Ideas for Classes?

If you have any ideas for new classes at the ACTC, let us know. You can write a comment to this post (click on comment and then add your thoughts) or call us at 630-906-4248. You can also send an email to: jsotir@waubonsee.edu

One class we are considering for spring semester is a basic accounting class. If you think you might be interested in this (perhaps as a continuation of your Quick Books classes), let me know.

Veterans Day Observance at Sugar Grove

Just a reminder: The ACTC and Open Lab will be CLOSED on Wednesday, November 11 in honor of Veterans Day. WCC will offer an observance:

Sugar Grove – Waubonsee Community College will host a Veterans Day Observance at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11, in the Academic and Professional Center on its Sugar Grove Campus, Route 47 at Waubonsee Drive. The event is free and open to the public.
Along with the college’s music department and student veterans, the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) unit from East Aurora High School will also participate in the observance. The program will include the presentation of colors, the National Anthem, a reading of the president’s veterans day proclamation, the placing of a memorial wreath, and a drill team performance.

Absolutely Basic Computer!

Additional Classes for Absolutely Basic Computer to be offered in November and December. Sometimes Basic just isn't basic enough...

New to computers? Nervous about what can happen? We can help! Sign up for our Absolutely Basic Computer classes, to be offered in two sessions:

November:
Absolutely Basic Computer 1 Tuesday, Nov. 17, 4-6 PM

Absolutely Basic Computer 2 Friday, Nov. 20, 1:30-3:30 PM

December:
 Absolutely Basic Computer 1 Tuesday, Dec. 8, 4-6 PM
Absolutely Basic Computer 2 Friday, Dec. 11, 1:30-3:30 PM

Classes will also be held in the spring semester. Check schedule for available dates and times.

Session 1 will get you started using the computer correctly, understanding how to access and use the Internet, using the ACTC student blog, and creating and using an email account.
Session 2 will give you more information on using email and attachments, and learning about Web sites such as social network sites (such as Facebook), Shopping, Useful sites (Web MD, Orbitz Travel) etc. You'll also learn about online security.

Interested in Volunteering?

If you have some time to spare, the Waubonsee Community College Adult Literacy Volunteer Project could use your talents. One in five adults in Illinois lacks the skills needed to access or enjoy reading materials. Two million adults are not only disconnected from learning, they are unable to participate fully in the workplace, in their children's education and in society. In the area served by Waubonsee College, an estimated 23,000 immigrants live in households where English is not the primary language.

Volunteers are needed for reading, English as a Second Language and Computer Literacy. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Kathy Turnowchyk, Coordinator of Volunteer Tutors, or Sherry Woodward, Adult Literacy Manager, at 630-801-7900 ext. 4107. They will get you a packet of information and answer any questions you may have.

WCC Job Club

Job Club
Call Career Services to Register
630-466-2368

WORKSHOPS 2ND & 4TH Tuesdays of the month, 2 - 3 p.m.
Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove Campus
Map & Directions available at: http://www.waubonsee.edu/about/sgdirpark.php

Oct. 13 - Behavioral Interviewing Presenter TBD STC 106
Prepare for behavioral interview. Employers today are asking probing questions to learn how you will “behave” in a given situation. Learn what employers are looking for and answer strategies.
Oct. 27 - Career Changers: Transitional Resume and Cover Letter

Presenter TBD Bldg. A 129
Information on creating a resume and cover letter that markets your skills for your new career. Identify your transferable skills and effectively promote them in your resume and cover letter.
Nov. 10 – Topic to be Determined Presenter TBD STC 106
Dec. 8 – Staying Upbeat During the Job Search Presenter Tom Piekarczyk STC 106
Learn how to avoid inertia and emotional barriers and keep positive during your job search.
Dec. 22 – Researching Employers Presenter Anderson Lee STC 106
Learn how to gather information about prospective employers before sending your resume or going to an interview. Web sites for networking and blogging are an increasingly popular way for job seekers to check out potential employers and get the inside scoop on perspective companies.
Jan. 12 - Target Your Career Presenter TBD STC 106
Discover what type of job you want to pursue and your options. Identify a specific goal or focus for your job search.

Answers to Questions Asked

" If I fail the certification test on the first try, what happens next? '

ANSWER: You will have 30 days to re-take the test. You will be emailed a new voucher number and expiration date to use.

" How do I let employers know I have certification?'

ANSWER: You would list on your resume "Microsoft certified in (example) Excel,2007", (and possibly the certificate number and date)and make sure that you have your certifications available when you are called for an interview. If you do NOT take the certification test, you can still list on your resume that you are "Current in Microsoft (example) Excel, 2007" but be sure that you do not say you are 'certified in Microsoft'. Many employers will find that to be enough. And remember, when you finish each Microsoft course, you will be able to print a 'Completion Certificate' which you can also use to prove you have finished the training course.

"What can Waubonsee do to help me?

ANSWER: WCC has a Presidential Inititive called 'Brighter Futures' which offers a variety of useful programs and even scholarships. I list as many of these events as I can on this blog. There is a very easy to apply for scholarship sponsored by the WCC Foundation for those of you who are unemployed. The scholarship offers $500 towards a Workforce Development course. To obtain an application form, go to: http://www.waubonsee.edu/brighterfutures

For information on courses available in Workforce Development, visit:
http://www.waubonsee.edu/workforcedev


Also, Waubonsee Community Education and Career Services both offer assistance. Check them out on the waubonsee.edu website. I'll list special services, such as the new Career Club, in the left hand column of this blog, under 'WCC Career Services Sites'. Just find the title you are looking for and click to take you directly to that site. WCC is a community college, and when the community needs assistance, we will do what we can to assist.

New EA Information

Below is additional information regarding Elevate America:

Please make one final push to encourage your clients to activate the training vouchers and take the certification examinations ASAP. All training vouchers must be ACTIVATED on the Microsoft learning portal by October 31, 2009. Clients using the examination vouchers must complete testing at a Certiport Center by October 31, 2009. Lumity (a Certiport Center in Chicago) is offering FREE certification exams on the days and times listed below:

o Wednesday, October 28, 2009 – 10am-1pm
o Thursday, October 29, 2009 – 3-5pm
o Friday, October 30, 2009 – 3-5pm

The State of Illinois has "recaptured" a number of vouchers that were assigned in August but never activated. Please advise your clients to contact EAOffice2007@illinoisworknet.com if they are interested in a training "course set" including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

FREE COMPUTER RESOURCES

The goal of Elevate America is to provide Illinois workers with computer technology training. Even though all of the vouchers have been assigned, there is a number of FREE training resources available including:

Microsoft Digital Literacy (Basic Training)

http://www.microsoft.com/about/corporatecitizenship/citizenship/giving/programs/up/digitalliteracy/default.mspx

Microsoft Office 2003 - 2007 (Intermediate Training)
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/default.aspx

Goodwill Community Foundation (Basic and Intermediate Training)
http://www.gcflearnfree.org/computer/

Illinois WorkNet (Job Search & Career Development)
http://www.illinoisworknet.com/