JJC Blog

As Graduation Day gets closer, we can only imagine the thoughts bubbling through your mind. It's normal to feel emotional - after all, you've come so far to get here. We hope you'll savor the moment when your name is called and you receive your diploma or certificate. 

A reminder that in order to maintain safety while celebrating our graduates, JJC is conducting two different commencement ceremonies, a drive-thru and virtual event, on May 21. 

Today's blog is about the emotions we're sure you'll be feeling on Graduation Day. Can you identify with any of them already?

Have you ever signed up for a gym membership, but your plans to use it flew out the window? 

While there are so many great benefits to joining a gym, consider JJC's Fitness Center instead - it may be a better fit for your busy lifestyle as a student. Take a look at five reasons why the Fitness Center (located on Main Campus, G-1018) is better than your average gym below.

Looking for something fun to do this fall? Take a non-credit class at JJC! JJC's continuing education courses are fun and interest-based, meant more for enjoyment than a grade. These classes, which are open to both students and community members, cover a wide range of topics which include local history, cooking, music, crafts and more. They are offered every semester.

Take a look at our list of 10 "just-for-fun" fall classes below, or browse the catalog yourself.

Visit jjc.edu/LLC to learn more.

With the start of a new school year comes the opportunity for a new beginning. Are you ready for a new, transformative year?

Take a look at a few tips below to see how you can make this your best year yet!

By choosing to go to college, you're more likely to land a job, get paid a higher salary and even live a happier, healthier life!

Sounds amazing, right? But that's not all! Did you know that college gives you perks even before you graduate? Read below to learn seven ways college is different from high school (and why that's a good thing).

Are you undecided? You're not alone! Between 20-50 percent of college students across the country are stressing over the same question: what should I major in? 

Being undecided isn't a bad thing. In fact, some studies (like this one from InsideHigherEd) suggest that those who wait to declare a major are more likely to graduate than those who declare majors right away. 

So, if you're undecided, don't stress! Instead, take a look at the tips we outline below - and perhaps as you work on your general education requirements this year, your decision will become clear.

Did you know that JJC offers more and more online classes every year? This fall, there will be 350+ online class choices available in almost every area of study. Thinking about taking all your classes online? JJC offers multiple degree and certificate options where you can do just that! Read below to learn why going to college online is a smart idea and how you can get started at JJC. 

Not sure how you feel about online classes? Check out this blog to learn five amazing benefits.

Fall semester begins Aug. 19, with flex start options in September and October. Apply now.

Want to get into the workforce quickly?

JJC offers a number of for-credit certificates (check out our list of 15 JJC certificates you can earn in one year or less) that will help get you into the workforce fast, but for some careers, there may be an even quicker option. Below, we list five non-credit certificates, offered through JJC's Corporate & Community Services Department, that provide you with job-ready skills and a training credential.

Even though these classes do not provide credit toward a degree program, you can promote them on your resume to help you land a job. In most cases, these classes will provide the training you need to qualify to take certification exams. 

Non-Credit Programs vs For-Credit Programs
Non-credit programs are short-term (typically lasting one semester or less) and provide job-ready skills. They do not count toward a college degree or college certificate. For-credit programs are more traditional and count toward a college degree or college certificate. 

Questions about these programs or others not listed here? Contact Training Coordinator Chris Lester at dlester@jjc.edu or call (815) 280-1423. You can also visit trainingupdate.org.

With only one more summer session left (beginning July 1), students who want to take JJC classes should sign up ASAP. Taking summer classes is the smartest thing you can do in college - so whether you are a JJC student, home from your four-year university or an adult interested in going back to school, take advantage of this opportunity while you still can!

Not sure which classes to take? Below, we list five of the best gen eds you can sign up for during this final summer session.

Summer Session III: July 1 to Aug. 8 (six weeks)
Register: Visit my.jjc.edu.
Apply: Visit jjc.edu/form/jjc-application.

Disclaimer: While the list below includes general education classes that are required for many degree and certificate programs, we recommend that you double check to see if you need to take each class before signing up. 

A group of JJC students traveled to Costa Rica for their honors environmental biology class last semester. JJC Natural Sciences Professor Cheryl Heeneman and Honors Coordinator Al Golden traveled with them.  

Take a look at the beautiful photos they took and read about their experiences below.