John Wood Community College 2018 graduate Elizabeth Ohnemus of Quincy has received a full in-state scholarship to Indiana State University. The scholarship is given to ten Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) members who transfer to ISU with an associate degree. Ohnemus served as chapter president of PTK at JWCC.

Ohnemus earned an associate in science degree, and will pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees in dietetics at ISU. She plans to come back to the Quincy area and help lower-income families, with a long-term goal to work in third world countries to help with nutritional needs and therapy.

Alpha Tau Gamma is the JWCC chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society that recognizes and encourages scholarships among students at two-year colleges.

An information night about the Truck Driver Training Program at John Wood Community College will be held Monday, July 23, at 6:00 p.m. at the Southeast Education Center (SEC), located a mile north of Pittsfield on Route 54.

Classes will begin at the SEC on October 29 and will be held every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday through December 12.

Representatives from the Truck Driver Training Program will give a brief presentation reviewing admission requirements, registration, and career opportunities in the trucking industry. Attendees will also learn about two options for training. JWCC offers a 16-credit hour, financial-aid eligible, Logistics/Truck Driver Training certificate, as well as an 8-week session with an online and driving component.

The JWCC Truck Driver Training Program offers the latest technology to educate students including an up-to-date computer lab. Industry standard equipment is used as teaching tools and courses are certified by the Professional Truck Driver Institute. Area truck driving firms are hiring now. Some employers may fund tuition costs.      

For information, contact the Truck Driver Training program, 217.641.4959 or 217.641.4914.

Students who live in the southeastern portion of John Wood Community College’s district may now take all pre-requisite courses for JWCC’s nursing program at the college’s Southeast Education Center (SEC) near Pittsfield. 

“We listened to the needs of residents and the healthcare community and are pleased to share that we have more instructors on board so students may now take all nursing pre-requisites right in their own backyard, which should save them considerable time and travel cost,” Diane Vose, JWCC manager of regional centers shared. “The foundational science courses are offered in our new lab and provide incredible access and one-on-one instruction from our professors.  That’s a great benefit when preparing for a career in healthcare.”

The facility’s new science lab, and an additional science instructor, Pittsfield native Dr. Justin Cobb, allow JWCC to offer more science classes to help meet the demand for students pursuing nursing and other healthcare programs. Cobb holds a master’s degree in biology from the University of Illinois and a master’s in biomedical science and a doctorate in neuroscience from the University of Mississippi Medical Center.  Cobb and Mike Smith from Pittsfield teach all science courses needed before application to JWCC’s selective nursing program.  

During the course of one academic year, all pre-requisite nursing courses are offered at the SEC. Spring and summer science offerings include General Biology and Human Anatomy/Physiology II.  Fall schedules include General Biology, Microbiology and Human Anatomy/Physiology I.  

Other nursing pre-requisites offered throughout the year at the SEC include Introduction to Speech (fall, spring and summer); Rhetoric and Composition I (fall); Statistics (fall and spring); Introduction to Psychology (fall); Developmental Psychology (online). 

All courses, unless otherwise noted, are classroom based and take place at the SEC.  Students attending other four-year universities may also enroll in JWCC’s courses at the SEC and transfer them back to their native institution. 

Students may take all classes needed for many other associate degrees and four-year general education courses at the SEC through a combination of online and face-to-face classes.

More information is available by contacting the center at 217.285.5319 or pittsfield@jwcc.edu or visiting https://www.jwcc.edu/locations/sec. 

John Wood Community College’s College for Life (CFL) program now offers a three-year certificate program for students 18 years of age or older with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).  JWCC is seeking qualified instructors for the fall semester beginning August 20. 

The CFL program helps students take non-credit courses on a college campus to  gain skills, knowledge and confidence for increased contribution to the community as coworkers, friends and neighbors. 

Experience with IDD may be helpful but is not required, and instructors are encouraged to share knowledge about something they love for possible class subjects.  A résumé, bio and course proposal are required to be considered for a CFL instructor position. Contact JWCC to get a course proposal form for submission.  All instructors will attend orientation training to review CFL mission and goals, review JWCC procedures and requirements, and review best practices in achieving the desired CFL student outcomes. 

For more information on becoming a CFL instructor, contact Michele Westmaas, CFL coordinator, at 217-641-4340 or mwestmaas@jwcc.edu. More information about the program is available at www.jwcc.edu/collegeforlife.

Successful Pilot Year Sets Stage to Help Underserved Students in the Tri-States Continue Education After High School

Quincy, Illinois – Last fall a group of nine students stepped onto the campus of John Wood Community College for the first time.  Unlike their peers, they weren’t simply moving on to the next stop on their educational journey.  They were blazing a trail that didn’t exist before.  

Those nine students were part of JWCC’s College for Life program, a pilot project to provide students 18 years of age and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to go to college.  Prior to the pilot, those students in the College’s service region did not have a path after high school to continue to gain knowledge and skills to contribute to the community.  JWCC’s program is one of only nine in the state of Illinois. 

“Prior to College for Life, students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in this area wouldn’t have dreamed they could continue their education after high school, let alone become valued members of a college community,” Michele Westmaas, coordinator of JWCC’s College for Life program shared.  “Their options went from waiting behind thousands for a spot in a day program and staying at home to a world of learning and growth.  For many, this program has changed the course of their entire life.” 

In just one year, the trail blazing group completed 10 non-credit courses, performed in concerts, self-published books and presented projects to JWCC’s president.  Three of the students began developmental courses to improve academic skills, to prepare for the possibility of enrolling in credit-bearing courses at JWCC. 

Soon all of the students can look forward to more opportunities to grow in knowledge, confidence and community.  JWCC has created a three-year certificate to continue the successful College for Life program. The 18 course certificate is available for continuing CFL students and new students taking courses for the first time.

The certificate includes core and elective courses such as personal finance, healthy foods/fitness, positive communication, drama/dance, bell choir, German, healthy relationships, work readiness, first year college experience and person centered planning. Students must enroll in a minimum of three courses per semester, including a self-advocacy course to learn about disability rights and how to make sound personal decisions about their future. JWCC collaborates with community groups for classroom instruction and partners include Blessing Health System, Quincy Community Theatre and Western Illinois Center for Independent Living.  New instructors are being sought and can contact Westmaas for more information about requirements.

Students attend 50 minute classes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. two days a week at JWCC’s Quincy campus. Cost for each course is $250, and some may have additional fees for supplies. Classes follow JWCC’s academic calendar and fall classes begin August 20. It is recommended that prospective students meet with Michele Westmaas, the program’s coordinator, to discuss their needs and abilities prior to registration.  Westmaas can be reached at 217.641.4340 or mwestmaas@jwcc.edu.  More information about the program can be found at www. jwcc.edu/collegeforlife.

John Wood Community College will hold an orientation session for incoming freshman students on Wednesday, July 25, at 9:30 a.m. on its Quincy campus located at 1301 S. 48^th Street.

The orientation will give students an opportunity to prepare for the upcoming fall semester. Students will finalize financial aid, receive a copy of their schedule, get a student ID and set up a Blazernet account. Student ambassadors will provide students direction to classrooms and help familiarize them to the campus. 

Additional orientations are scheduled for August 2 at 2:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., August 3 at 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and August 15 at 2:00 p.m. 

Registration is required to attend the orientation session. Students may stop by enrollment services at the Quincy campus or visit jwcc.edu/orientation to register. For more information, call 217.641.4337.

John Wood Community College Business and Industry Training and IMEC will offer a Quick Changeover class on Wednesday, August 1, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The class is open to the public, no application is necessary, but individuals are required to make a reservation to attend. The class will take place at JWCC’s Workforce Development Center, 4220 Kochs Lane, Quincy.

The workshop will use hands-on simulation to teach the fundamental principles of Quick Changeover, or Set-up Reduction. Participants will discuss reasons and barriers that reduce set-up time. The course follows the principles first expressed by Dr. Shigeo Shingo and his work on Single Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED). Participants learn the standard methodology in applying SMED to any type of set-up or industry. The techniques covered demonstrate how to reduce changeover time from hours to minutes and even seconds.

The cost of the class is $309 per person, and the registration includes materials and lunch. To register, visit www.imec.org/events. For session questions, please contact IMEC at 309.677.4633 or elee@imec.org, or for registration questions, call 217.641.4971 or email wdc@jwcc.edu.

John Wood Community College will offer an NFPA 70E class on Friday, August 3, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The class is open to the public, no application is necessary, but individuals are required to make a reservation to attend. The class will take place at JWCC’s Workforce Development Center, 4220 Kochs Lane, Quincy.

This eight-hour instructor-led course provides the participant with an understanding of the new safety standards for electrical safety in the workplace. The course reviews the new and mandatory safety requirements of NFPA 70E, 2018 Edition, and is geared to the hands-on person or a manager in charge of electrical safety in general. Topics Include hierarchy of electrical safety, lockout/tagout requirements and proper use of PPE, OSHA and NFPA safe work practice requirements. The cost is $175 per person, plus a $75 book fee.

For more information on the class or to register, contact the Workforce Development Center at 217-641-4971, or email wdc@jwcc.edu.

JWCC Trustees Approve Balanced Budget for 2019

John Wood Community College Board of Trustees approved a $14,988,282 balanced budget for the 2019 fiscal year during its regular meeting Wednesday, July 18. 

Tuition and fees account for 54 percent of JWCC’s total budgeted revenue, corporate and personal property taxes make up 35 percent, state funding 6 percent and 5 percent is from grant, facilities rentals and other sources.

The budget is $771,315 higher than the previous year and follows a trend of decreasing budgets, the last of which was the lowest since 2009.

“In the previous six years, the College decreased its budget by $1.4 million dollars through a concerted effort to operate more efficiently and effectively,” Mike Elbe, JWCC president said. “While we remain fiscally conservative, this year we are investing more dollars in larger strategic recruitment initiatives, knowing enrollment is more than half of our revenue. We believe our new initiatives and program expansion will result in more credit hours in the near future.”

Trustees also received a special report on disability and counseling services from Rob Hodgson, JWCC director of support services.  Disability and counseling services are two of many components in JWCC’s ongoing student success and retention efforts. 

The College achieved a 79 percent retention rate between the Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 semesters, which is the highest rate in more than a decade. JWCC’s disability services provide a wide range of support to help students with physical, social, emotional and learning disabilities to ensure their success. Demand for disability and counseling services has and will continue to increase as more students self-identify disabilities and reject stigmas associated with mental illness. Seventy-four students accessed counseling services in the last year and 208 received disability services, which represents about a 20 percent increase in both areas from the previous year.

In other business, the Board:

Adopted the 2019 Strategic Plan.

Approved changing the November 21 Board of Trustees meeting to November 14.

Revised Board Policy 404 regarding International Students.

Authorized submission of a grant in the range between $4,000 and $6,000 to the Health and Wellness Foundation of Pike County to support scholarships for the College for Life program.

The next regular meeting of the JWCC Board of Trustees is scheduled for August 15 at the JWCC Agricultural Education Center in Baylis. 

Certified Nursing Assistant Recertification Program to be Offered by JWCC

John Wood Community College will offer a 2-week non-credit recertification course for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) at its Quincy Campus starting Monday, September 24. The course will include both four classroom days and one clinical in which a manual skills test will be completed.

 The CNA recertification program is for students that have previously been deemed competent as a CNA but have a period of 24 consecutive months that the individual has not provided nursing or nursing-related services for pay and has lost approved certification. To meet the Illinois Department of Public Health requirements, students must pass both a manual skills test and the written competency test. Once the course has been successfully completed and the manual skills test successfully passed, the student is placed on the Nurse Aide State Registry, and can sit for the written competency exam.

 Students needing recertification must complete the JWCC non-credit class registration form. The approximate total of tuition and fees for the program is $300, which does not include preparation costs including an update of any health requirements or criminal background checks.

 For more information contact the JWCC Health Sciences Department at 217.641.4551 or email hperry@jwcc.edu

JWCC to Hold Orientation Sessions for Incoming Students

 John Wood Community College will hold four orientation sessions for incoming students on Thursday, August 2, at 2:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., and Friday, August 3 at 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., at its Quincy campus located at 1301 S. 48^th Street.

 The orientations will give students an opportunity to prepare for the upcoming fall semester. Students will finalize financial aid, purchase textbooks, receive a copy of their schedule, get a student ID and set up a Blazernet account. Student ambassadors will provide students direction to classrooms and help familiarize them to the campus.

 Registration is required to attend any of the orientation sessions. Students may stop by enrollment services at the Quincy campus or visit jwcc.edu/orientation to register. For more information call 217.641.4337.

John Wood to Launch New, One-Year Medical Assistant Program this Fall

John Wood Community College will launch a one-year, Medical Assistant (MA) program this Fall as part of its healthcare career pathway.  The program fills a need expressed by regional healthcare providers.

 Medical Assistants perform administrative and clinical duties and work primarily in outpatient settings. MAs explain procedures, take vitals, prepare patients for exams, take lab specimens, perform tests, remove sutures and change dressings.

 JWCC’s program includes classroom and laboratory experience and a practicum in an ambulatory care clinic. Courses include basic human structure and function, medical terminology, clinical medical assisting, administrative medical assisting, customer service, pharmacology for the medical office, medical law and ethics, ambulatory care practicum and a general education elective in social/behavioral sciences or communication.

“This new program provides another path in addition to nursing for students to enter the healthcare field and provides a great mix of clinical and office knowledge,” Dr. Laura Routh, JWCC administrative chair of health sciences said. “In just one year someone can enter the healthcare career, or if they are already a Healthcare Assistant or Certified Nursing Assistant or have Medical Office background, they can gain more knowledge and skills to make them more versatile and valuable in the field.”

 The need for Medical Assistants continues to grow as more providers are offering convenient care locations to better serve patients.

 “Certified Medical Assistant’s (CMA) are a valuable part of our clinical teams,” said Connie Vermeire, RN, Director of Specialty Care Services, Blessing Physician Services. “A CMA on the team allows the physician to focus on their specialized responsibilities and the RN and LPN to spend more quality time providing patient education.”

 “We look forward to partnering with JWCC to provide clinical experiences for these students, as well as opportunities for employment,” added Vermeire.

Individuals who are current Certified Nursing Assistants, Healthcare Assistants or have taken Medical Office courses may enter the MA program to move up the healthcare career ladder.  Students who complete the MA program may also apply earned credits toward an associate degree in medical office to continue their education.

 More information is available at www.jwcc.edu/ma or by calling 217.641.4334.

Truck Driver Training Program Hosting an Information Session August 6

An information session about the Truck Driver Training Program at John Wood Community College will be held Monday, August 6, at 6:30 p.m. at the Workforce Development Center, 4220 Kochs Lane, Quincy.

The next class starts Monday, August 27. Classes meet Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., for seven weeks plus a one week pre-session.

Representatives from the Truck Driver Training Program will give a brief presentation reviewing admission requirements, registration, and career opportunities in the trucking industry. Attendees will also learn about a 16-credit hour, financial-aid eligible, Logistics/Truck Driver Training certificate, as well as a new online 8-week class.

The JWCC Truck Driver Training Program offers the latest technology to educate students.  Industry standard equipment is used as teaching tools and courses are certified by the Professional Truck Driver Institute. Area truck driving firms are hiring now. Some employers may fund tuition costs.      

For information, contact the Truck Driver Training program, 217.224.5362 or 217.641.4914. 

Students who live in the southeastern portion of John Wood Community College’s district may now take all pre-requisite courses for JWCC’s nursing program at the college’s Southeast Education Center (SEC) near Pittsfield. 

“We listened to the needs of residents and the healthcare community and are pleased to share that we have more instructors on board so students may now take all nursing pre-requisites right in their own backyard, which should save them considerable time and travel cost,” Diane Vose, JWCC manager of regional centers shared. “The foundational science courses are offered in our new lab and provide incredible access and one-on-one instruction from our professors.  That’s a great benefit when preparing for a career in healthcare.”

The facility’s new science lab, and an additional science instructor, Pittsfield native Dr. Justin Cobb, allow JWCC to offer more science classes to help meet the demand for students pursuing nursing and other healthcare programs. Cobb holds a master’s degree in biology from the University of Illinois and a master’s in biomedical science and a doctorate in neuroscience from the University of Mississippi Medical Center.  Cobb and Mike Smith from Pittsfield teach all science courses needed before application to JWCC’s selective nursing program.  

During the course of one academic year, all pre-requisite nursing courses are offered at the SEC. Spring and summer science offerings include General Biology and Human Anatomy/Physiology II.  Fall schedules include General Biology, Microbiology and Human Anatomy/Physiology I.  

Other nursing pre-requisites offered throughout the year at the SEC include Introduction to Speech (fall, spring and summer); Rhetoric and Composition I (fall); Statistics (fall and spring); Introduction to Psychology (fall); Developmental Psychology (online). 

All courses, unless otherwise noted, are classroom based and take place at the SEC.  Students attending other four-year universities may also enroll in JWCC’s courses at the SEC and transfer them back to their native institution. 

Students may take all classes needed for many other associate degrees and four-year general education courses at the SEC through a combination of online and face-to-face classes.

More information is available by contacting the center at 217.285.5319 or pittsfield@jwcc.edu or visiting https://www.jwcc.edu/locations/sec. 

Candidates’ Petitions for JWCC Trustee Election Available September 10

Nominating petitions for seats on the John Wood Community College Board of Trustees will be available at the Quincy campus at 48^th and Harrison beginning Monday, September 10, 2018.  Petitions may be circulated starting Tuesday, September 18.  The filing period is December 10-17, 2018.

Petitions and all other related filing materials may be obtained in the JWCC’s President’s Office any time during regular office hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The office is located on the second floor of the JWCC Student/Administrative Center on the Quincy campus. 

Trustees are elected at-large from JWCC District 539.  Two seats on the Board will be filled in the consolidated election April 2, 2019.  The seats are for full, six-year terms.  Trustees whose terms expire are Jerry Hagmeier of Quincy and Andy Sprague of Kinderhook.

The election is conducted by the county clerk of each county in which JWCC is located.  Nominating petitions are obtained and filed at JWCC in Quincy.

Questions may be directed to Leah Benz, executive assistant to the JWCC president, at 217.641.4102.  Benz serves as a deputy local election official for the College.

John Wood Community College will hold an orientation session for incoming students on Tuesday, August 14, at 2:00 p.m. at its Southeast Education Center, located a mile north of Pittsfield on Route 54.

 The orientation will give students an opportunity to prepare for the upcoming fall semester. Students will finalize financial aid, order textbooks, receive a copy of their schedule, get a student ID and set up a Blazernet account. Student ambassadors will provide students direction to classrooms and help familiarize them to the campus.

 Registration is required to attend the orientation session. Students may stop by the SEC or visit jwcc.edu/orientation to register. For more information call 217.285.5319.

Students who live in the southeastern portion of John Wood Community College’s district may now take all pre-requisite courses for JWCC’s nursing program at the college’s Southeast Education Center (SEC) near Pittsfield. 

“We listened to the needs of residents and the healthcare community and are pleased to share that we have more instructors on board so students may now take all nursing pre-requisites right in their own backyard, which should save them considerable time and travel cost,” Diane Vose, JWCC manager of regional centers shared. “The foundational science courses are offered in our new lab and provide incredible access and one-on-one instruction from our professors.  That’s a great benefit when preparing for a career in healthcare.”

The facility’s new science lab, and an additional science instructor, Pittsfield native Dr. Justin Cobb, allow JWCC to offer more science classes to help meet the demand for students pursuing nursing and other healthcare programs. Cobb holds a master’s degree in biology from the University of Illinois and a master’s in biomedical science and a doctorate in neuroscience from the University of Mississippi Medical Center.  Cobb and Mike Smith from Pittsfield teach all science courses needed before application to JWCC’s selective nursing program.  

During the course of one academic year, all pre-requisite nursing courses are offered at the SEC. Spring and summer science offerings include General Biology and Human Anatomy/Physiology II.  Fall schedules include General Biology, Microbiology and Human Anatomy/Physiology I.  

Other nursing pre-requisites offered throughout the year at the SEC include Introduction to Speech (fall, spring and summer); Rhetoric and Composition I (fall); Statistics (fall and spring); Introduction to Psychology (fall); Developmental Psychology (online). 

All courses, unless otherwise noted, are classroom based and take place at the SEC.  Students attending other four-year universities may also enroll in JWCC’s courses at the SEC and transfer them back to their native institution. 

Students may take all classes needed for many other associate degrees and four-year general education courses at the SEC through a combination of online and face-to-face classes.

More information is available by contacting the center at 217.285.5319 or pittsfield@jwcc.edu or visiting https://www.jwcc.edu/locations/sec. 

John Wood Community College’s College for Life (CFL) program now offers a three-year certificate program for students 18 years of age or older with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).  JWCC is seeking qualified instructors for the fall semester beginning August 20. 

The CFL program helps students take non-credit courses on a college campus to  gain skills, knowledge and confidence for increased contribution to the community as coworkers, friends and neighbors. 

Experience with IDD may be helpful but is not required, and instructors are encouraged to share knowledge about something they love for possible class subjects.  A résumé, bio and course proposal are required to be considered for a CFL instructor position. Contact JWCC to get a course proposal form for submission.  All instructors will attend orientation training to review CFL mission and goals, review JWCC procedures and requirements, and review best practices in achieving the desired CFL student outcomes. 

For more information on becoming a CFL instructor, contact Michele Westmaas, CFL coordinator, at 217-641-4340 or mwestmaas@jwcc.edu. More information about the program is available at www.jwcc.edu/collegeforlife.

JWCC to Provide GED Prep Classes in Quincy, Mt. Sterling and Pittsfield

John Wood Community College will offer free GED prep classes in Quincy, Mt. Sterling and Pittsfield starting the week of August 20. The classes are offered through the JWCC Adult Education program, which helps students prepare for the high school equivalency GED test. The program also provides assistance with career planning, job skills, and transitioning to college. A mandatory orientation will be included on the first day of class.

 Classes will meet Mondays through Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. to noon or 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., on the Quincy campus, located at 1301 S. 48th Street.  An afternoon class will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Quincy Workforce Center, located at 107 N 3^rd Street. 

 Classes will meet at the Southeast Education Center from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The SEC is located at 39637 260^th Street, a mile north of Pittsfield on Rt. 54. Classes will also meet at the Mt. Sterling Education Center from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays. The center is located at 108 N. Capitol Street in Mt. Sterling.

 English as a Second Language (ESL) classes will begin on August 20and meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the Quincy campus.

 Classes are free and new students are admitted into the classes once a month.  To register, contact Emily Dozier, Adult Education Transition Coordinator, at 217.641.4951 or edozier@jwcc.edu.  More information is available at www.jwcc.edu/ged.

John Wood Community College is the educational link between business and community.  JWCC collaboratively creates innovative and relevant academic and training programs with business leaders to educate young people and the workforce for today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities.  JWCC has centers in Quincy, Pittsfield, Baylis and Mt. Sterling, Illinois.  Programs include a comprehensive baccalaureate transfer curriculum, customized business training, career/technical degrees and certificates and personal enrichment courses.

 Learn more at : www.jwcc.edu