News

Title IX. A lot of people think it is a relatively new law. Some people may have heard of it, but don’t know what it is.

Its original intended purpose was to provide open access to educational opportunities for women.

Community colleges have a rich history of cooperation. This is part of our history at Waubonsee, as well as our present. Our collaborations and connections with the community take on many forms and involve many staff members. In my role as the director of government and community engagement, I sit on various non-profit boards and am involved in various community efforts.

Waubonsee Community College serves a remarkably diverse community and that diversity is reflected in our student body, faculty, and staff. I know that many Waubonsee students and employees are concerned about how the recent announcement regarding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program might affect them, their families, their friends or their communities.

Across the country this month, the sounds of Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance” will be followed by the cheers and throwing of caps as millions of new college graduates celebrate the achievement of a higher education degree. And while obtaining a degree has its many challenges, the new graduate now faces an even bigger hurdle: Competing for jobs in what remains to be a tight job market. But a prepared few will have a leg up on their peers – those who have completed internships are more likely to get hired.

With the start of the academic year, Waubonsee Community College is kicking off its 50th anniversary celebrations this month with a full slate of events and initiatives planned to honor the milestone. The college’s focus for the anniversary will be on honoring those who’ve helped shape the college’s “Proud Past, Bold Future.”

What do I want to be when I grow up? For many young adults, this is a daunting question. But for those who have an interest in science, an innovative new program from Waubonsee may just be the answer.

The vision of Public Access television featuring locally created programming began to take shape in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Today, after many legislative twists and turns, the concept of non-commercial Public Access television has matured into a worldwide opportunity for localized programming individually serving communities that support such an effort.

Student life today can be a challenge. Many students, whether traditional or those returning to college seeking new skills, face the same struggles. There is the financial struggle to meet tuition, the stress of outside distractions, and workplace demands for ever-changing competencies, among others. Then there are the challenges faced once inside a classroom — not only mastering specific course content but also mastering the art of learning itself. 

As the days until the Waubonsee commencement ceremony dwindle down, I catch myself looking back at how quickly my two years at the college have flown by.  One minute I am sitting on the couch working my way through the college’s Electronic Registration and Planning (E-RAP) tutorial, and the next I am writing my graduation speech and figuring out what shoes will look best with my graduation dress. 

Designing. Brainstorming. Building. Innovating. Computing. Traveling. Working with a global team. Making a difference. Welcome to a career in modern manufacturing.