Ron Wood, Minnesota West Community and Technical College President, announced his College's commitment to providing access to public higher education classes and degrees in Fairmont this coming fall. Chancellor James H. McCormick approved the two-year higher education pilot project to be managed by Minnesota West Community and Technical College.
The Minnesota West Fairmont Center opened August 1 with classes beginning fall semester. The Minnesota West Fairmont Center will be located within the Southern Minnesota Education Center (SMEC) at 115 South Park Street, Fairmont, MN.
According to Dr. Wood, "Fairmont has long desired a permanent higher education presence within the City." Through the assistance and persistence of State Representative Gunther, State Senator Rosen, the City of Fairmont, Minnesota West, and the Office of the Chancellor the dream will become reality.
The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System have long been a part of the local education landscape with regional Minnesota State Colleges and Universities periodically offering courses in specific programs such as farm business management and nursing.
"This pilot project is a great example of how various groups have worked together to provide higher education opportunities for Fairmont citizens. I am excited that this project is coming to fruition, and I commend the City of Fairmont and the four Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, Minnesota West Community and Technical College, South Central College, Riverland College and Minnesota State University, Mankato for overcoming obstacles to make this happen," said Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Chancellor James H. McCormick.
The Southern Minnesota Education Center is located in a building formerly owned by the Fairmont School District. "The building has been completely modernized and takes advantage of 21st Century technology and will more than meet the needs of Minnesota West students in this area," said President Wood. Classes will be taught in three delivery modes; the traditional face-to-face classroom setting, via interactive television (ITV) along with online delivery. Minnesota West is a state leader in both the use of on-line and ITV course delivery.
Minnesota West will guarantee academically eligible students who attend full-time, the opportunity to attain an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree in just two years including summer semester. The program is accessible to part-time students as well. By taking 6 or more credits a semester a student could expect to complete their A.A. degree in slightly less than four years. In addition to the A.A. degree, the college also plans to provide the Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, diplomas and certificates in a number of online programs such as business, supervisory management, education paraprofessional to name just a few.
This education opportunity, for both traditional and non-traditional aged students, brings higher education right to the local community. "Students and their families will save thousands of dollars in travel and other expenses incurred at residential colleges," said President Wood. "They can stay at home, earn their A.A. degree and be right on track to complete a bachelor degree by transferring to Minnesota State Colleges and Universities as well as other public and private four-year colleges.
The Minnesota West Fairmont Center will offer students a one-stop shop with an on-site Learning Concierge ready to assist with everything from application, registration, financial aid, buying books, to applying for graduation. "The Learning Concierge's purpose will be to guide students through the often uncharted water of higher education," said Wood.
Minnesota West Community and Technical College offers more than 60 majors in technical and liberal arts disciplines. Minnesota West has campuses in Canby, Granite Falls, Jackson, Pipestone, and Worthington, as well as learning sites in Fairmont and Marshall, Minnesota.