College unveils night-class degree program

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

While night class offerings have become increasingly popular at McCook Community College, college officials are launching a program this fall which makes it possible to earn an Associate Degree in four years taking night classes.

Last year, MCC instructors initiated discussions about how to come up with better options for those who have work and family obligations during traditional daytime hours. The result is a matrix of night classes that faculty members have pledged to offer over the next four years. A color-coded course matrix will help students project their classes through spring of 2008.

"Our goal was to enable students who preferred night classes to make a long-term plan and to help students who didn't like the longer classes build their day schedule to avoid as many nights as possible," said Tyler Esch, MCC faculty member who was among the instructors who helped develop this program. She said the faculty motivation came from a need to provide the most opportunities possible for the community.

"A special feature of the night class matrix is that students can take not only general classes, but classes in their major area as well," she said.

Officials say while the class matrix is designed and color-coded for simplicity, they caution against self-advising since there are some restrictions.

Anyone considering a night class degree should contact an admission advisor who will schedule an appointment -- even if it's outside normal business hours. Marketed as "Evening classes designed to fit your lifestyle," MCC officials are making a concerted effort to help non-traditional students reach their educational goals. Scheduling an appointment with an admission advisor is important since previous college coursework may be applied or transferred toward degrees. An admissions appointment is also the critical starting point for learning about financial aid, transitional services and career assessment.

There are grants and scholarships specifically established for non traditional students who have been out of high school or college for more than a year and want to enroll in part-time or full-time classes.

Transitional Services Coordinator Michelle Orton helps students re-establish their college career following career or life changes by tracking and assisting students with the procedures like enrollment, financial aid, and registration.

For students who are unsure about a specific career, Jeremy Jorgensen heads the Career Services Center and provides a variety of services to help assess student strengths, interests, values and aptitudes. The center also has resources to help students explore projected job markets, salary expectation, educational requirements and schools offering the training required.

Starting this fall, more than 60 classes will be offered at night, with courses in a variety of areas including: accounting, art, building construction, business, chemistry, computer science, economics, education, electronics technology, English, family and consumer science, fire science, health occupations, history, informational technology, licensed practical nursing, music, nursing assistant, office technology, mathematics, pharmacology, physical education, physics, psychology, Spanish, theatre and welding.

A typical Associate Degree requires 60 credit hours, and to complete this degree in 48 months, a student will need to take two classes during the regular fall and spring terms and at least one class during the summer. For additional flexibility and faster degree completion, many students will schedule on-line courses.

Night class schedules have been distributed at various locations around the MCC campus and at various lobbies and waiting rooms around town.

For more information about night class schedules and earning a degree, contact an admission advisor at 800-658-4348, ext. 8101 or 308-345-8101.

McCook Community College:

http://www.mpcca.cc.ne.us/mccook.htm

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