This fall Southwestern Michigan College students enrolled at the college’s Niles Campus will have options that include choosing a class schedule that fits around their life, and concentrated programs that allow students to complete an Associate in Arts or Associate in Applied Science in Business degree at one campus.

“Our Niles Campus has a little different packaging,” said Dr. Stacy Horner, dean of the Niles Campus and the college’s School of Business. “We’ve grouped classes together for the convenience of students who may have school-aged children and adults who are working but want to earn a degree.”

In addition to the two-year degrees offered at the Niles Campus, there will be pre-nursing classes and an expanded class schedule offering classes for full-time day students and part-time evening students, Horner said.

“While students can enroll full-time for two years at the Niles Campus and earn an associate degree, part-time students will take a little longer but they still will be able to earn an associate degree,” Horner said.

The Niles Campus is undergoing a $3 million renovation project that began in May. This fall students will have a new Student Service Center, where they can apply for admission, register for classes, and talk with advisors about classes and financial aid.

A commons area will offer easy access for student and faculty meetings, as well as an expanded vending space for eating on campus.

“Our new Scale-UP science lab will especially be appealing for those students going in to nursing,” said Horner. “The pre-nursing classes offered will allow students to complete the courses in about a year and a half. Students would then apply to the nursing program and finish their degree at our Dowagiac campus.”

Niles Campus will continue to offer Testing Center services and the Learning Center, where free tutoring service is available. The college’s M-TEC Building, located on the Niles Campus, offers two-year technology degrees including mechatronics and precision machining, as well as a certificate in welding.

“We are very convenient for those living in not only Southwest Michigan, but also those from the Elkhart, Granger, Mishawaka/South Bend areas,” Dr. Horner said. “And we have convenient, free parking.”

The college is hosting an open house at the Niles Campus from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10. Admissions advisors will be on hand to help with applying for admission, registering for fall classes, and filling out financial aid forms. The Testing Center will be open for students who may need to take placement tests, and faculty will be available to talk about the different programs.

Prospective students are encouraged to bring their family as there will be free food, a zipline, face painting and balloons for the kids.

For more information or to register for fall classes, call 800-456-8675, ext. 4811.