Free Fast-Track Math and Reading and Writing Workshops and free credit courses through the Go Back to Get Ahead initiative
This summer, Middlesex Community College is offering non-credit intensive workshops designed to help incoming students brush up on basic math and reading and writing skills. The Connecticut General Assembly allocated funds to support PA 12-40. As a result, the workshops are of no charge to students. The College is also participating in the Go Back to Get Ahead program that encourages Connecticut residents who have not attended any institution of higher education since December 1, 2012 to return to college and earn a degree.
After taking the two-week math or English workshops, incoming students can increase their math and English course placement, allowing less time to be spent in developmental courses, which lowers the cost of college for students, and accelerates the time students need to complete a college degree. At the end of the workshop, students retake the placement exam to determine which math or English course they can register for.
“These noncredit workshops are excellent opportunities for students to enhance their skill sets, as they prepare for college-level math and English,” said Dr. Donna Bontatibus, professor of English.
The Intensive Math for College Readiness and Reading-Writing Intensive Workshop will be held at both the Middletown campus and the Meriden Center. The first session begins June 9. Prospective students can register online at mxcc.edu/ce, in person at the Admissions Office in Founders Hall, or at the Meriden Center Welcome Center.
The other free courses are through the Go Back to Get Ahead program, which offers the first 2,500 students to enroll up to three free three-credit courses to provide some financial assistance during the degree completion process. This assistance can be combined with financial aid as well. Students interested in this option should contact Mr. Dan Viens, Go Back to Get Ahead advisor at Middlesex Community College, at 860-343-5895 to schedule an appointment. He will help students in determining their eligibility and assist them with program and course advisement.
Founded in 1966, Middlesex Community College (mxcc.edu) is part of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System. In all it does, Middlesex Community College strives to be the college of its community. By providing high quality, affordable, and accessible education to a diverse population, the college enhances the strengths of individuals through degree, certificate, and lifelong learning programs that lead to university transfer, employment, and an enriched awareness of our shared responsibilities as global citizens. MxCC, recently named a "Great College to Work For" by “The Chronicle of Higher Education,” offers more than 50 degree or certificate programs at the main 38-acre campus in Middletown, the downtown Meriden Center, the shoreline, and online.
Many thanks are due to the administration and faculty of MxCC for taking this intiative. Apart from the obvious benefits for the students, these kinds of courses teach students how to be students: slogging through difficult material, taking criticsm as a stepping stone rather than a stop light, and seeing yourself as a person who can learn. Not knowing how to do any of these things is not a sign of inferiority, any more than not being able to do calculus in fifth grade is a sign of inferior intelligence.
ReplyDeleteThe professors who take on these courses do so not for the money. I know from experience that it isn't commensurate to the many hours spent working outside classroom hours. And this is difficult teaching.
Middlesex Community College truly serves the community, and not from a position of privilege. Hats off to everyone there.