Blogs Archives - Southwestern Illinois College-开云电竞

Southwestern Illinois College to Host Annual Manufacturing Day

Southwestern Illinois College (开云电竞) will open its doors for a Manufacturing Day Open House, Friday, October 4, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., to showcase new technology, educational programs, career opportunities, products, and services. The welcome ceremony, with special keynote speakers, begins at 9 a.m. The 开云电竞 Sam Wolf Granite City Campus, located at 4950 Maryville Road, will serve as the event hub for the day.

The celebration is free and open to the public and more than 1,300 local high school students are scheduled to attend. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the Precision Machining Technology, Electrical/Electronics, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, Aviation Maintenance, and Welding Technology labs. They will also experience firsthand the latest advancements in computerized machining and robotic welding equipment, showcasing how high technology is transforming technical education and manufacturing. Additionally, attendees can meet over 30 regional manufacturers and sign up to tour a local manufacturing facility.

“Our objective is to demonstrate to students and the community the exceptional opportunities available in technical education at 开云电竞. We aim to highlight the numerous well-paying, secure careers in manufacturing within the Metro East and broader regions,” stated Mark Bosworth, Dean of Technical Education at 开云电竞.

This event in presented in partnership with the Gene Haas Foundation, IMEC – Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center, Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois, Madison County Employment and Training, St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department and the Southwestern Madison County Chamber of Commerce. To register for this free event, visit swic.tfaforms.net/217810. For additional information and sponsorship opportunities, visit vakshop.com/mfgday or call the 开云电竞 Technical Education Division at 618-931-0600, ext. 7476.

Southwestern Illinois College Announces New Career Technology Education Building on Red Bud Campus

Belleville, IL – Southwestern Illinois College (开云电竞) is pleased to announce the expansion of Career Technology Education (CTE) programming to the Red Bud campus and the construction of a new seven thousand eight hundred (7,800) square foot facility.

The expansion of the CTE program to the Red Bud Campus will significantly enhance educational opportunities at the campus and the region, providing modern facilities beneficial for workforce training. The project aligns with 开云电竞’s strategic objectives to enhance educational facilities and meet the growing demand for career-focused education in the region. Proposed programs will provide learning and skill development in vocational and technical fields. The location of the future academy on campus grounds is strategically placed with building and programming additions in mind for the future, and ensures Illinois to be a change agent in the manufacturing sector. Construction of the new facility equipped with the latest CTE training equipment will support student enrollment across the southern Illinois region and boost the confidence of industrial partners—and the community—by illustrating 开云电竞’s dedication to and investment in these industries.

The Board of Trustees has previously approved a contract with Farnsworth Group for architectural services and with Holland Construction for preconstruction work for the project. 开云电竞 is making a financial commitment that would amount to approximately $5.5M, with funding stemming from Series 2023 Bond proceeds sold in December 2023. Construction completion is expected by Spring 2026, weather permitting. 开云电竞 anticipates serving students through the facility Fall 2026.

开云电竞 Board member, Tracy Vallett, Sub-District 1 – Red Bud, is excited for the new opportunities this facility will afford to students in the southern-most school districts in the region. She says, “I am thrilled to see the growth on Red Bud’s campus and am proud of 开云电竞’s commitment to accessibility and transportation. The opening of this new facility will provide a local option for quality education in trades and transfer programs. With the expansion of previously established programming to our southern district students, we will now be able to serve traditional and non-traditional students with training and education that helps them enter the workforce faster.”

Planned programming for the new facility will include the expansion of previously established programming such as Allied Health, welding, plumbing, and construction management while also offering a facility that is adaptable to new and transfer programs.

Governor JB Pritzker Attended Ribbon Cutting at New Advanced Manufacturing Academy

Watch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Belleville, IL – In preparation for the official fall 2024 opening of the Advanced Manufacturing Academy on its Belleville campus, Southwestern Illinois College (开云电竞) held an official ribbon cutting on Thursday, July 11, 2024. 开云电竞 would like to thank Governor Pritzker, Senator Christopher Belt, General Assembly Leader Jay Hoffman, Representative Katie Stuart and former Representative Latoya Greenwood, Mayor Patty Gregory, and numerous industry partners for attending.

Through the leadership of Governor Pritzker and 开云电竞 President Nick Mance, coupled with the generous DCEO and other source funding, the new Advanced Manufacturing Academy will reinvigorate the regional manufacturing industry with a sustainable, high-skilled workforce to further reestablish Illinois and the U.S. as a center of global manufacturing. 开云电竞 is utilizing State funding to launch a multi-phase plan to create an academy that focuses on the needs of local manufacturing partners and builds the relationships necessary to solidify southern Illinois as a hub for manufacturing education and industry. By reinforcing the strong manufacturing opportunities available to the community and highlighting the success of 开云电竞’s manufacturing students, the college will continue to improve the overall image of U.S. manufacturing in the region.

Sustainable manufacturing is becoming increasingly important in the changing landscape of the industry. 开云电竞 will be at the forefront of manufacturing innovation with its state-of-the-art equipment and program offerings and will spur modernization throughout the regional industry. Planned programming for the new facility will include revision of previously established programming as well as the addition of new and innovative manufacturing programming.

Governor Pritzker commented, “I chose to come to 开云电竞 because of your successes, to demonstrate my own intent to put community colleges at the forefront of our economic revitalization of the state. 开云电竞 and other community colleges are the dynamic institutions that are capable of building the workforce of the future, creating opportunities for hardworking Illinoisans, and maximizing economic growth potential for the entire state and particularly for this region.”

Women’s History Month

During the month of March, we observe Women’s History Month to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women, today and throughout history. At 开云电竞, we not only recognize the contributions of women who help lead the way and inspire, but also acknowledge their diverse interests and passions. Thank you to all the women, past and present, at 开云电竞, whose dedication and hard work has helped make Southwestern Illinois College your first choice!

Jill Baudendistel, Student Services Coordinator – Reading a captivating book is my favorite way to relax.

Laura Vahlkamp, Associate Director of Recruitment & Outreach – My top hobbies are: Physical Fitness (boxing, strength training), Food (love to bake and eat snacks), going on adventures with my teenagers, traveling, coffee, wine.

Brandi Brown-Harris, College Inclusion & Outreach Coordinator – I enjoy roller skating. I also spending time with my Bichon Frise, Penny Lane and watching my favorite shows on TLC and The Food Network channel.

Melissa Epps – MPH, RPh, Adjunct Pharmacy Technician Program Coordinator – Wreath making has been a cherished hobby of mine for quite some time, I love it!

Danielle Chambers, Chief Student Services Officer – My hobbies include helping others, cherishing moments with family, and eating!

Katie Dawson, Director of Financial Aid, Veteran Services & Student Employment – I love being involved in the Belleville community! My family and I shop and eat local as much as possible and never miss a parade or festival on Main Street.

Kourtny Shaw, Director of Marketing – My primary focus and passion outside of work is being a mom.

Alicia Johnson, Career and Employment Specialist – Besides spending time with my beloved service dog, my favorite way to pass time is to read.

Bethanie Garcia, Admissions Coordinator – Collecting and decorating my office with plants. Being surrounded by plants brings me a sense of joy and enhances my productivity.

Elizabeth Alvarez, RN Program Coordinator – Puzzles are my favorite way to relax but I also love reading and camping!

Vicki Channer, Administrative Assistant – Athletics – I love maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise.

Annjanee Jones, Director of Advising, Enrollment, & Records – I enjoy spending my free time gardening.

Paula Haniszewski, Director of the William and Florence Schmidt Art Center – I love hanging with my husband and two girls, art, real estate, and reading.

Mindy Schubert, Events Specialist – In my spare time I enjoy making quilts for my kids.

Jami Houston, Director of Student Success Programs – Getting my Ed.D from the University of Illinois and Illini basketball!

Myki Rhodes, Director of Student Finance – In my free time, I’m all about roller skating!

Liz Jennings, Associate Director – Foundation – I’ve been getting into tennis lately. It’s been really fun picking up a new hobby!

Casey Robacker, Internal Communications Specialist – I love collecting figurines and decorating my office with them. It’s awesome to see them around every day, brings a little extra joy to my space!

Samantha Rogers, Librarian – I like to travel and explore. 2022 took me to the Island of Hvar. 2023 the Isle of Skye. This summer I will be looking for wild ponies along the coast of Exmoor.

Sarah Samples, Associate Director of Marketing – Hiking is the best! The fact that my entire family enjoys it adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience.

Dean’s List – Fall 2023

The following is a list of full- and part-time students on the Southwestern Illinois College Dean’s List for the Fall 2023 Semester.

This list includes full-time students who completed 12 or more semester credits during the semester and part-time students who completed six or more semester credits during the semester while maintaining a 3.5 or higher-grade point average.

The students’ names are listed alphabetically by last name.

Dean’s List – Fall 2023

For more information, contact 开云电竞 Enrollment Services at 618-235-2700, ext. 5455 or 866-942-开云电竞 (7942), ext. 5455.

New Attitude

Man and woman studying a paper.

Want to know how I made tests go from soul-crushing failures to exciting puzzles I wanted to solve?  Well let me tell you a little story.  It was summer, and I recall everyone talked about vacation.

This was back in the day, and I was excited to take classes. Well, not always, in all honesty. But after I learned some cool things about mindset and perspective, the way I looked at things changed dramatically.

As my attitude evolved; I found I was no longer working, but excited to challenge myself and solve little mysteries in learning.

This whole transformation was due to the research of Stanford University psychologist and author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success Carole Dweck. Her work led to the idea that mindset (beliefs) are more important than talent or intelligence in determining a person’s success. Dweck wrote that a fixed mindset limits the individual, while a growth mindset encourages, well, growth and change.

Dweck explained:

A fixed mindset is the belief that intelligence and talents are fixed traits that created success – not effort. The fixed mindset creates an internal monologue focused on judging. If it’s hard for me, I must be a loser.

Growth mindset: The belief that the most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. They constantly monitor what’s going on without judging. Always asking, How can I improve?

The steps below spell out how to make the change.

Steps to Turn a Fixed Mindset to a Growth Mindset

Step1. Learn to hear your fixed mindset “voice.”

When you hit a setback or face criticism, the fixed mindset voice creates self-doubt. Identify negative thoughts and the message.

Step 2. Recognize that you have a choice.

It is your choice how you interpret setbacks and challenges. You can interpret them as signs that you are permanently lacking, or as a signal that it’s time to try new strategies, consider advice, and increase efforts.

Step 3. As you face challenges, setbacks, and criticism, respond to your fixed mindset voice with a growth mindset voice.

Step 4. Take the growth mindset action.

Over time, which voice you follow becomes pretty much your choice. Practice hearing both voices, and practice acting on the growth mindset. See how you can make it work for you. All it takes is some practice to turn your limiting language into supporting, encouraging self-messages.

Sources:



Dweck, C. S. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, 2006. Random House.

Growth mindset brain image.  Retrieved 23 May, 2024, from  www.flickr.com/photos/paulapiccard/43058632290

Take the Time Management Tiger by the Tale

I’ve been spreading the word about time management for a long time, and I wondered how students – such as peer tutors in the Success Center – scheduled their assignments and study time.

“Time Management is great when you use it,” English peer tutor Haley D. laughed wryly. 

She said it starts with keeping her planner up to date.

“Having a timeline helps you think about what’s important instead of nitpicking the little things.”

Peter B-F agrees. He is also an English peer tutor, but instead of a physical planner, Peter uses the Reminder app that came on his iPhone.

“It’s too easy to forget assignments without it,” he said.

Here’s what the Apple website posted about the Reminder app:

Use Reminders on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

With the Reminders app on iOS 13 or later and iPadOS, you can create reminders with subtasks and attachments, and set alerts based on time and location. You can ask Siri to schedule a reminder for you on your iOS device or your Apple Watch.

If you have an android phone, Google has a Reminders app that works in a similar way:

Beautiful and easy to use interface, minimum of clicks, try it and you will like it! 

Enter reminders directly in the list row at one click or voice input
Quickly create, delete, transfer and search reminders
Lists of reminders, tasks, shopping, missed calls, birthdays and more
Geolocation

“Time management can make you healthier,” Peter added, “because you can get more sleep.”

For those new to time management, it is about planning for the day and week which includes planning for enough sleep each night.

“It also causes less stress,” Haley said. And she’s right. A lack of time management routines often causes anxiety as the student rushes to complete assignments by deadline. College is hard enough without inviting problems.

To get started, click here to access the Success Center’s handout Strategies for Time Management

First, add all assignments and due dates in your planner or online calendar. Then to figure out when to study, fill out a time management grid (the last page of the Strategies for Time Management handout.)

If you need accountability or have other academic concerns, make an appointment for Success Coaching. Success Coaching is free and offers support with time management and other behaviors that affect learning such as test anxiety, memorization, or mindset.

The two tutors differ in their approach to time management and they complete assignments in different ways as well, but it works for them. Haley likes finishing as much of her work as she can as soon as it’s assigned. Peter spreads his work out over the week.

Whether you’re like Haley or Peter doesn’t matter as long as you have a system that works for you.  If you are struggling with time management, call or stop by the Success Center and schedule an appointment for Success Coaching.

Gratitude

Did you know?

Did you know you can do one single thing to reduce pain and insomnia, as well as strengthen your immune system.

But that’s not all! 

This miracle activity can also lead to healthier relationships and academic and professional success.

You don’t have to pay a fortune, starve yourself, or work your core until you have abs of steel. 

“Only a few minutes each day”

All you have to do is spend a few minutes each day sincerely expressing gratitude.

Regular gratitude practice can boost both your mental and your physical health. According to Psychology Today, “Grateful people are indeed less likely to have mental health problems like depression.” One study found that a gratitude intervention increased mental resilience in a group of older adults.  

Another study cited in Psychology Today,  suggests that spending even a few minutes engaging in a gratitude activity, such as writing a letter of gratitude to a loved one, can motivate you to make healthy food choices.

Need some ideas to get started? 

The Greater Good Center at Berkley suggests these:

  • Keep a handwritten or electronic journal of big and little joys of daily life.  Go into detail about a particular person or thing for which you’re grateful; this carries more benefits than a surface-level list of many things.
  • Write down “three good things”—identify three things that have gone well for you and write about the cause.
  • Write thank-you notes to others and give them to the recipients.
  • Think about people who have inspired you and what was significant about them.
  • Engage in “mental subtraction.” Imagine what your life would be like if some positive event had not occurred.
  • Add this twist to step up your gratitude game: At the end of each week, thank someone  you know about something specific—Thanks for being such a good listener yesterday!—and then reflect on the person’s response and their feelings.  

When we share the gratitude that we’re journaling about, according to the study, the practice becomes even more beneficial.

Feeling grateful is a skill one can develop. If you find yourself feeling tired of the stresses you’re facing, think of something that can make you feel thankful, then share that with someone.

If you want to improve your gratitude habits or work on other academic or professional goals, do not hesitate to contact a Success Coach. 

Plus, get a free gratitude journal while supplies last with a coaching appointment!

More information can be found at:

“Gratitude” reviewed by Psychology Today Staff

“How to Upgrade Your Gratitude Practice”

“Tips to Foster Gratitude”

How Do I Cultivate It?

Calm Down

With a nod to Rema and Selena Gomez, today’s topic is about what most college students need but rarely get enough of: rest and relaxation.

I will never forget waiting for Spring Break – getting wound up like a crossbow by mid-term exams and barely able to relax during break.

So, before you find yourself in a similar position, try one or more of these activities to help you calm down and enjoy not only your week off but the rest of the semester.

  1. Unplug – Press the off button and step away from your devices.
    Spend time in nature
    Read a book for pleasure
    Spend time with family and friends
    Take a warm bath with candles or create an at-home spa
  2. Practice Self-Compassion by forgiving yourself for making perceived mistakes or errors in judgement
    Catch up on sleep and create a consistent sleep routine
    Seek support if needed (Wellness Advocate Ami Lilley-Plexico; TimelyCare; mentor; or spiritual leader)
    Listen to music
    Set boundaries – take control and protect your time.
  3. Practice Mindfulness – Mindfulness means keeping a moment-by-moment non-judgmental awareness of your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment.
    Try yoga or tai chi
    Create art or other activity that requires your total focus (i.e., cooking, gardening)
    Learn box breathing or other breathing practice
  4. Stay active – enough
    Go jogging or hiking
    Play a solo or team sport
    Take yourself out to an art fair, play, or new restaurant
  5. Get Creative
    Pick up a new skill or dance move
    Plan a staycation
    Reorganize your room or personal space; clear out clutter

Spend a proper amount of time each week taking care of yourself whether you’re in school or on break. This will help you do your best in all areas of your life.

If you want some help setting some rest and relaxation goals, call 618-235-2700 ext. 5495.

You may also use this link to make a coaching appointment:

We look forward to seeing you soon. And if you mention that you saw this blog or one of our other Success Coaching blogs, you can pick something from our collection of free gifts and prizes.

Find Your Purpose with Success Coaching

Sometimes, on that freeway of life, we find that we would like to make a turn. For instance, it  happened to Jami Houston, Director of Success Programs here at 开云电竞. Before she even began her first semester of college, Jami said she found herself changing majors.

“I applied to college as a history, pre-law major,” she explained. “I really had no idea what I wanted to do. A conversation with my dad, led me to think about sports marketing. When I went to orientation to register for my first semester classes, I knew I didn’t want to major in history, so the advisor changed me to undecided.”

Once Jami started the semester, she met with her advisor who “let me know some options including advertising, marketing, and leisure studies. I didn’t want to do the math required for marketing, so I chose advertising.”

If you have found that you are not thrilled with your major and you’re almost through the first (second or third) semester, you are not alone. About a third of all students change their major at least one time.

There are actions you can take if you are not sure about your current choice of major to help you narrow down the list or if you are still undecided. From creating a personal mission statement to identifying your interests, you can get closer to discovering your unique purpose.

But first, determine if you really need to change your major. For example, if you are struggling or uninterested in your classes, that may be a sign to consider a different degree plan. In addition, if you are not interested in pursuing a career in the major you have chosen, or if you only chose it because of the potential for lots of money, then you should probably change directions.

“Mean” professors and difficult courses are not usually reasons to switch majors.

Interests

Some methods that students have used to determine their major include knowing what they are good at and taking general education courses to help find out what they like.  Talking to an advisor or the Career Center can help you uncover your interests. Also, ask people with careers you’d like to have what their major was in college.

If you don’t have a strong sense of what your academic interests are, think about the classes and projects you have enjoyed.  Also, think about people who have changed your life for the better. Brainstorm how you like spending your time and list any skills you possess that you are proud of.

Another key to finding your interests is identifying what activities create a state of flow or put you ‘in the zone.’  These are terms that describe having a feeling of energized focus as you enjoy and are totally immersed in your what you are doing. This is a good indicator of something you may want to pursue as a career or hobby.

Also, spend time with people who inspire you. Make sure you are surrounding yourself with positive, goal-driven people who lift you up. You may even want to evaluate your relationships with friends to make sure you are not stuck in unproductive or unhealthy patterns of behavior.

VALUES & PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT

If you’re asking yourself, “What is my purpose?” you’re not alone. One study showed that only ¼ of American adults say they have a clear sense of purpose.

Think about what you believe in and think about the social causes you support.  Even consider what you would like to be remembered for at the end of your life. Ensure that passion — not duty — drives your purpose. What are some ideals you believe are important for living a good life?

Also, what kind of impact or change would you like to bring about in your community or the world? A mission statement states what you are going to do and why. The mission statement serves as a constant reminder of what is important to you.

Finally, adopt a growth mindset because it allows you to:

  • Embrace challenges as opportunities
  • Persevere in spite of failure 
  • Accept feedback and constructive criticism

When asked how changing majors worked out in the long run, Jami said,  “After college, I did work in advertising/communication briefly. But since then I’ve worked in event management, recreation, human resources, college admissions, academic support, and leadership with every position building on the experience I gained from the last. While I didn’t end up with a career in advertising, I still use the skills I learned from the degree such as working with people, understanding cultures, and professional communication skills.”

If you would like some help with creating your mission statement or learning more about a growth mindset, you may use this link to make a coaching appointment:

*Be sure and always meet with an advisor before dropping or adding classes!

For More Information

Undecided? Here are four steps to choosing a major

Start finding your purpose and unlock your best life

How to Know When You Should (or Shouldn’t) Switch Your Major

5 ways to find your purpose before choosing your major