October 19, 2012 

 

Contacts:
Dan Carter, University Relations, 657-2269

 

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — In a landmark event for public higher education in Billings, the two-year arm of Montana State University Billings will get its official new name at a ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 24.

 

The former College of Technology, which has been one of the five colleges of MSU Billings since 1996, is now City College at MSU Billings. The public will get its first the new name on the college’s signs during an unveiling ceremony at the City College campus, 3803 Central Ave., at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. After students, college administrators and VIPs unveil the new sign, the ceremony moves inside for remarks and further celebration.

 

Later in the day — from 3-7 p.m. — the community is invited to an open house at City College so prospective students, parents and others can see firsthand what the college has to offer. Those who attend the open house can register for a chance to win a $50 gas card.

The change at City College is more than just about its name, said MSU Billings Chancellor Rolf Groseth. It has to do with transformations in higher education to reflect the needs of the community, state and region. Conversations have already taken place in the community about the change, Groseth said, and people are looking forward to full implementation of a more comprehensive two-year mission.

 

“Through it all, our message has been clear,” Groseth said. “This is more than a simple name change. It is about expanding the best two-year educational experience possible while keeping pace with an ever–changing landscape of local and regional employment needs.”

The Montana Board of Regents adopted new names for Montana’s colleges of technology in May and the different units have been working to incorporate the name and logos into the comprehensive nature of the two-year programs. In the Billings community, that entity is City College.

 

Since the spring, steps have been made to offer more classes in the evening to fit the needs of all learners (especially working adults) and to meet the demands of workforce training needs. An evening welding class was opened this fall and has been full.  In addition, the popular programs that have long been a part of the two-year college remain: nursing, paramedics, fire science, auto body, diesel, computer networking and process plant technology.

 

Groseth said previous good work at the COT positioned the university well for the transition. In the last 18 months alone, MSU Billings and City College have developed many successful opportunities for students and the community. They include:

  • Offering more evening classes to fit the needs of working students.
  • Expanded student service hours by opening “Jacket Student Central,” a one-stop-shop atmosphere for all student and community needs.
  • A unique partnership with the Parmly Billings Library.
  • Shuttle service for all students between both campuses.
  • An expanded Student Health Services relationship with St. Vincent Healthcare.
  • Increased access to academic support and tutoring.

Find out more about City College, its programs and mission, at citycollege.msubillings.edu.