Because students come to Iowa Western Community College with diverse backgrounds and interests, the College provides a wide variety of services and activities to make sure that every student has the best possible chance to succeed and grow while participating in the various instructional programs offered by the College. Students who have questions about any of the services offered or about how to access the services should contact the various departments on the Council Bluffs campus or the center director. Students can also access information online in ROC.
Advising
Academic Advising
Upon registering for their first semester, all students are assigned an academic advisor in their program of study. Student advisees are ultimately responsible for all aspects of their education, including course selection and awareness of their current academic status; however, advisors can provide guidance and assistance regarding program and graduation requirements. In addition, students should feel that they can freely discuss personal interests, values, and goals with their advisor and should seek their advisor’s assistance in developing academic, social, and career goals. Students should always consult with their advisor before making any important academic decision, such as changing a program of study, adding or dropping courses, or withdrawing from school. Advisor assignments and advisor contact information are accessible online in Student Self Services.
Career Planning
Iowa Western Community College offers students a variety of services and resources that are designed to help them gather information, which in turn enables them to make informed decisions regarding major and ultimately career selection. These resources also provide an opportunity for students to make a connection between a program of study, or major, and the related job possibilities. A student’s assigned advisor will serve as an important resource when it comes to questions about careers but students are also encouraged to take it upon themselves to research opportunities through online resources such as the Iowa Western Community College Career Planning web pages and Career Coach, both of which are accessible online. Students who have questions should meet with their assigned academic advisor or meet with an Enrollment Advisor in the Advising and Academic Success department for more information.
Transfer Planning
Iowa Western Community College offers valuable resources and assistance to students who intend to transfer. These resources include a transfer web site, trained academic advisors, one-on-one and group visits from four-year colleges and universities, transfer fairs, and articulation (transfer) agreements. Students who intend to transfer should begin the planning process early in their academic careers to help make informed decisions regarding their major and the institution to which they ultimately plan to transfer. Students who have questions should meet with their assigned academic advisor or meet with an Enrollment Advisor in the Advising and Academic Success department for more information.
Student Support and Resources
Intercultural and International Students
The Office of Admissions provides services for students outside the United States seeking F-1 visas as well as services for non-native English speaking students. Services include issuing the I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Students). English proficiency for all non-native English speaking students is determined by this office. The office also assists non-native English speaking students with the application process, including completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. For more information, contact the Office of Admissions.
Mental Health Support
Iowa Western provides short-term, solution-focused counseling and assessment to help students cope with stressors that are affecting their academic, career, or personal goals. Students are urged to seek help for stressors including homesickness, depression, anxiety, relationships, and other college struggles. Mental health support services are offered for free through the Office of Student Support and Outreach.
Services for Students with Disabilities
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Iowa Western Community College provides reasonable accommodations to students with documented disabilities. Staff will assist students in arranging necessary access and/or academic accommodations. Students who request an accommodation must have disability documentation on file with the Coordinator of Disability Services prior to receiving accommodations. Therefore, students are strongly encouraged to provide documentation of their disability and make arrangements early in their semester registration process in order to receive timely services. All disability documentation files are kept strictly confidential. For more information, contact the Disability Services Office.
TRiO/Student Support Services
TRiO Programs, including Student Support Services, are federal grant programs that are fully-funded by the Department of Education under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The overall goal of TRiO is to support students in continuing their education by increasing the number of graduates and assisting students in transferring to four-year institutions to obtain baccalaureate degrees. Meant to assist disadvantaged or underprepared students in overcoming barriers to a post-secondary education, TRiO provides academic advising, career advising, access to Math/Science/ Writing Specialists, peer mentoring, transfer assistance, financial aid assistance, financial literacy advising, computer training, TRiO Minority Leadership Group, academic improvement workshops, cultural and educational activities, volunteer opportunities, and personal development workshops. For more information, contact the Director of TRiO.
Tutoring
The Academic Support Center (ASC) is located on the second floor of the Student Center and offers free academic assistance in a variety of “core” subjects, specializing in assistance for math and writing classes. ASC Peer Tutors are academically successful students trained to assist other students with many of the general requirement courses necessary for most associate’s degrees. Peer tutors maintain regular hours and are available on a walk-in basis. Group tutoring is also available, but must be scheduled in advance. Iowa Western also offers free 24/7 online tutoring through ROC. For more information about the free tutoring available to all Iowa Western Community College students, contact the Academic Support Center.
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