Missouri Joins Program to Help Citizens Finish Their College Degrees
The state of Missouri is making an effort to help Missourians with some college experience finish their degrees. The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development was selected to join 20 other states to participate in the Degrees When Due program that endeavors to engage students who have pressed pause on finishing their degree.
Nineteen Missouri colleges and universities have joined the program that will give them access to a variety of resources to help identify students with credits and determine the most efficient pathway to graduation. The initiative works to build expertise, capacity, and infrastructure on campuses across the nation to get near-completers across the finish line. It will provide access to an interactive online tool and live coaching to guide staff through implementation of degree reclamation strategies; build and facilitate communities of practice among campus staff and state agencies; and perform important research into best practices for reengaging students.
Missouri currently has more than 75,000 individuals who have been identified as having at least two years of college credit, but no awarded degree. Participation in the Degrees When Due program is part of the state’s effort to see 60 percent of working-age adults with a high-quality certificate or degree by 2025.
The Missouri colleges and universities that have signed on to the program include: Avila University, Central Methodist University, Crowder College, East Central College, Harris-Stowe State University, Jefferson College, Lincoln University, Metropolitan Community College, Missouri Southern State University, Missouri State University-West Plains, Moberly Area Community College, Northwest Missouri State University, Southeast Missouri State University, St. Charles Community College, State Fair Community College, Three Rivers College, University of Central Missouri, University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Those interested in learning more about the program can visit the Degrees When Due website at degreeswhendue.com.
Capitol Restoration Update: For those that have visited the Missouri Capitol in the past months and observed the restoration projects underway, I am pleased to report that progress continues with the return of the main statue that sits on top of the Capitol. Named Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, the bronze statue was removed from the top of the Capitol in November 2018. During her restoration, Ceres underwent a laser cleaning treatment to safely remove contaminants, repair lightning strikes and preserve her natural color. She will be repositioned back on top of the Capitol the week of December 16. Although now lifted with a crane, originally the large statue was placed on top of the Capitol, more than 100 years ago, with a rope and pulley system tied to a tree on the property. For more information and pictures of the Capitol restoration projects, go to https://oa.mo.gov/.
Contact Representative Pike at Patricia.Pike@house.mo.gov or call 573-751-5388 with your comments and for assistance on state issues, resolutions, flags, and visits at the Capitol. Contact Legislative Assistant, Matt Glover, at Matthew.Glover@house.mo.gov. Our 126th District Office is open year-round at the Missouri Capitol Monday through Thursday – 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. in Room 404A.
