THE

MCCC greets new president, CTC

Julia Wells Agora Staff MCCCs new president, Kojo Quartey, seeks to expand student horizons. The world is our marketplace! he said. Lets grow globally. Bringing a more multicultural focus to MCCC is just one of the many goals of the new president, who was unanimously hired by the MCCC Board of Trustees in May. Dr. Quarteys worldly ambitions may be attributed to his upbringing and travels in his time as a student and educator. He was born in Ghana, West Africa, and lived there for 11 years. His father was Ghanas minister of foreign affairs; when Quartey was ten, the family moved to Washington D.C., where he spent most of his school years. He finished high school in Ghana and returned to America at 19. He went on to earn his bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees from Mississippi State University. His most recent job was provost of the City Colleges of Chicago, where he was in charge of seven colleges. This is not his first time in Michigan; he spent five years working as the dean of the business school at Davenport University in Grand Rapids. Despite spending time in countries all over the world, he is no stranger to small town living. He spent 11 years working in Talladega, Alabama. I just love the small town atmosphere, where you get to know people, he said. The smaller a community is, the more of an impact one can make. I thrive on community interaction, he said. This was something Quartey missed while in Chicago overseeing 120,000 students. There was no direct contact with students and faculty, he

gora A
Aug. 26, 2010 Vol.58, 55, Issue August 29, 2013 Vol. Issue 1 1

www.mcccagora.com

MCCC Study Abroad visits Spain, Portugal

Page 7

Enrollment for fall down 5 percent

Page 2

Quartey hopes to take MCCC to next level

Photo by Reggie Allen

Board cuts ribbon on CTC building

Katie Mullin
Agora Staff

President Kojo Quartey stands proudly in front of the new building. For more photos of the new building, see page 3

The red ribbon was cut. The time had come. The Career Technology Center opened its doors. In a special ribbon cutting ceremony, new MCCC President Kojo Quartey spoke to a crowd of around 250, announcing the grand opening of the 60,000 square foot building. The opening of this building is a watershed moment, Quartey said. From the podium, Quartey pointed to an electric car parked on the sidewalk. I drove that this morning, because that vehicle was created by our students, he said. Quartey honored the former college presidents, including MCCCs most recent president, Dr. David Nixon. The legacy was built by the previous president. Hes a legend; I have big shoes to fill, Quartey said about Nixon. Nixon stepped forward and explained the importance of the CTC building, which was built during a period of economic stagnation. With every crisis comes opportunity, he said. We will move forward. The $17 million building will offer programs in the technology and engineering fields. The building features spacious labs in areas such as nuclear and renewable energy. Bill Bacarella, chairman of the Board of Trustees, honored the MCCC College Supporter of the Year. This year the award went to Monroe Countys legislative delegation in Lansing. He commended the state representatives and senator for their committed efforts to move

Photo by Reggie Allen

President Kojo Quartey shakes hands with U.S. Sen. Carl Levin at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

grant funding forward through the state Legislature. As a result, MCCC was awarded half of the buildings cost $8.5 million. The remaining balance is being raised through a capital campaign. The winners of the annual College Supporter of the Year award included Sen. Randy Richardville, Rep. Dale Zorn, former Rep. Kathy Angerer, the late Kate Ebli and Rep. Rick Olson. As I look back, I look forward, said Zorn, who represents District 56. Zorn, a former MCCC student, took auto-

motive technology classes at the college. I came to hone in on these skills, he saidafter the ceremony. Skilled labor is so important, and its a part of who we are. A representative for Rick Snyder, governor for Michigan, read a special tribute. Without question, CTC will be an asset to students, he said. Other speakers included U.S. Sen. Carl Levin and U.S. Reps. John Dingell and Tim Walberg. After the commemoration speeches, the politicans, board members and other MCCC leaders gathered behind the red ribbon. Bacarella and Board member Linda Lauer stood in front to help cut the ribbon with an oversized pair of scissors. At first, the ribbon did not snip into two pieces. Im trying, Lauer said. Finally, the ribbon parted and the building was officially open. Guided tours were available for the public afterward. On the same day, MCCC and DTE Energy unveiled an Enrico Fermi (Fermi 1) historical exhibit within the CTC. The exhibit covers the history and importance the nuclear plant, locarted just north of Monroe. An afternoon ribbon cutting ceremony was held outside the CTC building at a monument that formerly stood at the Fermi I plant. As students return to school and classes in the new building, Rep. Zorn said they should remember one thing as they enter. Take every opportunity you can, he said.

said. Quartey said this semester he likely will be seen walking around campus, interacting with everyone he can. In his first few weeks on campus, he has made the effort to meet one-on-one with faculty members. What we want to do here is not only to change this institution, but to really impact the entire community and take this community to the next level, he said. Something Quartey hopes to accomplish in his time here is to get students to think globally in terms of success. He hopes that incorporating more multicultural studies and opportunities will give students an advantage. Your competition is going to be global, he said. If you really want to compete against the world, you want to expand your cultural horizons, He also encourages students to learn a second language he himself speaks four languages. Quartey hopes to reach students internationally by partnering with global companies here in town. He hopes to bring more diversity to the school in order for the community to better reflect the world. He also understands that students today face a plethora of challenges when it comes to their education. He advises them to keep an optimistic view of their future. You invest a little in your future for a greater return, he said. Times have certainly changed since Quartey was a college student advances in technology are an obvious example. For the most part, technology is an advantage, he said. But in some instances, its hurting us. Its helping because we have all the information at our fingertips. But there is a reliance on technology, thats how

See PRESIDENT, Page 2

This is a roadmap to prosperity; education can take you to a place called prosperity.
Dr. Kojo Quartey New MCCC President,referring to the map in his education box

Katie Mullin
Agora Staff

Child Care Center closes doors, future unclear

In a telephone interview, Daniels said it is not known yet whether childcare services will be provided next semester. Located in the Health Building, the child-care facility has been under threat of closing its doors due to dwindling funds. However, the Board of Trustees voted in July to keep it open under a private employer, no longer operated by MCCC. At its June 24 meeting, the Board of Trustees decided to accept an offer by Cramer, who was the child care centers director for 33 years. Requests for proposals to operate the center had been submitted to 20 vendors within the community. During her tenure, she has provided excellent service for the students requiring child care, Daniels said at the June 24 meeting. Cramer could not be reached for comment. Daniels further elaborated in the email that all inquires should be referred to nearby locations I talked to Kathy Calder (Principal) over at Montessori and let her know we will be referring students to her, he said. Arrangements are being made to have MCCC students drop off their children at the private school. Crystal Willit, secretary of the early childhood program, said the Intermediate School District does not have a regular daycare program for non-special needs children, but has an Early Head Start program for those 0-3 years. The program provides education on parenting and child development through home visitations. It is currently accepting applications, but the program is waitlisted. For more information please call: Meadow Montessori 734-241-9496 or Intermediate School District 242-5454.

MCCCs child-care center has been left in limbo. Randy Daniels, vice president of student services, said in an email last week that the former director of the child care center, Diana Cramer, has decided not to operate the child care center this fall. Daniels said he has been scrambling to try to have another plan for students who will be returning to classes this week. Given the timeframe for acquiring licensure from the State of Michigan, it will take 3-6 months for a new vendor to get licensed and operate on our campus. Therefore, we cannot offer child care services on campus this semester, Daniels said.

Photo by Katie Mullin

A sign in the Admissions Office informs students that the MCCC child care center will be closed fall semester.

such as Meadow Montessori School or the Intermediate School District.

Inside:
Campus News..................2,3,4 Feature............................5,6,7 Sports..............................8

Check out The Agora online at

Bookstore Hours:
Mon - 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tue - Fri: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Library Hours:

www.mcccagora.com
Like us on Follow us on

Mon - Thur: 8 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Fri: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sat: 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

LAL/Writing Center:

Mon - Thurs: 8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Fri: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sat: 9 a.m- 1:00 p.m

Fitness Center Hours:

Mon - Thurs: 10 a.m. - 7:30 Fri - Sat: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Serving Monroe County Community College since 1968

August 29, 2013

campus news

mcccagora.com The Agora

|2

President praises role of education

Continued from page 1

its hurting us. he said. The other way its hurting us is in my day you really needed to know how to spell and write. Its dumbing our kids down. Despite his qualms about technology, he is ultimately a fan and has big plans for the campuss new Career Technology Center. Im thinking about new academic programs we could have in there: wind energy and engineering, auto-tech, hybrids and electric cars thats the next level of technology, he said. Thats where the world is going. Sitting on his desk among family pictures is his education box a prop he uses when encouraging kids that education is the answer. Its contents include a medicine bottle, a key, and a map, each symbolizing a way in which education is the answer. Education cures poverty; it has done it for me. The key to success is education; it can open so many doors for you, he said. This is a roadmap to prosperity; education can take you to a place called prosperity.

Agora photo by Reggie Allen

Dr. Kojo Quartey, new president of MCCC, addresses the crowd during the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Career Technology Center.

College privatizes to balance budget

By Katie Mullin
Agora staff

MCCCs Board of Trustees turned to privatization to balance the 2013-2014 budget. Privatization is when a public institution turns to outside employers to handle any of its operations. One service privatized by the board is the colleges copy center. The Maumeebased Canon Solutions Co. has assumed all of its operations. Mark Spenoso, who ran the copy center, retired at the end of the 2012-2013 school year. Joe Verkennes, MCCC Director of Marketing, said that Canon has hired the student assistant who had been working at the center. (See story on this page). The colleges child care center also was privatized. The college asked for bids from private companies to run the center (See story on Page 1). Student assistant jobs were also highlighted at the meeting. Instead of using money from the colleges general fund for student assistant jobs, the college increased its request to the federal government for work study money to finance the jobs. This fund transfer will save the college a total of $70,000-$85,000 according to Suzanne Wetzel, vice president for Administration. The way this works is we asked for

As a trustee, I find the timing problematic. A public session in May and finalization in June are much too fast for careful deliberation.

Board of Trustees member

more work-study money. There is money available from the government, Verkennes said. The college also saved money by deciding not to replace the director of the Whitman Center, a position that has been open for a year. Despite the cuts, the board opened a door of opportunity by providing more money for training of faculty and staff. We have set aside almost $38,000 for professional development for faculty and staff, Wetzel said. In addition, support and administration staff will be receiving a 1 percent salary increase. Since 2008, we havent added anything for the salary schedule, Wetzel said. Pay raises for faculty are still up in the

James DeVries

air; the faculty contract is still being negotiated, she said. In an e-mail to faculty sent last week, new college President Kojo Quartey said the next negotiating session will be Oct. 4. Most of what is expensed through the colleges general fund 83 percent is for paying wages and benefits to faculty and staff. Main revenue sources come from tuition and fees, property taxes, and state appropriations. The board approved the budget, but not until hearing a protest from Trustee James DeVries. As a trustee, I find the timing problematic: A public session in May and finalization in June are much too fast for careful deliberation. I was taken aback by the framing of the Whitman Campus question and the moves to privatize printing and the child care center, he said. DeVries said the college should not operate under a business model when balancing the budget, referring to the child care center and copy center. These decisions were complete surprises to me. Each has not only fiscal ramifications but also profound implications for our college community, he said in the letter. DeVries also advocated a strategic collaboration approach allowing members of the MCCC community to provide input on the financial planning of the budget.

If Trustee DeVries ever succeeds in his revisionism and the rejection of the sound and pricipled business model required by law, this college is clearly headed for financial disaster.

Board of Trustees Vice President

William Braunlich

Collaborative strategic planning would help illuminate our priorities and aid us in deciding what is essential to our mission, and what is not, he said. DeVries quoted from General Donald Rumsfeld at the end of his letter. If you expect people to be in on the landing, include them in the take off, he wrote. Vice-chairman William Braunlich read a letter of rebuttal to the board. Braunlich attacked DeVries aregument against implementing a business model in the college budget. If Trustee DeVries ever succeeds in his revisionism and the rejection of the sound and principled business model required

by law, this college is clearly headed for financial disaster, he said. Braunlich elaborated further on why he advocates a business model (such as privatization) in the colleges budget. MCCC is a corporate entity under Michigan law, he said. Braunlich said that MCCC must have a detailed, accurate, verifiable, fiscally responsible and sustainable business model, and there is no alternative model available under Michigan law, federal law, or the Higher Learning Commission, which is responsible for accreditation. The Michigan Community College act and the matrix of organizations and governmental units I referred to earlier all require a business model, he said in the letter. I reject Trustees Devries letter of June 24th in its entirety as factually inaccurate, politically motivated to satisfy his campaign platform, irresponsible and loaded with leadership/stakeholder/ inclusiveness/collaboration psycho-babble, all designed to obscure the fact that he has no new ideas whatsoever on cost-containment, nor does he have a single idea on generating any additional revenues, he said. I vote yes on this budget, Braunlich said, raising his voice. If its not approved by tonight, the college cannot spend any money, Chairman Bill Bacarella said of the budget The budget was approved by a 6-1 vote.

Copy Center now operated by Canon

Katie Gerweck
For the Agora

MCCC privatized the Copy Center this summer, and the facility is now being run by Canon Business Solutions of America. The Copy Center was privatized as a cost savings measure, and a way to increase efficiency, according to Joe Verkennes, the director of marketing for MCCC. The college looked at privatizing after the Copy Center Coordinator, Mark Spenoso, gave notice in late April that he would be retiring. The budget was being prepared at the time, and privatization gave the college an opportunity to save money. Overall, the cost savings was about forty thousand dollars, which was a significant amount of money for the college, Verkennes said.

MCCC did research before receiving three bids, and eventually chose Canon Solutions, Verkennes said. Lezlee Downing, the new Copy Center coordinator, said the initial reaction to the privatization was mixed. People thought things were going to change, she explained. But were doing everything we did before, if not better. The privatization with Canon meant the college had the opportunity to lease a new copier, Downing said. This copier is more efficient and environmentally friendly than the previous machine, and produces better quality images. Its the best gray-scale copier available, she said. She is also looking to implement web submissions of print jobs in the next year. Instead of a

required visit to the copy center to fill out a form, staff members will be able to upload PDF files and fill out the form online. People were wanting to do online submission, Downing said. Downing was formerly the student assistant in the Copy Center for two-and-a-half years, so she is familiar with both the copy center and the people at MCCC. She was hired by Canon to be the facility manager of the Monroe division after her graduation from Siena Heights in May, where she got a bachelors degree in professional communications and a minor in graphic design. She had previously received two associates degrees from MCCC. I love the people I work with. This is a great environment, she said.

Photo by Katie Gerweck

New Copy Center coordinator Lezlee Downing recently graduated from Siena Heights.

The Agora Editorial Policy

The Agora is published by the students of Monroe County Community College, 1555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe, MI, 48161. The editorial office is located in Room 202 of the Life Sciences Bldg., (734) 384-4186, agora@monroeccc.edu. Editorial policy: Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of The Agora staff. Signed columns represent the opinion of the writer. All letters to the editor must include a signature, address and phone number for verification purposes. The Agora reserves the right to edit for clarity, accuracy, length and libel. The Agora is a student-managed newspaper that supports a free student press and is a member of the Michigan Community College Press Association, the Michigan Collegiate Press Association, the Michigan Press Association, College Media Advisers, Associated Collegiate Press and the Student Press Law Center. Story suggestions are welcome. Let us know what youd like to see in The Agora - its your newspaper. E-mail submissions: agora@monroeccc.edu .

Faculty start semester without a contract

By Katie Mullin
Agora staff

Editor Julia Wells

Reggie Allen Ray Bell Katie Gerweck Tim Green

Adviser: Dan Shaw

Contributers
Morgan Hofbaur Melanie Jacobs William Miko Katie Mullins

Unfinished. This word could be used for MCCCs contract negotiations with the faculty. Negotiators for the college and the faculty association (MCCFA), have been meeting throughout the spring and summer to discuss a new faculty contract, which would cover issues such as healthcare benefits and salaries. We have been bargaining since March 27, said Dr. Patrick Nedry, who is chief negotiator for MCCFA. Nedry said the college and the union reached accord on one issue a health insurance plan to replace the plan that was expiring

this month. We did agree, he said about the health insurance benefits. Under the agreement, faculty members are paying a portion of their health insurance premiums for the first time. Deductibles also are increasing, he said. A whole lot of other matters were not decided, including salary, he said. Nedry said the college and the union are working with a state mediator to close the differences between them. This costs faculty money, and the district saves money, he said about the current situation. The next negotiating session will be Oct 4, he said.

Enrollment down 5 percent, but new students increased

William Miko
Agora staff

Enrollment at MCCC is down for the third straight year. As of Aug. 23, enrollment has decreased 5 percent from this time last year, according to Mark Hall, director of admissions. Hall said MCCC is taking its biggest hit from returning students. Returning students are students who are enrolled with the college, take a semester off and then return, or not. On the plus side, the number of new students enrolling has increased by 5 percent. We are really tickled to

death, by the amount of new students, Hall said. Hall said MCCC has expanded recruitment efforts, including pushing into downriver area high schools. College recruiters also have been attending every education fair within a forty mile radius. He said MCCC has allowed more retesting of the COMPASS admission test for students who fail the first time around. Also, the enrollment letter that students receive now offers options for student to practice before taking the COMPASS test.