May  13,  2016Feb.  10,  2017  

The new Building Automation Systems Certificate program at College of DuPage prepares students for a growing field that merges traditional heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration knowledge with computer and IT skills. Recently approved by the Illinois Community College Board, the program is aimed at students who want entry-level positions as building controls technicians and current building stationary operating engineers who want to upgrade their skills and credentials. “In a vast majority of commercial buildings, the building’s systems are now controlled and monitored by computers,” said Jim Janich, Professor of HVACR. “Building automation is the fastest-growing area of the HVACR industry and makes up the core of the ‘green building’ trend. The perfect worker is someone who knows both the mechanical and computer systems, and a lot of companies are desperate to hire these people. But too few employees currently have both skills sets.” Read More

Double-Header Win for Pack the Place! College of DuPage basketball player Derek Evans makes a wicked pass during a triumphant double-header at the College’s Pack the Place attended by an estimated 200 students, employees and community members. Both the men’s and women’s teams cleared the court with wins against Olive-Harvey and Harper colleges, with final scores of 79-35 and 77-63, respectively. The “Pack the Place” event, part of the College’s ongoing year-long 50th anniversary celebration, featured free-throw competitions, meet-and-greets with COD athletes, free anniversary T-shirts, goodie bags and pep band performances. Click here for more images from “Pack the Place” or to view a video from the event. Read More

Prairie Light Review, a juried magazine produced twice a year by student editors enrolled in English 2210 at College of DuPage, recently received the First Place Magazine award from the American Scholastic Press Association for its fall and spring journals from the 2015-2016 academic year. “Our publication was judged on content coverage, organization, design, presentation and creativity,” said PLR advisor and COD Assistant English Professor Trina Sotirakopulos. “With a chance to score up to 1,000 points, PLR received a grand total of 950 point to reach the first place distinction.” PLR provides a venue for creative work produced by students, staff, faculty and members of the District 502 community. The spring 2017 submission deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 22. Please visit www.cod.edu/plr for more information. Read More

A month-long series of events celebrating Black History Month kicked off Feb. 2 at College of DuPage with a foot-stomping performance by the African Dance and Music Institute. Traditional drums and instruments, wind chimes, a tambourine, saxophone and beautiful voices entertained more than 150 students, employees and community members with songs from West Africa, the Island of Jamaica and soothing sounds of jazz and the blues. Audience members participated in singing together the Black National Anthem performed by the COD Chamber Singers and ended the ceremony on their feet, dancing and singing. Visit www.cod.edu/BHM for a complete list of upcoming events throughout February. Read More

February Service Anniversaries 5-Year: Joseph Carnana, Facilities Operations; Karen Halpan,Accounts Receivable10 Year: Russell Flex, Office and Classroom Technology;Lynette Trautwein, Learning Resource Center15 Year; Robert Littledale, Office and Classroom Technology

Welcome to our new employees hired at the Jan. 19 regular Board of Trustees Meeting. We’re glad you’re here! Please click here for a complete list of new hires.

THANK YOU to spring Welcome Table volunteers who assisted more than 2,116 students with a smile, directions and excellent first impressions of COD. Click here for a complete list of volunteers and a thank you note from the Welcome Table team.

Kudos to…COD President Dr. Ann Rondeau whose “Learning Network” column ran in the Feb. 3 issue of the Daily Herald. Please click here to read.

More Kudos to…College of DuPage faculty, staff and administrators who welcomed to campus Choose DuPage, an economic development alliance. The group held their January meeting at the College’s Technical Education Center. Following a presentation by keynote speaker Greg Baise, president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturer's Association, guests toured manufacturing labs and other facilities on campus. Cick here to view photos from this event.

More Kudos to…Associate English Professor Nicole Matos whose article, “Authenticity and the Job Interview” ran in the Vitae section of the Chronicle of Higher Education. Click here to read Nicole’s Jan. 17 article and click here for an archive of her recent Chronicle Vitae articles.

More Kudos to…President Dr. Ann Rondeau who recently hosted a multi-chamber breakfast (Glen Ellyn, Lisle Wheaton) at COD’s campus titled “COD – The Next 50 Years.” Click here for photos.

Kudos to…Kristina Henderson, coordinator of Student Life, and the New Student Orientation Team who oversaw this spring’s NSO attended by 183 students and 100 parents and family members Please click here to read a Thank You note for the individuals who assisted with this successful program.

More Kudos to…English Professor Tom Fate whose review of Michael Eric Dyson’s “Tears We Cannot Stop: A Sermon to White America” was published in the Feb. 8 issue of the Chicago Tribune. Please click here to read the review.

Inaugural Women in STEM Career Day Feb. 23 High school freshman and sophomore female students have been invited to meet with positive role models and participate in hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering and math at the Women in STEM Career Day on Thursday, Feb. 23, from 9:30 to 2:30 p.m. in SRC 2000. Read More

Nominations for 2017 Distinguished Alumni have been pushed back to Friday, Feb. 17. Click here to submit a nomination or to learn more.

Join Human Services faculty member Bruce Sewick for a premier of the recently released film “Psychedelic Mysticism” followed by a discussion on the use of MDMA as a therapeutic adjunct to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The screening and discussion will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27, in HSC 1234. Read More

Please remind students about the deadline for fall 2017 Foundation Scholarships, which is Thursday, March 23.

Click here to read a Thank You note from Reference Librarian and Professor Jennifer Kelley to the 21 readers who participated in the African American Read-In this week.

Visit www.cod.edu/calendar for a complete list of upcoming academic, social and cultural events at COD, including the free Salsa/Merengue/Bachata Dance tonight and the Sage Series, Senior Expo, Tech Talk, Global Flicks and Tax Help.

Purchasing Dates Please contact the College of DuPage Purchasing Department at ext. 2217 for questions about dates required for purchasing approval for upcoming Board of Trustees meetings.

Job Opportunities To view and apply for any posted job opportunity, go to: https://cod.hiretouch.com. Current employees should designate themselves as such on the application to be considered for positions prior to external applicants. For questions, please call ext. 2639.

COD Assistant Astronomy Professor Joe DalSanto will host a discussion of NASA’s Cassini spacecraft from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, in HSC 1234. This free event provides a comprehensive look at Cassini, which has orbited Saturn since 2004, completely revolutionizing scientists’ understanding of the planet’s system. From the intriguing ring system to its family of fascinating moons, Cassini ends its voyage this summer. Registration is required. For more information, call Joe DalSanto at (630) 942-2163 or click here.

Enjoy fresh regional cuisine prepared for lunch by students at Waterleaf, as well as student international and contemporary cuisine dinners this spring. In addition, stop by the Culinary Market for take-home treats. Read More