Business & Risk Management

Are you looking for a career with excellent job outlook as well as great pay? If so, there are numerous careers in the Insurance field that offer both and the Business &  Risk Management program may be just for you!

Did you know that over 40% of our local insurance workforce is within 10 years of retiring? Those retirements are going to leave a huge gap in local companies who are going to need trained professionals to step in and fill these jobs. Some high demand areas include; Actuaries, Information Security Analysts, Marketing Specialists and Management Analysts just to name a few. Salary ranges in careers such as these can range from $48,000-$94,000 per year.

Insurance companies are not only looking for agents and claim adjusters, they need IT and marketing professionals, HR personnel and  fraud investigators. Business and insurance careers offer great earning potential, stability in a growing industry as well as a challenging and rewarding career path. This program will allow you to explore the insurance industry through a partnership with nationally recognized AF Group.  

As part of this program, you will have the option to earn three industry certifications in the areas of Property and Liability, Personal Insurance and Commercial Insurance and take pre-licensing exams. In addition, upon successful completion of this program, you can earn direct college credit with Northwood University, Olivet College or Ferris State University.

View the Articulated Credit Sheet for Business & Risk Management.

Ferris State University

Course Credits
RMIN 200 (Foundations of Risk Mgmt. & Ins.) 3
RMIN 253 (Personal Insurance) 3
RMIN 252 (Commercial Insurance) 3
RMIN 305 (P/C Licensing 3


Davenport University

Course Credits
BUSN 120 (Introduction to Business) 3
BUSN 210 (Professional Ethics) 3
BUSN 265 (Entrepreneurship) 3
FINC 223 (Entrepreneurial Finance) 3
FINC 230 (Financial Planning & Insurance) 3
HRMG 213 (Human Resource Management) 3
MGMT 211 (Management Foundations) 3
RMGI 221 (Principles of Risk Mgmt & Insurance) 3
RMGI 322 (Personal Insurance) 3


Northwood University

Course Credits
RMIN 200 (Foundations) 3
RMIN 252 (Commercial) 3
RMIN 252 (Personal) 3
RMIN 305 (Licensing) 3








The number of credits a student receives will depend on area of study, additional course requirements and meeting the minimum competency requirements at 80%. Credits earned at Ferris State University can also be used at Olivet College.

Credits are subject to change

Our mission is to provide students with the essential knowledge, skills, and work habits to excel in their careers and future learning.

Course

Business and Risk Management (one year program with a second year option)

National Career Cluster

Finance

Michigan Career Pathway

Finance:  Insurance Pathway Standards

Instructor

Monique Colizzi
Classroom: 517.244.1332
Cell: 517.202.3969

Property & Casualty Producer/Solicitor License - State of Michigan
Certified Insurance Service Representative Designation
Certified Authority on Workers' Compensation Designation
Masters in Educational Technology – Western MI University
Bachelor of Business Administration – General Business – Davenport University
Teaching Certificate – Business Administration and Speech 6-12 – Olivet College
Occupational Certificate - Business Administration Management Operations
 

Types of Credit

One full fourth year math credit
One full third year science credit
Michigan Merit Curriculum:  Visual Performing and Applied Arts (VPAA), one full credit
World Language credit

Articulation Agreements

Ferris State University
Davenport University
Northwood University
Olivet College

Prerequisite

None. Ability to read and write at a college level highly recommended.

Course Information - Year 1

  • Students will be exposed to the fundamentals of risk management and insurance through a variety of case studies/scenarios, reports, management memo briefs, through reading industry publications, quizzes and presentations.  
  • Students will refine their social and meal etiquette skills, professional communication, create a resume, cover letter, business cards and LinkedIn account.  
  • Students will study and complete national curriculum in both personal auto and personal residential through National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research, as well as take the national exams attached to the curriculum.  Upon completion of Year 2 of the BRM Program, students will take three more classes working toward their CISR designation.  Upon successful completion of all five exams over two years, they will earn a CISR national designation.
  • Students will have the opportunity for many off-campus trips which include networking and practicing professionalism.  
  • Students will have opportunities for community service both within and outside of the school day. 
  • Students will explore career opportunities within the insurance industry as well as post-secondary options.
  • Students will complete online business simulations that expose them to the fundamentals of owning and operating a variety of businesses.  
  • Students will be offered the opportunity to take a three-day course to earn their Certified Authority in Workers’ Compensation. 
  • Students will create a business plan and have the opportunity to pitch in a local competition, as well as participating in off-campus competitions.

Meeting Days/Times:

Monday - Friday, AM Session 8:00-10:40 am

Required Text & Materials

  • National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research; Certified Insurance Services Representative High School Program Certification
  • InVEST online curriculum investprogram.org
  • For study purposes, tools for note-taking, including a notebook and index cards are recommended.

Attendance and Participation

Good attendance is required and the Wilson Talent Center’s attendance policy will be enforced. The majority of class time will be spent reading, solving case studies, working collaboratively, completing assessments, public speaking, building employability skills, and other professional projects.  If you know you will be absent ahead of time, please see me in advance to make homework arrangements. It is your responsibility to find out what you missed.  This should take place before the next class. You are still responsible for submitting any work that is due. 


Universal Learning: The Business and Risk Management program is committed to universal learning and supporting all students’ needs. Our classroom space, routines, resources, and interactions will be as inclusive as possible. Treating each other with respect, listening to each other, having an open mind and a willingness to help each other learn is crucial to universal learning.

Course Expectations

Portfolios: Each of you will have a professional portfolio kept in the classroom. Examples of items that will be kept in your portfolio are:

  • Resume & Cover Letter
  • Any awards, certificates and/or letters of recommendation you received.

Submitting Work:  All assignments and class announcements are housed in PowerSchool Learning. Students are expected to submit work electronically on PowerSchool Learning by the date and time noted on the assignment or through the basket in the classroom.

Late Assignments: Late work will be marked down 25% for each day that it is late.  It’s important to hand in assignments on time. Computer problems are not excuses for late work.  Find a solution.

Grading

Grades are based on Skill/Knowledge Attainment (for 65% of the final grade) and Work Habits (for 35% of the final grade). Skill/Knowledge Attainment consists of the following:

  • Tests and Quizzes: 20%
  • Activities/Assignments: 15%
  • Projects: 30%
  • Work Habits: 35%

Work Habits are the ways in which a worker goes about doing a job. Developing excellent Work Habits is as important as developing excellent knowledge and job skills, thus these are included as part of each student’s class grade. The ten (10) Work Habits evaluated are listed as follows:

Grading Scale

Rating Grade Attendance/ Participation for Excused Absences Description
5 - Exceptional 100% A 0 - 2 Student always satisfies work habit indicators. student exceeds work habits standards when possible.
4 - Acceptable for Employment 87% B+ 3 Student satisfies work habit indicators a large majority of the time. student is ready for job placement.
3 - Acceptable for Classroom 75% C 4 Student usually satisfies work habit indicators. Student is not ready for job placement.
2 - Not Acceptable for Classroom  55% E 5 Student satisfies the work habit indicators less than half of the time. Student's work habits need great improvement in order to continue at the Talent Center.
1 - Not Acceptable fro WTC 0% E 6+ Student rarely satisfies the work habit indicators. Student's work habits need great improvement in order to continue at the Talent Center.

Attendance work habit: Students may have up to two excused absences each six-week marking period without it affecting their work habits grade.

All written work and participation receives point scores, and your percentage of total points determines your course grade. There is no extra-credit or make-up work, so put full effort into the regular assignments.

93-100% = A
90-92% = A-
87-89% = B+
83-86% = B
80-82% = B-
77-79% = C+
73-76% = C
70-72% = C- 
67-69% = D+
63-66% = D
60-62% = D-
0-59% = E

* Final Note: Instructor reserves the right to make any needed and appropriate adjustments to the syllabus.

Our mission is to provide students with the essential knowledge, skills, and work habits to excel in their careers and future learning.

Course

Business and Risk Management (one year program with a second year option)

National Career Cluster

Finance

Michigan Career Pathway

Finance:  Insurance Pathway Standards

Instructor

Monique Colizzi
Classroom: 517.244.1332
Cell: 517.202.3969

Property & Casualty Producer/Solicitor License - State of Michigan
Certified Insurance Service Representative Designation
Certified Authority on Workers' Compensation Designation
Masters in Educational Technology – Western MI University
Bachelor of Business Administration – General Business – Davenport University
Teaching Certificate – Business Administration and Speech 6-12 – Olivet College
Occupational Certificate - Business Administration Management Operations
 

Types of Credit

One full fourth year math credit
One full third year science credit
Michigan Merit Curriculum:  Visual Performing and Applied Arts (VPAA), one full credit
World Language credit

Articulation Agreements

Ferris State University
Davenport University
Northwood University
Olivet College

Prerequisite

Successful completion of Business & Risk Management Year 1.

FSU Concurrent Enrollment Course Information:

Grade 12

Fall Semester

RMIN 252 – Commercial Insurance 3 cr. (Concurrent Enrollment-Ferris)

Course Description:

RMIN 252: This course provides students an overview of commercial insurance, premium 

determination, and legal liability. Insurance coverages studied include commercial general

liability, business auto, garage and motor carrier, commercial property, business income, 

workers’ compensation, excess liability, professional liability, cyber risk, terrorism, inland

marine, crime and security bonds.

Course Outcomes: RMIN 252:

1.  Differentiate the purpose of and exposures addressed by each of the various lines of commercial insurance.

2.  Given a case, calculate the extent of coverage afforded by the Commercial General Liability Form.

 3. Examine causes of loss, conditions, limits of insurance, and categories of property covered under the Commercial Property Coverage Form.

 4. Distinguish the coverage provided by Workers Compensation and Employers Liability insurance and relate it to employer fulfillment of statutory obligations. 

5. Illustrate how excess and umbrella insurance can be used in a layered liability insurance program, and describe the problems that may occur.

Grade 12

ISYS 105 - Introduction to Micro Systems

Course Description:

ISYS 105: This course provides students the opportunity to become proficient in using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.  It will position them to take a nationally recognized Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exam. 

Course Objectives: 

1. Learns will demonstrate the ability to use Microsoft Office to present information appropriate for the intended audience. 

  • a. Learners will create a short 3-page term paper in correct format. 
  • b. Learners will create a cover letter and use Mail Merge to make it ready to send to five employers and a resume appropriate for an employer. 
  • c. Learners will create a presentation describing their major, in Microsoft PowerPoint to present before high school audience. 

2. Learners will demonstrate the ability to use Microsoft Office to interpret and express mathematical information. 

  • a. Learners will demonstrate the ability to use Microsoft Excel to present information appropriate for students by creating a graduation transcript 
  • b. Learners will demonstrate ability to use Microsoft Excel to present information appropriate for a customer, by doing their budget and college loan analysis. 
  • c. Learners will demonstrate the ability to use Microsoft Excel to present information appropriate for a business, by doing a business payroll. 

3. Learners will demonstrate the ability to use Microsoft Office to record, present, and interpret business information. 

  • a. Learners will demonstrate the ability to use Microsoft Excel to create a customer database, record sales and calculate customer bills. 
  • b. Learners will demonstrate the ability to use Microsoft PowerPoint to create presentations showing company monthly sales data. 
  • c. Learners will demonstrate the ability to use Microsoft Word to create and print customer bills.

Teaching Methods: 

All material will be distributed via TestOut. Class notes, instructional materials

Prerequisite: This course covers a full semester and no prerequisites are necessary.

Grade 12

Spring Semester

RMIN 305 - Insurance Licensing

Course Description:
RMIN 305 This course prepares students to take the state exam for P/C Producer/Solicitor’s license.  Upon successful completion of this course and passing a final exam of 100 questions with 80% and a practice exam of 256 question test with a 73%, students who are 18 years of age
will be eligible to take the P/C Producer/Solicitor State Exam through PSI Testing Center
in Holt, MI.  

Students will use course materials from Uncle Bill’s P/C curriculum to study from and
prepare for the state exam.  Students will also use study materials from Kaplan, The
Institutes and National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research.

Course Outcomes:
Students will pass with an 80% or better, quizzes from all units listed below. 
Students will understand and answer with proficiency the following concepts: 

  • General Insurance (56 questions)
  •  Homeowners and dwelling (47 questions)
  • Personal auto (21 questions)
  • No-fault auto  (10 questions)
  • State law for P&C specific (13 questions)
  • General state law (31 questions)
  • Commercial Package Policy (42 questions)
  • Commercial Auto (8 questions)
  • Worker’s Comp (17 questions)
  • Business Owners Policy and Miscellaneous (28 questions)

Grade 12

ENG 150 - First Year College Composition

  • First-year College Composition – 3 hours per week for 15 weeks
  • Direct Credit - Generates FSU transcript
  • Part of the MTA agreement - accepted anywhere in Michigan
  • Minimum GPA 2.50 / SAT Read/Write = 480 / PSAT Read/Write = 460
  • No cost to local districts
  • Districts can grant English 12 credit if desired

In addition to college classes through Ferris State University, students will have the opportunity for the following:

  • Students will participate in case studies, off-campus trips, network with insurance professionals, be immersed in curriculum involving videos, interactive projects, quizzes, tests, be proficient in reading policies, presentations, research and putting theory into practice.
  • Students will continue working toward their CISR designation by completing Commercial Casualty Life/Health and Elements of Risk Management.
  • Students will participate in an 6-month Insurance BFF Mentor Program with a professional from the insurance industry.
  •  Students will have the opportunity to attend a week-long trip through CloseUp®, to Washington DC (restrictions and requirements apply to be eligible).
  • Students will participate in on-campus mock interviews and be responsible for keeping their resume, portfolios and LinkedIn updated.
  • Students will have the opportunity to complete a three-day class though Accident Fund for Certified Authority on Workers’ Compensation.
  • Students will have the opportunity to host an insurance convention and participate in other major projects.
  • Students will explore career opportunities within the insurance industry as well as post-secondary options.
  • Students will have the opportunity to be part of NTHS, community service projects and other meetings and events.

Meeting Days/Times:  Monday - Friday, PM Session, 11:35 am - 2:15 pm

Required Text and Materials:

  • ISO Forms for CP
  • National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research - Commercial Casualty, Life/Health and Elements of Risk Management - online course (pro.scic.com)
  •  For study purposes, tools for note-taking, including a notebook and index cards are recommended.

Attendance & Participation

Good attendance is required and the Wilson Talent Center’s attendance policy will be enforced. The majority of class time will be spent reading and discussing the textbook as a large group or in  smaller teams, building employability skills, professional development and projects. An excused absence is one that can’t be helped. For example, you are very sick or you are involved in  another academic activity at your home school that day. If you know you will be absent ahead of time, please see me in advance to make homework arrangements. It is your responsibility to find out what you missed. This should take place before the next class. You are still responsible
for submitting any work that is due.

Course Expectations:

Portfolios: Each of you will have a professional portfolio kept in the classroom. Examples of items that will be kept in your portfolio are:

  • Resume & Cover Letter
  • Quality Work
  • Any awards, certificates and/or letters of recommendation you may receive throughout the course of the year.

Submitting Work: Students are expected to submit work on time, as indicated by instructor. Sometimes it may be electronically; other times it may be printed and turned into class basket.
 

Universal Learning: The Business & Risk Management program is committed to universal learning and supporting all students’ needs. Our classroom space, routines, resources, and interactions will be as inclusive as possible. Treating each other with respect, listening to each  other, having an open mind and a willingness to help each other learn is crucial to universal
learning.

Late Assignments: Late work will be marked down 25% for each day that it is late. It’s important to hand in assignments on time. Computer problems are not excuses for late work. Find a solution to your technology problem: use a friend’s computer, use the school’s facilities, and plan
ahead. It is in your best interest to save an electronic copy of your work in multiple locations.

Grading:

Grades are based on Skill/Knowledge Attainment (for 65% of the final grade) and Work Habits (for 35% of the final grade). Skill/Knowledge Attainment consists of the following:

• Tests and Quizzes: (20%)
• Activities/Assignments: (15%)
• Projects: (30%)
• Work Habits: (35%)

Work Habits are the ways in which a worker goes about doing a job. Developing excellent Work Habits is as important as developing excellent knowledge and job skills, thus these are included  as part of each student’s class grade. The ten (10) Work Habits evaluated are listed as follows:

Rating Grade Attendance/ Participation for Excused Absences Description
5 - Exceptional 100% A 0 - 2 Student always satisfies work habit indicators. student exceeds work habits standards when possible.
4 - Acceptable for Employment 87% B+ 3 Student satisfies work habit indicators a large majority of the time. student is ready for job placement.
3 - Acceptable for Classroom 75% C 4 Student usually satisfies work habit indicators. Student is not ready for job placement.
2 - Not Acceptable for Classroom  55% E 5 Student satisfies the work habit indicators less than half of the time. Student's work habits need great improvement in order to continue at the Talent Center.
1 - Not Acceptable fro WTC 0% E 6+ Student rarely satisfies the work habit indicators. Student's work habits need great improvement in order to continue at the Talent Center.

ATTENDANCE WORK HABIT: Students may have up to two excused absences each six-week marking period without it affecting their work habits grade.

All written work and participation receives point scores, and your percentage of total points determines your course grade. There is no extra-credit or make-up work, so put full effort into the regular assignments.

93-100% = A
90-92% = A-
87-89% = B+
83-86% = B
80-82% = B-
77-79% = C+
73-76% = C
70-72% = C- 
67-69% = D+
63-66% = D
60-62% = D-
0-59% = E

* Final Note: Instructor reserves the right to make any needed and appropriate adjustments to the syllabus.

Business & Risk Management Program Virtual Tour

Student Testimonials

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