sept13 digital
DESCRIPTION
Kilian Community College Fall newsletter for September 2013.TRANSCRIPT
KCC
NEWS
ISSUE 45
September 2013
Kilian Community College Issue 45 Page 2
“No one has a problem with the first mile of a journey… But it isn’t the start that
matters. It’s the finish line.” Julien Smith
Welcome to Kilian! No matter where you are in your journey, the faculty and
staff of Kilian Community College are here to empower you to Commit to Com-
plete your education. Many of us, and as a 2007 graduate of Kilian, I include my-
self, have walked through the doors of Kilian looking for an opportunity to change
our lives through the power of a college degree. Just like many of you, I choose
Kilian to be my trusted partner in my educational journey. I knew that at Kilian,
education was accessible, from the class schedules to the access to faculty and staff. I knew I would get the
support I needed to succeed, and that my education would be relevant for me, my employer, and for my fu-
ture education. I knew I was making a choice to better my future, and I’m so glad it all started at Kilian.
The journey can be difficult, and there are times road blocks make it seem impossible. But those are the
times that test our persistence, and make us stronger. Don’t give up on yourself, or your dreams. It’s so
worth it in the end. I promise. Wishing you all the best, always.
Wendi Van Beek, Dean of Student Services
Commit to Complete KCC is excited to announced a new student success program— the Commit to Complete initiative! Whether you are study-
ing for an associate degree or a certificate, your future will be much brighter with a college credential. You will earn more,
have job security and be more likely to find the job you want. Even if you are planning to transfer to a four-year school you
should first complete an associate degree.
We know that getting through school requires motivation and support, and Commit to Complete is here to help you make
that commitment, to yourself and to your future. It is a commitment from Kilian Community College faculty and staff to
empower you to reach your graduation goal. It is a reminder, and a nudge, to get you to graduation day. It is more than a
phrase you will hear on campus; it is a way to encourage yourself, and encourage others, to keep striving to fulfill your aca-
demic dreams.
In the first few weeks of this semester, watch for information on a Commit to Complete signing day event. It will be an op-
portunity to come together with faculty, staff, and other students to pledge to work towards your completion goal— com-
pleting your degree!
Kilian Community College Issue 45 Page 3
STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER
The Student Success Center (SSC) at Kilian is located on the second floor in room 207. The SSC is a place
open to all Kilian students. It is a center that offers many services. First and foremost, it is a place to get as-
sistance with course work. Tutors are available 6 days a week to assist you with writing, mathematics, study
skills and most course work students have at Kilian. The SSC also has computers that students can use for
school or fun.
FREE resources in the SSC are:
Individualized help
Student make up tests (call to see if the test is here)
Off site/distance learning college testing
Compass testing
Study rooms for small groups or individuals
Resources assigned by instructors
- videos
- papers
- journal articles
- more!
Calculators
Study skills information
Access to class syllabi
Assistance with accessing Library database articles or Moodle
Computer login password resets
Please drop in to see what we have to offer. We look forward to working with you.
“All that we are is the result of what we have
thought. The mind is everything. What we think we
become.” - the Buddha
Kilian Community College Issue 45 Page 4
Former Student News
Paze and Melissa Cook, recent graduates of KCC, have had an exciting
few months since completing their degrees. Melissa shared her thoughts
with us in a recent email to student services:
We are so thankful for Killian and Presentation and all they have done to
help us down our path. This journey, though pretty scary, was totally
worth it, and I know we would not be this successful without Killian and
Presentation. All of our instructors at Kilian pushed us to our highest level
of success, especially Jim Smorada. Even still to this day he tells us how
proud of us he is every time we see him. Next step is getting our Masters
at UND starting in May 2014. The sky is the limit when it comes to the Cooks. Thank you to all the staff at
Kilian for being the MOST amazing educators and friends.
Note-taking Strategies for Success
The fall semester can be challenging for students because of the summer break, or because of a longer
break between previous school experiences and this one. Whatever the case may be for you, simple strate-
gies like organized note taking can help you get your semester off to a great start. Follow these tips and
see the benefits of taking notes.
1. Taking notes helps you focus. Pay attention to what your instructor says, even after you’ve already read
the assigned chapters from your text.
2. 2. Format your pages. Whether you use a spiral notebook or a three-ring binder, use a new page for
each day’s lecture, and use a separate notebook for each class.
3. Use Keywords. Write keywords in bold, capitalized or underlined letters so they’ll stand out.
4. Develop your listening skills as you write. Don’t just hear the words—analyze them and figure out what
they mean in context of the classroom and outside of it.
5. Listen for verbal cues that what’s coming next or what’s just been said is very important. Phrases like
“the main point” or “don’t forget this” can help you tune into specific information.
6. If your instructor speaks louder and repeats or slows down certain words, chances are good that these
things are important.
7. Review your notes after class or at the end of the day. This helps you retain what you’ve learned!
Kilian Community College Issue 45 Page 5
Counselor’s Corner Welcome to a new year! There are times in everyone’ life when the world has gotten
stressful and possibly overwhelming. Maybe you have tried talking with friends and/or
family members during these times, but that just doesn’t seem to help. When this starts to
happen, it may be a good time to find someone who can be an impartial listener and pos-
sibly offer some new perspectives. A professional counselor can be this resource. Here
are some common reasons to visit the counselor: Personal growth- Emotional stress–
Relationship issues– Education issues– Loss– Trauma– Violence or abuse– Medical
concerns– Drug abuse.
The counselor’s office is also just a good place to let off some steam and find a friendly ear. Counseling services are
free to Kilian students, and no appointments are required.
Please stop by Gene’s office (Room 121) to say “hi” or ask him about any of these things. His office hours are Mon-
day-Thursday 12:30– 5:30.
Other times available upon request. Phone: 605-221-3121
Horoscopes Virgo (8/2323-9/22): Put your focus on people to heal relationships in September.
Libra (9/23-10/22): Don’t let others’ impatience get you down. Just smile!
Scorpio (10/ 23-11/21): Your situation isn't any worse or better than anyone’s.
Sagittarius (11/22-12/21): You might be feeling helpless about things this month.
Capricorn (12/22-1/19): Those near you need your cooperation. Think of them.
Aquarius (1/20–2/18): Your insights are solid, but share them with others gently.
Pisces (2/19-3/20): Academics will be a proud spot for you in September.
Aries (3/21-4/19): A good month for academic achievement. Perfect timing!
Taurus (4/20-5/20): Facing fears is the only way to get things done this month.
Gemini (5/21-6/20): Stick with easy options in September for happiness.
Cancer (6/21-7/22): Someone in your life needs you to try to understand them.
Leo (7/23-8/22): Don’t be extravagant- show someone how important he/she is.
Kilian Community College Issue 45 Page 6
Kilian has undergone some changes this summer, and when students return to campus this fall, or join us
for the first time, they will have the opportunity to use a new computer lab and extended SSC space up-
stairs. They will also finding a new study spot with natural lighting on the second floor.
President Mark Millage says these changes came about in part because
of need, but also because of the generous gifts provided by Kilian Com-
munity College donors.
“Since opening the DeGroot Family Science Center in 2011, we have
been challenged to find an appropriate use for room 200 (the old biolo-
gy lab at the top of the stairs),” he said. “This is a high traffic area of the
college, and a space that should be regularly utilized. Through some
internal brainstorming, as well as meetings with potential community
donors, we developed the concept of relocating a computer lab that
would become our primary teaching lab adjacent to the SSC.”
Adding a door between the Lab and SSC means that students can access these 16 new computers as an ex-
tension of the SSC when classes are not scheduled in the Lab.
President Millage explained that a $25,000 grant from Capital One, a $10,000 grant from the Larson Foun-
dation, and a $25,000 matching gift from the DeGroot Family Foundation enabled Kilian to begin these pro-
jects, but the renovations cost more than $125,000. Local business and individuals are supporting Kilian
with generous gifts that allow the college to continue making the improvements our students need.
These additions mean there will be a safer and quieter welcome space, enhancing the overall atmosphere
of the building. Construction has been going on throughout the summer, but the new paint job, carpet and
extended space, and comfortable computer lab make it all worth it. Please check out the new lab and think
of the donors as you enjoy your updated campus!
Kilian Community College Issue 45 Page 7
You’ll earn more! Students with an Associate’s Degree or Certificate can earn as much as $8,000 more per
year than a high school graduate. (US Census Bureau, 2005 data)
People change jobs up to 10 times in their working lives. A college credential always gives you an edge. (Rosenberg McKay, D. “How Often Do People Change Careers?” Guide To Career Planning since 1997 (2006))
Unemployment for community college graduates is typically 30% lower than for high school graduates. (Chronicle of Higher Education, September 2010)
You’ll help reverse a national trend in the declining number of college graduates & you’ll open doors for
your children - children of college graduates are more likely to graduate themselves! (With Their Whole Lives Ahead of
Them, A Public Agenda Report for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
You’ll be more likely to volunteer, vote, contribute to charity, serve on boards & run for office. (With Their Whole
Lives Ahead of Them, A Public Agenda Report for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
You’ll be an educated, prepared, and higher-paid employee, providing support for federal, state and local
governments and helping the national workforce be competitive and productive in the global economy. (With
Their Whole Lives Ahead of Them, A Public Agenda Report for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
Research links greater educational attainment to longer life, healthful eating, exercising and avoiding risk
factors. Why? People with higher education are quicker to change behavior in response to new evidence.
They tend to have higher incomes, making them more likely to have health insurance and live in safer neigh-
borhoods with better access to recreational facilities and grocery stores. (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Commission to
Build a Healthier America)
From the Community College Completion Corp (www.cccompletioncorp.org)
Start Your Business + Change the World
The Kilian Community College Student Success Entrepreneurship program will turn your passion into a
business reality. Learn how to write a Business Plan that POSITIVELY impacts your community and your
family. Work with current business owners to polish your plan and finances. Create marketing that brings
you customers. Explore and apply for business grants and loans. Compete to win two spaces in our Social
Business Incubator program so you can begin your business immediately! Contact Stacy Walters for more
information and to register. 605-221-3213 or 605-310-5691. Email [email protected]. applications are
due September 10. Find them at www.kilian.edu.
Kilian Community College Issue 45 Page 8
Staff and Faculty News
Aaron Woodard, Kilian Adjunct Professor, “was awarded the Ardyce Samp Award at the Dakota History
Conference at Augustana College for his conference paper titled, “Divide and Conquer—Manuel Lisa Splits
the Sioux in the War of 1812.” His article “William Ashley and Jedediah Smith and the Arikara Battle of
1823” also will appear in the 50th anniversary edition of the nationally known academic publication Journal
of the West.”
Setting the PACE for your future
Kilian has developed a set of goals for students to achieve before they graduate. Those goals are as follows.
Personal Development
Thinks critically
Engages in quantitative reasoning
Finds and interprets information
Awareness of Diversity
Articulates the importance of culture
Demonstrates Global Awareness
Civic Engagement
Employs ethical and legal principles
Demonstrates professional and civic responsibility
Effective Communication
Writes and speaks clearly and decisively
Uses technology competently
We will be using the acronym PACE to describe these skills and qualities. You will be receiving a student planner
with a copy of these goals in the front. When using the planner, refer to these goals often to gain a vision for the
person you will become. You will be hearing a lot about PACE in the coming months. These skills and qualities will
be introduced and emphasized in the classes you take for all programs. All students need them in order to be suc-
cessful in any career; they are the identifiers of a college graduate. You will learn skills specific to your program
Overage dates
Returning students using Financial Aid can pick up overage checks on Sept 19. New students will receive
theirs on Sept. 26. A Kilian ID is required for this.
Kilian Community College Issue 45 Page 10
Baby news!
Christine Schelske and her husband, Jerry, recently welcomed Ma-
laina Denel to their family on July16, 2013 at 10:37 pm. She
weighed 5 lbs 2 oz, was 19-1/2 in. long. Malaina is six days old in
this picture.
Many students have worked with Christine over the past two years
during the financial aid application process, and Christine wanted
to share her happy news with you all, as she plans on staying
home with Malaina now. We all wish the Schelske family the best
and know that Christine will make a great mommy!
Fall Semester Events Schedule
Week 1 – Time Management lunch and learn
Week 2 – Study Skills lunch and learn
Week 3 – Commit to Complete event
Chamber Event
Week 4 – Test Taking lunch and learn
Week 5 – Midterms
Week 6 – Opportunity Fair/ Transfer Fair (Oct 1 date, but still tentative)
Banking Basics lunch and learn
Week 7 – Improve your Credit lunch and learn
Week 8 – ID Theft & Account Fraud lunch and learn
Week 9 – You Can Buy a Home lunch and learn
Week 10 – Movie Night
New Computer Lab
At right, the new
2nd floor computer
lab offers wireless
features and an up-
dated space for clas-
ses and homework.
The lab was com-
pleted during sum-
mer break. See page
6 for the complete
story on Kilian reno-
vations and the do-
nors who made it
possible.
ID Badges and Temporary ID cards
All students must wear their IDs while they are on campus. These cards
are used for identification purposes as well as SSC access cards. If you
do not have your ID on you, you may request a temporary ID at the
front desk. You will need to pay a $5 deposit for that temp ID before you
sign it out. If you do not return that ID, you will forfeit your $5. Stu-
dents may not use temporary IDs more than THREE times per semester.
Get your personal ID made at the front desk during normal business
hours. Your first ID is free (if you did not have one before), each subse-
quent ID is $5. Please inquire at the front desk with questions.
Kilian Community College Issue 45 Page 11
Street team gear and goods KCC launched its street team program this
summer at various events, and we’re looking
for your help to continue spreading the word
about Kilian! Street team members receive a
FREE T-shirt to wear while they are out and
about, promotional goodies to give to people
who ask them about Kilian, and the opportunity
to win prizes!
All you need to do is get a FREE T-shirt at the
front desk, pick up some of the give-away
goodies, snap a couple pictures of yourself
out in the community and register for prizes! You can go out on your own, but we encourage you to
attend events in a group. Recruit your KCC classmates and friends, or your family members to help
you promote the school you love!
When you have pictures to send, send them to [email protected] with the subject line STREET
TEAM to be entered for the prize drawing. We will keep you informed via email, so make sure your
address is current and that you check it often.
MESSAGES AT
THE FRONT DESK
If you need to contact your instructor, please
use the contact information in your syllabus.
We are
unable to notify your instructor if you are
going to be late or miss class. Please fill out
a FERPA release form if you want us to give
out your personal information when people
call here for you, or else we cannot even tell
them you are a student. If you have any
questions about this policy, see Wendi Van
Beek in Room 137.
VETERAN SERVICES
Counseling, outreach and referral services to
veterans and their families.
601 S. Cliff Avenue, Suite C
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
HEALTHCARE SERVICES
AVERA MCKENNAN FREE CLINIC
Provides primary healthcare to uninsured.
300 N Dakota Avenue
605-322-6800
SIOUX FALLS COMMUNITY HEALTH
521 N Main Avenue