Fall 2014 Vol
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Fall 2014 vol. 2 issue 2 A total commitment to student success: that has been Jackson College’s pledge. For its efforts at improving student success, Jackson College has been named an Achieving the Dream Leader College by the national nonprofit dedicated to helping more community college students succeed. Jackson College is one of 16 community colleges across the nation being added Achieving to the list of Achieving the Dream Leader Colleges, a national designation awarded to community colleges that commit to improving student the success and closing achievement gaps, with data showing their efforts are Dream: translating to improved outcomes. Being a Leader College is recognition that JC is committed to student success and that it is being effective in impacting that College achieves success, said Charlotte Finnegan, Title III director at JC. Leader College status “The work of improving student success is critically important to our education and economy,” said Carol Lincoln, Achieving the Dream senior vice president. “These 16 institutions have demonstrated that better student outcomes are possible when institutions focus on policies and practices that help students learn at high levels and overcome challenges life throws at them. These colleges are working hard to move the needle for whole cohorts of students, and deserve recognition for their relentless efforts and promising achievements.” 2 We Are Jackson College | Fall 2014 Jackson College has increased completion rates of what are called Telling our story “gateway” English courses from 77.4 percent to 79.7 percent for all students. To improve success rates in college writing, JC adopted Another academic year is upon us at Jackson College with the semester well underway. the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) in which students co- Permit me to share with you, our community, some of the happenings at Jackson College enroll in both the developmental writing course and a college-level Our update includes the variety of new initiatives now in place at Jackson College, with writing course with the same instructor. Students who place into more coming. We have: the Foundation Studies ENG 090, Introduction to Writing, have the • Established a new Corrections Officer Training Program on campus. Five option to take ENG 091, Introduction to College Writing, at the programs will be offered each year for students working toward a career in the Michigan same time as ENG 131A Writing Experience I, a college-level course. Department of Corrections. Corrections officer jobs are in high demand with almost Taken together, these (ENG 091 and ENG 131A) are called blended guaranteed placement, and good pay; courses. Writing Experience I is a general studies or “gateway” class • Increased efforts to bring international students to JC and provide opportunities that most students will need to take and pass. Because most college for JC students to study abroad. During spring break 2015, Professor Becky Roberts courses require college-level writing skills, students who don’t pass plans to take her Intercultural Communications class to Ireland; the ENG 131 course will have a difficult time being successful in all their classes. • Launched college course delivery to students at correctional facilities, with students getting financial help from grant funding through the Vera Institute of Justice and self- “Achieving Leader College status is a recognition of the many funding from families of the inmates. Jackson College provides this program because people who have worked many years to improve student success – research has shown that education is a key factor in reducing recidivism rates among as a team,” said Assistant Professor Clarinda Flannery (pictured at incarcerated populations; left), Foundation Studies. “It also shows we are willing to innovate • Opened the Jackson Preparatory and Early College (JPEC) this fall, providing a and honestly assess the results. We have experienced great success. new educational opportunity for students grades 6-10 leading to both a high school For example, our accelerated writing course for developmental diploma and an associate’s degree, all at no cost to the student. Enrollment opened this education provides extra support and practice for students. This year with 240 students; has resulted in highly successful completion rates for them in the • Partnered with the Jackson Area Manufacturers Association, the Enterprise Group, college-level writing class. We have worked extremely hard to the Jackson Area Career Center, and the Jackson County Intermediate School District strengthen our programs, and this honor is supremely gratifying.” in creating a manufacturing-focused education program known as the Jackson Area College and Career Connection Early/Middle College (JAC3E/MC); The Accelerated Learning Program and blended courses is just • Celebrated the ground-breaking for a new student housing unit. Campus View 3, one of several interventions that Jackson College has initiated as it will be known, will be a four-story facility, slated to be finished for fall 2015. since it began working with Achieving the Dream in 2007. Other These are a few of the many initiatives underway at Jackson College, you initiatives have included supplemental instruction in developmental will read more in the pages of this newsletter. Telling our story isn’t just math courses, establishing the Men of Merit and Sisters of about programs and initiatives, however; it’s about the people the Strength student groups, mandatory first-year seminar courses College helps reach their educational goals. One such person on success in college for students in all developmental education is student Rakeem Pressley, who has overcome a variety of courses, professional development with faculty for reading challenges in his life to attend Jackson College, earn a degree, across the curriculum, rapid review math for students testing into and now plans to transfer on to earn a bachelor’s degree from developmental pre-algebra, and others. a university. His is just one of the many stories of success at the College. Leader Colleges embody the ultimate goal of Achieving the Dream: lasting change that helps more students advance toward a certificate All of our efforts are focused on the success of our students, and we continue in our commitment to the communities or two-year degree or transfer to a four-year institution. As a leader we serve. college, JC will now be called upon to work with and mentor other colleges and present about its initiatives and successes. The College will also be given priority to grants for future incentives within Achieving the Dream. Dr. Daniel J. Phelan, President, Jackson College www.jccmi.edu 3 Serving Students Coming to a high school or business near you: New admissions staff CENTRAL CAMPUS puts focus on recruiting JACKSON KAREN CUZYDLO Jackson College’s admissions staff takes on a the interaction,” Snyder said. She comes to JC after working for [email protected] both Albion College and Olivet College, and she too enjoys that 517.796.8571 variety of tasks throughout the year all geared each day offers something new. “You don’t get overwhelmed toward recruiting students and helping them find VICKY SNYDER from one season to the next. I graduated with an education [email protected] their best choice in a college. degree, and I’m still working with students to see they have 517.990.1382 the opportunity to get a college education. I’m really selling a Over the past year, Jackson College has revamped its strategies ERIC STEVENS college education, even if it’s not Jackson College. We hope it and added personnel in admissions to boost recruiting efforts. [email protected] is, but I just want to see them go to college.” 517.990.1363 Admissions personnel connect with students from their first contact, visiting high schools They regularly field questions and businesses to actively from prospective students about communicate the programs “I love helping the admissions process, what of Jackson College, and then are the requirements to apply, working with prospective students and seeing their and financial aid. Non-traditional LETARTE CENTER- students throughout the students often ask about HILLSDALE admissions process. dreams come true.” scheduling of classes around work AMANDA JANES and family life, or the availability of [email protected] Admissions Coordinator Eric - Karen Cuzydlo online courses. 517.437.3343 Stevens, who joined the Director of Admissions staff this year after finishing Many new initiatives are in the his master’s degree in student works to boost JC’s admissions affairs from Grand Valley State University, describes it as “a job and recruiting efforts. Cuzydlo said changes are coming to of seasons, like a season of orientation, a season of applications the orientation process, the College is implementing the new coming in, a travel season, an answer questions season.” Those American Honors program (see page 8 for more information), JC @ LISD TECH seasons add up to a diverse year for staff. ADRIAN “The thing I love about this job is that every day is different. You MALLORY FRAILING never know what to expect,” said Karen Cuzydlo, director [email protected] 517.265.5515 of admissions. Cuzydlo comes to Jackson College from Albion College, where she worked with transfer students to the four- year school. She began her career working in business, for both Coca-Cola and Bayer Health Care. After 15 years, she found the business world wasn’t for her, so she took a position in recruiting and outreach at Lansing Community College. Working in the MAHER CAMPUS educational environment felt more like home. “I love helping JACKSON students and seeing their dreams come true.” JULIE HAND Vicky Snyder is assistant director of admissions, and a key part [email protected] 517.768.7097 of her job is communicating with prospective students. “I enjoy MELISSA POTTER [email protected] 517.768.7097 Explore choices at College Night Choosing the right college is a big decision.