Schoolcraft College

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Nursing students were the latest to benefit from interactive event

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reality Ready® boosts proficiency in four key areas:

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

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

Schoolcraft College student Latesia Anderson-Wigner

Building on Core Abilities

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

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

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

How Reality Ready® works: Putting theory into practice

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

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

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

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

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

The words are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Information sessions will be held this week and next

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

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

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

Dr. Laurie Kattuah-Snyder, Chief Student Services Officer

Minimum qualifications

Applicants must meet all of these qualifications:

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

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

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

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

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

Other resources

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lori Timmis, Dean of Distance Learning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amy Proctor, SASS Coordinator

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

  • Attendance
  • Passing
  • Borderline
  • Failing

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

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

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

Dedicated SASS Coordinator

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Office Hours

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

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

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

Inclusiveness is a key part of SASS as well.

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

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

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

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

Visit the SASS web page for more information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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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.