College News

During this time of social distancing, guest speakers may not physically be standing in a classroom of students, but with the technology offered through video conferencing, Dio Ayala, SWCC criminal justice instructor, is featuring speakers from across the nation. Today's guest speaker for Ayala's patrol procedures course was Jill Lees, the chief of police for the Indiana University Police Department.

Published April 7, 2020 3:56 pm

• News & Announcements
• Criminal Justice

The following email was sent by Dr. Barb Crittenden, Southwestern Community College president, to Southwestern students and employees on Monday, April 6, at approximately 9 a.m.

We are now starting our third week of online-only delivery of coursework. The manner in which all of you are adapting and responding to the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic has provided encouragement in the midst of this difficult situation. The following adjustments are being made at this time, as a part of our ongoing efforts to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19:

Published April 6, 2020 9:11 am

• News & Announcements

The fall 2020 class schedule has been posted and registration for classes is now open. Fall classes begin on August 26 and online classes begin on August 24. Due to the unique circumstances we are currently experiencing, and to take pressure off of our faculty advisors, registration for fall classes will mostly be handled by SWCC’s student services division (admissions, registrar’s office, TRIO-SSS, student development, etc.). Online students may register through the distance education department. Contact information for each department is listed below:

Published April 3, 2020 10:31 am

• News & Announcements

The summer 2020 class schedule is up and registration for summer classes is open! There are a variety of courses available at the Creston campus, the Osceola Center, and the Red Oak Center.

Published April 3, 2020 10:07 am

• News & Announcements

March 27, 2020--Southwestern Community College announced today the college will be extending the end date for online delivery of face-to-face classes for spring semester through Friday, April 10.

Due to this extension in online course delivery, the student housing move-in date will be moved to the weekend of April 11-12.

Published March 27, 2020 6:30 pm

• News & Announcements

The Iowa Department of Management and Public Health is pleased to announce the Southwestern Community College (SWCC) Parents as Teachers program of Adams, Union, and Adair counties has earned the Iowa Family Support Credential. The Iowa Family Support Credential is awarded to family support and parent education programs that are validated through an external evaluation to be in substantial adherence to the Iowa Family Support Standards.

Published March 23, 2020 11:43 am

• News & Announcements

In light of the declaration by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds that the spread of COVID-19 has reached a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency, Southwestern Community College will be modifying how services are provided to students and the general public. These adjustments will enable the college to continue business operations while minimizing direct person-to-person contact and adhering to recommendations regarding gatherings.

Published March 18, 2020 11:22 am

• News & Announcements

Due to state and federal guidelines changing rapidly, the content on this page is being updated regularly as announcements and cancellations are received. If you know of something that needs added to this list, please email Terri Higgins, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Thank you. 

Updated 04.08.20

Course and department information (most recent updates are at top of listings)

• 04.07.20 - Southwestern implements Pass/No Pass Policy for spring 2020 semester.
• 04.06.20 - President's email to students and employees regarding additional changes--including the remainder of the spring 2020 semester continuing online, a pass/no pass policy for courses, and the planning of a virtual commencement ceremony to honor graduates--being implemented due to COVID-19 pandemic.
• 03.27.20 - The period of online-only instruction for face-to-face classes has been extended through Friday, April 10.
• 03.27.20 - Due to this extension in online course delivery, the student housing move-in date will be moved to the weekend of April 11-12.
• 03.25.20 - The fall 2020 student registration schedule has been updated. Visit the Class Schedules page for the updated dates registration opens for students and watch your email for how you may register for classes.
• 03.22.20 - Video message from Dr. Barb Crittenden, SWCC president, to students:  https://bit.ly/3bj86gd
• Face-to-face classes will transition to an online delivery format beginning Monday, March 23. Classes will be delivered online until Friday, April 3, at which time the situation will be reassessed. Students should watch for communication from their instructors for specific details related to each course.
• Online classes will continue without interruption.
• Residence hall check-in has been postponed until April 5 unless other arrangements have been made with the director of student housing.
• Spring Break will be held March 16-20. All offices will be closed Friday, March 20, as originally scheduled.
• If students need to make changes to their current class schedules, they should visit the registrar's office page.
• High school students taking face-to-face concurrent enrollment courses at local high schools will follow the high school calendars.
• The NJCAA is suspending all athletic competition for spring 2020. Spring competition includes all practices, regular season, postseason, and national championship play.
• The Spartan Cafe will reopen following Spring Break. Read "Changes in serving at the Spartan Cafe" for additional information.
• Non-credit classes and other adult and continuing education offerings will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Published March 16, 2020 3:44 pm

• News & Announcements

As a prevention to halt the spread of the coronavirus, effective immediately, the Spartan Cafe will remove all self-service bars including salad bars, hot bars, soups, etc. from the front service area, as well as the food warmer that houses fries, nuggets, and strips. Cafe staff will make salads to order and will have dressing packets, but it will be plated by a cafe team member.

Thank you for your understanding.

Published March 14, 2020 12:03 pm

• News & Announcements

Southwestern students and employees,

Earlier this week, the World Health Organization announced that the coronavirus (COVID-19) has reached a global pandemic level. Nationwide, efforts are being implemented to help limit exposure and reduce the spread of the virus.

At Southwestern, we have been monitoring this evolving situation and sharing information and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) with students and employees. Today, the decision was made to implement the following actions out of concern for the health and safety of our students, employees, and members of our communities:

Published March 13, 2020 3:51 pm