MCC Celebrates a Night at The K

The inaugural MCC Night at the K will bring together students, alumni and employees to celebrate as one MCC at Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday, Sept. 20. The Royals will take on the Detroit Tigers at 7:10 p.m.

All those who have an MCC ticket are invited to a free tailgate-style dinner at Arrowhead Stadium's North Club Room before heading over to Kauffman Stadium for the game. Employee* and family tickets can be purchased at www.kcroyals.com/mcckc at the cost of $5 each. Parking fee is not included in ticket price; carpooling is encouraged.

“MCC is Kansas City region’s oldest and largest institution of higher education,” said Tom Vansaghi, associate vice chancellor of college and community relations. “We are proud that for the past 95 years we have created opportunities for more than a half million students who have come through our many doors. This event will celebrate our successes and contributions to our region, as we bring our students, alumni and employees together in one place to celebrate the fact that we are One MCC.”

Doors to the tailgate will open at 5 p.m. and a presentation will begin at 6 p.m. Free t-shirts will be available (watch The MCC Insider for more on that).

Once employee* tickets are purchased, MCC will send participants a confirmation email with more details about the event.

For more information, click here for the Q&A.

*Students will get their tickets at the campus life and leadership office at any campus; alumni can contact the MCC Foundation at 604.1197. Service fees will aplly to tickets purchased online. Watch for more information to come.

MCC highlights long-time employee: Deb Vacek

Twenty five years ago, Deb Vacek had graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, was a starving artist and was working “some job on the Plaza”. She needed a full-time job, and found one as a secretary working for Rick Drumm in Human Resources at MCC. “That’s how I earned money through college, doing that kind of work.”

Early on in her MCC career, while working for Reinhard Weglarz, she had her first experience with a Macintosh computer. “It was the first time I ever had a mouse in my hand,” says Deb. “It was the most wonderful experience. I ended up taking more classes and the job itself set me off in another direction.”

She has used her degree in fine arts, mixed with her natural creative design talents over the last 25 years at MCC.

The MCC Experience
“The best thing about MCC is the people and the relationships that I’ve built,” she explains. “We’ve all grown up together; it’s like we don’t even see each other aging because we’ve all grown up together everyday. It’s my favorite part of MCC - the people more than anything.”

Deb is currently a systems analyst II in the MCC web applications department.

Personal Time and Other Particulars
Deb likes to travel and has an upcoming trip planned in December to Africa.
She loves to hang out with her great group of friends and family.
Favorite word: The Yoko Ono - "YES"
Favorite Adult Beverage: Sauvignon Blanc, or beer (never light)
What Deb always brings to work: Matching shoes - almost always

Broadway entrance to Penn Valley parking garage to close

Beginning Sept. 5, the northeast entrance to the Penn Valley/Administrative Center parking garage (off Broadway) will be closed for maintenance. This entrance will be closed through November 14, 2011.

The closure is part of the MCC District Parking Garage Maintenance and Repair plan. MTS Construction Company is scheduled to repair the concrete drive on the northeast side of lot D. Barricades will restrict pedestrian access to the immediate area, but leave access open to the entrances of the Administrative Center and parking garage. The southeast entrance from Broadway will remain open.

Employee's books can be purchased on Amazon

Author Lauren Scharhag is most known around MCC as Lauren Roberts - IWI’s administrative assistant and acting public information coordinator. But her love for writing doesn’t end there. She has recently co-authored The Order of the Four Sons, with Coyote Kishpaugh, a science-fiction/fantasy series. Details about her writing including excerpts can be found on her blog, laurenscharhag.blogspot.com.

Lauren has been writing for 18 years and has 3 additional books available including The Ice Dragon, Imperial-13 and The Winter Prince.

“I write because I love everything about writing - stories, characters and words," said Lauren. "I never outgrew my love for fairy tales and nursery rhymes. But mostly, I write because it keeps me relatively sane.”

About Order of the Four Sons:
Since before recorded history, the Order of the Four Sons has existed. From their beginnings in ancient Egypt to the boardrooms of modern times, they have fought a covert war against the enemies of humankind. But now, after 5,000 years, their greatest battle is about to begin. Welcome to the Order. The world is not what it seems.

What's your purpose? A spotlight on Ian Jennings

Creating opportunities for individuals recently released from prison is part of Ian Jennings’ purpose. In his role as a student employment placement coordinator at Metropolitan Community College-Business Technology, he works with ex-offenders to help them gain the self-belief and confidence to help them move into careers where they can become productive citizens.
Want to share your pupose? Email Tom.Vansaghi@mcckc.edu

Employees:Demystifying the Request Process for Access to the MetroSoft System

Do you know how to request training or security for MetroSoft's system? Below are steps for employees to follow to gain access to MetroSoft’s systems.

The main indicator needed for employee system access is that employee’s supervisor needs to complete a form via the MetroSoft Training/Security Request form, available on the Info Exchange under Technology > MetroSoft Training.

Here are the steps:
1. Supervisor completes form.
2. An Organizational Development representative will contact employee regarding arrangements for training and/or any clarification needed.
3. Training materials/instructions will be determined per conversation with Organizational Development representative (or as indicated on the On the Job Training (OJT) Supervisor Sign-Off form).
4. Trainer will be identified.
5. Employee will complete training.
6. IF OJT is done, completed OJT Supervisor Sign-Off form will be turned in to Organizational Development.

After training is complete, access to the system can take up to two working days, so plan ahead to get training complete as needed. If system access takes longer, Contact Computer Services at 604.1133.

Bookstore Volunteer Opportunities for Employees

MCC bookstores want you! Help get the students set up for the first day of class! MCC employees are needed to volunteer at any of the campus bookstores during the week of Aug. 18 – 26 , time range between 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Exceptions to these dates are noted in descriptions below.

To volunteer, contact the bookstore manager to set up a time (contact information at bottom of post).

Volunteer Descriptions (It’s not a job, it’s an adventure!)

Internet order Window: Locations: PV, MW (8/11-8/26)
• Organize boxed orders.
• Verify student ID and order # against Bookstore order list.
• Validate ordered items against order summary.
• Reseal box and release to student.
• May require some lifting.

Receipt checker: Locations: PV
• Check merchandise/book receipts to match the merchandise/book leaving the store.
• Direct incoming traffic to the store.

Book re-stocker: Locations: PV
• Restock the back shelves.
• Will require some lifting.

Merchandise Re-stocker: Locations: PV
• Restock the sales floor.
• Will require some lifting.

Financial Aid Checker: Locations: PV, BTC, MW (8/11-8/26)
• Verify all students receiving financial aid have their aid posted to their accounts. If the aid is not posted, they will not be able to charge their purchases to their financial aid. BTC IS VALIDATING INTERNET ORDERS
• Volunteer will be equipped with a computer to check their account information prior to the student waiting in line.

Sales Floor Assistance: Locations: PV, BR (8/11 & 8/12 ONLY)
• Walk the sales floor to provide assistance as necessary.

Internet Order Filer: Locations: BTC
• Once order is processed, put in numeric order, hole punch and place in folder

Phones: Locations: MW, LV, BR
• Answer phones at bookstore

Bookstore Contacts:
BTC – Lawrence Ore 5487
BR – Nita Isenhour 6690
LV – Michelle Capps 2226
MW – Beth Austin 3182
PV – Selin Gaona 4190

Employees: James accepts Insurance Committee recommendations

Vice Chancellor Tuesday Stanley announced today that Chancellor Mark James accepted the MCC Insurance Committee’s recommendation to continue with Blue Cross and Blue Shield as MCC’s health insurance provider for calendar year 2012. There is also an option for a second year renewal with varying renewal rates, dependent on employees' and retirees' participation in wellness activities. This will be presented to the MCC board of trustees in August and is expected to be approved.

In addition, based on the analysis of projected claims, Delta Dental is proposing a 3% increase in the dental rates. This will also be sent to the board. Vision Service Plan rates will remain unchanged.

As a reminder, from January 2012 to June 2012, employees will incur the additional 4.9% increase in health care costs through this contract. Open enrollment for health insurance will be this fall. More information on open enrollment will follow from Brandi Fockler and schedules will be posted on The MCC Insider.

MCC named among best college employers

MCC has been named one of The Chronicle of Higher Education’s 2011 Great Colleges to Work For, according to a report released July 25.

The national publication recognized MCC in the category of compensation and benefits, noting that the five-campus college district “offers solid [state] pension plans, health benefits like fully covered routine checkups, and a generous tuition-remission program.” A vacation carryover policy and wellness incentive programs were also cited as reasons MCC was chosen for the honor.

More than 300 institutions across the country participated

Video: Celebrating 10 years at one MCC campus

MCC employees who have spent 10 or more years at MCC-Blue River talk about their favorite moments

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,

Where to go in severe weather

Severe weather season is upon us and MCC is focused on the safety of all. In the event of severe weather, students, employees and visitors are urged to go to the following FEMA designated shelters at each campus:

MCC-Blue River: Arts & Sciences Building
MCC-Business & Technology: Conference Annex
MCC-Longview: Cultural Arts Center
MCC-Maple Woods: Campus Center
MCC-Penn Valley: Education Center
Administrative Center: MCC-Penn Valley – Education Center
Broadway Plaza: MCC-Penn Valley – Education Center
Pioneer/Facility Services Building: Facility Services Annex

For more information and other safety tips visit the MCC Alert Home page.

myMCCKC inaccessible June 17-19

The myMCCKC system, which students and employees use to access some MCC systems, will be upgraded on June 20, 2011. As a result, from Friday evening, June 17 through Sunday, June 19 there will be no access to MetroSoft, the student center or employee center.  myMCCKC will continue to be available.During the weekend of the upgrade, applications, registrations and fee payments for summer and fall semesters cannot be processed, nor can drops or reinstatements for spring.

Access to Outlook, student email or Blackboard will not be affected.

Students and employees should not see any significant difference in the system after the upgrade. However, a small change users may notice is that there will be no more hover menus. You cannot hover over an entry and wait for the menu to expand - you will need to click each entry to expand the menu.

Spring is here – Let’s move Payroll again

Last May, the MCC payroll department moved from Broadway Plaza to the Administrative Center. Now, 377 days later, payroll is moving back. Effective June 6, payroll offices will be located on the first floor of the Broadway Plaza (BP) building, across the hall from human resources.

Anyone needing to drop off paperwork can do so by placing it in the drop off box labeled "MCC Paperwork." That box will be located in the entryway of the BP building and will be checked twice a day.

Payroll recently hired two new employees, Angela Brock, the new payroll coordinator, took Stacey Blum’s place when she became payroll manager after Janice Cole retired. Felicia Dunn replaced Amanda Turner when Turner moved to a position at IWI.

Effective after the move, the main payroll number 604.1040 will no longer be Blum’s number. Blum’s new phone number is 604.1042.

Below is a list of contact information and general duties:

Stacey Blum: Payroll Manager 604-1042 (new number)
Angela Brock: Payroll Coordinator 604-1040 (main payroll line)
Felicia Dunn: Payroll Specialist 604-1041
  BIWEEKLY PAYROLLS: RET: A-Z   BWK: A-J   EXS: A-J   PER: A-Z
  MONTHLY PAYROLLS: PTF: A-J   F10: A-Z

Darlene Mahan: Payroll Specialist 604-1484
  BIWEEKLY PAYROLLS: CBP: A-Z   BWK: K-Z    EXS: K-Z
  MONTHLY PAYROLLS: PTF: K-Z   F12: A-Z

Deborah Buckley: Payroll Specialist 604-1346
  BIWEEKLY PAYROLLS: PTS: All   WST: All   RST: All
  MONTHLY PAYROLLS: FSS: All   MON: All   All Leave Reports
Other Duties:
Felecia - All garnishments, All Elective Deductions (united way, 403-b, etc)
Darlene - EMERS (retirement system transmissions)
Deborah - Pay Card Administration, Prints Timesheets and checks, All Direct Deposits
Stacey / Angela – Incentive Pay administration, General Information, Special Needs, Problems, Research

Employees: accounting information reminder

MCC employees, please click here to view information regarding cut off dates for the end of FY2011.

In Memorium: MCC-Maple Woods honors colleagues

The MCC-Maple Woods family would like to take a moment to remember the following colleagues who passed away during the previous year.

Katherine Fausset-Brock
Katherine was a learning specialist at MCC-Maple Woods. She passed December 10, 2010.

Marialice Estopare
Marialice served in the Advising and Counseling office at MCC-Maple Woods for several years, also volunteering her time to serve the Maple Woods Staff Association and the District Staff Council. She passed on April 16, 2011. A service is planned in her honor at 9 a.m. June 18, 2011 at the One Community Spiritual Center.

Dr. Ron Brink
An instructor of speech and theater, Dr. Ron Brink was a charter member of the faculty at MCC-Maple Woods, beginning in 1969 until his early retirement in 1998. After retirement, Dr. Brink continued to be active at Maple Woods, and he wrote much of the curriculum still used by the department today. In addition to his love for teaching, Dr. Brink was also a very talented artist, and his work is displayed all over the campus. He passed May 19, 2011.

Employees: End of FY accounting info

MCC employees, please click here to view information regarding cut off dates for the end of FY2011.

Employee Survey: MCC's Fitness and Recreation Centers

As part of MCC’s continued commitment to review programs and services, Vice Chancellor Tuesday Stanley has charged a committee, composed of staff, faculty, and administrators, to review MCC’s fitness and recreation centers.

A survey was recently distributed to students in order to obtain their input. At this time we would like to hear from MCC employees. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey that can be accessed from the link below. No personal information will be shared with anyone.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2GVWYF3

Thank you in advance for your participation and taking time to complete the survey.

- Mary Truex, Co-Chair

- Brian Bechtel, Co-Chair

Employees: Join the MCC Fitness Centers - no cost!

Did you know employees can use the MCC Fitness Centers at no cost? Visit any of the campus fitness centers, complete and sign a waiver, and you become a member. It’s that simple! You are not restricted to the campus in which you work. Utilize all of them or one thata's convenient for you. Click here to find a location best for you.


After you work out, don't forget to log your success on the Points-to-Blue incentive program. For other wellness information visit the InfoEx here.

Here’s the details:

Full-time and flexible part-time employees are eligible to join the MCC fitness centers at no cost. These benefit eligible employees will need to go through the normal screening process by answering a series of questions concerning such things as chest pain, blood pressure, asthma, fainting spells, etc. This screening is conducted on-site at the appropriate fitness center. If there is no problem with the screening, employees will be allowed to use the center. If there is a problem, employees will need to get a release from their doctor before being allowed to use the center.

Spouses may be added for a cost of $10 per month, families may be added for $15 per month; and dependent membership is contingent upon the same wellness screening process administered to employees. Every two years, employees and their dependents would need to be screened again. Dependent children will be eligible until age 24, regardless of student status.

Part-time faculty and temporary part-time (1000 hour) staff who wish to join the fitness centers must go through the screening process as detailed above for benefit eligible employees. Once they are cleared to use the center, they too will be eligible for free membership. Since this is a benefit for part-time faculty and temporary part-time (1000 hour) staff employees only, there is no discount for dependents, however, there would be some financial benefit because the employee would already be a member (i.e. – a spouse could join at a single member rate instead of the couple rate).

See something? Say something!

As an employee of MCC you can assist with keeping our environment safe for everyone. MCC facility services always appreciates it when you report an unsafe condition or concern you see at your location. It’s easy to do - call the department directly to report an immediate need:


MCC-Blue River 604.6535
MCC-Business & Technology 604.5465
MCC-Longview 604.2060
MCC-Maple Woods 604.3060
MCC-Penn Valley 604.4060

Or you can go online through InfoEx and:
1) Select your web drop down menu
2) Select Physical Facilities Work Request
3) Select the building for the work request
4) Select the area, then enter a description of the request
5) Click submit to send your work request
6) You then receive a response letting you know your request was submitted successfully along with a work request number that you can reference
7) An email is also sent to you confirming the submission of your request, and once completed another email letting you know the requested work has been completed

Thank you in advance for being observant of potential safety hazards at your location. Keeping a focus on safety helps everyone!