As winter finishes, thoughts about the academic year approaches. Students looking at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) are no exception. Tri-C was founded in 1963 and has grown to four campuses and other locations, including the Brunswick University Center (BUC).
Brunswick University Center has existed since 2005, with its physical building opening in 2011. Since then, they have had over 19,000 students take at least one credit at the location. They offer a variety of courses, most in general education. But, these courses can go towards an Associate's or Bachelor's degree. Tri-C also offers Professional Development courses through its Corporate College programs.
"I am most proud of the opportunities the Brunswick location offers our community,” said Elizabeth Zeszotek, current BUC Interim Director. “Tri-C Brunswick offers College Credit Plus students the opportunity to knock out some courses before high school graduation."
"In addition, we offer courses that lead to both degrees and certificates here at Tri-C but also transfer on to our four-year partners,” said Elizabeth. “There are courses that those who are looking to re-career can take to help them forge a new path, and for those over 55 we offer virtual Encore (personal enrichment) courses for individuals with similar interests together and learn, without homework."
An interesting fact about BUC that Zeszotek shared was that “We are a satellite location of the Western Campus of Tri-C (in Parma, Ohio). So, students who come in and meet with counselors here at Brunswick or have a class here, who may eventually take a course or use a service (like counseling or transfer) over at Western Campus may come across some familiar faces as those who provide support here also provide that at the Western Campus."
To take classes at BUC, students can register online or in-person at any Tri-C Enrollment Center. While enrollment declined for community colleges across the country since the beginning of the pandemic, 2023 projections are optimistic, with Tri-C spring enrollment looking much stronger. “Enrollment at Brunswick is a little lower than we would like to see, but this past fall we had over 700 students enrolled and taking courses through the center. We are hopeful that we will have around that same number again for the spring semester,” Zeszotek said.
Of the extensive courses they offer, the science courses are always the most popular, most likely due to the state-of-the-art chemistry and biology labs they have at their facility and the hands-on nature of the classes.
Some may sometimes feel stressed about college and college preparations. But, Tri-C creates a fun, stress-free, and informative environment, made for student acceleration. When asked why it's important to invest in your future by exploring opportunities like College Credit Plus and college in general, Zeszotek commented, "Higher Education can provide you with amazing opportunities. Higher education can come in the form of a professional development class, a single course, workforce training (such as welding or truck driving), or a whole certificate or degree -- it is not one size fits all. College provides everyone the opportunity to learn, explore and find the career of their dreams."
Madelyn Ritter, Brunswick Middle School, is one of over fifty students “backpack journalists” (grades 6-12) in the award-winning BEAT Video Program. The program is sponsored by Scene75 (www.scene75.com), Plum Creek Assisted Living Community, Baskets Galore, Medina County Women’s Endowment Fund, Medina County Community Fund, Brunswick University Center, Brunswick Eagles 3505, 100+ Women Who Care Medina, and the Brunswick Rotary Club. Go to https://www.bcsoh.org/domain/1154 to learn more about the Program, or visit https://thebeat.viebit.com to view videos produced by the students.