Ensuring Academic Success for Student-Athletes

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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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Proceeds benefit Schoolcraft College Athletics

Schoolcraft College will hold a Tailgate Party from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 2, as the Ocelots take on the Muskegon Community College Jayhawks in both men’s and women’s soccer.

Tickets are $20 at the gate, $10 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and younger are free. Proceeds support Schoolcraft College Athletics. Tickets include Hospitality Tent with hot dogs, hamburgers and more as well as admission to both games. The women’s game is at 2 p.m. with the men to follow at 4 p.m.

Both the Schoolcraft College’s men’s and women’s soccer teams have started the season well.

The soccer fields are on the southeast part of campus, near the St. Joe’s Sports Dome.

Each team is off to an excellent start.

The SC women are 5-1-2, with the only loss against defending national champion Delta in a highly competitive contest. They are coming off a 5-1 victory over Jackson.

The SC men are undefeated at 3-0-2, including an impressive 2-1 overtime victory over No. 14 Lakeland. They shut out Jackson 4-0 in their last match.

Thanks to the Schoolcraft College Foundation for its support of the Tailgate Party.

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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

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Today for “Staff Spotlight” we’re sitting down with Tammy Thomson, Director of our Business Development Center. Tammy recently added oversight of the Conference & Event Services department to her responsibilities. 

Schoolcraft College: Hello, Tammy, and congratulations on this new addition to your role! To start out, could you please tell us about your position at Schoolcraft College, how long you have been with us and what your responsibilities will be?

Tammy Thomson: My responsibilities are two-fold.

Professional photo of a person with hands on table
Tammy Thomson earned an Associate in Engineering degree in 1996.

First, I will continue to lead a team of 10 in the Business Development Center (BDC). In BDC, through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), we help entrepreneurs and small businesses launch, grow and improve by delivering consulting services and training. Through the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), we provide training, one-on-one advice and support to businesses seeking contracts with the government. 

Last but not least, through Workforce Training Solutions (WTS), we deliver custom training to medium to large companies and support workforce development by contributing to efforts that upskill the workforce and meet the needs of local employers. 

In my additional role, I’m leading the Conference & Event Services team. This entails guiding and supporting a team of eight who handle rental of facilities across campus, including VisTaTech Center, Waterman Center, Applied Sciences (AS), Biomedical Technology Center (BTC), Bookstore, Bradner Library, Forum, Grote, Jeffress Center (JC), Liberal Arts (LA), Mercy Elite Sports Center (ESC), Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC), McDowell Center (MC), Physical Education (PE), Public Safety Training Complex (PSTC), Radcliff Center (RC), and St. Joe’s Sports Dome.

SC: We are proud that you are a Schoolcraft College alumni. You earned an Associate in Engineering degree in 1996. Could you please share a bit about your days as a student with us?

Tammy Thomson: (That was so long ago. Lol.) As a student at Schoolcraft College it was a wonderful experience. The highlights really included working in the Business Development Center. I have had the pleasure of working with some really amazing people over the years and have made lifelong friends.   

More specifically during my time as a student employee, I was given significant support and advice from my team and supervisors both professionally and in support of my educational goals. They were always flexible with my work schedule, allowing me to work around my class schedule. This really helped me continue to focus on my studies. 

As a student, I appreciated the faculty here at Schoolcraft and the overall culture that focused on student success. The small class sizes and ability to easily connect with instructors made my experience a very positive one. 

SC: As a student and then into your professional career, you’ve held several positions at the College. Please tell us a little about what you did at each of your stops.

Tammy Thomson: My entire time at the College I have worked in the Business Development Center. I began as a student employee supporting the PTAC program and spent 15 years in the program. Over the years, as I gained experience and furthered my education, I transitioned into roles with increasing responsibility within the team. Eventually, I became the PTAC Program Manager, responsible for writing and submitting our grant proposal to the Department of Defense and ensuring all deliverables of the grant were accomplished. 

In September 2008, the lead position with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program opened up and I was encouraged to apply for the position. This opportunity would position me well to eventually direct the entire department. I stayed in that position until 2013 when the Director of the Business Development Center (BDC) position opened up, I applied for the position and was selected.

Tammy and another person working at a desk
Tammy Thomson has worked at Schoolcraft College in the Business Development Center, a key department that serves area businesses in a variety of ways.

SC: You have a combined 28 years at Schoolcraft College as a student, student-employee or staff member. We thank you for your service! What have been the highlights for you so far?

Tammy Thomson: Leading a team dedicated to helping local businesses launch and grow has been especially rewarding for me. The Business Development Center team is extremely dedicated to the success of businesses we serve and we are good at it! 

In addition, my recent transition into working with the Conference & Event Services team has shown me another strong team focused on the highest level of customer service and continued growth. Both of these teams make work not seem like work. 

SC: What do you like best about Schoolcraft College?

Tammy Thomson: The people. As I mentioned earlier, I have worked with and been guided through my career by so many intelligent and supportive colleagues and leaders, and that continues today. 

SC: Thank you, Tammy. Is there anything else you would like to add?

Tammy Thomson: Yes, I’d like to share this story. During my senior year of high school I was awarded a scholarship from the Plymouth Rotary Club. My mom and I attended a luncheon with the Rotary where I was presented my scholarship. At that luncheon, sitting at our table was the Schoolcraft College Dean, Ronald Griffith. When he learned I was coming to Schoolcraft in the fall, he told me to contact him and he would help me get a job on campus. I did what he told me and he connected me with the PTAC Program Manager in the BDC….and, as they say, the rest is history. 

In 2019, I was able to deliver a presentation to the Plymouth Rotary Club, tell that story and thank them once again for the scholarship and for setting me on my career path at Schoolcraft College.

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Student activities as well as area non-profits and businesses will be present

The annual School Daze Fall Festival is back as an in-person event and better than ever this year. Held under the “big top” tent between the Forum and Liberal Arts buildings, School Daze gives students a great opportunity to explore all the clubs and organizations Schoolcraft College offers. This year’s dates are Tuesday, Sept. 21, and Wednesday, Sept. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days.

A DJ, prizes, games and activities, 50-cent hot dogs, 25-cent chips, free Pepsi products (while supplies last) and free popcorn are among the attractions under the big top.

Other attractions include:

  • Volleyball outside the tent.
  • The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society will be encouraging SC students to sign a petition to “Commit to Complete” their degree or certificate.
  • The League of Women Voters will register students to vote in local, regional and national elections.
  • The Kona Shaved Ice truck, where students can purchase sno-cones with 100% of proceeds going to the Schoolcraft College Food Pantry.
  • The Asian Student Association will have a henna artist on hand to create art for participants for a small fee. Again, 100% of proceeds will go to the Schoolcraft College Food Pantry.
  • Project Playhem Gaming Club is sponsoring a mini tournament featuring two TVs working with Xbox games.
  • Caricature artists
  • Psychics
  • Opportunities to win tickets to upcoming shows at the Royal Oak Music Theatre.
  • Inflatable ax throwing (Wednesday, Sept. 22, only).

Participating clubs on campus include:

  • Amnesty International
  • Asian Student Association
  • Black Student Union
  • Business Club
  • Christian Challenge
  • Computer Graphics Technology
  • Engineering Club
  • Math and Physics Club
  • Native American Club
  • Otaku Anime
  • Phi Theta Kappa
  • Project Playhem Gaming Club
  • Safe Place
  • The Schoolcraft Connection
  • Student Activities Board
  • Video Production Club (VPC)

Offices and programs on campus:

  • Student Activities Office
  • Advising and Transfer
  • Anthropology
  • Campus Police
  • Career Planning
  • Core Abilities
  • Culinary Operations
  • Financial Aid
  • Focus Series
  • Girls Who Code
  • Hinkle Center
  • Intercollegiate Athletics
  • International Student Center
  • Learning Support Services/Bradner Library
  • MacGuffin
  • Ocelot Access
  • Pageturners
  • Records Office
  • SC Fitness Center
  • SC Foundation
  • SC International Institute
  • SC Marketing
  • SC Scholars
  • Sculptures on campus
  • Student Relations
  • Writing Fellows

Student eating food while posing for a photo
This year’s School Daze Fall Festival is Sept. 21-22 between Forum and Liberal Arts.

Students are also invited to participate in the Community Service Fair, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 21, at the big top. Students can connect with a variety of community partners and explore the resources they have to offer.

Among the non-profit groups expected are:

  • CNS Healthcare
  • Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network
  • Double Up Food Bucks
  • Dress for Success
  • First Step
  • Forever Families
  • Gleaners Community Food Bank
  • Girls Who Code
  • Hegira Health
  • The Information Center
  • League of Women Voters
  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
  • Michigan United
  • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
  • National Kidney Foundation
  • Sanctuary and Safe Haven for Animals (SASHA)
  • Save Our Youth Coalition
  • Wayne County Resource Champions
  • Wayne Metro Community Action Agency
  • W’SUP – Wayne State

Businesses, colleges and universities expected or supporting are:

  • AEG
  • Air Force
  • Army
  • AT&T
  • Beaumont Health
  • Biggby Coffee
  • Community Alliance CU
  • Cricket Wireless
  • Davenport University
  • Event to Do.com
  • Eye to Eye
  • Ferris State University
  • IHA
  • Kona Ice
  • Lake Trust Credit Union
  • Marines
  • Michigan Educational Credit Union
  • Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union
  • Movement United Parkour
  • Navy
  • Northwood University
  • Oakland University
  • Parkside CU
  • Pepsi
  • Serenity Manor
  • Sky Zone
  • UWM
  • Walsh College
  • Wayne State
  • Zap Zone
  • Zingerman’s

For more information, please contact the Student Activities Office by phone at 734-462-4422 or by email at [email protected]

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Learn the differences, see which might be right for you

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 internships and apprenticeships.

Internships and apprenticeships are two great ways to better understand the responsibilities of your intended career. Internships offer the opportunity for students to “test drive” a potential job, and employers get the opportunity to evaluate a possible future team member. In contrast, apprenticeships are a good fit for those who are already passionate about an occupation and are no longer in the exploratory phase.

Schoolcraft College offers paths to internships and apprenticeships. So what is the difference? See the chart below for a general comparison:

TopicInternshipsApprenticeships
EmphasisOn-the-job learningOn-the-job training
Usual duration1 to 12 months1 to 4 years
StructureEntry-level workFocus on mastering specific skills
MentorshipNot always providedIndividualized training with experienced mentor
PayUsually paidAlways paid
Credential earned?Not usuallyYes – national credential from Dept. of Labor
College credit?PossibleYes
A table comparing internships and apprenticeships structure

Information from apprenticeship.gov

Person attaching wire to 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.

Let’s take a closer look at both.

Internships

Karen Maxton is Employment and Internship Coordinator, Occupational Programs, at Schoolcraft College. In her role, she’s continuously in contact with industry professionals as well as placement and training agencies to understand the needs in the business environment. With that knowledge, she assesses students’ job skills and matches them with employer needs. To prepare students for this next step, she assists with resume building and interview prep/mock interviews.

Once the match is made, Maxton follows up as necessary to ensure a positive and productive experience for both the student and the employer. She also works with employers to develop customized rapid-response, non-credit training programs.

For more information about internships, please contact Karen Maxton by email at [email protected] or by phone at 734-462-4787.

Apprenticeships

Pamela Linton is the Apprenticeship Coordinator for Schoolcraft College. She collaborates with area businesses and the Department of Labor (DOL) to establish apprenticeship programs to meet talent needs. As part of this role, Linton assists employers in creating curriculum related to their occupations, and helps students determine if apprenticeship is the right path for them. 

Apprenticeships, which are called the “earn and learn” model, offer opportunities in a wide array of areas, covering almost every student interest.  There are currently over 1,200 apprenticeable occupations through the DOL, with more added every year. Currently, Schoolcraft College is proud to have 60 apprentices, representing 20-plus occupations, placed at over 20 area companies.

For more information about apprenticeships, please contact Pamela Linton by email at [email protected] or by phone at 734-462-7372.

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The exhibit runs until Monday, Sept. 20

Schoolcraft College’s Bradner Library has registered with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum to access a poster exhibition commemorating the 20th anniversary of these attacks against the United States.

“September 11, 2001: The Day That Changed the World” tells the story of the events of September 11, 2001, across 14 posters. The posters include personal stories of those who witnessed and survived the attacks, illustrated with photographs and images of artifacts from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s collection.

“The personal stories featured in the exhibition are very impactful; I think it also strikingly presents the effect that that day had and is still having on survivors and the world.”

Kristin Keyes, Reference Librarian

Visitors can view the exhibition in the library’s Atrium until Monday, Sept. 20, during regular hours, which are:

  • Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.

“The personal stories featured in the exhibition are very impactful; I think it also strikingly presents the effect that that day had and is still having on survivors and the world,” said Kristin Keyes, Reference Librarian.

Courtesy 9/11 Memorial & Museum

The poster exhibition was developed by the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy Demands Wisdom.

“During this 20th anniversary year, it is our privilege to share these lessons with a new generation, teach them about the ongoing repercussions of the 9/11 attacks and inspire them with the idea that, even in the darkest of times, we can come together, support one another and find the strength to renew and rebuild,” said 9/11 Memorial & Museum President and CEO Alice M. Greenwald.

Learn more about the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

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Austin Hannah with two dishes in hands
Austin Hannah, who started at Schoolcraft College in 2018, shows the dishes he prepared for the National Student Chef of the Year competition sponsored by the American Culinary Federation. Hannah earned the top score in Hot Foods and finished second overall in the competition.

Student creates appetizer, entrée

Austin Hannah had to wait more than a year to demonstrate his skills in a national competition. Once he had that opportunity, the Culinary Arts student impressed the judges to earn second place overall in the National Student Chef of the Year competition. The event was sponsored by the American Culinary Federation (ACF) and held Aug. 2-5 in Orlando, Florida.

Hannah competed in the Hot Foods division and placed first in that category. The first overall winner, Marissa Brazell of Oregon Coast Culinary Institute, competed in Pastry. A total of 11 students – eight in Hot Foods, three in Pastry – competed.

“Overall it was an amazing experience and I’m very appreciative of Schoolcraft College allowing me to go,” Hannah said. “I also appreciate the support and mentorship from Certified Executive Chef Chris Misiak, who accompanied me to Orlando, as well as Certified Master Chef Brian Beland and Certified Master Chef Shawn J. Loving.”

Hannah was to have competed in the ACF nationals in 2020, but it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He earned the spot by winning his area competition and was one of five students from the Central Region.

“Overall it was an amazing experience and I’m very appreciative of Schoolcraft College allowing me to go.”

Austin Hannah, Schoolcraft College Culinary Arts student

For the national competition, Hannah had to prepare four portions each of an appetizer and an entrée in two hours.

The appetizer consisted of:

  • Butter-poached lobster
  • Butter-poached scallops
  • Green leek puree as a base
  • Pickled leeks
  • Ricotta
  • Pancetta (a sort of cured bacon)

The entrée consisted of:

  • Flat-iron steak covered in Ras el Hanout (a Middle Eastern spice)
  • Eggplant puree
  • Involtini-stuffed eggplant with persillade bread crumbles to provide a crisp texture
  • Quinoa tabbouleh
  • Cucumber salad with yogurt, garlic and dill
  • Kafta meatball
  • Apricot-lemon marmalade
  • Pistachios
  • Photo 1
  • Photo 2
Photo 1 – Appetizer: Austin Hannah created a seafood appetizer that consisted of: butter-poached lobster; butter-poached scallops; green leek puree as a base; pickled leeks; ricotta; and pancetta (a sort of cured bacon).

Photo 2 – Entrée: Austin Hannah created an entrée that consisted of: flat-iron steak covered in Ras el Hanout (a Middle Eastern spice); eggplant puree; involtini-stuffed eggplant with persillade bread crumbles to provide a crisp texture; quinoa tabbouleh; cucumber salad with yogurt, garlic and dill; kafta meatball; apricot-lemon marmalade; and pistachios.

Extensive practice and preparation

Each selection was developed based on the list of ingredients provided to each competitor and after consulting with the chefs at Schoolcraft College. Hannah practiced literally hundreds of hours to get ready.

“With the help and support of the College, Austin was able to practice and refine his menus over the spring and summer in preparation for the competition,” Chef Misiak said. “Austin was able to have both Chef Shawn Loving, CMC, and Chef Brian Beland, CMC, coach and host practice sessions prior to the competition. This was critical to Austin’s success.”

Hannah’s goal was to create “global” flavors with each plate, starting with the appetizer.

“The seafood appetizer with the lobster and scallops was created to have a very French or European feel with very subtle flavors to let the seafood speak for itself,” he said. “The saltiness of the pancetta also reminds you of the sea. Then, because the competition was in Florida, we wanted to bring in the orange to reflect the seasonality and location.”

The same strategy carried through to the entrée.

“With the entrée, I wanted to do my own take on Middle Eastern cuisine mixed with Mediterranean style,” Hannah said. “The tabbouleh, kafta and Ras el Hanout spice are all Middle Eastern flavors that have inspired me on these plates. The quinoa tabbouleh was heavily herbed to bring that vibe to the plate.”

The spiciness was complemented by the cucumber salad to help cleanse the palate and by the marmalade to add a bit of sweetness.

Austin Hannah spent hundreds of hours practicing his dishes for the National Student Chef of the Year competition. He’s grateful to the Culinary Arts faculty for their expertise and support in preparing for this prestigious event.

Enthusiastic reception by the judges

Hannah’s work was reviewed by three floor judges, who graded him on overall professionalism and technique, and by three tasting judges.

“Austin represented Schoolcraft in the best light,” Chef Misiak said. “His performance was inspiring to watch. His work reflected the highest degree of culinary professionalism and he received many accolades from the judges and fellow competitors”

Here are Austin Hannah’s awards from the National Student Chef of the Year competition sponsored by the American Culinary Federation.

The only slight hiccup is Hannah intended to include pistachios with the appetizer. Because they were a required ingredient, he improvised and added them to the entrée.

Hannah said he was a bit concerned about the slight bobble, but the judges didn’t notice until he pointed it out to them.

“They didn’t say anything about the pistachios; they didn’t care because the flavors were there,” said Hannah, who started at Schoolcraft in 2018. “If you have good flavors, cook professionally, look good while you’re doing it and it tastes good and smells good, they don’t care.”

Hannah’s next objective is to become a Certified Sous Chef. He’s also eager to compete again, but this time as a professional.

“This was my fifth competition overall, but it’s my last as a student,” he said.

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All model types are needed and welcome

Personal and Professional Learning (PPL), which is the new name for Schoolcraft College’s continuing education department, is in need of art models for PPL portrait classes for the Fall 2021 semester.

Italian teacher holding a tablet
Registration is now open for all Fall 2021 PPL classes

Sessions are three hours long and models must commit to two sessions. Models are fully clothed; artwork focuses on the head and shoulders.

All model types are needed and welcome. Pay is $12 per hour.

Contact art instructor Grace Karczewski at [email protected] for more information.

Registration is now open for all Fall 2021 PPL classes, which are for both virtual students as well as those who prefer to attend class on campus. For example, some yoga classes will be livestreamed because many students prefer to exercise in the privacy of their own homes. Other classes, such as Italian, will remain virtual because it has become so popular during the pandemic that not all of the students will now fit in a typical classroom. 

Helping community members pursue new passions or upgrade professional skill sets through non-credit classes has long been an important component of Schoolcraft College. An even greater commitment to that mission is part of the reason for the name change from Continuing Education and Professional Development (CEPD).

Model posing, being drawn
Sessions are three hours long and models must commit to two sessions. Models are fully clothed; artwork focuses on the head and shoulders.

“As we progress into the 21st century, continuing education will be critical to meeting the educational, social, health, cultural, and recreational needs of all ages and populations in our community,” said Dr. Jodie Beckley, Director, Personal and Professional Learning. 

“We believe that the possibilities for the future are boundless, and Personal and Professional Learning communicates our drive to break the bonds of time and space in making education accessible to a broad audience of learners. It also reflects our renewed commitment to innovative and responsive programs, courses and events.”

You can contact PPL at 734-462-4448 or [email protected]