New students learn the ins and outs of A+

The Missouri A+ program is an important resource for students looking to attending college with an already stretched budget. The program provides for 2 years of free tuition at a community college based on attendance and other factors and has helped many students get costly basic courses out of the way and save money for transfer to another institution, as well as get certificates and begin working immediately.

But like everything financial-aid-related, there are rules and regulations and that's where MCC-Maple Woods' A+ Orientation course comes in to play. All students attending Maple Woods on the A+ program must complete a 3 hour, 1 credit hour course designed to teach them how the program works, how to keep receiving benefits, and how to excel at Maple Woods for as long as they are here.

Misty Chandler, Shelli Allen and Robin Stimac walk the students through important process while having a good time in Shelli's signature (and musical) style.

MCC Foundation Gives Surprise Gift to Students in Need

A generous donation from the MCC Foundation is sure to bring smiles to the faces of some very deserving students this fall.

The foundation’s board of directors approved a measure last week that would provide $500 scholarships to a group of almost 200 high-achieving students who are struggling to pay their college costs. Foundation board president, Anita Maltbia, presented a $100,000 check to MCC officials and student ambassadors during the college’s board of trustees meeting on Thursday.

MCC Foundation Board President Anita Maltbia, second from right, presented a check for $100,000 made out to "Metropolitan Community College Students" at the MCC board of trustees meeting on June 16. Pictured with Maltbia are (left to right) Mark James, MCC chancellor; Duc Nguyen, student leader at MCC-Penn Valley and MCC-Maple Woods; Mehrnaz Shahlari, student ambassador at MCC-Penn Valley; Maira Cuevas, student leader at MCC-Blue River and MCC-Maple Woods and student advisor for the MCC Foundation; and David Disney, president of the MCC board of trustees.   

Financial-need parameters have been established for the scholarships but specific students have not yet been selected to receive the awards, said Cindy Butler, MCC's district director of financial aid. The students, who will be identified by the financial aid office, will have completed at least half of the coursework for an associate's degree and be in good academic standing with the college.

“These are bright students who are poised to do well in school and in their careers,” said Maltbia, who is also director of the

Penn Valley bids farewell to financial aid retiree!

MCC-Penn Valley's loss is the shopping mall's gain. That was pretty much the sentiment as financial aid staffer and self-proclaimed shopaholic Viki Duncan said farewell at her surprise retirement party. Surrounded by colleagues and family, Duncan reflected on her years of service and fun times.

Former Mayor Pro Tem Alvin Brooks wished Viki Duncan well.

MCC-Penn Valley presents Financial Literacy Week - check it out!

In recognition of Financial Literacy Month, MCC-Penn Valley created a week-long series of events which will take place April 18-21 in the caferteria. Free food and a chance for prizes will be available to those who attend.

Click on the image above for amplified information.

MCC-Maple Woods Spotlight: Graduation Fair

MCC-Penn Valley launches financial aid ad campaign

MCC-Penn Valley recently launched a financial aid awareness promotion campaign. The advertising campaign, funded by the Missouri Department of Higher Education, is aimed at first-generation African-American and Latino prospective students in the Kansas City, Missouri urban core.

Ads are running on the following mediums:

• 13 billboards
• radio stations KPRS FM and KDTD AM
• newspapers: The Kansas City Call, The Kansas City Globe, Dos Mundos, Kansas City Hispanic News.

Scholarship and Financial Aid deadlines are almost here!

April 1, 2011, is MCC's and Missouri's deadline for financial aid and scholarships. Students: fill out your FAFSA and apply! Faculty and Staff: encourage your students to get to the Financial Aid office!

MCC-Maple Woods' Financial Aid office is dedicating every Friday in March to helping students fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which is mandatory for all students who wish to receive any kind of financial assistance for upcoming semesters. FAFSA Fridays are held on a first come-first served basis and the are FREE!

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!

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

Transfer Week @ MCC-Maple Woods - What you need to know

It's Transfer Week at MCC-Maple Woods - do you know what to do?

A variety of events are planned for the week of Feb. 7-11 designed to help students get through the transfer process, if they're ready, or begin the process if they still have a semester or more to go.

A transfer workshop hosted in the Campus Life and Leadership office addressed student questions: counselor Terrell Tigner and graduation advisor Denise Westrem were on hand to tell students how to begin the transition to a four-year institution.

A Transfer Fair with representatives from several area colleges and universities is scheduled from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Feb. 10 to assist current students looking for the next step in their education, while and A+ Transition Workshop will take place Feb. 8 from 6-8 to help prospective students learn about their A+ benefits and how to apply them to MCC-Maple Woods or any other two-year school.

Although not officially a part of Transfer Week, financial aid is always a major concern, so MCC-Maple Woods will host a FAFSA Frenzy workshop from 2-4 p.m. Feb. 13 in the Campus Center.

MCC-Maple Woods offers aid for FAFSA filers at FAFSA Frenzy

Applying for financial aid can be complex and confusing for students and parents alike, but Metropolitan Community College-Maple Woods aims to take some of the stress out of the process. MCC-Maple Woods will be hosting FAFSA Frenzy as part of a statewide initiative to simplify the financial aid application process. The event, which will be held from 2-4 p.m. Feb. 13 in the MCC-Maple Woods Student Center, is free and open to the public and does not require registration. In case of inclement weather, FAFSA Frenzy will be held Feb. 20 at the same time and location.

Robin Stimac, financial aid manager at MCC-Maple Woods, said FAFSA Frenzy is designed to assist students and their parents in filling out “Free Application for Federal Student Aid” (FAFSA) forms. FAFSA forms are used by colleges and the federal government to determine how much financial assistance the student is eligible for in the form of loans, grants and scholarships.

To sweeten the deal, four $1,000 scholarships will be given to students attending the event statewide. Winners will receive their scholarships upon receipt of enrollment verification for the 2011 fall semester at a Missouri postsecondary institution.

Participants who bring a copy of their 2010 federal income tax returns will be able to complete the FAFSA application onsite. Those who haven't filed 2010 tax returns yet will receive information to complete the FAFSA at home. Parents and students may also visit www.fafsa.ed.gov and print off a worksheet to be filled in with all the necessary information.

Access Missouri award amounts to increase

Governor Jay Nixon announced last week an increase in award amounts for students receiving Access Missouri scholarship funds, the state’s largest need-based student financial aid program.

Award amounts will increase from $275 to $470 at public two-year institutions; from $950 to $1,010 at public four-year institutions; and from $1,900 to $2,160 at independent four-year institutions.

What does that mean for MCC students? The additional funding will increase our student eligible funds from $209,149 to $357,739 for the fall semester. Cindy Butler, director of student financial aid stated that MCC can double that to approximate that we will see $715,478 for the year. MCC has 1,524 students who receive these funds.

Commissioner of Higher Education David Russell said, “We base award amounts on estimates of how many students will be eligible. At the time award amounts are set – usually mid-summer – we do not know how many of those who are eligible will actually apply and attend college. We have traditionally taken a conservative approach to awards for the fall semester, making adjustments as needed later in the academic year.”

The state has provided more than $275 million in Access Missouri scholarships since the program was created in 2007. An average of 45,000 students with the greatest financial need have benefited from the scholarship awards each year.

The Employee of the Month for January is Sarita Smith in Financial Aid. Sarita is always friendly and patient, no matter how busy or stressful things are. She always wears a smile and is a glowing example of customer service.

Sarita is very thorough when explaining things to students. She delivers critical information to a growing number of students seeking financial aid and in a way that educates, informs and calms. She is also a spark of enthusiasm! She was a major part of the Financial Aid Office’s Champion Door Decoration for this year’s Homecoming. She is a great example of the Maple Woods’ reputation of kind, caring employees.

Student Financials team sets the curve

Kathy Mercer (second from left) and Sherry Muirhead (second from right) from MCC’s Student Financials department accepted the Set the Curve Award from Paul Knight (left), TouchNet manager of client relations and Dan Toughey (right), TouchNet president.

MCC has won yet another hard-earned award, this time in recognition of the college’s efforts to streamline online payment options for students.

The Set the Curve Award was presented to MCC’s Student Financials department by the client advisory board of TouchNet Information Systems, the third-party vendor that supplies MCC’s online student payment, cashiering and online store systems. The award, which is presented every two years, recognizes innovation and achievement by TouchNet clients who set the curve in campus commerce.

“MCC won this award in part because of their commitment to student satisfaction, their focus on lowering delinquent accounts receivable, and their ability to effectively manage rapid growth in student enrollment,” said a TouchNet spokesperson.

Members of MCC’s Student Financials team accepted the award at TouchNet’s annual national COMTEC conference earlier this month in Kansas City. As part of the award, MCC will receive $500 in student scholarship funds.

MCC implemented the TouchNet system in 2009. Cindy Butler, district director of student financial aid, points to the value the system provides to MCC, especially to students.

“TouchNet software allows us to offer online payment options, electronic billing and direct deposit refunds to our students without the risk of storing their sensitive bank account information on our server,” Butler said.

MCC-Blue River student making the most of college resources

Jacob Rockhold has been an MCC-Blue River student for three semesters and is eagerly anticipating graduation this December.

He generously credits Blue River’s academic adviser, Jenny Steen, for much of his collegiate success. “I owe her so much for her help," he says, “I go to her for absolutely everything." According to Rockhold, Steen has helped him apply for scholarships and navigate confusing transfer processes.

After graduation, he aspires to attend the University of Missouri at Columbia with hopes of earning a degree in turf management. Again, he shares his success to date with his academic advisor. “She has made me confident about my future.”

Rockhold has handled life’s challenges with optimism and resilience. “No matter what I have accomplished during my life, I have tried my best to succeed. I have to be positive and have confidence [in myself] to accomplish my goals.”

Rockhold has taken primary responsibility to finance his education himself and is proud of the self-reliance he has cultivated. “I have paid for my Blue River classes with A+, Board of Trustees scholarships, an athletic soccer scholarship, and working outside of school." Thanks to MCC’s resources and a lot of hard work, he’s proud to have covered the cost of his education without help from his parents.

Confident, equipped and assured, Rockhold welcomes the work required to realize his dream of one day managing a golf course. “I will continue to further my education and get one step closer to accomplishing my goal for success.”

MCC Foundation Wants More Attention, Recipients for Scholarships

Foundation scholarships

Every year, dozens of available scholarships, representing tens of thousands of dollars, go unused by MCC students. That’s a lot of money! And the MCC Foundation would rather award it to deserving students than have it sitting in the bank. So, in honor of National Scholarship Month, the MCC public information department and the MCC Foundation are launching an awareness campaign to be sure students, faculty and staff are aware of this great, free alternative to student loans.
Watch The MCC Insider throughout November for information on MCC scholars and MCC scholarships. If you know of any current or prospective MCC students who could benefit from a scholarship, please share this information or encourage them to visit the MCC Foundation web page. Remember, if you want to email an MCC Insider article to a student, colleague or friend, you can do so by clicking on the envelope icon at the bottom of any story.

Career Exploration at MCC-BTC, Oct. 26 & 28

Career Exploration Nights have been scheduled on Oct. 26 & 28 at MCC-Business & Technology. Each runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and begins in Campus Center, room 248.

Visitors will meet academic and financial aid advisors who can help them get started in college. They’ll also attend lab and classroom discussions with instructors, learn how to prepare for a specific technical career and what the daily work is like.

On Tuesday, Oct. 26, the focus will be:

• environmental health & safety;
• electronics engineering technology;
• precision machining;
• welding, with a new associate’s degree in welding technology & management; and
• engineering & technology teacher education, a partnership program with the University of Central Missouri.

ThThursday, Oct. 28, Career Night will feature:

• electric utility line technician program, now accepting applications for the June 2011 class;
• Cisco computer networking;
• heating, cooling & refrigeration;
• industrial technology careers such as industrial electrician, stationary engineer and the new multi-craft technician;
• drafting (CAD) and engineering technology—architectural, civil, and mechanical/manufacturing emphasis.

Register online at mcckc.edu/visitbtc, call 816.604.5200 or email btc.admissions@mcckc.edu. Walk-ins are also welcome. MCC-BTC is located at 1775 Universal Ave. Kansas City, MO, and on the web at www.mcckc.edu/btc.

MCC in the News: Creating Opportunities through Financial Accessibility

Every day, MCC's financial aid team helps people realize their dreams by connecting students and prospective students with money to help pay for college. And what can be better than getting money for college? Getting money for college that doesn't have to be paid back!

As MCC experiences record enrollment for Fall 2010, we have seen a much greater proportion of students applying for financial aid this year, according to MCC's district director of student financial services, Cindy Butler. Many more students are receiving federal Pell Grants that don't need to be repaid, she said.

"It's very positive. These are students with high financial need who are able to enroll at MCC without accumulating a lot of loan debt that will be waiting for them when they finish school," said Butler.

JaJuan Turner, a sophomore at MCC-Penn Valley studying education and business, says he is very grateful for the financial aid that has allowed him to attend MCC and will allow him to continue his studies at UMKC. Turner receives Pell grant aid and is a Henry W. Bloch Scholar, a program that provides him with financial support to attend both MCC-Penn Valley and UMKC.
Turner, who currently volunteers as the athletic director at the elementary school his daughter attends, hopes to become a high school teacher and athletic director. He also has a consultancy already in the works that he hopes to launch when the economy recovers.

Hear from Turner and Butler themselves when they will tell their story in an on-air interview with KMBC’s Donna Pitman this weekend. Tune in to KMBC 9 FirstNews this Sunday, Oct. 3, 5-6 and 7-9 a.m. to see the interview. (Exact time is undetermined.)

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear about how MCC is creating opportunities for so many Kansas Citians!

Students on pay plans

On Wednesday, Sept. 15, students who signed up for payment plans will have a payment auto-withdrawn from their specified bank account or charged to their credit/debit card. To have a payment come from a different account, you must change your payment method before Sept. 15.

Contact student services on your campus to make any changes.

MCC-Penn Valley welcomes transfer advisor

MCC-Penn Valley recently welcomed a new transfer advisor. Laura Schneider is based at the campus as part of the Missouri College Advising Corps.

Schneider will help students navigate the process of transferring to four-year colleges and universities including: finding a school that best suits the student's needs, helping to fill out admission and scholarship applications, assisting with filling out and filing the FAFSA, securing financial aid, and taking campus tours.

Throughout the fall semester Laura will also host several seminars on topics such as financial aid and financial literacy.

Laura is in the student services department on the second floor of the Campus Center building and can be reached at laura.schneider@mcckc.edu or 816.604.4049.