SigMT

SiG MT 42 "It is a lile known secret that aer 12 credits there is no increase in tuition," explains Stoddard. "For 12 to 21 credits, the tuition is the same - you only have to pay program fees. Twelve credits per semester is considered full-time for financial aid, but you need 15 credits per semester to get done in a two-year time frame." GFC MSU has a large part-time student population of nontraditional adult students. "e 8-Week Advantage Program will be especially beneficial to these students," says Joe Simonsen, Director of Admissions. "Eight- week block scheduling will make it easier for adult students to juggle college, work and family life. It will help them balance their challenges and improve time management." GFC MSU faculty is strategically scheduling classes to accommodate the nontraditional student population. "In general studies classes like writing, math, communications and philosophy, we are creating learning communities," explains Wolff. "We want the students to get a solid feel for the college classes and be able to organize and structure their day. Our students have a lot of life responsibilities to handle while they are with us." e goal is to have all GFC MSU classes converted to the 8-Week Advantage Program by Fall 2019, but some courses are more challenging than others. "e core classes are switching now," Stoddard explains. "We are still evaluating how to switch the science lab classes and healthcare programs, like nursing and dental hygiene." Clausen says he is looking forward to the 8-Week Advantage courses offered this fall. "I may have the option of having a job in the evening," he says. "I would love to have a job because it is hard to balance full-time college classes and bills at the same time." GFC MSU offers numerous certificate and degree options that prepare students for the workforce. In addition, the college works to help students earn the credits needed to successfully transfer to a four-year school. "We offer student support through tutors, veteran success programs, childcare and activity engagement," says Simonsen. "We want to make sure they have the tools they need to succeed." Clausen says he plans to take general studies classes this fall so he can transfer to a four-year school to pursue a career in welding. "I grew up on a small farm near Simms. Welding and trades have always been a passion of mine," he explains. "I am going to take another year of general studies to transfer to a MSU Trades Management program." For more information on the 8-Week Advantage at GFC MSU, visit www.gfcmsu.edu or call Admissions at 406-268-3700. Joe Simonsen, Director of Admissions says the 8-Week Advantage Program will make it easier for adult students to juggle college, work and family life. GFC MSU has a large population of nontraditional, adult students. Troy Stoddard, Director of Advising and Career Center at GFC MSU, says the 8-Week Advantage breaks the traditional 16-week semester into two 8-week blocks, which will allow students to focus on two or three classes at a time. Shannon Ruckman has an Agricultural Communications degree om Kansas State University. She has been writing for14 years. Shannon and her husband have three kids and live in rural central Montana. S MT

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