October 2023
Upcoming Events
MCCC has a number of events coming up; check them all out at the links below.
Oct. 17: Red Cross Blood Drive
Oct. 19: Diversity Session, Experiences in Israel at the English Camp for Arab-Israeli Students
Oct. 21: Comedian Kevin Nealon
Oct. 24: "Puffs" Student Play Auditions Info Meeting
Oct. 25: Halloween Learning Carnival
Oct. 26: Diversity Session, CREED Honest Conversations
Oct. 30: College/Community Band and Agora Chorale Concert
Nov. 4: One Book Community Market
Nov. 7: "Puffs" Student Play Auditions
Nov. 8: "Puffs" Student Play Auditions
Open Registration is Coming Fast
Hi, I am Dr. Scott Behrens ("Dr. B."), the vice president of enrollment management and student success, and I wanted to take a moment to check in with you. My personal goal is that every student succeeds. As we get closer to our open enrollment period for Winter Semester, I want to make sure you have the information you need to stay on track to achieve your academic goals.
Registration for begins on October 31. Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor (Dual enrollment students should meet with their high school counselor.). Your faculty advisor’s phone number and e-mail address can be found on myWebPAL under “My Personal Profile.” You should take an active role in the advising process. Prepare a list of questions you want to ask. In preparation for registration, you should go to your MyWebPAL account and plan your classes to the best of your ability. Here are directions to do that:
1. Log in to myWebPAL with your username and password.
2. Under "Registration" select "Student Planning."
3. On the "Student Planning" page select "Plan Your Degree and Register for Classes."
4. Use the arrows to select the appropriate term for which you are registering.
Please take the following, very short, survey to help us serve you better: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RMS7YL5.
I would like to hear from you, including any concerns or suggestions you may have, so please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Dr. Scott Behrens
Vice President, Enrollment Management and Student Success
Get Involved
Participation on campus is the No. 1 predictor of college success. Joining student clubs and organizations can give you the opportunity to meet a diverse population of people that allow you to expand your thinking and interests. Here are a few clubs that students can join:
- Student Government: MCCC Student Government provides an opportunity for students to have their voices heard around the campus. By supporting student organizations and planning exciting campus activities, MCCC Student Government works to create a fun atmosphere that fosters a community feeling among students. Participation in these types of organizations and activities can greatly develop leadership skills and enhance the college experience. For further information about participating, contact Mario Tucker at mtucker3@my.monroeccc.edu.
- Psychology Interest Group: The purpose of the Psychology Interest Group is to provide an empowering community in which students interested in psychology may enhance their leadership, educational and/or career pursuits together; to expand members' knowledge of the functions and workings of fields in psychology; to provide resources to any member who needs assistance in the area of psychology study or career growth; to provide an experience that enriches the study outside the classroom; to provide non-academic and/or community-based opportunities to engage in the applications of psychology, and to promote an increase interests in psychology on campus. For more information, contact Patrick Wise at pwise@monroeccc.edu or (734) 384-4298 or Melissa Grey at mgrey@monroeccc.edu or (734) 384-4292.
- Gender and Sexuality Alliance: The mission of the Gender & Sexuality Alliance is to provide a strong, supportive community on campus to increase tolerance and to provide resources to LGBTQ students and those wishing to learn more about LGBTQ issues and culture. Our main goal is to break down the barriers of stereotypes and misconceptions of the LGBTQ community. The club is open to all open-minded students and community members, including straight allies. We hold events all year long at the Main Campus. Go to our website for more information: https://www.monroeccc.edu/gsa.
- Criminal Justice Club: The Criminal Justice Club promotes criminal justice and assists club members in career growth and job searches. Members participate in activities that promote justice and increase awareness and knowledge. Please contact Daniel Wood danielwood@monroeccc.edu for more information.
- Student Library Advisory Club: The Student Library Advisory Club is seeking new members to help plan book clubs, library events and displays. Leave one book you read and enjoyed on the SLAC cart in the library and take a new book. Please email Elizabeth Hartig ehartig@monroeccc.edu to join SLAC.
MCCC Takes Home the Gold for Marketing Communications
Did you know that MCCC has the one of the best community college marketing communications teams in the region?
Earlier this month, MCCC won six District 3 Medallion Awards for outstanding achievement in community college marketing communications at the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations District 3 and 5 Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, including three Gold awards for Television/Video Paid Advertisement (Single), Television/Video Paid Advertisement (Series) and Print Advertisement. These ads are all part of the college’s new “Every Passion has a Pathway” Campaign.
All of the award-winning entries were for executions featuring our very own MCCC students.
NCMPR is the only organization of its kind that exclusively represents marketing and public relations professionals at community and technical colleges. As one of the fastest-growing affiliates of the American Association of Community Colleges, NCMPR has more than 1,500 members from nearly 550 colleges across the U.S. and Canada.
The Gold Medallion awards mean that MCCC’s 1-minute video/TV spot, series of 30-second TV spots and print ad for its current campaign were judged to be the best in the Great Lakes region of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois and Ontario.
The college also won Silver for Video Shorts for the Pathways Campaign, Bronze for Interior Display for the Pathways Campaign Display and Bronze for Brochure for The Foundation’s at MCCC’s Annual Appeal direct mail piece.
Tomek Joins MCCC as Dean of Humanities/Social Sciences Division
Dr. Beverly Tomek joined Monroe County Community College over the summer as the new dean of the Humanities and Social Sciences Division.
Tomek has worked in postsecondary education for nearly 30 years. She served in several academic roles for her previous employer, the University of Houston-Victoria, including professor of history, interim dean of the School of Arts & Sciences, associate provost and dean of University College, associate chair of humanities and coordinator of the History Department. She most recently served there as the associate provost for curriculum and undergraduate education.
She has extensive experience in the areas of institutional accreditation, curriculum development and academic pathways, program review and evaluation and assessment of student learning, advising, instructional technology and teaching/learning modalities, writing and managing grants, and research and publishing.
According to Dr. Grace Yackee, vice president of instruction at MCCC, the college's search team was impressed with Tomek's deep commitment to supporting the community college mission and MCCC’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative and activities.
She holds a doctorate in history from the University of Houston, master of arts in history from Southwest Texas State University and a bachelor of arts in humanities from the University of Houston-Victoria.
Tomek's division offers courses that provide students with a critical understanding of political, cultural and societal knowledge via transfer and general education courses, as well as houses programs of study in criminal justice and the fine arts. If you are interested in participating in drama or music opportunities, the literary and fine arts magazine, Writing Fellows program, student newspaper and more, please reach out to her!
The Student Success Center: Free Tutoring and Academic Skills Help
Successful students do not wait until they are in trouble to get help. They plan ahead. They anticipate. MCCC offers free tutoring and academic skills help for all students in the new Student Success Center located in Founders Hall. Tutoring services are available Monday through Thursday. One-on-one and group tutoring is available in-person and on-line via Zoom. All are welcome and encourage to take advantage of our services. Visit the Student Success Center website to schedule your first appointment today.
The Tutoring Center is hiring for Fall 2023.
Working as a student tutor is a great on-campus job that allows you to keep up on your academics, help other students and add to your resume. If you are interested in working as a student tutor for fall 2023, please contact Amanda Althouse, coordinator of student success, at aalthouse@monroeccc.edu or via phone at 734.384.4184.
Play Auditions: "Puffs"
All are welcome to audition for MCCC's student production of "Puffs." Puffs has roles for five men, five women and one non-defined role. The production also needs backstage workers; no experience is necessary as training will be provided.
Auditions are November 8 and 9 from 7-10 p.m. in the Holladay Theater (lower level of Campbell Academic Center).
Join us for a "Puffs" Student Play Auditions Info Meeting on Oct. 24 from 7-9 p.m. in the Holladay Theater on the lower level of the Campbell Academic Center. For more info, contact Angie Lai, adjunct instructor, at alai@monroeccc.edu.
Mental Health Services
MCCC offers mental health services on campus in partnership with Monroe Community Mental Health Authority. The services include:
Mental health screening:
- Referrals
- Crisis prevention and intervention
- Advocacy
Linking and coordinating to the following resources:
- Counseling / Therapy
- Health services
- Financial Assistance
- Housing
- Social Services
- Other services and natural supports
Amber Kreichbaum is the coordinator of the services for MCMHA on MCCC's campus. Her goal is to remove the stigma attached to the word mental illness and encourage students to feel comfortable seeking treatment. Her office is in Founders Hall and can be reached via email at akreichbaum@monroeccc.edu or by calling 734.457.6014. She looks forward to working with anyone in need and wants all students to know that her door is always open.
Disability Services
Students with disabilities may be eligible for classroom and test accommodations to provide access to all college facilities and programs. Accommodations are intended to “level the playing field” as much as possible, so the student with a disability has an equal opportunity to succeed. Access is provided while maintaining high academic standards.
Disability Services coordinators are available to assist students with disabilities in all aspects of their educational planning. Students can meet with a disability services coordinator in the Student Success Center to request accommodations, plan their schedule, obtain career and transfer information and receive collaborative services with outside agencies.
Withdrawal Procedure
If you feel you need to drop a class once it has begun, do not just stop going to class. The last day to withdraw for the 2023 Fall Semester is Nov. 10.
You must officially withdraw by filling out an Add/Drop/Withdrawal Form available online or in the Registrar’s Office. In addition to the form, you must provide proof that you communicated with your instructor prior to withdrawing (instructor’s signature on the form or via email). By officially withdrawing from a class, you will receive a ‘W’ grade, which does not affect your GPA. If you are receiving any type of financial aid, please check with the Financial Aid Office before making the withdrawal official. Failure to drop or withdraw from a course you do not wish to complete has both educational and financial consequences. Further information can be found at www.monroeccc.edu/registration.
About "MCCC Happenings"
The "MCCC Happenings" newsletter is produced by the Enrollment Management and Student Success Team to update students on events, things that are new to the college, MCCC policy changes and more. The full publication is sent to all students once a month during the academic year. An "Upcoming Events" section is included at the beginning of every "MCCC Happenings" newsletter. This section links to upcoming events that appear in the online calendar of MCCC's website. Submit events for inclusion on the website directly to Joe Verkennes, director of marketing and communications, at jverkennes@monroeccc.edu. Submit items for inclusion in "MCCC Happenings" to Scott Behrens at sbehrens@monroeccc.edu.