Do people who attend community colleges go on to other colleges or universities? Yes they do!

As we celebrate National Transfer Student Week, 51ÁÔÆæ students are prepped for success after transferring – 51ÁÔÆæ students who transferred to a four-year institution went on to earn an average GPA of 3.24 in their first term, with 88% returning for the next year.

And the success doesn’t stop there! 51ÁÔÆæ students have a higher graduation rate after transferring than other Iowa community college transfer students.

51ÁÔÆæ ranks first in the state with a 72% overall average for university graduation rate trends within four years after transferring to a Regent University [2024 Community College Transfer Report, Iowa Department of Education].

On Wednesday we hosted a Transfer Fair to give students the opportunity to explore their next steps.

51ÁÔÆæ students met with representatives from four-year colleges and universities to learn more about programs, admissions and the transfer process.

Events like this help students plan their path to a bachelor’s degree — and beyond.

The post 51ÁÔÆæ hosts Transfer Fair appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Need to complete your FAFSA? We’ve got you covered—no appointment necessary! Just drop by the Financial Aid office in the Administration Building any Friday in August between 8 AM and 4 PM on the 51ÁÔÆæ Campus.

Our friendly team is ready to guide you through the process. And here’s the sweet part: We’re offering a FREE bowl of delicious ice cream from Birdsalls! (Yes, you read that right—free ice cream!) Plus, you’ll get a gift card to the 51ÁÔÆæ Bookzone. You’ll also get a gift certificate to Carpenter Coffee Company redeemable on Friday, August 30, 2024.

FAFSA Friday Events will be held:

• August 9, 2024

• August 16, 2024

• August 23, 2024

• August 30, 2024

What to bring:

• Your FSA ID username and password (don’t worry if you don’t have one yet—we’ll help you set it up).

• 2022 Federal Tax Return (optional but helpful).

Join us and make FAFSA easy and stress-free! See you there!

If you have any questions of for more information contact the Financial Aid Office at 641-422-4168 or Email: finaid@niacc.edu 

The post FAFSA Friday! events planned at 51ÁÔÆæ appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

If you are an area high school graduate who has already taken 51ÁÔÆæ credits, you’re off to a fantastic start! Here are the top five things you need to know about continuing your education at 51ÁÔÆæ:

1. 100% of Our Students Would Recommend Us

A recent student survey found that 100% of our students would recommend 51ÁÔÆæ to their family and friends. We care about our students, and it shows!

2. Great Return on Your Investment

Choosing 51ÁÔÆæ is a smart financial decision! You’ll get the college experience at a fraction of the cost compared to big universities. Plus, there are tons of scholarships and financial aid options available to help you out. It’s all about getting the most bang for your buck and making your future brighter without breaking the bank. Also, by being a concurrent enrollment student, you automatically qualify for the Link Scholarship when you attend 51ÁÔÆæ!

3. Personalized Experience

At 51ÁÔÆæ, our faculty and staff are committed to supporting your journey every step of the way. With comprehensive academic advising, tutoring services, and wellness programs, you’ll have all the resources you need to succeed in your studies.

4. Active Campus Life

Your interests will take center stage at 51ÁÔÆæ with a diverse lineup of extracurricular activities and events. Whether you’re drawn to sports, music, or clubs, you’re sure to find your niche and thrive in our vibrant campus community.

5. Not Just a Face in the Crowd

Small class sizes at 51ÁÔÆæ offer a personalized learning experience, ensuring that you are not just a face in the crowd. More direct interaction with instructors and tailored support means you’ll receive the attention you need to succeed.

Take the next step in your journey with 51ÁÔÆæ by filling out this Enrollment Form and discover all the ways we can help you achieve your goals.

We can’t wait to see you on campus!

The post Continuing Your Journey with 51ÁÔÆæ: Top Five Things to Know appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

College brings with it a slew of new academic situations.  For instance, you may have less daily homework than in high school, but more tests and papers over the course of a semester. 

One of those tests, is the infamous midterm exam. 

While midterm grades themselves do not become part of a student’s official record, the midterm exam does typically account for a large portion of the final grade.  They are normally given to students in the middle of an academic term or semester to evaluate their current progress in class and can identify subject areas where you may need to improve before finals.

Ideally, studying for a midterm exam should begin at least five days in advance.  This allows you ample time to go over course concepts and materials and permits the opportunity to reach out to the instructor or peers should you have any questions. 

So, what’s the best way to study for Midterms?

• Process your notes.  This includes going over all your notes from each class session.  Highlight key areas where you may need to dive into the textbook for clarification.  Be sure you understand each concept and how it applies to the class.
• Create flashcards.  This is a valuable form of studying, especially when the purpose of your exam is to basically regurgitate all the information provided in the class so far. 
• Plan ahead.  Mark the date of the exam in your planner and then count backwards, making a concise study plan and allowing enough time in each day to dedicate for each upcoming test.  

• Do all the homework.  If there are practice exams or worksheets throughout the chapters, take them.  Give yourself every opportunity to follow along and see how you are absorbing the information.
• Take breaks.  Your brain will need the rest.  It’s been noted the human brain is only able to fully concentrate for about 90 minutes before it needs to be given a 15-minute break. 
• Alleviate stress.  This is an opportune time to practice a bit of self-care.  Take a walk, give yourself a facial, indulge in your favorite TV show.  Whatever gets your heartrate back to normal and calms the spirit – do it. 
• Know your learning style.  Maybe re-reading notes and chapters doesn’t work for you.  Maybe you learn best in a group setting.  Or maybe your best studying is done early in the morning.  Whatever works best for you is the way you need to study for midterms.  Find your groove and get to work!

It’s important to be well-rested before a big exam.  Be sure to eat a meal rich in omega-3 fats, as they are known for their brain-boosting properties.  Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.  And bring all your necessary materials – pen, pencil, calculator, etc. required for the exam. 

Remember, you are not alone in your worry about doing well on midterm exams.  All students experience these feelings at some point in their college career.  If you’ve managed your time effectively, stayed organized, and honed your study efforts on the material, you should do just fine!

The post Spring Break is Near, but First…Midterms appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Campus visits are a great way to connect with real people and learn the ins-and-outs of the college and program you’re interested in. Sure, you can scroll through the list of classes and read testimonials from past students, but nothing compares to actually being there – meeting potential professors, staff and other students.

This spring we’ll spotlight the different programs offered at 51ÁÔÆæ. It is the perfect chance to really get a feel for what the college is all about – you may be surprised. You will be able to see the campus, the labs and classrooms, meet the staff, and the faculty who teach the classes.

It’s kind of like a sneak peek into your future. Like watching the trailer of a movie to see if it is something you want to go see. A campus tour will leave you feeling like you definitely want to see that movie – or in this case, your life!

The Spring Spotlight Visits will be held at 9:00AM on Fridays in the Stoltenberg Forum/Beem Center 200.

Each week is dedicated to highlighting an area of interest. If you’re unsure of your path, you are welcome to attend more than one!

*January 27th – STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math): Explore, Analyze, Discover. This session is designed to help you move toward transferring to a bachelor’s degree program or employment in computer programming, engineering, finance, data analysis, exercise science, physical education, or biotechnology. It is an exploration of the world and human body using scientific methods of observation, experimentation, and analysis.

*February 10th – Humanities: Communicate, Create, Contribute. Tap into your creative side as you explore oral communication, writing, and creative expression. This pathway is designed to help you move toward transferring to a bachelor’s degree program or employment in performing or studio arts, graphic design, journalism, or language and communication.

*February 24th – Health Sciences: Care, Heal, Rehabilitate. If you have the heart to care for people, promote health, and help your community thrive, check out this session! It is designed to help you move toward transfer or employment as a nurse, physical therapist assistant, medical assistant, medical lab technician, radiographer, or surgical technologist.

*March 10th – Business: Lead, Manage, Build. The business world today is fast-paced and always changing. Explore the skills needed to grow your own business or develop skills required for high-demand positions. This session is designed to help you move toward transferring to a bachelor’s degree program or employment in accounting, management, marketing or business administration.

*March 24th – Still Exploring: Transfer/Undecided: Develop, Connect, Identify. Unsure of what your future holds? That’s okay! Many students are in the same boat. This spotlight is a great way to connect and find the potential inside as you identify new ideas and unexpected career paths.

*March 31st – Skilled Trades: Construct, Solve, Investigate. Tinkering used to just be a hobby, but now days you can turn it into a full-fledged career! This session covers everything from constructing houses, robots, learning to weld, tool and die projects, to heating and cooling and advanced manufacturing concerns. You can move toward transferring to a bachelor’s degree program or prepare for employment in building trades, HVAC technology, industrial mechanics and maintenance, electromechanics, advanced manufacturing and welding.

*April 14th – Education, Human and Public Services: Serve, Protect, Educate. If you have a passion to work with people, you won’t want to miss this session. Explore communities, relationships and cultures as you spark discussion to help create positive change. This pathway is designed to move toward transferring to a bachelor’s degree program or employment in counseling, education, social work, community development, cultural research, human resources or police work.

*April 28th – Agriculture: Grow, Cultivate, Produce. Iowans pride themselves on the rich agricultural history of our region. In this session, you’ll learn about the various Ag pathways and how to develop cultivate the land, produce livestock, and grow leadership and environmental skills. This pathway is designed to help you move toward transferring to a bachelor’s degree program or employment in agricultural marketing and finance, agricultural operations management, agricultural sales and services, and agriculture technology.

Whew! That’s a lot of Friday morning opportunities, right? If you are not able to get to one of the above tours, 51ÁÔÆæ has other options. A series of Saturday visits are offered as well. These are intended for students who do not need individual counseling, but simply want an overview of admissions requirements, financial aid, academic programs and student life. These visits take place in the Beem Center Room 200 with check in at 9:45am.

For a full-immersion option that will leave you filled with school spirit, you should check out the Bustin’ Out Blue campus extravaganza on February 18th, 2023. This event includes all the pertinent information needed to become a 51ÁÔÆæ Trojan including academic, campus life and housing information. Plus, you’ll get to take in a Men’s and Women’s Basketball Games and have a chance to win fun prizes.

To learn more about each of these visits and which one will best suit your needs in becoming a 51ÁÔÆæ Trojan, go to /admissions/campus-visit/.

See the Campus Tours page for all the visit options.

Already made up your mind? Apply now.

The post Discover your path at a Spring Spotlight visit appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

You get 24 hours in a day. Deciding how to utilize each of those hours to get the most out of your college experience can be fun, yet sometimes tricky.

Some people come by their organizational skills naturally. They are neat, punctual, and detailed. They tend to be the ones you notice who are always put together, never miss an assignment, and are constantly on top of the ball.

Others, not so much.

Being organized is a transferable skill that can be used in many real-life situations. For students, it is particularly important since it helps them prioritize activities, set and achieve goals and reduce stress.  Having good organizational skills and knowing how to handle time management makes it easier to collaborate with others and helps increase productivity and efficiency.

Pressure can build as expectations increase on studies, being involved, working, volunteering, and still finding time for relaxation and enjoyment.

Here are 4 key elements on how juggle it all – and do it well!

1. PIORITIZE
   1. You must decide what is the most important in your life. While in college, the goal is to obtain your degree. Yet, school is expensive so you will likely have to work. At the same time, you’ve gained a newfound freedom and a bunch of new friends. This balancing act must be handled daily, with all possibilities considered on when to study, when to work, and when to fit in time for fun.
2. ORGANIZE
   1. Studies have shown that people who keep their lives neat and tidy feel less overwhelmed. Find a reliable planner or download an organizational app on your phone. Mark down your class schedule, work schedule, and activities. This will help you see the blank areas where you can plan for study or social time.
3. SAY NO
   1. Saying no allows you to be in control of where you put your time and energy. I completely understand that can bring with it the possibility of conflict, confrontation, or disappointment. It’s often easy to say no and include an entire dialogue as a follow up on why you had to say no. Well – newsflash – but NO is a complete sentence. You do not owe anyone an explanation on why you cannot do something. You just can’t. They need to respect your time and energy and accept your answer. And vice versa if someone tell you no. Accept it and move on.
4. REFUEL
   1. Have you ever heard the phrase, “You can’t pour from an empty cup?” It’s a reminder to take care of yourself. If you don’t, you won’t be able to participate in things the way you want. Burnout will settle in, making it difficult to get anything done, let alone with success. Take time to do something that fills up your tank, whether it be reading a fun book, hanging out with friends, going for a walk, or binge-watching your favorite TV show.

Being organized will make everything else in your life seem easier. It will help you get to work faster without wasting time looking for stuff. You’ll find study time to be concise and your learning capabilities to expand. Just like clearing the clutter on top of your desk, clear the clutter inside your head.

Prioritize – Organize – Say No – Refuel

It’s the key to success in obtaining your goals while in college.

The post Managing and Organizing Your College Life appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Packing for college can be tedious.  I mean, how does one take their entire life and squeeze it into a tiny little space?  It seems impossible, but in reality it’s exciting – you are about to begin a whole new adventure!

Campus housing at most colleges average around 12 by 19 feet.  This is approximately 228 square feet of actual living space.  To put it in perspective, it’s about the size of a one-car garage.

When the Campus View Student Housing Complex was built on the campus, it positively changed the way students live, play and study.  Completed in 2015, there are several different suite options to fit your lifestyle and interests.

Still, when it comes time to pack for your big move, the task can seem a bit daunting.  What do I need? What DON’T I need? How many towels are appropriate? Or pairs of underwear?

Here is a helpful list of tips and tricks to ensure you have everything you need to feel the comforts of home as you begin your journey as a college student and into adulthood.

A good rule of thumb when you begin packing is to divide the items into categories.  This will keep your thoughts concise and organized when packing.  Popular headings are: Room Needs/Storage, Linens/Laundry Supplies, Office/Desk Supplies, Electronics, Toiletries, Clothing, Household/Kitchen Items, Shared Items (with roommates), and Miscellaneous.

Now, let’s break it down by category.

• Room Needs/Storage
  • These are things like a bedside lamp, alarm clock, trash can, fan, dry-erase wall calendar, mini toolkit, picture hangers and storage bins. Another option here might be a drying rack for laundry if you have some items that can’t sustain the dryer.  Ask your mom on this one.  She might air-dry more of your clothes than you realize!
• Linens/Laundry Supplies
  • The obvious items in this category are sheets and pillowcases, towels, blankets and pillows. Anything you need to make your bed feel like home – bring it!  For the laundry portion, make sure you have a laundry basket or something to hold and transport both dirty and clean clothes, hangers, detergent and stain remover.  The two most forgotten items in this section are a lint brush and a mini sewing kit.  You might not know how to sew, but You Tube can show you how!
• Office/Desk Supplies
  • Anything you need for the learning part of school falls into this category. There’s the obvious notebooks, pens, pencils and folders.  But don’t forget sticky notes, index cards, highlighters, tape, scissors and a stapler for your desk.  Also, you might not think you’ll need these, but I guarantee you will at some point – stamps and envelopes!
• Electronics
  • In today’s day and age, this category is fairly straightforward. Computer, printer, HDMI cord, headphones, phone and ipad are a must.  Don’t forget to throw in a surge protector and AT LEAST 2 extension cords!
• Toiletries
  • Again, this one seems like a no-brainer as it includes all the things you would need to get ready each day. What you might not think of, however, are all those products only used every now and then.  Yup, they fall into this category too.  Things like vitamins and medicines, band-aids, tweezers and cotton swabs are often overlooked.  Make sure to add them to your list.
• Clothing
  • You do not need to bring every stitch of clothing you own! This is a big one. Obviously, bring the essentials for the appropriate season, but I guarantee you’ll make at least one visit back home before the weather changes.  Plan accordingly!
• Household/Kitchen Items
  • At 51ÁÔÆæ Student Housing, you can enjoy home-cooked cuisine through the various meal plans. Still, it’s not a bad idea to keep a few essentials in your room.  One bowl, plate and cup will suffice, including silverware.  Things like paper towels, dish soap, trash bags and lightbulbs fall into this category as well.
• Shared Items (with roommate)
  • You don’t BOTH need to bring a television, small refrigerator or a coffee maker. The best way to introduce yourself to your new living partner is to divvy up the big items and decide who will bring what!
• Miscellaneous
  • Earplugs – trust me, if you don’t have them, you’ll wish you did. Don’t forget to pack an umbrella or it will be a cold, wet walk to class.  Also, a small, cordless vacuum is 100% necessary.  Just because you “don’t see” dirt in your room, doesn’t mean it’s not there.  Swiffer dusters and a small vacuum are well worth it to help your overall health throughout the year!

It might seem like a daunting list, but you’ll be glad you have some of these items when the time comes to use them!  We are so excited to welcome you to Campus View at 51ÁÔÆæ.  Your new ‘home away from home’ is more than a place to live – it’s where you will form lasting friendships and create lifelong memories!

Check out Tyler’s view about living on campus at 51ÁÔÆæ!

Haven’t applied to attend 51ÁÔÆæ yet?  Apply Today!

The post Packing for College 101 appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

The fall semester is upon us and we are excited to welcome our new Trojans to campus!

Fall orientation begins August 23 and provides an opportunity for new students to get to know the 51ÁÔÆæ campus community, build a foundation for academic success, and learn more about the values and traditions that make us Trojans!  Students will have the opportunity to:

• Hear from faculty specific to their Meta Major with tips for success and how to discover career pathways based on introductory classes
• Meet the Student Learning Center staff and how they can help make the transition to college a little easier
• Get all of their questions answered by Academic Advisors
• Learn more about financing their education, technology, and student housing 
• Find out about all the fun student activities happening on campus this fall

The orientation sessions are based on Meta Majors, so each student will learn the ins and outs of their field of interest :

Business – Tuesday, August 23^rd  9:00AM-Noon
STEM – Wednesday, August 24^th  9:00AM-Noon
Human & Public Service – Thursday, August 25^th  9:00AM-Noon
Humanities/Liberal Arts – Thursday, August 25^th  1:00PM-4:00 PM
Ag/Skilled Trades – Thursday, August 25^th  5:30PM-7:30 PM
Health Sciences – Friday, August 26^th 9:00AM-Noon

All new and transfer students who are entering for the first time and who intend to take day classes are required to attend a new student orientation. Postcards have been sent to students with their orientation information.

Contact the Admissions office with any questions or to get signed up at 641-422-4245.

We can’t wait to welcome you to 51ÁÔÆæ!

Admissions & Aid

Enrollment Checklist

Apply Today!

(YouTube)

The post 2022 Fall Orientation – Welcoming New Trojans! appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

The Campus View Student Housing Complex is more than just a place to live. It’s a place to form lasting friendships and create lifelong memories. It’s a place to grow as a person and flourish as a student.

If you’d like to learn more or to schedule a campus visit it’s easy!  Just contact one of our enrollment advisors to show you why campus life might be the right option for you!

Are you interested in attending 51ÁÔÆæ?  Apply Today!

51ÁÔÆæ, founded in 1918, is a nationally-recognized, two-year college located in central North Iowa.  With approximately 3,000 career and transfer students, the College has been recognized by the Aspen Institute as a leading community college in the nation.  51ÁÔÆæ welcomes students from across Iowa, Minnesota, the nation, and the world. The College has served as a leader in student-centered learning, community engagement, and collaborative leadership for more than 100 years.

The post Join the 51ÁÔÆæ campus community: Student Housing appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Are you looking for a highly sought after career in Iowa? Look no further! According to Iowa Workforce Development Iowa’s top 5 careers are:

1. Advanced Manufacturing Production, Installation & Maintenance
2. Construction & Engineering
3. Healthcare & Biosciences
4. Information Technology
5. Management, Business & Financial Operations

All of which you can earn a degree in at through the following Meta Majors:

1. Skilled Trades, which includes a variety of career options from construction trades to engineering and much more!
2. Health Science, includes more than a dozen pathways such as laboratory technician, nursing associate degree, physical therapist assistant, just to name a few.
3. Humanities, offering communications, graphic design and web and social media degrees.
4. STEM, where you can explore business or information technology!
5. Business, allowing you to lead, manage and build a career in accounting, business administration, marketing, and entrepreneurship!

Over the next several weeks, we will introduce you to instructors teaching within these career focuses, sharing their perspective of the student experiences they provide through 51ÁÔÆæ degree, diploma and certificate programs.

Future Ready Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship

Apply Today!

The post 51ÁÔÆæ Meta Majors match top 5 careers in Iowa appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.