Jackson College @ LISD TECH / ADRIAN
AUGUST 2019 / VOLUME 1 / ISSUE 2
College moves to 7-week classes to improve student success Helping students complete a college degree faster and more efficiently, Jackson College is scheduling more classes sections to take place over seven weeks in addition to classes that take place over a traditional 15-week time period.
faster
path
Seven-week classes will offer the same number of instructional hours and content but in half the time as a 15week classes. Students should enroll in half of their registered classes in the first 7-week term and the other half of their classes in the second 7-week term. This will allow students to concentrate on one or two classes intently rather than spreading their attention over four or more classes a term.
to a
degree
Some classes will remain in a 15-week format, but as of this fall semester, a majority will run in a 7-week format. In visits to other colleges and related research, evidence has shown that students who enroll in compressed terms have higher course success rates, drop fewer classes, and progress more quickly to a degree. Jackson College is pursuing 7-week terms as part of its Total Commitment to Student Success (TCS2).
Students should make sure that they are only taking one or two (a maximum of three) 7-week classes at a time. Part-time students who work a full-time job are strongly advised to take only one 7-week classes at a time. This is because 7-week classes are of the same rigor and equate to the same instructional and required study hours as 15-week classes. Second, students should manage their time carefully so they do not miss classes and can stay current with the readings and assignments each week. Students should block off sufficient times outside of class to devote to studying.
For students planning to transfer,
a 7-week format will not negatively affect the transferability of that class. A student’s transcript will look identical whether they take a course in a 7-week format or a 15week format.
Total financial aid award eligibility will not change.
In compressed scheduling, a student’s credit hours for the semester are divided between two seven-week terms.
fits with
today’s
busy
lifestyles
Should an emergency arise at some point in the semester, persisting to complete in seven weeks would be much more manageable.
Sharing his love of math with students adds up for Gemalsky Helping students learn to love math adds up to success for instructor Brian Gemalsky. Gemalsky begins his second year teaching at Jackson College this fall. He first came to Adrian as a student at Siena Heights University, then stayed. “I love the small-town feel, but you’re still able to do some bigger city activities.” He taught at Onsted High School for 13 years before coming to the College. “I starting tipping my toes in and doing adjunct work at Jackson College. I was excited to see what was happening with student success; I was always willing to help and wanted to put students first. It was good to see, so I wanted to pursue that.” The Jackson College @ LISD TECH campus offers similar classes and services as one would find at a larger campus, but in a more close-knit environment, which Gemalsky enjoys. “I get to know my students here, and I may even get to know a student who may not be in my class. It’s a friendly environment. I love being part of the Jackson College community and the satellite campus.”
“
I get to know my students here, and I may even get to know a student who may not be in my class.
Teaching college math may be a challenge even for the instructor, with many students wary of the subject. “I like to show them that it is something that they can do, to build strong relationships with them and let them know it’s OK if they mess up, we’re going to get it right,” he said. “Once you break down the barrier that ‘I’m not good at math,’ they do start to enjoy it. I also have them say ‘I love math’ over and over, which seems to help!” he jokes.
”
Away from work, Gemalsky – a father of three – enjoys spending time with his family. He’s happy with his work and the opportunity to help students. “I’m living the dream, doing what I want to do and having fun doing it.”
*****ECRWS SEDDM***** Postal Customer 2111 Emmons Road Jackson, MI 49201-8399
PERMIT #792 ROYAL OAK MI 48068
PAID
NONPROFIT US POSTAGE
WE ARE JACKSON COLLEGE • JACKSON COLLEGE @ LISD TECH
TO OUR COMMUNITY, Fall is an exciting time as Jackson College @ LISD TECH celebrates another school year! We welcome both our new and returning students. Whether you are just starting your college journey or are continuing toward your goal, we are glad you’re here!
College turns out to be right prescription for couple seeking career change Husband and wife Arnold and Jennifer Fox both found going to college later in life a challenge, but they have one thing to say after completing their goals: Don’t give up! While the Adrian couple took different paths, both enrolled at Jackson College and completed nursing degrees. Jennifer always wanted to go back to school to become a nurse. She and Arnold were married, and she worked in a factory office job until the factory closed. She found another office job but, still feeling the drive to become a nurse, decided to take the opportunity and go back to College. Arnold was working construction, so he was able to continue working. “We had this back and forth plan; whoever had the better job at the time would work it while the other went to college,” he said “When I was little, I was very sick with pneumonia in both lungs and was in the hospital for 10 days and out of school for a month. After I got out of the hospital, I was very fascinated by the nurses; I always wanted to be a nurse after that hospitalization. I love being a nurse,” Jennifer said. CHANGING DIRECTION While she was fulfilling a dream, going to college as an adult can be different as a “non-traditional” student with many younger students, she said. “You adjust and you just do. I focused on my goal; I didn’t let anything deter me, just kept doing what I needed to do to get there.”
She graduated in December 2007, after which Arnold enrolled. “When I decided to go to school, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. I did know I wanted to get out of construction before it hurt me physically. I did course placement at Jackson College @ LISD TECH and found that the medical fields interested me,” Arnold said. Going to college felt daunting since he feels he wasn’t a stellar student in high school. He did not tell anyone he was going to college until after his first class. “I needed to make sure the brain still worked; turns out, it did!” he jokes. Jennifer continued her studies at Siena Heights University and earned her bachelor’s degree, and last year graduated from the University of Toledo as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She works at Michigan Heart in Jackson, a cardiology practice. Arnold is an acute care nurse at Bixby and Herrick Hospitals. “I could have stayed with what I was doing; construction treated me well for 18 years, but I was looking for something different. Nursing challenges my mind and is easier on the back, so here I am,” Arnold said. Jennifer adds, “I had a good experience with Jackson College and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a career change. It’s small enough to not be intimidating, and everyone is nice and supportive.”
We Are Jackson College is produced two times annually by the Marketing and Communications Department at Jackson College. If you have comments or questions about the publication call 517.796.8416.
As a new academic year begins, I wish you all the best.
Publisher: Cynthia S. Allen • Editor: Dotty Karkheck Writer: Marilynn Fryer • Designer: Abbie Stein Photography: Marketing and Communications
All rights reserved. No part of the material may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage retrieval system without the permission of the publisher. It is the policy of Jackson College that no person shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, gender, marital status, or handicap, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to, discrimination in any program or activity for which it is responsible for or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. JC @ LISD TECH • 1376 N. Main Street • Adrian, MI 49221 www.jccmi.edu • 517.265.5515 Jackson College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The Higher Learning Commission 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604 (800) 621-7440 • hlcommission.org
In addition to in-demand academic programs, the College offers services to help students be successful in their classes. It is not unusual for students to need the help of a tutor at some point. In this edition, read more about our academic services specialist, Linda Jacobs, who can help students with tutoring, study skills, accommodations for those with disabilities and much more. Her services are available free to all college students – take advantage of these opportunities! Our campus staff is always happy to assist and offer direction where needed. Jackson College @ LISD TECH is involved in the local community, helping to improve educational offerings for all. Read more in this edition about a grant program with the Align Lenawee Talent Consortium, Lenawee Now, businesses and a host of schools and highereducation institutions, working together to help put Lenawee County residents on the right track for tomorrow’s workplace.
We Are Jackson College – JC @ LISD TECH, Adrian August 2019 • Volume 1 | Issue 2
JACKSON COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Sam R. Barnes, Chairman • John M. Crist, Vice Chairman Sheila A. Patterson, Secretary • Donna L. Lake, Treasurer Matthew R. Heins, Trustee • Philip E. Hoffman, Trustee Dr. Edward A. Mathein, Trustee Dr. Daniel J. Phelan, President/CEO
At Jackson College, one of our essential drivers is what we call a Total Commitment to Student Success, or TCS2. We are here to help you succeed and reach your goals, whatever those may be – a college degree, a certificate, or transfer to a university. From the enrollment and registration process and throughout your courses, staff and faculty are here to help. Your success is important to us. The College offers academic programs in popular and in-demand fields today to set you on a path to a successful career. Read more about academic programs available here at the Lenawee campus in this edition.
Michael P. Masters Dean, Hillsdale/Lenawee Centers
High school equivalency/GED test preparation offered Do you need to earn a high school diploma or GED to get ahead? Enroll in GED and college preparation classes now at Jackson College @ LISD TECH, offered in collaboration with Michigan Works South East (MWSE). Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 12 noon. Classes are free; those who go through the MWSE program also receive vouchers to help pay the cost of the GED Test. Contact JC @ LISD TECH at 517.265.5515 to learn more.
Money for college available! All college students should apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa. ed.gov. This is the first step for receiving aid and for many scholarship opportunities. Remember students must complete a FAFSA for EACH year enrolled. Be sure to fill out the form completely and double check everything – mistakes can delay processing. For questions, contact 517.265.5515.
AUGUST 2019
State funding boosts certificate programs Jackson College is pleased to come together with Lenawee County educators and employers to work to meet the need for skilled and qualified workers. Along with the Align Lenawee Talent Consortium and Lenawee Now, Jackson College joins a countywide effort to improve educational offerings to meet local needs. The consortium received a grant of $788,976 from the Michigan Talent and Economic Development Department in May. The grant money will be used by Jackson College, Adrian College, Siena Heights University, the Lenawee Intermediate School District and other school districts, with Align Lenawee and area employers, to implement new certificate programs and expand the competency-based curriculum to help students obtain marketable skills. “This money will help further the plan to drive this talent system pipeline and to make sure students and employees are well-prepared for the
world of work,” said Michael Masters, dean, Lenawee/Hillsdale County Centers. Jackson College plans to offer certificate programs in accounting, project management, cybersecurity and entrepreneurship, working with local high schools to allow dual enrollment opportunities. This grant is the fruit of years of efforts that started with Lenawee Now. In 2014, economic development leaders noticed that employers were struggling to find and retain skilled employees. This, in combination with the impending mass retirement of the baby boomer generation, indicated a growing talent gap. Lenawee Now called a meeting of employers and educators together to discuss the issue and work toward a solution. Efforts coincide with the state’s Marshall Plan for Talent, designed to bring together businesses and education to restructure education and prepare students for future job growth.
Unexpected turn leads to Jackson College A change in plans led Breanna Ulanowicz to Jackson College @ LISD TECH, and though unexpected, it has become like home. Ulanowicz first wanted to attend another college to study music after high school, but those plans fell through. “I didn’t know what to do, and for two years I didn’t know where to go. One day, my sister suggested that I should sign up at Jackson College, and two weeks later, I did. I have been there ever since,” they said. “I love it there. Our campus has smaller classrooms, and faculty can give you one-onone attention if you are struggling. They are there to
help you, and it feels like more of a home environment.” Ulanowicz has become a supplemental instruction leader, someone who tutors other students in math in the classroom. “That’s been a great learning experience. As an SI, I learned that one way you can really understand the material is by teaching it or helping others. It is great for me as a person to be able to help other people who are struggling in mathematics. Students come to me and say ‘I hate math,’ but I was a D student in math in high school, so I tell them if you put in the effort and try hard, we will all get through this together.” Ulanowicz is studying psychology with plans to complete an associate degree, and then transfer to Siena Heights University to complete a bachelor’s degree, with hopes to go into counseling. While Jackson College feels like home, Ulanowicz urges other students to use all the resources available to them. “People are flexible and are more than willing to help. They will even figure out times outside of class or normal office hours to help you.”
Academy offers great start A head start on college and a great start toward a career. Enrolling at the JC/LISD Academy helped Cana Gray-Lion-Polzin in many ways! Gray-Lion-Polzin graduated in May with associate degrees in computer networking and cybersecurity. A few challenges have come along the way. She grew up with divorced parents, struggled with Type 1 diabetes and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). She moved to different school districts a few times before high school and moved houses a few times. “I never let anything stop me because I wanted to be someone that could help others and someone others could look up to.” During a summer program through the Lenawee Intermediate School District, Gray-Lion-Polzin’s curiosity for computers was piqued. “It’s a great opportunity to get ahead so you can go out and get a job without going into debt,” she said. “And the community is like a real family.” That family feel has sprung from a number of volunteer activities that students complete. “I’ve met a variety of people, all part of the community. It’s really cool to be there.”
•
3
WE ARE JACKSON COLLEGE • JACKSON COLLEGE @ LISD TECH
SEPTEMBER 2019
•
4
COLLEGE CLOSE TO HOME Programs at Jackson College @ LISD TECH Start any Jackson College program at the Jackson College @ LISD TECH campus by completing general education and prerequisite courses. The following programs of study can be completed solely at the Jackson College @ LISD TECH campus. Associate in Arts – provides a general liberal arts education, preparing students for a bachelor’s degree program at a university. Associate in General Studies – degree designed for students who want to plan their own program of study not defined by a specific job or career. Associate in Science – provides liberal arts and more science coursework, preparing students for a bachelor’s degree program at a university. Business Administration – Associate in Applied Science, Certificate A broad-based program of business studies equipping students with tools to analyze a business situation, shape long-term action plans and oversee plans as they are carried out, and make decisions along the way. Corrections – Associate in Applied Science, Certificate Prepare for a career as a corrections officer, charged with safekeeping any person who has been arrested, is awaiting trial or is in a correctional institution. EKG Technician – Skill Set Prepare to work as an EKG technician, who work with patients to measure and record heart action and rhythm by tracing electrical activity occurring during heartbeats. May be used as a building block toward another health career. Law Enforcement – Associate in Applied Science, Certificate Prepare for a career in police and law enforcement, providing a variety of services to help protect the public and maintain order. Management – Certificate Build on your natural ability to get along with people and develop leadership potential for management roles. Marketing – Certificate Marketing is a function of business that focuses on finding a market for a product or service, and promoting and advertising to that market. Phlebotomy Technician – Skill Set Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research and blood donations. The skill set may be used as a building block toward another health career.
Meet the Jackson College @ LISD TECH staff From left to right: Tyrone Green, Student Success Navigator; Mallory Frailing, Assistant Director of Admissions for Off-Campus Programs; Marianne Finch, Center Coordinator; Michael Masters, Dean, Lenawee/Hillsdale County Centers; Thomas Largent, Student Success Navigator; Tina May, Office Assistant; Kenneth Smith, Maintenance Technician (not pictured)
Jacobs enjoys helping students Linda Jacobs is happy to be back home at Jackson College, where her professional career began in 1992 as an adjunct instructor in English. She is passionate about supporting students and understands their needs as she was once an unsure, non-traditional student herself. Currently, Jacobs is the academic support services coordinator at JC @ LISD TECH and offers tutoring, learning and study skills consultations, and career counseling. “My background is in education, so I have many tricks up my sleeve for improving reading, writing, and study skills along with time management,” Jacobs said. Another important role is providing accommodations for students with documented disabilities. “I enjoy personal, one-on-one contact with students and being able to bolster their skills along with self-confidence.” “Nothing is more rewarding than working with students who doubt their abilities, than seeing them evolve, gain confidence, and go on to complete their degrees.” A HISTORY OF HELPING OTHERS Jacobs, of Adrian, continued to teach at Jackson College part-time on and off for many years while holding full-time positions at other institutions in administrative roles, primarily with TRIO Student Support Services programs, offering guidance and support to first-generation and low-income students. In January, she returned to JC in her current role. Recently, Jacobs became certified to teach the LeadWorthy course for the JC/ LISD Academy Branch Middle College, which focuses on building students’ character and leadership skills. In the community, Jacobs serves as treasurer for 100 Women for Lenawee, a philanthropic group of women who pool their resources to provide grants for individuals and organizations. “It’s a great way to give back,” she said. Jacobs provides valuable services to Lenawee County students to help them succeed, though she is one of many. “For those students who are thinking about coming to college but have some doubts, I want them to know that yes, they can do it. I started college at the age of 31, nervous and afraid, but I connected with faculty and staff who encouraged me to continue. Having that kind of connection makes a big difference.” Jacobs wants Jackson College students to know that in her and their faculty members, they have allies on campus, people who care. “When you start college, especially here at Jackson College, there are so many resources for you as a student. So take that step because it can change your life.”
Advisory Group seeks input
Learn more at www.jccmi.edu
Do you want to learn more about Jackson College in your county?
Jackson College nursing program seeks accreditation
Jackson College President Daniel Phelan, college administrators and local leaders meet regularly with Hillsdale and Lenawee counties in advisory group meetings. The goal of these meetings is for Jackson College to connect with local leaders to gain insight on how the College can better serve the community. In addition, college officials will share recent updates.
The Jackson College, Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program is pursuing accreditation from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20037; phone 202-909-2500. Interested parties are invited to submit third-party comments in writing directly to NLN CNEA, attention Lusetha Rolle, NLN CNEA Manager of Accreditation Services, no later than October 7, 2019.
The next Lenawee meeting will be 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 24. Local school district representatives, business and manufacturing leaders, nonprofits and more are invited. Recent conversations focused on how Jackson College affects the local community, how it could be of greater value, best ways to send out information and more. Meetings are held twice a year and are by invitation, but all are welcome. To learn more or to be added to the invitation list, contact Sara Perkin, chief of staff, at 517.796.8569 or PerkinSaraA@jccmi.edu.