Page 2 - Nov18 Outlook

Page 2
New initiative to help adults finish college

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) and Min- provide support and connect them
nesota State are launching a new program to help adult learners to resources to help them be suc-
re-enroll and finish their postsecondary education: MN Recon- cessful.”
nect. MN Reconnect navigators will
Through MN Reconnect, adult learners who started but did ensure adult learners take full ad-
not complete their postsecondary studies will receive personal- vantage of the multiple resources
ized support to re-enroll in higher education, stay engaged in available to them, from over $150
their studies, and complete their college degree. Besides River- million in state and federal grants
land Community College, three other Minnesota State colleges for adult learners to healthcare and
have been selected to participate in the launching phase of MN child-care services. In this regard,
Reconnect: Inver Hills Community College, Lake Superior Col- All MN Reconnect participating
lege and South Central College. colleges have implemented student
“For many adult learners who have taken a break from their services that respond to the specif-
college education to pursue work or family commitments, going ic needs of adult learners.
back to school can often seem overwhelming and impossible. MN Reconnect is designed to
MN Reconnect seeks to change that by removing perceived bar- support adult learners who return
riers to entry and supporting students throughout the course of to college to earn a degree after an AMY WAGNER
their degree completion,” said Larry Pogemiller, Minnesota Of- absence of two or more years.
fice of Higher Education Commissioner. Adult learners between the ages of 25 and 44, who previously
“Through MN Reconnect, the State of Minnesota is making a earned 15 or more credits, but did not complete a college degree,
critical investment in advancing our workforce. Adult learners in but who are interested in earning a certificate, diploma or associ-
Minnesota now have an exciting new option to complete their ate degree at the participating colleges, should contact a naviga-
education and advance their career.” tor at the campus closest to them. No matter what reason adult
Adult learners at the four participating Minnesota State col- students left higher education early, Minnesota is committed to
leges will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a per- helping them graduate and develop their full potential.
sonal navigator from re-enrollment to degree completion. Navi- MN Reconnect is made possible by financial and technical
gators are education professionals whose main purpose is to help support from Lumina Foundation and the State Higher Educa-
adult learners overcome the common barriers they may experi- tion Executive Officers (SHEEO). The four Minnesota State
ence in a traditional college setting, such as managing academic colleges were selected to participate in the launching phase of
and career planning, scheduling, tutoring options, and accessing the program through a competitive bid process and represent
emergency financial aid and tuition assistance. Riverland’s per- both greater Minnesota and the Twin Cities.
sonal navigator is Amy Wagner, MN Reconnect Academic Ad- If you have questions about the MN Reconnect program at
visor. Riverland, please contact Amy Wagner at (507) 433-0575 or by
“I have started meeting with Reconnect students who re- email at amy.wagner@riverland.edu.
turned to Riverland this fall and look forward to meeting and More information about the program are available at
working with more adult learners through our outreach cam- www.mnreconnect.com or Riverland’s services at
paign,” said Wagner. “Adult learners face unique challenges. I www.mnreconnect/riverland.
will work individually with these students to identify issues,

Board of Directors

Bill Budion, 2018 President Austin Country Club
Jana Gray, Past President Austin Daily Herald
Jackie Bumgardner, Vice President Games People Play
Taggert Medgaarden, Vice President Cedar Valley Services, Inc.
Dan Marmsoler, Vice President Fire & Ice Comfort Specialists
Dale Wicks, Vice President Quality Pork Processors, Inc.
Justin Bickler Simplified Technology Solutions, LLC
Nan Hanegraaf Bremer Bank
Lindsey Haney The Style Lounge Salon
Adam Houck Adams, Rizzi & Sween, PA
Kris Johnson Mayo Clinic Health System—Austin
Clint Walters Hormel Foods Corporation
John Garry Development Corporation of Austin
Barb Embacher Riverland Community College
David Krenz Austin Public Schools
Judy Enright City of Austin
Nancy Schnable Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau
Staff
Sandy Forstner, Executive Director sandy@austincoc.com
Valerie Schewe, Bookkeeper valerie@austincoc.com
Jeanine Nelson, Member Relations/Major Events jeanine@austincoc.com
Kristen Olson, Community Concierge kristen@austincoc.com