History
Action by people with a sense of responsibility―perhaps these words best express the reason for the rapid development of Southwestern Michigan College from an idea formally discussed in the summer of 1963 to its reality today.
After a number of meetings in the summer of 1963 discussing post-high school education in the county, a Cass County Citizen’s Advisory Committee was established by the Lewis Cass Intermediate School District Board of Education on August 20, 1963. The purpose of the committee was to study the postsecondary educational situation for the young people and adults of the area. Even at this initial state, enthusiastic public support was evident. When funds were required to carry out the study, they were immediately provided by a “Committee of Fifty” that represented leaders in various areas of community life.
The Advisory Committee met during the next eight months and submitted its final report on May 7, 1964. The report indicated the need for the establishment of a public community college in Cass County and recommended that steps be taken to found one.
The Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction approved this application in August 1964. On November 3, 1964, the people of Cass County approved the establishment of the college, elected individuals to its first Board of Trustees, and approved a $1.5 million property tax levy to finance the institution. The existence of the college became official on November 19, 1964, when the newly elected Board of Trustees was sworn in.
At its first meeting, the Board of Trustees of Southwestern Michigan College set September 1966 as the opening date for the college and chose the site for the new college campus, a 158-acre tract of land in LaGrange Township bordered by Cherry Grove Road on the east and Dailey Road on the west. In December 1964, they selected the college’s first President, Dr. Nathan A. Ivey. In March 1965, the Board approved master building plans and the name “Southwestern Michigan College,” and the first student applications for admission to Southwestern Michigan College were accepted on July 1, 1965.
Mission Statement
The mission of Southwestern Michigan College is to serve our community by providing affordable, local access to high-quality postsecondary career preparation and college education-including the total college-life experience.
Core Values
The core values of Southwestern Michigan College describe the beliefs that direct the college in all that it does.
- “Excellence with a personal touch” is a working principle guiding our actions.
- High quality is inherent in all that we do.
- We have a commitment to be responsible managers of college resources: of human resources by promoting growth, satisfaction, and empowerment; of financial resources by operating with a balanced budget and investing in the future; and of physical resources by maintaining a high-quality physical plant.
- We believe in knowledge for all. As the only institution of higher education in the district, Southwestern Michigan College has the dual responsibilities of providing postsecondary career preparation for those who are seeking immediate employment and providing college coursework and degrees for those seeking baccalaureate degrees.
- We have a commitment to being a learner-centered college, developing students through a total college-life experience, and providing them with 21st-century services.
Accreditation
Southwestern Michigan College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604-1411
https://www.hlcommission.org
Southwestern Michigan College is also a member of the American Association of Community Colleges.
AACC
One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
https://www.aacc.nche.edu
The Associate in Applied Science in Nursing program at Southwestern Michigan College is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
https://www.acenursing.org
The Automotive Technology program is accredited by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
1503 Edwards Ferry Rd., NE, Suite 401
Leesburg, VA 20176
https://www.ase.com
Administrative Leadership and Deans
There are so many wonderful people at SMC who will teach, guide, encourage, mentor, and support students through their educational journey. Here is a list of just a few of them, our leadership team:
- Mr. Brent Brewer, Interim President
- Dr. Melissa Kennedy, Dean
- Dr. Karen Reilly, Dean
- Dr. Katie Hannah, Vice President for the Student Experience
- Mr. Michael O’Brien, Chief Marketing Officer
- Ms. Michelle Kite, Interim Chief Financial Officer
- Mr. Mick Valeris, Chief Information Officer
- Dr. Jeff Freels, Chief Assurance Officer
- Ms. Chris Smith, Office of Academic Affairs
Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy
Southwestern Michigan College is committed to diversity and providing an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the unique value and perspective of each person.
The college is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, education, all of its programs and use of its facilities for all persons regardless of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, creed, ancestry, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, pregnancy, familial status, marital status, military status, veteran’s status, or other status as protected by law or genetic information in all programs, activities, services, employment, and advancement including admission to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment that is unrelated to the person’s ability to perform the duties of a particular job or position or that is unrelated to the person’s ability to participate in educational programs, courses, services, or activities offered by the college.
The college complies with all state and federal laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination including, but not limited to, the Elliott Larson Civil Rights Act, Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and with all requirements and regulations of the U.S. Department of Education. The college does not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation.
For inquiries related to Title IX please contact the Director of Security and Conduct (for students) or the Director of Human Resources (for employees). For inquiries related to the Equal Opportunity Policy and/or Title VI, Section 504, or the ADA please contact the Vice President for Student Experience.
Director of Security and Conduct, David C. Briegel Building, Room 2104, 58900 Cherry Grove Rd., Dowagiac, MI 49047, 269-782-1321, titleix@swmich.edu.
Director of Human Resources, David C. Briegel Building, Room 2106, 58900 Cherry Grove Rd., Dowagiac, MI 49047, 269-783-2110, titleix@swmich.edu.
For inquiries related to the Equal Opportunity Policy and/or Title VI, Section 504, or the ADA, please contact the Vice President for Student Experience.
Vice President for Student Experience, David C. Briegel Building, Room 1101A, 58900 Cherry Grove Rd., Dowagiac, MI 49047, 269-783-2185, civilrights@swmich.edu.
For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit the Office for Civil Rights website for the address and phone number of the office that serves your area, or call 1-800-421-3481.
Title IX Policy
Southwestern Michigan College is committed to complying with the Title IX amendment, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex, including gender-based behaviors that deny a student the ability to participate in their educational experience. This includes all forms of sexual violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, and domestic violence. See the full Sexual Misconduct Policy https://www.swmich.edu/life-at-smc/campus-security/sexual-responsibility-and-misconduct/ on the SMC website.
Services for Students
Most services at Southwestern Michigan College are available virtually. Please contact the appropriate department below for more information.
Student ID Cards
Student ID cards are used for many things at SMC. They are available for all registered students and are mandatory to access the Student Activity Center and for residence life students to gain access to residence halls and rooms. In addition, the student ID card is needed for campus printing and serves as a library card. Online program students do not need an ID card but can request one. The card must be activated in order to check out books and materials. A student ID card may be obtained at the Office of First Year Experience on the Dowagiac campus or the Student Service Center on the Niles campus. This card should be carried at all times. A replacement fee of $15.00 is charged for all lost or damaged cards.
Student Employment
Many students enjoy having a job on the SMC campus and contribute to the success of the school. Two part-time on-campus student employment programs are in operation at SMC. The Federal Work-Study Program is supported through government funds and provides part-time campus jobs to eligible students. In addition, there are a limited number of regular campus jobs that are available for students. To browse and apply for student jobs, visit swmich.edu/jobs.
Testing Centers
Testing Centers are located on the Dowagiac campus in the Briegel Building and on the Niles campus. Please review the testing policies and procedures below. If you have questions about testing, contact the Testing Center at 269-782-1347 or testingcenter@swmich.edu.
Placement Testing
New students admitted to the college may be required to complete placement testing before registering for classes for prerequisite or placement purposes. Accuplacer placement tests are available in reading, writing, and math. ACT, SAT, or high school GPA may be sufficient for placement. Placement test results are issued for course placement and, in some cases, for program requirements. Testing is free, requires a photo ID, and is offered on both the Dowagiac and Niles campuses. Students requiring disability accommodations for testing should contact Disability Services at 269-782-1303. Contact testingcenter@swmich.edu or call 269-782-1347 for an appointment for testing. Remote testing may also be available.
Placement Retesting
Students may retest one time in each subject area prior to the add/drop period. Same-day retesting is not permitted, and placement is based on the highest score. Accuplacer, SAT, and ACT reading and writing scores are valid for ten years; math scores are valid for two years. Any exceptions must be approved by the appropriate Department Chair and the Testing Center Coordinator.
Students seeking to retest for the purpose of accelerating through an approved math sequence (e.g., jumping from MATH 114 to MATH 130 ) are permitted to retest during any period of time in which they are not currently enrolled in a math course. A math Accuplacer fee of $20.00 is due at the time of testing, if the student is retesting for the purpose of accelerating through a math sequence that they have already initiated. Students should be aware that they will earn no academic credit for accelerating to a higher math course through a successful retesting process. Also, final grades earned in previous courses cannot be changed through the retesting process. Students are expected to meet with an advisor prior to scheduling the retest session. Students are also expected to study for the retesting. Resources can be found at studentportal.accuplacer.org.
Achieved Credit by Examination (ACE)
Achieved Credit by Examination, or ACE, is one way to earn credit for some SMC courses. ACE tests are written by SMC faculty and reflect the content taught in courses, similar to a comprehensive final exam. Credit achieved through ACE testing might not be transferable to other institutions. Students who plan to transfer to another college should contact that institution and inquire whether ACE credits are accepted there. Course objectives, score requirements, and other specifications are located in the Testing Center and the Fred L. Mathews Library. To be eligible to take an ACE test, students must have an application for admission on file with SMC and present a valid picture ID at the time of testing. Each test can be taken one time only and has a non-refundable fee of $50.00 to be paid via cash or check in the Testing Center at the time of testing. Test results may take up to four weeks.
Subject Challenge Tests
Challenge Tests allow students to test out of a basic-level course. The exams are not for credit but will allow students to take the next-level course in sequence. There is no fee for the first test. One retest is allowed, with a fee of $20.00. Contact the Testing Center for available Challenge Tests.
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
SMC offers CLEP testing by appointment, with an additional $20.00 proctor fee at the time of testing. Information regarding available tests and SMC equivalencies can be found in the Testing Centers. Prior to sending scores to another institution, students should contact that institution and discuss whether they accept CLEP exams for credit. Registration must be completed at clep.collegeboard.org. For more information, contact the Testing Center at 269-782-1347.
Student Advising
The Office of First Year Experience guides students through their first year at SMC and eases them through the transitions of college. First-time degree or certificate-seeking students admitted to the college must sign-up for New Student Orientation. At this orientation, students will learn about college resources, degree requirements and program options, and register for their classes with guidance from an academic advisor. First year students will have the opportunity to participate in first-year programming that encompasses: convocation, learning communities, lunch and learns, academic success workshops and many other events. Contact the Office of First Year Experience at 269-782-1499 or email fye@swmich.edu.
All students will be assigned an academic advisor for their entirety at SMC. Students will collaborate with advisors to discuss degree requirements, register for classes, participate in degree planning, explore transfer options in preparation of completing their degree. Students that pursue occupational pathways will benefit from internship and career opportunities. Contact the Academic Advising and Resource Center at 269-782-1303 or email askanadvisor@swmich.edu.
Online Program Advising
Students interested in any of SMC’s online programs will be assigned an online program advisor who will guide them through the curriculum, help them with registration, and be available to answer any questions that may arise as they go through the program.
The Honors Program
The Honors Program was designed to give high-achieving students the opportunity for advanced study in their chosen curriculum with one-on-one guidance from experienced faculty. Students who participate in the Honors Program prove that they have the aptitude and determination to perform above and beyond the call of duty and are highly attractive to employers and major universities. Students interested in the Honors Program at SMC should review the admission criteria, application procedures, and expectations at https://www.swmich.edu/academics/honors-program/.
Career Development
The Office of Career Development provides students with resources and assistance as they explore academic and career pathways, identify and develop in-demand skills, prepare to present themselves confidently and professionally and connect with employers.
Located in the Academic and Advising Resource Center on the Dowagiac campus, career services are available to all SMC students and alumni. In-person or virtual visits can be scheduled to meet with a career coach, take personality assessments, and/or attend workshops or networking events. They can also access career services online from the SMC Wired website under the “Career” tab to explore additional career resources and employment opportunities. Contact the Career Development Manager at 269-782-1490 or email careerdevelopment@swmich.edu.
Disability Services
SMC is committed to complying with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended. Disability Services provides resources, education, and accommodations to ensure that individuals with disabilities achieve equal access to all aspects of the college experience. Students have the right to either disclose or not disclose a disability. Students wishing to receive academic accommodations must apply for Disability Services and provide documentation of disability. If a student does not have documentation, the student can contact Disability Services for a confidential discussion. For more information, contact the Academic Advising and Resource Center (AARC) at 269-782-1303 or email disabilityservices@swmich.edu. Accommodations can take several weeks to implement, so students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
The Fred L. Mathews Library
The Fred L. Mathews Library is the college’s primary resource for learning support to all students, including online program students. It is home to the Carol A. Tate Teaching and Learning Center, which offers free tutoring to students. The library offers scholarly and fiction books, databases, eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, and more for students to borrow for free. Students will find that the Fred L. Mathews Library is a place to unwind between classes, receive reference services, and study independently or in groups. The Carol A. Tate Teaching and Learning Center on the Niles campus also offers free tutoring as well as library services, including the ability to send and receive materials between both campuses. For more information, contact the Fred L. Mathews Library at 269-782-1339 or email library@swmich.edu.
The Carol A. Tate Teaching and Learning Center
The Carol A. Tate Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) offers free subject-specific tutoring and academic support for all SMC students both in person and online. It is located in the Fred L. Mathews Library on the Dowagiac campus and off the main commons area at the Niles campus. The TLC is also a computer lab and study space. It is a great place to work independently, in a study group, or with a learning consultant. Beyond subject-specific tutoring, they can also help with study skills, test-taking prep, using campus technology including Moodle, and more. For more information, contact the Carol A. Tate Teaching and Learning Center at 269-782-1409.
Bookstore
All required textbooks are available in the SMC bookstore located in the bookstore annex to the Dale A. Lyons Building on the Dowagiac campus. Class materials, computers, apparel, and a variety of miscellaneous college items are also available, as well as digital and rentable textbooks. For more information, contact the bookstore at 269-782-1384 or visit the online store at https://www.swmich.edu/life-at-smc/student-services/bookstore/.
Niles Campus Student Services
Students who take courses on the SMC Niles campus are afforded many of the same quality services as on the Dowagiac campus. Such services include veterans’ advising, student advising, career services, financial aid, tutoring and writing assistance, testing, a fitness room, food options, a game room, and more.
Records Office
The Records Office maintains all student academic records, including the processing of diplomas and graduation. Other services include name and address changes, course audit requests, transfer credit evaluations, as well as the processing of official and unofficial transcripts. Students and alumni can order transcripts online anytime at www.getmytranscript.com. This service allows for electronic processing and distribution of transcripts for employment, further schooling, or any other purpose. For more information about the Records Office and its services to SMC students, contact 269-782-1351 or email records@swmich.edu.
Campus Security
SMC is committed to ensuring the safety of students so that they can concentrate on their studies. To this end, the following measures are coordinated through the Campus Security office.
Patrols
Each campus is patrolled by campus security and local law enforcement. The college also contracts with private security, the Dowagiac Department of Public Safety, and the Cass County Sheriff’s Offices to provide 24-hour protection and response for the college.
Severe Weather Alerts
The National Weather Service has certified both of SMC’s campuses as STORMREADY. This means that SMC has outstanding weather monitoring and reporting systems in place, including 24/7 monitoring of National Weather Service alerts.
Emergency Situations
Students and staff receive training throughout the year on various hazardous situations, including active violence training and severe weather and evacuation procedures. Each building has designated first responders for medical response and evacuation situations. Emergency procedures and contact information are posted in every room.
Emergency Notification
The college uses outdoor sirens and the RAVE notification system to alert students and staff to emergency situations and campus closings. The RAVE system sends notifications via phone calls, text messages, emails, and on-campus computer monitors. Students should update their emergency information by accessing swmich.edu/rave.
Prevention
Campus safety is enhanced through a web of security features such as video cameras, emergency phones in each building, electronic door locks, and specialized lighting. The residence halls have additional security features including secured keycard entry into parking lots, residence halls, suites, and bedrooms; a Resident Assistant on each floor; a Residence Hall Manager in each building available 24/7; and a front desk in each building where visitors must check in.
Reporting and Emergencies
For emergencies, contact 911. An anonymous, non-emergency reporting system (https://www.swmich.edu/concerns) is also in place in order to identify concerning behaviors and incidents. Campus Security can also be contacted directly at 269-782-1234 or 269-783-2194.
Commencement
When a student is nearing the end of their program, they should plan to participate in commencement. A commencement ceremony is held once each year in April/May. Students who finished their certificate or degree during the prior fall semester, as well as students who will finish their certificate or degree in the spring semester and upcoming summer semester are eligible to participate. To participate in commencement, students must complete two forms, the Application for Graduation form, and the Register for Commencement form, both of which are online. Failure to submit either of these documents by the posted deadline could result in not being able to walk in commencement.
|
