Post by slt on Jul 19, 2008 8:07:30 GMT -5
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/opinions/valleyviews/1063145,2_5_AU19_VVTATAR_S1.article#
July 19, 2008
College looks like a lot of fun. At least this is the impression I have after spending a recent Friday at North Central College in Naperville for my daughter's registration day.
Sure, there was the obligatory talk about finances and course registration, but the rest of the day made me -- a person who years ago could not wait to graduate from that very same college as quickly as possible and get on with my life -- wish I were 18 again so I could take part in four years of really good times.
One thing that has changed a lot over the years is that the college does a lot to help commuters, who make up 48 percent of the undergraduate students, get connected and feel they really are part of the school. All college amenities and events are open to all enrolled students. Welcome week is full of activities for all incoming students so they get a chance to meet and have fun with other students before classes even begin.
There are dozens of clubs and organizations the students can take part in regardless of whether they are majoring in a related field. If a student has an interest in a club or sport that doesn't currently exist at the college, they only need to find a few other students and a single faculty member in order to start one up. WONC 89.1 radio station is operated by students, and any enrolled student can be a part of this if they so desire.
There are many intramural and 22 Division III sports played by NCC students. NCC's football team is ranked 8th in the nation, so there is a lot of excitement about the upcoming football season.
Study abroad programs are available in countries all over the world every year and taken advantage of by many students each year.
Ministry and service opportunities abound at this United Methodist affiliated college and are available to everyone regardless of religious background. I am amazed at the number of mission trips taken by NCC students annually to locations throughout the country and world. Local community service occurs on an ongoing basis. Additionally, there are weekly worship services and small groups plus Friday evenings at The Union for music, films, and art exhibits.
The College Union Activities Board and Residence Life organizations ensure there is something to do every Friday and Saturday evening on campus. There are numerous other activities, student trips and events that add to the college experience.
Last year the college provided a few red bikes to be used for travel throughout the campus and the idea was so popular with students that they now keep dozens of bikes all over the property, which the students, faculty, and staff can use anytime as long as one is available.
Another fairly recent change is that freshmen who live on campus and have cars are required to park their cars at a remote lot. This turns out to benefit all of the students at the college because the free shuttle to and from the remote parking lot is available to all students and also includes stops at Brunswick Zone, Nova 8 Cinema, Westfield Fox Valley Mall and several other locations.
Inexpensive hourly car rentals are available on campus as another reasonable transportation option for students.
A new residence hall currently under construction provides student housing and athletic facilities under one roof. The college's honors program offers the option of separate housing for students enrolled in the honors program.
A new concert hall and fine arts center is opening this fall that will be a tremendous asset to the school and local community.
The Dyson Wellness Center provides programs throughout the school year and many hours a week of student access to doctors and nurses at no cost to the student and with no appointments necessary.
It is easy to see why this college has ranked among the top tier of Midwest colleges in U.S. News and World Report for more than a decade.
What an exciting place to be for college! And yes, my daughter did register for classes that day as well.
SherryTatar@ameritech.net
July 19, 2008
College looks like a lot of fun. At least this is the impression I have after spending a recent Friday at North Central College in Naperville for my daughter's registration day.
Sure, there was the obligatory talk about finances and course registration, but the rest of the day made me -- a person who years ago could not wait to graduate from that very same college as quickly as possible and get on with my life -- wish I were 18 again so I could take part in four years of really good times.
One thing that has changed a lot over the years is that the college does a lot to help commuters, who make up 48 percent of the undergraduate students, get connected and feel they really are part of the school. All college amenities and events are open to all enrolled students. Welcome week is full of activities for all incoming students so they get a chance to meet and have fun with other students before classes even begin.
There are dozens of clubs and organizations the students can take part in regardless of whether they are majoring in a related field. If a student has an interest in a club or sport that doesn't currently exist at the college, they only need to find a few other students and a single faculty member in order to start one up. WONC 89.1 radio station is operated by students, and any enrolled student can be a part of this if they so desire.
There are many intramural and 22 Division III sports played by NCC students. NCC's football team is ranked 8th in the nation, so there is a lot of excitement about the upcoming football season.
Study abroad programs are available in countries all over the world every year and taken advantage of by many students each year.
Ministry and service opportunities abound at this United Methodist affiliated college and are available to everyone regardless of religious background. I am amazed at the number of mission trips taken by NCC students annually to locations throughout the country and world. Local community service occurs on an ongoing basis. Additionally, there are weekly worship services and small groups plus Friday evenings at The Union for music, films, and art exhibits.
The College Union Activities Board and Residence Life organizations ensure there is something to do every Friday and Saturday evening on campus. There are numerous other activities, student trips and events that add to the college experience.
Last year the college provided a few red bikes to be used for travel throughout the campus and the idea was so popular with students that they now keep dozens of bikes all over the property, which the students, faculty, and staff can use anytime as long as one is available.
Another fairly recent change is that freshmen who live on campus and have cars are required to park their cars at a remote lot. This turns out to benefit all of the students at the college because the free shuttle to and from the remote parking lot is available to all students and also includes stops at Brunswick Zone, Nova 8 Cinema, Westfield Fox Valley Mall and several other locations.
Inexpensive hourly car rentals are available on campus as another reasonable transportation option for students.
A new residence hall currently under construction provides student housing and athletic facilities under one roof. The college's honors program offers the option of separate housing for students enrolled in the honors program.
A new concert hall and fine arts center is opening this fall that will be a tremendous asset to the school and local community.
The Dyson Wellness Center provides programs throughout the school year and many hours a week of student access to doctors and nurses at no cost to the student and with no appointments necessary.
It is easy to see why this college has ranked among the top tier of Midwest colleges in U.S. News and World Report for more than a decade.
What an exciting place to be for college! And yes, my daughter did register for classes that day as well.
SherryTatar@ameritech.net