Carpenter connects with students, creates opportunities

Dianna Carpenter may not be quick to accept praise for a job well done, but when you ask her what she likes best about working at MCC, she's got a fast and enthusiastic answer.

"I love making a difference in a student's life," she says. "Creating opportunities for students by helping them get on track with their financing for college - that's why I'm here."

Carpenter, an account collections specialist in student payment services, is the Administrative Center's employee of the month for January. Now beginning her eighth year at MCC, she works with students who have defaulted - or are at risk of defaulting - on their financial aid, loans or payment plans. She finds satisfaction in helping students understand their options and providing guidance to get them back on track with their finances so they can continue attending MCC.

Though Carpenter has been working in education for 17 years, her current role is a lot different from her previous job, where she worked one-on-one with special needs students in the Lee's Summit School District.

"I sometimes miss having that kind of direct contact with students, but in my role at MCC I do still get to connect with students and offer them the resources they need to succeed," says Carpenter. "I have a passion for education and I think customer service is really important in my role and throughout the college."

That commitment to student success and satisfaction is evident to her peers.

"She is always willing to help, whether it is a co-worker or a student," said a colleague who nominated her for the employee of the month award. "She always has a smile and a positive outlook and she will go the extra mile it sometimes takes to resolve a problem. MCC is lucky to have an employee like her!"

Shorter lines anticipated at MCC bookstores

College bookstores across the city are expecting long lines as student’s line up to get their text books and supplies for the upcoming spring semester. While lines are a common problem during the first days of school, MCC has been working on ways to make the student experience better.

One of those ways is the implementation of new shipping deals. Students who ordered text books from MCC’s online bookstores were able to take advantage of free shipping to their homes. MCC began offering free shipping on all text books and materials ordered through the online bookstore from Dec. 20 through Jan. 5.

Though the final numbers are not in yet, the free shipping program seems to be working. Preliminary numbers show that what used to be a 20/80 ratio now looks to be about 75/25, with 75% being the number of books shipped. MCC-Maple Woods shipped 485 orders last week. Beth Austin, MCC-Maple Woods bookstore manager is excited about the free shipping because it will help eliminate line processing and cashier hold up.

Rental Texts
The text rental program, which began at MCC in 2009, didn’t originally allow rentals to be ordered through the online bookstore. That old process contributed to even longer lines and hold ups in the book stores. It was a hassle for students who purchased the majority of texts online, because they still had to come to campus to get their rental texts. That has now been streamlined through online orders.

Rental books offer students greater savings. Some texts can cost as much as $250. Reinhard Weglarz, director of management and auxiliary services at MCC said, “Through the rental program, the student never gets stuck with a book that we won’t buyback.”

Students picking up rental books at campus bookstores will be triaged through a different line, (if they have no other purchases). The bookstores have been staffed differently than before to handle the volume with much more efficiency. “Students can sign for rental books and leave,” said Weglarz.

“To help reduce line reduction during peak times, the bookstores have implemented the ticket system, like at the DMV,” said Selin Gaona, MCC-Penn Valley bookstore manager. “Our computers now check financial aid information when students pick up their ticket [for online orders]. These changes are going to make people more satisfied because the lines are anticipated to be shorter.”

Candy, advice help MCC-Penn Valley students on first day of classes

The first day of classes can be exciting and hectic for students. And what if you have a quick question? Where do you turn? Who do you call on?

MCC-Penn Valley students didn't have to look far -welcome tables were stationed throughout the campus. Students and staff sat at the tables which were positioned in several high traffic areas across campus. Tables, which included candy and a welcome sign, were a relief to students who needed directions, quick answers and a voice of assurance.