1	Northeast Iowa Community College Online Orientation Your Keys to Success
2	Welcome to NICC We are pleased you are considering Northeast Iowa Community College as your choice for higher education. We believe you will find our faculty and staff to be student-oriented and ready to meet your needs. We are committed to you and helping you reach your education goals. At NICC, we are student driven…community focused. Welcome!
3	Admission to NICC NICC has an open-door policy, providing the opportunity for education to anyone who can benefit from a program of study. Admission to the college may not mean admission to all courses or majors. Students may be required to take preparatory work prior to entering specific courses or programs. There is no out-of-state tuition. We serve the entire mid-west and beyond.
4	Admission to NICC Steps for Admission Submitting a high school transcript is strongly recommended for accurate advising and placement into coursework. Some majors may require a high school transcript. Transfer students must submit official copies of their transcripts from each college/university attended. Submit a completed Application for Admission form to the campus you plan to attend. Application forms can be filled out on the NICC website http://www.nicc.edu/futurestudents/admissions/apply/ or picked up in the Admissions office. There is no fee for application.
5	Admission to NICC Complete admission assessment requirements by submitting ACCUPLACER, ASSET, COMPASS, or ACT scores. Assessment requirements may be waived based on previous college credit in selected courses. In addition to the general admission requirements, some programs have specific requirements. For ACCUPLACER testing times, contact the testing center. More information, as well as campus tours, call the Admission Office at either campus or e-mail us at Peosta : noethel@nicc.edu 563.556.5110 ext. 211 Calmar: keunem@nicc.edu 563.562.3263 ext. 307
6	International Student Admission Non-US citizens wishing to attend NICC must supply the following materials before an I-20 form may be issued. All forms are available in the admissions office or are downloadable from the NICC website. Completed NICC Application for Admission form A current photo of yourself The original or certified copy of transcripts from your previous high school and colleges sent directly from those institutions. All transcripts must be translated and notarized if in other than the English language.
7	International Student Admission A notarized statement from your banker, on official bank stationery, showing evidence of the ability to meet educational and living expenses while attending NICC. Evidence of your English proficiency. A TOEFL score of 500 (or 173 on the computerized version) or official transcript showing completion of Freshman level English at an accredited US college or university. For a current estimation of expenses contact the admissions office on the campus you plan to attend. See contact information under Admission to NICC.
8	Financial Aid Financial Aid consists of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study. To apply for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Some aid is based on first come first serve basis, so it is important to apply early. The Financial Aid office will contact you regarding your eligibility for financial aid. If you qualify for a loan, you must apply for it. Please complete the paperwork you receive with your award letter or contact our office for the forms. You will also need to complete entrance counseling.
9	Financial Aid Financial aid is disbursed about five to six weeks into the term. Aid pays for the credits you are enrolled in at the end of four weeks. The first disbursement consists of all grants, scholarships, and the first half of your student loan. The other half of your loan is disbursed three weeks later. In order to receive your financial aid, you will need to be aware of the following: You must be attending all of your classes. If you drop a class or all of them, you could lose your financial aid. You must be making satisfactory academic progress (minimum 2.0 GPA or C average) to continue to receive financial aid.
10	Financial Aid There are several scholarships available thru NICC. Deadlines to apply are November 15^thfor the spring term and April 15^thfor the fall term. You must apply for loans and be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible. Please refer to our college catalog for a detailed explanation on our policies and procedures. Note: It is vital that you read and understand all forms sent to you from the financial aid office. Please contact us if you have any questions. Peosta: Kim Baumler baumlek@nicc.edu 563.556.5110 ext. 212 Calmar: Jeffrey Murphy murphyj@nicc.edu 563.562.3263 ext. 447
11	Advising and Registration Students are assigned an academic advisor who will help them design a plan of study for graduation, assist with registration, and identify and help to resolve academic difficulties. A Central Advisor assists students during the first semester. Students are then assigned to an advisor specializing in their major areas of study. Education Plans are used to plan courses for future semesters and can be found on the NICC website: http://web.nicc.edu/EdPlans/
12	Advising and Registration Students may change their program by completing a Change of Program form with their advisors. Students have the first three weeks of a full term course to drop a class and receive a partial refund. (See the NICC catalog for refund schedule). On-line registration is available for all students after meeting with their advisors. For specific questions click on “Ask an Advisor” on the NICC website at http://www.nicc.edu/services/index.html under Advising/Transfer Services.
13	Counseling Counseling services are provided by certified counselors in the areas of personal, academic, and career counseling. Students needing long-term counseling services are referred to a local mental health agency or private counselor. Information you share in a counseling session is kept confidential. Counseling sessions are solution-oriented. Counselors assist students with attendance or performance problems and may contact those individuals to provide a personalized plan of action for improvement.
14	Counseling Possible reasons for accessing NICC counseling services; You feel withdrawn or isolated from others You are unable to focus on topics or activities You are experiencing outbursts or negative behaviors You are experiencing problems with family or friends You are having suicidal thoughts You are being verbally, physically, or sexually abused You are unable to sleep or unable to stay awake You can contact a counselor at: Peosta : Kathy Davis davisk@nicc.edu or ext. 215 Calmar: Chris Woodson woodsonc@nicc.edu or ext. 263
15	Registrar Student Records Online-Students can access their class schedule, grades, and other academic record information at the xpress website: Start at www.nicc.edu; Scroll to the bottom of the page, and select NICC Xpress Login. Final grades are only available online. Grades cannot be given out over the phone. Questions about specific grades should be directed to the instructor.
16	Registrar Transcripts-A permanent academic record is maintained for every student registered at NICC. Records are confidential, and official transcripts can be requested by the student from the Registrar’s office. NICC accepts credit transferred from other accredited colleges in which a minimum grade of C- has been earned. Official transcripts should be sent to the NICC admissions office directly from the other institution(s). Transcripts will be evaluated to determine course equivalency to NICC requirements.
17	Registrar Veteran’s assistance-If a student is eligible to receive benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill, they will need to obtain the appropriate forms from the Registrar. Graduation-Students must submit a Graduation Application form to the Registrar’s Office by mid-term of the semester in which they plan to complete their program. Contact: Calmar: Karla Winter winterk@nicc.edu ext 233 Peosta: Sheila Becker beckers@nicc.edu ext. 295
18	Learning Center Free individual and/or group instruction for students needing assistance with coursework in reading, English, math, science, study skills, and other areas. Accommodations and services for students with documented disabilities. Contact the Coordinator of Developmental Education at your campus. Pre-admission placement testing (ACCUPLACER) administered at the Assessment Center Contact the Learning Center at: Peosta: Connie Swift swiftc@nicc.edu ext. 280 Calmar: Janet Leifeld leifeld@nicc.edu ext. 258
19	Library The NICC libraries provide information resources that support all programs of the college. The combined collections include approximately 40,000 print and non-print materials. Over a dozen academic databases, the library catalog, e-Books, and selected internet resources may be accessed via the NICC website. Library staff are available to provide instruction in the use of library resources, to assist with research, and provide free inter-library loan services to students, staff, and faculty.
20	Library The library is committed to providing excellent services to all patrons. Ask for assistance at the Circulations Desk or, if not on campus, request help by calling or emailing: Contact the Burton Payne Library in Peosta at 1.800.728.7367 Ext. 224 lib-peo.peosta.nicc@nicc.edu Contact the Wilder Library in Calmar at 1.800.728.2256 Ext. 259 lib-cal@nicc.edu
21	Student Activities and Senate A comprehensive student activities program is available to students. Student have the opportunity for leadership development and campus decision-making through involvement in student senate and college senate. Identification Cards with photos are required for your protection to access your student records and check out library materials. Cards are issued each semester through the activities office.
22	Student Activities and Senate Student clubs and organizations at NICC offer social, cultural, and educational experiences. Other student activities include, but are not limited to: Intramural Athletics Family Activities Entertainers Lectures Student Newspaper For more information contact: Peosta: Linda Barbaro barbarol@nicc.edu ext. 230 Calmar: Elea Uhl uhle@nicc.edu ext. 237
23	TRiO-Student Support Services What is TRiO? TRiO is an opportunity for you to receive additional academic support to succeed at NICC. For college students at the Peosta campus, the Student Support Services arm of TRiO provides tutoring, advising, assistance in transferring, financial aid counseling, career development, mentoring, laptop loans, and cultural events to students who qualify.
24	Who Participates in TRiO? Students who want to learn more about majors that lead to a four-year degree. have thought about transferring to a 4-year school but want to know more. want extra encouragement, advising, and mentoring so they can advance from NICC to 4-year degree programs. How do I sign up for TRiO? Stop by Room 236 A on the Peosta campus to pick up an application or call 563-556-5110 Ext. 408, for more information or an appointment.
25	Employment and Career Services We offer individualized career planning and career interest assessments to help you decide on your major. Get help with your resume, cover letter, job search strategies, internet job searches, and interviewing skills. We can help you as a student and as an alum. See us on the NICC website at http://www.nicc.edu/about/currentstudents/careerservices/ The Career Connection is a partnership with Iowa Workforce Development and provides career services to area schools and employers.
26	Employment and Career Services Contact Information Peosta Chris Entringer, Employment and Career Services Manager 563.556.5110 ext. 297 entringc@nicc.edu Kathy Weber, Career Outreach Coordinator ext. 440 weber2289@portal.nicc.edu Calmar Kelli Smutzler, Asst. Employment and Career Services Manager 563.562.3263 ext. 214 smutzlek@nicc.edu Gena Rath, Career Outreach Coordinator ext. 452 rathg@portal.nicc.edu
27	Adult-Re-Entry/Nontraditional Career Center NICC supports adults facing challenges through services offered at the Center. We provide services to adults who are: Re-training or a new occupation Single or teen parents Displaced homemakers Re-entering workforce or upgrading skills Farm men and women Seeking nontraditional training Criminal Offenders Dislocated workers
28	Adult Re-Entry/Nontraditional Career Center Services provided include workshops, career assessments, admissions assistance, job search and preparation skills, nontraditional career exploration, help filing for financial aid, support groups, personal growth opportunities, informal counseling, textbook loans, tool loans, and job search assistance. For more information contact Sherry Massman massmans@nicc.edu 563.562.3263 ext. 304
29	NICC Centers Many classes and services are provided at our six NICC Centers. Contact the following coordinators for more information on credit or non-credit classes close to you. Chickasaw County Center—New Hampton Dee Dee Collins collinsd@nicc.edu 641.394.4689 Cresco Center—Cresco Erin Ludwig ludwige@nicc.edu 563.547.3355
30	NICC Centers Delaware Center—Manchester Lori Scovel scovell@nicc.edu 563.927.6387 Dubuque Center—Dubuque Barb Oakland oaklandb@nicc.edu 563.557.8271 Oelwein Center—Oelwein Dawn Kendall kendalld@nicc.edu 319.283.3010 Town Clock Center for Professional Development—Dubuque Wendy Wheelock wheelocw@nicc.edu 563.557.8271
31	Terms to Know Addendum – form used to drop or add a course and can be found in the Student Services area. Credit hour – generally speaking, for every credit hour earned you will spend the equivalent of one hour per week in the classroom every week of the semester. Disbursement of Financial Aid – financial aid checks are printed and mailed (disbursed) to students twice during the semester (see Financial Aid section).
32	Terms to Know FERPA – FERPA is an acronym for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. It gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s educational records until the child reaches 18 when rights transfer to the child. No one in the college can release information to the parent(s), spouse, other family member or friend of an NICC student without a signed release of information form. This includes grades, attendance, academic progress, financial aid information, etc. Students can expect their records to be kept confidential.
33	Terms to Know First-year student – students who have earned 29 credits or less. Full-time Student – students enrolled in at least 12 credit hours during the semester. Probation/Suspension – students are expected to make satisfactory academic progress to continue earning financial aid. A Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0, or a C average, is considered satisfactory. Some programs may have a higher GPA requirement.
34	Tips for Success Attend your classes! This may sound simplistic, but students who have irregular attendance typically do not succeed in college. This is your #1 key to success. Plan ahead! Students who plan early for submitting forms, selecting courses, registration, and even major selection, are much more successful than those who procrastinate. Ask for help when needed! Everyone at NICC is committed to your success as a student. We all need a helping hand at times. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek assistance.
35	Tips for Success Take responsibility for your education! Education is a right that should not be wasted. Make the most of the opportunity and challenges that await you. Choose a major early! The earlier you make that decision the more committed you will be to your education and the more likely you will be to complete your course of study. It’s also ok to change your mind and try something else. J Get acquainted on campus! Research shows making at least one strong connection on campus early will dramatically increase your chance for success. Reach out to others on campus.
36	Tips for Success Get to know your instructors! Don’t be afraid to ask questions and meet with your instructors outside of class. They are here to help you. Be accountable for your actions! There is a consequence for every action. Think carefully before missing a class, accepting a loan, withdrawing from courses, or changing your major. Let us help you examine your options and make positive educational decisions. Take an active role in learning! Whether you are in the classroom or online, contribute ideas to your class. Be a participant in the learning process, not just a spectator.
37	Contact Us www.nicc.edu Calmar Campus 1-800-728-2256, ext. 307 P.O. Box 400 Calmar, IA 52132-0400 Martha Keune, Student Enrollment Manager keunem@nicc.edu ************************************************* Peosta Campus 1-800-728-7367, ext. 211 10250 Sundown Road Peosta, IA 52068-9703 Lee Noethe, Student Enrollment Manager noethel@nicc.edu