Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is working to ease the transition from high school to college for high school graduates by offering an innovative learning option.
Last fall, the Oconto Falls Regional Learning Center began enrolling recent high school graduates in the 4X4 general studies program, which focuses on learning one general study subject over a four-week period. Classes are held four hours a day, four days a week, for four weeks.
The consolidated learning format allows a student to complete one subject before beginning the next. The program eliminates the difficulty students may experience in a traditional college setting where they juggle more than one subject at a time.
Students can enter the program any time of the year, and classes will be offered in four-week periods this summer.
Kathy Erb, who instructs classes at both the Oconto Falls and Shawano sites, said she likes the program layout because she can keep track of students easily.
“It’s easier to give individual attention to students,” she said, referring to the small class sizes. “I think it’s easier for students to ask questions.”
Thirteen students started the program last fall in Oconto Falls. Of those, one has transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Of the remaining 12, seven plan to remain in the NWTC system and work toward an associate degree. The other five plan to transfer to UW-Green Bay, UW-Oshkosh or UW-Stevens Point. Ten students are 2013 high school graduates; the remaining three graduated in 2012.
The program offers many of the classes required for college freshman. NWTC contracts with UW-Green Bay and UW-Oshkosh, allowing students completing the program to enter either institution with sophomore status.
The total cost for the 32-credit certificate is $4,500, including textbook expenses, and students in the program are eligible for financial aid.
Cost is one thing that attracted Katie Kutska, a 2013 Oconto Falls graduate, to the program.
“It’s really cost effective, and we can get the gen. eds. (general education credits) out of the way. It’s closer, so you can stay at home while going to school,” she said.
The program is set up to be completed in three semesters, but it is possible to finish in less time.
Kelsey Kutska, 2013 Oconto Falls graduate, said likes the program because she can arrange her work schedule around class time.
“It’s nice because you have a set schedule,” she said.
Classes begin at 10 a.m.
NWTC Regional Manager April Konitzer said she carefully chose the class time.
“I didn’t want classes to start too early,” she said. “I looked at what the typical young person prefers, so we start at 10.”
The schedule has worked out well.
“Our attendance has been exemplary. It’s pretty rare that you have students not showing up for class,” she said.
Konitzer compares the 4X4 classes with other institutions’ requirements to help students schedule classes that will transfer to other institutions.
“That’s been the biggest piece of the puzzle – the individual programming for each student based on their interests and aspirations,” Konitzer said.
Konitzer met individually with students in the fall and assisted with financial aid, registration and ordering books. She will meet again with each student in the spring.
“It’s helping them get acclimated to the college environment in a way that makes sense for them,” Konitzer said.
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