MCC Receives $100,000 Grant

MCC has been awarded a $100,000 grant by the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE) to fund creation of the new Career and Postsecondary Transition Center.

The College Access Challenge Grant is part of MDHE’s effort to increase the number of Missouri students who view postsecondary education as an academically and financially viable option.

The Career and Postsecondary Transition Center is a new program of the Career Education Consortium, a collaborative partnership among six diverse local school districts – Center, Grandview, Hickman Mills, Independence, Lee’s Summit and Raytown – and MCC. The purpose of the Consortium, which is managed by MCC, is to promote

Transitional Dimensions exhibit closing on Friday

There are only a few days left to check out this interactive art exhibit at the MCC-Penn Valley Carter Art Center. To see what you've been missing, watch the video above.

The exhibit explores the concept of depth within space that is both real and suggested, done by three local artists. Patrons will experience a range of two-dimensional paintings with dramatic architectural space, constructional textual collages, high-relief sculptural paintings, and three-dimensional constructions. The artists, Steve Mayse, Ellen Wilkins Wolf and Sandra Van Tuyl, have a combination of multiple art and educational awards in their professional fields, both nationally and internationally.

The exhibit will run through March 4, Tuesdays-Fridays, 1 to 5 p.m.

For more information on “Transitional Dimensions” exhibit, go to www.mcckc.edu/pvart or call 816.604.4ART (4278).

FAFSA Fridays - Financial Aid forms made easy!

The MCC-Maple Woods Financial Aid office will be hosting FAFSA Fridays from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. every Friday in March. That means students can walk in and get help with the federal financial aid paperwork required for scholarships, grants and student loans.

Take advantage of the free help! Students, please bring the following things with you to expedite the process:

• Social Security Number and date of birth for your parents, if you are listed as a dependent
• Your driver's license number
• Your Alien Registration Card if you are not a US citizen
• 2010 federal income tax returns and W-2 forms for yourself, for your spouse if you are married and for your parents if you are a dependent
• Month and year your parents were married, separated, divorced or widowed
• Statement of any additional benefits received

For more information, call the financial aid office at 816.604.3066. First come - first served!

Inclement Weather

2/26/2011 8:25:11 AM MCC-Longview is closed due to inclement weather. See alert.mcckc.edu for more info.

Save the Date - IWI & BLS open house

Give a dead cell phone new life - donate to Cell Phones for Soldiers

If you've recently traded in your cell phone for a new model or have had a couple of old ones lying around for months, you can clear the clutter and help a great cause by donating to Cell Phones for Soldiers!

The MCC-Maple Woods chapter of Phi Theta Kappa will be collecting cell phones from now through March 3, 2011, for the non-profit organization. The old phones will be disassembled and sold for components, with all proceeds going toward the purchase of prepaid calling cards for soldiers stationed overseas.

Scholar Bowl coming back to MCC-Maple Woods

The annual high school super-trivia contest will be back at MCC-Maple Woods on March 1, featuring the brain trusts of 15 local and area high school, from 12:30-3 p.m. in the Campus Center Arbor Room.

Think of it as Jeopardy, except without the buzzers and Alex Trebek's ageless haircut. Come and test your own knowledge during one of four rounds of academic action - you'll be amazed at how much you know - and even more amazed at how much you don't.

Sponsored by the Social Science division, the contest has been hosted at MCC-Maple Woods for the last decade for area schools as a way to showcase academic prowess.

This year's participants include:

Excelsior Springs High School
Fort Osage High School
Lawson High School
Liberty High School
Liberty North High School
North Kansas City High School
Oak Park High School
Park Hill High School
Park Hill South High School
Platte Co. R-III High School
Savannah High School
Smithville High School
St. Joseph Homeschool Scholars
Truman Senior High School
Winnetonka High School

MCC-Maple Woods Fitness Center presents Fitness Friday!

Inclement Weather

All MCC campuses and the Administrative Center will close today, February 24, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. due to inclement weather. This means there are no evening classes.

Career opportunities

CO# 11-032 MW Art Instructor

• posted Feb. 21
• will be removed from the website on March 20 for the initial screening.
• For more information or to apply: www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51291

CO# 11-033 AC Program Specialist

• posted Feb. 23
• will be removed from the website March 1 for the initial screening.
• For more information or to apply: www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51292

 

El Shaddai Choir brings gospel to MCC-Maple Woods - Free concert!

In celebration of Black History Month, MCC-Maple Woods will host the El Shaddai Sanctuary Choir, featuring Marvin Jackson, at 7 p.m. Feb. 28 in the MCC-Maple Woods Student Center. This event is free and open to the public.

The El Shaddai Sanctuary Choir is part of the El Shaddai International Ministries, established in Grandview, Mo., in 2000 by Pastor Marvin J. Jackson. The church serves the local community through a variety of outreach programs, including Bible studies for various age groups, Now Faith TV and the music ministry of the choir.

Automotive students take home top prizes in MCC-Longview SkillsUSA competition

Two MCC-Longview automotive students took home top prizes from the SkillsUSA automotive competition.

This past Saturday MCC-Longview Automotive hosted the district SkillsUSA contest for both secondary and post-secondary students.

Ysabel Arias took home the bronze medal while David Michael Gray took home the gold.

Arias is a student in the Ford ASSET program. Gray is a student in the General Automotive degree program.

If you know either of these students please give them a hearty congratulations when you see them.

Overall winners at last weekend’s SkillsUSA events included:


College award winners
Ysabel Arias, MCC-Longview - 3rd
Christian Ramos, Herndon Career Center - 2nd
David Michael Gray, MCC-Longview - 1st

High School winners
Dalton Stumph, North KC Career Center - 3rd
Blake Gibson, Clinton Technical School - 2nd
Chuck Nixon, Warrensburg Technical School - 1st

To see more photos from the event, head over to the MCC-Longview Automotive Facebook page.

"We're on a plane for Hawaii... aren't we?"

Several students at MCC-Maple Woods had the experience of "flying" to Hawaii after hypnotist Dan Lornitis navigated them through a hypnotized plane ride.

MCC-Maple Woods celebrates Black History Month through film

MCC-Longview international students visit Missouri Capitol for a day

It was a day to tell their stories. Stories that spanned the globe and crossed many borders but ultimately ended up at MCC-Longview.

On Feb. 16 ESL instructor Jan Rog and several international students participated in a day-long celebration at the Missouri State Capitol recognizing the thousands of international students attending college at Missouri colleges and universities.

“It was such a great success and we all had so much fun,” Rog said.

MCC-Longview students Li-Wen "Samantha" Cheng (from Taiwan), Mauricio Miralles (from Chile), and Robert Gaines (from Missouri) spent the day meeting with fellow students from around the state and attending a few congressional meetings.

International Education Day is sponsored by Study Missouri, a consortium of colleges and universities that promotes Missouri as a destination for international students and fosters study abroad opportunities for Missouri students. Last year, more than 200 students enjoyed International Education Day at the Capitol.

Grogan to be honored for his leadership at Phi Theta Kappa national convention

MCC-Longview president Fred Grogan has been named the recipient of the Phi Theta Kappa Shirley B Gordon Award of Distinction.

The national award is named after Phi Theta Kappa’s longest serving board chairwoman and founder and long-time president of Highline Community College in Washington.

"I am extremely gratified to receive this award from such an important and prestigious organization," Grogan said. "However, I am even more pleased to have been nominated by the students and advisers of the Longview chapter, Kappa Tau. Our PTK chapter has consistently served their membership and the college in an exemplary fashion.  The support we have been able to provide to this fine student organization has resulted in benefits back to the college many times over."

Campus president nominated by their PTK chapter are selected for this award based on their outstanding support of PTK, a campus honors organization that serves students and the community.

For years, Grogan has supported the efforts and individuals of the PTK honors society at MCC-Longview. His dedication and unwavering support for this student organization has proven to be invaluable as students come and go from MCC-Longview remember with much pride their time here with PTK and its advisors.

Grogan will be given the award at PTK’s national convention in April in Seattle, Washington during the groups general session with more than 3,500 students, PTK advisers and campus presidents in attendance.

Prospective students 'Explore the Woods' at Spring Visit Day

MCC-Maple Woods once again hosted Spring Visit Day for prospective students and their parents - participants had the opportunity to tour the campus, eat in the cafeteria, sit in on a class, learn about financial aid and get a taste of college life from Dean of Student Development Shelli Allen.

Getting to know faculty and feeling comfortable with instructors is a big part of being successful in a college environment, so the MCC-Maple Woods Admissions & Records department would love to thank the faculty members who took time out to welcome potential students:

Kim Luken
Crystal Johnson
Sharon Brashears
Michele Allred
Jim Murray
Jim Moes
Ayanna Bridges
Perri Lampe
Diane Sager
John Stockmyer
Bob Packett
Julie Bishop
Lynnette Jachowicz
David Sharp
Kim Sides-Steiger

Rojas Joins Foundation Board

The MCC Foundation last month welcomed a new member to the board of directors: Cici Rojas, a prominent civic leader and advocate for the Latino community in Kansas City and across the U.S.

Rojas is the vice president of community engagement for Truman Medical Centers, where she oversees employee enrichment and training, health and wellness, community relations and strategic innovation. Prior to her work at TMC, Rojas served as president and CEO of both the Greater Kansas City and the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. She also was vice president of

Regional SkillsUSA at MCC-BTC

Tom Wheeler, MCC-BTC dean of instruction, welcomes about 350 Missouri West Central District SkillsUSA competitors to campus Tuesday, February 22.  The top two or three finishers from all 30 categories will advance on to state SkillsUSA competition March 31-April 2.   Learn more about SkillsUSA here.

FEMA trains colleges at MCC-Blue River

Last week, MCC-Blue River hosted a FEMA-sponsored training for colleges. The training, entitled “Multi-Hazard Emergency Planning for Higher Education,” covered various elements of emergency management.

With recent events serving as a sobering reminder that public safety incidents are difficult to predict and to prevent, campus safety is at the top of local school officials' minds. However, these days, first responders are not the only people who should be prepared to react to emergencies, says MCC-Blue River's Dean of Instruction Cheryl Carpenter Davis.

In addition to MCC campuses and other Kansas City-area colleges, officials from colleges in Jefferson City, St. Joseph, St. Louis, and Pratt, Kan. also attended the training.

The training covered topics such as:

• The phases of emergency management
• Identifying hazards and using risk assessment processes
• Responding using ICS (Incident Command System) and setting up an Emergency Operations Center
• Partnering with the community
• Developing plans; training and testing the plans 
• Engaging the campus community

Participants engage in small group activities during training.

FEMA materials said the premise of the training was to equip six to eight individuals from each institution to “take skills and knowledge back to their own campuses to facilitate the emergency planning process.”

Members of the press were invited to observe the event on Wednesday, February 16. Reporters from The Kansas City Star and the eastern Jackson County publication The Examiner covered the event.

Participants indicated an increased comfort with emergency management after attending the workshop.

“One of the many things I found helpful from attending the training was the guidance the instructors provided in designing sound plans for either man-made or natural emergencies,” said Bob Florence, MCC-Blue River marketing coordinator. “The table-top exercise and other group work were great ways to practice what we learned in the course.”

MCC-Penn Valley English instructor's poetry published

Mary Grantham, who serves as an English instructor at MCC-Penn Valley, has recently had her work published in Rougarou, an online literary magazine.

To read her poem "You Crashed My Innocence," click here

It's a PACKED house at MCC-Longview's High School Senior Visit Day

It was a packed house at the MCC-Longview senior day event on campus Monday. Seniors from area high schools visited campus and got their first look at how to become an MCC-Longview student.

Registrar David Fritz said there were well over a hundred students all interested in becoming future Lakers.

"It is pretty impressive in there," he said talking about the overflowing Mel Aytes Education Center.

The seniors were brought up to speed on how to apply for financial aid, register for classes and prepare themselves for the upcoming transition from high school graduate to college student.

Check out this fun skit by the MCC-Longview Student Ambassadors.

MCC-Penn Valley early college academy featured in news!

MCC-Penn Valley recently partnered with the Kansas City, Missouri School District to launch an early college academy. The project allows high school students to get a jump-start on college by taking a full load of classes.

The first group of students began taking classes in January. The partnership was featured in The Kansas City Star.

Irvin Brooks selected as MCC-Penn Valley employee of month

Congratulations to Irvin Brooks who was recently selected as employee of the month for February at MCC-Penn Valley. Irvin, who works in the media department, was nominated for the honor by Sam Shiel in the business office.

"Irvin is a godsend with the Staff Recognition committee. Any time we need anything he will somehow manifest it with a happy smile and grace," Sam writes.

Sam also mentioned Irvin's dedication and attention to detail. "It is truly a blessing having him on the Staff Recognition committee. As another member of our committee says Irvin is the social lubricant for our campus."

MCC-Maple Woods March Employee of the Month: Tiffany Chapman

Tiffany Chapman, student services technician in the Admissions & Records office, has been chosen as MCC-Maple Woods' March Employee of the Month. Tiffany served as Staff Association president and gave 110% to make sure that the staff was kept in the loop about changes and governance issues happening at MCC and Maple Woods. She was also the driving force behind starting MCC-Maple Woods' Employee of the Month program in August 2010.

MCC-Longview's Gay-Straight Alliance host drag show benefiting AIDS Walk KC

MCC-Longview’s Gay-Straight Alliance is hosting the campus’s first ever Drag Show competition. Everyone is invited to come support this great student organization and their efforts to raise money for AIDS Walk Kansas City.

The show will be at 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 10, in the Mel Aytes Education Center.  There is a suggested donation of $3 at the door.

In April of 2010, nearly 4,000 people participated in AIDS WALK Kansas City and raised over $516,000 for the brave men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS in our hometown. To date, there has not been one cure and HIV/AIDS infection is on the increase. In Kansas City, more than 5,700 people live with HIV/AIDS, 700 of those being between the ages of 13 and 24.

Therefore, the 23rd annual AIDS WALK, presented by the AIDS Service Foundation of Greater Kansas City, will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011, at Theis Park, just south of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Registration opens at 8 a.m, Welcoming Ceremonies commence at 9:00 am and we walk at 10 a.m.

MCC-Longview Drag Show benefiting AIDS Walk Kansas City

8 p.m., Thursday March 10

Mel Aytes Education Center

500 SW Longview Road, Lee’s Summit, Mo.

For more information contact MCC-Longview

faculty members Casey Reid or Angela Bahner.

MCC and FIRST Robotics: Building Future Engineers and Technicians

Team Up Next (3528) posing in one of the classrooms they are using at MCC-Business & Technology Campus during the 2011 FIRST build season.  The 13 home-school students have designed a robot that will defend the field rather than score points at FIRST robotics regional competition March 10, 11, & 12.

FIRST robotics is a nation-wide varsity sport in science.  Its goal is to inspire young people to be math, engineering, science and technology leaders through the intensive, deadline-driven process of building a competitive robot.

“It is the bonding of personalities and lifelong friendships, not channel iron and electronic circuits, that make FIRST such a special experience for our participants, volunteers, and sponsors,” said Robert Dumler, FIRST regional planning committee member and MCC-Business & Technology engineering technology instructor.  

“This process of designing and building a functioning robot in six weeks does so much more than teach high school students about mechanics or electronics.  When the team depends on YOU to pull YOUR weight and complete YOUR piece of the plan, then we start getting into lessons of accountability and professionalism,” added Dumler.  “It is very hard to write curriculum to teach accountability!”

Reception to Celebrate New MCC Partnership

Episcopal Community Services (ECS) will host a reception to celebrate the new partnership between ECS’s Culinary Cornerstones program and the MCC Institute for Workforce Innovation. This is MCC’s first collaboration with ECS to help train students in I.W.I.’s new professional food preparation program.


This partnership is an exciting opportunity for students to not only develop marketable career skills but to help the community. Training in food handling and related jobs will take place at ECS’s Kansas City Community Kitchen, which provides 500 hot meals every weekday to people living in poverty. The program is offered to disadvantaged students who are interested in a career in the culinary arts, and in fact, many of the students who enroll were once helped by the Kansas City Community Kitchen.

Professional and life skills training are also offered, including teamwork, communication skills, problem-solving, planning, stress management, job search and retention, and personal finance management. ECS’s Connections to Success program will also provide industry job placement.

The reception will be held on the evening of March 31, 5-7 p.m. at Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral at 415 West 13th Street in Downtown Kansas City. Catering will be provided by Culinary Cornerstone’s current and incoming students.

For more information about this event, please contact Kevin Kelley, director of community development at I.W.I.

Loan defaults? Not on her watch!

Dena Norris has a challenging job, but she does it with patience and with compassion. That’s why she’s been chosen as the Administrative Center employee of the month for February.

Dena, nominated by a colleague because of her warm and persistent commitment to serving students in need, holds an important position on the MCC financial aid team. As the program coordinator for default prevention, she works to keep students in good financial standing with their lenders and to keep MCC in good standing with the U.S. Department of Education. In other words, she helps students avoid defaulting on their loans which helps the district to maintain a low default rate.

In her direct work with students, Dena (pronounced Day-na) contacts students whose loan payments are past due to encourage them to set up payment arrangements or to let them know what options are available. More proactively, she also contacts students who are at risk of defaulting to help them get back on track with payments.

This financial literacy component is what Dena says she enjoys most about her job. When she counsels a student on how to avoid damaging their personal

MCC-Maple Woods in the News!

John Sutton III, lead public safety officer at MCC-Maple Woods and resident artist in the Kansas City Arts Incubator, was recently featured on NBC Action News!

Ian Jennings - "How do you know I'm English?"

Ian Jennings, student employment services coordinator at MCC-BTC, shared this story and other experiences of travel abroad in Turkey at a professional development workshop at MCC-Maple Woods.

Along with Beverly Jennings, Lawrence Ore, Selin Gaona and Aysun Ilhan, the group shared their knowledge of the history, culture and people of the ancient country, along with modern perspectives from Selin and Aysun about what it's like to be a 21st century Muslim woman, both in Turkey and in the United States.

MCC-Maple Woods Fitness Center presents Fitness Friday!

Answering more budget questions

Last week, we launched MCC Budget Source to provide MCC employees with information about the current state of the district's budget as well as projections, plans and proposals to address the deficit. Since the launch of the site, additional information has been requested, questions have been asked and analyses have been conducted. Information that has been added to MCC Budget Source this week is highlighted in yellow to make it easy for you to find and read additional details as they are added to the site.

If you have budget questions, please send them to budget.source@mcckc.edu. With budget ideas or feedback, please contact a member of the Budget Response Team.

MCC welcomes Fonza-Thomason to HSI

The MCC-Penn Valley Health Science Institute (HSI) welcomes seasoned nurse educator, Dr. Marjorie Fonza-Thomason, as the newest member of the HSI team.

Since its opening, HSI has faced several challenges, which is why Chancellor Mark James brought in Dr. Fonza-Thomason as the acting director of nursing. Dr. Fonza-Thomason has a long teaching and clinical practice career with a strong background in psychiatric nursing. She has been affiliated with such institutions as UMKC, University of Illinois, McMurray College, and was a captain in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corp.

Dr. Fonza-Thomason and Margaret Boyd will work together to fulfill the Chancellor's charge of making MCC’s nursing programs the best in the state.

MCC-Longview shows some love to The American Heart Association

This past Valentine's Day, MCC-Longview students were invited to decorate their own sugar cookie to give away to their special valentine.

But students were showing the love to The American Heart Association as they donated a dollar for each cookie to decorate.

Honoree, Chairs, Theme announced for 2nd annual gala

In preparation for the second annual Five Star Gala to be held this spring, the MCC Foundation has announced the event’s honoree, chairpersons and theme.

The gala’s theme, Creating Bright Futures, is a nod to the commitment and passion of the honoree organization--the Francis Family Foundation, the event chairpersons--David Disney, Kathy Disney and Carolyn Watley, and MCC.

The Francis Family Foundation has contributed more than $20 million to MCC and is the namesake for the Francis Institute at MCC-Penn Valley. Recognized nationally for its commitment to pioneering advances in child care and early childhood development, the Francis Family Foundation has been particularly supportive of MCC’s work to provide high-quality training and education for aspiring childcare providers.

David and Kathy Disney served as co-chairs for the inaugural gala in 2010, along with Jackie Snyder, and will serve in the same capacity this year, along with Carolyn Watley. David, who is senior vice president at J.E. Dunn Construction Company, is president of the MCC board of trustees and has served on the board since 2000. Kathy, who is a professional photographer, is a strong advocate for education and youth in our community. Carolyn, who is president of CBIZ, serves on the MCC Foundation board of directors.

MCC employees are cordially invited to attend the gala, which will be held Thursday, March 31, at the downtown Marriott Hotel’s Meuhlebach Tower. Employee tickets are available for the discounted price of $100 per person, which is less than half of the regular ticket price of $250 per person. MCC alumni and retirees may purchase tickets for $125 each. Proceeds from the event go to student scholarships, academic coaching, emergency book funds and special MCC projects.

For additional information about the event or to order tickets, visit the Five Star Gala website.

Lakers go 3-1 in their first 4 games on the road

The MCC-Longview Lakers baseball team is 3-1 in their first four games in Enid, Oklahoma, this past Tuesday and Wednesday.

Way to go!

They travel back to Oklahoma this weekend where we hope the success and this beautiful weather continues.

Don't miss the Lakers' first home game coming up on March 5 and 6 at 1 p.m. against the Des Moines Area Community College.

For more information, check out the MCC-Longview Facebook page.

MCC-Maple Woods Spotlight: Chuck Carter, Public Safety Officer

MCC-Maple Woods Spotlight: Fitness Center

Join us at MCC-Maple Woods for Nursing Night!

Thinking about a career in health science or nursing? Visit MCC-Maple Woods for Nursing Night from 6:30-8 p.m. Feb. 28 in the Campus Center Arbor Room. Nine area nursing programs will be available to answer questions about scholarships, transfer courses, financial aid and more.

Students now print 30% less

In an effort to curb costs while holding tuition last year, MCC implemented a printing limitations policy - limiting students’ free printing access to 200 black and white, single-sided pages. Additional pages can be printed above the 200 for 10 cents per page.

While the suggestion originated from MCC’s Budget Response Team, the implementation served a dual purpose. The process encourages students to print less, using less paper and ink, therefore contributing to a greener environment.

Since the implementation began in fall 2010, MCC has realized a decrease in student printing of 30%.

Need help? MCC-Maple Woods has an app for that!

Students needing a little extra help with everything from readin,' writin,' and 'rithmetic can rest easy - students, faculty and staff at MCC-Maple Woods are standing by in one of several labs and learning centers to provide guidance and tutoring.

Reading/Writing - HU 105
Kim Sides-Steiger, Gail Freeman, Joyce Donahue, Lori Elliot and Paula Cooley are all waiting to help students keep their papers and homework assignments on track. Learning specialists are always available to help out, but please make an appointment well ahead of your big test or essay.

Math/Science - MS 121
If you can't quite get that last problem to work out correctly, tutors and faculty are available in the math lab to put you on the right track.

Accounting - CB 105
Tutors in the Accounting Lab are available to offer guidance on content-specific homework assignments.

Coming soon!
Chemistry Lab

Martial Arts event helps MCC-Blue River students

Mr. Nicholas C. Yang

In April, Nicholas Yang, the president of Yang's Martial Arts Association International (YMAA) will be on the MCC-Blue River campus teaching several martial arts courses including: Shuai Jiao (Chinese wrestling), Chin Na (joint locks), and White Crane.

 The YMAA is a teaching organization for martial artists and was established in Boston almost thirty years ago by Yang's father, Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming. Nicholas Yang is an acclaimed instructor in his own right and has taught seminars world-wide.

This event is an excellent opportunity for martial arts enthusiasts to hone their craft while helping a Blue River student organization. Proceeds from the event will benefit the college's Single Parent Book Loan program.

This is actually the third year Blue River has held this fundraising seminar in conjunction with YMAA. "As the seminar series has grown, we've developed a closer and closer relationship with YMAA", says Blue River's Eric Parsons, “bringing the president of the organization in for a seminar seemed to be a natural next step". Parsons describes Yang as a "great martial artist" and says "it will be a lot of fun to meet and train with him." Last year the group raised $800 for the single parents' program and hopes to exceed that amount this year.

The details are:

Dates:
April 1 – 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

April 2 – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Campus Info:
MCC-Blue River Arts and Sciences room 100
20301 E. Hwy 78, Independence, MO 64057

This is a public event costing only $40, MCC students get a $10 discount to the event, making the student price $30 for Saturday or $40 for Friday and Saturday.

Participants traveling from out-of-town may take advantage of discounted lodging rates at Staybridge Suites in Independence, Missouri. Contact the hotel directly at 816. 994.2700 and say you are with the “Eric Parsons Group” to get the $50 a night rate.

For more information or to receive a registration form, contact Eric Parsons at eric.parsons@mcckc.edu or call him 816. 604.6746.

Career opportunity

CO# 11-029 AC Project Manager-IT (Internal only)

• posted Feb. 15
• will be removed from the website on Feb. 21 for the initial screening.
• For more information or to apply: www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51288

MCC-Maple Woods Spotlight: Roving Reporter

MCC-Longview Spring 2011 Dinner Theater is scaring up a deadly tale

Rehearsals have started for the Spring 2011 MCC-Longview dinner theater production of Death Takes a Holiday.

Veteran community actors and actresses team up with MCC-Longview's own beginning actors and actresses - working side-by-side - as they prepare for this spring's anticipated debut of Death Takes a Holiday.

The play follows the adventures of Death himself as he decides to quit the killing business and joins humanity. On his brief holiday, Death discovers true love, the thrill of life and questions whether he wants to return to his grim profession.

Recognize the story? You should. Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins stepped into the lead rolls in the Hollywood version of the play (renamed Meet Joe Black).

Death Takes a Holiday

Presented by MCC-Longview Dinner Theater

April 8, 9, 15 and 16

For more information and reservations, call 816-604-2299 or e-mail joyce.kuhn@mcckc.edu

Career opportunity

CO# 11-028 AC PeopleSoft Applications Developer II

• posted Feb. 14
• will be removed from the website on Feb. 27 for the initial screening.
• For more information or to apply: www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51287

 

Love is in the air at MCC-Maple Woods!

MCC-Maple Woods is celebrating Valentine's Day, Single Awareness Day, Flower Appreciation Day, Hallmark Profit Day, whatever you want to call it! In addition to the Candy Bar (clever) and the DIY card table (take that, Hallmark!) and a fun Spin the Bottle for Prizes game, the Collegiate Activities Board also sponsored "Random Acts of Kindness Week," encouraging students, faculty and staff to get out there and help out their fellow students and community.

Slideshow design generated with Smilebox

MCC-Maple Woods Spotlight: CAB Toilet Paper

MCC-Blue River Theatre Troupe Updates and Upcoming

Believe it or not, spring is just around the corner and the MCC-Blue River Theatre Troup, under the leadership of Anne Mahoney, is shaping up for a busy season!

If you have a copy of the red Theatre poster, please note the following changes and adaptations:

April 12 and 14
Day and Evening: “Shakespeare Unabridged”
Are you ready for a little Shakespeare? MCC-Blue River's student artists will perform several riveting and captivating works of this historical dramatist. Come support students in the Black Box area in AS 124 at 12:30 p.m. or wait to bring your family for the evening performance at 7:00 p.m.

May 5 Performance
Students are preparing to kick-off spring with “Cinema Onstage”. They'll perform scenes and monologues from play musicals made from film or into film. Come to AS 124 at 12:30 p.m. for the daytime production.

BR Students Around the Community
Student artists will also perform at Barnes and Noble on the Country Club Plaza, the Independence Cultural Heritage Festival and for various elementary schools as part of the service learning component of class.

Irene Ryan nominees, Lee Roberts and Mike Brown, will represent Blue River at the KCACTF festival February 21 through February 26. Once they return, the two will give presentations to the class about what they learned during the experience.

Special Guest on Campus

Melinda McCray



Blue River hosted two professional equity actors this month. Their expertise brought a heightened level of professionalism to the college's acting one and two courses. Melinda McCrary, education & community programs director from the KC Reparatory, taught on February 8 and 10.



Harold Hynick

The second class will be taught by Harold Hynick in April. Hynick, assistant professor of Theatre at Missouri Valley College, will explain the skills and knowledge for winning auditions and improvisation.

Sweets for the Sweet Blue River

The Students Activity Council ensured everyone has a sugary St. Valentine’s Day this year. In the corner of the Campus Center sits a free chocolate fountain stocked with marshmallows, berries, pretzels and more! The fountain flows until 1:00 p.m. Be sure to take a dip!

Brian Corcoran and BR student Paul Toms

Strategically (and opportunely) next to the fountain is Brian Corcoran, admissions counselor from Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri. Above, he’s chatting with Blue River student Paul Toms about the various programs, loan opportunities and resources MSSU has to offer. On your way to the foundation, be sure to say “hi” to Brian!

MCC-Maple Woods Spotlight: Welcome Week

Career opportunity

CO# 11-026 AC Administrative Assistant - Level 5

• posted Feb. 11
• will be removed from the website on Feb. 27 for the initial screening.
• For more information or to apply: www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51285

CO# 11-027 AC Payroll Processing Specialist

•  posted Feb. 11
•  will be removed from the website on Feb. 27  for the initial screening.
•  For more information or to apply: www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51286

MCC Institute for Workforce Innovation outreach initiative

The MCC Institute for Workforce Innovation (I.W.I.) needs your help. I.W.I. has invited community partners to visit various MCC campuses and their points of distinction. From February-April, two dates each month will be available for tours, with room for 15-20 people per tour (see calendar below).


You can help by passing the word along to anyone in the metropolitan area who could benefit from learning more about MCC programs and services. The goal is to strengthen relationships with local government (city and county), the civic community, minority populations, and neighborhood and business leaders.

Calendar of I.W.I. Tours:

MCC-Penn Valley Health Science Institute
Feb. 18, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Feb. 25, 1-3 p.m.

MCC-Business & Technology
March 7, 1-3 p.m.
March 8, 1-3 p.m.

MCC-Blue River Precision Driving Track/ Fire&Police Programs
April 4, 1-3 p.m.
April 5, 1-3 p.m.

This initiative is being led by Juan Rangel, director of community engagement at I.W.I. Plans for tours to run at other campuses from April-July are currently underway. For more information, please contact Rangel at 816.604.1503, or at juan.rangel@mcckc.edu.

Want some info on the Woods? Come to Spring Visit Day!

Whether you want info on financial aid, career programs or even the MCC-Maple Woods student experience, you can find out everything there is to know about the Woods at the annual Spring Visit Day! HS juniors, seniors and other interested prospective students can attend the information session for free, from 8:30 a.m. - noon Feb. 21. Please sign up here or call 816.604.3263 to RSVP.

Countdown to tobacco-free campus – 170 days

As reported in an MCC Insider post on Jan.18, MCC will become a tobacco-free campus effective Aug.1, 2011. The official announcement was made by Chancellor Mark James at the Nov. 9, 2010 Chancellor’s Cabinet meeting.


Tobacco-free refers to all types of smoking and smokeless tobacco products. Once implemented, all areas of MCC properties and grounds will be tobacco-free. All students, employees, visitors, contractors, vendors and delivery personnel will be required to follow this initiative.

The tobacco-free committee continues to meet and work through the details of this initiative and The MCC Insider will keep all informed as the initiative evolves.

MCC Board of Trustees meeting

The next MCC Board of Trustees regular meeting is scheduled for  Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the MCC-Business & Technology Conference Annex, room 104. 

MCC-Maple Woods Fitness Center presents Fitness Friday!

MCC and MDC partner to teach residents how to use native Missouri plants in your garden at home

Native plants are a beautiful and environmentally friendly landscape option as the snow melts and the spring growing season begins.

Naturalist and author Dave Tylka of Imperial, Mo., will present “Native Landscaping—A Natural Way to Spice Up Life” at a workshop on Feb. 25 and 26 at Metropolitan Community College-Longview in Lee’s Summit that will showcase how to use native Missouri plants in your garden at home.

“It’s like bringing a piece of your favorite nature back home if you like prairies or forests,” Tylka said.

Other experts will also make presentations at the “Landscape Design with Missouri in Mind” workshops, which are sponsored by “Grow Native!” and MCC-Longview. Tylka will discuss his book “Native Landscaping for Wildlife and People.”

MCC-Maple Woods students learn the ABC's of college transfers

More than 40 4-year colleges and universities were on-hand to help MCC-Maple Woods students with any questions they might have about transferring. Advisers, counselors and reps were available to answer questions, hand out materials and help students get a handle on the transfer process.In addition to the colleges and universities, reps from Cerner were on-site to talk to students and take resumes for their internship program. Cerner sponsors a part-time paid internship program for students seeing business-related degrees, such as business administration, finance, economics, or accounting.

MCC-Maple Woods Spotlight: Collegiate Activities Board

Movies, choirs and hypnotists, oh my! (and lots of giggles.)

MCC-Maple Woods Business Program continues to build on strong foundation

Whether students are seeking a solid business foundation before transferring to a four-year institution or completing a two-year degree designed to get them into the workforce faster, the MCC-Maple Woods business faculty are making sure the program fits the needs of students taking just one course or completing their degrees.

Development of a two-year course load, mixing on-campus and online courses, has been developed by faculty and designed to make the most out of students' time.

Business Program Highlights:

• New Business Classroom - Classroom 105 in the Computing-Business building has been redone and is being used for classes this semester. This classroom has been redesigned as a “smart” classroom. Traditional desks have been replaced with workstations that house computers that lift up out of the desk. The room can quickly convert to a working lab. The computer monitors can then be lowered and are out of sight when not in use, giving students’ clear workspace.

• Additions to the MW Library - Over the past six years, we have added 221 new business books to the library collection. These books have assisted our students with assignments, projects, and are keeping students abreast of current events in the business world.

• VITA Program - MCC-Maple Woods will once again be hosting a Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (“VITA”) site on our campus during the 2010 tax filing season (i.e., February 2011 – April 2011). This year the site will be moved from its previous location in the Learning Resources Multi-Media lab to the new classroom discussed above (CB 105). We are moving to the larger room to accommodate more taxpayers. The VITA program is staffed by community volunteers, as well as students that complete BSAD 252: Individual Income Tax (this is a service learning class). BSAD 252 is an excellent class for students planning to major in Accounting – it looks good on a resume and allows students who are proficient in accounting to see how their skills can be a tremendous resource to the community.

• Facebook - The Business program has created a “fan” Facebook page to better serve and connect with students. The use of social media to promotes the program, sends out announcements, facilitates business discussion, offers business tips and suggestions, informs students about job leads, etc.

Future Initiatives to Expand/Improve the Business Program

• Continue to invite MaryLynn Munger, student employment coordinator, into classrooms to discuss cover letter, resume and professionalism in the workplace.
• Invite the Writing Center into classrooms each term to assist students with basic writing skills.
• Invite Mary Northrup, reference librarian, into classrooms to discuss and inform students about library support services.
• Invite the Financial Aid department into classrooms to help students understand the financial aid process and what it means to receive and properly use financial aid.

For more information on the MCC-Maple Woods Business Program, or to offer feedback to the instructors and program coordinators, contact business instructor Jim Moes.

Health screenings return to MCC-Longview Rec Center

An important part of a healthy lifestyle is getting screened early for any potential problems. The MCC-Longview Recreation Center is gearing up for a two-hour health screening on April 2.

Health Screenings

Saturday, April 2

8:30-10:30 a.m.

MCC-Longview Recreation Center

Read more to see what the screenings will include and how to sign up.

Play Ball! Spring Athletics are back at MCC-Maple Woods!

The baseball and softball Monarchs are back in action at MCC-Maple Woods for the spring semester.
The baseball Monarchs begin their season on the road, but will play their home opener against Iowa Central College at 1 p.m. Feb. 26 at the MCC-MW baseball field.


The softball Monarchs also start the 2011 season on the road, and will play a double-header home opener against Highland Community College at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. March 8 at Happy Rock Park in Gladstone, Mo.

MCC-Maple Woods host Late Night Cafe for evening students

Evening students get a taste of Campus Life & leaderships hospitality at the Late Night Cafe.

Collegiate Activities Board students served Frito pie and chili to evening students as a way to include them in campus activities.

MCC-Maple Woods Spotlight: Veterinary Technology

MCC-Longview Library display honors Black History Month

The MCC-Longview Library, in honor of Black History Month, is displaying a series of local photographs and books that highlight the the achievements and success in the black community. Swing by the library to see the impressive collection.

Message from the Chancellor - Budget Website Launched

Dear MCC Colleagues,

As you know, MCC’s current budget outlook is challenging. While the officers, with the input of individuals and teams from across the district, are working to find solutions to our sizable budget deficit, I want to be sure all of you are informed about the various factors related to budgetary decisions.

We have created a website called MCC Budget Source where you can access all of this information. If you have questions about changes related to the MCC budget, take a few minutes to look through this site, which includes an FAQ section. If you have additional questions, email them to budget.source@mcckc.edu . While we cannot respond to each question individually, you can watch for responses to frequently asked questions to appear on MCC Budget Source. Also, please continue to direct feedback and questions to your Budget Response Team representatives, who are listed by name on the MCC Budget Source site.

As additional budget information becomes available, we will continue to update the site, so feel free to check back often for additional information.

Please use MCC Budget Source to stay informed and provide input into these important decisions. I believe that we can meet the challenges we now face and continue our mission of preparing students, serving communities and creating opportunities.

Mark James

Chancellor

MCC-Maple Woods offers free computer courses to community

Whether you’re confused by Excel’s frustrating formulas, need to learn Access for a new job or just want to brush up on some basic skills, MCC-Maple Woods offers computer classes and lab access to the community. The courses require registration and attendance at an orientation session.
To register for courses or the orientation session, contact the MCC-Maple Woods community education office at (816) 604-3011. The orientation session and courses are free, and there is a one-time fee of $3 for an MCC-Maple Woods ID card.

MCC Notify Me Text Messaging Interruption

It is crucial that MCC students and employees receive information about a crisis or weather related closings as quickly as possible. As such, MCC recently established the MCC Notify Me text messaging system, upgrading our ability to send text messages to students and employees who subscribe to this free service.

However, MCC has just learned that particular cell phone carriers have begun blocking these text messages from reaching subscribers. As a result, MCC is exploring alternatives that will insure text messages reach all intended recipients. In the meantime, please continue checking any of these sources, where emergency and weather-closing information will also be posted:

• your MCC e-mail
• the MCC home page
• MCC Alert web page
• Blackboard 
• myMCCKC portal.

We apologize for any inconvenience and will provide you with an update as soon as we have additional information.

MCC welcomes new employees

New Date for AAWCC Meeting at the BTC

Please join members from the MCC community as they lead a discussion about the benefits of joining the Kansas City Chapter of The American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC). The AAWCC focuses on community service, scholarship opportunities for all students, and activities related to professional growth and development.

The details for the meeting are:
Date: March 3, 2011 (NOTE: Date Change) 
Time: 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: BTC, Conference Annex 104A

MCC-Longview Debate brings home first place at Kansas Wesleyan tournament, Feb. 4-6

Opening the 2011 debate season, MCC-Longview took home the top prize in the Kansas Wesleyan debate tournament’s community college division on Feb. 4-6.

Overall, Longview brought home fourth place at the tournament beating out many four-year universities and colleges.

Debaters from MCC-Longview crisscrossed the state this past month competing in two tournaments and brining home victories in several different categories.

On Jan. 28-30, MCC-Longview debaters headed to Webster University in St. Louis, one of the largest tournaments of the season and faced arguments from some of the toughest debate teams from around the region.

Debaters Natalie Reeves and Jonathan Stacy partnered to compete in Parliamentary Debate for the first time. Coach Kris Stroup said that although the team did not advance to the elimination rounds of the Webster tournament, the outing there gave both debaters a lot of experience collaborating with debaters from Truman State University as they prepare for the national tournament in April.

“We used this tournament as an opportunity to put our nationals team in place so that we could start playing with new strategies,” Stroup said.

Immersion Trip to Uganda at MCC-Blue River

Want to end the year 2011 with a bang? Well, MCC-Blue River mathematics instructor, Eric S.Parsons has a fabulous idea of how you can. He’s planning an immersion trip to Uganda, and he’s inviting MCC employees and students to come along for the learning and fun.

Mesmerized by Uganda’s landscapes and ornamental beauty, Winston Churchill once described Uganda as “The Pearl of Africa." Blue River’s Eric Parsons is similarly captivated by the splendor of this country. Having spent two years in Uganda as a Peace Corps volunteer, he’s excited to re-visit a country he loves and introduce his MCC friends to the wonders of this “Pearl of Africa."