2016
“Education is all a matter of building bridges”. -Ralph Ellison
Inside:
Tips on Enrollment, Money and College Life!
There’s something about WMU. You feel it the moment you step on campus. Here, you’ll not only create your future, you’ll find gold. Gold in the moments and experiences you share. Gold in the knowledge you gain. Gold that is at the heart of who you are and who you will become. Come to Western Michigan University. Strike gold.
wmich.edu/strikegold
2 • The Quad • FALL | 2016
Fall 2016
Table of Contents Pg. 4
Financial Aid Deadlines
Pg. 8
The Cost Of Not Getting A College Degree
Pg. 9
10 Ways to Avoid Major College Debt
Pg. 13 What’s Your Status Pg. 15 8 Big Mistakes College Students Should Avoid
The Road to Success Begins With Preparation
Pg. 20 4 Secretes to College Admissions Pg. 22 Student Scholarships & Grants
By Hiram E. Jackson
Choosing the right college can catapult a student’s career in ways unimaginable. Laying down the groundwork in high school is critical to students getting accepted at the schools of their choice. Preparing for the ACT and SAT are steps to a student’s college journey. This issue gives readers some resources to current scholarships that are still accepting applications as well as websites to look for other scholarships that could help pay for college in the coming years. Use The QUAD as a tool to preparing for the future. Thinking about what career path a student would like to take now helps them to form a plan and work at the plan, so that when college graduation is upon them, they should have job offers instead of wondering what to do next. Success is just steps away. Get ahead start with The QUAD.
100+
DEGREE PROGRAMS
43million
$
IN SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED
130
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
700
CO-OP & INTERNSHIP PLACEMENTS ANNUALLY
RANKED SAFEST
PUBLIC FOUR-YEAR UNIVERSITY IN MICHIGAN STATEUNIVERSITY.COM
Managing Editor: Tatiana Wheeler Strategic Partners: Department of Education/ National Association for College Admission Counseling Graphic Designer: Juan Sifuentes
We’re Maize & Blue. Metro Detroit’s Leaders and Best. Discover our Dearborn differences for yourself. Visit our beautiful campus at an upcoming event, a Go Blue Friday, or tour campus with a current student.
umdearborn.edu/visit 313-593-5100 University of Michigan-Dearborn 4901 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, MI 48128
EARN THE MICHIGAN DEGREE! FALL | 2016 •
The Quad • 3
Financial Aid Deadlines 2017-2018 Federal Deadline: Online applications must be submitted by midnight Central Time, June 30, 2018. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by midnight Central Time, September 15, 2018.
State Deadline: Michigan - March 1, 2017 by midnight, Central Time.
College Deadline: Check with the college(s) you are interested in attending. You may also want to ask your college about its definition of an application deadline whether it is the date the college receives your FAFSA, or the date your FAFSA is processed. Courtesy of fafsa.ed.gov/deadlines
Estimate Your Eligibility For Federal Student Aid Need to know how much financial aid you qualify for? Check out FAFSA4caster! A brand new tool provided by Federal Student Aid at www.fafsa.edu.gov FAFSA4caster will help you understand your options for paying for college. Provide some basic information and it will estimate your eligibility for federal student aid. Your estimate will be shown in the “College Cost Worksheet” where you can also provide estimated amounts of other student aid and savings that can go towards your college education. Get started now! Visit www.fafsa.edu.gov for more information.
4 • The Quad • FALL | 2016
Macomb is all about opening doors and helping students soar perception of race and class and how it affects minorities.” Don DeVolder also came to Macomb with a good idea of what he wanted. The Army veteran and father of two, injured while on deployment in the Sinai Peninsula, was looking for a “veteran-friendly” college and a program that would allow him to leverage his experience in military security. “After one semester in Network Security (one of Macomb’s Information Technology programs) I knew cybersecurity was, without question, the way to go,” said DeVolder, now an intern with the Department of Defense with plans to transfer to Eastern Michigan University. “I came to Macomb unsure of how it would all work out having been out of school for nearly 13 years, but Macomb made me feel right at home.” Also right at home at Macomb is Katie Braschayko, a 20-something saxophone player who fancies the New Orleans stylings of the late, great Sidney Bechet. “I love music,” said Braschayko, a Macomb sophomore who plays baritone saxophone in the Macomb Jazz Band. “I played clarinet in high school, before switching to sax when I started at Macomb. I like playing on the bass line, and I like being heard. Jazz band practice is at 7 p.m. so you get to end your day playing jazz. It doesn’t get much better than that.” For Anita Hall, however, it was the encouragement she received as a Macomb work-study student that was music to
It’s a Smart Start! $18,000 Savings
Finish
Programs
Support & Resources
a
unity College m m o C comb
Career & Transfer or Advancement start work immediately
ISH
Financial Aid
T: M R A T S
Anita Hall (left) and Patsy Tannahill are both former workstudy students who now hold full-time positions at Macomb. Both of Hall’s children have also attended Macomb.
FIN
From sax players to social work majors, Army veterans to stay-at-home moms, Macomb Community College offers its students quality programs as diverse as their interests and lifestyles. “I was on midnights at a factory in Clinton Township, so I would work all night and then leave my job and go right to my classes,” said Tamarie Willis, who took her prerequisites for Wayne State’s social work program at Macomb and completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at its University Center in Clinton Township. “I was pretty tired some days, but midnights allowed me to have my schedule open during the day.” Her hard work more than paid off. Tamarie Willis Willis, a native of Jamaica, is now in Wayne State’s social work Ph.D. program and works full time in the university’s counseling office as a social work advisor. It’s all part of her 10-year plan to do nothing less than change the world. “My interest area is the mass incarceration of AfricanAmerican males,” said Willis. “I would love to see my research used to create change within society in regards to the
her ears when she returned to college after several years as a stay-at-home mom. “The experience was tremendous,” said Hall. “I went to Career Services to help me with my résumé and they referred me to the work-study coordinator. It was the best thing that ever happened.” Hall is now an administrative assistant in Macomb’s Health and Human Services Department. Her daughter, Asia Rushing, is attending Macomb as an early-admit high school student and her son, DeAndre Rushing, is an engineering major at the University of Detroit Mercy, after completing his prerequisites at Macomb. “Macomb makes you want to grow,” said Hall. “It’s when people believe in you that you are really able to soar.”
macomb.edu • 866.Macomb1 • answer@macomb.edu FALL | 2016 •
The Quad • 5
i b l i i t y x e to fit your schedule l F Online programs at Oakland University Oakland University provides numerous diverse online learning opportunities for students through our 15 programs and more than 700 courses that are offered 100 percent online. All courses are taught by Oakland faculty, and online students earn the same degree that on-campus students receive. “Online learning at OU has built my confidence, self-reliance and time management skills,” said Todd Syme, human resources development major. “It has made completing my degree a very real possibility.” OU offers fully accredited, nationally recognized online programs that represent a wide variety of academic disciplines, including engineering, education, nursing, environmental safety and health, physical therapy and animal assisted interventions. The university is ranked in the top 50 Online Master’s of Engineering Management programs by Top Management Degrees in 2016 . OU is also a pioneer in autism education programs, providing online learning and endorsement opportunities for teachers and non-teachers. Other innovative online programs include the graduate certificate in Oncology Rehabilitation and the Animal Assisted Interventions certificate offered through Continuing Education. Online students take advantage of a combination of selfstudy and peer-to-peer interaction using an online learning management system to facilitate instruction. Students are connected with fellow students and faculty using chat, video conferencing, phone calls, email, social media, forums and more. “I think online learning removes barriers in interacting with peers,” said Jessie Felix, health sciences major. “For me, discussion posts are much easier than trying to raise my hand and join discussions in class.” Oakland University serves students from almost every state as well as many countries across the globe. This varied enrollment allows students the opportunity to interact and learn with people from different backgrounds and viewpoints, adding to their depth of learning. Online learning allows students the flexibility to earn a degree while balancing work, family and other responsibilities. For more information about online learning at Oakland University, visit oakland.edu/online.
6 • The Quad • FALL | 2016
FALL | 2016 •
The Quad • 7
The cost of not getting a college degree By Roz Edward A college degree is becoming increasingly valuable, in large part because a high school diploma is becoming less and less valuable. According to a U.S. News and World Report study among millennials, earnings for college-degree holders are $17,500 greater annually than for those with high school diplomas only, who earn on the national average about $25,000 per year. But as is the case with most social statistics, in the African American community the disparities are much greater between college educated and non-college educated workers. New figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau dramatically demonstrate the difference a four-year college degree makes in terms of earning potential for blacks with college degrees and those with only high school diplomas. Black Americans with a four-year college degree outearn blacks with a high school diploma by 99.5 percent. Those who attended two-year institutions improved their incomes by only 41 percent over blacks with just a high school diploma. An even more striking finding is that possession of a four-year college degree not only greatly increases the incomes of African Americans, but also goes a long way toward closing the economic gap between blacks and whites. Current figures for the year 2004 show that blacks with a college diploma now have a median income that is 95 percent of the median income of similarly educated
8 • The Quad • FALL | 2016
whites. Blacks with a doctorate actually have higher incomes than similarly educated whites. But many Detroit high school grads and their parents find the cost of attending a four-year college prohibitive and opt instead to pursue other employment paths, including going into skilled trades. “This (push for skilled trades) is something I care a lot about,” said Wayne State University President Dr. Roy Wilson at a Michigan Chronicle hosted panel discussion in downtown Detroit. “I recently attended a business meeting at Michigan where some people were pushing recruiting high school students for skilled trades, but then I noticed that none of them were pushing their own kids in the direction of skilled trades, so I get a little worried when we talk about skilled trades as opposed to going to college, because that’s going to be disproportionately African Americans that are going in that area as opposed to white America. “And that is going to exacerbate the disparity between
earnings for black and white Americans, and when there is a downturn in the economy, those without degrees are the first to go.” He continued, “When a student graduates from high school they will initially earn more money than a student attending a two or four-year college. But by the age of 28, the holder of an associate’s degree will have caught up with the lifetime earnings of the non-degree holder. And the line goes way up for those who complete a degree at a four-year college. Even with paying for college and repaying educational debts the lifetime earnings for a graduate from a four-year university is going to be about five to six million dollars more than a non-college graduate.” So while many African American college-bound students and their parents worry about the cost of attending a four-year university, the bottom line is that the students can’t afford not to attend one.
By Ursula Watson There is a reason why America’s student loan debt is a topic mentioned in numerous stump speeches during this year’s presidential election season. Americans owe nearly $1.3 trillion in student loan debt, spread out among 43 million borrowers, according to Student Loan Hero. The average Class of 2016 graduate has $37,172 in student loan debt, up six percent from last year. Additionally, roughly 22 million Americans or 43 percent, with federal student loans weren’t making payments as of Jan. 1, according to the U.S. Department of Education. It is no wonder that students and parents avoid applying for loans. Chris Ziegler, Madonna University’s Director of Financial Aid, says there are ways to pay for college that don’t lead to a hefty debt upon graduation. “Treat searching for the right financial package like you would when searching for a car or a house,” says Ziegler. “Basically you’re shopping. Paying for college is about preparation, financial planning and careful research.” Ziegler offers 10 ways to help you avoid racking up major debt. 1. Search the web Visit the website of the college/university of your interest and learn about what financial aid is available. Also, visit websites such as Free Application for Federal Student Aid at fafsa.ed.gov; U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid at studentaid. ed.gov/sa/ and Michigan’s Student Financial Services Bureau’s Students Scholarships and Grants at missg. guarantorsolutions. com. 2. Ask for help Wading through financial aid options can be daunting, so get help. “If you don’t understand, don’t be embarrassed,” says Ziegler. “Make an appointment to sit down with a financial aid officer.”
3. Start early Don’t wait to apply for student aid, says Ziegler. You can now file the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as October. In the past folks had to wait until January 1. 4. Think about long term needs Consider the total cost of college. Focus not only on tuition and books but expenses such as transportation, cost of living on or off campus, food, etc. 5. Find community support Colleges, schools and academic departments offer a variety of scholarships based on a combination of criteria. Students can qualify for awards from external organizations such as the Lions Club, Knight of Columbus, fraternities and sororities, churches, etc. 6. Consider grants Grants are awarded based on financial need and do not require repayment. Eligibility includes being enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program. 7. Apply for work-study programs Federal work-study is offered to students with financial need who want to contribute toward their educational expenses by working part time. Students may be employed by the college/university itself; a federal, state, or local public agency; a private nonprofit organization or a private forprofit organization. 8. Combine resources Craft a financial package utilizing scholarships, grants and work-study to cover most of your expenses. Consider applying for a loan only if you are still staring at remaining school expenses not covered by a financial package. 9. Return leftover funds If the cost of a school year was less than the amount of your loan, think about returning the rest. “One kid had $1,600 left over from his student loan and returned it so he wouldn’t have to pay it back,” says Ziegler. 10. Focus on your future Don’t choose a school because you like the logo or because it is known for its epic parties. Choosing a school for reasons that fly in the face of your academic needs and financial boundaries may lead to your flunking out and wasting money.
FALL | 2016 •
The Quad • 9
At U-M, a 200-year tradition of activism continues to advance society The University of Michigan was founded in 1817 — 200 years ago — and it wasn’t long before students started making noise. The first petition came in 1842. Students weren’t happy with the rules regarding campus library access, and they demanded change from the Board of Regents. Over the decades, U-M students have been at the forefront of activism and social justice issues, from boycotts aimed at segregation to Vietnam War-era sit-ins to the #bbum (Being Black at Michigan) Twitter protests in recent years. As the university celebrates its bicentennial, a key theme being underscored is the role of students, staff and faculty in challenging the status quo, both on and off campus. When combined with the university’s commitments to academic freedom, free speech and the idea that the university is one of society’s primary sites for critical self-reflection, the University of Michigan has long been a hub for pushing buttons. In 1879, U-M President James B. Angell delivered a noteworthy address calling for greater access to education for the poor. “It is of vital importance,” Angell said, “especially in a republic, that the higher education, as well as common school education, be accessible to the poor as well as the rich.” About a decade later, and just two decades after the first woman graduated from U-M, women students, alumni and faculty wives formed the Women’s League organization to promote social interaction among women in the community.
Image courtesy of U-M Bentley Historical Library African-American students take over the Administration Building on the day of Martin Luther King’s funeral to demand greater representation and more financial support.
10 • The Quad • FALL | 2016
Image courtesy of Michigan Photography Other groups followed. In 1902, black students on campus created the Colored Students Club, a support group to help its members find jobs, lodging, medical care and textbooks, especially for poorer black students. Not long after, Alpha Phi Alpha was established as the first African-American fraternity on campus. Activism continued into the 20th century with the creation of the Negro-Caucasian Club, believed to be the first interracial student organization in the country. According to the University of Michigan Heritage Project, the organization was formed after an African-American student and her white friend experienced discrimination at an Ann Arbor restaurant. After waiting a long time for service, a bus boy arrived at their table and piled a stack of dirty dishes between the two. The two women, angry and determined to create change, joined with other like-minded students in the bold endeavor. The group’s official charge was to study and discuss problems arising in relations between races, and it brought many notable speakers to campus, including activist and writer W.E.B. DuBois, novelist Jean Toomer and famed attorney Clarence Darrow. The tradition of challenging society has continued into recent years and today. The university has been at the center of policies regarding the use of affirmative action in admissions decisions. Today, as the university enters its third century, U-M President Mark Schlissel has made diversity, equity and inclusion a key area of focus for his presidency. Schlissel has charged each school, college, and unit with overseeing a planning process that results in a five-year plan for diversity, equity and inclusion that is highly aspirational, concrete and supported by a series of specific measurable goals, as well as consistent with the research, educational and public engagement activities that occur throughout the university. “Our dedication to academic excellence for the
The University of Michigan
Image courtesy of U-M Bentley Historical Library This image from the 1927 Michiganensian Yearbook showcases the founding members of the Negro-Caucasian Club. public good is inseparable from our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion,” Schlissel said last year. “We cannot be excellent without being diverse in the broadest sense of that word. We also must ensure that our community allows all individuals an equal opportunity to thrive.” Interested in continuing the tradition of activism at the University of Michigan? Learn about our requirements, selection process, and value to you at admissions.umich.edu.
200 years of diversity, equity & inclusion
2013
#BBUM The Black Student Union launches #BBUM - Being Black at Michigan - a Twitter campaign that generates national attention about diversity in higher education.
1975
Brain Surgeon Dr. Alexa Canady, the first African-American woman to become a neurosurgeon, receives her medical degree, four years after earning a U-M bachelor’s degree.
1971
Gay Students The University becomes the first in the country to support gay and lesbian students by opening the Human Sexuality Office.
1925
1870
Early Women Madelon Louise Stockwell breaks the gender barrier at U-M when she is admitted in February; 33 more women join her in September. Gabriel Hargo, Esq. Gabriel Franklin Hargo becomes the University’s first AfricanAmerican graduate when he earns a law degree. He is only the second black man in the country to receive a law degree.
1974
Serving the Disabled The Office of Disabled Student Services opens following passage of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Today the office is known as Services for Students with Disabilities.
1956
First Black Professor Alvin D. Loving becomes the University’s first AfricanAmerican faculty member when he is hired as associate professor of education at UM-Flint. In 1970, he joins the School of Education on the Ann Arbor campus.
Race Relations Students form the Negro-Caucasian Club, believed to be the first interracial student organization in the country.
1993
Discrimination Ban The Board of Regents bans discrimination based on sexual orientation.
1962
MLK Visits The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. speaks at Hill Auditorium and the Michigan Union during a daylong visit.
1948
Class First Orval “Val” Johnson, a varsity letterman in track, becomes the first African-American student elected president of the LSA senior class.
1890
Doctor Gray Ida Gray becomes the first African-American woman in the country to graduate in dentistry when she receives her D.D.S. from U-M.
1848
Habla Español The first course in Spanish is offered.
FALL | 2016 •
The Quad • 11
Architecture and Design | Arts and Sciences | Engineering | Management
The most important asset of business today is information. So it makes perfect sense for Mashia Tate to be combining a major in information technology with a minor in management at Lawrence Technological University (LTU). Tate was born in Detroit and grew up in West Bloomfield Township, where she attended West Bloomfield High School and Oakland Early College, earning 46 college credits in computer-aided drafting and design while still in high school. At LTU, Tate has continued studies in IT, and the past two summers she’s added to her education with internships at aerospace manufacturer Boeing Co., first in St. Louis, Missouri and later in Everett, Washington At Boeing, Tate was part of a team testing computer programs dedicated to improving project management.
Tate credited the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) for helping her find the internship. LTU’s NSBE chapter has grown from seven members to 25 during Tate’s time at the university, and Tate was its president the past two years. Tate is the vice chair of the LTU College of Management Student Advisory Board and is a member of Toastmasters. Earlier, she was a performer in the Mosaic Youth Theatre in Detroit and ran track for the North Oakland Blue Dragons AAU team. Tate said of her decision to attend Lawrence Tech, “I would like to think of it as LTU chose me.” She said LTU “truly focuses” on its motto, “Theory and Practice,” because “everything I have learned in my classes, I have been able to apply to my internships.” She said her favorite thing about LTU was “small class sizes and being able to get to know my professors really well.”
After graduation, Tate hopes to stay in Michigan, mentioning Blue Cross Blue Shield, General Motors, the online marketing services provider HelloWorld and the local office of Microsoft Corp. as potential future employers. “I love the crossover between business and technology,” she said.
THINKERS, TECHIES, AND GAME CHANGERS. Lawrence Technological University isn’t for just anyone. We want the future designers, engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs who will create the innovations of tomorrow. Watch LTU students share their college experiences at ltu.edu/StudentStories
5th
in nation for boosting graduates’ earning potential
Possible is everything.
12 • The Quad • FALL | 2016
12:1
Student/faculty ratio
88%
Students employed or registered for graduate school at commencement
100+
Academic programs
Southfield, Michigan
800.225.5588
admissions@ltu.edu
By Jahquan Hawkins I’ve been working in higher education for several years and it continues to surprise me when students have no idea why they’re pursuing a college degree, who the major players are in their success and how they’re performing academically. Just as important as it is to know if you have enough gas in your car to get to work, it’s vitally important to know the answer to these questions as you seek your place at the finish line of your educational journey. Discover Your “Why” If you get nothing else out of reading this article, I want you to understand that if you’re not motivated to complete your college degree, you probably won’t. That motivation can come in many different forms, but it’s up to you to identify it and stay focused on why you’re deciding to pursue higher education. As a kid growing up in a poor community, college presented an opportunity for me to improve my quality of life. Despite the fact that my parents were not well off, they sacrificed to ensure that my brothers and I had access to tremendous resources, including a private education through my middle school years. There was no way that, even in my darkest college hours, I could go home and explain to my parents that I’d quit. They gave up too much for me not to produce a return on their investment.
decisions when it comes to who you allow in your circle while working toward your goal of becoming a college completer. As you think about the squad you are spending time with now, ask yourself the following questions: • Are my friends supportive my journey? • Can I study with my friends? • Do my friends hold me accountable for completing the goals I set for myself? • Do my friends understand when I have to prioritize education over spending time with them? If you find that your friends don’t align with the educational goals you’ve set for yourself, you may have to re-evaluate your relationship with those individuals. How Are Your Classes Going?
How Strong is Your Squad?
I dreaded hearing this question as an undergraduate student because, quite frankly, I was a knucklehead and wasn’t fully aware of what it took to be successful at the collegiate level. If you truly want to have a clue as to what’s going to make you successful in college, look no further than your course syllabus. In your syllabus you’ll find important information such as your instructor’s name. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t know your instructor’s name after the first week of class. Your syllabus also spells out what assignments you’ll have in the class, when those assignments are due and how those assignments will be graded. Typically the key to your success is class is as simple as reading your course syllabus.
If you ask anyone who has experienced success in any area, I’m sure they’ll tell you that a major factor in their success includes the circle of people they have around them. You’re going to have to make some difficult
For more information regarding your college success, visit www.jahquanhawkins.com and check out Jahquan’s book Finding My Way: A Practical Guide to College Success.
FALL | 2016 •
The Quad • 13
3 Factors to consider when choosing a school: Location, Size, and Campus Life Give consideration to a school’s location, size, and activities when researching colleges and career schools. Some students want to stay close to their families and others like the opportunity to go away to school to live on their own. Do you want to go to school in a big city or a small town? Do you want a small, intimate setting? A school that’s big enough to be a city by itself? Or something in between? Keep in mind that the location of a school and your housing options can impact your overall cost. Does the school offer activities and social opportunities you like? Does it offer services you need? Does it have a good campus security system? While the school’s website can help you determine some of these factors, a campus visit will help the most. Or, see if the school offers virtual tours of its campus. Admission Requirements Admission requirements vary from school to school; so check the websites of all the colleges you’re interested in. Accreditation An accredited school meets certain standards set by an independent agency. It helps ensure the training or educa¬tion you get meets employer standards in a specific
14 • The Quad • FALL | 2016
field. Use our accreditation search page to check a particular school’s standards or to find an accredited school in a par¬ticular field or location. If you attend a school that isn’t accredited, you might not be able to get any financial aid. The U.S. Department of Education requires that schools participate in federal student aid programs be accredited. Also, your state ed¬ucation agency’s aid programs may not offer financial aid at unaccredited schools. Check www.ed.gov/sgt for more information. In addition, attending an unaccredited school poses the following risks: •You might not be able to transfer your credits to another school. For example, if you attend an unaccredited two-year school and then transfer to a fouryear school to earn a bachelor’s degree, you might have to start over again at the four-year school if it doesn’t recognize the classes you took.
•It may be difficult to get a job. Some employers may not hire someone with a certificate from a school that is unaccredited. Work Flexibility If you need to work full-time while you’re in school, does the school have night courses or other options to accom¬modate you? Will they let you attend part-time? Do they of¬fer summer courses? Check the school’s website or talk to the admissions staff at the college or career school that you’re interested in to see what are your options. Distance Learning or Online Degrees Lots of schools have begun to offer distance learning, which allows you to access lectures or course materials online or through other electronic media. Whether a dis¬tance learning course or degree is right for you is a matter of personal preference. Be aware that not every distance learning course or on¬line degree is accredited and/or eligible for federal student aid. To find out whether you can receive federal student aid for your program, check with your school’s financial aid office.
8 Big mistakes college students should avoid By Tatiana Wheeler How can college students avoid the pitfalls plaguing fellow scholars? College is when many young people first get a taste of independence. Unfortunately, this newfound freedom can lead to basic mistakes that can easily be avoided that may impact life well beyond graduation. Here are strategies for dodging common mistakes made by college students: Media Overload Many college students tend to spend hours and hours a day on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites. Overloading on social media will take time from valuable studies and make it harder to focus on any content not forked over in bite size. Be sure to outline and block out the time needed to dedicate to each course. Poor Credit College seniors owed $4,100 in credit card debt by graduation, according to recent research from Debt.org. Exposure to credit card offers for the first time; and building good credit can help lay the groundwork for future financial options -- but proceed sensibly. Don’t let credit cards be an excuse to spend beyond your means. Start with a line of credit you can handle. If you manage that well, later on you’ll be able to borrow more. Pay your statement on time and more than the minimum due each month, keep balances low, keep long-standing accounts open, and avoid applying for too many credit cards are huge factors to maintain good credit. Look for a credit card that offers perks like cash back rewards and a low APR. Remember to check credit history at least once a year. Look for a credit card that offers perks like cash back rewards and a low APR. Overdoing It Encourage your child to register for a standard course load and concentrate on doing well in those courses. Employer won’t be impressed for how many courses were taken at once. When studying a double major be sure they make sense together (business and Mandarin Chinese, physics and mathematics, or social
work and psychology, for example), employers won’t be solely fascinated by the grade point averages. Remember, college is about earning a degree, making lifelong friends and exploring interests; keep this in mind when choosing courses for the semester. Cutting classes Many students think they can multiple lectures and still do well. Lectures are designed to fill gaps in reading and research assignments. The professor also provides vital information, which most times are on final exams. Make sure to attend every lecture and when
an absence is unavoidable send the professor an email. Sometime they will provide you with details you may need on the next test. Flying Solo Student tends to shy away from going to see their professor or teaching assistant for multiple reasons. As a result, their grades may suffer, when a couple of minutes with the instructor could easily clarify any confusion. Remember professors are required to hold twiceweekly office hours and that they would like to help you do well in their course. That’s why they went into teaching, after all. Bad Money Management Habits College is a huge investment; students are responsible for paying tuition, books, and housing. However, many other expenses will incur along the way, from registration fees to lab fees to gas to cell phone bills. “Setting up a budget is crucial, particularly if your spending money is drawn from a loan or grant,” says John Rasmussen, head of Education Financial Services at Wells Fargo. “You’ll need that money to last if you don’t have another stream of revenue.” Refrain form bad financial habits now, as do so many college students. Take advantage of free resources, to learn more about banking, building good credit and paying for college. Procrastinating Many students have taken the “wait until the last minute” approach to assignments. Compensate for procrastination include students working all night to complete the assignments on time. Remember, careful planning and time management are essential to college success, there won’t be anyone there as a constant reminder to take care of important task. Lack of Sleep Between pulling an “all-nighter”, social media overload and socializing, sleep may seem like a nice commodity. However, quality sleep is essential to quality learning. Students, who prefer to stay up all night, should avoid morning classes. Also, avoid procrastination, which can lead to all-nighters. College only last a few years, but the affects last a lifetime. Be wise in this new found independence by making smart decisions that are good for your future.
FALL | 2016 •
The Quad • 15
10 Things prospective college transfer students need to know Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning to change schools. By Travis Mitchell, U.S. News There are many reasons that a student might transfer colleges. The decision might stem from a change in academic major or financial circumstances, or a realization that a particular school just wasn’t the right fit. If you’re considering making a switch, the following tips and advice will help guide the way. Transfer Admissions Aren’t Always More Competitive The acceptance rate for transfer students was 62.6 percent for the 2012-2013 academic year, according to research from the National Association for College Admission Counseling. That’s only slightly below the first-time freshman average acceptance rate of 64.7 percent. Know Which Schools Attract Transfer Students If you’re worried about being an outsider, check out this U.S. News Education list of schools with the most transfer students. The data show that it’s far from uncommon for students to make a switch. Map Out a Plan Ahead of Time Students planning to transfer – especially those coming from a community college – shouldn’t expect the process to be quick and easy, school officials have told U.S. News. Students can prepare for this by reaching out to academic advisers, professors and internship offices at target four-year schools as early as they have an idea they may transfer. You Can Find Scholarships Free money doesn’t discriminate. There are a number of college scholarships dedicated to assisting transfer students. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, for example, offers up to $40,000 a year to each of 85 students who are making the move from a community college to a four-year university. Some Schools Seek Transfers Even the most well-researched college search can end with a student deciding to transfer. And the 2013 NACAC report states 58 percent of four-year colleges say transfer students will be an important part of their recruiting strategy over the next three years. The ultimate goal is to find the right college or education fit.
16 • The Quad • FALL | 2016
Make On-Campus Housing a Priority
Attend Orientation
It can be a challenge for transfer students to feel like they’re part of their new community. Living on campus is one way to help transfer students feel more connected, make friends and get up to speed at a new school, students told U.S. News in 2011.
College orientation isn’t just for incoming freshmen. Research if your intended schools offer orientation for new transfer students, as these programs are valuable ways to ease the transition and get settled in a new space. NACAC data show that 72.1 percent of schools offer separate transfer students for orientation.
Get Involved at Your New Campus Along with living on campus, new transfer students should research extracurricular activities and clubs at their target schools. Getting involved has many benefits, including building a sense of community, former transfer students say.
Make Sure to Understand Articulation Agreements
Specialized Financial Aid May Be Out There Some colleges also give transfer students access to specialized financial aid. The NACAC 2014 State of College Admission report noted that 53 percent of survey respondents have dedicated grants set aside for these students.
Some states’ community college systems advertise prearranged admissions agreements with local four-year universities. But the transition between these programs isn’t always seamless, and students should make sure that any classes they take at two-year programs will transfer to their intended colleges, experts have told U.S. News.
FALL | 2016 •
The Quad • 17
An introduction to Grand Valley State University Grand Valley State University is a comprehensive, four-year public institution located near Grand Rapids, Michigan, that has established a reputation for preparing its more than 25,000 students to excel in virtually every field. Grand Valley has more than 200 areas of study in 87 undergraduate and 37 graduate programs. The university’s focus on individual student achievement has created unique undergraduate and graduate learning opportunities that attract top students from across the country and around the world. The university’s liberal education focus emphasizes critical thinking, creative problem solving and cultural understanding — preparing students for life in a fast-changing world. It fosters a commitment to economic, social, and environmental sustainability and an inclusive campus that values diversity. Through this forward-thinking education, students are empowered to positively affect the global When you become a Laker, you look outward, focusing on others instead of community now and in the future. yourself. With professors’ caring guidance, you learn how to make a meaningful, Grand Valley’s main campus in Allendale lasting difference. Then, as you go forward into the world, you’re ready to tackle is home to modern classrooms and labs, challenges and make meaningful contributions. Like West Michigan itself, your some of the newest and most inviting living positive impact will be far reaching. That’s the Laker Effect. centers in Michigan, outstanding fitness and sports facilities, a comprehensive library, and much more. Just 15 miles east, in the heart of Michigan’s second largest city, the 69-acre Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus offers a dynamic urban academic setting. When you become a Laker, you look outward, focusing on others instead of The Pew Campus features the Cook-DeVos yourself. With professors’ caring guidance, you learn how to make a meaningful, Center for Health Sciences, which has made lasting difference. Then, as you go forward into the world, you’re ready to tackle Grand Valley a catalyst for unique health care challenges and make meaningful contributions. Like West Michigan itself, your partnerships and joint ventures that put students positive impact will be far reaching. That’s the Laker Effect. in the heart of unique learning experiences in Grand Rapids’ Health Hill.
Impact.
gvsu.edu
Impact.
gvsu.edu 18 • The Quad • FALL | 2016
Impact. When you become a Laker, you look outward, focusing on others instead of yourself. With professors’ caring guidance, you learn how to make a meaningful, lasting difference. Then, as you go forward into the world, you’re ready to tackle challenges and make meaningful contributions. Like West Michigan itself, your positive impact will be far reaching. That’s the Laker Effect.
gvsu.edu FALL | 2016 •
The Quad • 19
Four secrets to college admission By Dr. Derschaun Monique Sharpley First, essay writing will be critical for college success as most assignments are papers and not multiple choice or true and false answers. College professors want to gauge what you’ve learned through your writing and you retelling what you’ve learned. An example is a math professor wanting a student to explain their answer versus a multiple choice answer. Most students are not in the habit of writing lengthy essays and really need to get more experience with writing them. It will not only help with writing essays as a part of the college admissions process, it will also help them in college. College is very different than high school where mostly tests are administered. In college you do more writing, more essays and not just a 350- word essay, but pages upon pages and sometimes books, especially with a dissertation. Embrace writing now because it increases with each degree. Most college admissions departments request an essay to get a sense of what type of student you are and based on your responses, they’ll have an idea if you’re a well-rounded student with social skills and book smarts or just one or the other. And parents, they can tell if you wrote the essay. The student’s voice needs to come through. They also want to know about the student’s community service work, service learning projects, and the leadership roles you’ve taken on. Book smarts are awesome, but will you be a good fit for their campus culture and add value? Secondly, college fly-in programs at many of liberal arts colleges, Ivy League schools, etc. are programs that run between one day to several weeks on campus. These programs focus on exposing students to the colleges’ offerings while giving students a chance to see if the college is a fit for them. Many of the programs are at no cost to the student, which is usually one of the deterrents from students visiting the campus. Colleges are more sensitive to the financial constraints and are trying to remove any barriers to exposing students to their programs. They all have some type of eligibility requirement such as a transcript, ACT score, recommendation letter from a teacher/counselor, résumé or activities list, etc. The key is to apply early and if you’re interested in the college, show them why you would be a great fit and how you
20 • The Quad • FALL | 2016
would add value to their campus. If the feeling is mutual, when it’s time to register for college you already have a potential college and hopefully you have made a great name for yourself and they accept you and offer scholarship dollars. Thirdly, apply early. Begin in September or during the summer following your junior year. The earlier you apply, the better your chances are of getting funding to that institution. There a many scholarship events that are hosted in the city that students should take advantage of because colleges share their program offerings and scholarship opportunities based on your GPA and ACT. Also, colleges schedule on-site admission days at local high schools and this is a great time to apply and get your name known amongst the recruiters. Get to know your recruiters and sell yourself. They have thousands of students that they see annually, but you need to make sure that you stand out for your extracurricular activities, community service engagements and your overall vision for your future, and how their school can help you attain it and also how you can help the school to shine by what you bring to their campus. Fourth, is the Common Application, also known as the common app. The college application process can be very tedious and time consuming. One way to avoid the redundancy of completing many applications and essays is to complete the Common Application, which allows you to explore and apply to over 600 colleges in one portal with one application. You enter your information one time and it gets shared amongst all of your colleges of choice. They also have a tracker to keep you on task so you don’t miss a deadline with one of the colleges. The portal acts as a planner for college in the sense that it keeps up with where you have applied, the needed documents and if and when they have been supplied by your counselor, etc. It allows more time to focus on scholarships.
Dr. Derschaun Monique Sharpley is a college transition advisor at the Benjamin Carson High School of Science and Medicine.
Your school counselor is one of your best resources as you plan for college. He or she has information about admission tests, college preparation, and your education and career options. Here are basic questions to ask:
16) If my colleges need a recommendation from you, how can I help you know me better, so it can be more personal? 17) Are there any special scholarships or awards that I should know about now, so I can work toward them?
1) What courses do I need to take to be ready for college?
18) Can I see my transcript as it stands now, to see if everything is as I think it should be?
2) How should I plan my schedule so I’ll complete them? 3) Which elective courses do you recommend?
19) What forms do I use to apply for financial aid and where I can find them online?
4) Which AP courses should I consider taking? 5) When is the PSAT/NMSQT going to be given?
20) How does our school compare to others, in terms of test scores and reputation?
6) How should I study for the SAT, and is it given at this high school or do I need to go somewhere nearby? 7) Do you have any college planning sessions scheduled? 8) Do you have college handbooks or other guides that I can browse or borrow?
12) What colleges do other kids from our school go to?
13) What are the requirements or standards for the honor society? 9) What activities can I do at home and over the summer to get ready for college? 14) Can you put me in touch with recent grads who are going to the colleges on my wish list? 10) What kinds of grades do different colleges require? 15) Do you have any information to help me start 11) Are there any college fairs at this school, or nearby? exploring careers?
Reality Check Your school counselor may be very accessible or may be juggling hundreds of students and barely knows your name, so remember that the person who has the biggest stake in your academics is you. It’s up to you to stay on top of opportunities and deadlines so you can take control of your future. Courtesy of bigfuture.collegeboard.org.
It’s all here for you at Detroit Mercy: > Excellent Academics > Detroit: A Vibrant American City > Values–based Education > Affordable Investment > An Exceptional Future Explore your interest in science, technology, engineering, architecture and math at STEaM Day 2016 on Saturday, November 12. RSVP at udmercy.edu/apply/visit_campus/STEaM Apply now at udmercy.edu and start building your boundless future today!
4001 W. McNichols Road • Detroit, MI 48221 • 800-635-5020
MI Chronicle 2016_Detroit Mercy.indd 1
FALL | 2016 •
10/7/16 4:34 PM The Quad • 21
Programs at a Glance
Programs at a Glance
What student financial aid programs are available from the What student financial aid State of Michigan?
• Financial education presentations and SSG publications
• Financial education presentations and SSG publications
• Mini webinars and webcasts
programs are available from the • C hildren of Veterans Tuition Grant • Collaboration with SSG partners • Mini webinars and webcasts State of Michigan? (CVTG) • List of K-12 schools eligible for • Collaboration with SSG partners • Dual Enrollment (DE) Teacher Loan cancellations • Children of Veterans Tuition Grant (CVTG)
• Social Media
• GEAR UP College Day
• Assistance with navigating the
• Dual Enrollment (DE)
Student Scholarships and Grants
For Additional Information Internet: Detailed information about each program is available at www.michigan.gov/ssg. Email: ssg@michigan.gov Call Toll free: Our Information Center is available Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., except on holidays. 1-888-4-GRANTS (1-888-447-2687) Michigan Department of Treasury Student Financial Services Bureau P.O. Box 30462 Lansing, MI 48909-7962 Connect with us on Facebook & Twitter @ mistudentaid.
22 • The Quad • FALL | 2016
• List of K-12 schools eligible for Teacher Loan cancellations
• Fostering Futures Scholarship (FFS)
• Fostering Futures Scholarship (FFS) college financing process • Social Media • GEAR UP Michigan! Scholarship • GEAR UP College Day • Assistance with navigating the college • Michigan Competitive Scholarship financing process (MCS) • GEAR UP Michigan! Scholarship Who qualifies for Michigan financial aid? • M ichigan Nursing Scholarship • Michigan Competitive Scholarship (MCS) Who qualifies for Michigan (MNS) • Michigan Nursing Scholarship (MNS)All State of Michigan programs financial aid? require: • Michigan Merit Award - Military • Michigan Merit Award - Military Extensions only • High school diploma, certificate of All State of Michigan programs require: Extensions only completion, or GED • Michigan Tuition Grant (MTG)
• Michigan Tuition Grant (MTG)
• Police Officer’s and Fire Fighter’s • Police Officer’s and Fire Fighter’s Survivors Tuition Grant (STG)
• Michigan residency of at least one • High school diploma, certificate of completion, year prior to enrollment or GED
• Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)
• U.S. citizenship, permanent • Michigan residency of at least one year prior to residency, or approved refugee enrollment status
Survivors Tuition Grant (STG) • Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) Outreach Services Outreach Services
• U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or • At least half-time enrollment at approved refugee status an approved Michigan college or university • At least half-time enrollment at an approved
SSG is actively involved in promoting postsecondary education, financial SSG is actively involved in promoting education, and financial aid options to Michigan college or university postsecondary education, financial • The student is not in default on a Michigan students and families. Our federal student loan education, and financial aid options to • The student is not in default on a federal services include: Michigan students and families. Our • The student to meet Satisfactory student loan • Participation at college fairs and Academic Progress (SAP) services include: community events • The student to meet Satisfactory Academic standards set forth by the institution • Participation at college fairs and Progress (SAP) standards set forth by the • SSG presentations at schools for community events students and families institution
SSG presentations at schools for • F• ree SSG publications (guidebook, students and families flyers, posters) • Free SSG publications (guidebook, flyers, posters) Michigan DepartMent of treasury stuDent financial services Bureau
Student Scholarships and Grants — Programs at a Glance Program Name
Program Details
Annual Award Amount
Children of Veterans Tuition Grant (CVTG)
Must be the natural or adopted child of a Michigan veteran who is totally and permanently disabled, deceased, or missing in action.
Award amount up to $2,800 per academic year for up to four academic years.
Must be at least 16 and less than 26 years old. Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.25 for renewal.
Grand total of award is $11,200. Award limited to tuition and mandatory fees.
Dual Enrollment
Students attending a private high school are determined eligible by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). SSG then pays the college for each eligible student.
Varies
Fostering Futures Scholarship (FFS)
The Fostering Futures Scholarship provides scholarships to young adults who have experienced foster care in Michigan. Awards are paid directly to the students’ institution to assist with unmet need in tuition/fees, room/board, and books/supplies.
Award varies based on need and any other financial aid the student is receiving.
Students must have been in foster care on or after their 13th birthday. There is no upper age limit; students can receive funding at any age. Students must be attending a Michigan degree-granting public or private 4-year college/university or a community college.
GEAR UP College Day
Must have participated in GEAR UP College Day Program between 2007 and 2012 and been nominated for an award.
Awards are $5,500 per academic year for full-time students, but cannot exceed the cost of attendance.
GEAR UP Michigan
Must have participated in GEAR UP Urban Centers Program between 2002 and 2007 and have been nominated for an award.
Varies through 2015-16
Michigan Competitive Scholarship (MCS)
Must have a qualifying ACT score of at least 23 (composite) or 90 (scaled).
Program is both merit and need based.
Federal processor must receive Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.
Award amount is $636 (2015-16).
(Cannot be an institution whose primary purpose is to prepare students for ordination or appointment as a member of the clergy of a church, denomination, or religious sect.)
Award limited to tuition and mandatory fees.
Must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA.
Limited to 10 semesters or 15 terms.
Michigan Nursing Scholarship (MNS)
The Michigan Nursing Scholarship (MNS) is a non-need based award available to Michigan residents enrolled at least half-time at an eligible institution in a program leading to either a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification, Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN).
Awards are $4,000 per academic year for full-time students, but cannot exceed the cost of attendance less other grants and scholarships. Students receiving a full-time scholarship award must agree to work as a direct patient care nurse in an eligible Michigan facility, or as a teacher of nursing at an eligible Michigan postsecondary institution, one year for each year of assistance. If the work commitment is not fulfilled, the scholarship becomes a loan that must be repaid.
Michigan Merit Award
Available only for students with military extensions until 2017.
Up to $3,000
Michigan Tuition Grant (MTG)
Federal processor must receive Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by June 30.
Program is need based.
Must be enrolled at an approved independent, degree-granting Michigan institution.
Award amount is $1,830 (2015-16).
Cannot be enrolled in a course of study leading to a degree in theology, divinity, or religious education.
Award limited to tuition and mandatory fees. Limited to 10 semesters or 15 terms.
Police Officer’s and Fire Fighter’s Survivor Tuition Grant (STG)
For children and surviving spouses of Michigan police officer and firefighter killed in the line of duty. Child must be less than 21 at the time of the police officer’s or firefighter’s death. Must apply before age 26 and be able to provide satisfactory proof of death. Must enroll at least half-time in a program leading to a certificate or degree at an approved Michigan community college or public university.
Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)
Student must have received Medicaid coverage, as determined by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), for 24 months within any 36-consecutive month period between age 9 and high school graduation. Must submit application by August 31 of the student’s senior year. Must begin using TIP within four years of high school graduation. Eligibility ends after six years from the date of high school graduation.
Excluding death benefits, must be below 400% of the federal poverty level (demonstrate financial need). Award limited to tuition only. Limited to 9 semesters or 13 terms (124 semester or 180 term credits). Award limited to tuition and mandatory fees. Eligible mandatory fees cannot exceed $250 per semester or term. Pays up to 24 semester or 36 term credits per academic year. Cannot exceed 80 semester or 120 term credits. 5112 (Rev. 07-15)
FALL | 2016 •
The Quad • 23
College Budget Planner BUDGET Name
Date Award Amount
Financial Aid/Income
Estimated Cost
Michigan Competitive Scholarship (MCS) Michigan Education Trust (MET) contract Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) contract
$
Tuition and Fees (Based on 12 credits/full-time enrollment) Room and Board (on campus living)
$
Books and Supplies
$
$
Transportation
$
Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)
$
Miscellaneous Expenses
$
Michigan Tuition Grant (MTG)
$
Children of Veterans Tuition Grant (CVTG)
$
Note: Some monthly expenses may not be covered by your financial aid award. Below are some examples of expenses. Please add these to the expenses above to get your TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENSES below.
Police Officer’s and Fire Fighter’s Survivors Tuition Grant (STG)
$
Educational Training Voucher (ETV) - foster care
$
MICHIGAN PROGRAMS*
FEDERAL PROGRAMS
24 • The Quad • FALL | 2016
College Costs/Expenses
Personal Expenses (lotion, deodorant, mouthwash, shaving cream, toothpaste, etc.) Food (fast foods, pizza, etc.) Clothing (shoes, clothes, coats, etc.)
$ $
$ $ $
Pell Grant
$
Hair Care/Hair Cuts
$
TEACH Grant
$
Gas, Car Expenses, and Insurance
$
Work Study
$
Cell Phone
$
Supplement Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
$
Entertainment (movies, sports, club, video games, etc.)
$
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
$
Laundry Detergent/Laundromat
$
Federal Stafford Loan
$
Nails
$
Federal PLUS Loan
$
Renters Insurance (dorm living or off campus apartment)
$
Federal Perkins Loan
$
Credit Cards (two cards)
$
Additional grants or scholarships
$
Savings (Put aside money for unexpected expenses.)
$
Part-time job and savings Parent/Guardian’s assistance
$ $
TOTAL AWARDS
$
TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENSES
$
Fall | 2014 • The Quad • 11