Published October 15, 2024 12:11 pm
SWCC students, you are invited to join the SWCC Allies Club! The club meets each Thursday during the academic year, at 12 p.m., in the Student Center.
Published October 15, 2024 10:43 am
Southwestern Community College (SWCC) is one of 200 colleges and universities across the country, including only one other community college in Iowa, eligible for the U.S. Department of Education’s Postsecondary Success Recognition Program.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona’s Raise the Bar initiative supports colleges that excel at pursuing a variety of missions. As part of that work, the Postsecondary Success Recognition Program, launched in April 2024, utilized data and evidence to identify exemplars across the country.
The U.S. Department of Education recently published a list of 200 institutions that “clearly have a story to tell that demonstrates what institutions do matters to ensure student success.” The list includes 100 predominantly bachelor’s degree granting institutions and 100 predominantly associate degree or certificate granting institutions.
These institutions were identified using publicly available data to measure performance on key indicators related to equitable access, success, and post-college outcomes at public and non-profit institutions across the country.
Key metrics considered for each institution were enrolling low-income students and students of color in their state; helping those students graduate or transfer successfully; and preparing them to enter the career of their choice.
As one of the 200 institutions recognized, SWCC will now have the opportunity to apply for the Postsecondary Success Recognition Program. The application aims to better understand how institutions are using data and evidence-based practices as part of an intentional, campus-wide strategy to ensure all students are earning credentials of value, including underrepresented students.
“Southwestern has had a clear focus on student success for many years now, and this recognition opportunity is a true testament to the ongoing dedication and diligent work being completed by our faculty and staff each and every day,” said Lindsay Stoaks, SWCC president.
Institutions selected for the program will be announced in 2025.
Published October 10, 2024 1:19 pm
Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the college’s Administration Center for its regular board meeting.
The consent agenda was approved as presented.
Brandi Shay, SWCC chief financial officer, presented the board with a list of financial institutions the college can deposit its funds into. The board approved the depository resolution as presented.
Following discussion about the bid process for the college’s electronic access control system project, the board voted to reject all bids for the project. Shay said only one eligible bid was received, and after receiving feedback from several contractors, it was recommended the college adjust the scope of the project and seek bids again.
The board approved two board policies – the annual board planning cycle and monitoring executive performance. Dr. Tony Cass, SWCC board president, said due to the timing of insurance and asset protection, the board has changed its annual planning cycle, and has changed when the CEO evaluation takes place.
The board approved appointments to the SWCC Education Foundation Board as presented.
During the president’s report, Lindsay Stoaks, SWCC president, and Kim Bishop, SWCC dean of student services, presented the board with information on the college’s Master Facilities Plan top priority projects. Stoaks gave an update on the Transportation Training Center and then gave the board information on a proposed Skilled Trades Center which would house SWCC’s carpentry and building trades program, SWCC’s electrical technology program, and have a bay for the EMS program’s ambulance.
Stoaks then presented a four-phase plan to improve the college’s athletic facilities. Phases one and two would include upgrades at the baseball and softball fields to include turf fields, new fencing and dugouts, new sidewalks, a restroom and concession building, as well as a potential safe room. Phases three and four include the building of a wrestling and weight room. Bishop provided insight into the construction of a fieldhouse with a track, turf, and sport court, which would follow the wrestling and weight room. Stoaks said this would be a 7- to 10-year plan.
Stoaks provided the board with an update on the college’s work toward creating its strategic plan for the 2025-2029 academic years. Stoaks said the strategic planning committee identified five initiatives that simplify the college’s strategic plan and play into the college’s recently developed “We Are One” marketing campaign.
Bishop reminded the board of the college’s upcoming Athletic Fundraiser, being held Thursday, Nov. 7, in the SWCC Student Center gymnasium.
Stoaks recognized Holly Booth, SWCC business instructor, who attended the board meeting as faculty representative.
Published October 8, 2024 9:18 am
It's going to be a busy weekend on campus! Due to events being hosted at SWCC, the parking lot north of the Administration Center/east of the Student Center will be closed from Thursday evening, October 10, through Sunday, October 13.
Published September 11, 2024 11:05 am
Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the college’s Administration Center for its regular board meeting.
Published September 6, 2024 8:53 am
Franklin Pastorino from Southwestern Community College is one of 210 Phi Theta Kappa members named a 2024 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Published August 20, 2024 8:32 am
Creston — Representatives from Southwestern Community College (SWCC) were on-hand Aug. 13, at Osceola Foods, a local manufacturing facility owned by Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL), to sign four Osceola Food employees for SWCC’s applied engineering technology program. In addition, five students will be returning for the second year of SWCC’s program.
Published August 14, 2024 3:07 pm
Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the college’s Administration Center for its regular board meeting.
Published July 11, 2024 4:55 pm
Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 8:30 a.m., in the college’s Administration Center, for their regular board meeting.
Published June 24, 2024 11:19 am
The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) Education Foundation is offering an additional round of scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year! The scholarship deadline is Aug. 4, 2024.