COLLEGE EXPANDS OFFICE HOURS IN EMMETSBURG AND ESTHERVILLE

Beginning in September, all campuses of Iowa Lakes Community College will be open expanded hours to better serve the public.

The college is taking the step after spending time listening to students and evaluating data.

A ‘generalist’ and a work-study student will be available from 4:30-6:30 Monday through Thursday to serve evening students/employees effective Sept. 2.  Those working the expanded hours will greet people, answer general questions and complete a referral form for questions/requests beyond the general nature.  The regular college hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays will remain the same. 

For several years, offices at the Algona, Spencer and Spirit Lake campuses have been open into the evenings.  While the college does extremely well in the retention of full-time students; the Enrollment Management Team discovered there was room for improvement in the retention rate of part-time students, many of whom are taking later afternoon or evening classes.  After reviewing many options, the team developed a plan where all college offices stay open later Monday through Thursday. 

To evaluate the value of this change, the college will survey those who have been served through the expanded hours and logs of activity will be maintained.