies are all about.

“We talk to all of our program and advisory committees and ask them for their feedback.

We want to make sure what we’re doing is going to get students a job,” Marvin said.

RIGHT NOW,

EICC offers Career Academies in the following areas with plans to add even more options for students in the future: CLINTON CURRENT/PROJECTED CAREER ACADEMIES

MUSCATINE CURRENT/PROJECTED CAREER ACADEMIES

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING/ENGINEERING TECH

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING/ENGINEERING TECH

BUSINESS

AGRICULTURE

EDUCATION

CULINARY

ALLIED HEALTH/NURSING

EDUCATION

WELDING

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/NETWORKING FOR SYSTEM AND SECURITY

SCOTT CURRENT/PROJECTED CAREER ACADEMIES ADVANCED MANUFACTURING/ENGINEERING TECH AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/PROGRAMMING/ CYBERSECURITY/AUGMENTED VIRTUAL REALITY WELDING

ALLIED HEALTH/ NURSING WELDING

Over the next 10 years, the college is looking to enhance its career and technical education offerings by investing in new equipment and expanding hands-on labs.

To fund the project, the EICC Board of Trustees approved a March 2 bond referendum for voters in Clinton, Jackson, Muscatine and Scott Counties and nearby areas.

The planned expansion includes sites in all four counties. The additional programs and services will be available both to current high school students and all of the college’s traditional students. Many area school boards have passed resolutions in support of the referendum.

To learn more visit eicc.edu/referendum

THE Community's College | MAGAZINE

11

A Woman to Watch EICC’S DIANE STANLEY HONORED BY IOWA RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION

T

“Although women have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, they are still building meaningful careers in every segment of the restaurant industry,” said Jessica Dunker, President and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association. “In fact, 58 percent of foodservice supervisors and 49 percent of foodservice managers are women, far above the averages in nearly every other industry.”

en years ago, if you had told Diane Stanley where she’d be today she would have laughed and said “yeah right!”

Never did she dream she’d be running successful college programs in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management, let alone being recognized for her work. Yet here she is, providing leadership, vision and passion to Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) as the Culinary and Hospitality Program Facilitator. It’s a job made all the more rewarding with her recent placement on the Iowa Restaurant Association’s “40 Women to Watch” in Hospitality List.

“I was totally surprised!” Stanley said of the recognition. “It was like ‘wow,’ when I see others I feel are so well deserved and I’m included in that group, it’s very humbling.”

The annual list showcases women in Iowa’s hospitality industry who are blazing new trails, leading by example, and impressing their peers, customers, managers, or in Stanley’s case, students. More than 100 nominations were submitted from across the state, including women from nearly every segment and function in the industry.

“It’s been so neat to hear the other honorees’ stories,” Stanley said.

“One recipient started bartending and is now the manager of a winery.

Food service and hospitality is a tough industry, and right now, it’s really tough. These examples are a reminder that the potential for growth and opportunity in this industry can be there for everyone.”

Stanley got her start by working banquets at a hotel. One opportunity led to another until she had experience in nearly every facet of the business, from front desk manager to sales to banquet director to employee trainer. Though she didn’t know it at the time, each stop along her journey served as the perfect preparation for her work with students.

“This wasn’t the direction I was going, but it picked me,” Stanley said. “In my role at EICC, I am able to do what I love and share it with other people and encourage them to find their dream.”

For Stanley the best part about being “a woman to watch” isn’t the recognition itself, but instead the reallife inspiration she hopes it will bring to her students.

“It’s showing them that anything is possible.”

View the full list of recipients at eicc.edu/women

EICC’s Culinary Arts program is one of the college’s largest and most popular.

Offered at Scott and Muscatine Community College, the Culinary Arts and Hospitality programs provide hands-on training in state-of-the-art labs under the guidance of instructors with direct experience in the field.

12 eicc.edu/tccmagazine

To learn more visit eicc.edu/culinarytcc

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT COURSE DELIVERY OPTIONS EICC Course Delivery Preference Survey September 2020

85% 75% 84% 77% 72% 88% 50% MORE THAN

SAFETY - FLEXIBILITY - ADAPTABILITY Being THE Community’s College, EICC is

no stranger to leading the way when it comes to flexible class delivery options. Unlike many other institutions, we’ve offered evening, weekend and online classes for years and years. Our students range from recent high school graduates to working parents to military veterans and beyond, so flexibility has always been key.

Even so, with a global pandemic to worry about, students, faculty and staff all had to adapt their teaching and learning in new and unexpected ways. Thus, the development and expansion of Live Online classes began, a learning format that combines the convenience of virtual delivery with face-to-face interaction. Last spring we had to abruptly evolve how we deliver classes, taking what we’ve learned along the way to make the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters even better for students.

“We just really understood the critical importance of getting this transition going,” said Michelle Rasmussen, Dean of eLearning and Instructional Technology. “Before the start of the fall semester we held two weeks solid of training. We knew students and faculty needed to feel comfortable.”

Rasmussen’s team offered dozens of virtual training sessions, 60 plus hours to be exact, as well as addressed individual questions and concerns. This led to a whole lot of emails, phone calls and video conferences.

Topics included everything from how to set-up an online classroom in the college’s learning management system, Canvas, to how to use the video conferencing platform Zoom for lectures and engagement.

“I think one of the cool things that underscores all of this is that we used Zoom to train the teachers in what they’re trying to teach. We used Zoom and we used Canvas, so we were flipping the script a bit on the faculty. They were able to experience and learn through the same technology they’ll be using to teach and that’s been beneficial,” Rasmussen said.

The fact the college already had many tools in place to create Live Online classes that were previously held face-to-face was a plus as well.

“We were so fortunate we already use Canvas and it is the best learning management system available,” said Rasmussen. “As a result, there are so many tools built into Canvas it allowed faculty to use as many bells and whistles as they wanted to manage their online classrooms.”

For example, faculty learned more about features such as video and voiceover recording, communication tools including discussion boards and announcements, and ways to upload or link to supplemental instruction.

Many were already using some of these features, but as class delivery options continue to evolve, the “bells and whistles” prove incredibly useful.

“It’s a tool that allows them to be as effective as possible with reaching students. In fact, many faculty will continue to learn and integrate Canvas regardless of the course modality.”

Of course, we know there’s more work to do to continually improve the student experience, which is why the college sent out a survey in the fall to gather student feedback.

In addition, a number of spring training sessions recently took place, and faculty have been invited to attend the Iowa Community Colleges Online Consortium’s (ICCOC) Virtual Conference next month. Whether classes are face-to-face, hands-on in a lab, Live Online or exclusively Online, we’re committed to delivering the safety, flexibility and adaptability students need to succeed.

MORE THAN

consider course flexibility when scheduling courses of students consider health and safety when selecting classes agree the schedule allowed them to stay on track for graduation agree a Live Online course is useful in gaining knowledge agree a fully online course is useful in gaining knowledge agree a fully on-campus class is useful in gaining knowledge of EICC students took online classes in the Fall.

“How effectively we can prepare faculty translates to how successful students will be,” Rasmussen said.

“The bottom line is we really enjoy supporting faculty, and the rewarding part has been seeing growth.”

“We were challenged in a way we never have been before and it goes to show no matter the situation we can use the technology to support us.”

THE Community's College | MAGAZINE 13

We have a couple of new programs we’re excited about, as well as changes to our wellestablished Graphic Arts Program that will make it even easier for students to enroll!

Graphic Arts Goes Online Nearly every piece of media you consume most likely has the touch of a graphic artist. From website design to print publications, social media posts and more, the work of graphic artists is seen everywhere. For years, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges’ (EICC) Graphic Arts Associate in Applied Science program has been preparing students for this creative field. Beginning this fall, the program will be available entirely online, making it easier than ever for students to enroll. Students will learn how to use Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign to create images, layouts and typography, as well as the current standards in website design.

NEW

AND UPDATED!

A

s THE Community’s College, it’s our job to stay up-todate on the latest careers and in-demand skills.

That’s why we continually add new programs or update existing ones to ensure we’re meeting the needs of local employers and acting upon opportunities in expanding industries.

Learn more at eicc.edu/gaonline

14 eicc.edu/tccmagazine

including: analytics tools and techniques, how to work with databases, the statistical analysis computer languages of R and SPSS, how to create data visualizations, and how to apply statistics and predictive analytics in a business environment.

Classes are delivered Live Online via Zoom, a free computer application allowing students to see and hear their instructor in real-time. Students will be able to complete the program in one-year, with a course offered every eight weeks. This convenient schedule and online delivery makes it easy to fit around busy work and family schedules.

Those interested in entering the Data Analytics Certificate program are encouraged to have earned an Associate’s Degree or higher. Courses include:

• Statistics (Prerequisite for students who have not previously completed a college-level Statistics course)

• Information Computing • Introduction to Data Analytics • Data Analytics I • Data Analytics II • Capstone

Learn more at eicc.edu/datatcc

Industrial Hemp Production Students Produce State’s First Crop

New Data Analytics Certificate Starting This Spring

One of the first plants spun into fiber thousands of years ago is making a comeback, and students enrolled in Muscatine Community College’s (MCC) new Industrial Hemp Production Program recently produced one of the state’s first crops!

Data Analytics is one of today’s fastest-growing and highest-paid professions as organizations increasingly rely on data to drive strategic business decisions. With EICC’s new Data Analytics Certificate, students can build their skills in this high-demand field. The 18-credit program is designed to expand knowledge and skills in rapidly developing and in-demand areas,

In January 2020, hemp production became legal in the United States with Iowa farmers able to grow up to 40 acres. This fall, MCC launched a new oneyear Diploma Program designed to teach students how to grow, harvest, process and market industrial hemp. Hemp is a versatile plant, perfect for small farms, those with an entrepreneurial spirit, or as an additional source of income on larger farms. Its uses

include food from hemp seed, fiber from hemp stalks, and oil from the flowers and seeds. Products currently made with hemp include body care, textiles, insulation, paper, rope, molded plastics, animal bedding, paint, health food and more.

Students in the program complete three specific hemp-related courses, along with others already taught in the college’s long-established agriculture curriculum. Topics covered include rules and regulations governing the industry, growing stages of the plant from seed to harvest, and post-harvest processing.

Hemp offers the potential for significantly higher per acre incomes for producers compared to corn and soybeans, and the industry as a whole is expected to see an explosion of growth. To learn more about the program and check out a video of the college’s first crop, visit eicc.edu/hemp

In addition to our 30+ career programs and easily transferable Associate’s Degrees, we also offer hundreds of continuing education classes. No matter what you’re interested in learning, there’s no doubt we have a class, Diploma, Certificate or Degree Program to meet your personal and professionals needs!

Check out everything we have to offer at eicc.edu/learnmore

PROGRAMS OF STUDY AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Agribusiness Equipment Technician - M Agribusiness Equipment Sales and Service - M Agribusiness Management - M Agribusiness - Precision Ag - M Agribusiness Sales and Service - M Agriculture - M Agriculture Systems Technology - M Agronomy - M Conservation - M Environmental, Health and Safety - C, M, S Farm Management - M Industrial Hemp Production - M Renewable Energy Systems Specialist - S Turf and Landscape Management - M

ART AND COMMUNICATIONS

Art - C, M, S English - C, M, S Graphic Arts - C Journalism/Communications - C, M, S Music - M Speech - C, M, S Theatre - M, S

BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION

Accounting Management - C, M, S Administrative and Office Support - C, M, S Banking - C, M, S Business - C, M, S Data Analytics - C, M, S Entrepreneurship - C, M, S Management Supervision - C, M, S Marketing - C, M, S Small Business Management - C, M, S

GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

History - C, M, S Political Science - C, M, S Pre-Law - C, M, S

HEALTH SCIENCE

Cancer Information Management - S Certified Nursing Assistant - CE Community Dental Health Coordinator - C, M, S Dental Assisting - S Dental Hygiene - C, M, S Emergency Medical Services - C, M, S Health Information Technology - S Medical Assistant - C, M, S Mortuary Science - C, M, S Nursing, Associate’s Degree - C, S Practical Nursing - C, M, S Pre-Chiropractic - C, M, S Pre-Health Professional - C, M, S Radiologic Technology - S Respiratory Care - C, M, S Sonography - S Surgical Technology - S Veterinary Technician - M

HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM

Culinary Arts - M, S Hospitality Management - M, S Event Management - M, S

HUMAN SERVICES

American Sign Language - S Early Childhood Education - M, S Education - C, M, S Physical Education and Recreation - C, M, S Psychology - C, M, S Social Work - C, M, S Sociology - C, M, S

Associate’s Degrees, Diplomas and Certificate Options

eicc.edu/ourprograms

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

TRANSPORTATION, DISTRIBUTION AND LOGISTICS

Augmented and Virtual Reality - S Cybersecurity - C, M, S Networking for Cybersecurity - C, M, S Networking for Systems and Security - C, M, S Programming - C, M, S Web Development - C, M, S

MANUFACTURING

CNC/Machining - S CNC Programming - S Manual Machining - S Engineering Technology - Automation - C, M, S - Basic Electricity - C, M, S - Basic Electronics - C, M, S - Electrical Systems - C, M, S - Electromechanical - C, M, S - Process Control Technology - C, M, S Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning - S Mechanical Design Technology - C, M, S Technical Studies - C, M, S Welding - C, M, S

SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS

Biology - C, M, S Chemistry - C, M, S Environmental Science - C, M, S Mathematics - C, M, S Physical Science - C, M, S Pre-Engineering - C, M, S

TRANSFER

Liberal Arts - C, M, S Transfer Majors - Ag Business - C, M, S - Ag Education - C, M, S - Agronomy - C, M, S - Animal Science - C, M, S - Biology - C, M, S - Business - C, M, S - Chemistry - C, M, S - Communications - C, M, S - Criminal Justice - C, M, S - Early Childhood Teaching - C, M, S - Elementary Education - C, M, S - Mathematics - C, M, S - Physics - C, M, S - Psychology - C, M, S - Secondary Education - C, M, S - Sociology - C, M, S List is subject to change as new programs become available.

COLLEGE LOCATION KEY C, M, S - program available at all colleges C - Clinton Community College

Auto Collision Repair Technology - S Automotive Technology - S Diesel Technology - S Supply Chain and Logistics - C, M, S Truck Driving - CE

M - Muscatine Community College S - Scott Community College CE - Continuing Education program

THE Community's College | MAGAZINE 15

If you like what you see here, there’s even more online! In partnership with our THE Community’s College Magazine in print form, we also have an online edition with expanded content and video features.

Non-Profit Organization U.S.Postage

Eastern Iowa Community College District 101 West Third Street Davenport, Iowa 52801

Check it out at eicc.edu/TCCMagazine

eicc.edu/social

It's not too late to start college.

NEW classes start March 22!

• General Requirement Courses • Entry Courses for Career and Technical Programs • Online Classes • Classes for Returning Adults Get on track for an Associate’s Degree, build transfer courses for a Bachelor’s Degree or gain skills for a new career.

Visit eicc.edu/March2021 to get started!

PAID

Permit No.243 Rock Island, IL