Discover - Summer/Fall 2012

From The President Recently, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon issued a major report on Illinois community colleges titled “Focus on the Finish,” zeroing in on student success and completion rates.

We applaud the Lt. Governor for shining a spotlight on community colleges and our efforts to empower people by raising aspirations and fostering achievement through dynamic, compassionate and responsible learning experiences.

In fact, that is our stated mission.

In the report, Lt. Governor Simon commends Lewis and Clark’s most successful efforts in aiding student success, including our dual credit program which “stands out for its quality and size.” Ours is the only nationally accredited program of its kind in Illinois and accounts for nine percent of all offerings in the state.

The overall success rate is high: 98 percent of all students earn a grade C or above, and approximately 90 percent enroll at postsecondary institutions after high school. Dual credit students at L&C have earned more than 238,000 credit hours and saved their families almost $19 million in free college tuition, but unfortunately do not meet the

current reporting criteria to be counted among successful completers at the college because they are not full time.

Simon also touted Lewis and Clark’s Nursing program as “one of the largest in the state, with an enrollment of approximately 285 students.

The graduation and job placement rates are both above 90 percent and the success rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is above the national average.”

However, despite their successes, most L&C Nursing students additionally are not counted as completers, because many take longer than three years to finish their degrees.

Looking at the bigger picture, among other successes not reflected in our cited completion rate are those students who are able to find full time employment before graduation, or are able to transfer to four-year institutions before finishing their L&C degrees.

Lewis and Clark has a six percent higher transfer rate than most colleges. We encourage students to earn baccalaureate degrees, and work to make this transition seamless by establishing dual admissions programs and partnerships that allow us to offer bachelor and master degree programs online and on our campuses.

We ask you to take a few moments and read through the pages of this issue of Discover and learn about ways we can help empower you, members of your family or friends throughout our district.

Sincerely,

Table of Contents Page 4 Career Services Q & A

Page 5 Topinka Employment Expo

Pages 6 L&C Going Mobile

Page 7 Process Operations Technology

Page 8 Celebrating Black History & Diversity

Page 9 Spring Music Calendar

Page 10 Fit in Thirty Workout

Page 11 College for Kids

Pages 12-13 Focus on the Finish

Page 14-15 Accelerating Opportunities

L&C By The Numbers

1,728 10 Number of weeks it takes to complete the Highway Construction Training Program (Page 14)

30 Minutes it takes to complete our fitness circuit (Page 10)

88 Number of keys on the Steinway pianos on campus (Music Calendar on Page 9)

Tennis balls ordered for the 2012 USTA tournament (Page 6)

1,100 People attended the Judy Baar Topinka Employment Expo in January (Pages 4-5)

97 Scholarships awarded in 2011discover 2012 scholarship opportunities (Pages 12-13)

Q&A with Alice Bunjan

Lewis and Clark Career and Employment Services Our office offers a variety of services and tools to assist students in the area with career development and job seeking skills – from information and materials on job searching and job listings to resume writing, interviewing techniques and job retention.

Q: Should I apply for jobs in person or online or both - and why?

A: The majority of employers currently require applicants to apply online, so job seekers should become familiar with the process and have a digital resume ready to upload to an employer’s website.

Q: When I apply for a position, what materials should I have with me?

A: A notebook or portfolio containing at least three copies of your resume, a copy of a reference page with three solid contacts to leave with the employer, your social security card, driver’s license and any letters of recommendation you may have. Also, dress nicely and present yourself cheerfully, courteously and with confidence.

Q: How can I make my resume stand out?

A: A resume is a self-marketing tool for job seekers.

Include work experience as well as relevant info like special school projects, volunteer activities and organizations you are involved with, special skills, tasks and accomplishments that show an employer your true potential. Put your personality into your resume, but

also consider the field or job for which you are applying, and tailor it accordingly. For a job that requires creativity, you may want to incorporate color or graphics to make your resume stand out. In contrast, for a more conservative position, use a simpler design but consider listing a high GPA, or honors (if applicable).

Q: Do you have any advice for a first interview?

A: Come dressed for success (as if you were going to work at the White House). If you can’t afford professional attire, look in your local resale shops or find a “Dress for Success” program near you. Bring a writing utensil and a copy of the job description to use for reference, when they ask you (and they will ask you) what you know about the position. Take notes during the interview to show that you are listening and engaged.

Jot down questions to ask your interviewer at the proper time.

Q: What fields are growing? Currently hiring?

A: The fields of accounting, engineering, dental assisting, nursing, paralegal, process operations technology and web design, among many others, have bright outlooks and good hiring rates. The well trained, skilled worker has a better chance of finding a job today than a year ago.

According to the December 2011 Employment Data from the Illinois Department of Employment Security, educational and health services, trade, transportation and utilities and manufacturing all have positive growth in our region.

For more information, job listings and job seeking tips and resources, see us on campus in Baldwin Hall, Room 2418, or on the web at www.lc.edu/campusLife/career.

Know your online identity.

DO

Google yourself – because if you can find something negative, so can a potential or current employer.

Use profanity.

DON’T 4- “Discover”

Using profanity or posting photos from last weekend’s escapades can make you look unprofessional, and undesirable to employers.

Employment Expo: Metro East Targets Regional Unemployment More than 1,000 people turned out for “Employment Expo: Metro East,” held at the N.O. Nelson campus in Edwardsville on Jan. 10. It was part of a series of state wide events sponsored by Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka’s office in partnership with Lewis and Clark, Madison County and the Southern Illinois Employers Association, designed to target unemployment and the financial stress facing residents throughout the state.

In addition to “The expo put job highlighting seekers in front opportunities with more than 30 of businesses that employers, the event are hiring, and free offered a variety of featured retraining and resources, free of professional charge, to help lead development workshops, including people to a on resume successful search.” sessions writing, interviewing and networking.

“A job makes all the difference in this economy,” Topinka said. “The expo put job seekers in front of businesses that are hiring, and offered a variety of resources, free of charge, to help lead people to a successful search.”

Alice Bunjan, manager of Career & Employment Services at Lewis and Clark, said the event was a huge success.

“Job seekers met with employers and filled out applications on the spot,” Bunjan said. “Our goal at Lewis and Clark is to offer students the opportunity to learn the skills they need to meet area employers’ needs and the career fair gave them an opportunity to network to highlight those skills to prospective employers.”

Filter before posting.

Privacy settings are a good idea, but not fool proof. Before posting your next status or photo, consider how you would feel if your boss or potential employer came across that content, then act accordingly.

Complain about your current job or employer.

No one likes a complainer, and most companies are looking for employees who can positively reflect their brand and reputation, not damage it.

Illinois State Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka talks with employers and job seekers during the expo.

Take advantage of professional networks.

Facebook is fun, but networks such as LinkedIn and Ecademy help you more fully utilize your networking capabilities.

Misrepresent yourself.

The Internet is a great place to market yourself professionally, but using a fake name or putting false information online could derail your efforts.

Demonstrate your working knowledge of social media.

As more businesses are utilizing social media for marketing and communication, knowing how to use these platforms effectively and professionally can be a marketable skill for job seekers.

Overshare.

Putting too much personal information online can negatively affect your professional reputation, not to mention that it can be unsafe.

www.lc.edu - 5

L&C Going Mobile eBooks & Apps Available in Reid Library

Reid Library patrons now have access to more than 130,000 eBooks on topics* like social sciences, humanities, science, technology, medicine and the arts through NetLibrary. Visit www.lc.edu/library and click the eBooks banner to access. (*Popular fiction titles are not highly represented in this collection.)

On the go? There are apps for that.

AccessMyLibraryCollege and EBSCOhost Mobile apps give L&C students and faculty unlimited, 24/7 access to Reid Library’s online resources, via their Apple and Android devices (some other devices also supported).

L&C Catalog Now on Your Phone

The official L&C Catalog is also now available on your mobile device. Visit http://catalog.lc.edu and find

important information fast in this easy to search, easy to browse format.

Our catalog is every student’s resource for course descriptions, degree planning and other important information about tuition, on campus services, semester calendars, the graduation process and more. (*Your catalog year is determined by when you started your degree program at Lewis and Clark. Click Table of Contents to access archived catalogs from previous years.)

Check out the L&C Catalog on your phone.

Scan the code

Mark Your Calendars Commencement is May 16, 2012

Tournament Runs July 19-29, 2012 Andy Simpson Tennis Complex

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Couple Chose PTEC Career Track Together “When we were ready to return to work, we thought it would be interesting as a married couple to pursue a common career path.”

Together, they sought a career track that would take two years or less to complete, and one with a promising employment forecast in the near future.

“I was interested in a non-traditional field for women, and this field offers high-wage, high-demand jobs with highly-respected companies both in the local area as well as the Gulf Coast, where we also have family,” Woerner said.

At Lewis and Clark, the Woerners found an accredited PTEC program that proved to be the right fit – they plan to graduate together in the fall of

Darcy and Scott Woerner share their lives, and now their professional goals, within L&C’s Process Operations Technology program.

“In 2010, Scott was laid off and I took time off to care for an ill family member,” said Darcy Woerner.

Faculty Spotlight

“There is a need now more than ever for highly-skilled, educated process operations technicians.”

PTEC Program Offers Opportunities in Growing Career Field Lewis and Clark’s Process Operations Technology (PTEC) program, located at the college’s N.O. Nelson campus in Edwardsville, provides the opportunity for students to qualify for a career in petroleum refining, oil and gas production, petrochemicals production, biochemicals production, base chemical production and power generation. Employment opportunities in the field are growing both regionally and nationally. Developed in collaboration with ConocoPhillips (Wood River, Ill.), and in consultation with the Center for the Advancement of Process Technology in the Gulf Coast region and the Sigma Aldrich partnership, the program is known for its professional and focused plan of study.

2012.

“The best part of the program for us so far is the caliber of instructors and classmates we’ve had an opportunity to meet, as well as the in-depth knowledge we’ve gained in the program,” she said.

For more information: www.lc.edu/degrees (618) 468-4922 mmorgan@lc.edu

Mike Morgan is the new coordinator for Lewis and Clark’s Process Operations Technology (PTEC) program.

He has been teaching in the program for five years and replaces former coordinator Alan Foster, who retired in December. Foster started the PTEC program in 2006, and both program enrollment and the number of alumni getting jobs in the field continue to grow.

“I can’t emphasize enough how important the PTEC program is to our students and industries in our region and nation,” Morgan said. “Because of many technological changes in industry and projections that many current operators will be retiring in the next few years, there is a need now more than ever for highly-skilled, educated process

operations technicians.”

Morgan can relate to his students, having worked in the industry. He brings more than 20 years experience in training, construction and project management for petrochemical, water treatment, incineration and pipeline systems.

Morgan started his own higher education at Lewis and Clark — earning his associate degree in 1996 with honors. He has a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership (with honors) from Greenville College and earned his master’s in education (with honors) from McKendree University in 2010.

“Coordinating and teaching in the PTEC program for me is a wonderful opportunity to help students build a highly-rewarding career for themselves,” he said. www.lc.edu - 7

Celebrating Black History with Lewis and Clark Lewis and Clark celebrated Black History Month in February with a variety of events including a display by local artist Sun Smith-Foret entitled “Art About Film.” The mixed media textile exhibit focused on African-American films, actors and directors – from Billie Holliday and Tupac Shakur to Malcolm X and Spike Lee. Left, Jared Hennings, Black Student Association advisor, talks with a group of students while visiting the exhibit in the Trimpe Advanced Technology Center.

Diversity Events Continue Throughout the Spring Semester Each semester, the Lewis and Clark Community College Diversity Council offers a variety of events that are free and open to the public, and encourage students and the community to embrace differences in other cultures. Highlights have included film screenings, presentations and more.

Coming up: • March 21- Screening of the film “Meek’s Cutoff” • March 22 - Video making and digital photography showcase • April 17 – Presentation on the Religion of Islam and Culture of Muslims with guest speaker Aftab Ahmad • April 19 – Earth Day film screening • April 26 – Afriky Lolo, African dance performance

For more information, search keyword “diversity”at www.lc.edu 8- “Discover”

Faculty Spotlight Jim Price has been teaching Lewis and Clark students about art and culture for 20 years, and is this year’s Lewis and Clark nominee for the Illinois Community College Trustees Association Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member Award.

On campus, he serves as curator of exhibitions and teaches Western Civilization, American Republic, Latin American Civilization and Art of Film.

His favorite part of the teaching experience is “watching the light bulb go on inside a student’s head.”

“My teaching methods are quirky and quixotic. My students learn to question authority, and as their knowledge grows, they are enriched.”

A former museum curator, he left the Center for the Arts in Vero Beach Florida and found his calling in teaching.

“I am a big proponent of the arts.

I think the blending of the historical and the new that exists on our campus reflects our intellectual diversity and desire to achieve excellence that is the heart of Lewis and Clark Community College.”

Price has received many honors throughout the course of his career, including the Illinois Historical Society’s Award of Excellence 2005 (for the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center Bus exhibit), the Emerson Electric Excellence in Teaching Award 2004, and the Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award from the Illinois Humanities Council in 2004 (for Outstanding Humanities work in the local Community and the Design of the Lewis and Clark Mobile Interpretive Center).

Music is in the Air This Spring at L&C The Lewis and Clark Music Department is offering a variety of events this spring – all free and open to the public, and designed for audiences of all ages.

From the popular Brown Bag Salon series, faculty concerts and student recitals to choral and jazz concerts, there will be entertainment to suit every musical taste.

Coming Up • March 27 - Spring Pops concert “March Madness” • April 13 - “A Night Out at Jazz on Broadway” • April 23 - L&C Jazz Band Concert • April 30 - Percussion, Guitar and Wind Ensemble Concert • May 4 - Spring Choral Concert • May 7 - Freshman/Sophomore Showcase Recital

For a full calendar of events and more information on various music programs, visit www.lc.edu/music or call (618) 468-4731. www.lc.edu - 9

Fit in Thirty: A Quick and Easy Home Workout

By Shane Callahan, Exercise Science Program Coordinator, and his students, Taylor Reynolds of Alton and Ricky Jenkins of Carlinville Looking good and being physically fit is foremost on many people’s minds these days — especially with summer right around the corner. Yet, some find having time to incorporate fitness into their everyday lives can be a challenge. Good news – it doesn’t have to be.

1. Lunge

This is a series of beginner exercises you can do in the privacy of your home, which shouldn’t take longer than about a half hour to complete and is appropriate for any fitness level. Don’t worry if you can’t do all the sets on your first try – this circuit will become easier with practice, and will help you with balance, strength and core stability.

For more info, contact Callahan at (618) 468-4182 or scallahan@lc.edu

2. Squat Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and back straight. While bending down, your back should stay flat, and legs should come to a 90 degree angle or until thighs are parallel with the floor. Count three seconds slowly on your way down and on your way up. Repeat 3 sets of 10 repetitions.

From a standing position, take a big step forward with one foot while keeping your spine straight. Bend your front knee approximately 90 degrees. Drop your back knee to the floor without touching it, and keep your weight on your back toes. Come back to standing position and repeat with the other foot. Count one rep when both legs have completed a lunge. Repeat 3 sets of 10 repetitions.

3. Hip Lift Lie down on your back with knees bent and both feet on the ground with toes pointing forward.

Keep palms on the floor to minimize any extra swaying. Lift legs into the air until lower back is slightly off the ground.

Raise and lower legs slowly.

Take small breaks at top or bottom if needed, but try to keep a steady pace throughout the exercise.

Repeat 3 sets of 10.

10- “Discover”

4. Side plank Lie on your left side and raise yourself onto your left hand (or forearm for simpler form). Hold your right arm above you and create a T-shape with your body.

Make sure your shoulders, hips and knees are aligned and keep your core tight.

Hold for 15-30 seconds, and then increase time as this becomes easier. Do the same on both sides. Repeat 3 sets of 10 repetitions.

Got Kids?

Looking for ways to keep your kids’ brains active this summer while still having fun? College for Kids at Lewis and Clark offers a wide variety of classes for kids ages 3-17 at numerous locations throughout the college’s district.

Classes will be offered in areas such as Robotics, Cooking, Horses, Dance, Veterinary Science, Computers, Photography and many more.

For a complete listing of courses log on to www.lc.edu/CCL or call (618) 468-5777.

It’s what you know. www.lc.edu - 11

throughout her 15 years working at Lewis and Clark, her new position places her directly into local high schools, working with dual credit as well as prospective L&C students.

“I came to L&C because I wanted to give back to my community by sharing my college experiences with students beginning their journey there,” said McLemore, a graduate of Alton High School and Eastern Illinois University.

Among her new responsibilities is the job of providing leadership for the college’s dual credit program and management of the college’s community education centers in Carlinville and Jerseyville.

“The best part of what I do

Staff Spotlight Yvette McLemore is the new director of High School Partnership and Community Education at L&C. Although she’s worked face to face with students in the Enrollment Center

“I enjoy working to develop those partnerships that allow students to think beyond high school.” professionally is the opportunities I have to network with L&C personnel, superintendents, principals, guidance counselors and high school teachers and staff,” she said. “I enjoy working to develop those partnerships that allow students to think beyond high school.”

McLemore is also a member of the National Alliance for Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships Peer Review Committee, the Grow Your Own Teacher Consortium, the Positive Behavior Interventions and Support Team at Alton High School and the Alton Athletic Association.

Early Start Offers More Opportunities for High School Seniors Effective Fall 2012, the college’s Second Semester Senior Program will be renamed the “Early Start Program.”

Along with the name change, qualifying high school seniors now have the opportunity to enroll in a total of six college credit hours either in the fall and/or spring, rather than the spring semester exclusively.

The program has been helping seniors who complete their high school requirements early make a comfortable and successful transition into college since 2000. Typically, students take classes at their high school in the mornings, and come to Lewis and Clark in the afternoons. This allows students to keep their eligibility for extracurricular activities and athletics in their high schools, and saves them money – Lewis and Clark pays half of the tuition for up to 6 credit hours for these students.

For more information, contact the High School Partnership office at (618) 468-5050.

12- “Discover”

Achieve More with an Academic Refresher Course Corporate and Community Learning at Lewis and Clark is offering academic refresher courses this spring for high school seniors who want to improve their College Placement Test scores.

Higher test scores mean an opportunity to test out of lower level classes and save tuition money.

Separate two-week sessions for English and math will offer students pre-curriculum learning and enrichment opportunities through classroom and online learning materials, as well as vital study skills that will aid them in college and beyond, including time management, test preparation and effective note taking.

• Math- 3-5:30 p.m. March 19-30 • English and Reading3-5:30 p.m. April 16-27

The cost for each two week course is $129.

Call (618) 468-7000 to register.

Scholarship Opportunities Lewis and Clark Community College and the Lewis and Clark Community College Foundation offer a variety of scholarships to assist students with funding their education. Deadlines are approaching, so apply today.

• Financial Aid scholarships Application deadline is April 27, 2012 • Lewis and Clark Foundation scholarships - Application deadline is 4:30 p.m., Friday, March 30, 2012 • Phi Theta Kappa Board of Trustees Scholarship Application deadline is Friday, April 27, 2012

For more information on scholarships or download applications visit www.lc.edu/aid/scholarships.aspx www.lc.edu - 13

Highway Construction Program Offering Trainees a Fresh Start “The program is exciting because it allows members of our society to make a difference in their communities as well as their lives.”

Lewis and Clark’s new Highway Construction Careers Training Program offers minority and disadvantaged students a pathway to a new career in just 10 weeks of intensive training.

While in the program, students learn construction math, job readiness, blueprint reading and construction technical skills; work with those skills in a hands-on environment and earn certification in first aid, CPR, flagger, heavy equipment operation and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-hour training. At the end, they’re ready to apply for apprenticeships with area unions and start their new job experiences.

L&C’s inaugural class, eight students who wrapped up their training in Fall 2011, are all on a waiting list to be called into the Laborer’s Union, which is a strong accomplishment, said Program Director Stephanie Gill.

Already, the college is training its second group of students – with 14 enrolled this time. A third group is being recruited and will begin training at the end of March.

Made possible by a $239,546 grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation through the Illinois Community College Board, and sponsored by Rep. Dan Beiser of Alton, the program seeks to train 30 participants each year, with a goal to place at least 19 of those students in an apprenticeship program. Students are also encouraged to enroll in college coursework once they have completed the training, which can strengthen their opportunity to join certain apprenticeships.

Successful candidates must be at least 19 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, have a valid Illinois driver’s license, and consent to random drug screening.

“The program is exciting because it allows members of our society to make a difference in their communities as well as their lives,” Gill said.

For more information, contact the Adult Education Department at (618) 468-4156.

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Accelerating Opportunities Lewis and Clark works hard to help students achieve success and get the most out of their educational experiences. Here are just a few examples of how we do that: • Dual Credit Offered in Most Area High Schools – Through our dual credit program, area students have the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. Depending on the number of credits they earn though the partnership, some students are able to start their first year of college with a sophomore status, saving themselves money and time, and putting themselves a whole year closer to a degree.

• Summer Academic Refresher Programs – Through Corporate and Community Learning, L&C offers opportunities to help prospective students improve their skills and raise their College Placement Testing scores so they can test out of developmental courses. (Read more on page 13).

• ALEKS – Computer-based instruction in developmental math – The ALEKS system has allowed some students to complete two developmental math courses in only one semester, allowing them to jump into college level courses more quickly, and again, saving time and money.

• Contextualized Developmental Reading and Writing in PSYC 131 – Students who place in READ and ENGL 125 are also placed into PSYC 131 so that the reading and writing they do in developmental instruction courses also supports the college level assignments and learning in PSYC 131.

• Accelerated College Composition (ENGL 131) – For the past two years, students who scored into ENGL 125 but had college-level reading scores were invited to enroll in ENGL 131 with an extra one-hour study skills course taught by the English instructor.

• Connect to College Success – Academic advisors in the Enrollment Center have worked to provide proactive advising to new students who placed into three developmental courses, to help coach them toward successful completion.

Lewis and Clark Community College Foundation Presents

University of Notre Dame Glee Club In Concert

March 17, 2012 7:30 p.m.

(Doors at 6:30 p.m.)

Ann Whitney Olin Theatre

Hatheway Cultural Center Lewis and Clark Community College Godfrey, IL

$10- Adults $5- Students

• Student Success Center – The Student Success Center encompasses tutoring efforts, a Writing Desk, Math Lab, and various resources in other subjects to guide students who need extra help to succeed in their college level courses.

• Accelerating Opportunities Grant – L&C now offers students who are working toward their GED the opportunity to simultaneously earn credentials in programs such as automotive technology and EMT.

For More Info Visit www.lc.edu www.lc.edu - 15

Lewis and Clark Community College 5800 Godfrey Road Godfrey, IL 62035-2466 www.lc.edu

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Godfrey, IL Permit No. 18

To: Lewis and Clark District Residents March 17- Notre Dame

Glee Club in

Concert May 16- Commencement July 19-29- USTA Enroll Early and Get the Best Selection of Classes Register for your Summer session and Fall 2012 classes online beginning March 12. Open registration begins March 19. The first Summer session will begin May 21 and the Fall semester will kick off Aug. 20.

Photo: EA-WR students on campus for early bird enrollment

Visit the Enrollment Center or register online at www.lc.edu