Campus News

Great Falls College designated a GEM school, forges bond with Community College of the Air Force

Great Falls College student Jesse Kuhn uses one of the Veterans Center study rooms at the college, which was just designated a GEM school, meaning U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard servicemembers can get their general education credits at the college.

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Great Falls College MSU was designated the first GEM school in the Montana University System, meaning U.S. Air Force and National Air Guard members can pursue their associate's degrees through the Community College of the Air Force by signing up for their general education classes at Great Falls College.

GEM, which stands for General Education Mobile, is a partnership between the Community College of the Air Force and civilian academic institutions such as Great Falls College that will allow participants to earn 15 of the 64 credits necessary to complete an associate's degree at Community College of the Air Force through Great Falls College.

"This new partnership with the Community College of the Air Force is fantastic because it offers a higher level of service to our military community by providing easy, online access to the block of general education courses enlisted personnel need for their associate degrees," said Shannon Marr, director of recruitment and enrollment at Great Falls College.

Those pursuing bachelor's degrees can transfer their Community College of the Air Force associate's degree toward a bachelor's degree.

All courses approved through GEM are available to students online so they can take the courses anytime and anywhere to reduce the educational impact of deployments, changes of station and family commitments.

The GEM program eases student course selection and registration through a single access point on the Air Force Virtual Education Center.

"Once a member selects Great Falls College as their chosen GEM partner school, the application and registration process is seamless," Marr said. "Plus, the services and resources we provide to all students are available face to face on our campus as well as online."

"This means so much to us at Great Falls College," said Dr. Susan J. Wolff, CEO/dean of Great Falls College. "The Air Force and Air National Guard have always been such strong supporters of our mission and contribute so much to the vibrancy of our campus and community, that it is a real treasure to be designated a GEM school to give back to our military members. This opportunity will help develop our service members personally and professionally and allow them to use their tuition assistance dollars locally."