Student Life
4 Reasons You Should Keep in Touch with Professors
March 30, 2021
You are finishing your final classes and saying goodbyes to roommates and friends. You are just weeks away from your next steps in life. While everyone promises to stay in touch, it’s actually a good idea to maintain a few key relationships, especially with your instructors. Here are just four great reasons to keep in…
Residence Life: Benefits of Living On-Campus
March 25, 2021
When you dream about your college experience, you are probably thinking about living in the dorms, having a roommate, and going to games or checking out activities together. It’s easy to get involved on campus when the social activities are just a short walk away. And, let’s face it – living on campus can be a fun way to…
What is PTK?
March 4, 2021
You may have seen the posters around campus – “Join PTK.” It sounds like a secret society, and looks like a big deal… but what is it? And why should you join? We answer some of the most frequently asked questions here. What is PTK? Phi Theta Kappa (or PTK) is the international honor society…
Sweet Ways to Treat Your Valentine on a Budget
February 10, 2021
It’s the thought that counts. Cliché? Maybe but it can be true for doing something great for your Valentine without breaking the budget. It isn’t always how much you spend but to show that you are thinking about the one you love. Way to their heart…through your stomach Don’t break the bank by going to…
How to Get Involved at a Commuter Student
February 9, 2021
Campus life is an important part of the college experience, but it isn’t limited to students who live in our on-campus residence halls. Here are four ways to take advantage of all Iowa Valley has to offer and get involved outside the classroom. Student Clubs and Organizations Student clubs and organizations are a great way…
Can You Take a Gap Year After You Have Been Accepted to College?
February 2, 2021
Welcome to college! It’s an exciting day to receive the acceptance letter to the college you had planned to attend. Well, sometimes plans change and you have decided you aren’t quite ready to start college. That’s okay. You may have decided that you want to wait a year to explore what you plan to attend…
How to Save Money on Textbooks this Semester
October 28, 2020
College is an investment in your future, and while all investments cost something, college shouldn’t break the bank. From tuition and fees, meal plans, room and board, the last thing you want to spend your hard-earned dollars on are books for class. Check out these tips to save money on textbooks this semester and beyond. Wait to Buy Your…
How I Know a Student Will Succeed: What One Instructor Looks For
October 27, 2020
After 38 years of teaching at the community college and university levels, I have seen a lot of students over the years. The more things have changed, the more some things have endured over the years. After almost four decades of teaching college students, I can tell pretty early on who is going to succeed…
Why I Chose a Community College: One Top Student’s Perspective
October 7, 2020
As a valedictorian graduating from Iowa Falls-Alden High School, I never took community college off my radar. In fact, I looked at them first before four-year colleges. The Smart Choice Close to Home Ellsworth has a 2+2 program, meaning I can graduate with my Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts and transfer seamlessly to the University…
Relax: The Best Stress Relief Methods for Students
October 6, 2020
The countdown has begun. You have finished almost two months of classes and finals are approaching. Don’t let the stress of classes and juggling everything going on in your lives over take you. Make sure you take some time to relax. Unplug Okay. You are probably stressing at just the thought of unplugging for a…