SURVEY TO DETERMINE INTEREST IN POTENTIAL PROGRAMS

A new survey is being conducted by Iowa Lakes Community College to determine interest in possible additional programs at the college.

It’s all part of an ongoing effort by Iowa Lakes to establish college programs in which students will be employable at well paying jobs following graduation.

The college is trying to determine if students would be interested in any of the following programs: an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree with an educational/teaching emphasis; an A.A. degree with an insurance emphasis; an A.A. degree with a pre-theater transfer; an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Substance Abuse Counseling; Biomass Energy Processing (Ethanol/Soy Diesel Production); Personal Fitness Trainer diploma; Sustainable Energy Resource Management; Casino Management; Child Care; and a Manufacturing Certificate.

Some of these programs are already established, but college officials are trying to determine if there would be more interest by offering them at different times (nights/weekends) or via alternate delivery methods (online, fast track or face-to-face). One example is Biomass Energy Processing which might offer evening classes in Algona. Whether that happens or not depends on responses to the survey.

"We need a fairly quick response from potential students as to whether or not they’re interested in one of these careers," Mary Mohni, Chief Academic Officer, who is leading the survey project.

Interested individuals can take the survey with a quick click of the mouse. Go to www.iowalakes.edu and click on Survey Planned for Potential Programs and take the survey.

The survey includes industries which are experiencing growth and are expected to have job openings for qualified individuals right here in northwest Iowa.

At this point, it’s very important to know the opinion of potential students. Once the results are gathered, a team will review the data and determine if Iowa Lakes should continue the process toward bringing these programs to northwest Iowa.

Taking the survey does not commit anyone to enroll in the classes. Programs listed range from a one-year certificate or diploma to Associate in Science or Associate in Arts degrees, which typically takes two years to complete.

The college urges potential students to respond ‘now’ because it takes time to properly promote programs, establish curriculum and hire instructors.

The survey will only be available on the Web site through July 15.

Mohni is hopeful that individuals will find time now or over the next few weeks to complete the survey.

Those who do not have access to a computer may call the Spencer Campus of Iowa Lakes at (712) 262-7141 or 1-877-807-9585 and one will be mailed to them.

The last survey, conducted in November of 2004, helped establish five new programs at the college: Limited Radiology, Pharmacy Technician, Biomass Energy Processing (Ethanol/Soy Diesel Production), Sustainable Energy Resource Management and Web Page Design.