SVCC Latest News Releases

SVCC Summer Adult Education Classes Start June 3

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:16:44 CDT

Sauk Valley Community College’s Adult Education Department will again offer its free adult education classes this spring starting the week of June 3, 2013. Class times and locations include:

SVCC Classes

ESL Tues-Thurs. 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Room 2L1A
GED Tues-Thurs. 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Room 1E08

Transportation from Dixon is available. The Lee/Ogle Transportation vehicle will pick students up in front of the Dixon Library at 8:30am and return after class.

Transportation from Rock Falls is available. The Whiteside Transportation vehicle will pick students up in front of Rock Falls Middle School at 8:30am and return after class.

Online GED Register June 4 from 2:00 – 4:00pm, Room 1E08
Occupational Knowledge Tues. & Thurs. 2:00 – 4:45 p.m. Room 1E08

This class is for the learner who wants to prepare a resume, participate in an interview and experience 15 hours of hands-on workforce training within a community business

College-Prep Mon. & Wed. 2:00 – 4:45 p.m. Room 2L5

This is an accelerated learning experience in the area of math for the high school student who’s ACT test scores were below the college-level requirement or the adult learner who has attained a GED but would like extra support before taking college-level math courses.

Classes in Sterling

Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES):

GED Tues.-Thurs. 9:00 – 11:00a.m.

St Mary’s Parish

ESL Tues.-Thurs. 9:00 – 11:00a.m.

Washington School: *Child care provided*

ESL Mon. & Wed. 5:00 – 7:00p.m.

Citizenship Study Sessions Mon. & Wed. 5:00 – 7:00p.m.

These classes prepare students to complete their GED, improve or develop skills in areas such as reading, writing and math, focus on career training and higher self-esteem to help lead to the workforce or a college education. Students can register on the first day of class at the locations listed above.

Students will register the first day of class with exception to the online GED class. The opportunities are for anyone 17 and older. For more information on adult education services, call 815-835-6310.

College Closed Memorial Day

Mon, 20 May 2013 13:47:17 CDT

Have a safe Memorial Day!

SVCC Honors 2013 Outstanding Alum Darin DeHaan

Mon, 20 May 2013 09:51:28 CDT

As Sauk Valley Community College students received their degrees Friday night, they heard, firsthand, what the future can hold for them as the 2013 Outstanding Alumni Award was presented to Darin DeHaan of Oregon.

DeHann, a 1993 criminal justice graduate, currently serves as the Chief of Police in Oregon, Illinois. After graduating from SVCC, DeHaan continued his education at Western Illinois University, earning a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement and justice administration in 1996. He then joined the City of Oregon as a patrol officer and climbed the ranks as a detective, corporal, sergeant, lieutenant and now chief of police. During this time Darin enrolled at Northwestern University to complete his master’s degree in public administration. With the Oregon Police Department, DeHaan established the first K-9 unit and wrote grants that brought in over $100,000 for the department.

DeHaan gives large credit to Sauk for where he is today stating, “With my education from Sauk, I was able to quickly and successfully climb through the ranks in law enforcement. This institution not only cares about the current learning environment for its students, but also focuses on preparing them for the future as well.”

When his job is not keeping him busy, he is involved in numerous organizations as a member of the Illinois Chief’s Association, the International Chiefs of Police Association, the Oregon Rotary, the Ogle County Domestic Violence Coalition and is the founder of the Ogle County Methamphetamine Awareness Coalition. He also coaches youth basketball and football and is an adjunct faculty member for SVCC’s criminal justice program.

The Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes those who have gone on to make a positive and lasting impact on their community or career field. Nominees must have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours or completed a certificate or degree at Sauk to be eligible. For more information about the Sauk Valley College Foundation or the Award, contact Amy Viering at 815-835-6329, or email at vierina@svcc.edu.

Watch the Health Careers Pinning and Commencement videos!

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:22:25 CDT

You can view the archived videos of the Health Careers Pinning and Commencement ceremonies by visiting Sauk's Ustream channel and clicking "Videos."

Both the Commencement and Health Careers Pinning ceremonies will also be available for purchase in either DVD or VHS format. To request copies, call the SVCC Instructional Technology Department at 815-835-6229.

Health Careers Pinning Ceremony

Commencement Ceremony

SVCC Summer Hours Start May 20

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:02:27 CDT

SVCC will switch to its four-day summer work schedule beginning Monday, May 20 and with regular schedules resuming August 12. Summer office hours will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday with the College closed on Fridays.

Hours for the Offices of Admissions, Counseling, and Financial Assistance will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursdays.

Library hours will be 7 a.m.-7p.m Monday through Thursdays.

Bookstore hours will be 8 a.m.-6p.m. Monday through Thursdays

Learning Assistance Center hours will be Monday and Thursdays 8 a.m.-3p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesdays 8 a.m.-7p.m.

Fitness center hours will be Monday-Thursday 6 a.m.-5p.m.; Friday 8 a.m.-12p.m.; Closed Saturdays

Testing Center hours will be Monday - Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Get Important SVCC News & Information To Your Phone

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:11:27 CDT

Get important information and news at the tip of your fingers by signing up for SVCC text alerts! Subscribe to receive quick, convenient information from our text groups (canceled classes, campus activities, important deadlines, personal notifications and more). You can subscribe or unsubscribe anytime you want! Learn how below.

Visit www.svcc.edu/txtalerts and log in using your Sauk Login (first.m.last)
You can add/remove devices and subscribe/unsubscribe to different types of alerts

SVCC and WIU Sign Dual Admission Degree Agreement

Wed, 08 May 2013 11:07:12 CDT

Sauk Valley Community College representatives met with Western Illinois University-Quad Cities representatives on Tuesday, May 7 to sign an agreement that will allow students to concurrently enroll at both institutions to obtain a degree in recreation, park and tourism administration.

Students interested in this field will have the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree in three years with a locked WIU tuition rate. Students can take courses at SVCC (at SVCC tuition rate) with one course at WIU (at WIU tuition rate) for the first two years and spend the third year finishing the bachelor’s degree at the Quad Cities campus. These “linkage programs” prepare students for upper-level classes and see a 90% retention rate as well.

“With affordability being so difficult, being able to save tuition dollars while obtaining an associate’s and bachelor’s degree is a wonderful thing,” stated Dr. George Mihel, SVCC president.

For more information on the linkage program, contact Alan Pfeifer, academic vice president at 815-835-. To learn more about WIU’s RPTA degree, visit http://www.wiu.edu/coehs/rpta/about.php.

De-stress for Finals! FREE Massage by Finney's Wellness Center

Mon, 06 May 2013 11:10:41 CDT

De-stress before finals! If you are an SVCC student, make sure to stop by the area in front of the gym for a free eight-ten minute massage from 12-3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7.

Thanks again to Finney's Wellness Center for great relaxation.

Learn About SVCC's Radiologic Technology Program

Mon, 06 May 2013 10:49:58 CDT

Find out about requirements, deadlines, and general information at the radiology information meeting.

Can't make this date? There will be one more meeting offered June 19 from 12-1:15 p.m. in 2H16.

Learn About the SVCC's Nursing Program

Mon, 06 May 2013 10:48:06 CDT

Find out about requirements, deadlines, and general information at the nursing information meeting.

Can't make this date? There will be one more meeting offered June 18 with the same time and location.

SVCC Students: Don't Forget About Bookstore Buybacks and Rental Returns

Wed, 01 May 2013 08:57:02 CDT

SVCC's Bookstore will hold its traditional Buyback Week Monday, May 13 through Friday, May 17. Students can return books Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-6p.m. and Friday 9 a.m.-4p.m.

Students wanting to sell books back will need to have their student ID number in print form. This can be a copy of this semsester's schedule, a Sauk library card, etc. The orginal receipt is not required.

Those that have rented books can return them at any time before Friday, May 17. If rented books are not returned by May 17, then there will be a late return fee (cost of book plus service charge).

Questions regarding buybacks and rentals can be asked at the bookstore located on the first floor.

SVCC Student Named to All-Illinois Academic Team

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:41:31 CDT

Geoff LeMay of Sterling represented Sauk Valley Community College for this year’s Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team.

LeMay was nominated for the Illinois All-Academic Team based on his outstanding academic achievement, campus leadership and responsible community involvement.

He will receive his associate’s degree in science this May and transfer to Northern Illinois University to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting and work toward his CPA. While at Sauk, LeMay was a part of student support services, ABC AmeriCorps, Phi Theta Kappa, the men’s tennis team and also tutored in the Learning Assistance Center. Geoff credits his award and success to SVCC. “It’s a no-brainer to attend Sauk. It’s inexpensive and quality is second to none, especially if you are serious about your education.”

Phi Theta Kappa is the international academic honor society for two-year colleges. Students are invited to join Phi Theta Kappa based on their grade point average, number of credit hours completed and enrollment in the community college.

Four SVCC Honors Students Receive Foundation Awards

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:36:50 CDT

Four Sauk Valley Community College Honors Program students were recognized April 24 for their outstanding academic achievement. The recipients include Andrew Cessna, Sterling; Abigail Davis, Chadwick; Allison Byrd, Sterling; and Len Michaels, Sterling.

Andrew Cessna, a business major, received a $550 award. His most recent projects include a detailed report of the role of credit rating agencies in the subprime mortgage crisis and the subsequent global financial crisis of 2008, a research based position paper addressing the topic of interrogational torture in a philosophical framework, a study of the evolution of intellectual property law as it pertains to patents and major problems that exist within the current system, a detailed analysis of speeches by Winston Churchill and Martin Luther King Jr and a study of how ethical models apply to business. His other past projects include a study of supermarket marketing techniques and the underlying psychological factors and concepts, a detailed statistical report involving the organization, analysis, and interpretation of data regarding worker demographics and a comprehensive business plan created for a potential online media company which analyzed major aspects such as operations, marketing, industry competition and cash flow projections.

Abigail Davis, a liberal arts major, received a $150 award. Her current project is a translation of a chapter of the book Til We Have Faces from English to French. Her past projects include a translation of a passage of Les Miserables from French to English, a paper which compared and contrasted general linguistics and French linguistics, a theatre project based on Hamlet, and an analysis, in French, of a French poem.

Allison Byrd, a biochemistry major, received a $150 award. Her current project is a calculus based paper on radiocarbon dating. Her previous project was a paper detailing the solution of the Predator-Prey problem using the Lotka-Volterra equations.

Len Michaels, a current scholar-at-large, received at $150 award. His most recent projects include a persuasive research paper on the unified belief system theory of religion and an essay/lecture on romantic heroes of literature. His past projects include teaching one week history units on Pre Civil War America and the Roman Republic and Empire.

Valarie Wittman and Steve Shaff, co-directors of Sauk’s Honors Program, presented the awards, which are made possible by the Sauk Valley College Foundation.

SVCC’s Honors Program provides unique educational opportunities for successful students. Once admitted to the program, students may pursue special intellectual interests and courses on an honors basis that extends beyond normal course demands. Students who complete projects then have the opportunity to apply for Foundation Scholarship Awards during the spring semester.

For more information on SVCC’s Honors Program, call Valarie Wittman, professor of computer information systems and Honors Program co-director, 815-835-6388 or Steve Shaff, professor of mathematics and Honors Program co-director, 815-835-6238.

The SVC Foundation provides funding for the Honors Program awards. Through its many services, the Foundation broadens Sauk’s range of educational opportunities and services for students. For more information on the Foundation, call 815-835-6219.

SVCC Students Showcase Talent at Performance Hour

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:34:16 CDT

Sauk Valley Community College students will showcase their talents at the Fine Arts Performance Hour Thursday, May 9 at 7 p.m. in the SVCC’s Mathis Theatre.

During this hour, students will represent each department of fine arts including music, theatre, visual art and creative writing. Performances will include scenes, devised performances pieces and original work read by the student authors. Student art work will also be on display

This free event will have something for everyone as well as give guests a chance to support the student talent. For more information, please contact Anna K. Kurtz at 815-835-6366.

A Million Reasons Why Reaches SVCC

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:23:02 CDT

Sauk Valley knows there are a million reasons why community colleges are the place to start higher education. That is why we have joined, like many other Illinois community colleges, the Illinois Community College Board’s A Million Reasons Why campaign this year.

There are nearly a million students per year educated through Illinois community colleges, millions of alumni who attended colleges and millions of reasons why employees, students and community members chose community colleges as a place to be educated and to work. ICCB has launched the campaign through social media as well as placed the campaign message at a large amount of events.

SVCC employees appeared in A Million Reasons Why t-shirts for a photo opportunity during in-service and to kick off the first day of the spring semester to continue the message that there are reasons why students are here.

You can check out more campaign information at www.facebook.com/illinoiscommunitycolleges?fref=pb

Fun Facts about Illinois Community Colleges:

48 Colleges in 39 Districts across the state
3rd largest community college system in America
65% of undergraduates in Illinois attend one of our colleges (community colleges receive 12% of Illinois higher education funding)
1,000,000 students per year are enrolled in our courses
Earning an associate degree from an Illinois community college adds $540,000 in lifetime earnings
The average tuition & fees are only $3,100 a year at Illinois Community Colleges.
As major employers and business entities, Illinois community colleges generate billions of dollars in local sales and wages and more than 55,000 jobs.
Nine out of 10 Illinois community college graduates live, work, pay taxes, and raise their families in Illinois; two-thirds have stayed in the community college district where they received their training.
The "typical" Illinois community college student is female, white, 31 years old, enrolled part-time, and preparing for transfer to a 4-year institution.
68% of all minorities in Illinois public higher education attend community colleges, and nearly 12,000 students with disabilities and 62,000 students with limited English proficiency are served each year.
Nearly 89 percent of the state's recent community college occupational graduates are either working or pursuing additional education.
Community colleges are taking on the huge task of "re-skilling" America's work force by helping literally millions of working adults develop higher levels of basic and technical skills. Success in this unprecedented challenge is essential if America's workers are to earn good wages and if their employers are to compete in demanding world markets.

*Cited from ICCB's A Million Reasons Why campaign

Learn About Careers and Job Opportunities at "Sauk Careers" Fair

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:50:31 CDT

Sauk Valley Community College will hold the “Sauk Careers” Fair Thursday, May 2 from 3-7 p.m. in the SVCC West Mall.

This free event is an opportunity for the public to learn about Sauk’s career programs and degrees as well as network with over 30 local businesses. It will give attendees an opportunity to find out why education is important in a career and also what skills are necessary in different fields. A free workshop will be available to learn what local employers look for and want in candidates in today’s workforce.

Also consider bring resumes as several businesses at the “Sauk Careers” Fair are currently collecting applications and filling positions including Nippon Sharyo, E.D.Etnyre, Frantz Manufacturing, Key Builders Construction, Borg Warner and Crescent Electric Supply.

Those who attend will have a chance to win professional and educational prizes including an Apple© Ipad, SVCC credit hours and more. For additional information about the career fair or Sauk career programs, contact Anita Carney, SVCC career service coordinator, at 815-835-6294.

Art Trip to Art Institute of Chicago April 25

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:13:53 CDT

Take a trip to Chicago Thursday, April 25 to explore paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculptures and a special exhibit featuring Picasso. The bus will leave SVCC at 8 a.m. and return at 6 p.m.

To be a part of this trip, pay a $37 fee in the business office and sign a waiver of liability form. For more information, contact Suzanne Gorgas at suzanne.m.gorgas@svcc.edu

SVCC Adjunct Faculty Job Fair

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:41:23 CDT

Sauk Valley Community College is seeking individuals for part-time teaching positions in various subjects. On Thursday, April 25 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., the College will hold an adjunct job fair to accept applications.

“Adjunct faculty members are an integral part of our operations at Sauk Valley Community College and allow us to expand our course offerings to the community,” states Jon Mandrell, dean of instructional services. “Many bring valuable workforce experiences and knowledge to the classroom as well, which enhances the learning experience for our students.”

Candidates must have a master’s degree and 18 graduate hours to teach disciplines including: art, accounting, biology, business, chemistry, computer application, engineering, English, math, nursing, physics, psychology, sociology and speech. A bachelor’s degree and/or work experience is needed for adult education, college readiness skills and manufacturing technology. An associate’s degree and/or related work experience is needed in nursing assistance program (RN with two years experience), electronics, electrical, graphic design, HVAC and welding.

Attendees will meet with administration and faculty, tour the building and gain insight on what is required of an adjunct faculty member at SVCC. This is a great opportunity to teach a class or two and help educate students in our community.

Attendees should bring resumes and copies of academic credentials. Light refreshments will be served. For more information or to send materials if unable to attend, email Mandrell at jon.d.mandrell@svcc.edu.

Enjoy the Music Department's Doubleheader Sunday Concert

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:46:38 CDT

The Sauk Valley Community College music department will present two concerts at two different locations on April 21. The doubleheader Sunday kicks off with the SVCC concert band at 2:00 p.m. at the Historic Dixon Theatre. The second concert of the doubleheader continues at 4:30 p.m. with the SVCC concert choir at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church in Dixon.

The SVCC concert band performance, under the direction of Mark Bressler, will present “An Afternoon at the Pops” featuring the following literature:

Minnesota March-John Philip Sousa
Orpheus in the Underworld Overture-Jacques Offenbach
Greek Folk Song Suite-Franco Cesarini
Mazama-Jay Chattaway
Dusk-Steven Bryant
Fanfare and Allegro-Clifton Williams
Selections from Cabaret-Kander/Ebb
Thundercrest-Eric Osterling

Later that afternoon, the SVCC concert choir, under the direction of Brad Linboom, will present Gabriel Faure’s “Requiem in D Minor.” This performance will feature soloists Mr. Antonio Quaranta of Chicago and Ms. Katie Boardman of Augustana College along with members of the Saint Luke’s parish choir and other members of the community.

Admission is free for all patrons at the Dixon Theatre and at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church. Donations for theatre renovations will be accepted at the door.