Winter 2024 registration at SC4 now open

Registration for the winter semester is now underway at St. Clair County Community College (SC4). Winter semester courses—which are offered online and on-campus— begin Jan. 8, 2024.

Students interested in earning credits toward a degree or transfer pathway, as well as those community members interested in learning more about a particular topic or passion, can enroll now to secure their classes.

“SC4 credits are a fraction of the cost compared to four-year institutions and they transfer easily,” said SC4 Chief Marketing Officer Kristin Copenhaver. “Plus, we offer our students a wide array of support services, College Housing and exciting campus life experiences.

”A full list of courses and sections is available at sc4.edu/schedule, and new students can learn how to apply and register at sc4.edu/admissions/. Current students can register via their Service Center accounts within the SC4 Portal at portal.sc4.edu.

“Our successful community of SC4 alumni—who work as engineers, doctors, nurses, lawyers, welders, scientists, public safety officers, designers, managers, entrepreneurs and much more—illustrates there’s no one path toward a successful career,” said SC4 Registrar Carrie Bearss. “Students have many options, and we’re here to help each navigate the process so that they enroll in the right courses, programs and pathways to get to their next educational or career milestone.”

Dual enrollment and early/middle college options are available for current high school students to earn college credits at no cost. However, if cost is still a factor for other types of students, SC4 financial aid experts stand ready to assist.

“Our goal is to help students understand what support is out there so they can focus on what matters most—their classes,” said SC4 Executive Director of Financial Assistance Jo Cassar. “Most of our students receive financial aid, through a combination of federal, state and private funding sources, grants and scholarships. There’s potential support out there, but you won’t get it unless you fill out a FAFSA and apply for admission.”

New this year is the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which provides eligible high school graduates (starting with the Class of 2023) with up to $2,750 if they attend a community college, per year. Additionally, Michigan Reconnect—which just announced an expansion to assist Michigan students ages 21 and older—pays for qualifying students to attend SC4 tuition-free.

For more information about applying to SC4, contact the SC4 team at starthere@sc4.edu or call (810) 989-5571. For course registration assistance, contact Enrollment Services at enrollment@sc4.edu or call (810) 989-5500. For more information about financial aid and scholarships, email financialaid@sc4.edu or call (810) 989-5530.

SC4 to open traveling Detroit Historical Society ‘WWII Propaganda Posters’ exhibit Nov. 6

St. Clair County Community College’s (SC4) Fine Arts Gallery will soon offer an unforgettable journey back in time with a traveling “WWII Propaganda Posters” exhibit from the Detroit Historical Society.
 
The exhibit opens on Monday, Nov. 6, with a ceremony at 6 p.m. in the SC4 Fine Arts Theatre and Gallery featuring SC4 history professors Scott Fernandez and Patricia Frank. The exhibit is open for viewing from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday until Dec. 8, with closure dates Nov. 22-24. 
 
Posters included in the exhibit highlight key messaging by U.S. Government departments at the time, reflecting themes such as military and nursing recruitment, patriotism, conservation of resources and security. They also highlight the works of specific period cartoonists, illustrators, graphic artists and portraitists.
 
“We’re thrilled to bring this exhibit to our community,” said SC4 Chief Academic Officer Ethan Flick. “These posters—a primary communication tool long before digital screens and social media platforms existed—help us explore the notion of propaganda and provide a glimpse into a pivotal time in our nation’s history. We look forward to welcoming students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends to this exhibit.”
 
“WWII Propaganda Posters” is free as an SC4 Community Arts offering to encourage and support the arts in our community. No tickets are needed.
 
For more information and the most current list of upcoming events, visit sc4.edu/events/. Please note that additional programming may be added and event information may change.

Above posters are part of the Detroit Historical Society’s “WWII Propaganda Posters” exhibit at SC4 beginning Nov. 6. 

TRIO Student of the Month — Ben Rodriguez

A first-generation college student, Ben Rodriguez has embraced many opportunities at St. Clair County Community College.

Rodriguez is a full-time student, attends tutoring, works with an advisor, has competed with the Skippers Cross Country team, and is a member of SC4’s Student Government. He also takes advantage of help and support from SC4’s TRIO Support Services Program.

“TRIO has been a big part of my educational journey here at SC4,” said Rodriguez, who also is a fan of country music. “Its staff members have provided encouragement and support, and the program has helped me obtain my goals of passing all of my classes.”

Rodriguez, who has long dreamed of becoming a registered nurse, is currently working on Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) course requirements and plans to transfer to the University of Michigan-Flint or Concordia University.

“Ben is a kind, caring and empathetic person,” said Stacy Healy, director of TRIO. “He has the work ethic, commitment and passion to make a remarkable nurse. We’ve enjoyed getting to know him and will continue to cheer him on throughout his time at SC4 and beyond.”

Alumni Spotlight: Josh Chapman

Current or most recent title and employer?
President & CEO YMCA of the Blue Water Area

How did SC4 help prepare you?
Gave me a great experience and prepared me for academic success. SC4 was the first place I had any real success in an academic setting. That success gave me the confidence and motivation to continue my education and eventually graduate college. I hope to at some point get my master’s and teach at SC4.

What do you like most about what you do professionally?
I get to help people as a job!

Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
Transfer, Bachelor of Arts from Central Michigan University