Launch Magazine Winter 2021

Launch A Washtenaw Community College Publication | Winter 2021

Inside

Tech Entrepreneur’s Success Started at WCC page 4

Futures for Frontliners page 6

10 | PROGRAM SPOTLIGHTS

What do you call someone who went to WCC? Photo: Student worker in WCC server room.

Employed.

LAUNCH WINTER 2021

In This Issue 4

5

6

9

10

Tech Entrepreneur’s Success Started at WCC Derek Sanborn’s path led from WCC to Michigan State University to his dream job: Founder and CEO.

Start Here, Transfer Anywhere Many students take advantage of WCC’s award-winning instruction to transfer to fouryear colleges and universities.

Futures for Frontliners State of Michigan program may cover tuition costs for essential workers.

2020 Programs

Program Spotlights

10..... Automotive Cybersecurity 12..... Liberal Arts Transfer

Welcome to Launch Greetings, I love this time of year—when the air turns a bit crisper and you anticipate all the possibilities of a changing season. At Washtenaw Community College, this time of year is exciting because it also means it’s time for students to register for winter semester.

Our first priority at WCC is student success, and our faculty and staff stand ready to support, educate and advise our new and continuing students in navigating everything this new semester has to offer.

What makes WCC unique, with the support of our greater community, is our ability to deliver an affordable, high-quality education for all our students that enables them to successfully transfer to a fouryear program or to enter today’s workforce. WCC is uniquely positioned to deliver nearly all our classes virtually, too. Our faculty are online education experts because we adopted this approach nearly a decade ago.

Inside this issue of Launch, you will find how to register for winter courses and see different career paths and in-demand professions. You’ll also meet students whose success started at WCC—from a tech entrepreneur with a successful start-up company -- to a supply chain management student working in the field and pursing his bachelor’s degree with a solid foundation and an associate degree at WCC. I am proud of our students and what I see them accomplish each day. I am grateful for our faculty, board and community who believe in seeing our students succeed. And, I cannot wait to see what our students are able to achieve this semester.

With warm regard, and gratitude,

Publisher . . . . . . . . . Rose B. Bellanca, Ed.D.

President, Washtenaw Community College

Executive Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . Colleen Villa Director of Marketing

Graphic Designer . . . . . Mandy McCarthy Web Designer . . . . . . . . Sonya McDowell Production Assistance . . Angela Law-Hill

2 | Launch Winter 2021

Rose B. Bellanca, Ed.D. President, Washtenaw Community College

You’ll be a success at WCC.

We guarantee it!

Have the confidence and assurance that a WCC education will prepare you for success!

WCC's Assurance of Student Success policy* states that if a student with a WCC associate degree isn’t prepared for the next step in his or her life — be it in entry-level employment or pursuing a bachelor’s degree — the student can return to WCC to retake courses tuition-free.

Learn more about WCC’s Student Success Guarantee at wccnet.edu/guarantee.

Ali Kurmasha, Winner, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship

Notable WCC Alumni:

Dr. Allison Fox, MD

Aisha Bowe, former NASA aerospace engineer, tech entrepreneur

*Visit https://www.wccnet.edu/about/policies/3010.php for the full policy.

Marc Fecker, Co-Founder/CEO Robo Retail

Tech Entrepreneur’s Success Started at WCC Derek Sanborn’s path led from WCC to Michigan State University to his dream job: Founder and CEO It’s a bit cliché, but Washtenaw Community College alumnus Derek Sanborn truly is living his dream.

That dream? Owning his own business.

The company’s software platform makes it easier and faster to schedule appointments, send out reminders and ease paper work for patients and staff.

The Pinckney native, now 36 years old and living in Vienna, Va. just outside Washington D.C., is founder and CEO of PatientStudio, a digital management platform serving smaller medical care providers and their patients.

“Moving smaller medical offices to this platform is what a new generation will expect to encounter,” Sanborn said.

“They don’t want to talk on the phone to schedule or discuss anything.”

“I’ve always wanted to own my own business,” Sanborn said. “Even as a teen, a friend of mine and I bought three computers and started a software business.”

For Sanborn, WCC was the right place at the right time for him to start his college journey. Most importantly, it was an opportunity to get off to a debt-free start.

The free tools PatientStudio offers, he said, will help the smaller medical office cope but also, in the future, may lead to a long-term paying partnership with the company.

As for the future, Sanborn, ever the entrepreneur, only smiles: “There could be other opportunities out there.”

Tech Career

His father encouraged him to go to college and earn a degree that would help him achieve his dream. But he also put the onus on him to pay his own way.

Technology careers such as software developers, information security analysts and data scientists will grow by as much as 31% through 2029, depending on the job.

With a Michigan Merit Award scholarship, he was able to attend WCC, graduate in 2005 and then transfer to Michigan State University where he earned a degree in business.

“I hold WCC and MSU in high regard,” Sanborn said. “I think back to the resources and the classes that were available to me at WCC and I am grateful.”

After college, he received an offer to move to the D.C. area for a job with a tech company. After four years there, he decided it was time to go out on his own.

His firm, PatientStudio, provides a variety of healthcare providers with a patient management platform to “streamline operations and enhance the patient experience,” according to the company's website.

4 | Launch Winter 2021

Pursue a

WCC was the right place at the right time for Derek Sanborn to get off to a debt-free start on his college journey.

SOURCE: https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/ occupations-most-job-growth.htm , https:// www.bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm

WHAT DO YOU CALL SOMEONE WHO WENT TO WCC?

EMPLOYED.

Start Here

TRANSFER

Anywhere

Get a university-quality education and save thousands of dollars on your first two years of college at WCC.

Many students take advantage of WCC’s small class sizes and award-winning instruction and transfer to more than 30 four-year colleges and universities.

TOP TRANSFERRING UNIVERSITIES

†

University of Michigan Eastern Michigan University Michigan State University, and more!

ONLINE COURSES DESIGNED TO TRANSFER

Discover WCC’s online general education courses and conveniently complete your English, Humanities, Math, Science, and Social Science requirements that transfer to four-year institutions.

Learn more at wccnet.edu/transfer-agreement.

PLAN YOUR TRANSFER

WCC’s University Transfer Center is committed to helping you smoothly transfer to a top four-year college or university.

Learn more at wccnet.edu/transfer.

UNIVERSITY TRANSFER CENTER †Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI)

5

S t at e o f M i c h ig a n cov e r i n g ts t u i t io n co s al f or e s s e n t i w ork e r s Applications are being accepted through December 31 for the Futures for Frontliners program unveiled by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

The program may cover tuition costs at Washtenaw Community College and other community colleges for those who served as essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The application period runs through December 31 with enrollment available beginning in January 2021.

“Community colleges will play a vital role in the state’s economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic,” said WCC President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca. “The Futures for Frontliners program is one great example of how we will help; plus it’s a tremendous way to thank those essential workers who put their own health at risk for the sake of others during this crisis.”

Futures for Frontliners offers Michiganders who worked in essential industries during the April 1 to June 30 period, but do not have a college degree, free tuition to their local community college to pursue an associate degree or a skills certificate. The academic credential can be pursued full time or part time while they continue to work.

Those without a high school diploma or equivalency are eligible for services to help them prepare for and complete this credential and go on to a community college or job training program.

Learn more about the Futures for Frontliners program at wccnet.edu/f4f.

Frontline Workers include those who worked in: Grocery Stores and Restaurants

Healthcare and Public Safety

Critical Manufacturing

Transportation and Logistics, and More

WHAT DO YOU CALL SOMEONE WHO WENT TO WCC?

EMPLOYED. 6 | Launch Winter 2021

‘I have never received so much support’ A transfer to WCC was the springboard Joseph Stiffler needed Stiffler said. “I took the leap and signed up for classes—the rest is history.”

Stiffler graduated from WCC last May, landed a job with Thorlabs, Inc., in Ann Arbor thanks to the recommendation of one of his WCC instructors, and is currently enrolled in the Global Supply Chain Management program at Wayne State University.

Joseph Stiffler started his higher education at a southeast Michigan community college, taking business courses to better understand the spectrum of opportunities available. It was there he learned about the supply chain management field.

But there was a problem. A supply chain program was not offered at his college, so he took the short drive to Washtenaw Community College.

“I instantly fell in love with the campus and the surrounding Ann Arbor area,”

WCC offers a Supply Chain Management associate degree program and a Supply Chain Operations certificate program that prepare students for their Certified Logistics Associate and Certified Logistics Technician industry certifications.

Curriculum in both was created with input from industry professionals to ensure students receive a relevant, up-todate education that allows them to enter fulfilling and high-demand careers.

“The aspect that stood out to me the most while at WCC is the faculty,” he said.

“I have never received so much support and thoughtful words while obtaining an education. It really made a difference in my determination and desire to graduate.

“I gained so much knowledge in understanding the principles of Supply Chain Management and other businessrelated skills. I have also gained experiences and friendships that I will value for life.”

Asked for his advice to incoming WCC students, Stiffler said: “I would tell them they just chose the best community college in Michigan and it will guarantee success as long as they have the selfdetermination for higher education.”

Supply Chain Management is a high-demand, high-skill and high-wage program as defined by the Michigan Community College Network.

Learn more about WCC's Supply Chain Management Associate degree at wccnet.edu/supply-chain-assoc.

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Winter 2021 Semester Begins January 11, 2021

1 Best Community College in Michigan #

Discover the WCC What’s different about a WCC education? There’s plenty! From award-winning courses to national scholarship recipients, WCC and its students are proof that we provide a university-quality education, all at an affordable price!

Registration is open as of November 12 Learn more and apply for FREE! wccnet.edu/now/discover-wcc

Choose from a variety of formats that fit your needs! ◆ Accelerated programs ◆ Virtual Classroom ◆ On-Demand ◆ Mixed-Mode

Student Welcome Center If you have questions, we are here to help! go2wcc@wccnet.edu (734) 973-3543

wccnet.edu/studentconnection

Washtenaw Community College does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other protected status in its programs and activities. The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, Title IX or ADA/504 inquires: Executive Vice President of Student & Academic Services, SC 247, 734-973-3536.

8| WinterCollege 2021 © 2020 Washtenaw Community

Launch

WCC has programs you want!

With more than 130 different programs of study, it’s easy to get an associate degree and transfer to a four-year college, train for a career you can start right away, or earn a certificate to advance in your job.

Visit wccnet.edu/programs for the full list of programs and to learn more.

BROADCAST, COMMUNICATION, VISUAL, DIGITAL & FINE ARTS BROADCAST MEDIA ARTS Audio Production and Engineering Broadcast Media Arts Journalism Technical Communication

DIGITAL ARTS

3D Animation Animation for Film and Broadcast Animation for Game Art Client-side Web Developer Digital Strategist Digital Video Production Interface Designer Server-side Web Developer User Experience Designer Web Design and Development

FINE ARTS

Film Studies Fine Arts Global Studies Liberal Arts Transfer

VISUAL ARTS

Graphic Design Photographic Imaging Photographic Technology

BUSINESS BUSINESS

Accounting Accounting for Business Administrative Assistant Applied Data Science Business Administration—Transfer Business Enterprise Business Office Administration Computer Software Applications Core Business Skills Digital Business Marketing and Sales Entrepreneurship & Innovation

BUSINESS, CONT. Human Resources Management Management Occupational Studies Retail Operations or Management Supply Chain Operations or Management

GENERAL STUDIES General Studies— Transfer Pathway General Studies— Employment Pathway

HEALTH SCIENCES DENTAL

Dental Assisting

IMAGING

Computed Tomography (CT) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Mammography Radiography

NURSING

Nursing Assistant LPN to RN RN

OTHER PROGRAMS

Health Care Foundations Health Program Preparation Medical Assisting Medical Billing and Coding Physical Therapist Assistant Sterile Processing Surgical Technology

HUMAN SERVICES, PRE-EDUCATION & PUBLIC SAFETY HUMAN SERVICES Addiction Studies Human Services

WCC also offers an English as a Second Language (ESL) certificate for international students in preparation for a college degree in the U.S. Programs available as of publication date. Consult wccnet.edu/programs for the latest information.

PRE-EDUCATION

Child Development Early Childhood Education Elementary Education Secondary Education

PUBLIC SAFETY

Criminal Justice Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement Paralegal Studies/Pre-Law Police Academy

MANUFACTURING & AUTOMOTIVE AUTOMOTIVE

Auto Body Repair Automotive Cybersecurity Automotive Services Automotive Test Technician Collision Repair and Refinish Technician Custom Auto Body Fabrication and Chassis Design Motorcycle Service Technology Powertrain Development Technician Transportation Technologies

MANUFACTURING

Advanced Machine Tool Programming Engineering Technology— Manufacturing Fluid Power Industrial Electronics Technology Machine Tool Setup, Operation and Programming Mechatronics Welding and Fabrication

SCIENCE, COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY, CONT. Cybersecurity Foundations of Information Systems Information Systems: Programming in C++ Linux/UNIX Systems Programming in Java Web Database Programming Professional

ENGINEERING

Engineering and Design Technology Pre-Engineering Science Transfer

MATH AND SCIENCE

Environmental Science Exercise Science General Studies in Math and Natural Sciences Math and Science Biology Chemistry Mathematics

SKILLED TRADES & CONSTRUCTION Construction Construction Supervision/ Management HVACR Welding

APPRENTICESHIP & UNION TRADES

Apprenticeship Completion Construction Supervision Industrial Training Ironworkers Pre-Apprenticeship Journeyman Industrial Occupational Studies

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY

C++ Programming Computer Networking Computer Software Applications Computer Systems Technology

To learn more about our Student Success Guarantee, visit wccnet.edu/guarantee.

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Program Spotlight: Automotive Cybersecurity (CTACYB)

Protect Vehicles Against Cyberattacks WCC's Automotive Cybersecurity certificate is designed to meet the emerging demands for skilled information security professionals. Automotive Cybersecurity students will learn specifically about vehicle computer networks and how they can be exposed to attacks. They will also learn how to reduce the risk of cyber attacks to keep vehicles operating safely.

EARNING POTENTIAL Information Security Analyst

Washtenaw Community College is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.

NEW WORKERS

PER YEAR

Generally start around

Normal pay is

$57,173

$88,292 PER YEAR

$132k $114k $88k $70k $57k

10th*

MICHIGAN NUMBERS

25th

Median salary source: wccnet.emsicc.com

10 | Launch Winter 2021

75th

Pay percentile

CURRENTLY EMPLOYED INFORMATION SECURITY ANALYSTS

1,936

50th

JOB OPENINGS

255

90th

New Program!

Program Spotlight: Automotive Cybersecurity (CTACYB)

AUTOMOTIVE CYBERSECURITY CERTIFICATE (CTACYB) Program Description This certificate program is designed to meet the emerging demand for highly skilled automotive cybersecurity professionals. In this program, students are introduced to the skills and strategies needed to test security related to automobile networks and related infrastructure. Students will work with the various automobile networks (CAN, LIN, Ethernet, and FlexRay) and explore protocols and messages produced by the vehicle that could be vulnerable to attacks. Students will consider risk mitigation technologies including authentication, encryption and firewall technologies.

For more information, visit wccnet.edu/ctacyb.

Jobs in Information Security JOB

MEDIAN SALARY

ENTRY-LEVEL DEGREE REQUIRED

Information Security Analyst

$88,292

Associate in Science + Transfer

Computer Systems Analyst

$82,086

Associate in Science + Transfer

Security Management Specialist

$68,612

Associate in Science + Transfer

Computer Network Support Specialist

$59,434

Associate in Science + Transfer

Salary and employment source: wccnet.emsicc.com

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Program Spotlight:Liberal Arts Transfer (AALAT)

Craft Your Unique Transfer Path With the Liberal Arts Transfer program, you can customize your course of study and transfer in a way that is uniquely you! This program is perfect for students looking to earn a degree in public relations, social work, or the fast-growing fields of video game design and internet search marketing. WCC’s advisors will work with you to create a plan to transfer to a four-year college or university. At WCC, you really can start here and transfer anywhere!

EARNING POTENTIAL Search Marketing Strategist NEW WORKERS

PER YEAR

Generally start around

Normal pay is

$36,355

$70,785 PER YEAR

$120k $95k $71k $51k $36k

10th

25th

50th

MICHIGAN NUMBERS CURRENTLY EMPLOYED SEARCH MARKETING STRATEGISTS

12,399

Median salary source: wccnet.emsicc.com

12 | Launch Winter 2021

JOB OPENINGS

1,081

75th

90th

Program Spotlight: Liberal Arts Transfer (AALAT)

LIBERAL ARTS TRANSFER (AALAT) Program Description The Associate in Arts Liberal Arts Transfer program allows students to design a program of study to meet individual needs, and is a good option for students who are undecided about a major or simply want to explore various areas in the arts and social sciences.

This program allows for customization of coursework to meet the requirements of the transfer college or university.

For more information, visit wccnet.edu/aalat.

Top Jobs in Math and Science JOB

MEDIAN SALARY

ENTRY-LEVEL DEGREE REQUIRED

Healthcare Social Workers

$56,806

Liberal Arts Transfer + Transfer

Speech Language Pathologists

$76,415

Liberal Arts Transfer + Transfer

Public Relations and Fundraising Managers

$108,888

Liberal Arts Transfer + Transfer

Video Game Designers

$70,785

Liberal Arts Transfer + Transfer

Salary and employment source: wccnet.emsicc.com

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University-Quality, Affordable Education

#1 in Community College Transfers to UM

#1 Best Community College in Michigan

#1 Two-Year Online College in Michigan†

Jack Kent Cooke National Scholarship Recipients**

Top 100 Associate Degree Producer††

Among the Lowest Tuition in the U.S.

Nursing Center of Excellence***

Award-Winning Courses*

National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education

* Blackboard Exemplary Course Award for innovative technology and learning, 2020. ** WCC students have received this award for three years running. *** WCC has one of just 16 nursing programs nationwide to earn this National League of Nursing honor.

14 | Launch Winter 2021

† Community for Accredited Online Schools. †† Diverse Issues in Higher Ed.

Register Now for Winter Sessions

Winter Classes Begin January 11, 2021 How To Get Started At WCC Apply to WCC. It’s free!

Applying is free and only takes 10 to 15 minutes.

wccnet.edu/apply

Complete items on YOUR personal checklist We’ll call within three days of receiving your application to walk you through each item.

wccnet.edu/orientation

Meet with an academic advisor

WCC advisors can help you with determining your major, class selection and degree planning. Schedule your appointment today.

Call 734-677-5102 or contact the Student Welcome Team.

wccnet.edu/advising

Course Schedule

Search and register for classes using keywords such as a subject, class name, instructor name, class number, or Course Reference Number (CRN). Other tools help you find classes by subject, location, time of day, days of the week, and type of class.

Important Dates: November 11

Winter Registration Begins for Continuing Students

November 12

Winter Registration Begins for New Students

January 11, 2021 Winter I Session Begins February 16, 2021 Winter II Session Begins March 11, 2021 Winter III Session Begins

Student Welcome Team

Online classes are available on-demand or in a virtual classroom format. Mixed-mode classes are a combination of online instruction and on-campus lab time.

Need help? Call 734-973-3543 M–Th: 8 a.m.–7 p.m.

Fri: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sat: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

wccnet.edu/schedule

wccnet.edu/studentconnection

Pay for school

There are many ways to pay for school—financial aid, scholarships and payment plans. Visit wccnet.edu/pay for more details.

wccnet.edu/pay

Tips To Help You Register!

Log into wccnet.edu/mywcc, click on Student Services, then Registration. You will be able to: • Check your Course Prerequisites • See if there are any Holds on your account • Register for classes

wccnet.edu/mywcc

wccnet.edu WCC Board of Trustees Christina Fleming, Chair William G. Milliken Jr., Vice Chair David DeVarti, Secretary Angela Davis, Treasurer Ruth A. Hatcher Richard J. Landau, Ph.D., J.D. Diana McKnight-Morton Rose B. Bellanca, Ed.D., WCC President 15

4800 E. Huron River Drive Ann Arbor, MI 48105-4800

NONPROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID ANN ARBOR, MI PERMIT NO.28

What do you call someone who went to WCC?

Employed.

Apply today at wccnet.edu.

Aisha Bowe, WCC Graduate, former NASA aerospace engineer, tech entrepreneur

Copyright Š 2020 Washtenaw Community College. All rights reserved. No part of the material printed may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage retrieval system without the permission of the publisher.

Every effort is made to remove individuals or businesses that have requested, in writing, to be deleted from Washtenaw Community College’s mailing lists and/or database. WCC obtains mailing lists/data from many sources and cannot guarantee you will be eliminated from every mailing.