Spring College Profiles 2018 by Sioux City Journal

sPring

2018

College Profiles Your guide to PostsecondarY education oPPortunities

An Advertising Supplement to the Sioux City Journal

COLLEGE GUIDE

J2 | Sunday, March 18, 2018

siouxcityjournal.com

There’s no better time to be a Maverick

he University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) has more to offer than you might imagine. We invite you to come explore campus and “get to know the O”—Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. UNO believes in academic excellence by offering coursework that is relevant to the real world. We appreciate learning is a lifelong process and not every route to college is traditional. We offer a wide variety of support services and resources to help students succeed. We understand higher education is a significant investment. That’s why we work hard to reduce financial barriers by keeping tuition and fees affordable and making sure students know about scholarships and fi-

nancial aid that can help them realize their educational goals. UNO students who come from the Midwest benefit from reduced tuition and fees through special regional tuition programs. UNO is home to six colleges, dedicated to providing rigorous undergraduate and graduate academic programs taught by faculty who are global experts in their fields. Our campus combines the resources of a cutting-edge research university with a close-knit community. What we like to call “Maverick momentum” is everywhere on campus. Within the past decade, we’ve renovated more than half of our academic space and added new teaching and research facilities. We’ve taken athletics to the next level by

joining the ranks of NCAA Division I sports and building our new Baxter Arena, home of UNO hockey, volleyball, and basketball. At UNO, you’ll enjoy an authentic college experience. Our six housing facilities offer apartment-style suites, social events, and learning communities. Our newly renovated Milo Bail Student Center offers a wide variety of dining options and support services. Take advantage of our campus health and fitness resources by signing up for a group exercise class or swimming laps in our Olympic-size swimming pool. When it’s time to study, hit the books or use state-of-the-art technology at our Dr. C. C. and Mabel L. Criss Library. There’s no shortage of vibrant student life opportu-

MARK KUHLMANN

University of Nebraska at Omaha has a lot to offer students. Come to explore their campus and “get to know the O.” nities on campus. Cheer on the Mavs at a hockey game, discover a new interest by joining a student organization, or make new friends at social events held throughout the year. Our university is an-

chored to the community through strong partnerships with business, education, government, arts, and civic organizations. Our campus is home to the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, a one-of-a-kind

space for collaboration that connects local organizations with students and faculty for projects that make a difference in our community. In 2014, UNO received the Presidential Award for Economic Opportunity, certifying UNO as a higher-education leader in community engagement. Thanks to UNO’s rich history, Mavericks know they are a part of a university committed to diversity and inclusion. Our faculty, students, and staff build on that history through research and projects focused on the changing needs of the metropolitan area, state, region, and world. We invite you to explore our campus, where we’re developing new and innovative ways to educate and improve lives every day.

AT TEN TION SOPHOMORE S & JUNIORS

MAVERICK THERE’S NO BET TER TIME TO BE A

During our signature open house event for sophomores and juniors in high school, students will learn tips for navigating the college application process from our own admissions experts while getting the inside scoop on paying for college, selecting a major, and life as a Maverick.

JOIN US FOR OUR 2018 JUNIOR BE A MAV DAYS

APRIL 13 or 14

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. 0671ADUGA0318

Mammel Hall 6708 Pine Street, Omaha, NE 68182

siouxcityjournal.com

COLLEGE GUIDE

Sunday, March 18, 2018 | J3

Enjoy full-college experience close to home W estern Iowa Tech Community College has more than 70 amazing programs to choose from, friendly faculty, a beautiful campus, and superior technology. Students who attend WITCC enjoy a full-college experience while being close to home. WITCC has intramural sports, clubs, international travel, exercise classes and fun student activities like Xbox tournaments and Battle of the Bands. WITCC has one of the most technologically connected campuses in the region. It has been recognized by Apple as an Apple Distinguished School. Every classroom utilizes interactive technology to integrate computer and multimedia applications. Projectors and Apple TVs enable computer, tablet and smart phone screens of both instructors and students to be shared with the entire classroom. To further enhance the learning experience, WITCC provides each credit student with a MacBook Air loaded with curriculum-specific software. Approximately half of the credit students are enrolled in arts and sciences, which will easily transfer to any 4-year college in the region. Transfer options are available in a full range of arts and sciences programs including: Accounting Addictions Counseling Agriculture Art and Design Biology Business Administration Chemistry Education Early Childhood Edu-

Students can experience college life and get involved by living on the campus of Western Iowa Tech Community College, which offers 70 amazing programs of study. cation English General Studies History Mass Media Mathematics Music Physical Education Political Science Psychology Social Work Sociology Sports Medicine WITCC offers an extensive array of “career cluster” programs, Students can earn their degree and start a career they love in two years. Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Business, Management and Administration Education and Training Finance Health Sciences Hospitality and Tourism Information Technology Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security Manufacturing Transportation, Dis-

tribution and Logistics Students can experience college life and get involved by living on campus. Convenient and affordable resident hall options make going to class quick and easy. The dorms offer apartment-style living, with four and two-bedroom suites. All of the housing options provide a computer lab, free parking, wireless internet, utilities and laundry, as well as a common living area and community area. WITCC also has a stateof-the-art fitness center that is available to the students for free. It includes ellipticals, treadmills, and elevated track, weight room, fitness games and fitness classes. Students get to take advantage of a full-college experience without the price tag of a traditional four-year college. Ninety percent of students attending WITCC receive some sort of financial aid. Scholarships are available, plus our friendly staff will help students with the financial aid process.

GET A CAREER YOU LOVE

IN 2 YEARS START YOUR BACHELOR’S DEGREE

GORGEOUS CAMPUS DORMS THAT “WOW”

POWERFUL PROGRAMS STAFF THAT PUTS YOU FIRST

WITCC.EDU 800.352.4649 4647 STONE AVE SIOUX CITY, IOWA

WESTERN IOWA TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE

J4 | Sunday, March 18, 2018

COLLEGE GUIDE

siouxcityjournal.com

Get a student-friendly education at Little Priest Tribal College

T There is sTrengTh in you!

summer Classes start may 21st complete an application today!

go to www.littlepriest.edu Call sinai Carrillo: 402.878.3330 or email us at admissions@littlepriest.edu 601 East College Drive Winnebago Nebraska 68071 402.878.2380

Ho-Chunk Centre 600 4th Street Sioux City, lowa 51101 712.224.0113

he Little Priest Tribal College (LPTC) is a local public community college operating in the states of Nebraska and Iowa. LPTC serves all students from all nations and communities. The college is named after Chief Little Priest, the last true war chief of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. It was his final words that now encapsulate our mission: “Be Strong and Educate My Children.” In the Winnebago heritage of respect, integrity and self-reliance, LPTC was chartered in 1996 by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, a sovereign nation, to provide higher education opportunities. LPTC is a land grant institution and is part of the Nebraska Transfer Initiative program. Our focus is to prepare students to transfer and successfully complete a major at a four-year institution, provide training opportunities for students to upgrade job skills and improve employability, and further, to provide language and culture classes that celebrate and preserve our cultural heritage. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, LPTC offers Associates of Arts and Associates of Science degrees in the following areas: Business Early Childhood Education Indigenous Science Environment Indigenous Science Health Interdisciplinary Studies Native American Studies Teacher Education In addition to our outstanding dedicated faculty and a 10:1 student to instructor ratio, LPTC offers their students: Quality and affordable education Student housing, employment, financial aid & scholarships Academic, career & personal counseling Writing & Math Labs Student technology center Student dining facility Culturally rich, quality, and comfortable learning environment Online and distance learning classes Division II College Athletics Student government, groups, and activities Community and Continuing Education Program GED testing site And more…

‘THERE IS STRENGTH IN YOU!’

Register for the Summer Session! The last day to register and add or drop classes is May 25. Complete an application today! Go to www.littlepriest.edu, CALL, or email admissions@littlepriest.edu Main Campus: 601 East College Drive Winnebago, Nebraska 68071 Phone:402.878.2380 Sioux City Site: Ho-Chunk Centre 600 4th Street Sioux City, Iowa 51101 Phone: 712-224-0113

J’ona Graham, Student Athlete

Montgomery, Alabama Coming to Little Priest, they brought me in and made me feel as if I was at home. Professors here give you one-on-one help and care personally about your success.

Tyren King, Student Athlete

Farmington, New Mexico Little Priest Tribal College is a school experience that is a student-friendly system and I realized how beneficial it is for the students to get an education here. I began to see how welcoming the community is around the school. You can start to feel and understand the Native American culture.

COLLEGE GUIDE

siouxcityjournal.com

Sunday, March 18, 2018 | J5

Seek out scholarships

he good news? There are literally thousands of scholarships available to students of all fields of interest. The bad news? The competition for these awards is fierce. Luckily for you, there are ways to differentiate yourself and your skill set from that of your peers. Doing so successfully will take a combination of relentlessness and attention to detail, as many scholarships require extensive documentation, letters of recommendation and adherence to stringent deadlines.

File a FAFSA

Completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a vital step in securing financial assistance. Fill yours out as early as possible every year. The application is available each January and could help you qualify for many scholarships and financial assistance awards.

The application process is a tions for the chance to combine relatively simple one, especially fun, innovation and the chance to considering the large payoff that secure financial assistance. the FAFSAs can generate. Upon approval, you will find out your Letters of qualified amount and types of Recommendation scholarships that may be available to you. Many scholarships require the submission of at least two letters Think Creatively of recommendation, so be sure When compiling information to have at least three to five at for your scholarship submission, your disposal. Find employers, think through any added pieces teachers and coaches who will be that would help you stand out to willing to write glowing letters on a reviewer. your behalf. If the requirements include a Try to avoid family members short description of your inter- and friends, as scholarship boards ests, put together a short video or will be looking for examples of portfolio of your artwork, writing how you perform at work and in the classroom, not at home or in or other passions. Also, be on the lookout for the movie theater. unique opportunities. Many uniSelecting an English or journalversities use unique video docu- ism teacher to write at least one of mentary competitions or inter- your letters will ensure a strongly active contests to attract creative composed, persuasive document candidates. that will help you stand apart Seek out these scholarship op- from other candidates.

Iowa Lakes program prepares students to work in modern media

echnology and market forces have rapidly reshaped the media landscape in the past decade. That’s why the Digital, Social & Broadcast Productions program at Iowa Lakes Community College features writing, graphic design, audio production, radio and television broadcasting and social media. “…you are able to get your feet wet in every division of broadcast media,” said Kevin Tlam, the program’s lead adjunct instructor. “In many cases, students find out they enjoy certain aspects of the industry that they didn’t realize (they liked).” The two-year associate degree also prepares students to transfer to a four-

year college. “There is still a large need for announcers at radio stations, reporters and writers for TV stations, and journalists for publications, etc.,” Tlam said. “Having experience in all these avenues will make you more marketable to employers.” Jason White, station manager at MC22 and adjunct instructor, learned to work on both sides of the camera as an Iowa Lakes student in the broadcast program. “I was surprised at how many different paths a career in broadcasting can take a person,” White said. “This is a challenging, diverse and fun field of employment.” Matt Heinrichs, sports editor at the Dickinson County News in Spirit Lake, also studied at Iowa Lakes

before he became an adjunct instructor there. “At Iowa Lakes, I learned how to write, photograph and design, and learned how to manage a staff of writers, photographers and designers,” Heinrichs said. “At my first full-time gig at the Lake Preston Times, I put all of those skills to work. I wrote all of the stories. I shot all of the photos. I designed the entire paper. I sold and designed much of the advertising. Heck, I even delivered the paper around town on occasion. “Even the best four-year J-schools in the country can’t prepare students for that sort of work,” he added. “Iowa Lakes did.” For more information, visit http://bit.ly/IowaLakesDigital.

COMUGNERO SILVANA - FOTOLIA

YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR COLLEGE STUDENTS CAN SAVE NEARLY

$5,000 per year

in tuition/fees, room & board, and books

100+ AREAS OF STUDY more than

$1 MILLION

in scholarships are available For more about graduation rates and the debt of students completing programs, see our website.

1-866-IA-LAKES www.iowalakes.edu Algona • Estherville • Emmetsburg • Spencer • Spirit Lake

COLLEGE GUIDE

J6 | Sunday, March 18, 2018

siouxcityjournal.com

Get accepted (by your university)

ou have completed, edited and submitted your application. You watch for the mail with laser-like focus. You check your inbox compulsively for e-mail updates from your recruiter. Waiting to learn your collegiate fate is definitely not a stress-free experience. It is an extremely vulnerable feeling knowing that your qualifications and experience are being scrutinized by a board of high-level school officials. But if you are well-prepared and willing to work through the lengthy, sometime-tedious process of applying for college, then you can increase your chances

of success.

Narrow Your Search

Conventional thinking may suggest that the more colleges you target with admissions applications, the better your chances of being accepted. Not so, say many experts. High school students are urged to focus in on five or six key college options instead of the 20-plus that many feel they need to pursue. In fact, a recent College Board study showed that students feel more stress for every additional college they target. Over-applying can spread your focus too thin and increase your chances

of making mistakes on ap- and sophomore plications. years aren’t the greatest. Focus on performing Foreign Language Now more than ever, for- well during the eign language is a big plus for final two years college admissions officials. of high school. Some selective univerCollege offisities only accept students cials are looking for with four years of high school candidates who have foreign language education. proven the ability to Capturing an advanced turn around their situaknowledge of Spanish, tions. Improving a C into French or Chinese will help a B+ over the course of a you during everyday life in school year is an achievebuilding positive relation- ment that will be recogships with diverse popula- nized by recruitment pros, especially if you tions. can prove that you have Turn Things Around a passion for learning Don’t sweat it if your from past mistakes to grades from your freshman drive future success.

SD Vermillion Sioux City

In-state Tuition For Iowa Students www.usd.edu/iowa | 877-COYOTES

PABLOCALVOG - FOTOLIA

Come and see everything that USD has to offer

he University of South Dakota, just 30 miles northwest of Sioux City in Vermillion, was founded in 1862 and is the only designated public liberal arts university in South Dakota. Named one of America’s most affordable and beautiful campuses, USD is home of the state’s only School of Medicine and School of Law, as well as an internationally-accredited School of Business. USD continuously ranks among the nation’s top research universities, and counts many of the state’s political leaders among its graduates. In addition to medicine, law and business, the university offers the College of Arts & Sciences, the

School of Education, the state’s only College of Fine Arts, the College of Health Sciences and the Graduate School. As one of the nation’s most affordable universities, USD offers various tuition options designed to fit student needs. One unique financial opportunity is the Child of Alumni tuition – a plan allowing children of USD alumni to receive instate tuition for an undergraduate degree, regardless of where the student lives. Iowa residents are now able to attend USD at the same cost as South Dakota residents, as the university offers in-state tuition rates to new Iowa freshmen and new Iowa resident transfers. See www.usd.edu/Iowa for

more information. USD’s 274-acre campus is located in Vermillion, a historic town of 10,000 near the Missouri River. The north side of campus recently received a $66 million upgrade to its athletic facilities next to the famous DakotaDome, including a new basketball/ volleyball arena, enhanced training facilities for athletes, academic space for a Science, Health and Research Lab, and an outdoor track and soccer complex. With an enrollment of more than 10,000, USD is a Division I university with the friendliness and academic excellence of a small private college. Come for a visit and see USD for yourself. Sign up at www.usd.edu/admissions.

COLLEGE GUIDE

siouxcityjournal.com

Sunday, March 18, 2018 | J7

Start early to research financial aid options

hile it can be one of the best investments of your life, getting a college education is undeniably expensive. Fortunately, a wide range of financial aid programs is available to help students afford their education if they’re willing to do the legwork. While the process can seem overwhelming at first, starting early and staying organized are two keys to getting the financial help you need.

START IN THE FALL

Depending on which school you are attending and what financial aid programs you’re applying for, deadlines will vary. You need to begin by finding out the specific deadlines for applications at your schools. Guidance counselors can be great resources for the application process, and you should plan on meeting with them in September or November to get a head start and make your financial aid road map.

publications that list scholarship opportunities. You should start compiling your personal financial information in November and December. It’s a good idea to get a copy of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) so you know exactly what documents will be required for income and asset verification. If you plan on filing the FAFSA electronically, you should apply in the fall for a PIN to sign it. Often times parents and students will both need their own separate PINs, so apply for them early and keep them in a safe place where you can U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OFFICE OF FEDERAL STUDENT AID find it in January when it’s time to file the FAFSA form. Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You can also start to search for scholarships using free resources like collegeboard.com or gocollege.com. Many libraries and financial aid offices also have

FAFSA FILING

all occupations,” says Allen Barbaro, the Respiratory Care Department chairperson at the college. “The increased need, combined with higher than average wages, makes respiratory care an attractive career for young students or adults looking for a career change,” says Barbaro. St. Luke’s College, located in Sioux City, has been committed to educating knowledgeable, competent and compassionate health care professionals for more than a century. The college has nearly 3,000 alumni employed in a variety of health care professions in the Siouxland community and throughout the nation. The college offers bachelor of science degree completion programs in nursing and in health sciences; associate of science degree programs in nursing, radiologic technology and respiratory care; certificate programs in

LOANS

It’s hard to understate the imPart of your financial aid package portance of filing a FAFSA early, in will likely include some form of loan January if possible. Many financial offers. aid programs rely on the informaFederally insured student loans tion in your FAFSA filings to deter- offer a lower interest rate than pri-

Attend the Respiratory Care Career Fair

earn how you can make a difference in the lives of others with a career in Respiratory Care. St. Luke’s College is hosting a Respiratory Care Career Fair on Wednesday, March 21 at 5 p.m. on the second floor of the College Building. The Career Fair will provide prospective students and their families with information on career opportunities in the field of Respiratory Care as well as educational opportunities at St. Luke’s College. Students will learn how they can be vital to patients with lung diseases and patients in need of life support. Hands-on activities, a campus tour and pizza will be provided. “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of respiratory therapists is expected to grow 23 percent through 2026, much faster than average for

mine how much aid you’re eligible for — including Stafford loans and Pell grants. Plan to complete your income tax returns as early as possible because they’re a requirement of many financial aid applications. Within six weeks after filing the FAFSA you can expect to receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) which summarizes the amount of money your family will be expected to contribute toward college costs. If everything goes smoothly, by March you should be getting some financial aid award letters that detail how much monetary help you’re being offered by your chosen colleges.

medical laboratory science and phlebotomy; and advanced radiology specialty certifications in computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography and sonography. The college has an excellent reputation for preparing graduates to pass national licensure examinations and to practice as registered health care professionals. As an institution of higher education, the college’s mission is to provide high quality, health system-based education to individuals who desire to become competent and compassionate healthcare providers. For more information about the Respiratory Care Career Fair or any of the College’s academic programs contact the Office of Admissions Office at (712) 279-3149 or (800) 3524660, ext. 3149 or visit us at www.stlukescollege.edu.

vate loans, and many students rely on them to pay for college. However, keep in mind that every dollar you borrow will eventually have to be repaid. It’s a good time to review your career plans and balance your realistic future earnings expectations with the amount of debt you take on in college. Keep in mind that you’re not required to accept loans as part of the package. Your financial aid offers will include a maximum amount you’re allowed to borrow, but you may be able to reduce your debt accumulation by working extra jobs and living a bare-bones lifestyle while studying. The role of loans will vary for each individual’s circumstances and career plans. How much debt you plan to take on, and the precise terms of loan agreements, should be something you weigh carefully and fully understand before embarking on your college dreams.

COLLEGE GUIDE

J8 | Sunday, March 18, 2018

siouxcityjournal.com

Enjoy a well-rounded college experience at Iowa Western Community College

owa Western Community College in Council Bluffs is a fully accredited educational institution offering more than 80 career, college-transfer and technical programs. Nestled on 250 beautiful acres in Iowa’s Loess Hills, Iowa Western provides students with a “big-school” atmosphere in a quiet setting. The college, which has won seven team NJCAA Division I National Championships in athletics, is located just minutes from Omaha, Neb. Iowa Western offers a variety of activities that help students enjoy a well-rounded college experience. The Arts Center, which has garnered national awards for its architectural beauty, is home to theater, dance and musical productions in addition to an exciting national touring

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Iowa Western Community College unveiled its $16 million Engineering Building, Kinney Hall, in 2015. The building houses Iowa Western’s Robotics program. season. The college’s radio station, 89.7 The River, broadcasts live from the Council Bluffs campus and offers a popular alternative rock music format. KIWR is one of the top radio stations in the Omaha Metro area. Iowa Western’s cable news

station, CBTV 17, offers news, entertainment and sports programming from a state-of-the-art campus television studio. Iowa Western’s new student center features a cyber café, culinary arts classrooms, a wireless ac-

cess library and full-service cafeteria. The student lounge is a great place to hang out and relax with friends, or to challenge someone in a game of Wii, billiards or foosball. The college’s suite-style housing complex and modern

apartments give students a chance to encounter the ultimate college experience on a safe and easily accessible campus. The campus in Council Bluffs is now home to 1,400 residential students. The college offers a wide

array of quality academic career paths, including a new and challenging robotics program. Iowa Western has partnered with Acieta, LLC of Council Bluffs to begin offering an Associate’s of Applied Science Degree Program in Robotics. Students will be put on a pathway to success with challenging courses such as Applied Robotics, Robot Controller Maintenance, Application Planning and Layout and Advanced Robotics. Iowa Western opened its new $16 million Engineering Building to house this exciting program in the summer of 2015. Call today for more information about one of the fastest growing colleges in the region. Call toll free 800-432-5852, or visit us on the web at www.iwcc. edu. “The World is Waiting” for college graduates!

Visit Campus.

NOW.

Call 800.432.5852 to schedule a campus visit. Your future begins NOW at Iowa Western.

iwcc.edu