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(C.O.D. Photo by Rich Malec)
Horticulture Show and Tell
Michael Schatz, owner of Chicago Rain Barrel in Carol Stream, reviews his company's products with Denise Kouba of College of DuPage's Center for Independent Learning. Schatz was among many former C.O.D. Horticulture students who started their own businesses and participated in a recent fair called Hort GIG (Green Industry Graduates) at the college. Schatz's company produces barrels that catch rain water, which can be used to water gardens. Attendees were able to explore what services or products are available from graduates of the college's Horticulture program.
Academic news for the week of May 5, 2008, at College of DuPage:
C.O.D. to Assist Students on Federal Aid Application
College of DuPage students can obtain assistance in filling out the 2008-2009 Free Application for Federal Student Aid form by reserving space in one of five May and June mini-workshops.
New Scholarships for Nursing Students
The DuPage Medical Group has pledged nine scholarships over three years to for students in the Practical Nursing (PN) program.
BPI Offers 'Lean Training' Courses
The College of DuPage Business and Professional Institute (BPI) Center for Customized Solutions is offering a series of "Lean Training" modules in May at BPI's new offices located at 2525 Cabot Drive, Suite 201, in Lisle.
New Practical Nursing Program at C.O.D.
College of DuPage is now offering a one-year Practical Nursing certificate program through its Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences Division.
Registration Now for Summer Semester
Returning students can now register for summer semester. Continuing Education registration is also under way for summer.
Study Abroad Scholarships
The Study Abroad Scholarship Committee at College of DuPage is accepting applications for scholarships of up to $1,500 to be applied to C.O.D.-sponsored Study Abroad programs this fall. The application deadline has been extended to Sunday, June 1.
Study Mass Communication this Summer
Introduction to Mass Communication will be offered during mornings June 9 to Aug. 3 at the Glen Ellyn campus.
Exciting C.O.D. Study Abroad Programs
Many exciting Study Abroad programs are being offered this year through College of DuPage's Field and Experiential Learning program.
Visit Russia this Summer
Explore the land of the tsars and commissars during a journey with College of DuPage to St. Petersburg and Moscow, Russia, on July 23 to August 3.
C.O.D. Naperville Center to Offer Cosmetology Classes
Responding to increased demand, College of DuPage will begin offering cosmetology classes at its Naperville Regional Center this August.
News Bureau
College of DuPage
Office of Public Information
OCC 143-45
425 Fawell Boulevard
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6599
Phone:
(630) 942-2480
Fax:
(630) 942-3737
C.O.D. to Assist Students on Federal Aid Application
By Ken Reed
College of DuPage students can obtain assistance in filling out the 2008-2009 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form by reserving space in one of five May and June mini-workshops scheduled by the Office of Student Financial Aid.
The FAFSA is used to apply for federal, state and institutional grants; federal Stafford loans; federal work study; and many scholarships for the fall semester 2008.
The sessions in the college's Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 2052, will be conducted on Wednesday, May 7, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Monday, May 19, from noon to 1 p.m.; Tuesday, May 20, 3 to 4 p.m.; Wednesday, June 4, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; and Thursday, June 5, 9 to 10 a.m.
To reserve a space in one of these sessions, call the Office of Student Financial Aid, (630) 942-2251, or e-mail: financialaid@cod.edu.
New Scholarships Help Nursing Students
By Brian Kleemann
The DuPage Medical Group has pledged nine $1,000 scholarships for students in the program in support of College of DuPage's application for the Department of Labor grant that is helping to fund the Practical Nursing (PN) program.
The PN certificate program provides didactic, laboratory and clinical education for students interested in pursuing a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The PN program also serves as a transitional step for students interested in continuing their education by completing the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program.
Students who earn a PN certificate are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN), and upon successful completion, are licensed as an LPN.
The scholarship is in memory of Darrell Stremler, founding CEO of the DuPage Medical Group. Three of the DuPage Medical Group scholarships will be offered over three consecutive years, from 2008 to 2010.
The deadline to apply is March 1 of each year. Acceptance into the program is a requirement. For more information, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at (630) 942-2251 or e-mail: financialaid@cod.edu.
BPI Offers 'Lean Training' Courses
By David Hamilton
The College of DuPage Business and Professional Institute (BPI) Center for Customized Solutions is offering a series of "Lean Training" modules in May at BPI's new offices located at 2525 Cabot Drive, Suite 201, in Lisle.
By partnering with Chicago Manufacturing Center (CMC), BPI became the leading community college in Illinois to successfully offer this type of training in an institute format, said Lolly Frederick, Center for Customized Solutions manager. BPI will also offer the program on site at business locations where we can customize the program to fit the client's needs.
"Lean processes have turned around manufacturers throughout the country by helping them to streamline their processes and reap greater productivity and profitability in every area of their operations," Frederick said. "As a business solutions provider, BPI wanted to support local manufacturers by delivering Lean Training through our institute."
The Lean Institute includes 12 modules, each eight hours long, for a total of 96 hours of training. Clients pick and choose the classes that best suit their needs. All modules are taught by trained facilitators using curriculum developed by the CMC.
Topics covered include Principles of Lean, Lean Enterprise Transformation, Value Stream Mapping, Culture, Leadership, Change Management and Teams, 5S Visual Workplace, Pull/Kanban, Problem Solving, Quick Changeover, Cellular Flow, Total Productive Maintenance, Performance Measures and Kaizen Blitz Event.
Upcoming modules include Performance Measures, May 7; and Kaizen Blitz/Event, May 14.
"Our initial efforts resulted in the delivery of on-site training to five different manufacturing companies in DuPage County," Frederick said. "In order to reach greater numbers of manufacturers and provide a more cost-effective way to deliver this training, we launched the Lean Institute in 2007."
To date, the Lean Institute has served 147 participants from 11 different companies and plans to serve even more in 2008, Frederick said.
Participants can use this training as the first component of the Lean Certification program offered by The Association of Manufacturing Excellence (AME) and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and the Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing.
"Two years ago, one of our DuPage County-based tooling and manufacturing clients told us that they were barely breaking even," Frederick said. "They knew they had to do something to regain their competitive edge. Years of the pricing pressures of a global marketplace had resulted in much of their business going overseas.
"Then something happened," Frederick added. "This small supplier started doing business with a Fortune 500 company that had implemented Lean Manufacturing Principles. They were introduced to the concept, thought it could work for them and then had to find a solutions provider. The Center for Customized Solutions offered them Lean Training and helped them fill out the state grant paperwork which subsidized a portion of the training cost. Today this client's business is thriving."
The cost for each module is $365 per person, which includes a boxed lunch and course materials. Each training session meets from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To register for this program call Vicki Shargo at (630) 942-2180 or e-mail: shargo@cod.edu.
New Practical Nursing Program at College of DuPage
By Robyn Johnson
College of DuPage recently implemented a Practical Nursing (PN) program as part of its lineup of Nursing programs.
The new program received approval from the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), via the State Nursing Board, and has candidacy status for accreditation through the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
Classes for this one-year certificate program start this spring. According to Karen Solt, associate dean of Health Sciences at C.O.D., the need for this type of education was determined through discussions with area health care providers and educational institutions, including the DuPage County Convalescent Center, DuPage and Regional Office of Education, DuPage Medical Group, DuPage Workforce Board, HCR ManorCare, Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, Technology Center of DuPage, and West Chicago High School – Community High School District 94.
“We are incredibly pleased to offer this new and exciting program for students, and at the same time, respond to the stated needs of our community,” Solt said.
The Practical Nursing (PN) certificate program at College of DuPage provides didactic, laboratory and clinical education for students interested in pursuing a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The PN program also serves as a transitional step for students interested in continuing their education by completing the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at C.O.D.
“The PN program is intended to serve as both a career formation and ‘bridge’ program for students who plan to make the transition from Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN),” said Linda Caputi, program coordinator. “By offering each of these programs, College of DuPage provides all three avenues of entry into a nursing career.”
Students who choose to enter the ADN program after earning a PN certificate can enroll directly into the second year of the two-year ADN program after completing prerequisite courses and a specialized “bridge” course.
This certificate at College of DuPage offers a "stand-alone" option which gives students the choice of earning their PN certificate and entering directly into the workplace or continuing their education via the ADN bridge course.
“The PN program offers students true flexibility in terms of their individual career and educational goals,” Solt said.
The PN program at College of DuPage is funded in part by a $1.4 million U.S. Department of Labor, President’s Community-Based Job Training Grant. Of the 429 applications submitted for the grant in 2007, College of DuPage was one of only 72 colleges nationwide and three community colleges in Illinois selected to receive this award. An additional $3.6 million in leveraged resources from college of DuPage and various partners has assisted in the development and execution of the new PN program.
The PN certificate requires the completion of between 50 to 54 credit hours, which includes didactic, laboratory and clinical training. Students who earn this certificate are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination – Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN) and, upon successful completion, earn the title of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
For more information about the Practical Nursing program at College of DuPage, call (630) 942-2179 or visit: www.cod.edu/nursing/pn.
Registration Now Under Way for Summer Semester
By Brian Kleemann
Returning students can now register for classes offered during the summer semester at College of DuPage, which begins on Tuesday, May 27.
New student registration for credit classes began on Monday, April 7. Classes are offered in convenient 8-week and 5-week formats during the summer, with sessions beginning on May 27, June 9 and June 30.
Students interested in Continuing Education courses can now register for any classes offered during the summer, including Youth Education summer camps.
College of DuPage is located at 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, with off-campus locations in Addison, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Naperville, Westmont and West Chicago. C.O.D. also offers classes at a variety of locations throughout its district as well as online.
To find out what's being offered this summer, check out the Class Schedule online at: www.cod.edu/schedule or pick up a schedule on campus or at an off-campus location.
Study Abroad Scholarships
By Ken Reed
The Study Abroad Scholarship Committee at College of DuPage is accepting applications for scholarships of up to $1,500 to be applied to C.O.D.-sponsored Study Abroad programs this fall.
C.O.D. students who plan to participate in a Study Abroad program this fall, have completed at least 12 hours of C.O.D. credit courses, and are currently enrolled in six or more C.O.D. credit hours are encouraged to apply.
"Study abroad is enriching, but you don't have to be rich to study abroad," said Helen Feng, C.O.D. History professor and co-chair of the Study Abroad Scholarship Committee. "The Study Abroad Scholarship Fund was established in 1994 to assist College of DuPage students who are interested in study abroad but find the cost prohibitive. Eligible C.O.D. students planning to study abroad in fall 2008 should take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity and submit an application now."
Applications are available in the college's International Education office, Berg Instructional Center (IC), Room 3116. Completed applications must be submitted to the International Education office by Sunday, June 1.
For more information about Study Abroad programs, scholarship awards and eligibility, call the International Education office, (630) 942-3078 or Liberal Arts, (630) 942-2047.
'Introduction to Mass Communication'
By David Hamilton
Learn what goes on behind the scenes at newspapers, CNN, NBC and other mass media giants in Introduction to Mass Communications, Journalism 1100, which will be offered from 10 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, June 9 to Aug. 3, at College of DuPage.
The course will include field trips to television and radio stations to show students the side of the mass media that cannot be seen from a textbook, said Sandy Fries, assistant professor, Journalism, the course instructor.
"Students in this class have had the opportunity to talk to Patrick Verone, a writer for The Simpsons, and the producer of The Sopranos," said Fries, a Warrenville resident. "Past classes have included visits by a foreign journalist and a teleconference with a former CNN White House correspondent. It's rare that students have these kinds of opportunities."
Fries, who earned an Emmy nomination for his television writing, has written for "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and NBC's "Quantum Leap." He was also an NBC Fellow at Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism.
For more information on Introduction to Mass Communication, call Fries at (630) 942-2467.
Exciting C.O.D. Study Abroad Programs
By Ken Reed
Many exciting Study Abroad programs, including "Italian Experience," "Japan: Sakura (Cherry) in Kyoto, Osaka and Nara" and "France: Wine and Gastronomy," are being offered this year through College of DuPage's Field and Experiential Learning program.
Field and Experiential Learning courses combine classroom-based instruction with field-based experiences that offer unique learning opportunities. These exciting programs are open to students and community members 18 years and older.
"Regardless of the destination or the academic focus, each of these programs will provide an eye-opening experience for the first-time international traveler or the seasoned traveler," said Maren McKellin, C.O.D. coordinator, Field and Experiential Learning. "Our faculty have established connections in these host countries that offer our students so much more than a regular tour or individual travel ever could."
A unique opportunity to explore the Burgundy and Beaujolais regions of France while staying in an 18th century chateau is in store for student who enroll in "France: Wine and Gastronomy."
Students learn about the major French wine-producing regions through classes and tastings at local vineyards. Participants visit markets and restaurants specializing in regional delicacies.
This field study will be conducted May 18 to 24 with a cost of $2,250. For information, call Chris Thielman, (630) 942-2720, or e-mail: thielman@cod.edu.
In "Czech Republic: Archaeological Field School," students learn archaeology and explore the early Middle Ages of central Europe with the Czech-American Archaeological Field School. Experience hands-on archaeology while learning the fundamentals of excavation, mapping and laboratory analyses on the world-class archaeological site of Breclav-Pohansko, Czech Republic.
This field study is set for May 21 to June 25 with a cost of $3,233. For information, call John Staeck, (630) 942-2344, or e-mail: staeck@cod.edu.
Enroll in "Art of Italian Cuisine" and experience Italy's most popular cuisine from the master chefs of Tuscany while staying in a beautiful 16th century villa. Students participate in hands-on cooking instruction, wine tasting and several local tours.
This field study is scheduled on May 31 to June 14 with a cost of $3,250. For information, call George Macht, (630) 942-2315, or e-mail: machtg@cod.edu.
In "Crime and Punishment - English Style XIV," students explore the British criminal justice system, including the police, courts, and correction facilities, and compare the British and U.S. systems.
This field study will take place June 26 to July 15 with a cost of $3,904. For information, call Dennis Hudson, (630) 942-3360, or e-mail: hudsond@cod.edu.
Explore the history of South Africa's criminal justice system and the controversies surrounding race, crime and justice in "South Africa: Criminal Justice Abroad." Learn about the oppression of South African blacks due to apartheid and the incarceration of Nelson Mandela.
This field study is scheduled July 9 to 29 with a cost of $3,850. For information, call Theodore Darden, (630) 942-2989, or e-mail: darden@cod.edu.
In "Russia: From St. Petersburg to Moscow," students explore the land of the tsars and commissars on a journey to St. Petersburg and Moscow, Russia. Visit the Hermitage, Nevskii Prospekt and Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg and the Kremlin and Red Square in Moscow.
This field study is set for July 23 to Aug. 3. For information, call Ben Whisenhunt at (630) 942-3144, or e-mail: whisen@cod.edu.
Explore French provincial cooking while staying in a French chateau in the countryside. Students cook with a French chef and visit a vineyard, medieval villages, local restaurants and markets.
This field study will be conducted on July 26 to Aug. 3 with a cost of $3,350. For information, call Thielman at (630) 942-2720, or e-mail: thielman@cod.edu.
Discover the Far East in "Taiwan and Japan: An Adventure to the Far East." Travel through Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung and Hualien. Visit the Palace Museum, which holds the largest collection of ancient Chinese art works. In Japan tour the ancient capital of Kamakura, the Odawara Castle and the Imperial Palace.
This field study is scheduled July 31 to Aug. 13 with a cost of $3,575. For information, call Jane Wu at (630) 942-3042, or e-mail: wujane@cod.edu.
For more information on the college's Field and Experiential Learning program, call (630) 942-2356, or visit this web site: www.cod.edu/academic/ field/field_Int.htm. For information on the college's Study Abroad program, visit: www.cod.edu/Academic/intled/StudyAbd.htm.
Visit Russia this Summer
By Ken Reed
Explore the land of the tsars and commissars during a journey with College of DuPage to St. Petersburg and Moscow, Russia, on July 23 to Aug. 3.
Ben Whisenhunt, C.O.D. professor of History/Political Science, will lead this Field and Interdisciplinary Studies trip that will begin in St. Petersburg and conclude in Moscow. Field and Interdisciplinary Studies combines classroom-based instruction with field-based experiences.
"This trip will reveal much about Russia's past, but it will also show how Russia today is creating a place for itself," Whisenhunt said.
In St. Petersburg, visits will include the Hermitage, Nevskii Prospekt, Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Isaac's Cathedral and area palaces. Students will also enjoy a day trip to Novgorod, one of Russia's most ancient cities.
After an overnight train trip, participants will spend several days exploring Moscow, including the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, Novodevichy Convent and Red Square.
Each student will also enroll in History 2225, the History and Culture of Russia.
The trip price is approximately $3,350 per person.
"Even though many in the United States have focused their attention on other parts of the world, Russia is still one of the most important and influential countries in the world," Whisenhunt said.
Whisenhunt co-edited a book (with Steven A. Usitalo) entitled "Russian and Soviet History: From the Times of Troubles to the Collapse of the Soviet Union." The book was released this week.
For information on this trip, call the college's Field and Interdisciplinary Studies area, (630) 942-2356.
C.O.D. Naperville Center to Offer Cosmetology Classes
By Ken Reed
Responding to increased demand, College of DuPage will begin offering cosmetology classes at its Naperville Regional Center this August.
Located at 1223 Rickert Drive, the Naperville Regional Center will become the second C.O.D. location where students can earn a certificate or an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in cosmetology. C.O.D. began offering cosmetology classes at the Addison Regional Center, 301 S. Swift Road, in August 2006.
Students interested in enrolling at the Naperville location must first call for an appointment at (630) 942-4758, according to Bea Brown, program coordinator.
"The students in our Naperville program will have the unique opportunity to 'earn while they learn,'" Brown said. "While the students are learning the art of cosmetology, they can also earn a certificate or A.A.S. degree."
To introduce the cosmetology program in Naperville, Brown said C.O.D. will conduct two open houses there on Thursday and Saturday, May 8 and 10.
Meanwhile, students interested in registering for classes at the Addison Regional Center should call (630) 942-4600 for an appointment. Cosmetology classes at the Addison Regional Center are conducted Mondays through Thursdays from 5 to 9:50 p.m.
The Addison center also offers a full-service salon (Salon 301) staffed by C.O.D. cosmetology students, which is open to the public Mondays through Thursdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Clients can call (630) 691-7500 for an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome.
Brown said the popular cosmetology field is experiencing a growth rate of 10 to 20 percent per year. Almost half of cosmetologists, barbers and other personal appearance workers are self-employed and either own salons or lease booths or chairs in a salon.
She said many trained cosmetologists move into management, distribution and sales for major cosmetic and salon chains.
The average annual income for full-time salon professionals in Illinois is $30,000 to $50,000.
Brown said people who succeed in cosmetology have excellent customer service, listening and design skills.
For more information, visit this web site: www.cod.edu/cosmetology/.
