An Unsung “B”ero

Let’s be honest, accounting people don’t usually get much credit. They’re often thought of simply as number-crunchers who prefer working with calculators to working with people.

That stereotype does not ring true for many of MCC’s accounting staff, including this month’s Administrative Center employee of the month, B Sanchez. Recognized by her nominator as “an upbeat and compassionate person who fills a vital role in accounting,” B is an accounting specialist who has worked at MCC for three years.

B, who goes by the shortened version of her given name,

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.

MCC-Maple Woods service learning students to prepare free tax returns

MCC-Maple Woods is offering free federal and state income tax preparation for moderate- and low-income households in the Metro area. The free tax preparation sessions will be held Wednesdays from 4:30-7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the MCC-Maple Woods Computer-Business Room 105 Feb. 2-Apr. 13, 2011. There also will be additional sessions from 1-4 p.m. each Friday in Feb. There will be no sessions March 16 and 19 due to spring break. Household income cannot exceed $49,000 to be eligible for free filing.

Participants should bring the following documents with them: Social Security Card or Individual Tax Identification number (ITIN) for each family member; valid photo ID from Missouri or Kansas; W-2 forms for all jobs worked in 2010; any 1099 forms for other income received in 2010; childcare provider name, address and tax ID number; any other tax-related document you have received; voided bank check for automatic deposit; and a copy of 2009 tax return. All adults listed on the tax return must be present to sign the forms.

The tax preparations are part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Taxes will be prepared by MCC-Maple Woods accounting students who have been trained and certified by the IRS.

New webpage gives employees easier access to accounting info

To simplify communication with MCC’s financial and accounting services department and to provide easier access to financial information, the department is rolling out a new webpage on InfoExchange.

The site, which can be found under the “Business Procedures” tab on the front page of InfoEx, lists contact information for department staff and PDF files of financial documents.

The page is separated into two sections:
· Department Info: names, contact information and area of focus of people you can contact with accounting or financial services questions or matters
· Financial Reports: budget books, fiscal year financial reports, monthly board reports, financial manager’s reports

To access the page:
· Log on to the myMCCKC portal and then select the InfoExchange link from the left-hand menu. (Or access InfoExchange whichever way you normally would.)
· From the InfoEx main page, click on the Business Procedures tab on the upper left-hand side (in the green strip)
· Within the Accounting and Financial Services section (the very first section), click on Accounting and Financial Services Website (the very first link)

Log on and check it out today!