Daniel Garcia
Opinions Editor
A problem faced by many students is the question of where they intend to go next after graduation from Crowder College. Fortunately, there is an option for those who are not ready to move on from Crowder.
The Crowder consortium agreement is a program which allows students to continue to take classes and still earn credits at Crowder, as well as take classes at other colleges in the surrounding area.
It is worth noting, however, that there are two types of consortium programs available to students, each one operating slightly differently for different purposes.
The first is a program that is strictly for Financial Aid benefits. This type of consortium is open to all students of any degree, and is designed to help students who wish to take classes at two different campuses.
“Basically, students in the financial aid consortium can take classes here and elsewhere, like MSSU, and the hours here will still contribute to their financial aid,” said Mark Frerer, financial aid counselor. “This is open to any student, regardless of their degree.”
This is not the case however, for the academic consortium, according to Frerer, whom is located in the admissions office of Farber Hall.
“The academic form of consortium is different from the financial aid,” Frerer stated. “The academic consortium is more specific, open to students seeking a particular degree. The campuses have specific agreements about what classes are taken here and which ones at the other campuses.”
According to Frerer, the individual in charge of the academic consortium is Dr. Glenn Coltharp, vice president of academic affairs. He also stated that the consortium program such as the nursing and teaching consortiums fall under the academic label.
Brian Savard, general studies major, spoke positively of the consortium program.
“My advisor recommended this for me,” said Savard. “I thought it would be better to continue taking classes here for more credits for when I move on, rather than just wasting my time.”
Savard also noted that the consortium program required a lot of work on the part of the student. Students must be expected to be able to afford the transportation expenses between schools.
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