Schoolcraft College

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The award recognizes the work done to develop HIST 151: Early America – U.S. History for online students.

For nearly two decades, Anthology’s Exemplary Course Program has honored higher education instructors and course designers for excellence in online course design.

Schoolcraft College’s online course development of HIST 151: Early America – U.S. History for online students received a 2023 Exemplary Course Program Award from Anthology, an education technology services company. The Exemplary Course Program Awards applies “key characteristics of high-quality online courses within the framework of Course Design, Interaction and Collaboration, Assessment, and Learner Support” (Anthology, 2023). 

Spearheaded through the design work of Dr. Steven Berg, full-time English and History professor; Jason Kane, Lead Instructional Designer; and Rena Yuzon, Course Manager, the HIST 151 online course, which launched in its new format in the Spring 2022 term, added unique features, expanding and enhancing the Ready to Teach online teaching framework.

“In addition to quality standards we strive for with all of our courses, we embedded an additional layer of content focusing on intrapersonal skills,” said Jason Kane, lead instructional designer for Distance Learning who assisted in the development of the course. “This layer involves tying content in the course more deliberately to soft skills, reading strategies, research strategies, and student autonomy.”

While the previous version of the class was developed well, Kane said, the new version built on that development and pushed the boundaries in hopes of creating scalable strategies applicable to other developments as well.

An award glass in design
The award given for the development of HIST 151: Early America – U.S. History by Anthology’s Exemplary Course Program.

The content is also broken down to encourage a variety of reading strategies, another way to promote student-centered thinking.

“Some content should be read deeply, some can be skimmed, some can be read linearly. The assignments are all tied to strategies that match best with the expected student outcome,” Kane said. “Additionally, research strategies are built throughout the course encouraging students to become active historians.”

The award is just the latest award for Schoolcraft College’s Distance Learning program, which has received other awards for its course development, including two additional Exemplary Course Program Awards in previous years.

Schoolcraft College’s Distance Learning program has provided opportunities for learning off-campus for more than 40 years. Utilizing the latest technology, the college’s course development teams (i.e., a subject matter expert, instructional designer, and course manager) continue to forge innovative instructional approaches in delivering online educational opportunities for all students.

“This award is a collaborative and creative demonstration of the efforts Distance Learning and Schoolcraft online faculty make to continually serve our students through engaging learning experiences,” said Lori Timmis, Dean of Distance Learning. “Finding new, exciting ways to educate students in support of the college’s mission of transformative learning has been our goal since the beginning, and this award exhibits Schoolcraft remains on the cutting edge of quality online education.”

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New state funds will provide opportunities for high school students to take classes at Schoolcraft College in several programs.

A new pilot program plans to connect high school students with occupational collegiate coursework through Schoolcraft College.

The first-of-its-kind program in Michigan will expand the College’s Early Middle College Program to include occupational options. This will allow high school students to take college courses at Schoolcraft College in new tracks, including Health Care, Public Safety, Manufacturing and Engineering. Tuition and fees, as well as books and other potential costs, would be covered by state and federal funding.

Funding for the program will come from the most-recently approved state budget, an item proposed by Sen. Dayna Polehanki that saw approval from the legislature and signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Once implemented, the program incentivizes K-12 institutions to encourage high school students to take college courses during their junior and senior years.

“This program is crucial to getting students exposed to these important career fields as early as possible, and we’re so glad to be the first to offer this opportunity in Michigan,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College. “We’re confident this will help jumpstart these high school students’ collegiate careers and give them opportunities they may not otherwise have. We’re grateful to the state legislature for seeing the value in this program.”

This would expand on Schoolcraft College’s Early Middle College Track, SC Edge, which is currently offered online. Courses would include those in occupational tracks as well as Liberal Arts & Sciences prerequisites.

“I am pleased to know that young students will be able to engage with exciting career-technical opportunities at Schoolcraft College,” Polehanki said. “These funds are an investment in our youth and in our workforce.” 

The program is expected to launch in early 2024, beginning with the Clarenceville School District. This new program expands the relationship between Schoolcraft College and Clarenceville schools: the two educational systems began a partnership in 2022 that invited the district’s eighth-grade students to the College’s campuses to explore potential career opportunities. Additional schools may also be added to the new pilot program in the future.

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Diwali is one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus

The Schoolcraft College Asian Student Association and the Detroit Indian Women’s Association (DIWA) invite people of all faiths to the Diwali Celebration from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 12, in the Vistatech Center.

“Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus,” said Dr. Anna Maheshwari, English Professor and Department Chair. “The festival usually lasts five days and is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika. On this day, it is believed that Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, blesses homes that are brightly lit with lamps.”

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Photo 1: Highly skilled dancers will be part of the celebration.
Photo 2: Guests can enjoy live music with dinner included.

Dr. Maheshwari said Diwali also is officially the new year for Hindus.

“People wear new clothes and adults and children light fire crackers until late into the night,” she said. “Children get cash and other gifts from their elders and the homes are filled with celebrations and good food.”

Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased in advance. Children under the age of 3 are free.

Tickets are available in the Student Activities Office of Schoolcraft College, which is in the lower level of the Vistatech Center, or by calling 734-462-4422. For more information, please contact Dr. Maheshwari by phone at 248-345-5313 or by email at [email protected] or Alka Srivastava, Vice President/Treasurer of DIWA, at 734-748-2035.

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Today for our Staff Spotlight story we’re sitting down with Bernadette Bacero, one of our Instructional Designers, or IDs for short. She shares more about this important role and also gives us some insight into our Distance Learning team.

Schoolcraft College: Hello, Bernadette Bacero! Please tell us a little about your background and what led you to Schoolcraft College.

Bernadette Bacero: Hello! Feel free to call me Bee. I started my career as a secondary history teacher, teaching first at Mumford High School in Detroit and then my alma mater Divine Child High School in Dearborn. I loved sharing my passion for history and watching students grow throughout the school year. When COVID-19 arrived, I discovered I also had a knack for supporting my colleagues as we made the switch to online spaces. When the opportunity arrived to do similar work at Schoolcraft College, I leapt at the opportunity to contribute something new!

Schoolcraft College: Can you please explain what an Instructional Designer does?

Bernadette Bacero: We partner with Schoolcraft College’s faculty to design and build the best possible version of our online courses. Faculty create drafts of their online courses, and then we work with them to polish the course into its first-rate final version. The Instructional Designers approach each development in two ways:

First, we go through the course as the stand-in student. Does the material flow in an intuitive way? Does it feel welcoming (especially if the students aren’t familiar with the subject matter)? Does the workload feel manageable? Does it feel like there’s a person on the other side of the screen?

Next, we put on our Instructional Designer hats. As IDs, we’re always keeping up with the latest educational technology trends and research-based best practices. We use this expertise to keep our online courses as up to date as possible, empowering our Ocelot students to take control of their learning using the latest tools in the best ways. We also work hard to ensure that all our courses meet accessibility standards so that all students are able to actively engage in their courses.

At the end of the day, if we’re doing our job well, most people won’t notice that we’re there.

Schoolcraft College: What does a “typical” day look like for you?

Bernadette Bacero: You can usually find me working in BTC 140, affectionately nicknamed “The ID Bunker.” I’ll start my day by going over courses that are currently in development. Faculty send me the first and second drafts for their online courses. I look them over to make sure they’re properly aligned with course competencies (i.e., Are students learning exactly what we want them to learn?) and meet accessibility standards (i.e., Will all students be able to interact with this course?). I’ll offer feedback and suggestions and then send the course drafts back to faculty. We’ll continue this process several times over the course’s development until it’s ready to be built in Blackboard.

My day will also include brainstorming sessions with the other Instructional Designers and sometimes the larger Distance Learning team. The IDs consistently work as a team to troubleshoot problems common to more than one course, and I’m incredibly grateful to be part of such an energetic think tank. If one of us doesn’t have the answer, Jason Kane or Kaylynn Mortensen (our other two IDs) will be more than ready to offer a helping hand. We work as a team as much as a possible, and we wouldn’t be nearly as effective without the level of trust and professionalism between us.

Schoolcraft College: What are some of the challenges for you and your team?

Bernadette Bacero at a computer
Bernadette Bacero, Instructional Designer, is part of the team that partners with Schoolcraft College’s faculty to design and build the best possible version of our online courses.

Bernadette Bacero: I think the most obvious challenge is that we’re working with a wide variety of disciplines throughout the college. I could start my day working on a course in Microbiology and after lunch change gears to Spanish. This variety is what makes our partnerships with faculty so important! Our faculty are experts in their fields, and they know what students need to learn in their classrooms. We meet in the middle and collaborate on the best ways to deliver the best learning experiences for our students. What will work well in French might not translate well into a class for Criminal Investigations. We do our best to learn from every successful course development but also tackle each new course in its own unique context.

I think another challenge that comes to mind is less of a challenge and more of an opportunity. Distance Learning is taking the lead as Schoolcraft College transitions from Blackboard to Blackboard Ultra. We’re very excited to make this update as Blackboard Ultra will offer students and faculty improved course design and navigation, and Blackboard Ultra’s mobile app has been redesigned to provide a better student experience overall. There’s plenty of work ahead of us in this project, but ultimately, I think it’s work that is incredibly necessary for Schoolcraft College to stay relevant and current in the education field.

Schoolcraft College: What are some highlights for you so far?

Bernadette Bacero: I came on board to Schoolcraft at the end of June 2020. It was still early(ish) days in the pandemic, and I was working entirely remote. It would have been all too easy to feel isolated from the rest of the Distance Learning team, but they worked hard to ensure that I felt included and supported as I grew into my role. I’m incredibly grateful to each and every one of them for reaching out to me, supporting my questions, and (digitally) showing an interest in getting to know me as a person.

I’ve also really enjoyed getting to know other members of the college, particularly through the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force. It’s a topic I’m particularly passionate about as a first-generation Filipino-American, and getting to know colleagues outside of Distance Learning has made me feel an even stronger connection to the Schoolcraft community. 

Oh, and I can’t forget to mention my first meal at American Harvest. Just thinking about it makes me and my stomach happy. 

Schoolcraft College: The COVID-19 pandemic put an even greater focus on Distance Learning. This is an area Schoolcraft College has excelled at for many years – in fact, we’re celebrating 40 years of Distance Learning. What are your thoughts about this milestone and what’s next for Distance Learning? 

Bernadette Bacero: In my mind, Schoolcraft College has always been a positive fixture of the community, and so much of that can be credited to the work Distance Learning has accomplished in the past 40 years. From mailing coursework to students to broadcasting faculty lessons on public TV stations, Distance Learning has earned its reputation as a leader in the field. As a member of the Livonia community and now working here as an Instructional Designer, I can confidently say that the spirit of Distance Learning has been a combination of enthusiasm to try new things and the expertise to ground these new ideas in solid pedagogy. I hope that this attitude will continue to drive Distance Learning forward for another 40 years, and I’m thrilled to be part of it. 

What’s next for us? I mentioned that Blackboard Ultra is on the horizon. We’re elbow-deep in converting current and future courses to the new format and working on the next season of Distance Learning’s award-winning series What’s Your Problem?

Schoolcraft College: Thank you, Bernadette! Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Bernadette Bacero: I’m looking forward to getting to know more of my Schoolcraft Colleagues as we transition to a post-COVID19 world. Feel free to stop me in the hallways to chat or pop by the ID Bunker in BTC. I would be very happy to show off my office plants. (I’m very proud of them.)

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A total of 23 Ocelots from 6 sports will be recognized

Schoolcraft College’s inaugural class to be inducted to the Michigan Alpha Chapter of Theta Chi Alpha, the National College Athlete Honor Society, includes 23 student-athletes representing all 6 sports the Ocelots currently compete in.

To qualify, student-athletes must have completed three full-time semesters with a cumulative grade point average of 3.40 or above.  The Athletic Department will hold an induction ceremony later this semester.  

Computers against a wall next to a trophy case
Dedicated space in the Physical Education building is available to help student-athletes with their studies.

“We’re pleased to recognize the excellent work our student-athletes are doing in the classroom and welcome our inaugural class of 23 Theta Chi Alpha inductees,” said Cali Crawford, Director of Athletics. “It’s a testament to the dedication of our student-athletes and our coaches to ensure that academics always comes first.”

The National College Athlete Honor Society, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was founded in 1996 by then DePauw University head football coach Nick Mourouzis. His goal was to provide outstanding student-athletes with an opportunity to become connected within a fraternal association that aligns their educational and athletic successes for a lifetime.

Amy Proctor, Student Athlete Support System (SASS) Coordinator, serves as advisor for Schoolcraft College’s chapter of Theta Chi Alpha. 

Members of Schoolcraft College’s inaugural Theta Chi Alpha class are:

Student-athleteSport
Natasha Carter
Jack Cronyn
John Evangelista
Mohamed Hammoud
Emma Hughes
Allison Little
Miranda McIntosh
Kiersten Metz
James (Alex) Neville
Erin O’Neil
Autumn Reed
Jon Sabuda
Jacob Saez
Adriana Sapia
Brandon Strickland
Justina Szalkowski
Drew Tappen
Andrew Weiss		Women’s Basketball
Baseball
Men’s Soccer
Men’s Soccer
Women’s Soccer
Women’s Bowling
Women’s Soccer
Softball
Men’s Soccer
Women’s Soccer
Softball
Baseball
Men’s Bowling
Women’s Soccer
Baseball
Women’s Basketball
Men’s Soccer
Baseball

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Knowing the difference can help you decide what path to pursue

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 some of the differences between the certificates and degrees that Schoolcraft College offers. The College has over 130 different programs leading to either a skills certificate, certificate, associate degree, or post-associate certificate. We also offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary and Dietary Operations Management.

Skills Certificates and Certificates

Skills Certificates and Certificates are viable credentials for improving your salary and career outlook. They are approved by the Schoolcraft College accrediting organization, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and by the Department of Education/Federal Financial Aid. The Skills Certificates and Certificates are earned by many students and can help you gain a job in your chosen field or can help advance your career in an industry. They do not require as much time, or as many classes, and so are an economical way to begin and achieve.

Students in regalia holding up degrees
Schoolcraft College offers a variety of credentials – Certificates, Skills Certificates, Associate Degrees and a Bachelor of Science degree – to help students attain their goals.

The Skills Certificate will help provide you with an introductory view of the field and may help you to obtain an entry-level position in a variety of roles. The Certificate can assist with entry-level positions as well as enter more concentrated career paths.

The credits earned are also stackable so that you can go on from earning the Skills Certificate (most are about 16 credits), to then earning the Certificate (about 16 additional credits). 

By achieving these certificate milestones, you will have access to potential entry-level positions, advancement in current positions, and advancement toward further degrees and professional certificates. It also will allow for new career paths for workers of any industry that have been displaced and are seeking a career change with a positive growth potential.

With success comes more confidence and the boost in confidence, career and earnings make these credentials very attractive.

Degrees

The majority of students at Schoolcraft College are working toward graduating with one of these four associate degrees:

  • Associate in Arts (AA)
  • Associate in Science (AS)
  • Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
  • Associate in Business Administration (ABA)

What are the differences?

Both the Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science (AS) degrees are designed for students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a particular discipline. Many, if not all, credits can be transferred to four-year institutions. Check with your Academic Advisor, but in some cases it’s possible to enter a four-year school as a junior with all general education courses already completed. Earning an AS or AA at Schoolcraft College first can result in tremendous cost savings compared with attending a college or university for all four years to complete a bachelor’s degree.

An earlier Say What? explains these transfer possibilities in further detail.

An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is designed for those interested in entering the workforce right away and establishing a career in health care, business, manufacturing and more. Professionals already working in these fields find that completing an associate degree can lead to career advancement. In some cases, apprenticeships are available and employers may pay for classes.

An AAS is considered a “terminal degree” – that is, the courses are designed to get students the education they need to succeed in the workforce right way rather than serving as a foundation or stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree. While it’s possible to transfer AAS courses to a four-year institution, it’s not the usual path.

The Associate in Business Administration (ABA) is the best of both worlds, providing a foundation to both a bachelor’s degree and the knowledge to enter the workforce in a variety of business-related fields, including:

  • Accounting
  • Business Administration
  • Computer Information Systems
  • Finance
  • Human Resources Management
  • International Business
  • Management
  • Marketing

In addition, Schoolcraft College also confers the following degrees:

  • Associate in Engineering (AE)
  • Associate in Fine Arts (AFA)
  • Associate in General Studies (AGS)
  • Bachelor of Science (BS)

Like the AA and AS degrees, the Associate in Engineering (AE), Associate in Fine Arts (AFA), and Associate in General Studies (AGS) degrees are designed for students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution.

Schoolcraft College’s Bachelor of Science degree program, usually completed in four years, is in Culinary Arts. Students on this track earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary and Dietary Operations Management. As the name suggests, it prepares graduates for management positions in the food and nutrition industries. This program also combines business and science courses to broaden the knowledge base beyond culinary and improve the student’s career opportunities. 

There are many programs at Schoolcraft College offering certificates and degrees that will make a positive difference in your career opportunities and earnings. Continue to meet with your Academic Advisor to ensure you’re on the right path for all that you want to achieve with your education at Schoolcraft College. 

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The Lunar New Year begins February 1

In the United States, “Holiday Season” refers to the period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. For some countries and cultures, however, an important holiday is on the horizon. That holiday is the Lunar New Year, which is celebrated in many Asian countries as well as by people of Asian descent living in other nations. Heddy Worden, Director of Strategic Enrollment, graciously provided the following story on the Lunar New Year.

Colorful strings of lanterns
The Lantern Festival includes lit lanterns, representing family reunion and society, illuminating the night sky.

On Tuesday, February 1, over 1.5 billion people around the world will gather in celebration of the Lunar New Year—the first new moon of the lunisolar calendar!

This year celebrates the year of the Tiger, specifically the Water Tiger, a symbol representing strength, vitality and courage.

Also known as the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival, this ancient tradition was established millennia ago during the Han Dynasty and remains one of the most honored celebrations among Asian countries, including China, South Korea, and Singapore. Other Asian countries celebrate this time by a different name. In Vietnam, for example, the Lunar New Year is known as Tết, and in Tibet as Losar.

The Lunar New Year is, first and foremost, a time of family and gathering. It is a time to reunite with loved ones, solidify relationships, honor those who have gone before and rejoice in all that is new and positive. With over 1.5 billion travelling at one time, the Lunar New Year has been regarded as the single largest annual migration on the planet. This extraordinary period of travel even has a special name, Chunyun.

Colorful dragon costumes and presentation
Dragon dances are used to ward off bad omens.

During this time the special Chinese character Fù, printed on red paper and hung upside-down, adorns several city streets and households. The character represents fortune and good luck, while the diamond signifies that fortune is arriving.

Households undergo a thorough cleaning prior to the start of the Lunar New Year. All debts are paid and extravagant meals consisting of several dishes accompany the celebration, as do dances and astounding acrobatics. Among the most anticipated are the Lion and Dragon dances. These mythical figures, encased in red and accompanied by fireworks, are used to ward off bad omens and the ancient monster known as Nian. 

Numbers like 8 and 7, colors like red and gold, and fruits hold special meaning during the celebration and are intended to attract good luck.

Other practices and superstitions include:

  • Wearing new clothing in bright colors – black and white clothes are associated with mourning. 
  • Eating dumplings – the word dumpling is jiao zi, which closely resembles the Chinese adage of “out with the old and in with the new.”
  • Refraining from using scissors as they signifying severing rather than reuniting.
  • Not purchasing or gifting books during the celebration as the word for book, shứ, sounds too close to “lose.”
Two children smiling
Children receive red envelopes containing money.

The Lunar New Year celebration lasts for 16 days during which elders and parents present children and unmarried adults with red envelopes or pockets, hóng bāo, containing money and their well wishes for the new year. 

The celebration concludes with the much-anticipated Lantern Festival, during which millions of lit lanterns, representing family reunion and society, illuminate the night sky and herald in a bright new future.

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The play is a classic by Neil Simon

Schoolcraft Theatre is pleased to announce open auditions for a live performance of Neil Simon’s comedy “Barefoot in the Park.” Auditions will be in the James R. Hartman Theatre (Liberal Arts 500) on the Livonia Campus at 7:00 p.m. February 1 and 2 (Thursday and Friday). The play will be directed by faculty member Paul Beer.

“We are thrilled to prepare to welcome a live audience back to the James R. Hartman Theatre,” Beer said.  “We have missed the interaction with our live audiences, and hope to charm them with this Neil Simon classic.”  

Beer hopes to fill the following roles in the auditions:

  • Corie Bratter, a young newlywed
  • Paul Bratter, her new husband, a young lawyer
  • Mother, Corie’s mother, a suburban housewife
  • Victor Velasco, Corie and Paul’s eccentric older neighbor
  • Telephone repairman

Schoolcraft Theatre auditions are open to the entire Schoolcraft community – students, faculty, staff and community members. No prior experience is required. 

Barefoot in the Park
“Barefoot in the Park” premiered on Broadway in 1963.

Those auditioning are invited to prepare a 60-120 second comedic monologue, and will be asked to read from the script. Audition sides, and more information, are available at www.schoolcraft.edu/theatre. Please see the website for COVID-19 precautions.

Barefoot in the Park will be performed live in the James R. Hartman Theatre on March 25 and 26 (Friday and Saturday) and April 1 and 2 (Friday and Saturday). A matinee performance will held on Sunday, March 27.

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Prestigious program now in 14th year

Michael Williams, Director of Financial Aid

Michael Williams, Director of Financial Aid, has been named a member of the Michigan Chronicle’s latest class of Men of Excellence.

The Michigan Chronicle Men of Excellence Awards, in its 14th year, recognizes local African American men who inspire others through their vision, leadership, exceptional achievements, and participation in community service. They are men who exemplify extraordinary stature, poise and integrity who continue to break the mold and effect change in their professions and community.

Williams’ leadership, ability and overall professional excellence as Director of Financial Aid at Schoolcraft College are vital to connecting Schoolcraft College students to the financial resources they need to complete their educational goals. The basic responsibilities of his role include ensuring compliance with federal and state legislation, Title IV administration, and regulatory requirements for all student aid programs.

Of particular note, Williams oversaw the department that dispersed a total of $14,192,651 of federal aid from three waves of the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act, with every dollar accounted for in an independent audit.

Williams also actively develops plans to inform and educate students about all aspects of financial aid as well as streamlining processes to deliver financial aid. Williams’ acumen and passion have been noted by his peers as he has been elected to serve in leadership roles in several prominent state and regional organizations, including:

  • President and Vice President of the Michigan Student Financial Aid Association
  • State of Michigan Representative of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
  • State of Michigan Representative of the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

“I’m extremely honored to be one of this year’s Men of Excellence,” Williams said. “I’m deeply appreciative of the role the Michigan Chronicle plays in our community to ensure Black voices are heard and acknowledged, and I sincerely thank them for including me in this year’s class of Men of Excellence.”

In addition to his work at Schoolcraft College, Williams willingly gives back to the community and acts as a mentor in several ways. As a youth football coach for nearly 20 years, for example, including the last seven with the Detroit Spartans, he has mentored hundreds of young people. He’s helped them on a path of success that includes college scholarships, doctors, entrepreneurs and even pro football players – all with a message of becoming positive and productive members of their community. Williams also has willingly lent his professional expertise to adults in teaching them the principles of saving to help secure a more stable financial future.

Williams and the rest of this year’s Men of Excellence class will be inducted on Thursday, January 27, at The Eastern in the Eastern Market area of Detroit.

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Today for our Faculty Spotlight story we’re sitting down with Jufauri Ely, Program Director/Instructor for Radiologic Technology (RAD), and Faculty Representative for Medical Imaging Programs, to learn more about the many programs related to Radiology that Schoolcraft College has recently added and will be taught in the new Health Sciences Center.

Schoolcraft College: Hello, Jufauri! Please tell us a little about your background and what led you to Schoolcraft College.

Jufauri Ely: I have been a registered radiographer for over 21 years with history working as a Technologist, Lead Technologist, Manager of Diagnostic Imaging and currently an educator. I hold an Associate Degree in Applied Science Radiology from Ferris State University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Administration from Madonna University, and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. It was essential for me to find a position that helped students know their role as a health professional and how they could positively improve the lives of patients.

I wanted to work with Schoolcraft College specifically because they were responsive to the vast need for medical imaging professionals. They have created new in-demand occupational programs, designed a state-of-the-art imaging facility, and secured the latest equipment in diagnostic imaging. When the students complete these programs, they will find gainful employment and earn excellent salaries in a short period of time.

Schoolcraft College: What inspired you to become a certified radiologic technologist?

Jufauri Ely: I always wanted to be a scientist. When I was 16 I broke my thumb and went to Children’s Hospital to get it diagnosed and set. I thought it was interesting watching the doctors and technologists work, and I thought it would be a great job with two years of school and an associate degree. I received my degree and kept going for nine more years because medical imaging is an exciting field!

Schoolcraft College: Please give a high-level description of what will be taught and what students will learn.

Jufauri Ely: Schoolcraft College has added some of the most in-demand imaging programs in existence. We currently have a Radiologic Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and a Diagnostic Medical Sonography AAS degree, which prepare students to use specialized equipment to create diagnostic images of the internal structures of the human body. Though these technologies are quite different, they both can provide information to a radiologist to interpret. Through interpretation we find pathology, function and information that we can use to the patient’s benefit.

We also offer post-primary certifications in Mammography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Computed Tomography (CT). These programs allow students to further their education while gaining a new skill. Students will learn how to create 2D and 3D images in varying anatomical planes. They may be imaging cross-sectional anatomy or helping to identify a tumor.

Imaging technologists provide essential services to the community. We make the invisible visible, while being on the front lines. We are there prior to the diagnosis and we are involved in a multitude of health areas for the well-being of patients. We are part of the health team participating where there are injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and for injury prevention and generalized pain.

Jufauri Ely, Program Director/Instructor for Radiologic Technology (RAD), and Faculty Representative for Medical Imaging Programs

Schoolcraft College: Please tell us about some of the equipment.

Jufauri Ely: Schoolcraft College is providing advanced facilities, labs and equipment that are the standard in any major hospital. We will have the latest digital X-ray equipment and sonography machines. We also will be housed in a brand-new facility that allows for collaboration group work and real-world experiences. Other occupational health programs, such as Nursing, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Surgical Technology, also will be housed in the Health Sciences Center. This essentially allows the health team to work together as a unit.

Schoolcraft College: What are some of the careers that students enter after leaving your program? How does this program help in their career path?

Jufauri Ely: Upon completion of the program, students will become Radiographers, Sonographers, Mammographers, CT/MRI Technologists, Medical Imaging applications specialist or technical sales representatives. There are a plethora of paths that one can take in this field. We ensure that the imaging programs have rigor, work experiences, and a positive learning environment. We meet with hospital system administrators to build relationships and affiliation agreements. We help students to identify what types of positions they want, and we track their success at finding related employment.

Schoolcraft College: What do you want people to know most about your program? Are there any misconceptions people might have that you’d like to address?

Jufauri Ely: Medical imaging programs are high in demand because of the employment and salary opportunities. With the employment outlook being positive and median salary close to $60,000, it’s hard to find anything comparable.

One misconception is that these programs are easier to complete than other health programs. They require tons of commitment and empathy, and a passion for helping others. Medical imaging professionals work in surgical areas and perform exams after traumatic events. We do a lot more and see a lot more than most people realize.

Schoolcraft College: What advice might you give students who are interested in the medical imaging programs?

Jufauri Ely: You should enjoy technology, work to excel in math, anatomy, physiology and have a strong interest in science. The program is limited by our clinical availability, so if you are interested, first work with a Schoolcraft advisor. You can also work on the prerequisite classes and make sure you keep your grade point average up to become enrolled in the program.

Learn more about the Medical Imaging programs at Schoolcraft College.

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All are welcome to attend

Pageturners Book Club will kick off its winter 2022 schedule with a discussion of “The Magician’s Lie” by Greer Macallister from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 26, in Liberal Arts 200.

Pageturners is the book club of Schoolcraft College. It is open to all students, faculty, staff, administrators and community members. Discussion sessions are facilitated by Schoolcraft students.

About “The Magician’s Lie”

The Amazing Arden is the most famous female illusionist of her day, renowned for her notorious trick of sawing a man in half on stage. One night in Waterloo, Iowa, with young policeman Virgil Holt watching from the audience, she swaps her trademark saw for a fire ax. Is it a new version of the illusion, or an all-too-real murder? When Arden’s husband is found lifeless beneath the stage later that night, the answer seems clear.

book cover of woman in a red dress
“The Magician’s Lie” by Greer Macallister

But when Virgil happens upon the fleeing magician and takes her into custody, she has a very different story to tell. Even handcuffed and alone, Arden is far from powerless – and what she reveals is as unbelievable as it is spellbinding. Over the course of one eerie night, Virgil must decide whether to turn Arden in or set her free . . . and it will take all he has to see through the smoke and mirrors.

English Professor Denise Schell and Reference Librarian Wayne Pricer are co-coordinators of Pageturners Book Club. For more information, please contact either Professor Schell by email at [email protected] or by phone at 734.462.7189 or Mr. Pricer by email at [email protected] or by phone at 734-462-5317.

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Proceeds enhance scholarships and grants

One of the most prestigious annual events at Schoolcraft College is returning in February.

The Culinary Extravaganza (CulEx), billed this year as the Diamond Jubilee Culinary Extravaganza, will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 24, in the VisTaTech Center. The Diamond Jubilee Culinary Extravaganza will showcase the skills of the distinguished and award-winning students and faculty of Schoolcraft College’s Culinary Arts and Brewing and Distillation Technology programs.

chefs preparing plates in a kitchen
The Diamond Jubilee Culinary Extravaganza will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 24, in the VisTaTech Center.

Proceeds from this fabulous strolling dinner will enhance scholarships and grants for the benefit of students and programs through the Schoolcraft College Foundation (SCF).

A wide array of sponsorship and ticket options are available. For more information, contact Carole Booms, Director of Annual Giving & Scholarship Administration, at 734-462-4455 or [email protected].

For more information, visit the Schoolcraft College Foundation website.