May 23, 2007

CALENDAR FORMAT

WHAT: Returning Learners Workshop
WHEN: 8:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, June 11-13; 6-9:30 p.m. Monday-Tuesday,
    June 18-19
WHERE: Student Center and Social Sciences Building, SCC campus, 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive
    in Cottleville
COST: Free
CONTACT INFO: For more information, call 636-922-8248 or 636-922-8241

NEWS STORY FORMAT

Free Workshops Aim to Help Non-Traditional Students
Prepare for College

    Michelle Killeen, academic counselor at St. Charles Community College, has said it hundreds of times: “Some people just weren’t ready to finish college when they were younger.”

    At SCC, that’s one reason the Returning Learners Club exists – so that “non-traditional,” older students have somewhere to turn for support. It’s also a large reason why, three times each year, SCC hosts a free Returning Learners Workshop on its campus, located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville.

    The next Returning Learners Workshop is set for 8:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Wednesday,
June 11-13 in the college’s student center.  In addition to the traditional three-day daytime workshop, there will be an alternative evening offering from 6-9:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, June 18-19, in Room 1201 of the Social Sciences Building.

    The workshops will address study and concentration skills, career options, goal setting, decision-making, time and stress management, assertiveness training, and self-confidence. Participants will also learn about SCC’s programs, courses, financial assistance, and student services.

    On day one of the workshop, participants will spend time becoming acquainted with one another, receive study skills training, and become familiar with SCC through campus tours and mini-seminars that address common student concerns. The workshop will aim to build self-esteem and confidence about going back to school.

    On day two, career and financial aid counselors will discuss the logistics and goals of starting back to school as adults, parents, and professionals. Participants will learn about the various ways to pay for college, such as financial aid and scholarships.  A career counselor will administer tests designed to determine an ideal career and also discuss career opportunities with potential students.

    On day three of the workshop, participants will hear from a guest panel, addressing the question, “Can I learn again?,” and an SCC faculty member will discuss what to expect when returning to school.  There will also be an addition to the study skills training seminar from day one.

    The evening workshop will present attendees with the same information as the traditional workshop, but in a condensed form.  The first night of the workshop will address issues regarding confidence building and accessibility.  Workshop topics will include assertiveness, self-esteem, setting goals, time management techniques, and how having a positive attitude is important for success.  The Monday evening session will also address what is available for students at SCC, such as student activities and clubs, and the group will take a tour of the campus.

    The second evening session shifts focus to the academic aspects of being a returning learner.  The workshop will address study skills, faculty expectations, how to survive as a returning learner, and potential career opportunities.

    “I don’t tire from saying it,” said Killeen, who is pursuing a master’s degree after she herself came to SCC as an adult to receive her associate’s degree. “Everyone has a time in their lives when they are better prepared to learn, and for many people, it’s later. This is a time in their lives when they have real-world experience and a strong desire to do something more.”

    Because each session builds upon the previous one, attendance at each day of the workshops is recommended. For more information or to enroll in the workshop, call 636-922-8246 or Killeen at 636-922-8248.

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Content Owner: Winnie Stufflebam — wstufflebam@stchas.edu
Page Maintained by: Chris Scherer
Last Updated: 5/24/07