In response to minimizing the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus, Washtenaw Community College now operates in a remote capacity and its on-campus operations remain suspended.
The remote operations still provide a variety of resources and services to Washtenaw County residents.
“As we transitioned to this new way of working and delivering our academic programs, we wanted to ensure to continue offering resources and services not just to our students and employees, but also to members of our community,” said WCC President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca.
Below are WCC resources available free to community members:
Richard W. Bailey Library
The library is currently closed, however, the public is able to ask questions of a WCC librarian or partner librarians trained to help when WCC librarians are not available via the Ask A Librarian Chat Service. The service is available 24/7.
For more information, visit Bailey Library.
Michigan residents can use resources from the Michigan Electronic Library at no charge. Electronic articles, e-books, study guides and videos for all ages are available.
Center for Career Success Office
Center for Career Success advisors are available by phone and email to give community members free advice on how to upgrade skills, write a résumé, create an online portfolio and secure an interview.
Email advisors at careers@wccnet.edu or call 734-677-5155. Messages will be returned Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Additional offerings include resources for internships, cooperative education programs and volunteer opportunities.
Advisors are responding to new ways of looking for a job in light of changes in the job sector due to COVID-19 restrictions.
They are providing advice on:
- Holding interviews by phone and Zoom – especially important now as social distancing has changed the way employers seek employees.
- Resources for job seekers who are now unemployed such as restaurant, bar or retail workers.
- Resources for new high-demand jobs at Amazon, GrubHub, grocery stores and in supply chain management.
Employers are encouraged to continue posting job and internship opportunities at the college’s Career Connect employment posting site. Advisors are also available to answer questions from employers.
These resources are also available to WCC alumni at no charge.
For more information, visit Center for Career Success.
Entrepreneurship Center
The Entrepreneurship Center offers free support services to current and future entrepreneurs and small business owners to assist them with resources to start or grow a business.
Entrepreneurship Center staff are available by email at entrepreneurship@wccnet.edu or by phone at 734-249-5880. Messages will be returned Monday – Thursday between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Friday from noon to 5 p.m.
WCC librarians are available remotely with requests for business startup research resources using the Business Assistance Request Form.
Staff members are also able to provide information from the Small Business Administration with guidance for businesses and employers on how to plan and respond to COVID-19 related business challenges.
A newsletter with small business resources is being sent out weekly. Sign up using the EC Contact Us/Contact Form.
For more information, visit Entrepreneurship Center.
Small Business Development Center
The Greater Washtenaw Region of the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Washtenaw Community College continues to offer no-cost, confidential counseling for small businesses by email and phone.
SBCD staff are available at sbdc@wccnet.edu or at 734-477-8762. Messages will be returned within 24 hours.
Staff will be helping businesses understand their options and resources as they deal with business challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. They can counsel on the recently announced Small Business Association Economic Injury Disaster Loans and other state and local programs.
The Center is also offering free webinars and online training through its website www.sbdcmichigan.org.
Professional Development Classes
The college continues to offer professional development classes online during the winter 2020 semester and during the upcoming spring/summer 2020 semester. Topic areas include information technology, accounting, management, secretarial, cybersecurity, sales and teaching – among many others.
Click here for the class schedule and to register: Professional Development Class Schedule
Student Emergency Fund
Even though WCC students are working remotely, many still require assistance for unexpected transportation, food, housing and childcare challenges. The WCC Foundation continues to process Student Emergency Fund applications to help students meet unexpected expenses that could jeopardize their ability to stay in school.
To make a donation to the fund, visit WCC Foundation.
COVID-19 Resources
Community members can find the latest information on COVID-19 at the following websites:
Washtenaw updates: www.washtenaw.org/health
Michigan updates: www.michigan.gov/coronavirus
National updates: www.cdc.gov/nCoV
Tags: ousearch_News_2020