SUMMER'S OVER, BUT THE FUN ISN'T
EVENTS: A8
VOL. 27, NO. 2
A NATIONAL PACEMAKER AWARD NEWSPAPER
MONDAY, SEPT. 10, 2018
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN
www.washtenawvoice.com
The student publication of Washtenaw Community College
November election up for grabs Recreational pot, gerrymandering proposal on the Michigan ballot Catherine Engstrom-Hadley
Staff Writer
This Fall, five new programs are being introduced for students at WCC. Cybersecurity, Fine Arts Associate's in Arts, an LPN-toRN program, a sterile processing technician certificate, and two culinary certificates. Kim Hurns, Vice President for instruction, says that cybersecurity has been highly requested from, “A growing threat that increases a deep need for experts in the cybersecurity field”. Cybersecurity experts are used in many different ways, mostly to plan and protect security systems for data, networks and computer systems. Students can pursue a two-year associates or transfer to a university for a bachelor’s. EMU has teamed up with WCC to provide a direct transfer into their information assurance and cyber defense bachelor’s degree program. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth outlook is at twenty-eight percent, currently much higher than most fields. A Fine Arts Associate’s in Arts is set up to be the first two years of a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts degree or a Bachelor’s in Art Education. A degree in fine arts offers a wide range of job opportunities, from curating at a museum to art production itself. A culinary certification is now offered in culinary essentials and baking and pastry essentials.
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These certifications are smaller and more basic level, but can be used right away in the field and applied to a larger degree in culinary arts. “We are trying to provide certificates that can be used to feed into larger degrees.” said Hurns. The LPN-to-RN program will help nursing students for the National Council Licensure
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Examination for Registered Nurses. According to our colleges News and Events, “The Dean of Health Sciences, Dr. Valerie Greaves, said that more than 50 LPNs have expressed an interest in this kind of program and that several community health organizations have stated they will offer financial assistance to their LPNs to complete the program.”. The sterile processing technician certificate will help students who are interested in a career in central processing for hospitals. Hurns informed us that this certificate is in high demand, with pay landing around eighteen dollars
55% 0.5
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33%
45%
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2014
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66% 53%
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47% 1.5
2018
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with a union. “We are very proud of this program, it creates many different pathways for student’s careers. The demand for this is growing faster than normal across the country and county.” Students will be educated on proper sterilization of instrumentation, supplies and equipment at hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers and clinics. New “three plus one” articulation agreements were made this summer, where students can take three years at WCC and finish the last year at a university. The new programs created this summer were: nursing with EMU, photography with EMU, graphic design, programing in C++, and programing in JAVA with Madonna University, and multiple agreements with Wesleyan University in Illinois. ” Three plus one programs create opportunities for students to save”, said Hurns. For your average student doing a 3-1 program, the savings come up to around 28 thousand dollars in tuition alone if we compare tuition rates with Eastern University. Programs are always being changed and updated throughout the year, “We are constantly fine tuning all of our programs. Faculty is observing industry trends and working with advisory boards to help make sure we are up to date and updating what needs to be updated.” said Hurns. A focus on creating pathways, stackable degrees and certifications students can use while in college to support themselves is important to advisors and faculty. If you are interested in any of these programs, reach out to a counselor today to find out more | washtenaw voice
Catherine Engstrom-Hadley
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Percentages do not include third-party votes
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to alter election results in the favor of a particular party. Often unfairly affecting minority voters, many claim the practice of gerrymandering is a violation of voting rights. If the proposal passes, an Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission will be established to put an end to gerrymandering. According to the Voters Not Politicians campaign, gerrymandering is a nonpartisan issue: “When politicians choose
their voters, our votes don’t matter and our voices aren’t heard.” The organization has raised over 450,000 signatures to support the cause. To vote in this year’s election, you must be registered to vote by Oct. 9. You can register to vote at any Michigan Secretary of State branch or through WCC’s TurboVote system found via the college’s website. Visit the Secretary of State Website to locate your polling place.
Late night study spots by
Nicholas Ketchum
Staff Writer
“For night owls shriek where mounting larks should sing,” lamented Richard II in William Shakespeare’s play bearing that same princely namesake. Except in the following scenario you’re the night owl—and hopefully not shrieking, but instead study-eating! Many students (and professionals likewise) feel their best work occurs along the far end of the clock and into the quiet wee morning hours; moments liberated from the pesky human distractions that haunt daylight. Even if the final outcome of habitual late-night study-eating is debated among experts, rest assured you’re in good spiritual company here at WCC. But where can—or should— you make a study spot during these nighttime hours? Here’s a short and incomplete list of a few of our region’s more delectable late-night study spots: Fleetwood Diner A true diner sitting alongside the old Michigan Central Railroad, which has been around for at least 60 years under at least two different names. Hours: 24/7 Serves: “American” food Location: 300 S. Ashley St., Ann Arbor Website: thefleetwooddiner.com
| washtenaw voice
Cybersecurity among new majors at WCC
Primary Voter Turnout 2010 – 2018
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Key Ballot Proposals With recreational cannabis on the ballot, Democrats hope for a rise in young voters.
According the most recent EPIC-MRA poll, Overall, 61 percent of Michigan residents are in favor of legalizing recreational use. If the proposal becomes bill, recreational use of cannabis will be permitted throughout the state of Michigan. Regulations will mirror those of alcohol, requiring users to be 21 or older. The ballot will also include a proposal to ban gerrymandering, a political tactic used to manipulate district boundaries in hopes
TOTAL NUMBER OF VOTERS (MILLIONS)
Michigan voters came out and shattered voting records in August for this year’s primary election. Over 2.2 million citizens hit the polls, compared to 1.4 million in the 2016 primary. Washtenaw County came in with 97,000 votes, up from nearly 48,000 in 2016. Even with such an influx of voters, only 34 percent of Michigan voters made to this polls this primary. With political tensions high, Democrats came in with 52 percent of the general vote. Some point to the Democratic “Blue Wave” for the sudden rush of voters. Even so, Republicans showed out in force, with over 48 percent of the general vote. This November’s election across the country could change our entire political climate. Democrats have an opportunity to regain majority of the House of Representatives. This could prove problematic for the current Republican legislature in progress.
| washtenaw voice
Staff Writer
Denny’s You know… it’s Denny’s. If you’re not familiar with Denny’s then you’re an odd fellow. This restaurant is regarded as the default place to go when everywhere else is closed on Thanksgiving and other holidays. Hours: 24/7 Serves: Standard Denny’s food Location: 3310 Washtenaw Ave. Ann Arbor Website: dennys.com
Espresso Royale Espresso Royale offers a variety of drink options for every taste. This coffee shop was practically made for late night study sessions. Locations have plenty of space for individual and group work. Hours: The State Street location is open until midnight all week, while the South University location is only open until 11pm. Serves: Coffee, tea, baked goods, and other coffee shop fare Location: 324 S. State St., Ann Arbor and 1101 S. University, Ann Arbor Website: espressoroyalecoffee.com
Hunter House Hamburgers An old-fashioned hamburger joint that serves “sliders” and also carries a variety of tasty, sugary treats such as milkshakes with optional candy fillings. This place should be considered a jewel. Hours: Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-3 a.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Serves: Amazing super-greasy food and sweet, creamy desserts Location: 609 E. William St., Ann Arbor Website: hunterhousehamburgers.com
Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea This Ann Arbor classic is the place to stay caffeinated and cram for your next exam. Enjoy baked goods and light snacks, as well as ample lighting, space to spread out, and outlets to keep your laptop as charged as you will be after you try one of their signature espresso beverages. Hours: Wednesday through Saturday open until midnight, other days and locations vary Serves: Coffee, tea, and light snacks Location: 123 W. Washington St., Ann Arbor Website: sweetwaterscafe.com
Starbucks This popular coffee chain is a study spot classic. Get into the fall season with a Pumpkin Spice Latte and join the sea of laptops. Hours: The Washtenaw location is open until midnight, South University location is open until midnight every night except for Saturday when they close at 9 p.m., and the Carpenter location is open until 11 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, 11:30 p.m. on Fridays, and 10:30 p.m. on Sundays Serves: Coffee, tea, sandwiches, baked goods, and snacks Location: 3601 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, 222 S. State St., Ann Arbor, and 3650 Carpenter Rd., Ann Arbor
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In Michigan – and in other parts of the country – new candidates have filed to run for office, voters have responded to activists’ messages and voted in greater numbers in primary elections. Here, former Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders, a U.S. senator from Vermont, spoke at a rally in Ypsilanti on Aug. 5. Sanders appeared on behalf of Abdul El-Sayed, a Democrat who was the runner-up in the Michigan gubernatorial primary. Michigan residents who want to vote in November must register by Oct. 9. WCC’s ‘TurboVote’ system lets students register, get absentee ballots, update voter registration, and send reminders about voting, all via text message or email. The free online service is available at wcc.turbovote.org.