Student Life

Academic Resource Center

The Academic Resource Center offers a range of services to Iowa Central students.

Academic Assistance

Academic Assistants help students study class materials, proofread papers, research topics, and complete assignments. Drop-in academic assistance is a free service available to all Iowa Central students. Academic Assistants are located in a designated area in the Academic Resource Center and are available for a variety of subjects. Academics Assistants’ schedules can be located in the Academic Resource Center or at http://iowacentral.edu/ARC/academic_assistance.asp.

Online tutorial help is provided through Smarthinking.com. Students can access up to 7 hours of help each year with writing, math, science, business, and many other fields of study through this online service. Smarthinking.com is accessed through TritonPass and is available 24/7.

Accommodations Services

If you have a request for an accommodation based on the impact of a disability, it is Iowa Central’s policy that you visit Academic Assistance and Accommodations website and identify your request by submitting the public accomodation request form; then contact the Academic Assistance & Accommodations Coordinator to discuss your specific needs and to provide supporting information and documentation, so we may determine appropriate accommodations. The office for accommodations is located in the Academic Resource Center, and it can be reached by calling 515-574-1045.

Information Media/Online Library

A wide variety of media including books, DVDs, and periodicals is located in the Academic Resource Center. Computers, printers, and headphones are provided for student use. Photocopying and color printing are available for a nominal fee.

The online library is available both on and off campus: Gale and EBSCOhost are databases that offer access to thousands of articles, books, and videos; NAXOS allows students to listen to the world’s most comprehensive collection of classical and jazz music; Films on Demand and Kanopy provide instant access to outstanding documentaries and films.

The Academic Resource Center staff provides research assistance and helps with the use of computers.

Testing

Academic Resource Center staff administers make-up/accommodated tests for Iowa Central courses as well as standardized tests on all of our campuses.

A few guidelines that students need to be aware of are listed below:

• A valid photo ID is required for testing.
• All jewelry and personal items must be left in lockers during an exam.
• Pockets will be empty during testing.
• No hoods, coats, jackets, or hats are allowed in the testing room.
• All scratch paper and pencils will be provided by the Testing Center. Scantrons will need to be supplied by the student.
• No electronic books/tablets are allowed during open book exams. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain a hard copy of the book for use in the Testing Center.
• No food or drinks, other than bottled water in a clear plastic container with all labels removed, will be allowed in the Testing Room. All water that is allowed must be kept on the floor.
• Testing must be completed in one sitting and turned in before closing time.
• Leaving the testing station/room after the exam has been distributed/started is not permitted unless prior approval has been granted.
• Exam accommodations can be arranged by following the College’s process by visiting the Academic Assistance and Accomodations website.
• Students should take their accommodated test(s) in the Testing Center (should they choose to use their accomodations) during their scheduled class time. If they have back-to-back class times, a make-up time can be arranged.
• Students with accommodations for a reader and/or private testing room must schedule an appointment at least two business days in advance with the appropriate Testing Center (Fort Dodge, Storm Lake, or Webster City).
• Accommodated and distance learning exams are the only exams given in the Testing Center during finals week.
• No children are allowed in the Testing Center.
• Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. See Student Discipline Policy in your Student Handbook.
• Testing areas are monitored by 24 hour surveillance
• Iowa Central is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
• Refusal to comply with the above guidelines will result in denial of Testing Center services.

Advising Center

The Advising Center is located in the Student Support Services Building and provides advising services to students at any point throughout the semester. Transfer advisors are located here and are ready to assist students with any questions about scheduling classes, transferring to another college or university, choosing a major, and connecting with other services across campus. Advisors support students in completing their goals while at Iowa Central.

Athletics

An exciting and challenging athletic program is maintained at Iowa Central. Mens’ intercollegiate sports are baseball, basketball, bowling, cheer, cross country, dance, football, golf, marching band, pep band, rodeo, rugby, soccer, sports shooting, swimming, taekwondo, tennis, track & field, and wrestling. Womens’ intercollegiate sports are basketball, bowling, cheer, cross country, dance, golf, marching band, pep band, rodeo, soccer, softball, sports shooting, swimming, taekwondo, tennis, track & field, and volleyball.

Billing

The College’s Business Office is located in the Student Support Services Build­ing. This is the office responsible for maintaining the financial records for all students. Students who enroll in credit and/or non-credit courses will have their tuition and fee charges appear on their student account. Students can view their student account activity using WebAdvisor. The Business Office sends out periodic billing postcards, answers question regarding charges, and receives payments on accounts.

Payments for tuition and fees are due in full prior to the start of classes, although a deferred payment plan is available for eligible credit courses in the fall and spring semesters.

Student accounts not paid in full will be referred to the College’s collection agency. Iowa Central also participates in the State of Iowa Offset Program op­erated by the Iowa Department of Administrative Services to collect overdue account balances.

Bookstore

The main objective of the bookstore is to help students fill their book and supply needs as promptly as possible. The bookstore is also available to the general public with help in locating books and supplies for their personal and business needs. Along with textbooks and school supplies, items such as clothing, greet­ing cards, personal supplies, stamps, and mail service are available.

For added convenience to students, many textbooks and apparel items are available for purchase through the Online Bookstore.

Career Services

Iowa Central Community College Career Services utilizes Career Services Man­ager (CSM) which is a comprehensive, web-based career services management solutions for students and alumni. CSM allows students to build a dynamic resume and cover letter, research occupational information, and search for jobs.

Other services available include: resume critiquing, cover letter and thank-you letter assistance, career/job fairs, job searching resources, on-campus interview­ing, labor market information, occupational information, internship opportunities, and job opening emails.

Concerts and Lectures

Iowa Central students have the opportunity to attend a wide variety of professional entertainment on campus. Some performances are held during noon hours in the Student Resource Center while others are available during the evening and on weekends. Plays, concerts, and lectures held on campus as well as those spon­sored by cooperating organizations are generally available with the student ID or a special student price. Students also have wonderful opportunities to participate in many of these performances through the performing arts group on campus.

Dental Hygiene Clinic

All Iowa Central students who present their identification card may receive dental hygiene services for free including a dental examination, X-rays, teeth cleaning and athletic mouth guards. For more information regarding services, students can contact the Dental Hygiene Clinic at 515-574-1327 or online at the Iowa Central Dental Hygiene website.

Housing/Apartments

Fully furnished apartment living is provided with amenities including an ade­quate-sized kitchen with a range and refrigerator, living room, good-sized bath, and two bedrooms, all in the midst of campus life. They are spacious and well built, with a level of quality not typically found in many apartment developments. They include cable, wireless networking, and the convenience of a safe campus environment.

Also on campus is the Woodruff Complex which offers furnished traditional style dorms, studio style apartments, and more apartment style living.

Our student housing staff includes the Director of Housing, four (4) Associates of Housing, and Resident Assistants in each building. Security cameras are also installed in the parking lots.

The meal plan includes19-meals (all-you-can-eat) per week.

For students living on campus, membership to the Iowa Central Rec Center is free.

Unmarried students under 21 years of age who do not commute daily to and from their parent’s or legal guardian’s home are not required to live in college-ap­proved housing (but are encouraged to do so).

Contracts for the Iowa Central housing facilities may be requested online at www.iowacentral.edu/housing/index.asp or by contacting the Iowa Central Community College Housing Office at 515-574-1086, One Triton Circle, Fort Dodge, IA 50501.

Intramurals

A well-rounded intramural program is provided for all college students. Competition takes place in such sports as football, volleyball, softball, and basketball. Other activities are organized from the student body on a volun­tary sign-up basis.

IowaWorks of North Central Iowa

The Northcentral Iowa WORKS Career One-Stop, a proud partner of the American Job Center Network, is located on the Iowa Central Community College campus. lowaWORKS is your one-stop-shop for employment assistance, providing the fol­lowing services: Coaching and assistance with writing a resume, access to career and skills assessments, membership in the lowaJobs database, no-cost career readiness workshops, electronic job application assistance, and access to tuition assistance and personal supports for education and training.

Career Navigators

We are a team of Career Navigators located in the Iowa WORKS one-stop center dedicated to helping you discover your own unique career pathway, and connect­ing you with the resources you need to achieve your career goals. Understanding that every person has a unique set of skills, experience, values, challenges, and goals, we help develop a career pathway that is customized just for you which will include a combination of career exploration activities and career education training.

Let our Career Navigators assist you with the following services: career exploration & counseling, interest & skills assessment, training program placement, one-to-one advising, tuition assistance, transportation assistance, childcare assistance, soft skills development, job placement assistance, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, work experience, and job shadowing.

GAP Tuition Assistance

Want new skills but worried about the cost? Need-based funding is available for short-term certificate programs for jobs that are hiring, including CDL and CNA. Don’t assume you don’t qualify. We will sit down with you to determine if you meet the income guidelines. Tuition assistance covers full or partial tuition (price charged by the school), training and testing fees, required books, and equipment. Funding is only available for one certificate program.

For more information about all of the services provided at lowaWORKS please call (515) 576-3131, or come visit us at the lowaWORKS One-Stop at Three Triton Circle, Fort Dodge, IA 50501.

Mental Health Counselor

Free student counseling is available to all current students. Office hours are Monday - Thursday from 8:00am - 5:00pm and Friday from 8:00am - 4:30pm. Services include short-term counseling, consultations, and referrals. Students are encouraged to fill out an appointment request form through TritonPass under the “Student Forms” section to set up an appointment.

Music

Iowa Central has long been known for its Music Department. Our ensembles have performed throughout the area. Both vocal and instrumental opportunities are available through the Concert Choir, Encore Singers, Jazz Band, and Con­cert Band. Fall performance opportunities, Spotlight on the Stars, the Holiday Concert, the annual musical production, and a spring Showcase concert are scheduled in Decker Auditorium on campus. Tours each spring, along with many guest appearances throughout the state, keep music students active.

Organizations/Clubs

Iowa Central Community College sponsors a wide variety of student clubs and organizations dealing with certain areas of study, as well as social opportunities. New clubs or organizations must go through the Student Activity Office for ap­proval to function on campus. Membership must be made up of Iowa Central students with a full-time staff member as an advisor. Organizations and clubs that are sanctioned are allowed representation in the student government and can incorporate “Iowa Central” into its name. Organizations that do not qualify to be sanctioned may become recognized, allowing members to meet on campus. The College does not have fraternities or sororities, and it is against policies to form one on or off campus.

Publications

The college’s national award-winning student newspaper, called the Iowa Central Collegian, is an online edition that is updated weekly. Students interested in writing, layout, social media, and photography are encouraged to join the staff. Find us at www.iowacentralcollegian.com or on Facebook under Iowa Central Community College Collegian.

School Nurse

Iowa Central has a Registered Nurse on duty at the Fort Dodge Center Mon­day - Friday from 7:30am - 4:30pm. Services are confidential and free to Iowa Central students. Services include illness and injury assessment, over the counter medications, referrals to local agencies, medication management assistance, First Aid, Health Education, and assistance with chronic medical conditions. No appointment needed. Walk-ins welcome. This is also where immunization records are kept.

Student Activities

Student activities at Iowa Central meet the wide variety of interests of students, from the arts and athletics to clubs and cookouts. Throughout the year, profes­sional entertainers are scheduled in Decker Auditorium and the Student Resource Center. Bingo nights, athletic events, intramurals, dances, Iowa Central Performing Arts Department performances, plus cookouts, coffee houses, and comedians are among the many planned events that take place during the year. The college student ID card allows students free admission to most campus events and can be used at any center of Iowa Central to take advantage of the numerous activities.

Student Ambassadors

The Enrollment Management and Student Development Office accepts appli­cations for ambassadors in the Student Ambassador Program. Ambassadors are required to devote 48 hours per semester giving College tours, phone calling, and acting as host/hostess for activities sponsored by the President’s Office, Enrollment Management, and Student Development.

Student Senate

Students participating in Iowa Central’s Student Senate are able to earn valuable college credit (1 credit hour per term) and receive $100-$300 scholarship money per semester. Students will help plan and oversee voter registration drives, game nights, student recruitment, campus life, publicity, political action drives, karaoke contest, and other activities for Iowa Central students. Student Senators will also organize carnivals for elementary school children, toy and food drives to benefit impoverished and needy families, as well as other community service events.

Theatre

The college provides opportunities for students to participate in theatre and musical productions each year. Auditions, practices, and performances are held at the Fort Dodge Center. All Iowa Central students are encouraged to participate regardless of experience. Those not interested in performing on-stage might consider helping with other areas such as stage lighting, makeup, costume design, and set construction. The fall play is in October and the spring musical is in February or March.

TRIO: Student Support Services

Student Support Services, a federal grant TRIO program funded by the U.S. Department of Education, is designed to help students achieve academic and personal success in college. Twenty-six colleges and universities in Iowa host SSS programs and these programs serve almost 5,000 college students. SSS at Iowa Central Community College offers a variety of services to enhance stu­dents’ potential to successfully complete their educational program. Services offered include peer tutoring, academic advising, transfer assistance, information workshops, financial aid and grant aid assistance, cultural and social activities, a study and computer area, proofreading, career advising, and job shadowing.

Triton Closet

The Triton Closet contains coats and winter weather necessities like gloves, hats, scarfs, ear warmers, socks, blankets, and a few boots. Hygiene supplies, school supplies, and various household items are also available. These items are free to all Iowa Central students in need. Contact the School Nurse, Mental Health Counselor or Center Director for assistance with this program. Donations are accepted.

Triton Food Pantry

The food pantry is available to all Iowa Central students free of charge and contains non-perishable food items. Various types of bread and pastries are available each Friday. The school nurse and mental health counselor coordinate this program. Donations are accepted.

Triton QuickCare Clinic

The Triton Quick Care Clinic is open on Tuesdays from 9am - 2pm. A Nurse Practitioner is available to all students for evaluation and treatment of illness or injury, testing for STD’s, birth control, and other women’s health issues. This includes prescriptions if needed. Physicals are also available. Insurance will be billed for these services or a small fee will be charged for those with no insurance. Call 515-574-1047 to make an appointment. Walk-ins welcome.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Vocational rehabilitation services are available to individuals who have physical or mental disabilities. The Iowa Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Iowa Central Community College maintain a cooperative agreement that enables rehabilitation counselors to serve Iowa Central Community College students on campus. Rehabilitation services for eligible persons include medical and psychological assessment, vocational assessment, counseling and guidance, physical and/or mental restoration devices, adaptive equipment, job training, occupational tools, and job placement.