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Learning, of course, is the goal of any college experience. Part of that education means familiarizing yourself with some unfamiliar terms. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

As part of an occasional series, we’ll explain phrases, lingo or topics to add to your college vocabulary. We call it “Say What?” If there’s a topic you’d like to see covered, please send suggestions to [email protected]. 

Today we’ll learn about the Schoolcraft College International Institute, or SCII.

Why do we have it?

Developing a global perspective with understanding and appreciation of the diversities and commonalities among world cultures is more important than ever. A key resource to help develop that perspective and understanding is the Schoolcraft College International Institute. This organization serves as the umbrella for several initiatives at the College, including a variety of events; a publication, “International Agenda”; and academic opportunities.

Schoolcraft College students, employees and community members all are invited to take advantage of the many offerings.

“It is important to promote International and Intercultural education more than ever,” said Professor Kimberly Lark, who is Co-Chair of the International Institute along with Professor Helen Ditouras. “In a highly connected globe, we interact with varying cultures and nationalities on a daily basis. Increased cultural and social awareness makes for better citizens, better employees and a more well-rounded person.”

The roots of the International Institute go back more than 25 years. This longevity, combined with the high caliber of the events and the support from the College and the community, means the SCII is a vital, thriving and important organization.

“Today the SCII is a bottom-up, grass-roots organization drawing on faculty and staff from a wide variety of disciplines and departments across campus,” Professor Ditouras said. 

What are some of the events?

Perhaps the best-known event within the International Institute umbrella is the Focus Series, which began in January 2004 to provide a campus-wide focus on one cultural region of the world or global theme. The Focus Series features films, presentations, displays and performances, allowing students and community members to explore the culture, politics, economics and history of the featured region and its relation to the rest of the world.

International Institute

This year’s theme is “Human Rights Around the Globe.” All events are free and open to the public on Zoom. View the upcoming schedule. 

“The International Institute has cultivated relationships with academic partners from a variety of institutions, including Wayne State University, Michigan State, and University of Michigan,” said Professor Ditouras, who also serves as the Focus Series Coordinator. “In addition, our longstanding partnership with the Midwest Institute for International Intercultural Education has provided us a pool of stellar scholars that we have been fortunate to invite over time.”

Other events include the Multicultural Fair, usually held in the spring, GlobalEYEzers and Global Roundtables.

“The first Multicultural Fair debuted in 2001 under the co-sponsorship of the SCII and the Learning Assistance Center – it now welcomes 3000 ‘travelers’ each year,” Professor Josselyn Moore, former Chair of the International Institute, said. “This is free and open to the public, and historically has attracted quite a large number of attendees.”

GlobalEYEzers and Global Roundtables provide opportunities throughout the year for informal discussion of a variety of topics related to living and learning in a global society. The GlobalEYEzers Coordinators are Dr. Anna Maheshwari and Professor Moore.

What else is there?

The “International Agenda” is the official newsletter of the Schoolcraft College International Institute and is delivered electronically throughout the year. It contains information about events around campus, profiles of students, faculty, staff and community members and short articles about relevant international and intercultural topics. 

“International Agenda” is emailed to all Schoolcraft College faculty and staff. It is also available to non-Schoolcraft-affiliated individuals by emailing Professor Colleen Pilgrim, who serves as Editor.

Global Endorsements for students and faculty

Schoolcraft College students have the opportunity to build their international resume by earning a Global Endorsement as part of their degree. This program, overseen by the International Institute, requires participating students to complete a minimum of 15 credit hours of classes designated as International and taken Fall 2006 or after. Such classes, which are identified in the class schedule every semester, contain at least two weeks of global or multicultural content. 

There are 85 different classes across 22 academic disciplines making it easy for students to find courses that meet degree requirements and contribute to the Endorsement. The Global Endorsement is an attractive option for students pursuing any of a variety of programs.

Faculty interested in teaching a Globally Endorsed class can contact any member of the International Institute leadership team for more information and assistance.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Schoolcraft College International institute can attend a meeting or email International Institute directly at [email protected]. 

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Nursing students were the latest to benefit from interactive event

Being smart and talented used to be enough in business. In today’s climate, defined by round-the-clock challenges, multicultural workplaces and team members who might be located off-site or even around the world, those qualities are just the start, the bare minimum.

In addition to the academic rigor and hands-on training that community colleges excel at, companies today are hungry for entry-level employees who possess the critical skills to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure global business environment.

Students attentive in a classroom setting
Nursing students engage during a Reality Ready® symposium.

Schoolcraft College proactively worked with dozens of area businesses, many of which have global reach, to develop curriculum that addressed this glaring and growing need.

The result: Reality Ready®, an initiative that helps Schoolcraft students win in the workforce. Through an intensive, interactive all-day program, students come away equipped with intellectual and behavioral skills that result in well-rounded individuals who employers are seeking.

The College continues to make Reality Ready® available to more Schoolcraft College students. During the week of October 4, students from the College’s acclaimed Nursing program attended symposiums. Dr. Debra Amaro, Nurse Educator, served as Facilitator.

“The presentation helped with learning new ways of communicating and reflecting on yourself before you communicate with others,” said student Latesia Anderson-Wigner, who has a goal of being a nurse in the field of mental health. “In my area of nursing, my patients can be difficult and angry for reasons outside themselves, so what I’ve learned will help me navigate those situations.”

Reality Ready® boosts proficiency in four key areas:

  • Emotional Intelligence: IQ isn’t the only thing candidates get assessed by in the real world – EI is equally important. EI demonstrates the capacity to be aware of, control and express one’s emotions and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.  
  • Conflict Resolution: An informal or formal process that two or more parties use to find a peaceful solution to their dispute through key points of negotiation arbitration and conflict avoidance.
  • Professional and Personal Communication: The oral, written, visual and digital forms of receiving and delivering information in the context of a workplace as well as personally. Acquiring nonverbal communication skills and the ability to have clear and concise conversations.
  • Networking and Professionalism: The cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business. In addition, exhibiting characteristics that can apply to virtually any type of business, including exuding competency, reliability, proper appearance any other qualities.

“The presentation helped with learning new ways of communicating and reflecting on yourself before you communicate with others.” 

Schoolcraft College student Latesia Anderson-Wigner

Building on Core Abilities

The areas presented in Reality Ready® mirror and build upon the eight Core Abilities established by Schoolcraft College. The Core Abilities are broad outcomes or skills that every graduate of Schoolcraft College is expected to achieve. From a practical standpoint, these universal skills are transferable from one job to the next. 

Here’s how Reality Ready® modules connect to Core Abilities:

  • Emotional Intelligence connects to Social and Cultural Awareness
  • Conflict Resolution connects to Act Responsibly
  • Professional and Personal Communication connects to Communicate Effectively
  • Networking and Professionalism connects to Manage Information

How Reality Ready® works: Putting theory into practice

Schoolcraft College has addressed the need for an engaging and practical training event for students of the college by creating a one-day symposium led by a dynamic, diverse group of professionals. This approach will create an environment for attendees to attain some sensible “real world” skills that will benefit them in the workplace and provide confidence as they pursue the next chapter in their lives – obtaining a job, getting accepted into a four-year institution, being selected for an important internship and more.

An interactive environment of table teams drives much of the learning. This approach allows a more tailored effect for the students in how they learn because each table had a 1:5 ratio. In real time, the table coach assessed if the students understood the content, provided clarity and coached them how to apply the skills. 

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The hymn includes the College motto: Semper Altius Aspice (“Look Ever Upward”)

Did you know Schoolcraft College has its own Hymn? Composed by Wayne Dunlap with lyrics by Ralph Kelley, it was first performed on April 25, 1965, at the campus dedication Service by the College Choir.

Headshots of Wayne Dunlap and Ralph Kelley
The Schoolcraft College Hymn was composed by Wayne Dunlap (left) with lyrics by Ralph Kelley

The words are:

All Hail to thee, Oh Gold and Blue;
We lift our voices in praise of thee.
Semper altius aspice. 
May knowledge, hope and vision here begin.

Semper Altius Aspice is the College motto and means “Look Ever Upward.”

In the spring of 1964, Dunlap had been hired by Schoolcraft College. The following passage is from “Reaching Out … A History of Schoolcraft College” by Samuel Hudson.

Wayne Dunlap, well-known director of music in the Plymouth-Canton school system, was appointed to head the college’s music department. A graduate of Texas Christian University, and holder of a master’s degree from the Eastman School of Music, Dunlap was then conductor of the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra, and had served as conductor of the Grosse Pointe Symphony, the West Shore Symphony, and the South Oakland Symphony orchestras.

Dr. Frederick Moss playing guitar
Dr. Frederick Moss, Department Representative for Music, performs the Schoolcraft College Hymn

Dunlap served Schoolcraft College until 1971, when he resigned as Director of Fine Arts. He was conductor of the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra, now known as the Michigan Philharmonic, from 1951-1979 – the longest run in that group’s history.

The Schoolcraft College Hymn also was performed at the 50th Gala in 2001. 

Dr. Frederick Moss, Department Representative for Music, graciously lent his time and talent to the following performance of the Schoolcraft College Hymn, which can be viewed here.

If you have any information regarding the Schoolcraft College Hymn, please send an email to [email protected]

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Program is October 28 at the Manufacturing & Engineering Center

Schoolcraft College invites area business to an Apprenticeship Information Session from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 28, at the Manufacturing & Engineering Center.

An apprenticeship program is an excellent way for businesses to ensure a pipeline of right-skilled workers to remain competitive in their industry. Subjects to be covered include understanding program benefits; the registration process; key resources, including current employer financial incentives; and next steps to develop a customized program.

Attendees will hear from the Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship representative as well as workforce partners.

Overall, attendees will learn:

  • Process overview: How Registered Apprenticeship works
  • Benefits: Why Registered Apprenticeship works
  • Knowledge: Resources and contact information to jump start program development
  • Details: Current employer funding opportunities of up to $1,000 per apprentice.
A student working on plexiglass
Schoolcraft College student Logan Leinbach is the first Woodwork Manufacturing Specialist apprentice. The College and Leinbach’s employer, Burke Architectural Millwork, helped develop the apprenticeship for the Department of Labor.

Space is limited. Please contact Pamela Linton, Apprenticeship Coordinator for Schoolcraft College, by email at [email protected] or by phone at 734-462-7372 by Thursday, October 21, to reserve your spot. Breakfast will be provided.

The Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC), 13001 Merriman Road in Livonia, is the home of Schoolcraft College’s engineering and technology programs. Opened in the fall of 2020, the 48,000-square-foot facility more than doubled the space for occupational programs, including:

  • Biomedical Engineering Technology
  • Computer Aided Design (CAD)
  • Engineering Technology
  • Electronics
  • Manufacturing Technology/CNC (Computer Numerical Control)
  • Mechatronics
  • Metallurgy and Materials Science
  • Plastic Technology
  • Welding

MEC also houses a 3D printing lab and robotics lab.

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Information sessions will be held this week and next

Schoolcraft College students who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree should consider applying for the 2022 Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. This is the largest undergraduate, private scholarship in the United States, and worth up to $55,000 per year. Funds can be used for tuition, books and other fees and expenses at any accredited four-year institution.

“The selection process for these awards is rigorous and highly competitive, with approximately 50 scholarships awarded each year out of thousands of applicants,” said Dr. Laurie Kattuah-Snyder, Chief Student Services Officer. “Schoolcraft College, however, has had six Jack Kent Cooke Scholars over the past few years, so we definitely encourage our students who plan to transfer to a four-year school to apply.”

“Schoolcraft College has had six Jack Kent Cooke Scholars over the past few years, so we definitely encourage our students who plan to transfer to a four-year school to apply.”

Dr. Laurie Kattuah-Snyder, Chief Student Services Officer

Minimum qualifications

Applicants must meet all of these qualifications:

  • Be a current student at an accredited U.S. community college with sophomore status as of January 1, 2022, or a recent graduate (since spring 2017)
  • Plan to enroll in a full-time baccalaureate program at an accredited college or university in the fall of 2022
  • Have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent)
  • Demonstrate unmet financial need. They will consider applicants with a maximum annual gross income of $95,000.  
  • No previous enrollment or attendance at a four-year institution.  
Five people standing in a row with a banner that reads "Jack Kent Cooke Foundation"
Funds can be used for tuition, books and other fees and expenses at any accredited four-year institution.

A review panel of distinguished college faculty and staff judge the applicants using criteria that includes:

  • Achievement and academic ability
  • Financial need
  • Persistence
  • Leadership
  • Service to others

Students can take advantage of information sessions to help prepare their applications. The dates, times and locations are: 

  • Wednesday, October 13, 5:00 p.m., Liberal Arts 500
  • Tuesday, Oct. 19, noon, McDowell 100

Other resources

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She looks to build upon a well-respected and important department at the College

Today for Staff Spotlight we’re sitting down with Lori Timmis, who recently joined Schoolcraft College as Dean of Distance Learning. Lori comes to us from Siena Heights University in Adrian, where she served for nearly 20 years in a variety of roles.

Schoolcraft College: First of all, welcome to Schoolcraft College! We’re happy to have you here. How have things been going so far?

Lori Timmis: Thank you for the warm welcome! I’m happy to join the creative and hardworking Distance Learning team and work with Schoolcraft’s dedicated faculty, staff, administrators and other key stakeholders. Since starting my position in mid-August, Schoolcraft employees continue to enthusiastically welcome me to the college. I appreciate becoming acquainted with faculty and staff across departments, many of whom maintain longstanding service to the college, understanding their important roles and the common threads we share in our higher education careers. The Schoolcraft community integrates daily the college mission in fostering a transformative learning experience for students. Likewise, Schoolcraft students reflect distinct generations with unique, evolving needs, representing first-generation students and returning students. 

During this time, I continue to gain knowledge of people, systems, processes, and initiatives to inform intentional and thoughtful planning for continued distance learning program growth.

Schoolcraft College: How did you get involved in higher education and why did you decide to pursue a career in higher education, specifically with a focus on Distance Learning?

A portrait of Lori Timmis
Lori Timmis, Dean of Distance Learning

Lori Timmis: A favorite quote, by Ralph Waldo Emerson, reflects my higher education journey: “Do not go where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail.” My journey comprises winding paths that, simultaneously, situated my commitment to serve in higher education and distance learning. 

As a first-generation college graduate, I achieved my associate degree while a full-time student and working adult. Consequently, this progressed my interest to serve in higher education. I transferred to a bachelor degree completion program at Cleary University. This was my first exposure to distance learning through a hybrid cohort model, a setting I thrived in and one that propelled my passion for distance learning. Upon graduation, I started my higher ed career at Siena Heights University. 

My nearly 20-year career at Siena brought encounters to build and sustain quality online and hybrid learning initiatives. I completed my master’s degree with a thesis focus on developing a blended online program that I applied directly to my work. I served as the founding director of the university’s distance learning programs, as an online adjunct instructor and developer, and in various leadership roles with oversight of distance learning initiatives. Within these roles, I collaborated closely with faculty and staff peers. At the core, our professions reflect cultivating engagement with others, and our efforts to deliver quality online learning largely derive from shared collaboration.

Schoolcraft College: Is there anything in particular that appealed to you to pursue the Dean of Distance Learning position here?

Lori Timmis: Yes. Several aspects spoke to me in applying for the Dean of Distance Learning position at Schoolcraft. It would allow me to come full circle honoring my educational roots, as a community college graduate, and serve at a well-regarded community college. Likewise, I could serve in a successive leadership role to champion, in partnership, a continued vision of flexible learning experiences delivered through adaptable modalities, distinct services and resources, and emerging instructional models. 

My research and progressing through the interview process highlighted the college’s longevity, over a multi-decade period, with and commitment to quality distance learning for students, embraced by dedicated faculty and staff. These and other unique aspects highlighted an exceptional opportunity to me and why Schoolcraft holds a respected position as a forward-thinking institution in the community, state, and nationally. 

“No longer is distance learning an ‘alternative’ model, but part of a flexible and transformative learning experience.”

Lori Timmis, Dean of Distance Learning

Schoolcraft College: The importance of having a strong Distance Learning department has been magnified by the pandemic. What are your goals for Distance Learning both in the near future and long term?

Lori Timmis: Schoolcraft’s Distance Learning Programs maintain a distinct history over the last several decades with a growing portfolio of online degrees, certificates, and courses. The infrastructure encompasses a conscientious quality assurance framework for online course design and delivery. This foundation and the efforts of the Schoolcraft distance learning team, faculty, and staff allowed Schoolcraft to quickly respond to the shift in remote and online learning in the pandemic’s onset. Nevertheless, the pandemic continues to uncover additional needs and provide lessons to move us forward, which requires research, planning, and implementation. 

Short-term, I seek to build internal cross-departmental and program alliances and external alliances to support student and institutional success. It takes an extensive base to coordinate quality-driven instruction, student learning and student success, and faculty support and development. Likewise, I plan to incorporate evidence-based decision making from institutional and other scholarly data to drive long-term DL strategic planning. Distance Learning also will embark on numerous goals this academic year including a phased-shift to BB Ultra, new and revised RTT courses including SC’s Professional Development Series, and continued adoption of OER, accessibility, and inclusive practices and strategies. These short-term goals will springboard in creating a shared purpose and vision for distance learning in concert with SC Momentum 2021.

Faculty responded to massive change in a short time during the pandemic. Looking ahead, new and evolving technologies and their associated pedagogies will necessitate ongoing faculty support and development. Faculty, as subject matter experts, work closely with our instructional designers and course managers to develop and teach high-quality online courses. Distance Learning will continue to support faculty, in collaboration with the Center for Academic Innovation, with relevant instructional professional development and recertification pathways to inspire interactive and authentic distance learning design and delivery.

As national trends continue to show, students desire more flexible options through online, hybrid, and remote modalities, and Schoolcraft is positioned to respond with additional programs, courses, instructional models, and modalities. We also must stay well informed of the evolving landscape including trends, research, regulations, technologies, and competition. Correspondingly, the pandemic identified gaps and needs for students that we will continue to examine to support effective and engaging student learning, one that promotes comprehensive interaction and active learning. This requires long-term agility in designing accessible, equitable, and innovative approaches.

Distance learning can offer more students access to higher education to boost their professional and personal endeavors. No longer is distance learning an “alternative” model, but part of a flexible and transformative learning experience. This coupled with a robust community college education, such as through Schoolcraft’s comprehensive academic portfolio, brings opportunities for future unique learning and workforce contributions.

Schoolcraft College: You are currently pursuing your doctorate in Global Leadership and Change from Tiffin University. How is that coming along?

Lori Timmis: Thank you for asking. I’m halfway through my coursework in Tiffin’s Ph.D. program. The program format encompasses rigorous 7-week online courses, three residencies, and a dissertation with a curricular emphasis on global leadership and change and cultural awareness competencies. Today’s workforce environment incorporates cross-cultural characteristics. While our work may bring a local, physical context, our professions should espouse a global mindset, which celebrates a rich cultural diversity that contributes to successful work.

As a working adult student, the online program accommodates the needs of my schedule. I value the flexibility coupled with the faculty and student engagement in the program to build active learning communities. We can deliver this in any modality with thoughtful planning and humanized pedagogy. My online student experience strengthens purpose in creating a collaborative infrastructure that meets the needs and capabilities of our students, develops active and meaningful learning, and advances professional development for our faculty and staff.

Schoolcraft College: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Lori Timmis: I look forward to continued interactions, idea sharing, and collaboration with the Schoolcraft Community. I’m excited to build connections with the community to champion a vibrant future for online teaching and learning at Schoolcraft College.

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Student Athlete Support System (SASS) helps them stay on track

Attending classes, studying and completing assignments while life’s demands chew up precious time: It’s the plate-spinning act most college students face on a daily basis. For those who participate in sports, with the additional time commitment due to practices, games and travel, sometimes a plate or two crashes to the floor.

Schoolcraft College’s Student Athlete Support System, or SASS, can help pick up the pieces. This program, one of the most comprehensive among community colleges, serves as both a checkpoint and a way to get students back on track.

Dr. Michael Oliver, now Associate Dean of Career Services, helped form SASS in 1997 to help student-athletes succeed.

“Many student athletes struggled academically due to the demands of their sport, demands on their time and their academic load,” he said. “Therefore, to help student athletes be successful academically and graduate with a degree, certificate or successfully transfer, Schoolcraft took ownership and proactively developed a comprehensive academic support program aimed at holding student-athletes accountable for their academics and at the same time provide them with the support needed for them to be successful academically while recognizing the importance of their sport.”

“I work with the student to find out what they need help with. Do they need tutoring? An academic coach?”

Amy Proctor, SASS Coordinator

Amy Proctor is the SASS Coordinator. Essentially, she’s the liaison among instructors, coaches, the athletic director and, of course, the students. Faculty report to her six times a semester (about every two weeks) on the following:

  • Attendance
  • Passing
  • Borderline
  • Failing

“SASS is here to help student-athletes academically,” Proctor said.  “If a student is on the SASS report, coaches, the AD and the student are notified.”

From there, the focus is on finding the root cause of the issue and tailoring an individual solution.

“I work with the student to find out what they need help with,” Proctor said. “Do they need tutoring? An academic coach?”

Dedicated SASS Coordinator

Proctor is well-qualified for this role. As a former standout swimmer in both high school and college, she knows first-hand the challenges of balancing academics and athletics. Further, she adds 23 years’ experience as a counselor at Farmington Hills Harrison High School, where her responsibilities including helping prospective student-athletes stay on track for NCAA and NAIA eligibility.

Proctor generally works to help students improve in five key areas:

  • Time management
  • Textbook reading
  • Memory
  • Note-taking
  • Test taking

“We’re committed to helping the students stay on track to get their associate’s degree,” Proctor said. “Generally speaking, if they hit their deadlines, they’ll be OK.”

Proctor started in the role part-time in March of 2019 ahead of the closure of Farmington Hills Harrison that June.

“I love working with students – I always have,” she said. “Harrison was very special to me, but this has been a perfect fit and is very rewarding.”

Dedicated space in the Physical Education building is available to help student-athletes with their studies.

Recognizing that students arrive from different academic backgrounds and had different resources, Proctor has implemented some technology-based solutions to aid in success.

“You have to meet the students where they’re at, which is on their phone,” she said. “All of the student-athletes are on the Remind app, so for example I’ll text them about JumpStart! sessions or remind them about class registration. Just making sure they’re taking care of the things they need to take care of.”

Office Hours

Proctor’s office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesday as well as 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students also can scan a QR code at the door of her office in the Physical Education Building to make an appointment.

Throughout the year, Schoolcraft College has about 200 student-athletes on 11 teams. From that, Proctor estimates she sees less than one-fourth of that total.

“Most have the ‘student’ part down really well,” Proctor said. “We want everyone to stay on track, so we’re here to assist those who need a little help now and then.”

Inclusiveness is a key part of SASS as well.

“The SASS program continues to evolve,” Oliver said. “With the addition of academic success coaches through Learning Support Services, student-athletes are provided more in-depth academic support.

“Furthermore, Schoolcraft was proactive in addressing the needs of our athletes with disabilities and worked with the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) on allowing for a reduced academic load for our student-athletes with a documented disability so they are able to compete as a student-athlete.”

To help positively reinforce academic excellence, SASS and the Department of Athletics has begun recognizing student-athletes of the month and also held a drive-through student-athlete academic honors celebration in July.

In addition, Schoolcraft College was named the 2020-21 National Junior College Athletic Association Academic Team of the Year in Women’s Bowling for achieving the highest grade point average in their sport. As a team, Schoolcraft compiled a 3.59 GPA.

Visit the SASS web page for more information.

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Dr. Steven L. Berg wrote “Promoting Student Transformation at the Community College”

Dr. Steven L. Berg, Professor of English and History, recently saw his book, “Promoting Student Transformation at the Community College” released through Amazon in two paperback editions, color and black-and-white. This work was originally published in February 2020 as an Open Educational Resource (OER). 

OERs, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), “are teaching, learning and research materials in any medium – digital or otherwise – that reside in the public domain or have been released under an open license that permits no-cost access, use, adaptation and redistribution by others with no or limited restrictions.”

Dr. Berg, who also serves as the Faculty Representative for the History Department, graciously provided the following responses about his book in this Q&A:

Q: What prompted you to write this book, who is the intended audience, and how long did it take? 

Dr. Berg: I have been regularly writing about teaching and learning for many years before HASTAC (my publisher) asked that I compile the 40 essays that appear in the book. 

Author holding up his book smiling
Dr. Steven L. Berg’s “Promoting Student Transformation at the Community College” was originally published in February 2020 as an Open Educational Resource (OER).

Although the title of the book focuses on community college faculty, the concepts in the book apply to university faculty as well. And while the focus is on teaching, the ideas presented are applicable to administrators and staff as well.

Q: Can you give us a bit of insight into your creative process in terms of completing this book?

Dr. Berg: My writing tends to be very personal and immediate. Essays are inspired by lived experience which includes voluminous reading about high impact teaching. However, I approach my writing through the lens of compassion and an understanding that truth is found in the “middle way” and not on the extremes.

Q: What chapter(s) have the most meaning to you personally and why?

Dr. Berg: From a pragmatic point of view, my answer has to be the “Tips and Tricks” section that ends each chapter. These bullet pointed lists provide the main points raised in the chapter. They allow the reader to get a summary of the book without having to read every essay. However, as the author, I particularly enjoy the chapter on Compassion, a word that is often bantered about but is highly misunderstood.

Q: This work was first released in February 2020 as an Open Educational Resource, or OER. Please tell us about the significance of that approach and also about printing the paperback editions through Amazon at cost.

Dr. Berg: My publisher and I are both advocates of Open Educational Resources so the book was originally made available through the City University of New York’s website for free. Although we could not offer paperback editions for free, we wanted to maintain the spirit of OERs by selling the book at the cost of production. Neither my publisher nor I get any royalties from the book. Amazon publishing is a convenient way to manage this book because they do print-on-demand and take care of shipping. 

Q: It’s also worth noting that your work was first published just as the effects of COVID-19 pandemic were starting to be fully felt. If you were to write a sequel, what would you include in terms of your teaching experience over the past 18 months?

Dr. Berg: Although there would be some different examples used, the book is a post-pandemic text written before the pandemic. As the pandemic forced faculty, administrators, and staff to confront “new” pedagogical issues, what they discovered about good teaching is something that we have known for years. Although the high impact teaching described in the book are being discussed more widely as a result of the pandemic, they are the same practices discussed in my book.

The online version of Dr. Berg’s book is available.

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Information about Dual Enrollment and paying for college also will be available

Schoolcraft College will host a virtual College Night from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 5. College Night is an opportunity for high school students and their families to meet with representatives from a wide range of colleges and universities to explore options available after high school graduation.

Hands using a laptop to explore the Schoolcraft College website
Please see helpful information in the story to register and to optimize your College Night experience.

Visit the College Night web page for information or to register. After you register, you will receive an access link for this virtual event. You can use this link ahead of time to view the college and universities that will be attending. 

Once registered, on October 5 between 6 and 8 p.m., you will have access to links to the participating schools so you will be able to speak to college representatives. In addition, we will have information available about Dual Enrollment and paying for college.

Things to do before College Night:

  • Update your Chrome browser for the best experience.
  • Consider using headphones to minimize echoing, especially if you are using a microphone.
  • Make a list of questions. This is your chance to learn more about the schools and what steps you need to take to attend.
  • Think about what schools you want to chat with. Even if you have a dream school, you might find another school that also appeals to you.

If you can’t join at 6 p.m., log in when you can. Help will be available to direct attendees.

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Dinner, music and more part of Hindu festival

Schoolcraft College’s Asian Students Association will present Navratri Garba on Friday, October 1, from 7 p.m. to midnight in the VisTaTech Center. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Children 5 and younger are free.

Navratri is a Hindu festival that takes place over nine nights. The word “Navratri” is a conjunction of the two words “nava” (meaning “nine”) and “ratri” (meaning “night”). This festival is devoted to the Mother Goddess known variously as Durga, Kali, Bhavani, Amba, and Chandika.

A group of people dancing in a circle holding hands
Garba and Dandiya Raas are two of the popular dance forms.

Garba is one of the dance forms. Dandiya Raas, from the state of Gujarat, is a popular dance form as well.

Navratri customs include:

  • During the nine days of Navratri, feasting and fasting take precedence over all normal daily activities among Hindu people. 
  • Evenings give rise to the religious dances in order to worship Goddess Durga Maa.
  • Mother Goddess is seen as personification of strength, courage, knowledge, wealth, art, fertility and love.
  • Water, mango leaves, rice, coconut, betel leaves, haldi, kumkum and ritual fire (aarti) all help celebrate the supreme mother and her divinity.
Three women and a baby standing and smiling for the camera
All are welcome at Navratri Garba.

You can purchase advance tickets for Navratri Garba from:

  • Schoolcraft College Student Activities Office (lower level of VisTaTech Center)
  • Call 734-462-4422

OR

  • Taj Cottage
  • 8429 Grand River Ave, Farmington Hills, 48335
  • Call Rachna Chandra, 734-620-4933

The ticket includes an Indian dinner catered by The Taste of India Suvai and live music. Indian clothes and jewelry will be available for purchase as well. 

All proceeds will go toward the Schoolcraft Student Food Pantry, a program that is dedicated to providing non-perishable food items to students and their families who are impacted by financial hardship.

Our thanks to Dr. Anna Maheshwari, Chair of the English Department, for her assistance with this story.

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Another strong showing in U.S. Open Beer Championships

Schoolcraft College, home of the acclaimed Brewing and Distillation Technology program, recently won a total of five medals in two prestigious competitions, underscoring the excellence of its instructors and students.

Four beers, all different types
Schoolcraft College students in the Brewing and Distillation Technology program learn to create a variety of craft beers.

Specifically, Schoolcraft College won a gold medal in the 2021 U.S. Open Beer Championships and two gold medals and two bronze medals in the 2021 U.S. Open College Beer Championships. 

The U.S. Open Beer Championships judges more beer styles than any other competition in the world, with more than 8,000 beers representing over 140 different styles vying for prizes. Schoolcraft’s gold medal came in Australian-Style Pale Ale for its College Pale Ale. The College has won 32 medals in competition since 2017, including a silver and a bronze in the 2020 U.S. Open Beer Championships.

Brewed with pale malts and Australian Galaxy hops, the College Pale Ale has aromas of crackery malt and tropical fruit with moderate bitterness.

“The U.S. Open Beer Championships is always one of the most competitive events we enter.”

Thomas Block, Director of the Brewing and Distillation Technology program.
Schoolcraft College’s Brewing and Distillation Technology program combines state-of-the-art equipment with experienced faculty with a combined over 100 years’ experience in the craft beer industry.

“The U.S. Open Beer Championships is always one of the most competitive events we enter,” said Thomas Block, Director of the Brewing and Distillation Technology program. “With around 40 beers in each style category, it’s a tremendous honor when one of our beers earns a medal – especially a gold medal.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, judging was held in both the U.S. and Canada. Judging is blind, with judges knowing only the categories, but not the names or locations, of beers.

U.S. Open College Beer Championships

Schoolcraft College finished in a tie for second overall in the U.S. Open College Beer Championships and had the best showing of any college or university in Michigan. The results with the students are:

  • Gold – 275 Kolsch (Dan Nieland and Kasey Bunio)
  • Gold – College Pale (Mitchell Wayne and Gerry Morin)
  • Bronze – SC Baltic Porter (Dan Nieland and Kasey Bunio)
  • Bronze – Grand Cru (Dan Nieland and Kasey Bunio)

“Our students did an outstanding job against excellent competition,” Block said. “We are very proud of them and each has a bright future in the craft brewing industry.”

About Schoolcraft’s program

Students learn the brewing science to craft award-winning beer in a state-of-the-art brewery that’s the largest of any brewing program in Michigan. State-of-the-art analytical equipment measures alcohol percentage, bitterness, CO2 volume, dissolve oxygen, color and more to craft a superior beer.

Four brewers standing in brewery
Schoolcraft College’s students in the Brewing and Distillation Technology program learn in an actual brewery. 

The 360-degree approach helps students learn the real-world aspects of the beer and distilled spirits industry, including:

  • Business and operations
  • Product finishing and packaging
  • Draught systems management
  • Beer history and customer service

Schoolcraft’s six faculty members have experience as head brewers, brewmasters, owners, buyers, sales managers and more, with over 100 years’ combined experience in the craft beer industry. Students learn their skills in an actual brewery that features:

  • A 7-barrel brewhouse
  • Six 7-barrel fermenters
  • Two 3.5-barrel fermenters
  • Three 7-barrel “Brite” tanks for conditioning
  • One 2-head bottling line
  • One 2-head canning line
  • One crowler machine

To learn more about Schoolcraft College’s Brewing and Distillation Technology program, please go to schoolcraft.edu/beer