Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By MEGAN HUGHES
IRONWOOD— The Gogebic Community College Board of Trustees met on Monday to discuss the approval of the Electric Line Technician course and to perform the 1-year review of the Automotive Technology Certificate course.
Jon Werkmeister, a member of the automotive faculty, presented the automotive technology certificate review to the board while sharing improvements that the program has seen, such as integrating the ability to earn a Ford factory certification. This is also something that the course is pursuing with Toyota in the future, according to Werkmeister.
“The program is doing well from what I can see,” said Werkmeister, “We have an agreement with CTE through GOISD that is working out really well, and we have new students coming in from that.”
The program has kept the faculty busy, bringing in new equipment through the Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District and additional, incoming Perkins Funding. The possibility also exists to expand offerings to light-duty diesel engines and to include more work with hybrid vehicles in the future.
“We are working with local shops as much as we can,” said Werkmeister. “The big thing is getting them out in the industry.”
At this point, Werkmeister is confident in GCCs ability to retain the students that have selected the college for this course. He believes the school is doing a good job continuing to improve what they can offer to incoming students.
This year, seven students are graduating from the program, and 22 students are enrolled through the CTE partnership.
The board heard a general update on enrollment management and strategic planning from GCC President Chris Patritto. He said that that several programs are in the planning stages at his point, with potential for a massage therapy course and lab science program.
Patritto said a lot of potential exists for related micro credential opportunities.
The board also heard a proposal for the returning Electric Line Technician program. The program was previously offered at GCC under the name of Electric Line Mechanic.
In preparation for the program, Patritto has been reaching out to various companies in hopes of arranging partnerships, as there is a high demand for the occupation.
The board approved the acceptance of the program as presented.
“It is so exciting to have a new program starting,” said Chairman Susan Beals.
The college has several events coming in the near future, including:
Today — GCC Athletic Banquet at 6 p.m.
May 6 — Last day of classes.
May 7-10 — Exam week.
May 10 — GCC Graduation at 5 p.m. in the Lindquist Center and Gymnasium.
May 15 —Michigan State Police Officer Memorial.
May 27 — Memorial Day (college closed).
June 3 — Start of Summer classes.
June 6 — GCC Basketball Border Bash.
June 8 — GCC Gitche-Gumee Coed Volleyball Tournament.
June 10-12 — GCC Volleyball Camp.
June 18-20 — GCC Basketball Camp for elementary students.
June 24-26 — GCC Basketball Camp for middle and high school students.
June 24-28 — Michigan State Police & Gogebic County Law Enforcement Career Academy.
In other news, the board:
—Tabled the first reading of board policy updates until the May meeting due to the absence of several board members.
—Introduced Megan Volaski, the new administrative assistant to the director of admissions. “I am really excited to be hear and to learn all that there is to know about GCC and how I can help the community,” said Volaski.
—Approved the list of 2024 graduates as presented. The graduation ceremony will be held on May 10 at 5 p.m.
—Heard the open positions update.
—Approved the minutes of the March meeting.
—Heard the Houghton update from Anthony Schwass. Houghton recently presented the Copper Country ISD a dual enrollment proposal, which — if approved — could begin as early as this fall. The career fair has been postponed till fall due to logistical issues. Houghton’s Samsons’ Stand is fully functional but not yet open to the public. The grand opening is expected to happen during orientation week.
—Heard a strategic planning update from Patritto. In addition, he said that he and Jennifer Sabourin, Vice President of Student and Athletic Services, spent a day in the capital, where they represented the college in meetings with lawmakers.
—Approved the Mt. Zion Easement after clarification from the City of Ironwood regarding insurance coverage and liability in the event of injury.
—Approved the start of renovation schematic design services by UPEA for GCC science labs. Renovations will be needed in the near future to maintain compliance with lab regulations.
—Approved an increase in price for the college’s student housing for single rooms by $50 per semester, resulting in a total of $2,450 per semester. Recommended by the director of student housing, this increase will allow the college to better meet the inflation of the last several years.
—Approved the fees for the 2024-2025 school year as presented.
