Student Services and Activities

Western Iowa Tech Community College offers a variety of student services. Professionally trained staff and counselors are accessible to all students.

Center for Inclusive Excellence

The Center for Inclusive Excellence (CIE) was completed in January 2024 with mission of “building community and belonging, where people from all backgrounds and identities feel valued, respected, and empowered.”

Programming in the CIE will focus on students and employee training opportunities that contribute to WIT’s mission of elevating our diverse learners and strengthening our communities through inclusive and innovative education.

Career Services

Career Planning

The Career Services Center is located in A409 in the Library area on the Sioux City campus and is available to all WITCC propsective/current students and alumni. Career explorations, resume writing, resume review, job search tips, interview tips, and virtual/phone/live mock interview sessions are services available to students and alumni throughout the year.

Visit Career Services  for a schedule of services. Career Fairs with employers on the Sioux City campus are hosted each fall and spring. CollegeCentral.com/WITCC is our online platform with Career Services information available 24/7. Contact Kristy Bowman at 712-274-8733, ext. 3223 to find out more. Several services are also available on WITCC branch campuses. Contact the Branch Campus Director  at each branch campus for more information.

Transfer Information

College catalogs and transfer information for four-year colleges and universities are located in Enrollment Services. Transfer representatives from regional colleges visit WITCC regularly to provide information to students pursuing a baccalaureate degree. Please ask for further details at the front desk in Enrollment Services.

Student Services at Branch Campuses

Arrangements for career counseling, Foodbank, tutoring, and other student services are available at the branch campuses upon request. Contact the Branch Campus Director   at each branch campus as to how to access the requested services.

Student Housing and Residence Life

WITCC’s student housing is located on the Sioux City Campus, within short walking distance of all campus buildings. Prairie Place and Bur Oak Suites offer private bedrooms in suite-style living quarters. The Sun Ridge Court offers apartment-style living. Please contact the student housing office at (712) 317-3476 for further details or questions.

Campus Bookstore

The WITCC Bookstore is located across from the Overlook Cafeteria. Students may purchase textbooks, supplies, clothing and novelty items at the bookstore or order them online for delivery or pick-up at bookstore.witcc.edu. Bookstore hours and return policies can also be found on the website.

Payment for bookstore merchandise is due at the time of the purchase. Accepted methods of payment are cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and Apple Pay. Students sponsored by an agency (JTP, DVRS, Promise Jobs, etc.) must have a written authorization from the agency before charges can be processed. Students receiving federal grants can charge against the balance remaining after tuition and fees. Sponsored students and students with federal grants can begin charging one week before the semester begins.

Rather than a physical textbook, some courses use digital content embedded into the course to provide an adaptive learning platform that minimizes the cost of the textbooks required for students. Costs of the digital content varies and is charged to the student through a course fee associated with the course. There is no tangible item that must be purchased through the bookstore.

If a student does not want to utilize this content, the student may opt-out and receive a refund on the charged fee. Opt-outs are only accepted within the first 10 days of the course and must be requested through the bookstore. Access to the digital materials are then removed and the student is responsible to find the required course materials by other means.

Book Return Policy

1. You MUST have your receipt for any returns.
2. Fall and Spring Semesters: Textbooks must be returned within two weeks from the start of class for a full refund. Summer Semester: Textbooks must be returned within one week from the start of class for a full refund. Textbooks must be in the same condition as when purchased for full refund. Books CANNOT be returned if written or highlighted in. Books with shrink wrap CANNOT be returned if removed from wrap.
3. Clothing must be returned within two weeks of the dated receipt and in new condition. Supplies cannot be returned.
4. Defective products should be returned immediately for refund or exchange.
5. A “Used Book Buyback” is usually held during the last week of each semester. Dates and times will be posted at all locations. Books are purchased for a “used book” wholesaler. Prices are based on national demands and resale value.

Student Activities and Special Services

Student Organizations and Clubs

Students are encouraged to participate in one or more of the many student organizations. Several are associated with particular academic programs of study. Hobby interest clubs are also available depending on student interest. Each group must have a college advisor and must be chartered.

Student Activities

The Student Activities Office plans and coordinates a variety of special activities that involve community service activities, music groups, comedians, picnics, dances, club sports, and various trips.

Student Center

A 40,000 square foot gymnasium and well-equipped fitness center are available for students and staff to use as well as rooms for classes and meetings.

Student Insurance

Western Iowa Tech Community College does not have a compulsory insurance plan, but the college recommends that students enroll in a voluntary group accident and/or health insurance plan, available through commercial insurance companies. If students are enrolled as a member of a family health or hospital related plan, students should check to see at what age that coverage ends.

Counseling

Group and individual counseling sessions are available in Enrollment Services and on branch campuses. Students that are experiencing mental health struggles, personal struggles, or any other challenges are encouraged to reach out to a counselor.

www2.witcc.edu/student-services

www2.witcc.edu/admissions/tiffany

https://www.witcc.edu/student-resources/counseling/

Office of Inclusion

WITCC Office of Inclusion in dedicated to ensuring a diverse, welcoming, and respectful campus environment that benefits every person. It calls to action critical thinking while harnessing our individual differences to be our greatest communal asset in resolving challenges ahead.

Office of Inclusion is cultivating a College of inclusion excellence. Inclusive excellence infuses and actively engages diversity, equity, and inclusion in all facets of higher education, including: learning, teaching, student development, institutional functioning, and engagement with our communities. (American Association of Colleges and Universities, AAC&U).

Revathi R. Vongsiprasom, Associate Dean of Inclusion, is located in A215 and can be reached via phone or email: 712-317-3369, revathi.vongsiprasom@witcc.edu

LaShawna Moyle, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator, is located in Enromment Services and can be reached via phone or email. 712-317-3461, lashawna.moyle@witcc.edu

Testing Center

Types of tests administered:

• ALEKS Math Assessment (PPL)
• College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). These are national tests that can be taken to show proficiency in a subject and receive college credit for that topic.
• High School Equivalency Tests (HiSET®)
• VUE Tests
  • Cisco
  • Comp TIA
• Make-up tests for WITCC classes
• Online class tests
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
• Other community requested testing

Assessment

The ALEKS Math Assessment may be required of students entering General Studies programs and/or courses as well as those programs with designated ALEKS cut scores. Individual interpretation of the results is provided. Check with an Advisor for assessment requirements and referral to the Testing Center.

Learning Achievement Center

The Learning Achievement Center represents the heart of the campus. It contains Library Services and The Comet Learning Center.

Library Services

• Visit your WITCC Library in the Kiser Building (south of the Bookstore/Cafeteria area) or virtually at www.witcc.edu/library. You will find us in the Learning Achievement Center where you see the beautiful flags from around the world that emulate many of the countries our students come from. Our library is set up as a large open area for group study. If you need a quiet area to study, contact one of the staff. We are open Monday-Wednesday 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.; Thursday and Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Saturday closed and Sunday 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Hours do vary during summer, breaks, and holidays. Watch for signs on the doors and my.witcc.edu for any changes in the college schedule. 
• The Sioux City Libraries treat each other’s students as our own. As part of the library cooperative, your WITCC ID will allow you to check out materials at Briar Cliff, Mercy Medical, Morningside College, Sioux City Public and the St. Lukes Libraries. You will need to bring your WITCC ID to that library along with some proof of address.
• As part of the worldwide Interlibrary Loan cooperative, WITCC can borrow materials for your use, from around the world. These Interlibrary Loans can be created through one of our databases called First Search, Ebsco database articles that are not full-text and paper request form that are available in the library. 
• To check out materials, bring your Student ID which can be obtained for free in the Enrollment Services area. Assistance is available at our front desk, by calling 712-274-8733 ext. 1239, or by emailing library@witcc.edu. 
• Our databases and other electronic resources are available to be used from home, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Access to the databases from off campus requires a username and password. The username is always library but the  password changes each semester. The username and password can be found in the announcements section on https://my.witcc.edu or by asking any library staff. 
  • We carry brochures on the card catalog and database usage. The  databases are filled with scholarly and popular press full text articles, eBooks, encyclopedias, videos, court cases, sample tests, tutorials, downloadable books and audiobooks, employment aids, veteran support tools, help learning other languages, and so much more.

Comet Learning Center

Tutoring The Comet Learning Center, located in the Learning Achievement Center, provides drop-in tutoring services in various subject areas. No appointment is necessary. Individual tutor schedules are posted each semester. The Comet Learning Center employs both peer and professional tutors. Tutoring services are offered free of charge. For more information contact CLC at 712-847-2295.

Supplemental Instruction The Comet Learning Center coordinates Supplemental Instruction sessions for select courses each semester. These sessions take place outside of class time and offer students an opportunity to review important material in a group setting with a qualified Supplemental Instruction Leader (student who has previously mastered the course material). Students who participate in the free Supplemental Instruction sessions have historically outperformed other students in the class.

Computer Resources

• Computers and related technology are available to support the college curriculum and provide access to the Internet.
• A computer login account will be created for each student that enables them to use the college’s academic and system software for the duration of their classroom experience.
• Accounts for my.witcc.edu, the WITCC student portal, will also be created for each student upon registration. Students will be able to access all classroom related information, register for courses, send e-mail, find campus club information, College and community news, and much, much more!

High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) Preparation

The HSED program is designed to improve literacy skill levels in reading, writing, math, problem solving, and other literacy skills. The HSED diploma is a goal of many of the adult learners. Learners progress at their own pace using a variety of resources including print materials and computer-aided instruction. HSED classes are located in A424 and available on branch campuses.

English Language Learners (ELL)

The ELL program is designed to improve the skill levels of English language learners in speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Classes progress from basic through advanced English literacy. Classroom instruction, supplemented by computer-aided instruction, is competency-based with emphasis on life and employability skills.

ELL classes are located in the Corporate College, B152.

Accommodation Services

It is Western Iowa Tech Community College’s policy not to discriminate against individuals with disabilities and to provide reasonable accommodation(s) to qualified applicants and students. Although this policy primarily describes accommodations that allow persons with disabilities to apply for admission and participate in education programs, courses, services and activities, the policy also applies to accommodations that would allow applicants or students with disabilities to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of education as enjoyed by other applicants or students.

Persons with documented disabilities may request reasonable accommodations. The student should indicate the nature of the disability and identify specific needs and/or requested accommodations. The student is responsible for providing documentation of the disability.

Approved accommodations may include interpreters; alternative testing, color-coded materials, large print copies, and assistive technology may be made available as needed.

The Disability Services Coordinator is located in Enrollment Services,  Room A320, and can be reached by calling (712)274-8733, ext. 3216 or www2.witcc.edu/admissions/michelle

The Kurzweil Reader is available to all WITCC students and is linked in MyWIT’s Disability Services / Student Resources cards.

See College Policies  for additional information.

Scope of Potential Reasonable Accommodations

1. Upon request, and with appropriate documentation, Western Iowa Tech Community College is prepared to adjust the admissions process or the educational environment to make reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and students with disabilities.
2. Upon request and with approved documentation, reasonable accommodations may include but are not limited to: a) making existing academic facilities used by students and the public readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities; b) adjusting when and how academic or technical requirements are met or performed; c) adjusting admission and performance tests, educational materials, or policies; d) allowing readmission upon review and evaluation; e) providing or arranging counseling services; f) providing readers, interpreters, written materials in alternative formats, and other auxiliary aids and services; g) adjusting the manner and method of instruction and testing; h) allowing applicants or students to make use of equipment or devices that the College is not required to provide. The College does not assume coordination or financial responsibilities for attendant care services.
3. Each request will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. An accommodation is not considered reasonable when: a) the accommodation would fundamentally alter the nature of the program, course, service, and/or activity; b) the individual is not otherwise qualified to meet the academic and technical standards required for admission or participation in an education program, course, service and/or activity; c) the accommodation would cause an undue financial or administrative burden on the College; or d) the individual poses a direct threat to the health or safety of self, or others.
4. Reasonable accommodation does not negate requirements for successful completion of a program, course, service, and/or activity, adherence to generally acceptable standards of behavior and the College’s code of conduct, not adherence to administrative and faculty directions and instructions.

Request for Reasonable Accommodation

1. If an accommodation would result in any expense to the College, the applicant or student must submit a formal request to the Accommodations Services Coordinator describing the nature of the requested accommodation. The applicant or student should indicate the nature of the disability and identify specific needs or limitations. The applicant or student is responsible for providing documentation of the disability to the Accommodations Services Coordinator.
2. The applicant or student shall identify any specific accommodations that have been successful in the past and any equipment, aids, or services that the applicant or student is willing to provide and utilize.
3. See also Procedure for the Use of Service Animals on Campus

Disability 504 Accommodation Plan

Once a student’s file is completed with Accommodation Services, Accommodations Coordinator will provide a written 504 plan that the student will take to instructors which verifies the student’s eligibility and includes recommendations for appropriate accommodations.  It is the student’s responsibility to discuss the 504 accommodation plan with each instructor as early in the semester as possible.  Instructors provide their acknowledgment of the accommodation plan with their signature.  If the classroom instructor is unable to provide reasonable accommodations or if the student’s request is refused by the instructor, the student may request advocacy services from the Coordinator for Accommodations Services located in Room A320 or may be contacted by phone at (712) 317-3440. www2.witcc.edu/admissions/michelle

Applicants or Students Who Refuse Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants and/or students with disabilities have the right to refuse an offer of an accommodation. If the refusal of an offer of an accommodation results in the individual’s inability to perform or meet the admission or participation standards for a program, course, service, or other activity, then that individual will not be considered a qualified individual with a disability and may be denied admission or participation accordingly, as deemed appropriate by the College.

Appeals of Accommodations

A student who disagrees with the College’s decision to refuse a requested accommodation may appeal the decision to the Dean of Students of Western Iowa Tech Community College. The decision of the Dean of Students will be final.

A complete copy of the Policy of Nondiscrimination can be obtained here.

Procedure for the Use of Service Animals on Campus

Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC) complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504). Among other things, the ADA and Section 504 require the college to make reasonable modifications to its policies, practices, or procedures to permit the use of a Service Animal by a student, faculty, staff or visitor with a disability. For more information, click here.

Special Programs

TRIO Student Support Services Program

TRIO Student Support Services is an equal opportunity, federally funded program designed to provide opportunities that will increase a student’s chances for success in college. Services offered through TRIO-SSS are available to all eligible participants free of charge. Students will receive the guidance and encouragement needed to successfully complete their studies at WITCC and transfer to the four-year college of their choice.

TRIO Student Support Services include:

• Summer Bridge Program for incoming freshmen
• Free tutoring, including computer-aided instruction
• Exposure to cultural events and experiences
• Campus visits to four-year institutions
• Transfer assistance
• Personal, academic, and financial aid advising
• Peer Mentoring Program

To find out if you are eligible, contact the TRIO Student Support Services program at WITCC at (712) 274-8733-Sioux City ext. 3247, Denison ext. 2636, Cherokee ext. 2743 and make an appointment to meet with one of the staff or stop by the office, located in The Comet Learning Center.

WITCC also administers the TRIO Educational Talent Search and the Upward Bound TRIO programs. These programs help prepare middle school and high school youth for college.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services of the Iowa Department of Education assists individuals who have a physical or mental impairment which constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment for that individual.

Specific eligibility requirements are available from the Rehabilitation Counselor. For more information, contact the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at (712) 255-8871 or the Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services website.