Marshalltown residents will see an increase in the number of young adults in town as classes start at Marshalltown Community College (MCC) on Monday.
One of them is Colin Miltenberger, who moved onto the campus on Thursday. Hailing from Belmond, he was one of the few students who got there early.
“I got recruited by [MCC] for esports,” he said. “I’ve played esports for three years.”
Iowa Valley Community College District President Anne Howsare Boyens said staff are standing by, ready to assist students and the bookstore is open and ready to supply the needed materials. The library and Student Success Center are ready to help students get computer access and to set up the other necessary technology.
“Many students are nervous on the first day, whether they have been to college prior or they have not spent much time on a college campus,” she said. “I encourage students to not let the nerves get in the way as we are so excited to help them along in their educational journey. Faculty are super excited to have students back, ready to welcome and support them.”
Howsare Boyens described the past week as amazing.
“Seeing faculty back on campus after a bit of some summer recharging has been great,” she said. “Also seeing the fall athletic teams back in practice has been fun to see as well. The first day of classes has a great energy in that everyone sees the possibilities and are ready to start on a new journey.”
MCC staff have been processing applications to college and financial aid. Howsare Boyens said interested students and families still have time to come in to get help as staff will be available on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
As staff provide enrollment assistance, they are dealing with larger numbers of students. Howsare Boysens said last year, there was a nine percent increase in MCC enrollment.
“Which is an absolutely incredible increase in higher education overall,” she said. “Right now, we are up a little bit, which means we are maintaining the jump from last year and retaining students effectively. While I would always like to see a large increase, I am pleased with where we are this year.”
Many of the students are enrolling in the computer science area and welding programs, as well as utility tech programs which include natural gas tech and powerline tech.
“Our health care programs are very popular, with our nursing program full this year and dental assisting having strong enrollment,” Howsare Boyens said.
Besides classes, MCC students have the option to join a variety of student clubs and extracurriculars, such as the Multicultural Club, Student Activities Council, basketball and esports. Howsare Boyens said the activities outside of the classroom are extremely important to enhancing the student experience.
“Research shows student involvement is highly correlated with student success, and that student involvement can look like many things — playing sports, whether intermural or collegiate level and joining one or more of our 14 student clubs — can really make a difference in a student’s life in and outside of the classroom,” she said.
Howsare Boyens encouraged anyone — whether they’re recent high school students and working adults looking for a change — with a slight interest in furthering education to take the leap and contact MCC. She said they can also help people get their high school diplomas, and can enroll current high school students in college credit classes.
“We have a lot of options for people with busy lives,” Howsare Boyens said.
––––––
Contact Lana Bradstream
at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or
lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.