Evening event designed to dispel myths about returning to college
Kirkwood Community College will hold a reception for adult students planning to start or return to college. The free event is set for Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 316A, Iowa Hall on Kirkwood’s main Cedar Rapids campus.
The event for recently accepted Kirkwood students features presentations by former “adult learners,” plus walking tours of the campus to familiarize students with classroom and office locations. Refreshments will be served.
According to Adult Admission Advisor Mark Ash the event is designed to “take the edge off the nerves” for students planning to return to college life.
“Making the decision to come back to college is a big step for most people. It’s a relief for adult learners to find out they are not alone. When you define the ‘returning adult student’ as anyone 22 or older, that’s now more than one third of our Kirkwood student body,” Ash observed.
“I recently met with a nontraditional student who said, ‘I think I had to do a few jobs that I didn’t like, to better understand exactly what it is that I do want to do.’ We have been talking to many people seeking those new choices and making life changes. This program is part of that journey.”
College officials report that student enrollments for those 25 and older grew by one-third in the fall of 2009, compared with the previous year. Ash also pointed out the positive role college classes can have for adults facing uncertain employment situations. Future students will also learn how to address the delicate balance between family, work and pursuing their education.
“At Kirkwood we are veterans of helping people through the economic cycles and have been a way to help adults find new options. This year we have talked with people who have lost small business operations or suffered job layoffs. Amid those difficult times, we hope our Kirkwood services and classes can give those people and others some new, maybe even better options,” Ash added.
Adult learners interested in attending the August 4 New Adult Learner Welcome Day are asked to RSVP by calling Mark Ash at (319) 398-5543 or e-mailing: mark.ash@kirkwood.edu