Navratri Garba to be held October 1 at VisTaTech Center

September 27, 2021 by mlemon

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

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.

September 20, 2021 by mlemon

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

September 20, 2021 by mlemon

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.

September 13, 2021 by Schoolcraft College

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]

September 13, 2021 by Schoolcraft College

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:

Topic	Internships	Apprenticeships
Emphasis	On-the-job learning	On-the-job training
Usual duration	1 to 12 months	1 to 4 years
Structure	Entry-level work	Focus on mastering specific skills
Mentorship	Not always provided	Individualized training with experienced mentor
Pay	Usually paid	Always paid
Credential earned?	Not usually	Yes – national credential from Dept. of Labor
College credit?	Possible	Yes

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.

September 6, 2021 by Schoolcraft College

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.

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

August 30, 2021 by Schoolcraft College

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

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.

August 30, 2021 by mlemon

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 21^st 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]

August 23, 2021 by mlemon

Program offers tuition-free path to Associate Degree

Students eligible for the Futures for Frontliners program are urged to register for their Fall 2021 semester classes.

Futures for Frontliners (F4F) is a state scholarship for Michiganders without college degrees who worked in essential industries from April through June 2020. The state-funded scholarship provides these frontline workers with tuition-free access to Michigan community colleges.

Frontline workers standing together — Futures for Frontliners supports those who worked in essential industries from April-June 2020.

What does F4F cover?

Resident students – tuition and mandatory fees remaining not covered by other tuition restricted aid after your Pell Grant (if eligible) has disbursed.

Non-Resident students – the resident rate of tuition and mandatory fees not covered by other tuition restricted aid after your Pell Grant (if eligible) has disbursed.

F4F can be used up to four years or until first Associate Degree is achieved.

What mandatory fees are covered by F4F?

The following fees at Schoolcraft College not covered by other tuition-restricted aid:

Infrastructure Fee
Registration Fee
Instructional Equipment Fee
Service Fee
Excess Contact Hour Fee

For additional support, call 517-636-7000 or email [email protected]

August 23, 2021 by mlemon

Students learn how the human body moves, effects of disease, age and exercise

In a corner of the new St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center, away from the near-constant thumping of volleyballs being hit, squeaking of athletic shoes and enthusiastic shouts of competitors, sits a seemingly quiet classroom.

Mark Papineau is the Movement Science program coordinator

Once you enter, however, the space bursts to life with an array of high-tech machines dedicated to Schoolcraft College’s Movement Science program. As the name suggests, Movement Science students study how the human body moves as well as how it is affected by disease, age and exercise.

The program offers a solid foundation for graduate school and/or careers in medicine, pharmacy, public health, fitness training, exercise physiologist, and physical and occupational therapy. The College offers both a one-year certificate (8 courses, 24 credits) and an Associate Degree (18 courses, 60-63 credits).

“We have three new and important pieces of high-tech equipment that will enhance the Movement Science program this fall and give students an advantage whether they go on to work in the field or transfer to a four-year institution,” said Mark Papineau, program coordinator for Movement Science.

“We have three new and important pieces of high-tech equipment that will enhance the Movement Science program this fall and give students an advantage whether they go on to work in the field or transfer to a four-year institution.”
Mark Papineau, program coordinator for Movement Science.

“The technology provides objective measures to help evaluate body composition, cardiovascular fitness, and the strength, endurance, power and range of motion of major joints and muscles. Using the results can help determine areas or deficiencies that need improvement. The experienced movement science professionals who can utilize this high-tech equipment and the data produced are highly sought-after.”

Here’s a closer look at the new high-tech testing tools.

Two people using medical machinery — **The Biodex System Isokinetic Dynamometer** **is a high-tech device used for muscle testing and rehabilitation by movement science professionals.**

The Biodex System Isokinetic Dynamometer is a high-tech device used for muscle testing and rehabilitation by movement science professionals.

This isokinetic dynamometer allows you to evaluate strength, endurance, power and range of motion of major joints and muscles, and provides detailed objective data results of their performance. The results can be used to determine the areas or deficiencies that need improvement.
The dynamometer provides objective measures and targeted exercise to help manage common sports injuries and determine safe return to play for athletes.
Provides consistent, accurate data.
Gives muscle performance measurements.
Can be used for rehabilitation.
Can be used for conditioning.
Can help older adults strengthen the muscles associated with ambulation.

The Parvo Metabolic Cart Heart Monitor with treadmill or bike. This is a compact integrated metabolic measurement system for cardiopulmonary stress testing, indirect calorimetry, and maximal oxygen consumption measurement.

Used by NASA and U.S. Olympic Training Centers, biophysicists developed this cutting-edge technology that delivers accurate metabolic measurements under the most demanding exercise conditions.
Test subjects can use either the bike or the treadmill, while the Oxygen Analyzer and the Carbon Dioxide Analyzer measure the respiratory gases, oxygen and carbon dioxide.
It also analyzes data on:
- Calories per minute of expenditure.
- Where the calories are coming from – carbohydrates or fat sources in the body.
It is used for exercise physiology, athletic testing with high accuracy at high workloads, and it is used for high-altitude training.

A person operating a body pod — **The Bod Pod is a body composition tracking system.**

The Bod Pod is a body composition tracking system. The system will be used for body composition testing that students will be taught to perform and provide information for them to use in developing exercise prescriptions.

The Cosmed USA, Inc. Bod Pod is the most current state-of-the art system for determining body composition. The Bod Pod system uses whole-body densitometry via air displacement plethysmography (ADP) to determine body composition (percent body fat and fat-free mass) in children and adults, and can accommodate a wide range of populations.

A full test requires only about five minutes, and provides accurate, safe, comfortable results.

The testing is fast, accurate and completely non-invasive.
It can be used for assessing special populations such as young children from 2-6 years, the elderly, or disabled.

“The use of the high tech equipment for data analysis and formulating targeted lifestyle changes and conditioning is a skill we can give our students and open career pathways they may not have considered before,” Papineau said. “Students who go on to become movement science professionals utilize education, lifestyle intervention, and specific exercise programs to train, condition, and rehabilitate the fitness, recreation, and athletic community.”

Huge benefit to students

Papineau is eager to share the benefits of the equipment as they can immediately apply what they are learning during the lecture portion of the classwork.

“There are more opportunities to teach students in the expanded lab space and to serve other campus shareholders on this testing equipment,” he said. “Having the lab and the classroom in the same facility means that students can learn through lecture and practical demonstration about fitness assessment protocols. “

Students in class will learn to critically analyze why a particular fitness test is utilized, and the standard procedures for conducting the test.
Going into the lab they can learn how to properly administer tests and how to read the analysis from the test results.

And with that knowledge, they can better understand specific fitness testing protocols. Specifically, the students will be able to:

Compare test results with normative data to create a fitness profile.
Determine the advantages and disadvantages of selecting a specific fitness test over other tests that evaluate the same parameters.

The possibilities seem almost limitless.

“We have expanded the potential for our students and the athletes who train here, aiding in-patient recovery, rehabilitation, and providing better outcomes and research,” Papineau said. “Our students and community shareholders will be able to help weekend athletes and professionals by utilizing education, lifestyle changes and specific forms of exercise along with the latest data obtained on our equipment. They will teach others how to reduce injury and re-injury with targeted software, research, and clinical guidelines.”

David S. Kesler, D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) and Associate Dean of Health Professions, shares Papineau’s enthusiasm and looks forward to serving Schoolcraft College students and the community.

“The Movement Science Program has brought together a panoply of rare and specialized equipment that will be of great benefit to students and athletes in and around northwestern Wayne County,” he said.

Learn more about Schoolcraft College’s Movement Science program.

August 16, 2021 by mlemon

He’s learning from leaders in the construction industry

Will Peper, who is pursuing a path toward civil engineering, has the opportunity to better understand his prospective career thanks to a scholarship that has him working for a valued partner of Schoolcraft College on an important on-campus construction project.

Peper, of Plymouth, is the recipient of the AUCH Construction Scholarship, and he’s been busy this summer working on the refurbishing and upgrading of the Applied Science building, which is transforming into the Health Sciences Center (HSC).

“My goal was and is to have hands-on experience for what engineers do on a daily basis, and AUCH has graciously provided a means for that to happen,” Peper said.

Peper comes from a large family, including six older siblings who were Schoolcraft College students, so he was familiar with the school. He also was familiar with AUCH Construction.

“My goal was and is to have hands-on experience for what engineers do on a daily basis, and AUCH has graciously provided a means for that to happen.”

Will Peper, Schoolcraft College student and recipient of the AUCH Construction Scholarship

“I am used to seeing the AUCH sign next to the St. Joe’s Sports Dome while driving past on I-275, but I was not aware that AUCH was responsible for renovations of existing buildings or the creations of new ones, such as the St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center.”

Indeed, AUCH has been an important partner for the College. In addition to the St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center and the Sports Dome, AUCH’s other projects for Schoolcraft include:

The Manufacturing & Engineering Center in Livonia, home to the College’s occupational programs
The Public Safety Training Complex in Livonia, home to the College’s police and fire academies
Numerous renovations of rooms and space in buildings across the main campus

A medical building — **The new St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center is one of many projects that AUCH Construction has led on the campus of Schoolcraft College.**

The transformation of Applied Science, which formerly housed the occupational programs, to the Health Sciences Center, is the next key project for the College. The HSC will be the future home of all programs related to healthcare, with partial occupancy expected for the Fall 2021 semester. The upgrades will add 36,600 sq. ft. of space to the current Applied Science building.

“Most of my experience has been gained through observing and participating in the process of renovating the Applied Science building,” Peper said. “Many of my day-to-day tasks range anywhere from cleaning up the building and surrounding areas to reflect an efficient, orderly and well-managed project site; preparing areas to be worked in by other tradesmen; and assisting foremen of various subcontractors in completing one-off tasks.

“With the assistance of my superintendent, I have attempted to dabble in various projects that would normally be done by various tradespeople (carpentry, demolition, masonry).”

The AUCH team has been glad to have Peper this summer.

Four people standing in front of a building — **Will Peper (second from right) is shown with (from left) Jeffrey D. Hamilton, Shawn Verlinden and Vincent DeLeonardis**

“We were delighted that Will was the recipient of the AUCH Construction Scholarship and can now take it a step further with some real life work experience in an effort to guide him with his goals for a potential future career in our industry,” said Jeffrey D. Hamilton, President, AUCH Construction.

Peper has been grateful for the experience.

“I had never stepped foot on a construction site before May of this year,” he said. “My exposure to hands-on projects was rather limited growing up, and my knowledge leading up to my internship was lackluster as a result. However, with the grace, patience, and immeasurable experience of my supervisors, my ability to expand my understanding of the construction world has been unprecedented.”

August 16, 2021 by mlemon

The hope is that in-person performances return this fall

Today for “Faculty Spotlight” we’re sitting down with Dr. Frederick Moss, the new Department Representative for Music and Theatre.

Schoolcraft College: Hello, Dr. Moss, and congratulations on your new role! To start out, could you please tell us about your position at Schoolcraft College, how long you have been with us and what classes you teach?

Dr. Frederick Moss is a talented performer of the piano and the clarinet.

Frederick Moss: I began teaching at Schoolcraft in the fall of 2001. My charge was to teach one section of Music 107, which is music for elementary school teachers. It was a wonderful diversion from writing my dissertation. When the dissertation and doctorate were completed, my work at Schoolcraft expanded to include teaching music appreciation, popular music in America, and applied instrumental music studio class.

For now, I will continue to teach the same classes I have been teaching. The primary new responsibilities for me will include overseeing the music and theater departments, representing those departments at meetings and functions across campus, working with other faculty to recruit students for music and theater, and assist with sharing the good word regarding music and theater with the larger community.

SC: What prompted your interest in music?

Frederick Moss: I do not remember not being interested in music. My earliest musical memory is listening to my sister practice the violin when I was probably no more than 3 years old. On some level, I remember thinking, “I’m going to do that someday.” Legendary singer Tony Bennett said, “I can’t not sing.” His words very much describe my relationship with music.

SC: We understand you play both the clarinet and the piano. How often do you perform and what do you like about each of those instruments?

Frederick Moss: Clarinet is my main public performance avenue. As a youngster, I rather stumbled upon it as my best friend in fifth grade band was playing it also. I grew to absolutely love the sound of the instrument. As I began learning the clarinet literature, I fell in love with it also.

Piano has become my own personal “music therapy.” Sitting down and playing the piano has become like sitting in a wonderfully comfortable easy chair for me, though I have played in restaurants and for numerous weddings and private parties. I also do play the piano in class to accompany my students or provide examples of various ideas in music.

Regarding clarinet performance, in the last few years, I have appeared regularly on the faculty recital at Schoolcraft. Thanks to the pandemic, the clarinet has taken a bit of a back seat as I have had a LOT to learn about teaching online. A couple of my music faculty colleagues and I are very interested in developing a chamber music ensemble, however, and I am really looking forward to that type of collaboration.

SC: It’s no secret that funding for the arts in elementary schools, middles schools and high schools have been drastically reduced in recent years. You have taught several courses related to instructors who want to teach music. In your opinion, why is it important for children to be exposed to the arts?

“My main goal is to broaden the understanding of the community well beyond our campus perimeter regarding the good things that are going on in music and theater at Schoolcraft.”

Dr. Frederick Moss, Department Representative for Music and Theatre

Frederick Moss: Humans are musical beings. We are also mathematical beings and linguistic beings and all manner of other kinds of beings. In education, we have to make a decision regarding the extent to which we want to shape the whole person or only those aspects.

In schooling, we have taken for granted subjects like math, science, and language arts. I vote for teaching the whole person in school with a highly qualified music teacher in the same way, generally, we intend to have high-qualified teachers for math, science, and language arts.

I am a big fan of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs, but I am an even bigger fan of STEAM initiatives (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) where, at least in theory, the arts stand right alongside those other important academic areas.

SC: The Music and Theatre departments at Schoolcraft College have been well-respected for many years, with the performances, recitals and productions enjoyed by community members. What are your goals for the departments?

Frederick Moss: My main goal is to broaden the understanding of the community well beyond our campus perimeter regarding the good things that are going on in music and theater at Schoolcraft. I often am surprised by some version of the following comment: “I didn’t know Schoolcraft had a music department.”

My sense is that a significant number of people are similarly unaware of what we have to offer regarding theater. My colleagues work tirelessly to develop courses and performances, so I really want to get the word out that Schoolcraft is the place to come to either study or enjoy a performance in those areas.

SC: What do you like best about teaching at Schoolcraft College?

Frederick Moss: I love the “community” in “community college.” When I started teaching at Schoolcraft, I was struck by the degree to which a really kind and caring community existed on campus. As I have taken on more classes and participated in committees, I have enjoyed becoming more and more a part of the campus community. I look forward to deepening that relationship as a full-time faculty member.

Man sits at piano — Dr. Frederick Moss is a talented performer of the piano and the clarinet.

SC: Will we have live performances on campus this year? Can you provide any updates?

Frederick Moss: Of course, everything is subject to what happens regarding the pandemic, but we are working toward live music performances on campus as early as December and live theater performances in winter. In the meantime, look for some more online events during the fall.

SC: You also serve as a member of our DEI Task Force. Please tell us why you wanted to be part of that.

Frederick Moss: I have long felt that diversity is one of the great spices of life. My greatest personal growth has occurred when I have opened myself to learning as much as I can about individuals who have life experiences different from my own. Sometimes that learning has been difficult or even painful as I have had to examine assumptions I was holding unknowingly about people, but it has always been worth it.

In these complicated times, I felt that a diversity, equity, and inclusion task force could do a lot to foster more opportunity for us all to learn more about each other as our own campus community becomes more and more diverse. In addition, as a visually impaired person, I welcomed the opportunity to represent disability at the DEI table.

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

Frederick Moss: Go Ocelots!