Campus Blog

News about Macomb

Connect with Us

Categories

Jump start your advanced manufacturing or skilled trades career!

by

By Stacey Ahearn, MAP+ program coordinator

Did you know that there are great-paying careers in advanced manufacturing and in skilled trades? Careers that don’t require a traditional four-year degree or mounds of student debt?

Many recent high school graduates are surprised to learn this. And I’m excited to share with them that the demand for skilled workers continues to grow. And we can help people get started on this great opportunity with our Michigan Apprenticeship Program Plus (MAP+) Industrial Readiness Certificate program! Graduates with a skill-specific certificate through an apprenticeship or similar opportunity have found great success. The program put them on a path to gain employment with little to no student debt.

The MAP+ Industrial Readiness Certificate program provides students with the foundational skills in four classes totaling nine credit hours, coupled with student success seminars in one semester.

Successful students will earn the Industrial Readiness Certificate and have the opportunity to network with hiring employers.

Seats are available for the 2021 Winter and the 2021 Summer Semester(s). Tuition is supported by the MAP+ grant, so there is no cost for participating individuals.

Ready to get started? I’m ready to help! Contact me at ahearns@macomb.edu or 586.445.7432.

This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.
Macomb Community College and MAP+ is an equal opportunity employer/program provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TTY users please call 1.877.878.8464 or visit www.michigan.gov/mdcr.

Pursue your dream with Madonna University at the UC!

by

By Katie Krafft, Macomb alumna and Madonna University student

At the age of 24, I realized that the cosmetology field was not going to provide me with the kind of career I wanted. Earning an associate degree from Macomb Community College’s Legal Assistant program in the spring of 2019 let me quit my three jobs I was working to pay for my degree and work full time as a litigation paralegal. However, I made yet another life decision and decided that I wanted to earn a bachelor’s degree. But how could I do this without moving away to a university?

The Macomb University Center (UC) made this possible. The process was simple, and within two months I was a student in Madonna’s Paralegal program. I was able to schedule most of my classes online and all in-person classes were held right at the UC. No need for me to move!

At the age of 29, I will be graduating from Madonna this spring. I am now applying to law school. I enjoyed being a paralegal, but I wanted to be the one arguing cases in court and that requires me to be an attorney.

It is never too late to make a career change and pursue your dream!

Learn more about Madonna University at the Macomb University Center

Top tips to prepare for virtual exams

by

By Louisa Marine, Director, Institutional Technology and Virtual Learning

It’s that time in the semester: Finals are nearly upon us! And for those of you who are used to on-campus classes, they’re going to look a little different than normal. But, there’s no cause for alarm! Here are some simple tips to help you minimize stress as you prepare for virtual exams: 

Test Guidelines

Find all the information you need about your exam so that you feel ready.

  • What date and time will the exam be available?
  • How long do you have to take the test?
  • What types of test questions will you have to answer (multiple choice, essay, short answer, etc.)?

Check Your Technology

Make sure you have a charger available and all the necessary software before you begin an exam.

  • Need a computer? Make an appointment to use one at our Learning Centers.
  • Will you need headphones?

Testing Space

Choose a quiet spot where you will be able to focus.

  • If you do not feel you have a distraction-free location or a good internet connection, you can make an appointment to use our Learning Centers to take your test.

Study

Spend some time reviewing course materials and identifying what you don’t understand, so you can focus on those areas.

  • Make flash cards
  • Review old exams
  • Form a virtual study group
  • Use your instructor’s office hours to ask questions

Reduce Anxiety

If test taking makes you nervous, find an activity to alleviate these feelings beforehand.

  • Listen to music or a podcast
  • Read a book
  • Watch your favorite show
  • Do some breathing exercises

As this semester comes to a close, I wish you the very best in your studies and on your finals. I’m rooting for you!

New Entrepreneurship certificate program: Learn how to launch a business!

by

By Ellen Lux, Director, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

A common question we get from first-time visitors to the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) is, “How do I start my business?”  In response, the CIE, in collaboration with key business faculty, developed a 100% online, Entrepreneurship certificate program. In a series of six courses, we cover five essential smart business startup steps. Students walk away with a roadmap to launch their business. CIE advisors are available for additional coaching and mentoring upon completion of the program.

Benefits of this certificate program include:

  • 100% online to accommodate any schedule
  • Can be completed in less than three months
  • Interactive and fun! Features engaging assessments, trivia, discussions, videos and expert feedback
  • Students work on developing their business plan, not abstract “bookwork”
  • Taught by subject matter experts and business owners with first-hand experience who understand the challenges and benefits of business ownership
  • Students earn a certificate and college credit. Completing all six courses earns three elective business credits

Have you been thinking about starting a business, but don’t know how to get started?  Find out more about this exciting new educational program! 

 

Achieve your goals at any age through OU at the UC

by

By Tricia Ashman, Oakland University alumna

I earned my associate degree at Macomb Community College in 1993. I planned to pursue my bachelor’s degree, but then life happened. I had a full-time job. I got married and was raising three kids. But, completing my degree was a personal goal.

In 2016, I met with Oakland University Academic Adviser Lindsay Zeig at the University Center (UC). Lindsay told me that Oakland University’s (OU) bachelor of integrative studies degree would allow me to transfer 88 credits, meaning I only needed to take 32 credits at OU. And, I could customize my courses for those 32 credits. I wanted to use my writing and interpersonal skills, so I chose communication and human resource development courses.

OU was a great choice for my bachelor’s degree. I was able to juggle my work and family commitments, taking evening courses at the UC with online courses. And, the OU faculty were incredibly understanding of my needs as a non-traditional student.

Earning my degree at 47 showed my kids it’s okay to accept life’s detours and it’s never too late to achieve your goals. With my OU degree and 30 years of professional experience, I’m ready to take on new career opportunities.

Learn more about Oakland University at the Macomb University Center: https://www.macomb.edu/future-students/choose-program/university-center/oakland-university.html

3 and 1 program: An easy and affordable path to a Ferris State bachelor’s degree

by Leave a Comment

By Katherine Woodson, Ferris State University alumna

This past August, I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University. I started my amazing college journey at Macomb Community College. When I first came to Macomb, I was back and forth with what I wanted to do and where I wanted to transfer. Then, I heard about their fantastic partnership with Ferris State University!

The Ferris advisor I spoke to was extremely helpful and laid out everything I needed to do. I was so relieved to have such a straightforward plan for my education. I also love the 3 and 1 program they offered. This allowed me to spend three years at Macomb and one year at Ferris, keeping costs down while still giving me a remarkable education. Ferris’ teachers at the University Center were tremendously knowledgeable, and my overall experience was most certainly positive. I gained lifelong friendships and experiences through Ferris, and I am proud to be a Ferris State University graduate.

If you are a student at Macomb and are looking for what comes next, I would absolutely recommend looking into Ferris’ 3 and 1 program through the Macomb University Center.

Learn more about Ferris State at the Macomb University Center

Keep your future moving forward at UC open house

by Leave a Comment

By Michelle McGill, University Relations Administrator

Don’t let the uncertainty brought about by COVID-19 cause you to hit the pause button on your future! Macomb’s University Center is hosting a virtual open house, 5:30 to 7 pm on Tuesday, Oct. 6, that will introduce you to degrees and careers that thrive in any economy.

Macomb partners with the following 11 leading universities and colleges to offer bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees at our University Center on Center Campus: Central Michigan, Ferris State, Madonna, Michigan State (College of Osteopathic Medicine), Northwood, Oakland, Rochester, University of Detroit Mercy, Walsh, Wayne State and Western.

During the open house, you’ll learn how to manage your career in changing times, like this.  And representatives from our partners will be available to answer your questions about admissions, tuition, transferring credits and much more, including how classes will be delivered by each institution during winter 2021.

Register now to attend this exclusive event and be entered to win an Apple Watch! After you register, a Zoom link and password will be sent to you via email.

Your future deserves to proceed as planned. Don’t miss this opportunity to move it forward!  I’ll be there, and I hope you will be as well. See you October 6!

Building Performance and Energy Management: A smart future!

by Leave a Comment

By Lisa Richter, Professor of Facilities Design and Construction

Just as smartphones have changed the way we look at the world, smart technology is changing the way we live within it.

More and more buildings, new and existing, are being fitted with smart technology that controls temperature, humidity, lighting, security and other energy-related systems in an environmentally sound and economically efficient way.

If you would like to get in on the ground floor of this exciting field, I strongly encourage you to check out Macomb’s Building Performance and Energy Management (BPEM) program. It will provide the foundation to launch you into this growing field! I’m proud that this program is one of few like it in southeastern Michigan! Our program provides a unique, integrated approach to energy management, preparing you for a career optimizing the energy efficiency of residential, commercial and industrial buildings. If you want to enter a fast growing field that is creating a smarter future for us all, this could be the career for you!

Visit the BPEM program page on Macomb’s website to find out more or give me a call at 586.445.7191. I look forward to connecting with you!

You’ve got options! Learning Centers providing online and on-ground tutoring this fall

by Leave a Comment

By Ann Chirco, Manager, Center Campus Learning Center

Article originally posted June 24, 2020. Republished with updated information.

Here at the Learning Centers, we want to help you get the most out of your education. And even in these challenging times, we can help you learn, grow and adapt.

I’m excited to let you know that we are continuing to offer online tutoring services, this semester, to keep you at the top of your game! Tutors are available to provide live virtual support in several subject areas, including accounting, biology, chemistry and math.

Tutoring by discipline

In addition to virtual support, we are also offering a limited number of on-ground tutoring and testing services, available by appointment only, for currently enrolled Macomb students.

Ready to schedule an appointment? Here’s what you need to know:

  • Online tutoring services are available Monday-Thursday, 10am-8pm, and Saturday, 10am-3pm
  • Register for tutoring and create an appointment at http://macomb.mywconline.net
  • Have a question? Contact us at tutor@macomb.edu, 586.286.2203 (Center Campus) or 586.445.7400 (South Campus)

In addition to online tutoring, we’re always adding new resources to support you in your coursework. Check us out on Canvas for 24/7 access to handouts, videos and more!

We hope you have a happy, healthy and academically enriching fall semester!