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College Connect

The Iowa Central Experience

Every student that enrolls at Iowa Central Community College has individual needs and expectations for their educational journey and Iowa Central provides many opportunities and programs for students to make their time spent there a success.

“As a comprehensive community college, we provide many Samantha Reeves wrap-around services for our students’ academic lives beyond the classroom,” said Samantha Reeves, dean of student services. “We have individual academic advising, veterans services, even campus security that works behind the scenes to promote a safe environment that can help provide the best possible experience for everyone at Iowa Central.”

Programs such as TRIO assist students who are first generation college students, low-income or disabled.

The Iowa Central TRIO Program serves 175 students on campus each year, providing them with services such as tutoring, advising, career counseling, transfer application assistance, campus visits to 4-year colleges, and financial aid application assistance. The program also offers special instruction in reading, writing, study skills and math along with informational workshops and cultural and social activities. TRIO provides a study area for students in the program to complete homework, receive tutoring and get the support they need to be academically successful in college. The Academic Resource Center (ARC) houses the campus library and offers students quiet spaces to study, a testing center, academic assistance and tutoring, a reading and writing center, free printing, and accommodations for qualified individuals. Reeves said the ARC has evolved over the years to meet student needs in various programs.

“Our tutoring used to be offered specifically to students in our transfer programs,” said Reeves. “As we looked at the needs of all of our students we expanded from there; offering tutoring services to our students in career and technical programs as well.” Another academic resource available to students is supplemental instruction.

“Supplemental instruction is a newer option we have to offer,” said Reeves. “We hire a student who has completed and done well in a course, the come to class and sit and take notes with students. They hold study sessions with the students and as students get to know their supplemental instruction leader it makes them more willing and excited to meet with them outside of class.”

In addition to academics, Iowa Central offers a variety of student extracurricular activities, athletics and clubs to engage students in campus life including six band and four vocal ensembles, theater, 17 clubs and organizations and over 30 athletic programs. “All of these opportunities provide a comprehensive feel that is more like a 4-year college or university,” said Reeves. “Everything a student can get there, they can come to Iowa Central and get the same experience for less than the cost of a 4-year school.”

IN OUR STUDENTS EYES: WHAT MAKES THE IOWA CENTRAL EXPERIENCE UNIQUE?

“I really enjoy how diverse the campus is. Students at Iowa Central are not just from Iowa. You can meet students from all over the world and experience many different cultures and languages. I have had the opportunity to be involved in volleyball and student ambassadors. We have a lot of activities and amenities on campus that other schools do not which makes Iowa Central one of the best junior colleges in the state and nation.”

Kira Matthias, Sophomore

Accounting Major, Indianola, IA ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY REMODEL WILL BRING DEPARTMENTS TOGETHER IN ONE SPACE

“I fell in love with the campus when my brother was a student and knew I wanted to come here, too. Iowa Central offers a different feel than a university with all the opportunities. There is a lot to be involved in. I have been involved in ESports, student ambassadors, theater and vocal music and have been a residential advisor in the dorms. I love how you can meet so many diverse people from so many different backgrounds and cultures, the small class sizes and that Iowa Central offers a more one-on-one education.”

Dominic Hammel, Sophomore

Technical Theater Major, Dubuque, IA

“I Love Iowa Central’s feeling of community. From the moment I walked in the door for a campus visit; meeting with advisors and admissions and they way they talk with you, Iowa Central just felt right. I’ve been involved with Pi Theta Kappa, Education Club and work at the REC Center on campus. Everything we do here is driven toward student success, everyone wants you to come here and succeed.

Izaiah Martinez, Sophomore

Education Major and 2022-23 Student Body President, Missouri Valley, IA

Soon students in art, photography and technology programs at Iowa Central Community College will have a new state of the art facility to call home. The former Administration and Students Services Building, located in the middle of campus is undergoing an extensive remodel to allow all arts and technology programs to come together in one space.

Presently, the programs are spread out around campus in the Liberal Arts Building, Sciene Building and the Applied Science and Technology Building. “Collaboration between programs will be much easier because they will all be together in one space,” said Dr. Stacy Mentzer, vice president of instruction.

The newly renovated building will include an open layout with a large maker space for students to collaborate on projects, a natural light photography studio, art gallery, a ceramics and painting studio and space for 3-D printers. “It will be a fabulous space centered around student collaboration,” said Mentzer. “With everyone in one space we expect to see more students and programs able to work together.” The new facility is expected to be complete and open for the start of the Fall 2023 Semester.