Category: General

TRIO Student of the Month — Rachel Fredendall

Living with mental health issues can often keep people from choosing to continue their education beyond high school. Without additional support and understanding, the typical challenges of college become even more overwhelming.

Rachel Fredendall knows this all too well. She has an array of mental health barriers, plus a learning disability. But Anne McPherson, SC4’s Coordinator of Academic Success and Disability Services, recommended the college’s TRIO Student Support Services program, and it’s been a great help to Fredendall.

“It’s really hard for me to get motivated because of my depression and OCD issues,” Fredendall explained. “After I have a depressive episode, I go into a 24-hour manic episode of hyper-motivation, where I really take advantage of time. It really came down to the two annoying (just kidding!) people that pestered me to keep on track. I couldn’t have gotten this far without my fiancé and my best friend.”

Thanks to TRIO and several great SC4 professors, Fredendall is on track to graduate in May. She regularly spent time between classes in the TRIO space on campus, where TRIO Director Shawne Jowett helped her develop an effective study plan. She also singled out Criminal Justice professor Jim Jones, Earth Science professor Bob Hunckler, and retired English professor Cliff Johnson for being understanding and accommodating when it came to her physical and mental health disruptions.

“There are no words that can describe how thankful I am for them,” Fredendall said.

Fredendall is transferring to Saginaw Valley State University to work on her bachelor’s degree in secondary education, focusing on English and general social studies. Her ultimate goal is to become a teacher at her former high school.

“I’d like to be on a first-name basis with my old teachers,” she laughed. “After that, we’ll see!”

For her success in the classroom and beyond, Rachel Fredendall is the May TRIO Student of the Month. Congratulations, Rachel!

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at SC4

Sign up now to receive a free COVID-19 vaccination this Friday, April 30, at the SC4 Fieldhouse. All individuals at least 18 years of age can register by completing the online form at: https://communityclinicscheduler.as.me/?calendarID=5424751

This opportunity is open to everyone. Appointments are available between 9 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. on a first-come first-served basis. Participants must bring a driver’s license or other form of identification to their appointment. After receiving a vaccination, a second dose appointment will be scheduled.

Walk-up opportunities may be possible based upon appointment availability. Please contact the health department at (810) 987-5300 with questions. Additional vaccination information can be found on the St. Clair County Health Department website at https://www.stclaircounty.org/offices/health/.

Registration for SC4 fall classes is open — We’re here for you.

Registration for fall classes at St. Clair County Community College is open, meaning it’s time for you to schedule the classes you need to get your degree, transfer to a four-year college or start on your path to a new career.

Fall semester begins on Monday, Aug. 23. And through May 21, there’s no deposit required to register for fall classes!

The world changed this year because of the pandemic, and many students are finding it hard to decide what to do this fall. We understand that, and we’re here for you.

You’ll notice that many of our classes are back on-campus this fall, while we also have many online options available. We’ll continue to be cautious, of course, but we believe that a return to something closer to normal is possible.

So how do I register?

If you’re a current student at SC4, or you have already gone through the steps for enrollment, you can register online through your student Portal or on the SC4 mobile app.

Not sure which classes you need to take? Have questions about degree and certificate programs, class selection or other concerns? New college students and those transferring from other schools can set up a phone or virtual advising appointment by visiting sc4.edu/advising.

If you’re not quite ready to register and want to get an idea of what’s out there, you can also browse available classes for the fall semester by visiting sc4.edu/schedule.

Not a student yet? Or maybe you haven’t even applied? There’s still time. Visit sc4.edu/starthere and fill out your free application today.

When you start here, it’s a smart decision that will help you go anywhere. SC4 students benefit from affordable tuition, flexibility, a high-quality education, a vibrant campus community, and faculty and staff dedicated to maximizing student success.

If you have other questions related to registration, email enrollment@sc4.edu.

SC4’s Lambda Mu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa receive awards

The national Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) recognized SC4’s Lambda Mu Chapter with the Distinguished College Project Award during PTK Catalyst 2021, the Society’s annual convention, which was broadcast live from Orlando, Florida, from April 8-10.

Only 51 of PTK’s chapters worldwide received the Distinguished College Project Award this year. The purpose of the College Project is to establish or strengthen a supportive relationship between the chapter and college administration. Lambda Mu’s project, “Tips for Success in Online Learning,” compiled online learning advice offered by SC4 faculty, staff, students, and alumni. The advice was edited into 30 “tips” and shared online.

Successful completion of the College Project is one of the criteria needed to be a Five-Star Chapter, a status the Lambda Mu Chapter maintained for the 2020-2021 academic year. Lambda Mu is also a REACH Chapter, which signifies a membership acceptance rate of over fifteen percent.

Additionally, the Blue Water Alumni Association (BWAA) was recognized as a Five-Star Alumni Association for 2020-2021. BWAA is the PTK alumni chapter for the St. Clair County area.

The Lambda Mu Chapter was also honored with the following awards at the PTK Michigan Regional Convention 2021, held virtually March 24 to 26:

  • Distinguished Chapter Officer Team – 3rd Runner Up: Tara Brown, Lisa Green, Lillian Nelson, Rachel Schmaltz
  • Honors in Action Theme 4 Award: Expressions of Truth – 1st Runner Up
  • College Project Award – 1st Runner Up
  • Angela Heiden, SC4 PTK Advisor, was honored for thirteen years of service

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, is the largest honor society in higher education with 1,285 chapters on college campuses in the United States and internationally. More than three million students have been inducted since its founding in 1918, with approximately 134,000 students inducted annually.

If you’d like to be a part of an award-winning chapter, both the Lambda Mu Chapter and the Blue Water Alumni Association are currently looking for new members and officers for the 2021-2022 academic year. Contact PTK Advisor Angela Heiden at aheiden@sc4.edu for details.