Make it happen at FVCC.
It’s your future… Just by opening this viewbook, you’ve already taken the first step toward bettering your future through a college education. Flathead Valley Community College serves a broad range of students with diverse backgrounds, interests and educational goals. Yet, our students have one common thread - they are driven to create a better future for themselves. I would like to welcome you to our beautiful campus, where we are proud to provide an outstanding education taught by world-class faculty. Congratulations on taking these first exciting steps toward your future. Best wishes,
Jane Karas, Ph.D. President Flathead Valley Community College
Top 8 Reasons
1 2
to Start Your Future at FVCC
Personalized Attention
FVCC’s 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio provides a more personal, tailored educational experience, supporting your success.
Outstanding Faculty
FVCC is home to outstanding faculty who have attended top colleges and universities across the nation and have studied, taught, conducted research and volunteered across the globe.
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Better Transfer Prep
Students who start their education at FVCC have the advantage of being better prepared than their peers who begin at four-year colleges and universities. Research shows that students who start at FVCC earn more A’s and B’s during their first semester at four-year Montana campuses compared to the overall student population.
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Vibrant Student Life
FVCC boasts a rich culture of student life. With thriving student organizations and clubs, an active student intramurals program, a national champion logger sports team, live theatre and music ensembles, abundant leadership opportunities and studentrun special events, there is rarely a dull moment on campus.
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Affordable Excellence
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Something for Everyone
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Helpful Student Support
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Abundant Recreation
Many choose FVCC because of its exceptional education paired with significant cost savings. Indistrict students enjoy nearly a 40% savings in tuition and fees at FVCC compared to four-year in-state institutions. Whether you plan to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree, or you earn a technical degree or certificate to prepare you for a rewarding career in the workforce, FVCC offers over 100 academic programs to help you reach your goal. FVCC is committed to your academic success. If you need help applying for financial aid, choosing a major or getting through a tough class, FVCC offers free services to help you succeed! Within 30 miles of campus, you’ll find Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, two world-class ski resorts, award-winning golf courses and access to some of the best outdoor recreation in the world.
Zoe Glasser-Breeding Hometown: Kalispell Area of Study: Microbiology Why FVCC: I chose FVCC because of the numerous academic, study abroad and extracurricular opportunities offered. I'll be able to go big places in my future thanks to the world-class education provided by FVCC. What’s Next: I will be one of 75 students studying in Germany next year through the CongressBundestag Youth Exchange under the Fulbright-Hays Act. When I return, I will venture to Wellesley College in Massachusetts to continue my baccalaureate studies.
Baylee Brinton Hometown: Columbia Falls, MT Area of Study: Undecided Why FVCC: I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life after high school, but at FVCC, I get to explore many different areas. I haven’t been here long, and I already know it’s going to be life changing. What’s next: I’m taking different classes to discover my passion. I don’t know yet where it will take me, but I know my future will be better for it. I’m so glad I started college!
100 CHOOSE FROM
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Agriculture, Natural Resources & Forestry Agriculture Brewing Science & Brewery Operations Forestry Integrated Agriculture and Food Systems Natural Resources Conservation & Mgmt. Parks, Tourism and Recreation Mgmt. Wildlife Biology Business, Economics & Technology Accounting Technology+ Business Administration+ Business Innovation and Development Communication Studies Computer Science Economics Entrepreneurship+ Information Technology Marketing/Sales Specialist+ Payroll Accounting Small Business Management+ Support Professional Web Technology Education Early Childhood Education Education - Elementary Education - Secondary Fine Arts 3D Jewelry Design & Production Art Culinary Arts Goldsmithing & Jewelry Arts Graphic Design Music Theatre Arts Studies
Health Care Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Dental Hygiene Health & Human Performance Health Care Informatics Health Care Office Management+ Health Information Technology* Health Occupations Medical Assistant Medical Coding+ Nursing Paramedicine Patient Relations Specialist+ Personal Trainer Pharmacy Pharmacy Technology Physical Therapist Assistant Pre-Dental Pre-Medicine Pre-Physical Therapy Pre-Veterinary Medicine Radiologic Technology Surgical Technology Human Services, Social Sciences & Humanities Criminal Justice Emergency Dispatcher Emergency Management English History Human Services Liberal Studies Political Science Psychology Sociology Substance Abuse Counseling
Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering & Surveying Biology Biotechnology Chemistry Engineering Environmental Biology Environmental Science Environmental Studies Forensic Science Geography Geology Mathematics Physics Surveying Occupational Trades Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Electrical Technology Electronics Technician Firearms Technologies Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Heavy Equipment Operator Industrial Machine Technology (CNC) Industrial Maintenance Nondestructive Testing Welding & Fabrication Technology Welding & Inspection Technology
* Online program options + Program also offered at Lincoln County Campus in Libby. (Degree options may vary.)
Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS): FVCC offers two-year transfer degrees in general studies with suggested courses of study for a variety of possible majors allowing you to complete the first two years of your bachelor’s degree before transferring to a four-year university of your choice with junior class status. Associate of Applied Science (AAS): A two-year career and technical degree program designed to lead you directly into a career in your field of study Certificate of Applied Science: A short program of study, comprised of 30 to 45 credits and typically completed in one year, which prepares you for a career in a specific field Certificate: A one or two-semester certificate program which prepares you for a career by focusing on developing the unique skillset required for that position. Licensure Training: A short training program (generally one course) that gives you the knowledge needed to attain certification or licensure in your area of study. Updated Fall 2015
Nick Glynos Hometown: Kansas City, KS Area of Study: Biology Why FVCC: After a few years doing the ski bum thing, I decided to start college. Now I am conducting my own student research and absolutely loving it! I know I wouldn’t have had this opportunity as a sophomore at a four-year school. What’s Next: I was selected for a research assistantship this summer at Rutgers University in New Jersey. I also will travel to Edmonton, British Columbia, to present my research I completed this past year at FVCC.
Study Abroad
Nick Glynos studied botany in Costa Rica. FVCC also offers opportunities for students to study across the globe in London, Venice, Brazil and other destinations.
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1 Teaching English in Brazil
2
3
World-Class
FVCC students served as US-Brazil Connect Community College Fellows, spending 20 weeks coaching Brazilian students in English over social media and on the ground in Brazil.
Academic Opportunities
2 Master Chef Visit
Students of The Culinary Institute of Montana at FVCC had the rare opportunity to learn from internationallyrecognized Chef Nai Kang Kuan. Chef Kang is the former executive chef of Morimoto Napa under Chef Masaharu Morimoto, best known for his lead role on the Iron Chef.
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3 Groundbreaking Student Research
FVCC students conduct research in a variety of disciplines during their first two years of college, an opportunity they may not have until their junior or senior years at four-year institutions. Justin Vetch and Lydia Sykora were among 50 students nationwide to present their research on the isolation of a gene from the Westslope Cutthroat Trout at the annual Advanced Technical Education National Principal Investigators Conference in Washington, D.C.
4 GPS Adventure
FVCC’s Natural Resources Conservation and Management program hosted a community Geocache Adventure, featuring two courses designed and tested by students. The event spanned the FVCC campus, comprised of 216 scenic acres of rolling hills, pristine forests and Montana wildlife.
5 Study Under Award-Winning Faculty
Music students can study one-on-one with world-renowned musicians who teach at FVCC, including violist Wai Mizutani. Julliard School of Music trained, Mizutani has performed with and soloed for symphonies across the globe and has been recognized for his noted performances in Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall, as well as for securing top honors at various international competitions.
6 Real-World Experience
Students in the Business Innovation and Development Certificate Program created and operated “Brain Food," a temporary small business on campus offering healthy snack options, and developed business plans for businesses they want to start in the future.
Campus
Life
It isn’t all about studying. FVCC offers hundreds of ways for you to get involved outside the classroom. Participating in our thriving intramural sports and recreation programs, performing in our vocal and instrumental jazz ensembles or theatre productions, making a difference in the community through service learning, or getting involved in our multiple student clubs and organizations are just some of the ways you can enrich your college experience at FVCC.
Coby Cates Hometown: Canby, OR Area of Study: Wildlife Biology Why FVCC: From basketball to the Scholars Program to Mario Kart tournaments, FVCC offers so many ways to get involved and have fun in college. Plus, the fishing in Montana is outstanding! What’s Next: I plan to pursue a bachelor's and possibly master's degree at Oregon State University so I can work in the Oregon fish hatcheries.
Outstanding Alumni
Start here. Go anywhere.
“I am very thankful I started my journey at FVCC. It was a launching pad for my success. FVCC’s small class sizes and top-notch faculty allowed me to really focus on my academics. The experience I gained studying engineering at FVCC was critical to my future success at the U.S. Air Force Academy. To the students at FVCC – May you have the courage to stand tall and live up to your dreams.”
Major Jason Curtis 1999-2000 FVCC Engineering Student U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds Pilot, No. 6 Jet
Kyren Zimmerman Sarah Rugheimer, Ph.D.
- 2002-2003 FVCC Physics Student - Harvard Ph.D., Astrophysics - 2014 Harvard Horizons Scholar - Simons Collaboration on the Origins of Life Postdoctoral Fellowship University of St. Andrews, United Kingdom, Fall 2015
Andrew Crawford
- 2011 FVCC Engineering Graduate - NASA intern and award winner - Google[x] Systems-Test Engineer on Google’s Self Driving Car Mountain View, CA
Jesse Mahugh
- 2004 FVCC Transfer Studies Graduate - Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County
- 2009 FVCC Gaduate - International Conservationist, New Zealand - Invasive Species Management & Prevention, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Frank Garner
- 1995 FVCC Graduate - Montana House Representative, District 7 - Retired Kalispell Chief of Police - Chief of Security, Northwest Healthcare
Erin Hawley
- 2012 Goldsmithing & Jewelry Arts Graduate - Owner and Metalsmith, Rag and Stone Studio, Whitefish, MT - Designer of one-of-a-kind limited edition jewelry
Brothers, Calder & Tanner Morrison Sara Joy Pinnell
- 2003 FVCC Graduate - Creative Director, 406 Woman Magazine, Whitefish, MT - Owner, Sara Joy Photography - Owner, Mr. & Mrs. Publishing Company, - Publisher, Ardent for Life Magazine, Elk Grove, CA
Calder - 2010 FVCC Engineering Graduate - Machining Engineer, Exxon Mobil, Baton Rouge, LA Tanner - 2013 FVCC Engineering Graduate - Product Development and Engineering Intern, WET Designs, Los Angeles, CA
Local Area
(Who wouldn't want to go to school here?)
Besides receiving a top-notch education, you’ll be living in one of the most magnificent places on Earth with endless opportunities for outdoor recreation!
The FVCC campus is:
30 minutes
Nestled between
12 miles
Glacier National Park,
p o wder wonder lands , Whitefish Mountain Resort
to , the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, with plenty of room to
to the entrance of
offering some of the most scenic
hiking and outdoor recreation in the world.
two of Montana’s finest
at Big Mountain
& Blacktail Mountain Ski Area offer
4,000 acres
Flathead Lake
play in, on and around the crystal clear water.
of breathtaking terrain to explore.
Campus boasts Northwest Montana beauty in all four seasons! W I N T E R
S P R I N G
S U M M E R
F A L L
ZIP
GOLF HIKE RIDE
SKI RAFT BIKE FISH
BOAT
Our Top Priority is
Student Success.
College is challenging, which is why FVCC offers numerous student support resources to ensure students have the best chance at reaching their academic goals. The following services are offered on campus, free of charge to FVCC students.
Math Lab Writing Lab Counseling Disability Support Services
Tutoring & Supplemental Instruction Career Services Veteran Services Early Alert Program
Catherine Hopstad Hometown: Lakeside, MT Area of Study: Natural Resources Why FVCC: I was a single mom working as a bartender in Lakeside when I realized I had been there too long and wanted more for my life. It had been 12 years since high school, and the thought of going to college was terrifying, but the staff at FVCC made it so easy! I’m taking it slow, just a few classes at a time. It’s an awesome feeling knowing I will graduate soon! What’s Next: I love nature and the outdoors. I’m earning my degree in Natural Resources. I want to work in the woods, hopefully for the U.S. Forest Service or Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation.
Tymber Liehr (Pictured in front)
Hometown: Kalispell, MT Area of Study: Surgical Technology, 2015 graduate Why FVCC: I completed a year of college right out of high school and then took some time off to have my son. I was working as a CNA and decided to come back to school to start the stepping stones toward providing a better life for myself and my son. What’s next: I will be working as a surgical technologist. Even though it was challenging, I’m really happy with my choice. FVCC was so accommodating, and the Surgical Technology program was great. It pushed me to my limits, but I felt accomplished at the end of every single day. My future and my son’s future are bright!
Affordable Excellence At FVCC, we are focused on providing students an outstanding education and experience that leads to lifelong success. We do that with an education that rivals the quality you’ll find at top institutions across the country, but at a fraction of the price. FVCC is one of the most affordable colleges in Montana. Combine that with the wide range of scholarships and grants available and the outstanding financial assistance services and opportunities we provide to help cover college expenses, and ultimately, many of our students graduate with minimal or no outstanding student loans.
73
%
Nearly
12
$
was awarded in financial assistance, including scholarships, to 1,778 students during the 2013-2014 academic year.
Million
Top
of degree-seeking students receive some type of financial assistance.
10
%
of area high school graduates are automatically eligible to receive a full FVCC tuition waiver.
Jacob Burgess Hometown: Columbia Falls, MT Area of Study: Pre-Medicine Why FVCC: I want to be a doctor, so I know I have a lot of school ahead of me. Because I can keep working while attending FVCC, I’ll end up with about $10,000 in my bank account after the first couple of years rather than being $20,000 in debt if I started somewhere else. I didn’t realize how impressed I would be with the quality of education. All of my teachers have doctorates, and I’m taking courses that challenge me! My friends are in classes with hundreds of other students at larger universities, but I’m getting personalized attention from instructors who really care about my success. What’s Next: Originally I was considering becoming a family physician, but I have friends who are orthopedic surgeons, which is really interesting to me. I haven’t narrowed it down just yet.
#itsyourfuture
So, what are you waiting for?
How to APPLY Decide to improve your future Complete Application for Admissions Complete admissions file (immunization records, transcripts, etc.) If you need assistance paying for college, apply now.
Financial Aid - apply early by completing the FAFSA as it can take up to
six weeks to receive notification of your benefits.
Scholarships - complete one common form to be considered for most
scholarships. Take COMPASS placement test Attend New Student Orientation Register for classes
Visit Campus.
M O N TA N A www.fvcc.edu/visit
We welcome prospective students and their families to visit our picturesque campus. To schedule your FVCC campus tour and see for yourself all FVCC has to offer, stop by the Admissions Office in Blake Hall, schedule your tour online, or contact us at 406.756.3847 or at info@fvcc.edu.
Contact Us. New Student Admissions
Student Housing
406.756.3847
406.756.3942
info@fvcc.edu
www.fvcc.edu/housing
www.fvcc.edu/apply Study Abroad Running Start
406.756.3945
406.756.3923
www.fvcc.edu/studyabroad
www.fvcc.edu/runningstart Veterans' Center Academic Advising and Placement Testing
406.756.3982
406.756.3880
www.fvcc.edu/veterans
www.fvcc.edu/testing Lincoln County Campus Financial Aid
406.293.2721
406.756.3849
www.fvcc.edu/lcc
www.fvcc.edu/financialaid
Not sure who to call? Contact 406.756.FVCC
It's my future. I made it happen at FVCC!
777 Grandview Drive | Kalispell, MT 59901 | www.fvcc.edu | 406.756.FVCC