SMC Announces New Bachelor's Degree in Computer Information Technology, Sets Tuition

Posted: 3/10/2010

The Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees announced the addition of a new Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Technology through its partnership with Ferris State University, set tuition rates for the coming academic year, accepted gifts and grants, and conducted other business during its regularly scheduled meeting held on Tuesday, March 10 at the College’s MTEC^sm facility on the Niles Area Campus.

At the meeting, the College announced the addition of a new Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Technology to be offered on the campus of Southwestern Michigan College in partnership with Ferris State University beginning with the fall 2010 semester.

Just last month, SMC added three new Associate Degree programs and four certificate programs, bringing the total number of Associate Degree programs offered by Southwestern Michigan College to 24, and the number of certificate programs to 22. In addition, through partnerships with Ferris State University and Bethel College, SMC currently makes available six Bachelor’s Degree programs and two Master’s Degree programs that can all be completed on the campuses of SMC. The addition of the Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Technology announced this evening brings to seven the number of Bachelor’s Degrees that can be earned without having to leave Southwestern Michigan College. This leading edge program prepares students for several industry computer certifications including: CompTIA’s A+, Network+, Linux+, Security+, and Microsoft’s Systems Administration Certification (MCSA). This degree was developed through direct consultation with future employers to prepare students with a strong core of business understanding combined with industry certification.

According to Southwestern Michigan College President Dr. David Mathews, “The need for affordable access to high quality college education has never been greater. SMC will continue to expand academic offerings to serve the students and workers of this region. The Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Technology will be offered in SMC’s state-of-the-art Information Technology Center in the Barbara Wood Building on the Dowagiac campus. Like each of the other programs approved last month, this program will provide students with the skills they need to get some of the best jobs available today.”

The Board of Trustees also adopted the tuition and fee schedule to be effective for the 2010 fall semester. Changes include a $5.50 per contact hour increase for in-district students, a $7.75 increase for out-of-district students, an $8.75 increase for out-of-state students, and a $9.50 increase for international students. The new contact hour rates will be: In-District $93.75 (up 6.2 percent from $88.25); In-State $120.50 (up 6.9 percent from $112.75); Out-of-State $131.00 (up 7.2 percent from $122.25); and International $167.00 (up 6.0 percent from $157.50). Additionally, trustees approved a $2.00 per hour increase in the College’s registration fee and a $3.00 increase in the technology fee.

“Even with the new tuition rates, Southwestern Michigan College is an outstanding educational value,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Fred L. Mathews. “Next year, total tuition and fees for a full-time student from SMC’s district will still be less than $3,500 for the whole academic year. This is less than half the cost of Western Michigan University, less than a third of those at Michigan State University and Central Michigan University, and about a quarter of the cost of the University of Michigan. Modest tuition increases such as those approved this evening will continue to ensure that SMC remains affordable, and that the College has the resources to maintain the highest quality academic programs and services. Spending restraint and these modest tuition increases should be adequate if the Governor is able to keep her pledge of no further cuts to community colleges’ appropriations this next budget year. The outrageous state mandated increase in retirement costs, slated to increase by more than 14 percent next year, makes budgeting even more challenging.”

The Board accepted the following contributions to the College. The following gifts were received with a resolution of thanks from the Board of Trustees:

From Dr. Matthew V. Cripe, Dowagiac, a contribution valued at	$3,500
From Mrs. Patty Zech, Benton Harbor, a contribution in amount	$3,000
From The Berrien Springs Blossom Queen Committee, a contribution in amount of	$1,000
From Ms. Katheryn Sly, South Haven, a contribution in amount of	$1,000
From Dr. Charles Zeller, Portage, MI, a contribution valued at	$974
From American Way Marketing, LLC, Elkhart, IN, a contribution in amount of	$500
From Mr. and Mrs. George Beaumont, Niles, a contribution in amount of	$200
From Mr. and Mrs. Brent Fuller, Shelby Township, MI, a contribution in amount of	$200
From Ms. Sandra L. Miller, Valparaiso, IN, a contribution in amount of	$200
From Mr. Kurt Basham and Ms. Heather Klare, East Grand Rapids, a contribution in amount of	$100
From Mr. and Mrs. Carl Carrico, Edwardsburg, a contribution in amount of	$100
From Ms. Sharon Evans, Niles, a contribution in amount of	$100