GCC gears up for new semester

IRONWOOD - The fall semester at Gogebic Community College is scheduled to begin Monday, Aug. 29.

GCC Marketing Director Kim Zeckovich said enrollment numbers are comparable to a year ago.

"We continue to accept students on a daily basis, so the numbers do increase," she said. "Classes are filling up quickly."

On campus, Zeckovich said housing numbers are also similar to last year. "Rooms are still available, but filling up quickly," she said.

GCC employs 36 full-time faculty members. With that, Zeckovich said GCC offers more than 55 associate degree and certificate programs.

"The associate degrees are geared to get students out into the workforce after two years of a solid education or transfer to a four-year university, which gives them a jump-start on their bachelor's degree program at an affordable cost, compared to university tuition rates," she said.

Zeckovich said certificate programs are typically one to 1.5 years and geared to get students into the workforce following graduation from their programs.

Financial aid is also available, she said.

Zeckovich said GCC offers a host of student activities and athletics that students can participate in, intercollegiate athletics, intramural sports, Student Senate, Phi Theta Kappa International Honors Society, dances, Game Night and KnockerBall, "to name a few."

To learn more about the programs and services, call the admissions office at 906-307-1207.

This fall, Zeckovich said a Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers License Class A over the road program will begin.

"This program will offer extensive classroom training, hands-on vehicle activities, and behind-the-wheel practice in preparation for commercial driver license tests," she said.

Zeckovich said topics covered will include safety, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations, truck mechanical parts and components, vehicle inspection procedures, basic truck maneuvers, driving techniques and additional content.

Classes will run four days per week (Mondays-Thursdays) for 16 weeks, ending the week of Dec. 12.

Zeckovich said the program is unique in its design which allows a student to enter the program without a temporary instructional permit. The college will prepare the student to test for the temporary instructional permit and provide the education and vehicle to test for the commercial driver's license.

"There is a nationwide shortage of truck drivers and a steady upward trend in future employment. Currently, immediate job openings are available in various industries and aspects of commercial motor vehicle operations," she said.

Interested individuals must be 18, have a valid driver's license, be able to pass a U.S. Department of Transportation physical exam and drug screen, and meet Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration driver qualifications requirement.

GCC admission requirements also apply, Zeckovich said.

Over the summer, Zeckovich said routine maintenance was done to the campus and dorm rooms, as well as painting and upgrades.

Move-in day for students living on campus begins Tuesday, Aug. 23, Zeckovich said. Orientation activities will run until Wednesday, Aug. 24. She said students are required to attend one of the orientation day sessions.

Classes begin Monday, Aug. 29.

"We are excited to begin another academic year at GCC," Zeckovich said.