10-24-2006

Agora

The Vol. 49, Issue 2

October 24, 2006

MONROE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

INSIDE Opinion, pg 2

Is your Halloween costume hot or not? One Agora reporter offers his take on this year’s best and worst festive attire.

MCCC offers online courses.

Should there be more?

Campus News, pg 3

Campus security improves.

Meet the new members of MCCC Student Government.

Are you familiar with the attendance policy at MCCC? Find out more inside.

Feature, pg 4

The Agora Chorale and band warm up for their first performance of the fall semester.

Are there enough vegetarian options at the MCCC cafeteria?

MCCC students and faculty sound off.

Feature, pg 5

The recent drop in gas prices has affected many at MCCC. Writing Center 826michigan in Ann Arbor prepares for launch of Monsters Union and ‘Revenge of the Bookeaters’ benefit.

Kiddie Campus, Headstart Merge integration of programs may implement changes for student-parents

Charlene Hunt Copy Editor

Monroe County Community College’s (MCCC) childcare center, Kiddie Campus, will be undergoing massive changes with the integration of the Michigan Headstart program into its facility. Diana Kramer, director of MCCC’s childcare center, explained that the merge of Headstart with Kiddie Campus children will occur in January 2007. Headstart is a federal program that provides highly educational and nutritional preschool opportunities to children of low income families.

Kramer’s license for the center will be handed over to Headstart, who will maintain the official license and rename it Headstart Academy. The facility is equipped for 17 children in the morning and 17 children in the afternoon. Headstart will have two preschool programs at the MCCC facility, one in the morning as well as one in the afternoon.

“We aren’t sure how the Headstart schedule will work with the college student’s schedule,” Kramer said.

Kiddie Campus has been a thriving aspect of MCCC’s campus for over twenty years, providing personalized quality care to the children of MCCC students for $3.50 an hour, a rate that is substantially helpful to working college parents. Before the fall 2006 semester, student-parents did not have to worry about registration fees.

“This semester I had to pay $25 for a registration fee. I never had to do that before,” Jamie Bevins, MCCC

In the Mix, pg 7

College and Technical School Night.

Spotlight, pg 8 Fall fun

Children playing at Kiddie Campus, located at the Welch Health Building at Monroe County Community College.

student, said.

MCCC President David Nixon explained that “there are no plans to change [prices] at this time,” when asked if the introduction of a preschool program would financially affect the students.

The implementation of Headstart presents new opportunities for students in the Early Childhood Educa-

tion field of study and has the potential to offer internships and experience, but at this time no such programs have been planned. The staff of Kiddie Campus seemed most concerned that they were left unattended to when it came to news on the program.

“I was told Headstart was coming. I wasn’t asked and my staff had no input,” Kramer said.

“It wasn’t necessary to speak to Diana until Headstart was interested in the program,” Nixon said.

According to Nixon, the students who already have their children enrolled in the program will receive preschool alongside of the Headstart children. However, students who have

See "merge," page 7

Faculty contract remains unresolved “I think there’s still faith that this can be resolved without going outside the campus.”

A&E, pg 6

Nashville Star winner Chris Young releases first album.

The Early November sits down with one Agora reporter to discuss their album, touring, and their fans.

Agora photo by Charlene Hunt.

Patrick Nedry Professor of Business Lisa Ghigliazza Copy Editor

What’s at stake for everyone at Monroe County Community College (MCCC) if there isn’t a resolution to the contract issue soon? Will the faculty at MCCC strike? Will this years MCCC students miss out on some great extra-curricular activities? These are some of the questions students, faculty, administrators and community members are asking as they await word of a contract agreement for MCCC faculty.

In order to educate internal constituents [other staff members within the college] and external constituents [Monroe County tax members] about the value of the faculty at MCCC and the need for the faculty to receive a fair and equitable wage and compensation package, an Action Committee has been set up by the Monroe County Community College Faculty Association (MCCCFA). Thus far, the Action Committee has rallied the faculty by suggesting they wear a red shirt on Conversation Day; a day long workshop in which faculty, administration, support staff, and maintenance members met to discuss the strengths and weaknesses at MCCC. The Action

Committee has only made suggestions for ways in which the faculty at MCCC can show their discontent.

Individual faculty members are free to decide how they wish to respond to the administration. According to David Waggoner, professor of chemistry, it is not the desire of the faculty to adversely affect to students in anyway.

“The MCCCFA is not encouraging us [faculty] to participate in any action that would be a detriment to the students at MCCC,” Waggoner said.

“Some faculty members are choosing to say no to extra curricular activities as a way to show the administration we really do want to do these things but it works both ways.”

Other signs, indicating the faculty’s displeasure with the lack of a fair and equitable contract, have been noticed at various campus events in which the faculty has previously participated.

“Antiques and Autos” and “Health Odyssey” were two recent events held at MCCC in which faculty chose not to participate in or were unavailable to volunteer their assistance. At the Antiques and Auto show, M.A.S.S. held a fundraiser in which Lori Bean, associate professor of chemistry and biology and the faculty advisor for the

club, was the only instructor to participate. According to Waggoner, the faculty are still willing to uphold the commitments they have already made to student organizations.

“We [faculty] are feeling disappointment; we feel we are not valued by the administration. When you chose to teach chances are you are not going to become a wealthy person, the trade off is you get to work in a great environment and help young people achieve their goals. It’s just a great feeling,” Waggoner said. Good health benefits, generous vacations, and an excellent retirement package have always been part of the faculty contract in the past yet now those items are in question.

“Now they [administration] are saying we aren’t sure we can provide these for you anymore. We [faculty] feel sort of betrayed,” Waggoner said.

Another indication the faculty is not pleased with the lack of a contract is the cancellation of the annual event, “Taste of Tech,” which had been scheduled for November 9th. Peter Coomar, dean of industrial technology, hopes to be able to reschedule this sometime in the near future. Peter Coomar was not available for comment on this issue but Donald Kehrer, assistant professor of automotive technology, indicated the reason for the cancellation was a decision made by the technologies division faculty to abstain from participation in this year’s event.

“The contract hasn’t been solved yet

and this is a voluntary activity that we do. The faculty, including myself, are frustrated that a contract hasn’t been reached,” Kehrer said. “The moral of the faculty is affected and is declining and will continue to decline if a contract isn’t reached soon. This is a very critical time issue for the college; the administration needs to understand the damage that is being done to the college by not settling a contract.”

The measures taken by faculty, thus far, have primarily focused on enlightening internal constituents.

Patrick Nedry, professor of business at MCCC, sees things as more of an internal issue right now.

“This is still seen as part of the MCCC family and sort of like a little spat that’s inside the family right now.

I think there’s still faith this can be resolved without going outside the campus,” Nedry said. “Now, they [administration] are bringing in a mediator which is really stepping outside the campus, but the idea is sometimes you need to go to ‘counseling’ to have an unbiased person or at least someone skilled in these matters to talk things over with. I hope that reasonable minds at the end of the day will prevail, we have too many things here to contend with. As long as we aren’t worrying about the money, what are we worrying about?”

MCCC currently has approximately an eighty-two percent surplus in re-

See "contract," page 7

2

Opinion

AGORA

A demand for convenience Charlene Hunt Copy Editor

Technology is overwhelming. Most colleges have noticed that students love their computers and the convenience that they supply them with.

However, Monroe County Community College (MCCC) is still only inching towards a successful distance learning program. Online courses may be a bit different in atmosphere than the traditional classroom setting, but they are often just as informative and you receive the same credit on your transcript sheet. For me, online courses became my haven of sanity when I discovered them a little over a year ago. As a devoted single parent who works, goes to school full-time, and takes her grades a bit too seriously, the convenience of taking a general education requirement at home is overwhelmingly appealing. Is the stigma of online classes not being as professional as their traditional counterparts to blame for the lack of courses of-

fered at MCCC? This fall MCCC only offered 42 online classes. Of these 42, less than half were classes that are in high demand or would fill a general education requirement for an associate degree.

As one of those students who pokes around WebPal the day registration begins, I sat by and watched as the classes filled up wondereding what the students who were not sitting there were doing about their schedule. Within days the most popular classes were full and waiting lists had begun to pile up. Now, I do recognize that it is the halfway mark of the fall semester and many of these classes have openings due to withdrawals and drops, but what good does that do those that were waiting to begin with?

Not everyone can plan their schedule four months in advance, after all.

MCCC hit record breaking enrollment this year, parking is horrible, and classes are swelling to the point of suffocation. The volume of students moving around campus is higher than ever before and unless our administra-

tion wants to continue tacking buildings into the corners of the property, perhaps they could take online courses a little more seriously. Some students admit to preferring the distance learning approach as opposed to the occasionally tedious traditional lessons.

“I find that I learn easier when I have control and can read as I go. Learning in a traditional classroom doesn’t work for me as well as doing it all myself,” one MCCC student said. Owens Community College (Owens), in Ohio and Macomb Community College (MCC), in Michigan, have already stepped up to embrace the technogological growth of their students. Owens offers over 180 distance learning courses to their students and Macomb prides themselves in the extent of their distance learning program. The number of drops every semester may be one factor for the lack of course selections amongst MCCC’s internet based courses. It is time MCCC follows suite with the other colleges in the area and step up their distance learning program.

Halloween costume craze Robby Yensz Page Editor

You all know that time of year, when the leaves change colors and you can’t breathe without getting a mouthful of fall. The time of year around October 31 means only one thing, Halloween. When obnoxious little tikes run around looking for an outfit they will wear once or twice and then discard as if it were socks on Christmas morning. I guess the word obnoxious is a little strong or weak, depending on your viewpoint.

Whether you are going out trickor-treating or attending a Halloween party, now is the time to shop for your Halloween costumes. If you want the

lowdown on what’s hot and what’s not, you came to the right place.

Hot: Batman and Superman. In the last two years, each of these superheroes have had resurgence in popularity because of their respective movies.

The kiddies (or maybe even you for that matter) may want to wear the bat symbol or the red underwear on the outside for a bit of Halloween fun, if you’re into that kind of thing.

Not: George W. Bush. I once wore a George W. Bush mask with a disco afro wig and everyone found it hilarious, except for the little kids who thought I was terrifying. Now that our President has long since lost his mind, (and his approval rating) it’s just kind of weird.

Hot: Jack Bauer. This is an easy one. Just wear some casual clothes, carry an air soft gun, and instead of saying “Trick or Treat,” scream “My name is Jack Bauer! If you don’t give me some candy, I will kill you!”* Not: Scream masks. Look these costumes weren’t cool some years ago, but if you wear one now you might as well wear a dunce hat and trick or treat naked.* I promise you will be made fun of by far less people if you do this. *Disclaimer: Please do not shout “I will kill you!” or trick or treat naked.

I am only joking but my point remains the same. If you engage in these actions you will be arrested, I promise.

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Haynesworth crosses the line Gary Knox Reporter

There is no excuse for what transpired during an October 1st game featuring the Tennessee Titans against the Dallas Cowboys. Titans defensive tackle, Albert Haynesworth, was ejected in the 3rd quarter after he kicked Dallas Cowboy’s center Andre Gurode twice in the face “I thought what he did was disgusting, especially because his helmet was off,” MCCC student Josh Piippo said.

What is most bewildering about Haynesworth’s actions is they seemed to be unprovoked. Gurode, who received stitches above his forehead, and below his eye, told the Associated Press that he hadn’t said anything that would provoke Haynesworth.

“In all my years of football I have never had anything like this happen to me,” Gurode said.

In a news conference, Haynesworth expressed remorse for his actions but failed to give a legitimate reason for his violent tirade.

“It was a blur. It was all a big mistake and I would take it back if I could,” Haynesworth said.

As punishment for his offense the NFL suspended Haynesworth for

five games, the longest suspension in league history. Although severe, this penalty doesn’t take into account Haynesworth’s violent past and the very real threat he could pose to fellow and opposing teammates in the future.

In an incident while in college, Haynesworth, who was involved in a scuffle with a teammate, returned to the field with metal pole looking for him. His history of violent behavior doesn’t end there. In 2003, while playing for the Titans, Haynesworth kicked center Justin Hartwig, after a play in practice. Later that year he

Agora photo Courtesy of New York Times

was deactivated one game for swinging at a player’s head from behind before being ordered off the field.

The NFL must be held partly responsible for neglecting to properly discipline a player like Haynesworth for repeated violent behavior. In order to avoid an incident far worse then what happened Sunday, October 1st, Albert Haynesworth, and players like him, should be kept off the football field permanently.

October 24, 2006

This year’s Heisman trophy recipient picks Kirk Stoner Page Editor

The college football season is in full swing, and many fans and experts are throwing around names they believe are the nations best. The Heisman trophy is up for grabs. What player will step up and claim the coveted prize?

Here’s a list of how I think the Heisman race will finish out.

Third place I selected West Virginia, sophomore running back Steve Slaton.

The 5’ 10”, 185 lbs back has explosive speed and great pass catching ability. In 2005 Slaton had 1,128 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. As of week seven in the NCCA, Slaton has 1,004 total yards and 8 touchdowns. Look for one more year out of this sophomore running back, as the Mountaineers go for a national championship.

In the second position I chose Brady Quinn, quaterback and senior from Notre Dame University. In the start of the 06-07 seasons, many had Quinn as their pre-season Heisman favorite but a few shaky performances have

some people scratching their heads.

The numbers are there for Quinn, as of week seven he has thrown for 9,970 yards, 74 touchdown passes, and only 36 interceptions as a four year starter.

25 of those interceptions were in his first two seasons as a starter. Quinn has a big game against rival USC on November 25. If all goes well for Quinn and the Irish, his Heisman hopes may come true.

The number one spot is filled by Ohio State Buckeye, Quarterback Troy Smith. Smith did not get any significant play time until he became the starter in his junior season, as Smith made the most of it. His mix of running and passing yards makes him a prized posession and a nightmare for defensive coordinators. Smith has a knack for stepping up in big games and has what it takes to be an NFL star.

Look for him to be holding the Heisman trophy come early December.

MCCC Re-accreditation

Update: Conversation One

Dr. David Nixon College President

As Monroe County Community College moves through the Higher Learning Commission’s re-accreditation process, the college is utilizing a large amount of valuable data that was collected by inviting all employees to respond to the HLC’s Constellation Survey and participate in a subsequent Conversation Day workshop.

Last issue, I highlighted the Constellation Survey results, which were used in late September at Conversation Day. That day, nearly 200 MCCC employees had three “conversations” about the following: 1.

What matters most at MCCC? 2.

What are the strengths of MCCC? 3.

What would make a signifi-

cant difference at MCCC if accomplished?

Below are results of the first conversation – What matters most at MCCC?: • Students: focusing on students; helping students realize their goals and impacting their lives.

• Valuing each other: being valued, respected and trusted; providing support for each other; having a sense of community.

• Culture: creativity, cooperative spirit, integrity and honesty.

• Work environment: pleasant, positive work environment; campus appearance; financial resources for current and future needs.

• Community connections: excellent reputation, relationships, improving quality of life for residents.

• Communications: open communications, nurturing, encouraging new ideas.

• Trust: Feeling trusted and having freedom to perform your job.

In addition to the excellent data we received from our employees, we’d like to learn what students think “matters most.” As we continue regular columns updating the re-accreditation process, we will develop a strategy for conducting a “Vital Student Focus” to solicit student input.

Please submit your ideas to me at dnixon@monroeccc.edu.

The Agora Editorial Policy The Agora is published by the students of Monroe County Community College, 1555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe, MI, 48161. The editorial office is located in 202 of the Life Sciences Bldg., (734) 3844186, agora@monroeccc.edu.

Editorial policy: Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the Agora staff. Signed columns represent the opinion of the writer.

All letters to the editor must include a signature, address and phone number for verification purposes.

The Agora reserves the right to edit

for clarity, accuracy, length and libel.

The Agora is a student-managed newspaper that supports a free student press and is a member of the Michigan Community College Press Association, the Michigan Collegiate Press Association, the Michigan Press Association, the Community College Journalism Association, College Media Advisers, Associated Collegiate Press and the Student Press Law Center.

Mark Bergmooser, Advisor

Campus News 3 Wyatt resigns, student government begins October 24, 2006

AGORA

Danny Carmack Page Editor

Agora photo by Danny Carmack.

Shirley Wyatt assists Monroe County Community College (MCCC) student Stephanie Scheer.

It is election time across the nation; a time to stand up and let one’s voice be heard.

Here at Monroe County Community College (MCCC), students went to the polls on October 10, 2006 to elect the 2006-07 student government members and officers. John Miller won as president. Josh Hannum was voted in as vice-president and the treasury position was filled by Mike Adams.

Maggie Moore secured the secretarial slot. No one ran for the historian position until it was brought up at a recent meeting. At that time, two people ran for the position which was eventually filled by Josh Guedesse.

Last year, a mere nine students ran for government office. This year, 16 students ran for office but only 10 were qualified. Six of the candidates were international students that would be forced to resign in January when it came time to return home. Six other members were returning members from last year’s cabinet.

Miller would like to get the student body more involved in the voting process.

“The hardest thing to do is get the students registered. Once the students are registered the only thing left to do is vote,” he said.

Along with a newly elected cabinet comes a change in its Student Activities Coordinator, as Shirley Wyatt has resigned.

The main reason for Wyatt’s departure, is the lack of health insurance in her position. Wyatt handles two jobs, along with being the student government advisor, she also coordinates the Youth for Understanding International Exchange Program (YFU). Because Wyatt is not a full-time employee she does not qualify for health insurance benefits. The two jobs together put her near the 40 hour mark but she still is not eligible for insurance.

“There just [hasn’t been any] full time positions opening up here,” Wyatt said. “If they could have given me insurance with part-time pay and my hours, I would stay.”

Her last day working at Monroe County Community College was October 18. Wyatt will be moving on to a full-time position [with insurance] at the Monroe Intermediate School District (ISD).

“It’s kind of upsetting because she lets us know what we need to get done, with her leaving we will have to take more initiative to get things done” Miller said. “She has been here since the beginning for us and now she won’t be there to see us through to the end.”

New, improved security proves helpful to all Danny Carmack Page Editor

Monroe County Community College (MCCC) is not immune to criminal activity. The latest crime to be committed at MCCC is the destruction of property to a motor vehicle.

The crime took place in the staff parking lot near the East and West Technological buildings “There was someone keying cars because there were students [vehicles] in the staff parking lot,” Bill Myers, director of security, said. “As it turned out, it was staff member’s vehicles who didn’t have stickers.”

Soon after the situation occured, a security tape was reviewed, the suspect was identified, and confessed to the damages. The crime was handled without the intervention of the Mon-

roe County Sheriff’s Department.

The identity of the suspect is being withheld by security.

“You don’t want to name names and put people in positions to where they say ‘that was my teacher’ or ‘that was the secretary that signs me in,” Myers said.

Myers wants to remind staff members that do not have a sticker permit , they must obtain one from the college and place it in the front windshield.

If putting it on the windshield is not an option, then they may put it on a piece of plexiglass and place it on the dashboard.

The college has more than 20 security cameras placed throughout the parking lots of the main campus and about four on location at the Whitman Center.

Attendance policies vary across campus Gary Knox Reporter

According to the official attendance policy of Monroe County Community College (MCCC), students are expected to attend all classes they are registered for. Penalties may be imposed at the discretion of the individual instructor, whenever he feels that the quality of the student’s work has been affected by absence or tardiness.

“I think attendance is very important. I don’t have a formal policy. I do have the rule that quizzes, in-class work, and tests cannot be made up, although alternate test times can be arranged prior to the test date. This indirectly means that attendance counts, because quizzes, in-class work, and tests missed become grades of zero,” Colleen Baker, professor of chemistry, said.

A study was done in 2004 by The American Economic Review that showed a sample amongst 400 agricultural economic students from 3 major universities. Those students who attended class regularly received

a full letter grade higher than of those who only attended class 50 percent of the time.

The rate a student attends class can be due to a wide range of factors.

These may include but are not limited to: transportation difficulty, illness, work shifts, as well as other responsibilities a student may have outside of class.

“I find it difficult at times to keep up with class work because I work part time and go to school full time. I study when I have free time. I appreciate professors who are sensitive too my circumstances,” Angie Raymo, MCCC student, said.

Some MCCC professors view attendance as a student’s responsibility to be self-disciplined enough to attend class regularly.

“If I was at the gate when a plane left, I got to go with them; if I wasn’t, that was my problem. The same applies to students when choosing whether to attend a particular class or not,” Patrick Nedry, professor of business, said.

“There was someone keying cars because there were students’ [vehicles] in the staff parking lot.”

Bill Myers Director of Security

Agora photo by Tonya Huffman.

The Campus Security patrols all parking lots of the campus at Monroe County Community College. If needed, they can be reached at 384-6007.

MCCC instructor treks bike path Kristin Booth Copy Editor

Could you imagine riding 100 miles all around Hancock County? For many member of the Hancock Handlebars Bicycle Club (HHBC), they did just that. Mark Spenoso, who is the digital imaging specialist at Monroe County Community College (MCCC), took part in this ride.

“I love distance in riding, more is better. It was my goal to ride 100 miles this year,” Spenosa said, which he accomplished.

HHBC has been around since 1969.

According to hancockhandlebars.org, in 1977 the club dedicated the following objectives for its members: · to promote the bicycle as a means of transportation · to develop an awareness of bicycle safety issues in our community · to encourage the development of bikeways, bike trails, etc. · to organize bicycling activities · to advance interest in bicycling for recreation and fitness · to bring together those who share a mutual interest in bicycling The main event that HHBC takes part in is the Hancock Horizontal Hundred (HHH). This event is sponsored annually by HHBC on the first Sunday that follows Labor Day. The event is open to the general public and attracts around 1000 participants from both the United States and Canada.

There are three rest stops throughout the course where each rider is sup-

plied with fresh fruit, doughnuts, drinks, and homemade cookies. Each rider is also served a lunch.

MCCC Graphic Designer, Jerry Morse, a co-worker of Spenoso and personal friend, has been on bike rides with Spenoso in the past.

“Once we were both chased by Rottweilers, which has discouraged me,” Morse said.

Morse has never ridden a tour here in the United States, but has elsewhere.

“I have been to Europe and ridden in marathons over there. It was amazing,” Morse said.

For Spenoso, who has been riding since he was a child, bike riding has been a lot of fun for him.

“I started seriously riding again about five years ago and thought that I could ride a marathon. So I did 50 miles, then I went onto PALM, where I rode across the entire state. I then trained to ride in HHH,” Spenoso said.

Agora photo courtesy of Mark Spenoso.

Mark Spenoso, digital imaging specialist at MCCC, prepares to ride.

4

Feature Tyner, Felder lead respective groups into first perfomance AGORA

Brian Ready

Assistant Editor

On October 30, the College/Community Symphony Band and the Agora Chorale will each kick off their 2006-07 Concert Series. The band, under the direction of Mark Felder and the chorale, led by John Tyner, will perform at the Meyer Theater, located in the La-Z-Boy Center, at 7:30 p.m. Admission for the event is free and both directors are excited about the possibilities that await their respective groups.

“The Chorale this year has worked hard and they are creating a very mature and well developed sound. They have grown and will present a very good performance,” Tyner said.

Felder commented on the bands hard work this year. “Every year the band is a new challenge. Our fall concert is very aggressive this year, so I am pushing the band hard. Let’s hope it pays off,” he said.

Tyner, who is beginning his eighth year at the head of the chorale, leads a 53-member choir that is open to the community and students alike. There

is no audition to join. According to Tyner, the chorale will be performing a mix of sacred and secular selections at the concert. Two of the selections will be performed acapella, which means without accompaniment which adds to the overall difficulty of the music.

“There are a couple of selections people will recognize, but we always like to do some things that are new to the audience,” Tyner said.

Monroe County Community College student Eric Nemeth is confident that the performance will go well for the chorale.

“I feel under the coordination of John Tyner the group blends perfectly and we should sound perfect for our concert,” Nemeth said.

The band, like the chorale, is also open to the community and consists of about 80 members, which range from 18 to 88 years of age. Some members have played in the band for almost 40 years. Felder singled out the most impressive thing the band has been able to accomplish to date is its ability of all the various ages work together.

See "concerts," page 7

Agora photo by Brian Ready.

Monroe County Community College Agora Chorale members reherse for their October 30th performance at the Meyer Theater.

standing about the vegetarian way of life. In an effort to dispel the rumors of vegetarians as people with weird eating habits, tree hugging hippies, or radical animal activists, people need to be informed of what being a vegetarian is all about.

There are several different types of vegetarian diets and many reasons why a person chooses to become a vegetarian. According to kidshealth. org, the major vegetarian categories include: ovo-vegetarian – one who eats eggs but no meat; lacto-ovo vegetarian – one who eats dairy and egg products but no meat; lacto-vegetarian – one who eats dairy products but no

Lisa Ghigliazza Copy Editor

What’s a person to do at Monroe County Community College (MCCC) if he doesn’t eat meat? This is a question many students, faculty, and staff members ask themselves everyday at lunch. Here on campus, the Frog Leg Inn Bistro, run by Catherine Cousino, prepares meals everyday for college students and staff to enjoy. Yet, there is one segment of MCCC’s population who are often left wanting – those who have chosen to eat a vegetarian diet.

There seems to be much mystery surrounding this group of individuals, which frequently results in misunder-

See "veggies," page 7

Students benefit from home-school experience

Copy Editor

building the character of a student,” Maertin said.

Home-schooled students are also thought to be socially deprived individuals. But as of late, people are realizing how much they thrive in the college atmosphere. Several colleges throughout the United States are beginning to recruit home-educated students. English professor Cheryl Johnston recalls the excellent experiences she has had with home-educated students.

Halloween treats Bethany Younglove Page Editor

Vegetarians lack variety among food choices

Kristin Booth

October 24, 2006

“They take full responsibility for their learning. I have found them to be good communicators and they are unafraid to ask questions,” Johnston said.

For Karley Stanton, who was home schooled for her entire academic career, it was more than just an education for her; it was a way of life.

“Home schooling shaped me into the person I am today. My faith was a big part of my home schooling expe-

A new school year brings in many new faces. This year is no exception, with the record enrollment of 4,368 students. What many people on campus do not realize is how many of these students are currently home-schooled or have been home educated. Mark Hall, the Director of Admissions and Guidance Services, believes the number of home educated students enrolling at Monroe County Community College (MCCC) is growing and he believes home educated students perform excellent at the collegiate level.

“They [home-educated students] are excellent students,” Hall said.

A frequently asked question for home-schooled students is if they fit in with the college life. For MCCC freshman Emily Kutz, who was home educated, she believes that she does.

“I fit in well at college because as a home-schooler I learned to be selfmotivated in my school work,” Kutz said.

Another question home educated students are asked is if they have been prepared for college with this type of education. Home schooling parent, Mrs. Nikki Maertin, whose son attends MCCC, believes they (homeeducated students) are well prepared for school.

“They [home-educated students] Agora photo courtesy of Kristin Booth. have learned how to study indepen- Monroe family home-school students of different grade levels do their lessons dently. Home schooling also helps in at the kitchen table.

rience and it is very important to me.

I never had to worry about cliques or peer pressure,” she said.

Another question many people ask home-educated students is why their parents decided to home-school them?

For Diane Stanton, Karley’s mother, the answer was simple.

“I wanted to raise my daughter with Christian values and ideas. I liked the idea of being able to follow my own outline, from field trips to hands on activities; the world became a classroom,” she said.

Home schooling may not be for everyone. Yet there are many homeeducated families here in Monroe and many different groups to join. Stanton goes onto say, “There are so many home school groups out there to do activities with. It [home education] has worked well for us,” Stanton said.

Professor Brenda Kraus, who teaches French at MCCC, taught her son at home.

“I home schooled my son. Since I am already a teacher, I did not think he could get a better education or Christian values,” Kraus said.

In contrast to the false idea’s of what people believe home schooling is, in reality it is a way of life which is becoming more popular. Parents are choosing to home educate their children instead of sending them to school. The reason is parents are able to guide their child in the ways they believe are best for that specific child.

Halloween is around the corner yet again and you may be wondering what you are going to be handing out to the trick-or-treaters this year. If don’t have a lot of money to hand out handfuls of candy what do you do?

A clever idea is to buy large suckers, such as Tootsie Pops, a box of Kleenexes, and a spool of 1/16” orange ribbon. Take a Kleenex and drape it over a Tootsie Pop. Tie the Kleenex with a piece of ribbon just under the sucker head.

Draw a face on one side of the sucker. You now have a cute sucker ghost to hand to the children who come to your door.

Another idea for a healthy treat uses Lady Fingers.

Lady Fingers Recipe: Ingredients: 24 blanched almonds, halved lengthwise Red food coloring, optional 1T. sugar 1T. active dry yeast 5 ½-6 C. all-purpose flour, (plus more for work surface) 1 T. salt 2 T. baking soda 1 large egg Sea salt Dried rosemary (optional) Vegetable-oil cooking spray Directions: 1. Place a small amount of food coloring in a shallow bowl and using a paintbrush, color the rounded side of each split almond; set aside to dry.

2. Use a mixer with a bread hook.

In a bowl, pour 2 C. warm water (110°).

Add sugar; stir to dissolve. Sprinkle with yeast and let stand until yeast begins to boil, about 5 min.

3. Beat in 1 C. flour on low speed until combined. Add salt and 3 1/2 C. flour until combined. Beat 1- 2 minutes. Reduce speed to low; add 1/2 C. flour. Knead 1 minute more. If dough is sticky, add up to 1 C. more flour.

Transfer to a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth.

4. Coat a large bowl with cooking spray. Transfer dough to bowl, turning dough to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap; let rest in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

5. Heat oven to 450°. Boil 3 quarts water in 6-quart saucepan; reduce to simmer. Add baking soda. Lightly coat two baking sheets with cooking spray. Divide dough into quarters.

Work with one quarter at a time and cover remaining dough with plastic wrap. Divide the first quarter into twelve pieces. On a lightly floured work surface, roll each piece into a long finger shape, about 3-4 inches.

Pinch dough to form knuckles. When all fingers are formed, poach for 1 min. in simmering water. Using a slotted spoon, transfer fingers to baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough.

6. Beat egg with 1 T. water. Brush pretzel fingers with egg wash. Using a sharp knife, lightly score each knuckle about three times. Sprinkle with salt and rosemary. Position almond nails; push into dough to attach. Bake until golden brown, 12-15 min. Let cool on wire rack. Makes 48.

With these two ideas, trick-ortreaters will never go without a treat, and you will not have to spend an excessive amount of money.

Feature

October 24, 2006

AGORA

5

Minimum Wage increase to benefit students

Brian Ready

Assistant Editor

Monroe County Community College (MCCC) student Angie Raymo struggles to pay for gas, car insurance, and other miscellaneous expenses that her parents are unable to help her with.

“With the amount I get paid at Tiffany’s, I struggle to get around. The new minimum wage law should help that, though,” Raymo said.

The new law put in place calls for an increase from $5.15 an hour to $7.25 an hour by 2008. It is estimated by epinet.org, 14.9 million workers nationwide would receive an increase in their hourly wage rate once minimum wage is increased.

“I won’t have to work as much now, because I’ll be earning a dollar or two more an hour. I’ll be able to concentrate more on my studies and other activities,” Raymo said.

Of the 14.9 million workers affected nationwide, 6.6 million of them currently earn less than $7.25 and would be directly affected by an increase.

The additional 8.3 million workers earning slightly above the minimum would also likely benefit from an increase due to “spillover effects.”

Eric Nemeth, a freshman at MCCC, will be one of these workers who is affected by the “spillover effect.”

Nemeth, an employee at Frenchtown Square Mall’s Taco Bell, currently

earns slightly above the minimum wage at $5.25 an hour, but because of the new law, he will now earn slightly above the reported minimum wage for 2006 at $6.98 an hour.

“It will be a lot easier for people to pay bills,” Nemeth said.

The last minimum wage increase occurred in 1996-97, when it was placed at $5.15 an hour. However, epinet.org explains that the previous minimum wage mark has been completely eroded by inflation. Because of the economy today, $5.15 today is the equivalent of only $3.95 in 1995, lower than the $4.25 minimum wage level before the 1996-97 increase.

With the increase of minimum wage, however, concerns do arise.

According to Raymo, the Tiffany’s on Monroe Street will increase the prices of its pizza, including changing the $5.00 pizza to $5.55.

“When our salary goes up, the prices go up,” Raymo said.

While the prices may go up at certain businesses, according to a report

by EPI after the last minimum wage increase, there was no reported cutback in jobs and the low-wage labor market actually performed better than it had in decades.

While the prices of one’s pizza may increase, this appears to be only a small price to pay in order for millions of workers nationwide, including several at MCCC, to earn enough to make life a little easier on themselves.

Agora photo courtesy of Tonya Huffman.

Student assistant working at Monroe County Community College Bookstore.

826michigan creates exciting learning environment for aspiring area writers Ashley Braden Editor-In-Chief

Gas prices plummet, students save money Toyna Huffman Copy Editor

Local gas prices have been flirting with the three dollar mark since the beginning of the summer season until recently. For the past month prices of gas have significantly dropped down around two dollars a gallon, much to the surprise and relief of consumers.

College students have been affected by the recent drop, including those who attend Monroe County Community College (MCCC). One student, Amanda Spencer, who drives from her home in Summerfield to MCCC five days a week to attend classes has felt the change.

“It’s good because I fill up for a lot cheaper. I save $10. I use to fill up for around $35, now I can fill up for $25,” Spencer said.

The gas drop has allowed Spencer to not only save money, but go out to eat more and enjoy herself.

“I can afford to go out to eat instead of scrounging off everyone else,” Spencer said.

Another student, Rebecca Cornprobst has also noticed the recent drop in prices due to a 25 minute drive from Temperance to Monroe where she both works and attends classes.

She now can buy things normally that were not affordable while gas prices were much higher.

“I work in Monroe and Temperance, so I drive a lot,” Cornprobst said. “I just save more money and buy movies I want to buy or something like that.”

No real reason is evident on why prices have suddenly dropped, but many rumors have surfaced including one that ties in to political issues.

It has been rumored that politicians in office are keeping the prices low to help get re-elected. There isn’t any proof to these allegations.

Consumers are enjoying the low gas prices, but it may not last for long. If prices can decline quickly they can just as easily rise in a matter of hours.

In the mean time, pumps will remain busy and drivers will leave with a smile and a sigh of relief instead of an empty wallet.

Writing? Enjoyable?

Some say it can be.

826michigan, a non-profit tutoring center and writing lab in Ann Arbor, Michigan is dedicated to assisting students ages six through 18 with creative and expository writing skills in virtually any school subject.

A branch of author Dave Eggers’ (A Heartbreaking Work of a Staggering Genius) 826valencia, the first chapter of the organization, 826michigan was established by Ann Arbor writer Steven Gillis with the goal of promoting imagination in young students.

Amy Sumerton, Program Director of 826michigan, said 826michigan is a place for kids to be creative.

“Writing papers can be tedious work. At 826, we try to make [writing] something fun that kids will like to do,” she said.

Aside from being a tutoring center

and writing lab, 826michigan also houses the The International Monsters Union, providing creatures of all kinds with the supplies needed to carry out their “monster duties.” The Monsters Union is a storefront at 826michigan to help draw people into the area. A mini-grand opening is scheduled to

be held October 28, with a large grand opening celebration planned for January 2007.

According to Sumerton, 826michigan is not only a great space for

See “826michigan,” page 7

Global warming creates heated debate Kirk Stoner Page Editor

Global warming is an issue which affects every person, plant, and animal on the planet. People cannot see it, taste it, or touch it, yet it is just there and it is becoming a worldwide epidemic. Global warming and the green house effect is a problem which needs to be addressed.

According to Webster’s dictionary global warming can be defined as, “an increase in the earth’s atmospheric and oceanic temperatures, widely predicted due to an increase in the green house effect resulting especially from pollution.” Some different pollutants are carbon dioxide, methane, and other trace gases.

An increase in global temperature causes many issues around the world including rising sea levels due to

melting glaciers, changes in weather patterns, and amounts of rainfall, According to Wikipedia, “These changes may increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, heat waves, hurricanes, and tornados.”

Wikipedia also stated the earth’s average surface temperature has risen an average of one degree (F) in each of the last 100 years or so.

Some of the bigger producers of harmful carbon dioxide and other gasses include power plants, cars, trucks, deforestation, and city gridlock.

“I think global warming is affecting us, and I think it will be worse.” Holly Bourassa, Monroe Community College sophomore,said.

One thing that students at MCCC can do to help the global warming issue is recycle. Recycling plastic

bottles and other products can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 850 lbs annually.

Another option is buying fuel efficient cars. Hybrid cars can be run on electricity or ethanol which is a grain based fuel. Using Hybrid cars can decrease carbon dioxide emissions greatly.

The third and more reasonable option is to simply plant a tree in your neighborhood. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air and help in the fight against global warming.

For more information on what you can do to help your neighborhood win the fight against global warming, go to www.epa.gov.

6

A&E

AGORA

October 24, 2006

‘Rock super lords’ The Early November talks of music, touring, fans

Ashley Braden Editor-in-Chief

“We’re not special,” Ace Enders, frontman of south New Jersey band The Early November (TEN) belts out in their song, “Ever So Sweet.”

Although Enders yells it with conviction, most would beg to differ.

In 2000, TEN, then comprised of Enders, drummer Jeff Kummer, guitarist Joseph Marro, and bassist Sergio Anello emerged into the New Jersey rock scene. Once they landed a deal with Drive-Thru Records, TEN released their label debut, For All of This, in late 2002. TEN’s popularity grew over the next year and their full-length, The Room’s Too Cold, was released in October 2003. After an extensive tour following the new TEN record, Enders released an album under the name of his side-project, I Can

Make a Mess Like Nobody’s Business (ICMAM). Following a brief tour backing that record, Enders returned to TEN along with ICMAM member Bill Lugg. In 2005 the band began recording their sophomore and current album, the conceptual triple-disc The Mother, The Mechanic, and The Path, which was released in July 2006.

“The Mother and The Mechanic were done [being recorded] in a month. The Path took about eight or nine months because we recorded it so many times,” Enders said.

Each of the album’s three discs has a different sound. The Mother, perhaps the most eclectic disc, takes a laid-back approach incorporating jazz and pop into the tracks. The Mechanic, the solid, driving rock disc, is more standard to TEN’s sound. The Path, the disc that explains the concept of the whole album, seemingly revolves

around the troubled relationships between kids and their parents and the notion that money contaminates the good of the world.

“The whole album is really a metaphor for people to look at themselves before blaming others,” Enders said.

Anello said he wasn’t too surprised when Enders came to the band with a profound concept for the new album.

“I’m just down with whatever. Ace has always had wacky ideas, so I just went with it,” he said.

Enders’ song ideas may have always been off the wall but it is certain that the level of style and development has immensely changed from For All of This to this year’s triple-disc release.

“It was a natural progression,” Enders said. “We just grew up and matured just like everyone else does.”

Apparently with maturity comes great appreciation for fans. Because a triple-disc album typically sells for $30, the band decided to take cuts in their royalties to keep the cost down to that of a normal CD, around $15.

“We’re in it [the music business] for the long-haul. People won’t hear our record if they can’t afford to buy it,” Enders said.

Taking cuts paid off. The Mother, The Mechanic, and The Path ended up debuting at number 31 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart.

Currently, TEN is out on tour with New Found Glory, Cartel, and Limbeck. Although TEN isn’t headlining the tour, they still see a substantial number of fans each night.

See “TEN,” page 7

Agora photos by Ashley Braden.

Ace Enders (above) plays with his band, The Early November (TEN), at Clutch Cargo’s in Pontiac, Michigan on October 13, 2006. Because TEN’s drummer, Jeff Kummer, was unable to attend the show, the band played an acoustic set.

Bassist Sergio Anello and guitarist Bill Lugg (left) warm up before the show.

Students find literature entertaining Recommendations for great reads

Bethany Younglove

will also always be on her favorite authors list.

Michelle Palumbo, MCCC student, has recently been reading an Anne Rice book.

“She is a good author and [she writes] good Halloween types of books,” Palumbo said.

Her favorite author is Patricia Cornwell.

Now when sitting home alone because somehow the homework is done, try picking up one of the books mentioned above. They all came highly recommended.

Page Editor

Every now and again a student may run across a few spare moments of time that are not engulfed by research paper writing and sprints between classes. What exactly should he do with that free time? Some people on campus have discovered that picking up a book is a wonderful way to keep them busy and entertained.

Lauren Pilarelli, an administrative assistant in the admissions and guidance office, loves humorous books, mysteries and stories of suspense. She is currently reading The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffinegger.

Brianna Williams, a student here at Monroe County Community College (MCCC) has quite an extensive reading list. She is currently reading Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller, Boy Meets Girl: Say Hello to Courtship by Joshua Harris and the Bible.

“I just read Second Corinthians for an upcoming Bible study. I’ve read it before but I loved reading it again. I got quite a lot of guidance and instruction from it,” Williams said.

When asked about her favorite author, Williams said that it used to be Stephen King, but since she became a Christian she has really been enjoying Joshua Harris’ books. Nicholas Sparks

Chris Young self-titled Tonya Huffman Photo Editor

Chris Young, a new aspiring country artist whose first self titled album was released October 3 by Sony BMG Music Entertainment is the second of two artists given a chance by America’s votes on Nashville Star.

Young began his journey on Nashville Star, a USA produced show similar to FOX network’s American Idol, and after months of hard work, perseverance, and view support he was crowned champion out of ten finalists.

There is no mistake what genre this album falls under. It is pure country, starting with the first song “Beer or gasoline” to the last “Who’s gonna take me home” and does not miss a beat in between.

Four of the eleven songs debuted are co-written by Young himself, including his first single, “Drinkin’ me lonely”, a song of drinking, self reflection, and irony. The single has set a bar for many new country artists by climbing all the way up the billboards to number three.

The album creates an even mix of slow, mellow songs and upbeat, ‘crank up the radio’ songs. “Beer or Gasoline” is a hilarious tune that compares gas and beer prices, but on the other hand “Flowers” sent chills throughout my body with the shocking story of love and mistakes.

Despite the big raves of “Drinkin’ Me Lonely”, I was somewhat disappointed in the other ten songs of the album. Do not get me wrong Young is an excellent singer and wonderful songwriter, but the album itself seems a bit on the typical side. It’s the same country music with a different name and face on the cover.

The majority of the songs on the album either refer to drinking or love, which is not necessarily bad, but nothing I haven’t heard before. There are a few songs I would recommend like the funny number ten, “I’m Headed Your Way, Jose”, it’s a catchy tune that instantly made me sing along.

From a girl’s point-of-view, Young appears to be gorgeous and rugged.

He has a sexy southern voice with a knack for writing. Unforunately for everyone, though, his album lacks originality.

In the Mix

October 24, 2006 from “merge,” page 1

not already enrolled their children in the program but hope to in the future may have difficulty finding a slot.

“I support the program, but I am mostly concerned with Headstart taking [MCCC] students’ slots,” Kramer said.

Navigation may become an issue if volume is pushed to the maximum, and mothers of the Kiddie Campus agreed. Bevins was most worried about space for the children to play and nap.

“Space is an issue, especially if the students’ children have to nap in another room and the Headstart kids get to keep the regular room,” Bevins said.

“We expect [the merge] to be seamless,” Nixon said. “If we grow and need more space, we can work on it later.”

With slots in the childcare program slim to begin with, parents may need to register in advance for the Kiddie Campus in order to receive care.

Mothers of the program wish things had been more “trial and error” and not so cut and dry.

from “contract,” page 1

serve funds, while the average for other colleges in the state is around fourteen percent. According to Tim Bennett, vice president of business affairs and treasurer, some of this money is earmarked for working capital within the various fund categories. MCCC received a 3.1 percent increase in revenues from the state for the 2006-2007 budget year, a 3.9 percent increase in revenues from tuition and fees, and a 1.2 percent increase in tax revenues from Monroe County.

MCCC receives approximately 56 percent of its revenues, an estimated $12,645,000 from Monroe County taxes. State appropriations are expected to be $3,970,000 for fiscal year 2006-2007 and revenues from tuition and fees are projected at $5.5 million.

The total revenues for 2006-2007 are estimated at $22,670,000, which is a 5.4 percent increase over last year.

Both sides met with a mediator on October 19th. Due to an agreement made by both negotiating teams at the beginning of contract talks, nothing which is discussed during negotiations can be revealed to either side until an agreement has been reached. Both sides were unavailable for comment as to how mediation went and where the talks will go from here.

from “veggies,” page 4

only plant sources. . There are also those who call themselves vegetarians who occasionally eat poultry or fish but not red meats.

Monica Kaput, adjunct faculty in the health sciences division, no longer considers herself a vegetarian because she occasionally eats meat, chicken, or fish, but when she did practice a vegetarian diet she was a lacto-ovo vegetarian.

“During my first years in college I was a vegetarian for 5 years. I chose vegetarianism for health reasons and animal rights reasons. I absolutely feel eating meat promotes cruelty,” Kaput said. Associate Professor of English and Writing Center Coordinator, Tim Dillon originally became a vegetarian for philosophical reasons.

“Originally it was for philosophical reasons based on Albert Camus’ view of existentialism, but over the years I saw the health benefits of a vegetarian diet. Now it’s basically about choosing to live my life the way I want to and not the way others dictate you should,” Dillon said.

While on campus at MCCC vegetarian students and staff find few choices among the fare at the Frog Leg Inn Bistro. Mark Naber, associate professor of mathematics, wishes people were more aware of vegetarianism.

“When I go out to eat at a restaurant and ask if something is vegetarian, they say yes it is, but then say it is made with chicken broth or it only has chicken in it. This is not vegetarian,” Naber said. Naber continues to say anything that has meat in it can be made without meat by using Veggie Burger Crumbles.

“When I make spaghetti, tacos, even chili I use Burger Crumbles, it pretty much fools most of my meat eating friends. The only thing I really can’t make is a pot roast,” Naber said.

At the Frog Leg Inn Bistro, Naber usually orders a veggie burger while his wife Penny Dorcey-Naber likes to order a grilled pepper-jack & American cheese sandwich with tomatoes, pickles, and mayonnaise.

Vegetarians at MCCC may need to start asking the right questions when ordering at the Frog Leg Inn Bistro or ask for more selections on the menu for vegetarians. Don’t lose heart; you can always have more rabbit food.

OOPS! Errors made in this issue will be corrected on our website at www.monroeccc. edu/agora/index.html

from “concerts,” page 4

According to Felder the band will perform five songs in their first concert, including: “Poet and Peasant Overture,” “Rocky Point Holiday,” “Florentiner March,” “Amazing Grace,” and “Danse Macabre.”

October 30 will be the first of four concerts the chorale and band will perform throughout the year. Two of the three concerts will be performed by both the band and chorale on December 18, and February 19. The band will conclude its performances on April 30, while the chorale will conclude its year on May 1. The band will also perform a short program before graduation on May 4 and will host all of the directors in Wayne, Washtenaw, and Monroe counties in a new music reading session on November 13. Tyner, meanwhile, is planning a choral day to take place sometime later this year.

“We would like to develop a choral day that would include performances

by Monroe County high schools.

This will include a performance by each individual choir. They will then join us [Agora Chorale] for a performance in the evening. This exposure will introduce prospective students to the campus and the offerings we have for those interested in music,” Tyner said.

from “TEN,” page 6

“There have been a lot of kids so far [on this tour] coming to see us. It’s pretty cool,” Enders said.

The tour will run in the states until November 15, then after a short break TEN will head overseas with New Found Glory to play a UK tour until early December.

Enders said TEN is planning a headlining tour in March, but no dates have been confirmed.

For more information on TEN, the music, and the tour, visit their website at theearlynovember.net.

from “826michigan,” page 5

school-aged kids to get tutored absolutely cost-free (and for monsters to stock up), but also an excellent place for older “kids” to volunteer.

“Anyone can volunteer at 826. As long as you have the time and like working with kids, you can volunteer here,” Sumerton said.

Getting involved with 826 should start at its website, 826michigan.org; information regarding the program, along with a witty downloadable application, can be found there.

“Volunteering is important. In our society, there is so much focus on money. It just feels good to spend time helping others,” Sumerton said.

Because 826michigan runs on donations and volunteered time, it hosts a benefit each year to raise money for the organization. This year, the Revenge of the Bookeaters tour will be coming to Eastern Michigan University’s Pease Auditorium in Ypsilanti.

The show is October 29 at 6:30 p.m.

According to 826michigan.org, the Revenge of the Bookeaters show is one that asks the question: which is better – music or the written word? To help answer that question, 826valencia founder and author Dave Eggers will be joined by Pavement’s Stephen Malkmus, the Cowboy Junkies, authors Julie Orringer & Ryan Harty, Found magazine creator Davy Rothbart, Blanche frontman and actor Dan John Miller, the Ann Arbor Youth Poetry Slam Team, and of course, 826michigan students. The show is open to the public and will run for approximately three hours.

“It’s going to be a fun and hilarious night, and it’s supporting an organization that [supports] creativity,” Sumerton said.

Tickets are $25 for general admission seating and are available for purchase online, via telephone, or in person. Visit 826michigan.org for more details.

HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? Send a letter to the editor.

Drop by our office (L-202) or email us at agora@monroeccc.edu

7 Career AGORA

Seminars Career Decisions October 4, 11, 18 & 25 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Cost: $24*

Discover your career interests, work values, and personality strengths through taking a series of fun, interactive and online assessments. Evaluate your transferable skills and determine if you need further training or education. A career professional with over 20 years experience will help you with your career decisions.

Successful Interviewing November 1 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Cost $15* Understand the psychology of interviewing and learn how to create your personal infomercial and project it with confidence.

You’ll be provided with tips & strategies to ace that future interview.

Projecting a Positive Professional Image November 8 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Cost $15* Learn how to enhance your personal and professional image, develop the ability to choose right colors and styles, get specifics on enhancing your image strengths and diminishing the weaknesses, and more.

Create Dynamic Resumes & Cover Letters November 15 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Cost $15* Is your current resume or cover letter working for you? Get some advice on producing dynamic resumes and effective job search correspondence.

If you have a resume, bring it to class.

Stop in the Whitman Center Office or call 734-847-0559 to register.

7777 Lewis Ave. Temperance, MI 48144 All classes meet on Wednesdays in Whitman Center Room 8.

*Free for MCCC Students

College and Technical School Night October 17, 2006 6:30 - 8:00 p.m @ Welch Health Education Building Agora photos by Lisa Ghigliazza.

8

AGORA

Spotlight

Fall Fantasy

October 24, 2006