College Bound!
By Vanessa Denha Garmo and Ashourina Slewo
As families plan their last-minute summer vacations and kids finish up weeks at camp, many others are packing for college. It’s the Back to School issue and the focus is on colleges and Universities. We feature those that seem to attract a Chaldean population and are within driving distance of the Metro-Detroit area.
Wayne State University (WSU)
Diversity in Detroit
Situated in the heart of Detroit, Wayne State University is home to more than 380 programs through 13 schools and colleges. The diverse offerings are coupled with an even more diverse student body.
According to their website, “diversity isn’t a slogan at Wayne State; it’s a reality that’s woven into our mission and guides everything we do. We offer an immersive educational experience where students work alongside people from different countries, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds in a microcosm of our interconnected world. With the most diverse student body in Michigan, our students gain a distinct advantage as they prepare to build successful careers in the complex global marketplace.”
With such a diverse campus, it should come as no surprise that WSU’s Office of International Programs was chosen to host 93 Iraqi students as a part of the Iraq Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) for Undergraduates.
IYLEP is a four-week summer exchange sponsored and funded by the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and implemented by World Learning. WSU has been selected two years in a row to host orientation for the program, providing participants with their first glimpse of America and university life. OIP is proud to host the program, according to Ahmad Ezzeddine, associate vice president for OIP and Educational Outreach.
While the exchange students have moved on from WSU to other universities throughout the country, the importance of programs like IYLEP remains. “Being selected by World Learning to host the orientation portion of the IYLEP program for the second year in a row demonstrates that Wayne State University, in addition to its quality programs, continues to be a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment for international students,” Ezzeddine says.
For more information about WSU and programs offered, visit www.wayne.edu
Albion
A private college with a nearly 200-year history
With 49 majors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs, Albion gives students the flexibility to forge their own paths while gaining a true understanding of the world. According to their website, “Albion College prepares students to act. Our graduates emerge with the insight, focus, and confidence it takes to pursue rewarding careers, live meaningful lives, and help build a better world.”
Albion College is a private four-year college of the liberal arts, historically related to the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1835, Albion College was the first private college in Michigan to have a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. The college sits on 90- acre main campus 144-acre Whitehouse Nature Center 340-acre Held Equestrian Center and about 90 percent of the students live on campus.
Lawrence Technological University (LTU)
This fall, a fourth residence hall opens at Lawrence Technological University. Over 1,000 students now live on campus. The new building features the latest in green technologies and a design that focuses on community engagement. Utilities, WiFi, basic cable TV, and parking are included.
LTU offers more than 60 student clubs and organizations, including fraternities, sororities, honor societies, and student chapters of professional groups. New labs have been added in robotics, engineering, and biotech. The expanded dining center offers more healthy options.
LTU also features 24 men’s and women’s sports. This fall, varsity football returns after a 70-year absence. You can also show your Blue Devil spirit as a member of the marching band or dance team: LTUAthletics.com.
Innovative programs, small classes
LTU is a private, 4,500-student university that offers more than 100 innovative programs in Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Business and Information Technology, and Engineering. All feature exceptional exposure to theory and practice.
You’ll benefit from small class sizes, taught by faculty with industry savvy. Lawrence Tech is ranked among the nation’s best universities by U.S. News & World Report and the Princeton Review. The Brookings Institution ranks Lawrence Tech fifth among U.S. colleges and universities for boosting graduates’ earning potential. Payscale.com reports alumni salaries are in the top 5 percent nationally. Nearly 90 percent of students are employed or grad school bound by graduation, above the national average.
One notable graduate is Chaldean own Victor Saroki who is still very active with the University. “LTU students get a world class education based on ‘Practice and Theory’. They are prepared to start their careers contributing immediately to their professions. Across all fields LTU graduates are highly sought in the work place,” said Victor Saroki, president of SAROKI Architecture
Technology, location to help you succeed
Lawrence Tech provides tools you’ll need in a technology-driven world. Your high-end LTU laptop is loaded with industry-standard software – worth an average of $75,000 – a benefit you’ll only get at LTU: ltu.edu/ LTuZone
The University is located in the dynamic suburb of Southfield, with hundreds of Fortune 500 and international companies nearby. You’ll have opportunities for co-ops, internships, and professional development in a region with one of the largest concentrations of engineering, architecture, and technology jobs in the world.
LTU’s Study-Abroad Program includes partnerships with universities in Asia, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Europe, and the Middle East.
Financial aid and more
More than 98 percent of students receive financial assistance. The average annual, need-based aid package is $26,270. Part-time employment is available for full-time students. Student loans are also available from a variety of sources. Contact LTU Financial Aid for deadlines and requirements: ltu.edu/financial_aid.
For more, contact Lawrence Tech’s Office of Admissions at 800.225.5588 or admissions@ltu. edu, watch LTU’s video at ltu.edu/ StudentStories, or visit ltu.edu. Ready to apply now? Go to ltu.edu/ applyfree.
Madonna University
Enhancing college education with life experiences
As the pool of direct-from-high-school students continues to shrink, colleges like Madonna University have had to find ways to attract and retain students. For more than 80 years, the hallmark of a Madonna education has been high quality academic programs, combined with career preparation and service-learning. Madonna continues to update its academic programs to meet the needs of business and industry, and to ensure students can pursue a degree that leads to employment.
Academic majors that remain popular include: criminal justice, business, nursing, teacher education, sign language studies, broadcast and cinema arts, sport management, social work, and hospitality and tourism.
To enhance its already strong liberal arts curriculum, Madonna will be offering two new dance degrees this fall; a bachelor of arts in dance, and a bachelor of fine art in dance performance.
Engaging students outside the classroom is a great way to retain students, so in addition to some 40 student organizations, Madonna has increased its athletics teams to 19 men’s and women’s sports, and there are several new performing arts opportunities. Madonna now boasts a Pep Band, Gospel Choir, Chorale, Dance Team, and a Lyric Theatre group, that not only offer scholarships, but also camaraderie and extracurricular fun. A Student Senate was established to provide students a voice to University administrators, on everything from academics, facilities and student life.
Nursing faculty at Madonna saw the growth in healthcare jobs outside of nursing and developed two health sciences degrees; in Population Health Care Management and Health Care Informatics and Quality Systems Management. Graduates with these degrees are compassionate and tech-savvy healthcare advocates for diverse populations.
With the many crime shows on TV, it’s no wonder that Madonna’s forensic science program, now accredited, has been attracting students and gaining notoriety. The faculty and students do exciting research and work closely with the Michigan State Police to host a Missing in Michigan event.
The new residence halls at Madonna provide an excellent residential experience for students and peace of mind for parents. In these living/learning community’s students are housed with others of like majors and interests. The apartment-style units provide a great on-campus experience for upper classmen.
In keeping with Madonna’s mission to make higher education accessible to all, Madonna’s new Mosaic Leadership Academy begins this fall. The Academy will provide unique academic and social leadership experiences to students from traditionally underrepresented groups. Up to 25 select undergraduate students will receive $4,000 per academic year for up to four consecutive years.
At the graduate level Madonna continues to develop academic programs to meet the needs of business and industry. A benefit to Madonna alumni is they can earn their master’s degree at undergraduate tuition rates. Newer graduate programs include the Master of Science in Social Work, and master’s degrees in nutrition, nursing leadership, humane studies and higher education administration. The Higher Learning Commission recently approved a second doctoral program at Madonna; the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree.
Founded by the Felician Sisters in 1937 and inspired by the values of St. Francis of Assisi, Madonna is an independent Catholic University. For more information go to www.madonna.edu
Macomb Community College
Hands on for the future
Macomb Community College offers nearly 200 programs to connect students with workplace opportunity in high-demand fields. Programs offered at Macomb prepare students for direct entry into their field after completion. The college has been working with employers to significantly grow apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities – particularly in technical fields, so that students can learn and earn at the same time.
In addition to working closely with area high schools, Macomb engages directly with youth in a hands-on way to introduce career possibilities. This includes the college’s Career Academies – a week-long program that introduces participating youths to career possibilities, AutoSTEAM – an interactive combination of presentations and hands-on activities designed to introduce students to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematic fields, and College for Kids – programs for kids ages three to 14 in topics including introduction to piano to LEGO engineering to video game design.
Macomb Community College is a pioneer in the university center concept, introducing the Macomb University Center 27 years ago to provide local access to advanced degree programs in the local community. Additionally, Macomb has 225 transfer plans that allow for students to seamlessly transfer to complete their bachelor’s degree at area colleges and universities.
In addition to their multiple hands-on programs, Macomb offers the Tesla START program. This intensive 12-week technical training program is designed to provide students with the skills necessary for job placement at Tesla Service Centers. Students accepted into the program are considered interns and will earn an hourly wage as they learn.
For more information about Macomb Community College and programs offered, visit www.macomb.edu
Oakland Community College (OCC)
Turns Potential into Highly Skilled, Highly Paid Professionals
Michigan’s Department of Talent and Economic Development reports there will be 811,055 high-demand career openings through 2024 in the state with total potential earnings of nearly $50 billion.
How can you prepare for one of these excellent careers?
Attend Oakland Community College. Fast track your career by pursuing a certificate program or associate degree at OCC with little or no debt and begin working in as few as 12-24 months. Currently, there are immediate openings in the professional trades, which offer average salaries of more than $50,000 in a variety of emerging industries like IT, healthcare, automotive, construction, advanced manufacturing and more. OCC features newly renovated labs, in-demand programs and classes led by industry professionals.
If your goal is earning a bachelor’s degree, attend Oakland Community College. Earn your associate degree at OCC at the lowest tuition rate in Michigan and transfer your credits. OCC has nearly 300 transfer agreements with four-year institutions across the state. OCC has the highest percentage of college transfers in Michigan.
OCC also has one of the largest English as a Second Language programs in the area. The program provides non-English speakers the foundation needed to succeed in other academic courses. Our goal is to empower academic and developmental experiences, allowing students to reach their full potential and enhance the communities in which they live.
OCC is more than 50 years strong, bringing excellence to our economy, environment and workforce.
They are OCC. Excellence Empowered.
With five campuses in Oakland County, OCC is Michigan’s number one transfer institution, offering nearly 100 excellent degrees and certificates. The College empowers academic and developmental expe riences, allowing students to reach their full potential and enhance the communities they serve. More than a million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965.
Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
Oakland University (OU)
A significant Chaldean presence
Oakland University is a doctoral, research university located on 1,443 acres of scenic land in the cities of Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills in Oakland County, Michigan. The University has 142 bachelor’s degree programs and 138 graduate degree and certificate programs. Oakland is a nationally recognized public university with more than 19,000 students. Academics include the School of Music, Theatre and Dance and nearly 100 other majors housed within the College of Arts and Sciences as well as an Honors College and professional schools that include the School of Business Administration, School of Education and Human Services, School of Engineering and Computer Science, School of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and the Oakland University.
They also have a strong Chaldean presence on campus. They are working with the Government of Iraq on Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for all Iraqi students with a Government scholarship to study at Oakland University in Master’s or Ph.D. program.
The Chaldean student group known as CASA is very active on the OU campus. They offer student support, socialization, training, community involvement and special cause awareness. They have a list of events and projects they have participated in over the years.
For more information go to www. oaklandcc.edu.
Schoolcraft College
Catering to the diverse
Schoolcraft is an open enrollment environment focused on creating innovation and education that focuses on excellence in our students, faculty and staff. Throughout our campus, there are more 36,000 students enrolled in both credit courses and Continuing Education and Professional Development courses.
Schoolcraft College offers classes, certificate programs and associate degrees in more than 70 different majors. Some programs are designed to lead directly to employment and others are a natural fit for those students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university. Flexibility in class scheduling is important to our students who are often trying to fit a college education in around busy work and family schedules. That is why we offer day and evening classes, and 15-week, 12-week and seven-week courses. Classes are offered in a variety of formats including traditional lecture and lab sessions, courses, Open and hybrid to meet the needs of nearly every student. The Continuing Education and Professional Development department offers courses and programs that foster personal enrichment, professional growth, and personal health and fitness. Classes are available online and on-campus, with course lengths varying from one day to several weeks, including evenings and weekends. Some programs prepare the learner for employment and lead to a professional certificate or credential.
Schoolcraft creates a well-rounded educational experience that encourages students to make connections on campus and in the community. The Student Activities Office organizes dozens of special events, activities, programs and community service projects; these attract more than 20,000 participants each year. The annual Focus Series is a campus-wide effort to raise student awareness about a specific region of the world and culminates in the annual Multicultural Fair, which attracts between 3,000 and 4,000 attendees from the campus and surrounding communities.
Schoolcraft is helping students improve English-Language skills They are offering two new courses available for business purposes and American English pronunciation. If English isn’t your first language, courses in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Schoolcraft College can prepare students for study in American college settings and also teach the international student about American culture and the English language for daily living and communication with native speakers. These courses are also useful for people working at a business. The instruction includes:
• English and vocabulary development
• Academic writing activities: forms, letters, compositions, summaries, essay exams, and research papers
• Speaking activities: discussions, oral reports, and formal speeches
• Listening skills: lectures, video and audio tapes
• Reading and grammar for college level academic purposes
• Test preparation and note taking skills
• Computer-assisted instruction
For information got to www.schoolcraft.edu.
University of Michigan (U of M)
Leaders in research
The University of Michigan is considered a leader in higher education due to the “outstanding quality of our 19 schools and colleges, internationally recognized faculty and departments with 250 degree programs.”
U of M takes their academic vigor beyond Michigan, extending globally through their international studies – which include India, Poland, Morocco, Spain, Cuba, and so much more.
Hailed as the number one research university in the United States by the National Science Foundation, U of M takes academic excellence and vigor to a different level.
According to their website, “With $1.48 billion in annual research expenditures, the University of Michigan is one of the world’s leading research universities. The U-M Office of Research (UMOR) supports this enterprise by cultivating interdisciplinary research and providing a range of services across all three campuses (Ann Arbor, Flint, and Dearborn).”
The university’s research activities include fostering new research through their affiliated “interdisciplinary units”; building partnerships with industry, government, and academia; providing central research administration; promoting a culture of ethical research and compliance; overseeing research policy; managing the transfer of knowledge; and advocating for university research.
In their capacity as a research university, 172 patents have been issues and 173 license and or option agreements have been issued. Through the several developments coming as a result of the university’s research, $14.6 million in revenue have been generated.
For more information about the University of Michigan and programs offered, visit www.umich.edu
Michigan State University (MSU)
Nationally ranked
Michigan State University is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world. According to their website, “MSU brings together an exceptional faculty, a vast array of world-class facilities and resources, and more than 200 programs of undergraduate, graduate, and preprofessional study.
“Our students become part of a powerful network of vibrant campus communities and initiatives, including nationally recognized residential college, undergraduate research, and service-learning opportunities, as well as more than 600 student organizations.”
Like U of M, MSU is also considered to be one of the top research universities in the world – with students and faculty alike working to advance the common good and tackling some of the world’s toughest problems to find solutions that “make life better”.
The nationally ranked university is a member of the Association of American Universities – a group that only includes 60 U.S. universities and two Canadian universities widely regarded as among the top research-intensive institutions in North America. In addition, according to the Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings 2017, the university is one of the top 80 universities in the world.
For more information about MSU and programs offered, visit www.msu.edu
Walsh
Not Your Typical Business School
As the college proudly states, “Walsh is more than a business school. We are an accelerator. A think tank. An incubator for ideas. Where leaders are made and barriers are broken.”
Since 1922, Walsh has combined rigorous academic theory and practical application to prepare students for successful careers in:
• Accountancy
• Finance
• General Business
• Information Technology (concentrations in Cybersecurity and Automotive Cybersecurity)
• Management
• Marketing
• Taxation
They offer courses in Troy, Novi, Clinton Township, Port Huron, and online.
Walsh students are trained for In-demand careers. Their nationally-ranked bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are taught by academic faculty with years of real-world experience in their fields. They offer unique hands-on learning experiences so our students gain the knowledge and skills that employers are looking for.
They tout themselves as providing a clear pathway to a student’s career. Walsh partners with Oakland Community College and Macomb Community College to give you a seamless, convenient transfer process and clearly defined degree program to prepare you for your career.
• Highest pass rate for bachelor’s degree candidates on CPA exams in metro Detroit
• Recruitment by top employers
• 93% employer placement rate
• Nearly 100 scholarship opportunities
• Hands-on training for skills employers are looking for
They offer a cutting-edge curriculum. Walsh offers experiences you won’t find at other schools. As the only school in Michigan to offer an Attack and Defend course as part of our Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program, we create multiple teams who attack and defend a mock business infrastructure in a controlled environment. As part of our Master of Science in Taxation program, IRS special agents have conducted simulated investigations right in the classroom.
They offer a programs for entrepreneurs. Walsh’s Master of Arts in Business is an ideal degree program for entrepreneurs looking to start or advance a business, offering practical training in accounting, business law, human resources, marketing, IT, and more.
“This is where the future is made. Your future,” explains the college.
Walsh is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) www. hlcommission.org and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) www.acbsp.org.
For more information, visit www. walshcollege.edu
Wayne County Community College
WCCCD: We are your community college!
Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) is an urban-suburban multi-campus system with five campuses and the Mary Ellen Stempfle University Center. We are one of the three largest urban systems in Michigan spanning 500 square miles across Wayne County, and serving more than 60,000 credit and non-credit students. We are proud to offer more than 100 certificate and degree programs within the 32 municipalities in Wayne County.
We live up to our mission – helping people from a diverse background achieve better lives through higher education. We are proud to be in your neighborhood—from the Downriver communities; our location for the Michigan Institute for Public Safety Education and the Heinz C. Prechter Educational and Performing Arts Center; to Northwest Detroit, a location which houses our health science facilities, and from the Eastside; home to our Regional Training Center; to Harper Woods and all the Pointes in between; where you can increase your knowledge in today’s computer information age.
Earlier this year, WCCCD broke ground on a new $25 million building that will focus on health, wellness, education and real-world career opportunities. The new WCCCD City Center will be located on Fort Street and Howard, next to the WCCCD Downtown Campus. Completion of the facility is scheduled for spring, 2019. Programs offered at this facility will include biotechnology, hydroponics, aquaponics, fitness training, sports management, sports medicine and kinesiology.
A $15 million Horticulture Education Center will be built on WCCCD’s Downriver Campus in Taylor. The center will offer programs related to art, science, technology and the business of growing plants. Select programs will research complex systems that support crop environment, biotechnology and aquaculture farming techniques to cultivate symbiotic environments.
WCCCD is not only accessible by being a part of your neighborhood; we are also affordable; making it easy to go light on your pockets when it comes to your educational goals. We are reaching to every segment of the communities we serve and beyond to choose WCCCD whether they want to jumpstart their education; or looking for a program for lifelong learning; WCCCD is the place for you. We have six campuses. We have one District and one vision. We offer world-class education right in your backyard. We are WCCCD, where learning leads to a better life!
University of Detroit Mercy
Largest Catholic university
Offering more than 100 academic degrees and programs through seven schools and colleges, the University of Detroit Mercy is Michigan’s “largest and most comprehensive” Catholic university. Detroit Mercy is sponsored by the Religious Sisters of Mercy and the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits).
According to the university’s website, “today’s University boasts the heritage of two founding institutions: The University of Detroit, founded in 1877 by the Jesuits, and Mercy College of Detroit, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1941. The two consolidated as University of Detroit Mercy in 1990.”
For the 17th consecutive year, University of Detroit Mercy was listed in the top tier of Midwest Best Regional Universities in the 2018 edition of the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges”. Detroit Mercy is ranked 19th and is the only university in Michigan to be ranked in the top 20 in the Midwest Best Regional Universities.
Academic programs offered at Detroit Mercy include School of Architecture, School of Dentistry, College of Engineering and Science, College of Health Professions/ McAuley School of Nursing, School of Law, and the College of Liberal Arts and Education.
An extension of these programs is a number of community outreach programs for students to participate in. The School of Law, for instance, provides 12,000 hours of legal assistance to the residents of Detroit and neighboring communities out of 11 clinics. These programs allow for students to go beyond the classrooms and into neighboring communities to apply their learnings to the real world.
Grand Valley State University
A grand investment
Grand Valley State University is a public liberal arts university in Allendale, Michigan. The university was established in 1960 and its main campus is situated on 1,322 acres approximately 12 miles west of Grand Rapids. They offer 313 different degrees and have about 25,000 students. The average class size is 26 and according to their website, 93 percent of graduates are employed and 90 percent receive aid. They also have more than 4,000 study abroad programs and more than 400 student organizations. Grand Valley was named of the America’s 100 Best College Buys for the 22nd year in a row.
• $282 million in financial aid awarded
• $84 million of that aid was in the form of scholarships and grant assistance
• 8,275 students participating in internships, co-ops, practica, and student teaching
• 11,700+ employment and internship opportunities listed with GVSU Career Center
• 1,100+ employers participating in career events
• Middle 50% of Fall 2016 entering class earned high school GPAs from 3.3–3.9, ACT scores of 21–26 and SAT scores of 1050 to 1220
To find out more go to https://www.gvsu.ed
Spring Arbor University
Education grounded in the Christian faith
Established in 1873, Spring Arbor University has helped students pursue wisdom by offering an education grounded in the Christian faith. What started as a small elementary and secondary school in the late 1800’s has evolved into a top-tier, liberal arts, Christian university with more than 3,000 students currently enrolled.
Nearly 150 years since inception, Spring Arbor University now offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and programs, degree completion programs, associate programs and graduate programs. With programs presented on campus, online and on site at 12 locations throughout Michigan and Ohio, the university continues to meet the growing needs of its students.
The 2018 edition of U.S. News and World Report’s America’s Best Colleges has recognized Spring Arbor University to be in the top tier of Midwestern regional universities. Additionally, The Economist ranked the university as number one in long-term economic value among Christian universities in the region and number 2 among all universities – public and private – in Michigan.