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Student Success Specialists: Partnering for success
Marshalltown Community College has adopted the philosophy of a “One-Stop Shop” service system, designed to effectively integrate new and returning students into college life by providing essential services in a central location. In keeping with this philosophy, MCC employs four Student Success Specialists (located in the Admissions Office), whose responsibilities include serving as MCC admissions representatives, providing academic advising, implementing testing services (COMPASS, CLEP, challenge tests), providing financial aid assistance, and offering other support and assistance, as needed, to help students step forward with their college education.
While encouraging students to take ownership of their own degree pursuits, at MCC our Student Success Specialists are there to “walk with” students through the process of managing their collegiate experience. We think of this as “partnering for success.” From experience, we are aware that navigating through the many facets of college life is not always clear. For each student, the level of support will vary depending on their current need, their awareness of the processes, and their desire to seek assistance. This willingness to utilize support is a key aspect to student success. Students need not feel alone in the process; a wide range of support is available, and specifically in place to promote their success. With this in mind, both new students and seasoned students are encouraged to actively maintain regular contact with a Student Success Specialist to help address any questions throughout their time at MCC, and to verify their own ongoing progress.
Services defined
Admissions representatives – Student Success Specialists are directly involved in recruiting and assisting students through the MCC application process, including informing prospective students of the need for the following:
- MCC Application for admittance (and scholarship application)
- Official high school/GED transcripts
- ACT/COMPASS test scores
- Official transcripts from other colleges/universities attended
Academic advising – Student Success Specialists assist students in reviewing degree requirements and registering for classes. Students can/should also work directly with a Student Success Specialist to review their ongoing degree progress (timeline), consider course options, discuss transfer issues, as well as many other academic related issues.
Testing services – Testing is offered through the Admissions Office, and implemented by the Student Success Specialists. Tests include COMPASS Tests, CLEP tests and challenge tests. Additionally, MCC offers access to the KUDER Career Planning System, a career development assessment designed to assist students in clarifying their interests and evaluating various occupations.
Financial aid assistance – Nearly all students at the collegiate level apply for and receive some type of federal financial aid. While the application process has been refined and simplified by the federal government (FAFSA), stepping into this process for the first time can seem overwhelming. Student Success Specialists are available to help de-mystify the process, providing assistance in completing the FAFSA and reviewing the additional paperwork required by the Financial Aid Office.
Other support & assistance as needed, to help students step forward with their education. If we don’t know the answer, we will direct students to the appropriate source.