My ZSC

04.16.2020

Dear Students,

We made it through another week! Once again, I applaud each and every one of you for your ability to overcome obstacles. Each day, you are one step closer to completing spring semester. Keep it going!

I do have a couple of updates for you below:

Currently, Zane State College is awaiting the release of funds associated with the recently passed federal legislation known as the CARES Act. The College is expecting a total of just over $1 million, with 50-percent of these funds being reserved for direct-to-student assistance. While we await the receipt of these funds, a dedicated ZSC CARES Act team is creating guidelines for funding allocations that will best serve our students.

  • We anticipate $501,000 to address the immediate needs of those students who have experienced unique difficulties adapting to educational and life’s demands this spring semester. These could be matters of loss of wages, childcare, food, and shelter. We will also intend on assisting students who enroll for the summer term and continue to experience difficulties with the remote learning format. Lastly, we are hopeful that funds will remain available for fall semester for those students continuing to have pandemic-related difficulties.
  • Once the guidelines are in place, a special CARES Act web page will launch on www.zanestate.edu. The web page will be sent out via text and email to current students and College employees as well as posted on the College’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram social media accounts.
  • Zane State College wants to lighten our students’ burden, provide relief, and offer support that keeps them successful and on track to graduate. As the College diligently works on a solutions-focused plan, students who have pressing concerns may contact us at cares@zanestate.edu.

This Saturday is the one-month mark until the summer I term starts on May 18. We know from experience that full-time students who complete 30 hours and part-time students who complete 20 hours at the end of summer term have higher graduation rates. The summer session plays an important role in allowing you to get caught up.

  • By now, many have you have heard from your professors regarding summer registration, and for those who are PELL eligible, check your My ZSC accounts to see what is covered and register ASAP. Remember, PELL is a grant that does not need paid back.
  • For our part-time students, our caring Zane State family truly understands it can be a struggle to stay on track. The days can be long, you feel exhausted when you go to sleep, and you might need to juggle a family and a job while finishing homework. Your efforts to complete your degree will be worth it, and help is here for when you need it.
  • I encourage each of you to have conversations with your faculty or Success Coach so they can offer resources and make sure you are getting the support you need to graduate. Research has shown that students who engage in summer courses are more likely to earn their degree. We want you to cross that finish line on time and with limited debt. Here is a link to the summer catalog for the latest and greatest offerings!

Before you register, you will need to complete the registration agreement form for Summer and/or Fall 2020. The instructions are listed below. This is a new process for our students and it must be done prior to registering for each semester. Please let your program advisor know once you have this completed, and they will take care of registering you for Summer and/or Fall 2020.

Step 1: Login to My ZSC and click on Academics:
Step 2: Under the Add/Drop section, select go to Main screen
Step 3: Be sure to select the proper term (SU 2020 or FL 2020). Click Complete the REGISTRATION AGREEMENT.
Step 4: Review the agreement. Select the checkbox to agree and click submit.
Step 5: Follow-up with your program advisor or Success Coach.

That’s all for now! Have a great weekend.

Dr. Richard Woodfield