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New Directions in Challenging Times

By March 10, 2011January 11th, 2019No Comments

Free information sessions for adults considering college this summer

To help people consider learning choices for their futures, Kirkwood Community College has planned a series of “Adult Learner” information sessions. The first of several programs is set for Wednesday, March 30 at 5:30 p.m. in Iowa Hall, third floor on the main Kirkwood campus.

These informal programs can provide potential students with information and options on college as a practical way to consider new career directions. Kirkwood Admissions Advisor Mark Ash said the programs provide “a lot of ideas and dialogue” in a short time, thereby allowing those who wish to begin Summer 2011 classes to do so.

“We hope we can give our visitors the basics about what going back to college is all about. For some it might be a return to higher education, and for others it could be the first time after high school. We talk to many people who may already have a degree or training and want to come back for some career-specific skills. We believe our programs will give all of them multiple options to think about,” he said.

Ash emphasized that one thing prospective students should not imagine is that “they will be alone in a class” as the only adult in the room.

“If anything, we have seen a rise in what some call the ‘non-traditional’ college student at Kirkwood. In general terms, the percentage of students over the age of 22 has gone up a good deal. We anticipate being close to 40 percent adult learners in our summer 2011 classes and that proportion should be strong for fall, too. Since we started in the 1960s Kirkwood has always been welcoming to students of all ages, seeking a lot of different skills and knowledge,” Ash added.

Kirkwood officials note a rising interest in college credit programs during the past year, with job layoffs and economic conditions one of several factors driving course enrollments and registrations.

To reserve a place at the session, please call (319) 398-5543, or 800.363.2220 and ask for Mark Ash, or e-mail mark.ash@kirkwood.edu.