South Suburban College Vaccination Site Now Open for Walk-Ins

Posted on April 29, 2021May 7, 2021 by Webmaster

Walk-ins experiencing virtually no wait times as the community becomes protected.

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – Cook County’s mass vaccination site at South Suburban College’s Gymnasium is now open for walk-in service. All individuals ages 16 or older can (ages 16 and 17 with parent or guardian) may get vaccinated between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. No special residency, preregistration nor appointments are required.

While walk-ins are currently being vaccinated with little or no wait times, appointments may still also be scheduled at vaccine.cookcountyil.gov. South Suburban College – located at 15800 South State Street in South Holland, Illinois – was the third large-scale site Cook County operationalized in February. The National Guard now administers up to 1,200 Pfizer vaccines per day at the site.

South Suburban College also continues to maintain its COVID-19 drive-thru testing four days a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health. No appointment is necessary for the drive-thru tents set up at the College’s Main Campus northwest parking lot. Testing site inquiries may be made by calling (888) 297-7208.

South Suburban College to Offer Ultimate Flexibility for College Degree Seekers for the Fall Semester – UPDATE

Posted on April 28, 2021June 8, 2021 by Webmaster

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College (SSC) continues its efforts to provide flexibility to college degree seekers interrupted by the pandemic with a wide range of course delivery options for students to choose for the Fall 2021 Semester. While summer registration continues with online classes and a limited in-person schedule, the College announced the beginning of fall registration with its High Five modes of class delivery:

In-Person Classes: In-person classes will be run at less than 50% classroom capacity with social distancing.
Online Classes: Online classes are delivered entirely through the D2L Virtual Classroom. Look for section numbers between 300-399. TBA indicates asynchronous instruction.
Virtual Classes: Virtual refers to synchronous online instruction through the D2L Virtual Classroom. Days, and times will be listed in the schedule for required live sessions. On-campus labs maybe required.
Simulcast Delivery: Dual delivery class selection of limited in-person seating or virtual using D2L. Students must choose their preferred delivery mode section when registering. Virtual students are expected to be available at the scheduled class and lab times.
Blended Delivery: Blended is a hybrid requiring students to meet in-person as well as complete additional requirements independently. Look for section numbers between 200-299. Days, times, and room numbers will be listed in the schedule for required live sessions.

SSC’s Online Application, Registration Services and Class Schedules are easily accessible from ssc.edu. The 2021 Summer Semester begins the week of Monday, June 7th and Fall Semester begins Monday, August 16th. Students are encouraged to register early to secure their preferred mode of instruction and schedule.

SSC previously announced the free laptop application and other technical supports such as hotspots to assist students with the virtual learning environment. Applications are accepted from www.ssc.edu/technology-relief-fund/. Former students make take advantage of a new one-time SSC Student Debt Relief Fund from www.ssc.edu/student-debt-relief-fund.

In addition to utilizing a live chat button at ssc.edu, prospective students may seek assistance with registration at (708) 210-5718 or email to registration&records@ssc.edu

South Suburban College to Host Legal Studies Virtual Open Houses in May

Posted on April 23, 2021May 7, 2021 by Webmaster

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College is hosting three Virtual Open Houses in May for its Legal Studies Programs of Court Reporting, Paralegal and Criminal Justice System. All of SSC’s Virtual Open House links are accessible from ssc.edu/info. Attendees can access the Open House via Zoom or call in to participate and become informed about exciting career pathways with significant expected employment growth.

SSC’s Court Reporting/Verbatim Technology Program is offering a FREE Court Reporting A to Z class this summer, starting June 7th. The Court Reporting Virtual Open House will take place on Thursday, May 6th at 7 p.m. Court reporting is an interesting, challenging profession which offers a wide-open job market, flexible work schedule, and excellent income potential. Sophisticated technology has created exciting work in broadcast captioning and stenointerpreting. Court reporters and captioners can earn well over $80,000 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data.

SSC’s Paralegal/Legal Assistant Program is hosting its Virtual Open House on Tuesday, May 18th at 7 p.m. Information will be provided about the curriculum – a 60-hour Associate Degree program and a 39-hour Certificate – designed to prepare students to become highly trained paralegals and legal assistants. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills and credentials to work in a variety of legal environments. SSC has the only American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal program in the Chicago Southland and Northwest Indiana region, arming graduates with a significant advantage entering the workforce. Paralegal job opportunities are expected to grow more than 10% and the median annual salary is $53,000.

SSC’s Criminal Justice System Program is hosting its Virtual Open House on Monday, May 17th at 7 p.m. The CJS Program is designed for individuals seeking employment with, or upgrading skills for police agencies, correctional facilities, or security companies. The field of law enforcement and criminal justice is an exciting and rewarding career choice with the 2020 annual median salary over $67,000 in the field.

For more information about the Court Reporting/Verbatim Technology Program, please contact LaTherese Cooke, Court Reporting Coordinator at (708) 596-2000, ext. 3217 or email LCooke@ssc.edu.

For more information about the Paralegal or CJS Programs, please contact Becky Walters, J.D., Paralegal Studies and Criminal Justice Program Coordinator at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2579 or email bwalters@ssc.edu.

Summer and Fall Registration are open at SSC. Summer classes begin Monday, June 7th. Future SSC students can access more information, registration services, or Live Chat with SSC staff from ssc.edu.

South Suburban College to Host 2021 Virtual Commencement Ceremony with Keynote Dr. Ngozi Ezike

Posted on April 23, 2021April 23, 2021 by Webmaster

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College (SSC) will host its 93rd Commencement Ceremony on Facebook Live Sunday, May 16, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. SSC is committed to honoring the accomplishments of its Class of 2021 through a virtual platform that keeps health and safety a priority and eliminates potential health risks. Student recognitions, cap and gowns and commencement photos, and messages from several key stakeholders will be included in the program. Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), will serve as the College’s 2021 Commencement Speaker.

“We are honored to welcome Dr. Ngozi Ezike as our Keynote Speaker,” said Dr. Lynette Stokes, South Suburban College President. “Dr. Ezike is a trailblazer who has been a thoughtful leader for our State while navigating challenging issues. We look forward to her commencement message for our future leaders.”
Dr. Ngozi Ezike is the first Black woman appointed to lead the IDPH, a 143-year old state agency. Dr. Ezike is a board-certified internist and pediatrician who previously worked for the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH), where she served for more than 15 years. She also was medical director at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center. Dr. Ezike is a nationally recognized expert in the area of healthcare within the juvenile detention and justice systems. A graduate of Harvard University and the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, she is a Certified Correctional Health Professional and Diplomate of both the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Pediatrics.

Frank M. Zuccarelli will also provide his annual words of congratulations and advice to his future colleagues. “As an alumnus of South Suburban College and Chairman of the Board for over 40 years, Commencement is still my favorite occasion of the year. While I miss the opportunity to present diplomas in person to our graduates, I am proud that we are once again able to provide a fun and proper send-off, virtually. The Class of 2021 certainly deserves it!”

This year, South Suburban College will award over 500 degrees and certificates to graduating students. SSC completed a successful virtual commencement in 2020 with over 20,000 views on social media. Follow SouthSuburbanCollege on Facebook, or visit ssc.edu for more information.

Forklift Operator Training Coming to Oak Forest Center – REVISED

Posted on April 13, 2021April 21, 2021 by Webmaster

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College’s Business & Career Institute is offering Forklift Operator Training in April and May at the Oak Forest Center. This one-day certification course covers the basic forklift driving skills needed to obtain a Forklift Operator Certification.

The cost for each course is $175.00 per person. The April sessions will be held from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Monday, April 26th and Friday, April 30th. The May sessions will be held from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 27th and Friday, May 28th.

The Forklift Operator Certification from the National Safety Council is available through these sessions at SSC for individuals who are looking for new career skills or for employers who are ensuring a safe and compliant workplace. Illinois requires all forklift operators to obtain a license to avoid OSHA sanctions and possible penalties. Forklift driving is no simple matter; it causes more than 100 deaths each year. A Certification Card from the National Safety Council will be issued to the student upon successful completion of the program. The course will enforce social distancing and use of PPEs.

WEI Sponsored Program: The Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) project is funded through ICCB to support qualified participants through the completion of short-term educational opportunities leading to employment. Benefits of the grant include free tuition and technology assistance, tutoring, academic and employment advising, and more. Email workforceequity@ssc.edu or visit ssc.edu/wei for more information.

For more information, please contact Gervaise Edwards at (708) 225-6032 or email gedwards@ssc.edu. SSC’s Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 S. Kilbourn, Oak Forest, Illinois, with convenient access from I-57, I-80, and I-294.

South Suburban College Men’s Basketball Team Advances to National Tournament

Posted on April 12, 2021 by Webmaster

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– The South Suburban College Men’s Basketball Team defeated Bryant & Stratton College by a score of 82-71 on Friday to win the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region-IV Championship.

The Bulldogs were led by sophomore guard Deshawndre Washington’s 31 points and 13 rebounds. Sophomore forward Chance Love chipped in 21 points and 12 rebounds, and sophomore forward Tyronn Mosley scored 13 for the Bulldogs. Washington was named the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament, and Love was also named to the All-Tournament Team. Head Coach John Pigatti was named Region-IV Coach of the Year – marking the 11th time Pigatti has earned the award in 15 seasons at SSC.

“I am just very happy for the players – they have gone through so much this year,” said Coach Pigatti. “First, managing practice and games with COVID-19 restrictions. We were also proud to give up our home court so that SSC could provide the community with a mass vaccination site in our Gymnasium, but playing at a rec center was a big hurdle. I am happy this team has been rewarded with a Regional Championship. Now let’s see what happens at the National Championship Tournament!”

The Bulldogs now head to the NJCAA Division II National Championship Tournament which will be held April 20-24, 2021, with all game to be played at Danville Area Community College. The Bulldogs enter the tournament as the #3 seed and will play #14 Henry Ford (MI) College on Tuesday April 20th at 11 a.m. The Bulldogs qualified last year but were not able to participate due to the pandemic.

For more information, contact Coach Pigatti at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2524, or email jpigatti@ssc.edu. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

PICTURED: Bulldogs Head Coach John Pigatti (pictured at left) and Tournament MVP Deshawndre Washington (right) were presented awards by Harry McGinnis, Athletic Director for tournament host Triton College, after the Bulldogs earned the Regional Championship on Friday.

Students Seeking Signatures for their Petitions for 2021 Student Trustee Election

Posted on April 8, 2021April 26, 2021 by Webmaster

Students are asking for help! Support them by signing their Student Trustee petitions so they can qualify to run in the upcoming Student Trustee Election.

Dion Anthony Ruben

Hello, my name is Dion Anthony Ruben and I hope this message finds everyone well. First and foremost, I would like to thank you all for taking the time to read over this email. Also, congrats on an almost finished spring semester. Continue your hard work and finish strong and make your friends, family, and, most importantly, yourself proud. I reach out to you all today in hopes that I can gain your support to run for Student Trustee at South Suburban College. To qualify to be on the ballot, I need your help with at least 50 signatures. While I don’t know many of you personally and because of Covid-19, its been more difficult to connect. Becoming Student Trustee not only gives me an amazing opportunity to connect and get to know my fellow classmate better, but it also gives me the perfect opportunity to help ensure our voices as students are heard. So, I ask please click on the link below and sign my petition to be on the Student Trustee Election Ballot.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=cyYBn2bCrEGcIcWmVLMI4gduRRS8fUNGvSagynI5LflUNVZJUFlLNjlSQkdWOE83UFozTEtZRDk1USQlQCN0PWcu

I appreciate you taking the time to sign my petition and look forward to sharing Student Trustee Election information in the coming weeks.

Thank You,
Dion Anthony Ruben

Nellie Atkins

Hello Fellow Students!

My name is Nellie Atkins and I am reaching out to gain your support to run for Student Trustee at South Suburban College. Please click on the link below and sign my petition to be on the Student Trustee Election Ballot.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=cyYBn2bCrEGcIcWmVLMI4gduRRS8fUNGvSagynI5LflURU5YOEc4TlhXMjFWUjJONUVKR0dBTzg2VSQlQCN0PWcu

I appreciate you taking the time to sign my petition and look forward to sharing Student Trustee Election information in the coming weeks.

Nellie Atkins

Kimberly Sutton

My name is Kimberly Sutton, and I am reaching out to gain your support to run for Student Trustee at South Suburban College. Please click on the link below and sign my petition to be on the Student Election Ballot

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=cyYBn2bCrEGcIcWmVLMI4gduRRS8fUNGvSagynI5LflUQklWN0lWQVlFNVdXQ0hYSEpCNEFBME5DUyQlQCN0PWcu

I appreciate you taking the time to sign my petition and look forward to sharing Student Trustee Election information in the coming weeks.

Kimberly Sutton

Yaquelin Hinojosa- Fuentes

Hello South Suburban classmates, I hope everyone is having a smooth and productive semester!

It’s been a tough couple of years because of COVID, but let’s keep optimistic that soon everything will return to normal! Though I have not had the pleasure of meeting you all, I am hoping to gain your support to run for Student Trustee at South Suburban College.

Please click on the link below and sign my petition to be on the Student Trustee Election Ballot.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=cyYBn2bCrEGcIcWmVLMI4gduRRS8fUNGvSagynI5LflUM1lBUktVRThOQlA3MlA2UU8zQ09HTEpHMiQlQCN0PWcu

I appreciate you taking the time to sign my petition and look forward to sharing Student Trustee Election information in the coming weeks.

Best regards,

Yaquelin Hinojosa- Fuentes
yhinojosa-f100@student.ssc.edu

Mikia Stewart

To my fellow student body,

I would like you to sign the petition on my behalf to represent you. Currently, I am a freshman nursing student apart of the Honors Society and Phi Theta Kappa organizations. I am the current President of SSC chapter of National Student Nurse’s Associations. I would like to be your voice among the Board of Directors. I appreciate your efforts of signing the petition.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=cyYBn2bCrEGcIcWmVLMI4gduRRS8fUNGvSagynI5LflUQVpOWkFLN1hIT0xPTk1DWEYyRlBBRVRYSyQlQCN0PWcu

Truly,

Mikia Stewart, Student Nurse
mstewart106@student.ssc.edu

Mauriel Henry

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=cyYBn2bCrEGcIcWmVLMI4gduRRS8fUNGvSagynI5LflUMDBWS0M5M0c0MFBOTUNZQU1aVjRBTkdKQiQlQCN0PWcu

BCI to Host Virtual Workshop: Navigating the Nebulous Waters of HR Documentation

Posted on April 8, 2021 by Webmaster

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–The Business & Career Institute (BCI) of South Suburban College presents a virtual workshop entitled Navigating the Nebulous Waters of HR Documentation on Thursday, May 13th from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Managing the stacks of HR paperwork can be a daunting task. There seems to be a form for everything, making it difficult to keep track of what is important and what can be placed on hold. In this webinar, attorney Sonia D. Coleman will walk you through the most integral documents needed for recording purposes. She will cover three distinct areas: The Hiring Process (job offer through onboarding), Separation from Employment (letters of termination to acknowledgement of back pay) and various Policies and Procedures (disciplinary action to sexual harassment). There are 1.5. PDCs available for SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP and HRCI certification holders for each session.

This session is designed for veteran and new human resource professionals; supervisors, managers, team leaders; and anyone with designated HR responsibilities

Sonia D. Coleman, the founder and managing attorney of The Law Office of Sonia D. Coleman, P.C., is an accomplished attorney with experience in the counseling and representation of clients on a wide range of matters. Sonia is skilled in advising global clients on legal and business matters, including federal and state employment laws, such as: the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964). Sonia earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Howard University and her Juris Doctorate from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law.

The cost to attend this virtual workshop is just $15. To register, please email bci@ssc.edu or call (708) 225-6055. RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT ARE REQUIRED BY 5 PM ON TUESDAY, MAY 11th. For additional information, visit www.ssc.edu/bci, call (708) 596-2000, ext. 3254 or email aglumac@ssc.edu. Registrants will be emailed a link for access to the webinar.

Free Highway Construction Careers Training Program Coming to Oak Forest This Summer

Posted on April 7, 2021April 7, 2021 by Webmaster

OAK FOREST, IL–South Suburban College is preparing for the next session of its free Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP) this summer at the Oak Forest Center. Registration opens Monday, April 19th, while Orientation and Assessment Testing will take place from June 15-18th with the program set to begin on July 12th.

The Highway Construction Careers Training Program has been implemented to increase the number of minorities, women, and disadvantaged individuals working on IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation) highway construction projects. The training consists of an intensive 12-week program to learn the skills necessary for acceptance into the highway construction trades and gives the opportunity for a career with high wage potential.

Career Opportunities include but are not limited to: Cement Mason, Electrician, Pipefitter, Carpenter, Laborer and Equipment Operator. All candidates must be 18 years and older, have a high school diploma/GED, interest in working in the construction trades and have a valid driver’s license with them to attend orientation. Participants will be required to pass a drug screening.

For more information or to register, please visit www.ssc.edu/hcctp or call (708) 596-2000, ext. 3219. All orientation and assessment testing will be held at SSC’s Oak Forest Center located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue Oak Forest, Illinois. Temperature checks, masks and social distancing are required on campus.

The Illinois Department of Transportation and the participating community colleges do not guarantee employment upon trainees’ graduation from the Highway Construction Careers Training Program.

Broken, Healed, Stronger, Better!! Photographs by Tara Gray on display at South Suburban College

Posted on April 5, 2021 by Webmaster

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–The Art & Design Department of South Suburban College is pleased to announce a special guest artist exhibition of photographs entitled Broken, Healed, Stronger, Better!! by Tara Gray in the Photo Four Gallery at South Suburban College from Monday, March 29th through Thursday, May 6th.

Tara Gray is a photographer and CEO of Feel This Moment Photography. Broken, Healed, Stronger, Better!! is a body of work which features the artist’s God-sister and the story of her journey to form her own business. Ms. Gray notes that she chose to feature her because “I love helping to allow women to use their voice, to feel beautiful, and to help them feel unstoppable. We make complete art when we unite.”

Ms. Gray’s photographs are not merely portraits, but go beyond to create compositions with shapes and colors of objects in the background to add more dimensions to their personalities. The artist’s God-sister, friends, and family explode from the photographs with color and life. Through skillful use of pose, placement, and color, Ms. Gray indeed unites her subjects in an attitude of power, positivity, and self-confidence.

The SSC Photo Four Gallery is open Monday-Thursday, 9-5 p.m. The galleries are closed on weekends and holidays. An online gallery component and a Zoom gallery lecture will be announced at a later date. The public is welcome to visit art exhibitions and receptions at no charge. Temperature checks, masks and social distancing are required on campus. For more information, please call Amy Babinec at (847) 868-3069 or visit www.ssc.edu/art. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.