Student Life

Academic Resource Center

The Academic Resource Center, located in the Student Resource Center, offers a range of services to Iowa Central Community College students.

Academic Assistance - Ext. 1156

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 Community College 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 Upswing. 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. Upswing is accessed through TritonPass and is available 24/7.

Accommodations Services - Ext. 1045

A student with a qualified disability who wants Iowa Central Community College to provide academic adjustments, services, and/or accessible housing must identify themselves as having a qualified disability. To make a request, a student can complete a request form on the Accommodations section of the Academic Resource Center webpage. Requests can be made at any time; however, the College encourages students to make their requests as early as possible to ensure that enough time is available to review the request and provide the appropriate academic adjustment and/or service. The office for accommodations is located in the Academic Resource Center.

Information Media/Online Library - Ext. 1155

A wide variety of media including books, DVDs, and periodicals is located in the Academic Resource Center. Computers and printers are provided for student use. Students will be charged a replacement/processing fee for items not returned by the end of the current semester. Photocopying and color printing are available for a nominal fee.

The online library is available both on and off-campus including:

• Gale and EBSCO 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.
• A comprehensive list of resources can be found at http://www.iowacentral.edu/library

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

Testing - Ext. 1044

Academic Resource Center staff administers make-up/accommodated tests for Iowa Central Community College 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 Accommodations website.
• Students should take their accommodated test(s) in the Testing Center (should they choose to use their accommodations) 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 (2) 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 Community College 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 - Ext. 1015

The Advising Center, located in the Greehey Family Student Success Center, provides advising services to students at any point throughout the semester. Advisors from a variety of programs and pathways are housed in the Advising Center.  Advisors are ready to assist students with class scheduling, transfer, pathway or program of study selection, and connections to campus services. Advisors professionally assist and guide students in completing their goals while they attend Iowa Central Community College.

Athletics - Ext. 1360

An exciting and challenging athletic program is maintained at Iowa Central Community College. Men’s intercollegiate sports are baseball, basketball, bowling, cheer, cross country, dance, e-sports, football, golf, marching band, pep band, rodeo, rugby, soccer, sport shooting, swimming, tennis, track & field, and wrestling. Women’s intercollegiate sports are basketball, bowling, cheer, cross country, dance, e-sports, golf, marching band, pep band, rodeo, soccer, softball, sport shooting, swimming, tennis, track & field, and volleyball.

Billing - Ext. 1067

The College’s Business Office is located in the Greehey Family Student Success Center. This is the office responsible for maintaining the financial records for all students. Students who enroll in credit courses will have their tuition and fees charges appear on their student account. Students can view their student account activity using Self-Service. 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 payment plan is available for eligible credit courses in the fall and spring semesters.

Iowa Central reserves the right to withdraw students with outstanding balances on their account. Students who still have outstanding balances on their accounts for the fall and spring semesters will receive a written notification that they will be withdrawn from classes if payment is not made by indicated date. This means that the student’s name is not on the class roster and will not be allowed to take final exams unless payment or payment arrangements are made prior to finals starting.

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

Bookstore - Ext. 1081

The bookstore helps 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, personal supplies, and mail service are available.

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

Career Navigators - Ext. 1972

A team of Career Navigators is dedicated to helping students discover their own unique career pathway and connect­ing students with the resources they need to achieve their 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 for each student, which will include a combination of career exploration activities and career education training.

Career Navigators assist students with the following services: career and education guidance, training program placement, one-to-one advising, tuition assistance, transportation assistance, childcare assistance, soft skills development, job placement assistance, and much more.

Career Services - Ext. 1075

Career Services has valuable resources that can help students recognize their interests, skills, and values and explore career options. Career Services will help students identify and navigate all the steps they need to take to feel confident in their education or career pathway. Career Services offers guidance on choosing the right college program, individual career counseling, résumé and cover letter writing assistance, mock interviews, job search resources, labor market information, career fairs, and more.

Iowa Central Community College’s career engagement platform, Handshake, connects students and alumni to employers who are interested in hiring Iowa Central Community College graduates.

Concerts and Lectures

Iowa Central Community College 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 - Ext. 1327

All Iowa Central Community College 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.

GAP Tuition Assistance - Ext. 1972

Need-based funding is available for short-term certificate programs, which are approved by the Department of Education, for jobs that are considered in high demand, including but not limited to CDL and CNA. Staff will meet with students to determine if they meet the eligibilty requirements. Tuition assistance covers full or partial tuition (price charged by the College), training and testing fees, required books, and equipment. Funding is only available for one certificate program.

For more information about GAP Tuition Assistance, please visit https://www.iowacentral.edu/businessandcommunity/GAP.asp .

Housing/Apartments - Ext. 1086

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 Community College 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 Community College 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 - Ext. 1039

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.

Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) provides services to students with disabilities to assist them in achieving their career goals. Services are individualized and may include career counseling and guidance on disability and accommodations, assistance with assistive technology, training assistance, and job placement assistance.  To learn more about services and eligibility criteria, please visit us in the IowaWORKS building or by calling 515-573-8175. Iowa Central Community College and IVRS maintain a cooperative agreement that enables IVRS to serve Iowa Central Community College students on campus.

IowaWORKS of North Central Iowa - 515-576-3131

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

Mental Health Counselor - Ext. 1047 

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 advocacy, 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. Students can access the Upswing platform 24/7 for mental health support including videos about depression, anxiety, panic attacks, grief, and more. Upswing also provides access to TimelyMD’s diverse therapist network, TalkNow. This allows equitable access to care within 5 minutes for all students without the need for insurance, copay, or appointment. 

Music - Ext. 1202 Vocal or 1203 Instrumental

Iowa Central Community College has long been known for its Music Department. Our ensembles have performed throughout the area. Both vocal and instrumental opportunities are available at the Fort Dodge Center through the Triton Singers, Concert Band, Encore Singers, Jazz Band, Pop Voices, Percussion Ensemble, and Vocal Jazz. Performance opportunities include fall concerts, Sounds of the Season, the annual musical production, and a spring Showcase concert. Generally, these performances are scheduled in Decker Auditorium on the Fort Dodge campus. Performance 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 Community College 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.

P.A.C.E. Assistance  - Ext. 1972

Pathways for Academic and Career Employment is designed to assist individuals in credit and non-credit training program with an end goal of securing quality employment. Program of study must be considered in high demand, which is determined by the State of Iowa. Examples of these high-demand industries are healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and technology.

More information about P.A.C.E. Assistance, please visit https://www.iowacentral.edu/businessandcommunity/PACE.asp.

Publications - Ext. 1058

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 - Ext. 1047 

Iowa Central Community College has two school nurses on duty at the Fort Dodge Center. Hours are Mon­day - Thursday from 7:30am - 4:30pm and Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm in AST 118. Services are confidential and free to Iowa Central Community College students. Services include illness and injury assessment, over-the-counter medications, referrals to local agencies, medication management assistance, First Aid, Health Education, STI testing, COVID testing, blood pressure checks, Flu shots, and assistance with chronic medical conditions. Appointments can be made by calling 515-574-1047.  Walk-ins welcome. This office is also where immunization records are kept.   Immunization requirements for those living in campus housing include two MMR vaccines, a current tetanus shot, and Meningitis ACWY.  Meningitis B is recommended. Students can bring a hard copy of immunization records when they arrive on campus or mail, fax, or email a copy. Email to graves@iowacentral.edu; Fax: 515 574-1048  Mail: School Nurse, One Triton Circle AST 118, Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501  Additional vaccine requirements may be required for certain programs of study.

Student Activities - Ext. 1039 or 1362

Student activities at Iowa Central Community College meet the varied of interests of all students to enhance their experience.  Throughout the year, profes­sional entertainers are scheduled in Decker Auditorium and the Student Resource Center as well as virtually. Bingo nights, athletic events, intramurals, dances, Iowa Central Community College Performing Arts Department performances, cookouts, mentalist/hypnotist, 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 also provide discounts to students in the community as well. 

Student Ambassadors - Ext. 1007

The Admissions Office accepts appli­cations for ambassadors in the Student Ambassador Program. Ambassadors are required to devote 20 hours per semester giving College tours, phone calling, and assisting in the Admissions Office.

Student Senate - Ext. 1039 or 1018

Iowa Centrals Student Government consists of a governing body known as the Student Senate of Iowa Central. The purpose of the Student Senate is to see that all students enrolled at Iowa Central Community College have the opportunity to achieve an excellent education. The purpose of the Student Government course is to grant college elective credit in social sciences to students participating as Senators (members) of the Student Senate. Students may enroll in the course repeatedly, for a total of four semesters. Active involvement in the planning and implementation of student activities and community service projects sponsored by the Iowa Central Student Senate are the main focus of the organization/course.

Theatre - Ext. 1206

The college provides opportunities for students to participate in two mainstage theatrical productions each year. The Director of Theatre holds auditions for the fall play during the first week of classes in the fall, and the production usually lands in mid-October. Auditions for the spring musical take place in late November, but rehearsals do not begin until the start of the spring semester. This production usually lands around the first week in March.  Auditions, practices, and performances are held at the Fort Dodge Center in Decker Auditorium with rehearsals typically falling from 6-10 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday nights and one Sunday rehearsal as well. Closer to show time, the rehearsals increase to every night except for Fridays and Saturdays. Typically, there will always be a Wednesday matinee and three evening performances Thursday-Saturday. All Iowa Central Community College students are encouraged to participate, regardless of experience or major. Those students not interested in performing on stage can still be involved by assisting backstage-from work calls for building and painting the set to assisting with rehearsals and other technical areas like stage lighting, makeup, costumes, props, and sound. Sometimes additional theatre opportunities arise throughout the school year-from assisting the nursing, radio broadcasting, photography, and criminal justice programs to helping community and high school events as well as our Admissions staff..

TRIO: Student Support Services - Ext. 1165

TRIO 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 TRIO-SSS programs, and these programs serve almost 5,000 college students. TRIO-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 - Ext. 1047

The Triton Closet is located in AST 116. Items are free to all Iowa Central Community College students in need. It contains coats and winter weather necessities like gloves, hats, scarves, ear warmers, socks, blankets, and a few boots. Hygiene supplies may include toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, and body wash. Various household items may include laundry soap, dryer sheets, and dish soap.  All items are dependent upon donations received, and many other items not listed may be available depending on donations. Stop by the School Nurse for assistance with this program. Donations are accepted.  Open Monday - Thursday 7:30am - 4:30pm & Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm. No appointment needed.

Triton Food Pantry - Ext. 1047

The Triton Food Pantry is located in AST 116 and is available to all Iowa Central Community College students free of charge.  An industrial freezer and refrigerator contains perishable food items such as milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt, pizza, ice cream, various meat options, and fruit.   Many non-perishable food items such as cereal, granola bars, macaroni and cheese, ramen noodles, soup, crackers, pasta, canned foods, various snacks, peanut butter, and jelly are available as well.  The items in the pantry change daily depending on donations and food bank supply. This pantry is made possible through donations and a partnership with the Food Bank of Iowa and the local Kwik Star. The School Nurse and TRIO-SSS coordinate this program. Donations are accepted. Open Monday - Thursday 7:30am - 4:30pm & Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm. No appointment needed. 

Various breads and pastries are free to students every Friday morning in the Hanson Center on tables near the Culinary Arts program. No appointment needed. This free service is made possible through a partnership with the local HyVee store.