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.