Quad 2017 fall tab final lowres

PREPARE FOR YOUR FUTURE with an undergraduate or graduate degree.

2017

This issue of The Quad provides the information you need to help make decisions along your educational journey and as you prepare for your career.

There are many colleges and universities from which to choose. The educational institutions featured in this publication want you to visit their website, tour the campus and apply to start your path to success.

2017 – SPECIAL EDITION – THE QUAD 1.

2.

Davenport University Grand Valley State University

www.davenport.edu/urban www.gvsu.edu

3.

Lawrence Technological University

www.admissions@ltu.edu

4.

Macomb Community College

www.macomb.edu/discovermacomb

5.

Madonna University

www.madonna.edu/visit

6.

7.

8.

9.

Marygrove College Michigan State University Oakland Community College Oakland University

www.marygrove.edu www.admissions.msu.edu www.oaklandcc.edu www.oakland.edu

10.

11.

Schoolcraft College University Of Detroit Mercy

www.schoolcraft.edu www.udmercy.edu/visit

12.

University Of Michigan – Dearborn

www.umdearborn.edu/openhouse

13.

University Of Michigan – Ann Arbor

www.goblueguarantee.umich.edu

14.

Wayne County Community College

www.wcccd.edu

15.

Western Michigan University

www.wmich.edu/strikegold

Useful tips for undergraduate and graduate students: •Research the program in which you are interested. Which school offers the required courses?

•Apply early to more than one college or university •Complete the FAFSA form and other required documents. Check them before submitting them.

•If possible, keep a copy of everything.

•Research ALL scholarship opportunities •Contact someone in the admissions dept. who can assist you.

•You have been accepted. Send a follow up letter or card to the admissions dept. to say thanks, and let them know you are excited to begin your studies.

•Attend ALL classes. Try not to miss class. There may be times when you must be absent, so make sure you have a classmate who won’t mind sharing notes.

•Stay focused on the reason you are enrolled in the program

GRADUATE !!! CELEBRATE !!! ACCELERATE !!!

2 • The Quad • FALL | 2017

WELCOME TO…THE QUAD The world is changing. Technology is changing. Industry is changing…

Q. Are you prepared for the future?

How can you prepare yourself?

A. With education and with training.

Cathy Nedd

Associate Publisher/COO The Michigan Chronicle “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.”

— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

To prepare for the future, our citizens must have knowledge and skills.

While everyone can’t be a doctor, engineer, architect or astronaut, there are many areas where knowledgeable, skilled people are needed.

To open the door of opportunity, you must have something to offer.

You must have some knowledge, some experience and some skill set that will allow you to move forward toward a successful career path.

We want to provide you with information that will assist you in preparing for your future.

There are colleges and universities that welcome your application and invite you to visit their website for information and to visit their campus before you decide.

Once you have applied, you will hear from the institution if you have been accepted or not.

Once you have been accepted, you will move in to a world of education and preparation that will provide experiences and knowledge to benefit you as you progress in your chosen career.

Along the way, don’t forget to take advantage of networking opportunities and internships.

For those who have acquired the (first) undergraduate degree, areas of study in the graduate programs are beneficial to your acceleration in your field or you might just decide to change your career path and start studies in a totally different area. Your master’s degree will continue to propel you forward.

Good luck on your educational path and your journey in your chosen career!

Many young people face uncertainty about the prospect of college. Where should they go? What should they study? How will they pay for their education? In this edition of the Quad, we have included a Top 20 list of things every college student should know to help them navigate through their college years. The tips range from class to books to dorm living.

8 Why pursue a master’s degree?

14 Saving for your child’s

education with a 529 plan

18 Beyond College 20 Expert Advice: Seven Tips for Savingmoney on college applications

24 20 necessary, must-have

tips for the college student

26 How much is that college

We also have added information about vocational programs as well as advanced degrees as some careers may require additional education in this competitive global marketplace. The pursuit of a graduate degree also is helpful to those considering a career change.

Many of our key sponsors have included information about their programs, curriculums and programs their colleges/universities offer. Think about your future, career — or your new career — and check out the websites as you pursue greatness.

Table of Contents

application fee?

27 Decorating your dorm WE ARE GRATEFUL TO OUR SPECIAL SPONSORS

room – even if you’re on a budget

Project Manager/Editor: Curtrise Garner

We always enjoy sharing information about education. Enjoy this issue of the Quad.

Graphic Designer: Juan Sifuentes

THANKS TO ALL OF THE PARTICIPATING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Advertising Coordinator: Linda Moragne

(A COMPLETE LIST OF OUR ADVERTISERS APPEARS ON PAGE 2) FALL | 2017 •

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Two-Year Degree “More Vital than Ever” for Career, University Success Time Magazine recently called community colleges “more vital than ever,” citing the enormous gap between the number of skilled, Associate Degreelevel job openings and the number of qualified professionals to fill them.

These new, high-paying, high-tech jobs will surpass 14 million by 2018, according to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, and with 22 percent of the existing skilled workforce expected to retire within five years, demand in Michigan projects to be higher than ever.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the average Associate Degree holder in Michigan earns $10,313* more each year than a professional without a college degree, and this number is only expected to increase. With demand reaching an all-time high, employers in health care, IT, business, engineering and manufacturing are looking to confident, well-trained two-year college graduates to revitalize the workforce.

Oakland Community College is doing its part to close the skills gap in Michigan, with approximately 100 degree and certificate programs in the areas of most critical need: •Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) – One of the fastest-growing professions in America, with a 14%**** projected 10-year growth rate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

•CNC, Welding and Mechanics Technology – The #1 fastest-growing*** manufacturing job category, according to CareerBuilder) •Robotics: Programmable Logic Controls (PLC) – Students are hands-on with real, manufacturing plant robots.

•Computer Information Systems – 16,083** new jobs in Q1 2017, according to Michigan’s Workforce Intelligence Network (WIN) •Health Care Administration – 25,381** new jobs in Q1 2017 •Business – 9,966** new jobs in Q1 2017 In addition to increased employer demand, Oakland Community College students benefit from increased personal and professional confidence, which translates to better success in university-level education.

Oakland Community College grads go on to confident, focused academic careers at the following Michigan universities, and more, saving thousands on their bachelor’s degrees: •Michigan State University •Oakland University •Eastern Michigan University •Wayne State University •University of Michigan There’s no better place to move UP in your life and career than THE BEST PLACE. Visit oaklandcc.edu to discover your next move at Oakland Community College. *http://www.higheredinfo.org/dbrowser/index.php?measure=82 **https://windashboard.org/quarterly/9 ***http://www.careerbuilder.com/advice/11-of-the-fastestgrowing-jobs-in-manufacturing ****https://www.bls.gov/ooh/

4 • The Quad • FALL | 2017

Want to take your life and career to a BETTER PLACE?

How About THE BEST PLACE? Oakland Community College is the BEST PLACE to…

• Get CONNECTED. Meet new people, expand your cultural reach, and make inroads with area employers… OR, connect with confidence to a bachelor’s degree program at Michigan State, Wayne State, or anywhere you choose!

• Get INVOLVED. Join a team, club, or student organization… or start your own!

OCC is proud to host dozens of professional, cultural, lifestyle and service fellowships, plus countless campus athletics and events!

• Get IN DEMAND. Your OCC degree is more valuable than ever!

In Michigan, Associate Degree holders earn an average of $10,313* MORE (and rising!) every year. Earn an affordable degree that employers respect and demand!

Get started today at oaklandcc.edu! *http://www.higheredinfo.org/dbrowser/index.php?measure=82

FALL | 2017 •

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Flexibility to Fit Your Schedule Online programs at Oakland University

Oakland University provides numerous diverse online learning opportunities for students through our 15 programs and more than 700 courses that are offered 100 percent online. All courses are taught by Oakland faculty, and online students earn the same degree that on-campus students receive.

“Online learning at OU has built my confidence, self reliance and time management skills,” said Todd Syme, human resources development major. “It has made completing my degree a very real possibility.”

OU offers fully accredited, nationally recognized online programs that represent a wide variety of academic disciplines, including engineering, education, nursing, environmental safety and health, physical therapy, and animal assisted interventions.

The university is ranked in the top 50 Online Master’s of Engineering Management programs by Top Management Degrees in 2016 . OU is also a pioneer in autism education programs, providing online learning and endorsement opportunities for teachers and non-teachers. Other innovative online programs at OU include the graduate certificate in Oncology Rehabilitation and

6 • The Quad • FALL | 2017

the Animal Assisted Interventions certificate offered through Continuing Education.

Online students take advantage of a combination of self-study and peer-to-peer interaction using an online learning management system to facilitate instruction.

Students are connected with fellow students and faculty using chat, video conferencing, phone calls, email, social media, forums, and more. “I think online learning removes barriers in interacting with peers,” said Jessie Felix, health sciences major.

“For me, discussion posts are much easier that trying to raise my hand and join discussions in class.”

Oakland University serves students from almost every state as well as many countries across the globe. This varied enrollment allows students the opportunity to interact and learn with people from different backgrounds and viewpoints, adding to their depth of learning.

Online learning allows students the flexibility to earn a degree while balancing work, family and other responsibilities.

For more information about online learning at Oakland University, visit oakland.edu/online.

FALL | 2017 •

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Why a Master’s Degree is Important According to information from the Internet, students often enter master’s degree programs: • To start a new career in a chosen professional field • To prepare for graduate study at the doctoral level • To expand their knowledge of fields related to their current areas of professional specialization

A master’s degree is often necessary to secure a profession and advance within some fields. Many careers that require master’s degrees are typically found in sectors such as research and academia. Professionals with a master’s degree often benefit from higher pay and increased job responsibilities.

Six Reasons Why Graduate School Pays Off An advanced degree is a smart fiscal and career move, says a former business school admissions dean

By Dr. Don Martin

A game changer

for educators

The College of

Our Urban Education Certificate and Master’s Degree Programs are truly ground breaking in their approach.

Designed for post-baccalaureate students from all disciplines, but especially those in science, English and math, these programs focus on the unique needs of students in urban classrooms. In our Urban Education Certificate program, you’ll be assigned to a key teacher right from the start, and you’ll be immersed in an actual classroom setting for the entire program. Our Master’s of Urban Education program provides realtime application of strategies proven to promote student achievement in urban schools. Learn how to become an impactful urban educator from programs that are truly unique. Find out more today!

Urban Education

davenport.edu/urban

Get where the world is going 8 • The Quad • FALL | 2017

Despite the professional success of many who did not earn a college diploma, it is becoming clear that earning an education matters. In addition, an undergraduate degree is increasingly not enough to land the solid, well-paying jobs of the future. What’s needed, experts say, is a graduate degree.

However, with a national jobs forecast that remains weak and the cost of higher education continuing to grow faster than the rate of inflation, why would someone want to consider the academic, persona, and financial rigors of graduate school? Here are a few reasons why grad school makes a difference in your career and earning potential: 1) Personal growth: Some people are lifelong learners. They have an insatiable desire to add to their knowledge reservoir, challenge themselves academically, and experience what they consider to be among the most rewarding life pursuits — developing the mind.

For these individuals, a graduate education offers the opportunity to do all of that and in a structured way that can deliver great personal satisfaction.

2) Greater employment opportunities: In many career sectors, such as higher education administration, public affairs and social services, a master’s degree is replacing a bachelor’s degree as the minimum requirement for employment. With a bachelor’s degree in the 1980s, one could secure an entry level position as an admissions counselor, academic adviser or student services coordinator. By the 2000s, applicants for these same entry-level positions were not even considered unless they held a master’s degree.

While holding a graduate degree is not a guarantee of ultimate success, it certainly increases the likelihood.

3) Greater career advancement: Earning a graduate degree is evidence of persistence, determination, intellectual prowess and the ability to handle challenging environments — all of which are sought-after qualities for indi-

viduals filling manager and director positions.

An employee who has demonstrated success in a long-term situation that requires stamina, discipline, leadership and the ability to work well with others is going to be in line for growth opportunities within his or her organization.

4) Financial reward: Anyone considering graduate school would be less than wise if he or she did not consider the return on investment. For grad degree holders, the numbers are favorable. U.S. workers between the ages of 21 and 64 with a master’s degree or higher earn an average annual salary of $55,242, versus those with a bachelor’s degree whose average annual salary is $42,877, according to the United States Census Bureau. That represents nearly a 30 percent difference in average annual salary, and offers clear evidence that completing a graduate degree can make an impact on one’s financial situation.

5) Sense of accomplishment: As a graduate and business school dean who witnessed his students graduate, and as a grad student who experienced it firsthand years earlier, the feeling of personal satisfaction one gets from walking across the platform to receive a master’s or doctoral degree is overwhelming.

The effort put forth to complete your studies, despite moments of doubt and uncertainty, will stand as a central character-building life experience.

6) Greater recognition and credibility: There are countless numbers of graduate degree holders who have gone on to accomplish great things, and who are afforded the respect and recognition they have earned.

Unquestionably, an advanced degree makes a difference on a résumé. It says something about who you are and the dedication you have to your chosen field.

Dr. Don Martin, Ph.D., is a higher education admissions expert, author, and former admissions dean at Columbia University, Northwestern University, Wheaton College and University of Chicago Booth School of Business. To learn more about graduate admissions, visit gradschoolroadmap.com.

Marygrove College - Committed to Advanced Education This year, Marygrove College celebrates 90 years of education in the city of Detroit…90 years of meeting the changing needs of the community and the changing dynamic of higher education.

to commit to an urban leadership strategic vision.”

Marygrove offers online master’s degrees in the Art of Teaching, Educational Leadership, Educational Technology, Reading Specialist, and Human Resource Management; mixed-format degrees and certificates in Special Education and Education plus Teacher Certification; and their Social Justice program. They will soon expand their degree offerings and professional development for teachers in response to students’ needs.

Marygrove is again changing! This January, Marygrove will begin focusing on graduate-only programs and professional development. The demand for graduate-level studies in Education, Human Resource Management and Social Justice is strong and Marygrove has stepped up to meet the demand.

Marygrove College has over 50 years’ experience in graduate education and was a market leader in offering the Master in the Art of Teaching degree. More than 22,000 teachers have graduated with a Marygrove MAT in that time.

Marygrove President Dr. Elizabeth Burns said, “We know of no other college in the country that has made this type of transformation from an undergraduate/graduate school to a purely graduate college. It is

As President Burns said, “Our goal is help students advance in their careers to improve their lives and the lives of their families.”

as bold a transformation as our historically bold moves to educate women when it wasn’t fashionable, to invite 68 African

American students to Marygrove in 1968 with the 68 for ’68 initiative, to create one of the nation’s first online MAT degrees, and

How do busy adults work a master’s degree into their lives? Marygrove’s programs are easy and affordable. You’re invited to contact Graduate Admissions, 313-9271240 or info@marygrove.edu. Or apply online at https://applynow.marygrove.edu/ application/

Master’s Degrees and Post-Graduate Programs to Advance Your Career • Education + Teacher Certification • Educational Leadership • Educational Technology • Human Resource Management

• Master in the Art of Teaching • Professional Development for Teachers • Reading Specialist • Social Justice • Special Education

For over 50 years, Marygrove College has been helping students master their professional skills. See what Marygrove can do for you?

Contact Dr. Diane Brown, IHM, (313) 927-1263 or dbrown1@marygrove.edu, or visit marygrove.edu. ad_from_tower_times_10x5.indd 1

9/20/17 1:56 PM

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At WMU, you are gold Western Michigan University is a learner-centered, discovery-driven and globally engaged public university that stands out among America’s more than 4,600 higher education institutions.

Founded in 1903, WMU has grown to become a major national research university enrolling nearly 23,000 students from across the United States and 100 other countries. It is based in Kalamazoo, a friendly, top-rated college town situated close to large urban centers, great jobs and abundant recreational areas.

WMU combines the resources of a major research university with the personal attention and warm atmosphere often found at a small college.

Taking full advantage of that combination gives students the edge they need to succeed in school, the workplace and life.

Students attending WMU enjoy top-notch programs, teachers, facilities and hands-on learning opportunities. They expect and receive one-onone attention from senior-level faculty members and quickly find that advisors, career specialists, mentors and tutors are within easy reach. In addition, most classes are relatively small in size and taught by the University’s full-time professors.

The University offers 149 bachelor’s, 75 master’s and 32 doctoral programs, along with one program leading to a specialist degree and several others that lead to graduate-level certificates in innovative or high-demand areas of specialization. These programs are offered through seven degree-granting colleges: arts and sciences, aviation, education and human development, engineering and applied sciences, fine arts, Haworth College of Business, and health and human services.

Students come to WMU from around the world, with representatives of minority groups making up 23 percent of the student body and international students 8 percent. They enjoy a vibrant campus atmosphere featuring nearly 400 student organizations, including fraternities and sororities, professional associations, faith-based groups, club sports and hobby groups. The University also provides acclaimed arts programs, a lively cultural calendar, and numerous intramural, health and fitness programs.

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Go from good to GOLD. There’s something about WMU. You feel it the moment you step on campus. Here, you’ll not only create your future, you’ll find gold. Gold in the moments and experiences you share. Gold in the knowledge you gain.

Gold that is at the heart of who you are and who you will become. wmich.edu/strikegold

FALL | 2017 •

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U-M’s pioneering ‘Guarantee’ means free tuition for many in-state students with financial need If you are a Michigan resident with a family income less than $65,000, the University of Michigan will cover the full cost of your tuition as long as you apply and are admitted.

That’s the commitment – dubbed the Go Blue Guarantee – that university leaders unveiled this summer in an unprecedented move to ensure broad and equal access to higher education for all students in Michigan, regardless of financial means.

The program will launch on Jan. 1 and will cover all current students who have an annual family income of $65,000 or less and family assets totaling less than $50,000. Assets include home equity, savings and checking accounts, investments, real estate, and business net worth, but not retirement accounts.

For in-state students whose families earn more, there is still plenty of aid available. In fact, U-M’s tuition support can include Michigan families earning up to $180,000 a year, depending on specific circumstances.

The pursuit of making the college experience more affordable at the University of

12 • The Quad • FALL | 2017

Michigan goes back to the end of the 19th century. That’s when the university began granting its first student loans, in 1897, with funding from alumni groups and others interested in assisting needy students.

When the Great Depression created huge financial strains for American families, the university’s board of regents reacted accordingly, establishing more than 65 new scholarships.

The university also increased the number of

student loans from 885 in 1929 to 2,600 in 1935, and a textbook lending library was established in 1937 to help cost-conscious students save money.

To meet the needs of the university’s increasing class sizes in the mid-20th century, administrators created the school’s first financial aid office in 1962. The policy of developing an individualized program of loans, grants, and work for each student was introduced later that decade, as was the college WorkStudy program.

For the 200-year-old university, the Go Blue Guarantee is just the next step forward in achieving an academic and cultural mission built largely on the ideal that education is a truly democratizing effort that transcends socioeconomic class.

To learn more about the Go Blue Guarantee and how “You Can Go Blue,” visit goblueguarantee.umich.edu.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GO BLUE GUARANTEE AND HOW “YOU CAN GO BLUE,” VISIT

goblueguarantee.umich.edu FALL | 2017 •

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EDUCATION PLANS

By Alisha Dixon As the cost of education continues to rise, Michigan families are looking at different ways to fund their children’s education, like 529 savings/investment plans while providing tax advantages.

The Michigan Education Savings Program allows parental guardians, students and even friends to pay for the college expenses of a designated beneficiary ahead of time.

The National Center for Education Statistics conducted a 2014-2015 academic year study to determine the average annual cost of education, including tuition, fees and room and board. Results showed education costs were estimated to be $16,188 for public institutions, $41,970 for private nonprofit institutions, and $23,372 at private for-profit institutions. The data from the study revealed a 26 percent increase in cost for public institutions and 33 percent for private since the 2004-2005 academic year.

If the rise in annual tuition and fee rates are any indication of what the cost of education will be in 10 years, many should be alarmed.

Named after section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, 529 plans can be either prepaid or savings plans. The savings option allows you to invest contributions based on the market performance investments, like mutual funds. Prepaid plans allow parents to pay the total cost of an in-state public college education according to today’s rates in advance.

Opening an MESP costs $25 with minimum contributions as low as $15 that can be automatically deducted via direct deposit. Starting a MESP has many benefits, including federal tax breaks, as earnings are not subject to tax when used for eligible college expenses.

Currently, MESP offers four ways to fund your beneficiary’s education. They include age-based investment, guaranteed investment, multifund investment, and single-fund investment.

Age-based investment provides the opportunity to match the investment and level of risk according to the projected payout date by considering the current age of the beneficiary and how many years before the beneficiary turns 18 or is expected to begin college. For this option, the risk level automatically changes from aggressive to conservative as the beneficiary gets closer to 18.

The guaranteed investment option is considered best for people who want a low-risk, stable return and have shorter time frames from investment to payout.

Multifund investment options are for people who prefer to select an option for its specific asset allocation. Each is allocated to multiple funds and/or funding agreements and has a different investment objective and investment strategy. Options do not change automatically as the beneficiary gets older.

With the single fund option, payout is entirely based on the performance of the underlying fund. Under this option, participants do not own shares of the underlying funds directly, making this best for people who want specific single funds such as equity index, money market or social fund options.

Plans vary based on many different factors. To find the right plan for your family or for more information, visit www.Misaves.com.

14 • The Quad • FALL | 2017

Classes are just the beginning at Macomb Community College If their college education was confined to the classroom, Antonio Capaldi, Akia Huff and Brendon Doran might have missed out on some of the greatest experiences – and opportunities - of their lives so far.

For Capaldi, meeting Dave Bing, NBA Hall of Famer and former Detroit mayor was one of the highlights of his first year at Macomb Community College. Scoring 20 points in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association regional basketball championship and discovering his inner leader were two more.

“Macomb helped me center my life,” says Capaldi, captain of Macomb’s men’s basketball team and an education major with coaching aspirations. “It helped show me what I want to do. Without Macomb, I don’t know where I’d be.”

On the dean’s list every semester, Capaldi has been recognized as a role model by coaches and professors alike. Asked to speak to incoming students and athletes about what it takes to succeed in college, he humbly attributes his own accomplishments to being “blessed.” An invite to the Shining Light Awards, where he met Bing, was made by his College Success Skills professor. Once there, in a room filled with business and community

that there were a lot of places on campus for students to study as well as hang out between classes. After speaking to an advisor about my career goals, I knew I made the right decision.”

At Macomb, Huff was also hired for a paid work-study position, finishing her second assignment in Student Life and Leadership (SLL) at the end of the winter semester. In Student Life, she helped plan and coordinate its programming on South Campus, working Antonio Capaldi led Macomb’s men’s basketball team to the championship playoffs this year and has been tagged by coaches and professors as a role model for other students. leaders, the professor told him this world could be his one day. Unimaginable when he was in high school, Capaldi now had to agree, “Yes, it could.”

Huff also came to Macomb with humble expectations. A single mom to four-year-old Kaiden, she was looking for a flexible college where she could pursue a degree one class at a time. What she found was a community.

“After taking a tour, I immediately fell in love with Macomb,” says Huff, 27, a graduate of Crockett High School in Detroit. “I noticed

Akia Huff, a single mom, found a paid workstudy position and fun in Macomb’s Student Life and Leadership Office, with hours scheduled around her classes.

hours that accommodated her classes and having fun doing it.

“The school has so many events and activities going on to help get students involved,” says Huff, who intends to transfer to Oakland University next year to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. “And working in SLL was a blast.”

Work has also been a blast for Doran, an electrical engineering student at Macomb who obtained an internship with a soundproofing company through Macomb’s Career Services.

Recently, the company gave him a lead role in building an acoustic baffle system for one of the units at the M1 Concourse, an auto enthusiasts’ playground opening in stages in Pontiac.

“If you’d have told me a year and a half ago that I’d have my hands on something like that, I would have laughed. I was, literally, a doorman in Detroit,” says Doran. “This project was my first big step. I can look back and say, ‘I did this.’”

Find out what you can do at Discover Macomb, Saturday, Nov. 18, on Macomb’s Center Campus in Clinton Township. Reserve your spot at www.macomb./discovermacomb.

We help U become

UNSTOPPABLE

Apply today: macomb.edu FALL | 2017 •

The Quad • 15

The Princeton Review: Guide to Choosing College Majors We know that choosing a college major can be overwhelming, but have no fear.

Your choice of major will not lock you into a specific career for the rest of your life. That said, you will spend a lot of time on whatever subject you choose. Here’s what you need to know about college majors before you commit.

What is a major?

Your major in college is your specialized area of study. Beyond general college requirements, you’ll also take a group of courses in a subject of your choosing such as chemistry, comparative literature or political science. At some schools you can even design your own major.

How important is your major?

The major you choose will neither predict nor guarantee your future. Many graduates find jobs that have nothing to do with what they studied in college. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average twenty-something switches jobs once every three years and the average person changes career fields two or three times in their lifetime.

If you intend to earn a professional degree (like an MD) after college, you will probably need certain courses, or prerequisites, under your belt. But many future doctors major in non-science related fields.

When do I declare a major?

Typically in your sophomore or junior year, but the answer varies across schools and programs. Some colleges ask you to list your expected major on your college application (although “undecided” is usually an option), but don’t require you to declare definitively until later.

If you are interested in a major that requires a lot of classes, or classes that are limited to students in that major, then it is better to declare early. Some majors demand a strictly regimented order of courses, and if you fall behind, you may have to extend your college stay by a semester or two.

How to Choose a Major Consider these factors when picking your major.

16 • The Quad • FALL | 2017

Career Prep Choose a major because it will prepare you for a specific career path or advanced study. Maybe you already know that you want to be a nurse, a day trader, a physical therapist or a web developer. Before you declare, take a class or two in the relevant discipline, check out the syllabus for an advanced seminar, and talk to students in the department of your choice. Make sure you’re ready for the coursework required for the career of your dreams.

Earning Potential Future earning potential is worth considering. College is a big investment, and while college can pay you back in many ways beyond salary, this can be a major factor for students who are paying their own way or taking out loans. According to PayScale. com, the majors that lead to the highest salaries include just about any type of engineering, actuarial mathematics, computer science, physics, statistics, government and economics. Keep your quality of life in mind, too. That six figure salary may not be worth it if you’re not happy at the office.

Subjects You Love Some students choose a major simply because they love the subject matter. If you love what you’re studying, you’re more likely to fully engage with your classes and college experience, and that can mean better grades and great relationships with others in your field. If your calling is philosophy, don’t write it off just because you’re not sure about graduate school, or what the job market holds for philosophers. Many liberal arts majors provide students with critical thinking skills and writing abilities that are highly valued by employers.

Undecided? Explore your interests.

If you have no idea what you want to study, that’s okay because many schools don’t require students to declare a major until sophomore year. That gives you four semesters to play the field. Make the most of any required general education courses and choose ones that interest you. Talk to professors, advisors, department heads and other students. Find an internship off-campus. Exploring your interests will help you find your best fit major and maybe

even your ideal career.

Can I change my mind?

Definitely. One of the most exciting aspects of college life is that it introduces you to new subjects and fosters new passions.

You might enter undergrad enjoying physics but discover a burgeoning love for political science. However, keep in mind that every major has requisite coursework. Some require you to take introductory courses before you move into the more advanced classes. Also, some classes are offered in the fall but not in the spring or vice-versa.

If you change your major late in the game, it may take more than the traditional four years to earn a degree.

Minors and Double Majors If one field of study doesn’t satisfy your intellectual appetite, consider a minor. A minor is similar to a major in that it’s an area of academic concentration.

The only difference is that a minor does not require as many classes.

Some undergrads with a love of learning and an appetite for “punishment” choose to pursue two majors, often in totally different subjects. A double major provides you with an understanding of two academic fields. It allows you to become familiar with two sets of values, views and vocabularies. That said, it also requires you to fulfill two sets of requirements and take twice as many required classes. You won’t have as many opportunities to experiment or take classes outside those two fields.

While a minor or a double major might make you more marketable, both professionally and for graduate study, both are time, and energy, intensive. Most students find that one major is more than enough.

Information adapted from www.PrincetonReview.com.

Prepare for Success and Start Planning for College 9th Grade • Take challenging classes in core academic subjects. Most colleges require four years of English, at least three years of social studies (history, civics, geography, economics, etc.), three years of mathematics, and three years of science, and many require two years of a foreign language.

Round out your course load with classes in computer science and the arts.

• Work with one of your parents to estimate your financial aid using FAFSA4caster and be sure to save for college.

• Get involved in school- or community-based activities that interest you or let you explore career interests. Consider working, volunteering, and/or participating in academic enrichment programs, summer workshops, and camps with specialty focuses such as music, arts, or science.

Remember—it’s quality (not quantity) that counts.

• Ask your guidance counselor or teachers what Advanced Placement courses are available, whether you are eligible, and how to enroll in them.

• Use the U.S. Department of Labor’s career search tool at www.mynextmove.org, to research your career options.

10th Grade •Meet with your school counselor or mentor to discuss colleges and their requirements.

•Consider taking a practice Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) or the PLAN exam.

• Plan to use your summer wisely: Work, volunteer, or take a summer course (away or at a local college).

• Go to career information events to get a more detailed look at career options.

• Research majors that might be a good fit with your interests and goals based on your results from the U.S. Department of Labor’s career search at www.mynextmove.org.

11th Grade All Year Explore careers and their earning potential in the Occupa-

tional Outlook Handbook. Or, for a fun interactive tool, try the U.S. Department of Labor’s career search.

Go to college fairs and college-preparation presentations by college representatives.

Fall Take the Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

You must take the test in 11th grade to qualify for scholarships and programs associated with the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Detroit Mercy helps build your boundless future through: > Exceptional Academics > A vibrant American City—Detroit > Values–based Education and > Career opportunities in fields that offer an exceptional future.

Start building your boundless future at Detroit Mercy today! Explore your interest in science, technology, engineering, architecture and math.

Check out the university on visit days Sept. 30, Dec. 9 and Feb. 3, 2018.

Apply now at udmercy.edu and start building your boundless future today!

For more, visit www.udmercy.edu/visit.

4001 W. McNichols Road • Detroit, MI 48221 • 800-635-5020

MI Chronicle 2017_Detroit Mercy.indd 1

FALL | 2017 •

10:01 AM The8/9/17 Quad • 17

Steps for planning your career Planning a career, especially the first time around, can seem like a huge task.

It’s understandable that you don’t want to make a mistake. If you do some thinking up front, you can head in the right direction and make adjustments in your career when needed. The way jobs are changing, you’ll need to readjust, change jobs or careers, and learn new skills along the way anyway.

Planning your career now and in the future really comes down to three steps. By following these steps, you can make decisions that are right for you. You’ll know your options and what it will take to reach your goals.

Take a realistic look at your strengths, weaknesses, and interests.

• What can help you achieve your goals and what obstacles could get in your way?

• What types of work and school courses and activities appeal to you?

• What interests you?

• What do you do well now and what skills have you gained through experience?

• What values do you have regarding work?

Explore your options. It’s hard to know what to do for a career when you don’t even know all the possibilities. Here are just a few ways to find career information: • Explore your career options using ACT’s World-of-Work Map or the Kuder Career • PlanningSystem.

• Spend time with people whose activities intrigue you.

• Volunteer or work in a job that interests you.

• Discuss your career and educational plans with your school counselor, parents, or other interested people.

Consider issues that can affect your plans and take actions to accomplish your goals.

• What schools offer the training you need?

• How will you pay for school?

• Are you ready to search for a job?

• How will you balance your work and going to school?

• How will you manage family or relationship commitments?

Reprinted with permission from eCampusTours.com - a college planning website featuring 360-degree virtual tours of over 1300 campuses nationwide. Sponsored by Edsouth.

Copyright 2013-14. All rights reserved.

• What do you need to study?

#1 public research university in

WHAT MAKES A SPARTAN IS WHAT’S INSIDE. THE COMMITMENT TO SOMETHING BIGGER. BECAUSE THE WORLD NEVER STOPS ASKING: WHO WILL?

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the nation for student engagement – Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings, 2016

A top 100 global university

– U.S. News & World Report, 2017

Learn more at:

admissions.msu.edu 18 • The Quad • FALL | 2017

A Degree from Lawrence Technological University Boosts Your Earning Potential Possible is everything The Brookings Institution ranks Lawrence Technological University fifth among U.S. colleges and universities for boosting graduates’ earning potential. Payscale.com reports that salaries of LTU bachelor’s graduates are in the top 10 percent nationally. Some 88 percent of students are employed or grad school bound by the date of their graduation, greater than the national average.

Innovative Programs, Small Class Sizes LTU is a private, 4,500-student university that offers more than 100 innovative programs in Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and Management – all featuring exceptional exposure to theory and practice.

As a student, you’ll benefit from small class sizes, with classes, studios, and labs taught by faculty with current industry experience. Lawrence Tech is ranked among

the nation’s best universities by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review.

Technology to Help You Succeed Lawrence Tech provides the tools required to compete and succeed in a technology-driven world. You’ll be provided your own high-end laptop loaded with industry-standard software – retailing on average over $75,000 – a benefit you’ll only get at LTU. www.ltu.edu/LTuZone

Clubs and Sports With over 60 student clubs and organizations, including fraternities, sororities, honor societies, and student chapters of professional groups, there are many opportunities to get involved. In addition to our new football team, LTU features NAIA, ACHA, and USBC varsity and junior varsity athletics in men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, lacrosse, bowling, ice hockey, golf, tennis, volleyball, and cross country, as well

as women’s softball, and men’s baseball.

You can also show your Blue Devil spirit as a member of the pep band or dance team.

Learn more at www.LTUAthletics.com.

of Admissions at 800.225.5588 or admissions@ltu.edu, watch the “Student Stories” video at www.ltu.edu/StudentStories, or visit www.ltu.edu.

For more information about becoming a Blue Devil, contact Lawrence Tech’s Office

Ready to apply now? Go to www.ltu.edu/ applyfree.

Possible is everything.

Lawrence Technological University isn’t for just anyone.

We want the future designers, engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs who will create the innovations of tomorrow.

Catch the Blue and White spirit on a campus tour!

RSVP at: ltu.edu/campustour

5th

in nation for boosting graduates’ earning potential

Architecture and Design | Arts and Sciences | Engineering | Management

11:1

student/faculty ratio

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students employed or registered for graduate school at commencement

admissions@ltu.edu

FALL | 2017 •

The Quad • 19

Expert Advice: Seven Tips for Saving Money on College Applications Paying for college doesn’t just begin in your first semester freshman year. Rather, prospective college students can expect to start funding their higher education in high school — when they send in their college applications.

According to the National Association of College Admission Counselors, almost one-third of high school seniors apply to seven or more colleges. With today’s college application fees averaging $38 — not to mention an average high of $77 among the nation’s elite schools — students can expect to shell out hundreds of dollars in college fees long before their first tuition payment is due.

But there are ways to avoid paying such hefty fees if you know where to look. With the help of our seasoned college experts, we’ve compiled a list of tips to help students save money when applying to colleges this fall.

Apply for early admission For students who already have their top choice school in mind, consider applying during early admission. If you’re accepted, you won’t have to submit costly applications elsewhere. Mark Kantrowitz, the vice president of edvisors. com and a nationally recognized higher education expert, says this tactic “can save the student a lot of money on application fees to safety schools. It also alleviates a lot of stress, potentially improving the applications to other match and reach schools.”

Watch your mail Some colleges send recruiting letters waiving application fees for students who score well on tests, says Laurie Weingarten, an independent college counselor in Marlboro, NJ.

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University of Michigan-Dearborn | 4901 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, MI 48128

Learn more about earning the MICHIGAN degree!

20 • The Quad • FALL | 2017

Fall Open House

October 21 | 12:00 - 3:30 pm umdearborn.edu/openhouse

Call schools to ask about fee waivers Clear up any lingering questions you may have by talking with an admissions counselor at the school you’re applying to. Mike Frantz, vice president of enrollment at Buena Vista University, recommends asking the school if it will waive the fee for you. “The worst they can say is no, and you’ve lost nothing in the process,” he said.

Don’t be afraid to ask your high school counselor about fee waivers as well. “Many colleges will waive the application fee if your guidance counselor attests that you have financial limitations or difficulties,” says Frantz.

“Develop a good working relationship with your guidance counselor and ask them to reach out on your behalf.” Students whose families can’t afford the fees can ask their high school counselors to sign a fee-waiver form, available from the National Association for College Admission Counseling.

Apply to colleges that offer free online applications Not all colleges charge students to apply. Stephanie Kinkaid, assistant career services director at Monmouth College, advises students to “check online to see if the college in which you are interested in offers free online applications.”

Kinkaid notes that the many colleges offering free online applications include Millikin University, Smith College, Drake University, Juniata College, Colby College and Carleton College.

If your top choice school does not offer free applications, fear not. Many colleges that do require payment “will waive application fees if a student is willing to apply online,” says Art Goon, vice president of enrollment management at Delaware Valley College.

Though not always the case, he says “online applications save schools the cost of employing a staff member to physically enter the application information.”

Take a campus tour In addition to learning firsthand whether a college is a good fit for you, some schools will waive application fees for students who

attend a campus tour. Goon says many schools, including Delaware Valley College, “are willing to extend an application fee waiver to students who show a serious and genuine interest in attending their specific institution.” To learn more about this opportunity, be sure to talk with current students, alumni or admissions counselors at your top choice schools.

Include test scores on your transcripts In addition to your college application, most colleges require applicants to submit official SAT and/or ACT scores from the testing service, adding even more financial strain on students. A great way to avoid paying these extra fees is to “ask your high school to put your test scores on your transcript,” Frantz says. “Many colleges will accept that as an official score report and it may save you from paying extra to have scores sent to more colleges than the testing services allow.”

Similar to application fees, testing services sometimes waive their fee for students in need, Kinkaid adds. Students with difficult family financial situations will sometimes qualify for a fee waiver from the college board.

Apply with the Common Application Accepted by more than 500 colleges and universities across the country, the common application — also referred to as the common app — allows students to submit a single application to virtually all of their prospective colleges. But although the common app saves students time on applying, it might not save them money; students are still required to pay a one-time application fee to each school on their list. As an extra incentive to use the common app, Kantrowitz notes that some colleges may waive the application fee for students who choose to apply via the centralized platform. Check with your admissions counselor to find out if your prospective colleges might offer this free pass.

Information from www.Nerdwallet.com.

Authored by Gianna Sen-Gupta.

Our degrees change lives.

Madonna Grads are Agents for Change The strong academic programs, career preparation, and service learning projects at Madonna University change the lives of its students, who, in turn, change the lives of others. Madonna graduates have earned the reputation as effective leaders, competent scholars, and socially-responsible citizens who bring about positive change.

Students apply their classroom learning to service projects, such as nursing students who shared their health and wellness skills with moms and children during a study abroad class in the Philippines, or broadcast and cinema arts students who produced promotional videos for non-profit organizations, and still other students pursing a variety of majors who participate in Alternative Spring Break projects.

Many of the academic programs at Madonna prepare students for helping professions and service to others, such as

criminal justice, forensic science, nursing, education, hospice and palliative studies, sign language studies, social work, and even business. Some of Madonna’s newest programs are at the master’s level, i.e. master’s in criminal justice leadership and intelligence, master of social work, master’s in higher education and student affairs. They offer students an opportunity to take their careers to the next level, as well as to make an even bigger difference in the lives of those they serve.

At Madonna, students really get to know who they are and what they love to do, because they’re involved – whether in athletics, student senate, internships, or one of more than 35 student groups. They graduate with a degree and a wealth of experience that will enable them to be agents for change.

Prepare for a rewarding career Receive a personalized education Expand your world by studying abroad Grow spiritually in a values-based community Experience fulfillment through service learning

Attend a Campus Visit Day or Grad School Open House Visit Days | Saturday, Oct. 14 & 28 Open House | Monday, Oct. 9 & Thurs., Nov. 9 36600 Schoolcraft Road, Livonia, MI 48150 734-432-5339 | madonna.edu/visit

madonna.edu

Connect with us!

FALL | 2017 •

The Quad • 21

At Grand Valley, we are Focused on Education Grand Valley State University is a comprehensive, four-year public institution located near Grand Rapids, Michigan, that has established a reputation for preparing its more than 25,000 students to excel in virtually every field. Grand Valley has more than 200 areas of study in 88 undergraduate and 38 graduate programs.

The university’s focus on individual student achievement has created unique undergraduate and graduate learning opportunities that attract top students from across the country and around the world.

Impact.

Grand Valley’s liberal education focus emphasizes critical thinking, creative problem solving, and cultural understanding — preparing students for life in a fast-changing world. It fosters a commitment to economic, social, and environmental sustainability and an inclusive campus that values diversity. Through this forward-thinking education, students are empowered to positively affect the global community now and in the future.

Grand Valley’s main campus in Allendale is home to modern classrooms and labs, some of the newest and most inviting living centers in Michigan, outstanding fitness and sports facilities, a comprehensive library, and much more. Just 15 miles east, in the heart of Michigan’s second largest city, the 69-acre Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus offers a dynamic urban academic setting. The Pew Grand Rapids Campus features the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences, which is part of an expanding health campus that includes Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, set to open in May, as well as another new building with a scheduled May 2021 completion date. This health campus has made Grand Valley a catalyst for unique health care partnerships and joint ventures that put students in the heart of unique learning experiences in Grand Rapids’ Health Hill.

When you become

22 • The Quad • FALL | 2017

Impact.

When you become a Laker, you look outward, focusing on others instead of yourself. With professors’ caring guidance, you learn how to make a meaningful, lasting difference. Then, as you go forward into the world, you’re ready to tackle challenges and make meaningful contributions. Like Michigan itself, your positive impact will be far reaching. That’s the Laker Effect.

gvsu.edu FALL | 2017 •

The Quad • 23

Community Connect Consulting Because We Care Foundation Recognizes Outstanding Community Leader The Community Connect Consulting (CCC) Because We Care Foundation is a local non-profit foundation that has been making strides in our community since its inception in 2009. Gifts of school supplies, haircuts, computers, uniforms and dental screenings have been a part of their focus from 2011-2016.

This year, the organization has concentrated on giving scholarships to local high school seniors. President Adriane Mayes and Vice President and Program Director Enyka Matthews-Gaines honored Mattie Wallace, a retired Detroit Public Schools teacher, for being a visionary and philanthropist.

Wallace has been giving out the Clifford and Lorine Book scholarships to graduating high school seniors since 2011. This foundation was created to honor her parents who believed in supporting our future leaders.

This year’s scholarship recipients were:

Tips for College Students 1) Get involved in campus activity 2) Find the ideal place to study 3) Rent books or buy used books 4) Go to class regularly 5) Become an expert on course requirements and due dates 6) Meet with your professors 7) Get to know your academic adviser.

Turhan Morris 2017 graduate of Renaissance High School Attending: Michigan State University Major: Biochemistry

Mikal Austin 2017 graduate of Cass Technical High School Attending: Michigan State University Major: Pre-Medical

8) Always back up your files 9) Develop a budget and stick to it 10) Open a credit card for emergencies to start building your credit 11) Have upfront discussions with your roommates and lay out the rules before problems arise 12) Learn how to properly wash clothes, and don’t leave your clothes in the laundry room 13) Study more than you party, but enjoy both

Kayla Tyus 2017 graduate of Oakland Early College High School Attending: Oakland University Major: Elementary Education The CCC Because We Care Foundation was proud to honor the efforts of Mattie Wallace, who knows the value of a quality education and the importance of giving back, and would like to encourage others to share the vision and support our local high school seniors as they demonstrate academic excellence and community service.

If you would like more information about the CCC Because We Care Foundation you may contact: Adriane Mayes, president; Enyka Matthews-Gaines, vice president and program director; Marie Tell, community service executive advisor; or Nancy Mayes, community service executive advisor at 1-800-622-4558.

24 • The Quad • FALL | 2017

14) Get involved on campus 15) Stay healthy and use the clinic 16) If you live in a dorm, always wear flip flips on the bathroom 17) Use your student discount whenever you can 18) Get an internship 19) Explore the new city 20) Call home regularly

Schoolcraft College is a Great Option Schoolcraft College is a predominantly two-year public community college offering more than 70 different academic majors and programs. The college enrolls more than 30,000 students each year in both credit programs and continuing education and professional development (non-credit) courses. The traditional for credit student population is divided nearly down the middle with about half of students whose goals include securing an occupational credential and about half of students who attend Schoolcraft to transfer credits or entire associate degrees.

And ensuring students attain those goals is paramount. The college’s student success rate, which includes those who graduate or transfer to another college, is 15% higher than the average of all community colleges in Michigan. This is not surprising given that Schoolcraft’s retention and persistence rates also trend 20 percent higher than the national average of community colleges in the United States.

Faculty are often cited by graduates as their favorite aspect of their Schoolcraft experience and a major factor in their success. With 86 percent of instructors holding traditional master’s or higher degrees, and

another 12 percent with equivalent industry specific credentials, it isn’t any surprise that rigorous academics is also one of the college’s recognized attributes.

Areas of study for students include, but certainly are not limited to Culinary Arts, Nursing, Criminal Justice, Fire Technology, Biomedical Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing, Plastic Technology, Massage Therapy, Metallurgy, Sound Recording Technology, Health Information Technology, Business, Music, Theatre, Emergency Medical Technology and more. A complete list of programs can be found at www. schoolcraft.edu/academics. In addition to offering skills certificates, certificates, associate degrees or post-associate certificates, the college also offers a Bachelor of Science in Culinary and Dietary Operations Management degree. Other bachelor degree-level courses and programs are offered by several university partners on Schoolcraft’s campuses or online, and through transfer of credits to other four-year institutions.

Schoolcraft College participates in the Detroit Promise Scholarship Program and offers classes at three locations and online at www.schoolcraft.edu.

Web site: www.schoolcraft.edu Answer Center: 734-462-4426

FALL | 2017 •

The Quad • 25

Michigan Department of Treasury Provides Student Aid in Scholarship Search

By Alisha Dixon As Michigan high school and college students head back to school, the Michigan Department of Treasury (Treasury) reminds active learners about MI Student Aid’s scholarship search experience.

The service connects students with thousands of possible scholarship opportunities provided by various organizations throughout the state. Students or their families complete and submit a brief online survey and MI Student Aid service representatives will search for Michigan scholarships, emailing a detailed scholarship report within a week.

“MI Student Aid’s scholarship search experience is an invaluable tool for Michigan’s students,” said Anne Wohlfert, director of Treasury’s Student Financial Services Bureau. “Our MI Student Aid representatives will conduct a thorough scholarship search and return the results to the student.

We are ready to help anyone trying to find a way to pay for college.”

To begin the MI Student Aid scholarship search experience, go to www.michigan. gov/mistudentaid.

Admission Fees for Undergraduate Programs in Michigan Baker College $30 Davenport University None Eastern Michigan University None ($35 if mailed) Henry Ford Community College None Grand Valley State $30 Lawrence Technological University $30 Madonna University None Marygrove College None Michigan State University $65 Oakland Community College None Oakland University None Schoolcraft College None University of Michigan $75 University of Detroit-Mercy None Wayne County Community College None Wayne State University $50 Western Michigan University $40

26 • The Quad • FALL | 2017

The AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program worked in partnership with Treasury’s Student Financial Services Bureau to collect and compile information on available financial aid resources for Michigan’s students and families.

The scholarship search experience and a statewide series of financial aid workshops were developed by the collaboration and implemented by MI Student Aid. The project was funded by a Michigan Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduates Programs (MI GEAR UP) grant. Recently, this collaboration won the 2017 Governor’s Service Award for Outstanding National Service Program.

Administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury, MI Student Aid is Michigan’s go-to resource for finding the financial resources needed to pay for college.

For more information, contact MI Student Aid at mistudentaid@michigan.gov, 1-888-4-GRANTS or @mistudentaid on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

Look for Next Edition 2017

t come to you...

“Success doesn’ you go to it.”a Collins, African American Educator -Marv

Inside:

lment, Tips on Enrolge Life! lle Money and Co

February 2018

Let your new dorm room inspire who you are or where you’re going

By Curtrise Garner Gearing up for college and your college dorm — your new living quarters for the next four years or until you finish — is an exciting time. It’s almost like you’re your own Santa Claus, making a list and checking it twice. Comforter? Check. Iron? Check.

Storage Crates? Check, check.

Decorating your first dorm is almost as much fun as deciding on the décor of your new home, although with a lot less space.

Although you will probably cohabitate with at least one other person, you will have all decorating rights and privileges to make your little (and we do mean little) section of the room all about you, or whatever you decide.

In order to decorate your room with panache and pizzazz, we recommend that you first determine a theme that will be prevalent throughout most of your décor. You can choose a theme based on a hobby, favorite color or even a book or movie. You also can choose décor based on your own personal style. How would you describe your clothing? Are you Bohemian, minimalist, glamorous, preppy? These are just a few fashion-statement styles.

When Barbara Johnson accompanied her daughter to start shopping for her dorm room at Grand Valley State, she decided to make one thing the focal point in the room — the comforter that was gray, white and yellow. Johnson is an artist/designer with Walls of Virtue, based in Southfield.

Johnson said she and her daughter had a $300 budget and bought everything that was needed for the room for $297.

“We had a budget, a serious budget,” she said. Johnson and her daughter shopped at discount — but stylish — stores such as Ikea and Target. She even used Groupon and found a huge discount on the comforter set.

“After we bought the comforter, the other pops of color came from the drapes, pillows and throw rugs,” said Johnson.

“Where you incorporate color is important because you can’t paint the walls.”

Before you get started, take an honest look at yourself and then decide if your personal style is the one you want to use for your room. One important rule to remember is that you are moving on to college which is a new way of life and a brand new experience. If you want to try something totally different for your room décor, something that its totally not the high-school you, then do it. It’s your room, your space, your life.

“It’s a small space, only one side,” said Johnson. “You want to make your space, your space, create an oasis away from home.”

Regardless of your style, there are a few must-haves that you want to include in your room.

However, before you purchase any appliances, check the college’s guidelines to be sure they are allowed. Read below for more information. Happy shopping and studying.

Dorm Room Must-Haves: •Photos of family and friends •Comforter/duvet •Pillows •Pillow protectors •Sheet sets •Mattress protectors •Big storage bins •Small refrigerator •Dishes, cups, utensils •Microwave •Iron •Ironing board •Storage with pullout drawers

•Hamper •Vacuum or broom and dustpan •Underbed storage •Shoe rack that can hang in closet •Hanging mirror •Organizational material for desks (letter sorter, pen jar, etc.)

•Small desk lamp •Small floor rug •Small trash can •TV wall mount •One or more fans for rooms without air conditioning •Tote for toiletries •Shower shoes

FALL | 2017 •

The Quad • 27

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