Event designed to answer questions on costs, programs and more
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, July 29 at 5:30 p.m. in Iowa Hall, third floor on the main Kirkwood campus.
The 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 fall 2009 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 think our programs will give all of them 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 are close to 40 percent adult learners in our summer 2009 classes and that proportion could 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: [email protected] .