WCCCD opens center for distance learning
10/02/2014
There's room at Wayne County Community College District Mary Ellen Stempfle - University Center for more students to pursue a certification, associate's degree or acquire credits toward a bachelor's degree.
With the opening of its newest building at a Sept. 19 ribbon cutting, the Center for Distance Learning, the local campus offers continuing education for high school students through senior citizens.
Located in a former fitness building on Vernier in Harper Woods, the 20,000 square foot building has eight classrooms and two computer labs: one an interactive lab and the second a Mac lab for digital production. The building also includes student self-service kiosks, a learning commons and virtual classrooms for video conferencing.
With the opening of the center for distance learning, students can enroll in a mixed mode, University Center provost Sandra Robinson said, "Students spend half their time here and half their time on-line."
This is advantageous for the working adult, she said, because they are able to enroll for on-ine classes and access those classes at their convenience. Yet, instructors are available for in-class time.
"People are enjoying coming to the University Center," Robinson said, "because hours match what they are looking for."
The Harper Woods campus was a vision of Chancellor Curtis L. Ivery, said Robinson, and supported by the board of trustees. Six years later, the Mary Ellen Stempfle University Center was opened to provide an opportunity to students for online learning.
"High school students are taking classes here, doing production work," Robinson said, prior to the ribbon cutting. "We have a relationship with Harper Woods High School. Children have been coming here for six years taking college classes and some have a year's worth of (college) credit when they graduate (from high school)."
Robinson said the community college is in negotiations with the Grosse Pointe Public School System to set up a dual enrollment program.
It's an affordable way to begin college, she said. With dual enrollment, the high school pays the students' tuitions and books. Following high school graduation, students attending a community college pay less for classes than if they attended a four-year university.
If a student wants to pursue a four-year degree, credits taken at WCCCD are transferable to the community college's partnerships with the University of Detroit - Mercy, Ferris State University, University of Michigan - Flint, Mich-igan State University, Walsh College and Western Michigan University.
"We can provide access to higher education beyond an associate's degree," she said.
Careers in the medical field, Ferris State's criminal justice and U of D-Mercy's social work bachelor's programs are some of the most popular curriculums.
This follows a normal view of a community college, however, WCCCD is an asset to businesses, working people and senior citizens, as well.
WCCCD conducts surveys of local employers on emerging trends and jobs, said Mary Ellen Stempfle, for whom the campus is named. Stempfle has been on the WCCCD board of trustees for 20 years representing the Grosse Pointes, Harper Woods and part of Detroit and is treasurer of the board of trustees.
In response to survey results, she said, the community college responds by offering classes geared toward filling those local jobs.
Students can enroll in short 10-week or in a two-year program, Stempfle said.
Certification programs range from administrative office management to film production and grant writing.
"Working adults can improve their skill or (earn) a certificate that leads to a degree," Robinson said.
While WCCCD offers classes to build careers, there are classes specifically aimed at the older population. Senior citizens can take exercise classes, music appreciation, improve their computer skills, learn a new hobby or join a book club in the Silver Circle Program. They can enroll in academic classes at no cost.
WCCCD offers Spanish at Services for Older Citizens.
"We take the instruction to them," Robinson said.
According to Robinson, the community college is important locally. It addresses the needs of everyone in the family whether it be obtaining an associate degree or certification or preparing students for a four-year college.
Also, there are seminars and workshops available to the community, such as an upcoming lecture on ways to protect the Great Lakes waters or the health and wealth expo helping families enhance their lifestyle.
The youngest members of the community are served through classes such as ballet, Tai Chi and summer camps for elementary children, centering around reading and math.
By Ann L. Fouty