Center for Adult Learning

Transcription

1 Center for Adult Learning V O L U M E 1, I S S U E 1 J U N E SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST: Welcome to the Center for Adult Learning! Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Welcome to the Center for Adult Learning! First Steps Meet our Staff Workshops and WorkSkills INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Ribbon Cutting 2 Ceremony What Is the 2 Center for Adult Learning? First Steps 3 Welcome to the brand new Center for Adult Learning! We are so excited about our new center and all of the wonderful opportunities it brings to serve adult learners in Madison and the surrounding communities. Last year, in South Central Wisconsin, we had 5100 workers who were dislocated through no fault of their own. In just a few short months, with the support of the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin, Wisconsin Innovation in Regional Economic Development, and the Fund for the Improvement of Post Secondary Education, Madison College planned, built, and staffed the Center for Adult Learning in order to increase our ability to serve our dislocated workers. The center is a tribute to the college s commitment to our community and our long-standing success of Nancy Woodward Director, Center for Adult Learning helping people to retrain and reenter the workforce. Shortly after we opened the center, one of our Madison College faculty members came for a tour. After her tour, she turned to us and said, Wow, the center feels so optimistic! She put into words exactly what we are looking to accomplish: A place where our students can find hope, encouragement, and optimism for the future. Whether it is learning beginning computer skills in our Workplace Skills Center; attending workshops on money management, stress reduction, or financial aid; attending one of our many academies; or being greeted by the friendly and welcoming staff when they walk in the door, we have a place for dislocated workers to start their path back to a job. Meet the Staff 4 Workshops and 8 WorkSkills The Center for Adult Learning was funded in part by the following partners: Fund for the Improvement of Post Secondary Education (FIPSE) Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED)

2 PAGE 2 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Center for Adult Learning Director Nancy Woodward gives opening remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Other speakers included (from left) Pat Schramm, Dr. Bettsey Barhorst, and Secretary Roberta Gassman. The Center for Adult Learning officially opened for business with a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 17, 2010, but the center was operating long before then. The center opened its doors on February 1, and has been helping adult students return to school as far back as the summer of The ceremony was kicked off with a campus tour. Attendees were able to view the newlyrenovated section of the Commercial Avenue Campus where the Center for Adult Learning has made its home. Nancy Woodward, Director of the Center for Adult Learning gave opening remarks, followed by Madison College President Dr. Bettsey Barhorst, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Roberta Gassman, and Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin Pat Schramm. The ribbon was cut by Frances Huntley-Cooper, Vice-Chair of the Madison College District Board, Dr. Bettsey Barhorst, Secretary Roberta Gassman, Pat Schramm, and Florenzo Cribbs, an Academy student at the Center for Adult Learning. Cutting the ribbon. From left, Dr. Bettsey Barhorst, Frances Huntley- Cooper, Florenzo Cribbs, Secretary Roberta Gassman, and Pat Schramm. What Is the Center for Adult Learning? The Center for Adult Learning, located at Madison College s Commercial Avenue campus, is a one-stop-shop for students to access all services necessary for success in attaining their educational goals. Services include: Registration and Admissions Financial Aid Counseling Career Counseling Academic Advising and Coordination Workplace Skills Instruction Workshops and Group Advising Sessions Job Center Services Career Pathway Academies The academies are groups of college courses that prepare students for employment as well as laddering into Madison College programs. Some current academies include: Information Technology Business Technology Dental Assistant Advanced Certified Nursing Assistant Patient Care Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Industry Maintenance Welding The center primarily serves dislocated workers during these tough economic times but will grow to serve all nontraditional students in the future. The Center for Adult Learning works in collaboration with the Work- force Development Board of South Central Wisconsin and the WorkSmart System. The academies are offered through a partnership between the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin and Madison College.

3 PAGE 3 First Steps for Dislocated Workers Dislocated workers interested in taking advantage of all the Center for Adult Learning has to offer should follow a few first steps to make sure they are taking full advantage of what may be available to them. STEP ONE Get connected with your local Job Center Step one is REQUIRED! You may be eligible for funding to help pay for your education, but the only way to find out is by attending a Disclocated Worker Orientation at your local Job Center. Register at worksmart.comeherefirst.org. Orientation sessions fill up fast, so register early! STEP TWO Attend a Dislocated Worker Workshop at Madison College Center for Adult Learning Step two is OPTIONAL, but highly recommended! Al Studesville is a counselor at Madison College who has worked with dislocated workers for over 15 years. His workshop is held most Mondays from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Center for Adult Learning. Register online at Note: This workshop is NOT the same as the Dislocated Worker Orientation from Step 1. You MUST attend the orientation at the Job Center to see if you qualify for benefits. STEP THREE Start skill building Need to sharpen your skills? Attend free classes to help you improve your skills in computers, math, reading, and writing, as well as study skills and test preparation. Open lab times are available so that you can get instruction in any subject, ask questions, and practice the new skills you are learning! There are Workplace Skills Centers throughout the Madison College district. A schedule of classes is available at No need to register ahead of time. Just show up! Welding Academy

4 PAGE 4 MEET THE STAFF Nancy Woodward, Director Nancy Woodward has over 22 years experience working with adult and nontraditional learners as both an administrator and faculty. From , Nancy was the Director of Lakeland College- Fox Cities Center, a regional campus for adult and nontraditional students. Prior to her position at Lakeland College, Nancy was the Director of Employment and Training at CAP Services from where she created and managed the Skills Enhancement Program. Beyond her administrative work, Nancy has taught adult learners for over 20 years. She has taught face-to-face, online, hybrid, and accelerated undergraduate and graduate courses at several colleges and universities across Wisconsin. Nancy is a strong believer in lifelong learning. She holds a Master of Business Administration, Master of Education (Higher Education/Adult Learner emphasis) and a Master of Arts in Counseling (Higher Education Emphasis). In addition, she is a Certified Family Development Specialist from the University of Iowa Graduate School of Social Work. Nancy was trained as a Six Sigma Green Belt and uses Continuous Quality Improvement tools to approach her daily work. Marjorie Cook, Senior Advisor Marjorie began working for Madison College 11 years ago as student help in Advising and Career Resources (ACR). While working on her Master s degree at UW-Madison, she completed an internship in ACR. She subsequently worked for 2 years in a casual position as Research Analyst to assist with the design and implementation of ACR s advising model. She began working fulltime with Diane Walleser in Marketing in Marjorie is also an educational researcher and author, studying psychosocial, cultural, and institutional factors that affect decision-making and goal attainment among community college students. Marjorie graduated with a Ph.D. from UW-Madison in May Nidia Hundley, Senior Advisor Before coming to work for the Center for Adult Learning, Nidia was working as a program planner responsible for coordinating certificate programs and courses (credit and non-credit) under the Multilingual Occupational Opportunities Instructional Unit. For the last two and a half years, she has been accountable for recruiting, assessing, and advising current and potential students on courses and bilingual certificate programs offered at the South Campus, among other duties. Nidia has a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication science and a Master of Business Administration focused on international business. Prior to Madison College, she worked in several companies where she gained more than 10 years experience in communication, marketing, teaching, training, and international customer service.

5 PAGE 5 MEET THE STAFF Lisa Lomasney, Lead Instructor Lisa has been working as a Workplace Instructor with College Preparedness and Academic Advancement Center (CPAAC) through Business Industry and Community Services (BICS). Prior to the opening of the Center for Adult Learning, Lisa worked at the Work Skills Center located in the Dane County Job Center. Lisa enjoys working with nontraditional students, encouraging their enjoyment of skill building and knowledge attainment. Carmen Lucey, Enrollment Facilitator Carmen has been with Madison College for nearly 20 years. Positions held during this time include Student Support Facilitator, Enrollment Facilitator, and Basic Skills Instructor. She spent 18 years at the Fort Atkinson campus working in the Adult Learning Center, helping students prepare for GED/ HSED testing. She also worked with English language learners and was an assessor for the National External Diploma Program. More recently, Carmen worked in the Enrollment Center at the Truax campus before joining the team at the new Center for Adult Learning. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and is WTCS certified in basic skills. Donna Renteria, Administrative Specialist Prior to coming to work for the Center for Adult Learning, Donna had been working as a casual employee providing administrative coordination in the Center for Health and Safety Education (CHASE). Before that, Donna had provided human resource services at Madison College since Donna also worked at TDS in Middleton as a Human Resources Coordinator for the information technology and computing services areas. She moved to Madison in 1997 and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in communication from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a Human Resources certificate from Cardinal Stritch, a Professional Human Resources (PHR) with the Society of Human Resources, and is life insurance and mortgage licensed in the State of Wisconsin.

6 PAGE 6 MEET THE STAFF Chelle Scalzo, Enrollment Facilitator Prior to coming to work for Madison College, Chelle was a Writer/Editor for EDS, an HP Company. In that role, she wrote provider updates for Wisconsin s ForwardHealth system. Chelle also spent over four years working for Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, where she counseled students who fell behind on their loans, provided training and quality assurance for phone representatives, and managed the Reference Guide for the Repayment Solutions department. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in Alfonso Studesville, Counselor Alfonso is currently employed at Madison College as a Faculty Instructor and Student Services Career Counselor focusing on working with dislocated workers. He is also the President and owner, along with his wife, of Just Nails Studios and Just Nails Training Center in Fitchburg. Prior to joining Madison College, Alfonso was employed by Wisconsin Power and Light (now known as Alliant Energy) for 18 years performing several jobs and was a Regional Sales Manager for Dane County. He was a high school teacher and counselor at Madison East High School for nine years and the Program Director for South Madison Neighborhood Center (now known as the Boys and Girls Club). He belongs to numerous community groups and professional organizations. He has earned a Social Work, Education, and Master s degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison in Career and Professional Counseling, but he continues to teach and take graduate classes. He is well known as both an enthusiastic and motivating coworker and presenter. Jennifer Zarrinnam, Administrative Specialist Jennifer has been working as a casual employee since Mid-December She is an Administrative Coordinator at The Center for Adult Learning through the WIRED grant. Jennifer assists with budget management. Prior to coming to Madison College, Jennifer was a stay-at-home mom to her two boys. She has a various background with local companies from health claims data entry at WEA Trust to Placement Coordinator at Park West Personnel and Front Desk Assistant/Administrative Services at Promega. Jennifer also owns a small business, Twinkle Toes (on consignment at The Bohemian Bauble in Madison, a local coop artist gift shop) specializing in handmade bath and body feel goods, vintage collectibles/ clothing/accessories, as well as creations using vintage cast-offs. Jennifer has a Bachelor of Arts degree in foreign language (German) with a minor in linguistics from University of Texas at Arlington.

7 PAGE 7 WorkSmart Staff Deb Brey, Business Service Representative Deb has over 15 years of experience assisting others to find their direction in life. Through career advising and job matching, she is able to look at the big picture and assist her clients on the right path for success. Monica Littlegeorge, Special Response Team Monica has been providing Dislocated Worker Services for over 20 years throughout Wisconsin, primarily in the South Central area. Currently part of the Special Response Team, her role involves all aspects of services from Rapid Response presentations to case management. Anne Randolph, Special Response Team Anne has been working for Opportunites, Inc/Diversified Personnel Services (DPS) for the last four years as an Employee Coordinator, operating and recruiting in the Oconomowoc area. A partnering position has led her to Jefferson and Dane Workforce Job Centers and the Center for Adult Learning as an Industry Specialist Support. She has been working with individuals who have been dislocated from their jobs and assisting them with work search or schooling. She earned a Bachelor s degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2003.

8 WorkSkills Classes WorkSkills classes are free classes with a fabulous instructor who will help you improve your skills in computers, math, reading, and writing, as well as study skills and test preparation. Open lab times are available so that you can get instruction in any subject, ask questions, and practice the new skills you are learning! There are Workplace Skills Centers throughout the Madison College district. Check out the schedule of classes online at Classes at the Center for Adult Learning Mondays and Wednesdays 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Microsoft Training 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Math 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Algebra Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Open Lab 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Microsoft Training 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Open Lab We re on the Web! Upcoming Workshops Workshops are offered through the Center for Adult Learning to help dislocated workers with questions and concerns they have while they seek to further their education, change careers, and look for work. Check workshop times and register online at Dislocated Worker Workshop In this workshop, participants will learn about the steps, options and activities they will need to complete to participate in college classes and programs. Job Club Dislocated workers are invited to an open workshop to discuss potential jobs, concerns about acquiring employment, AND to participate in skilldevelopment activities. Financial Aid Help Session Dislocated workers attending this workshop will be able to set up their accounts and discuss financial aid concerns with a financial aid representative. Participants should bring their 2009 tax returns. Center for Adult Learning Room Commercial Avenue Madison, WI (608) calstaff@matcmadison.edu