friday takeout

January 10, 2020

CUPPA JOE | straight up news.

Happy NEW YEAR & WELCOME TO SPRING SEMESTER!

  • College and External Relations office produces "A Four-Year Degree Isn't Your Only Option" video to promote career and technical education for high school students and recent graduates ... video


  • East Penn values College's Sector Board role in Oelwein and workforce development ... news


  • Clayton County Success Coach, Sarah Beaman, coordinates mock interview event to introduce high school students to local employers and high-demand careers ... link

WEEKLY FEATURE | good to know.

Changes to be Implemented to FAFSA and Federal Student Aid Processes through FUTURE Act

On Dec. 19, 2019, President Trump signed the FUTURE Act that will make changes to the FASFA and federal student financial aid processes. Several changes of these changes include:


  • Permanent funding for historically-black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions
  • Easier processes for students and families to apply for federal financial aid and for student loan borrowers to access affordable student loan repayment options
  • Improvement of program integrity and reducing the administrative burden for students and families, schools and the federal government.


The Act allows the IRS to share taxpayer data directly with the US Department of Education to:


  • Streamline the FAFSA-filing process by allowing an applicant’s income data directly imported into the FASFA rather than requiring them to manually import the information in a cumbersome, multi-step process.
  • Reduce the need for FAFSA verification, an audit-like process that disproportionately impacts low-income students, and will significantly reduce improper payments.

In addition, the FUTURE Act lays the groundwork for future FAFSA streamlining and federal student financial aid improvements.

“There has really been a move toward simplification of the FAFSA, and the FUTURE Act is definitely going to be a help to students and staff. We’re excited to see these changes. I hope the federal government can implement the changes sooner, rather than later,” said Randy Mashek, NICC Director of Financial Aid. “Although, because we are already in the FAFSA cycle for the 2020-21 academic year, I anticipate that our students and staff will start to encounter the improvements next October for the 2021-2022 school year.”

PIES and BARS | sweet data.

The Northeast Iowa Community College Blue Book is Hot off the Press!

Welcome to the NICC Blue Book, your source for data and commonly sought-after institutional information! The Blue Book is published annually in January and provides the College community with a quick reference to student enrollment and financial aid data, retention and graduation rates, summary statistics for the NICC Foundation, Business and Community Solution enrollments and job training activity, concurrent student penetration, excellence awards and more! This is a valuable resource to access for graphs and statements that may be relevant for public presentations. We hope you find it useful and informative. If you need additional information or more detailed reports, you can find them through the Institutional Research link in MyCampus, or contact Lor Miller at ext. 1203.

JUST DESSERTS | let's celebrate.

Welcome World!

Jodi Troutman and her husband, Ty, welcomed a baby girl into the world on Dec. 12, Rylee Joe Troutman! Jodi is an Enrollment Advisor at Peosta. Congratulations to the Troutman family!

BIG FISH | be amazed.

Jodi Troutman

Enrollment Advisor | Peosta Campus


What gets you excited about the mission of Northeast Iowa Community College?

I grew up in Dubuque County and have always wanted to be a part of the community here. Providing in-demand education and improving the lives of those in my community always put NICC at the top of my list when looking for jobs.

Where do you find the greatest alignment between the College's Vision/Values and your own personal values and priorities?

My personal values of respect and resiliency align most with the College’s. I believe we have to have respect for every individual person, as we would want that in return. In order to build a strong community and support system, we have to respect one another and encourage differing opinions. Having resilience is important also because life can throw us curve balls, and we have to be able to adjust and move forward.

How did you learn how to ride a bike?

I was in our garage riding with my training wheels, but kept watching my older brother riding without them. I wanted to be able to keep up, so we took them off and I had success.

Who or what shapes your sense of humor?

My family and friends. I grew up with lots of laughter and jokes that always kept things interesting and could quickly turn a bad day around.

What is a guilty pleasure song that you listen to but don't openly admit (until now)?

It isn’t one song, but I will listen to Christmas music anytime of the year. It always has a way of instantly putting me in a good mood. Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas” or any Buck Owens Christmas songs would have to be my favorites!

If you have input on a upcoming feature, Big Fish, something to celebrate or a suggestion, email us at news@nicc.edu!