Macomb cited for being military friendly
Because of its successful efforts in recruiting and retraining military personnel and veterans, Macomb has been named to the 2010 military friendly list of schools in G.I. Jobs magazine. The list of the top 15 percent military friendly schools was compiled by the magazine following its polling of 7,000 state universities, private colleges, community colleges and trade schools. Of the 20 Michigan colleges and universities on the list, Macomb was the only community college cited in southeastern Michigan. The college is continuing to look at opportunities to assist veterans attending Macomb and is developing a resource on the college’s website devoted to questions about veterans’ educational benefits.

College now on Facebook and Twitter
Macomb now has a presence on both Facebook and Twitter, and students can visit either one to find out what is going on around the college’s campuses as well as connect with other Macomb students. Students can access Macomb’s Facebook and Twitter pages on the home page of the college’s website – www.macomb.edu.

A better way of issuing refunds
The college has partnered with Higher One to give many Macomb students a faster, safer and less expensive means of accessing tuition or financial aid. Students registering for degree-credit courses now receive a debit card in the mail, which they should retain for as long as they attend Macomb. Using the 16-digit number found on the front of the Macomb Debit Card, students who did not use a credit card to pay for their classes and are eligible for a tuition refund or who are receiving a financial aid refund must activate their refund preference at www.macombdebitcard.com. Options for receiving tuition or financial aid refunds are a Macomb Debit Card with Higher One account, direct deposit to a bank account or paper check.

WSU offering classes on South Campus
Through WayneDirect, Macomb students can now take Wayne State University (WSU) courses while still attending Macomb. And, making it all that easier is the fact that WSU is offering classes on Macomb’s South Campus. Long-term plans call for a new building on South Campus to house a variety of technology-related programs offered by WSU.

Building classes certified
Two Macomb classes have been certified by the Michigan Dept. of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth to meet the educational requirements for those planning to take the Michigan Residential Builders License examination. Blueprint & Math–Residential (ATBC-1100) and Construction Law & Contract Administration (ATBC-2600) are each 15-week, two-credit hour classes offered as part of the college’s Applied Technology program. Students successfully completing both classes meet the 60-hour state educational requirement and are eligible to take the residential builders exam. The classes can also be applied toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in Building Construction Technology.

Renewable energy certificate debuts
Macomb’s renewable energy technology certificate program debuted in fall 2009 and focuses on five different emerging technologies–wind, solar, biomass, geo-thermal and hydrogen fuel cell. The 15-credit hour sequence can result in a certificate in renewable energy technology or be applied to a variety of associate’s degree programs including Automated Systems Technology–Mechatronics, Maintenance Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Building Construction Technology, Electronic Engineering Technology, Architectural Technology, Business and Environmental Science.

Doctors in training at Center Campus
The first medical students began taking classes at the Macomb University Center (UC) on the college’s Center Campus this fall. Offered by the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM), the courses are initially being offered in existing classrooms. A new building to house the MSUCOM expansion site is being completed at the UC and will be occupied in early 2010.

Grant provides free training to family caregivers
Macomb is one of 15 colleges in the country to receive a $20,000 grant from the International Longevity Center, with support from MetLife Foundation, to enhance or introduce training programs for professional and family caregivers. The grants are part of the Caregiving Project for Older Americans, developed in response to the country’s aging population’s growing need for well-trained caregivers. Macomb is using the funds to provide a free Art of Caregiving Workshop to community residents who are caring for loved ones at home, with participants referred by the Macomb County Department of Senior Citizens Services.

Mass communications degree courses at UC
Rochester College introduced a new Bachelor of Science degree program in mass communications to its offerings at the Macomb University Center (UC) on Center Campus this fall. With an agreement in place providing for a smooth transfer, the Rochester program complements Macomb’s own media and communication arts program. Other degree completion programs offered by Rochester College at the UC are a Bachelor of Administration degree in Management and Bachelor of Science degrees in Organizational Leadership and Communications, Counseling Psychology and Early Childhood Studies.

Studying Spanish in Mexico
Macomb students can learn and practice Spanish in Guadalajara, Mexico, and earn credits at Macomb at the same time. The trip will be incorporated into all of the four beginning and intermediate Macomb Spanish courses offered in summer 2010. Each course is divided into three, two-week segments: an introduction and orientation on South Campus, on-site instruction at the Centro de Estudios para Extranjeros in Guadalajara and a final assessment on South Campus. The cost is $900, including housing, meals and Mexican institute charges. Macomb tuition, roundtrip airfare and any personal expenses are additional. A U. S. passport is required. Call Susanna Williams, Spanish professor, at 586.445.7287 for more information.