Friday, December 24, 2010
The MCC Insider goes on break
The MCC Insider staff will be on holiday break beginning Dec. 24 through Jan. 03, 2011. Please return in 2011 to keep up to date on exciting news happening around MCC.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
One HOT profession: CPE sees continued interest in welding
Maybe it's the idea of playing with fire for a living that gets students' attention or perhaps it's the solid income potential. Either way, welding has long been a popular career choice among MCC students.
The annual projected job growth in the welding industry for 2006-2016 is 3-9%, which represents 107,000 additional employees. The median wage starts at $15 an hour, but rises to as much as $22 with experience. That's why MCC Continuing Professional Education encourages welding students and incumbent workers to upgrade their skills through continuing education and training.
A course in Advanced Pipe Welding, starting in January at MCC-Business & Technology, will give welders with intermediate skills the edge they need to advance their careers.
Know a welder looking to upgrade her or his skills? Send them this info!
Know someone looking for a new, hands-on career? Encourage them to explore MCC's whole suite of welding offerings.
The annual projected job growth in the welding industry for 2006-2016 is 3-9%, which represents 107,000 additional employees. The median wage starts at $15 an hour, but rises to as much as $22 with experience. That's why MCC Continuing Professional Education encourages welding students and incumbent workers to upgrade their skills through continuing education and training.
A course in Advanced Pipe Welding, starting in January at MCC-Business & Technology, will give welders with intermediate skills the edge they need to advance their careers.
Know a welder looking to upgrade her or his skills? Send them this info!
Know someone looking for a new, hands-on career? Encourage them to explore MCC's whole suite of welding offerings.
A season to give and to receive: MCC Foundation lands three major gifts
During a season marked by philanthropic generosity, the MCC Foundation is grateful for three very special gifts that arrived just in time to make the holidays a little brighter for MCC.
Between last week and this week, the foundation learned that it would receive three large contributions to MCC’s capital and major gifts campaign. Last week, officials from the H&R Block Foundation notified MCC Foundation Director Vince Anch that they would be giving a $32,000 contribution to the college. This week, the Victor Speas Foundation approved a $100,000 gift to MCC and the Gottlieb Foundation confirmed a $50,000 pledge.
These kinds of contributions, known in the fundraising world as major gifts, are hard to come by, especially in a lackluster economy. That’s why Anch and the fundraising team know they have a lot to be thankful for this time of year.
“It’s been a great month for the Foundation!” said Anch. “The team has worked hard for these gifts and we’re pleased to close out the year on such a high note.”
Between last week and this week, the foundation learned that it would receive three large contributions to MCC’s capital and major gifts campaign. Last week, officials from the H&R Block Foundation notified MCC Foundation Director Vince Anch that they would be giving a $32,000 contribution to the college. This week, the Victor Speas Foundation approved a $100,000 gift to MCC and the Gottlieb Foundation confirmed a $50,000 pledge.
These kinds of contributions, known in the fundraising world as major gifts, are hard to come by, especially in a lackluster economy. That’s why Anch and the fundraising team know they have a lot to be thankful for this time of year.
“It’s been a great month for the Foundation!” said Anch. “The team has worked hard for these gifts and we’re pleased to close out the year on such a high note.”
Career opportunity
CO# 10-184 MW Learning Specialist
* posted Dec. 22
* will be removed from the website on Jan. 2, 2011
* For more information or to apply:
www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51261
* posted Dec. 22
* will be removed from the website on Jan. 2, 2011
* For more information or to apply:
www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51261
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Farewell, Lelain
Pictured left to right: Alex Grigsby, Teri Brooks, Erin Owensby, Lelain Lorenzen, Michelle Schmiedeler, Mike Ekey, Mary Birkel and Kim Riley.After more than 13 years of service at MCC – 8 ½ at MCC-Penn Valley and five at BTC – Lelain Lorenzen is retiring. She was honored by her communication teammates at her last editorial meeting on Monday, where they bid farewell and good luck on her new endeavors.
Faculty positions for fall
The following list of positions will be posted on the MCC Career Point website by the end of the day, Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010:
11-001 Counselor - BR
11-002 Math Instructor - BR
11-003 English Instructor - BR
11-004 Sociology Instructor - BR
11-005 Philosophy Instructor - LV
11-006 Reading Instructor - LV
11-007 Biology Instructor - LV
11-008 Speech Instructor - LV
11-009 Automotive Aftermarket Instructor-SCF - LV
11-010 CSIS Instructor - MW
11-011 Chemistry Instructor - MW
11-012 EMT/Paramedic Instructor - PV
11-013 Paralegal Instructor - PV
11-014 Math Instructor - PV
11-015 Reading Instructor - PV
11-001 Counselor - BR
11-002 Math Instructor - BR
11-003 English Instructor - BR
11-004 Sociology Instructor - BR
11-005 Philosophy Instructor - LV
11-006 Reading Instructor - LV
11-007 Biology Instructor - LV
11-008 Speech Instructor - LV
11-009 Automotive Aftermarket Instructor-SCF - LV
11-010 CSIS Instructor - MW
11-011 Chemistry Instructor - MW
11-012 EMT/Paramedic Instructor - PV
11-013 Paralegal Instructor - PV
11-014 Math Instructor - PV
11-015 Reading Instructor - PV
New research director brings experience, vision
Kristy Bishop, Ph.D., MCC’s new director of institutional assessment
and research, says that one of her goals in her new role is to raise the
visibility of the resources available through the research office.
When Kristy Bishop begins her new role as MCC’s director of institutional research and assessment in January, she’ll bring a breadth of higher education experience and a true understanding of how institutional research fits into the larger MCC picture.
Bishop, who has served as an adjunct instructor at MCC-Maple Woods since 2004, will officially begin her new role on January 3, but she has already begun thinking about how she can apply her expertise to the work of the department.
“I’m developing a new mission statement for the research office now,” said Bishop. “To be effective, our top priorities should be to provide accurate data in a timely fashion and to support decision makers in achieving goals and objectives.”
But Bishop is quick to point out that she doesn’t plan to make wholesale changes right away. First, she wants to assess the assessment, so to speak.
“In my conversations, I have found that much of the information produced by our department is very useful to our internal constituents, which is great,” she said. “So, before I start suggesting and implementing changes, I want to work with the team to get a good feel for how everything is currently done, to see what is working and where there are opportunities to improve our processes.”
Bishop appreciates the student-centric nature of MCC faculty and staff, and though she will be moving to a role that has less direct contact with students, she views the new position as similar to her former position in one important way.
“I still feel like I’m in an educating role,” she said. “I now have an opportunity to be a resource for staff, faculty and administrators about the importance of statistics and program evaluation in achieving MCC’s ultimate purpose. It’s just a different audience.”
Bishop holds a bachelor of arts in psychology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, a master of science in psychology from Avila University and a doctor of philosophy in teaching and leadership from the University of Kansas. Before joining MCC as an adjunct psychology instructor in 2004, she was an instructor at Concorde Career Institute and taught community education classes across the metropolitan area. Prior to teaching, she held various higher education administrative positions, including assistant to the vice chancellor of student affairs and dean of educational services at the University of Kansas, assistant director of student financial aid at KU and was both the assistant registrar and a transfer consultant at Avila. She also worked as a counselor/advocate at Rose Brooks Shelter for Battered Women, a graduate teaching assistant at Avila and an independent educational consultant.
Bishop, who has served as an adjunct instructor at MCC-Maple Woods since 2004, will officially begin her new role on January 3, but she has already begun thinking about how she can apply her expertise to the work of the department.
“I’m developing a new mission statement for the research office now,” said Bishop. “To be effective, our top priorities should be to provide accurate data in a timely fashion and to support decision makers in achieving goals and objectives.”
But Bishop is quick to point out that she doesn’t plan to make wholesale changes right away. First, she wants to assess the assessment, so to speak.
“In my conversations, I have found that much of the information produced by our department is very useful to our internal constituents, which is great,” she said. “So, before I start suggesting and implementing changes, I want to work with the team to get a good feel for how everything is currently done, to see what is working and where there are opportunities to improve our processes.”
Bishop appreciates the student-centric nature of MCC faculty and staff, and though she will be moving to a role that has less direct contact with students, she views the new position as similar to her former position in one important way.
“I still feel like I’m in an educating role,” she said. “I now have an opportunity to be a resource for staff, faculty and administrators about the importance of statistics and program evaluation in achieving MCC’s ultimate purpose. It’s just a different audience.”
Bishop holds a bachelor of arts in psychology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, a master of science in psychology from Avila University and a doctor of philosophy in teaching and leadership from the University of Kansas. Before joining MCC as an adjunct psychology instructor in 2004, she was an instructor at Concorde Career Institute and taught community education classes across the metropolitan area. Prior to teaching, she held various higher education administrative positions, including assistant to the vice chancellor of student affairs and dean of educational services at the University of Kansas, assistant director of student financial aid at KU and was both the assistant registrar and a transfer consultant at Avila. She also worked as a counselor/advocate at Rose Brooks Shelter for Battered Women, a graduate teaching assistant at Avila and an independent educational consultant.
End of year reminders - employees
- Log on and enter you Points to Blue by Dec. 31
- Over–the-counter drugs will no longer be reimbursable through the Flex Spending account after Dec. 31
- MCC offices are closed beginning Dec. 23 at 4:30 p.m. and will reopen on Jan. 3, 2011 at 8 a.m.
Have a safe and happy holiday break!
Year in Review: MCC’s memorable moments from 2010
As an eventful and memorable 2010 comes to a close, let’s look back at some of the highlights from the last year, shall we?
In January, Debbie Goodall became president of MCC-Business & Technology, Kathy Hale was named district director of enrollment management and Bill Hudson was hired as chief of campus police. The state-of-the-art MCC-Penn Valley Health Science Institute opened its doors and the Institute for Workforce Innovation inked an internship partnership with North Kansas City-based healthcare IT giant Cerner Corporation.
In February, a group of MCC-Maple Woods vet tech students took first place in a state-wide academia bowl and MCC earned two top honors from the MidAmerica Minority Business Development Council for the district’s support of minority suppliers.
In March, MCC was awarded $2.2 million by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon as part of the state’s Training for Tomorrow initiative and MCC-Business & Technology welcomed more than 3,000 students for MCC’s second annual Careers Unlimited fair.
In April, MCC-Penn Valley received national accreditation for its child growth and development degree program and the MCC Foundation’s inaugural Five Star Gala raised awareness of MCC throughout the community. MCC-Longview celebrated the campus' 40th anniversary and drew record crowds for its 4th annual Flights of Fancy kite festival. MCC human resources launched a robust employee wellness program and hired Christina McGee for the newly created position of employee relations manager.
In May, Jackie Snyder was honored by the Francis Family Foundation, MCC-Maple Woods’ Robin Stimac was honored by the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce, MCC was honored by the Air National Guard and the MCC-Penn Valley Health Science Institute was honored with an international innovation award. MCC added Blue Cross Blue Shield’s A Healthier You program to wellness offerings, including the Points to Blue incentive program.
In June, MCC Chancellor Jackie Snyder retired after 15 years at MCC, including four years as the district’s first woman chancellor. MCC student Maggie Siebert was rendered a hero when, during a class visit to Yellowstone National Park, she performed CPR on a tourist who had been struck by lightning. Debbie Moore-Hargrove was named teacher of the year by Kansas City Missouri Adult Basic Education and MCC received two awards from the MidAmerica Minority Business Development Council for awarding contracts to minority suppliers. MCC-Business & Technology played host to the 46th annual Skills USA Conference, which drew thousands of standout career and technical education students.
In July, Mark James assumed the role of MCC chancellor after serving for 18 months as vice chancellor of administrative services. Kathy Walter-Mack was appointed to the newly created position of chief of staff and Bill Anker joined MCC as director of technology services. An impending change to MCC Weekly News was unveiled and a new webpage was created to give employees direct access to important accounting info.
In August, the start of the fall semester brought with it a spike in enrollment at MCC-Business & Technology and a slam dunk in the food offerings at MCC-Penn Valley when Subway sandwich shop opened on campus. MCC celebrated its 30 year partnership with Don Bosco. The launch of The MCC Insider forever changed the face of internal and external communication at MCC.
In September, a highly anticipated announcement from Missouri Governor Jay Nixon at a planned press conference at MCC-Penn Valley gave way to a public safety incident when Penn Valley dean of instruction Al Dimmitt was attacked with a knife while awaiting the governor’s arrival. Though Dean Dimmitt’s injuries required immediate surgery, quick thinking and swift action by Chancellor Mark James and other witnesses led to the immediate apprehension of the assailant and averted further harm. MCC ramped up its recycling efforts, driven by the district-wide Green Initiatives Task Force.
In October, MCC employees gave generously to local nonprofit organizations through the United Way campaign, raising more than $30,000 for those in need in our community. MCC-Maple Woods celebrated homecoming in style, with activities for students and the community.
In November, students at MCC-Business & Technology chartered a chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and students in the MCC-Blue River police academy participated in a memorial run that honored a fallen police officer. MCC-Maple Woods entertained young and old alike at the 11th annual Storytelling Celebration.
In December, MCC saw another visit from Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, when he gave a press conference at Maple Woods to announce several new economic development and employment growth initiatives. MCC-Blue River’s world-famous student-focused always-humorous video news show, To the Point, marked its 50th episode.
Phew! What a year! All of this and serving over 50,000 students this year! Is your most memorable MCC moment of 2010 not included in the list above? Using the comment function below, tell us what you’ll remember most about the year.
From all of us on the district-wide communication and public relations team, we wish you a safe and happy holiday and look forward to more great things in 2011. See you next year!
In January, Debbie Goodall became president of MCC-Business & Technology, Kathy Hale was named district director of enrollment management and Bill Hudson was hired as chief of campus police. The state-of-the-art MCC-Penn Valley Health Science Institute opened its doors and the Institute for Workforce Innovation inked an internship partnership with North Kansas City-based healthcare IT giant Cerner Corporation.
In February, a group of MCC-Maple Woods vet tech students took first place in a state-wide academia bowl and MCC earned two top honors from the MidAmerica Minority Business Development Council for the district’s support of minority suppliers.
In March, MCC was awarded $2.2 million by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon as part of the state’s Training for Tomorrow initiative and MCC-Business & Technology welcomed more than 3,000 students for MCC’s second annual Careers Unlimited fair.
In April, MCC-Penn Valley received national accreditation for its child growth and development degree program and the MCC Foundation’s inaugural Five Star Gala raised awareness of MCC throughout the community. MCC-Longview celebrated the campus' 40th anniversary and drew record crowds for its 4th annual Flights of Fancy kite festival. MCC human resources launched a robust employee wellness program and hired Christina McGee for the newly created position of employee relations manager.
In May, Jackie Snyder was honored by the Francis Family Foundation, MCC-Maple Woods’ Robin Stimac was honored by the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce, MCC was honored by the Air National Guard and the MCC-Penn Valley Health Science Institute was honored with an international innovation award. MCC added Blue Cross Blue Shield’s A Healthier You program to wellness offerings, including the Points to Blue incentive program.
In June, MCC Chancellor Jackie Snyder retired after 15 years at MCC, including four years as the district’s first woman chancellor. MCC student Maggie Siebert was rendered a hero when, during a class visit to Yellowstone National Park, she performed CPR on a tourist who had been struck by lightning. Debbie Moore-Hargrove was named teacher of the year by Kansas City Missouri Adult Basic Education and MCC received two awards from the MidAmerica Minority Business Development Council for awarding contracts to minority suppliers. MCC-Business & Technology played host to the 46th annual Skills USA Conference, which drew thousands of standout career and technical education students.
In July, Mark James assumed the role of MCC chancellor after serving for 18 months as vice chancellor of administrative services. Kathy Walter-Mack was appointed to the newly created position of chief of staff and Bill Anker joined MCC as director of technology services. An impending change to MCC Weekly News was unveiled and a new webpage was created to give employees direct access to important accounting info.
In August, the start of the fall semester brought with it a spike in enrollment at MCC-Business & Technology and a slam dunk in the food offerings at MCC-Penn Valley when Subway sandwich shop opened on campus. MCC celebrated its 30 year partnership with Don Bosco. The launch of The MCC Insider forever changed the face of internal and external communication at MCC.
In September, a highly anticipated announcement from Missouri Governor Jay Nixon at a planned press conference at MCC-Penn Valley gave way to a public safety incident when Penn Valley dean of instruction Al Dimmitt was attacked with a knife while awaiting the governor’s arrival. Though Dean Dimmitt’s injuries required immediate surgery, quick thinking and swift action by Chancellor Mark James and other witnesses led to the immediate apprehension of the assailant and averted further harm. MCC ramped up its recycling efforts, driven by the district-wide Green Initiatives Task Force.
In October, MCC employees gave generously to local nonprofit organizations through the United Way campaign, raising more than $30,000 for those in need in our community. MCC-Maple Woods celebrated homecoming in style, with activities for students and the community.
In November, students at MCC-Business & Technology chartered a chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and students in the MCC-Blue River police academy participated in a memorial run that honored a fallen police officer. MCC-Maple Woods entertained young and old alike at the 11th annual Storytelling Celebration.
In December, MCC saw another visit from Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, when he gave a press conference at Maple Woods to announce several new economic development and employment growth initiatives. MCC-Blue River’s world-famous student-focused always-humorous video news show, To the Point, marked its 50th episode.
Phew! What a year! All of this and serving over 50,000 students this year! Is your most memorable MCC moment of 2010 not included in the list above? Using the comment function below, tell us what you’ll remember most about the year.
From all of us on the district-wide communication and public relations team, we wish you a safe and happy holiday and look forward to more great things in 2011. See you next year!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Career opportunities
CO# 10-170 AC PCC Performance Director
* posted Dec. 21, 2010
* will be removed from the website Jan. 01, 2011
* For more information or to apply:
www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51243
CO# 10-177 AC Accounting Specialist Trainee
* posted Dec. 21, 2010
* will be removed from the website Jan. 3, 2011
* For more information or to apply:
www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51251
CO# 10-178 AC Program Specialist
* posted Dec. 21, 2010
* will be removed from the website Jan. 3, 2011
* For more information or to apply:
www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51252
* posted Dec. 21, 2010
* will be removed from the website Jan. 01, 2011
* For more information or to apply:
www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51243
CO# 10-177 AC Accounting Specialist Trainee
* posted Dec. 21, 2010
* will be removed from the website Jan. 3, 2011
* For more information or to apply:
www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51251
CO# 10-178 AC Program Specialist
* posted Dec. 21, 2010
* will be removed from the website Jan. 3, 2011
* For more information or to apply:
www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51252
MCC featured in Educase Quarterly
MCC was featured as part of Tim Coley’s article in Educase Quarterly, November edition. In the article, MCC’s IT department is shown to be a pivotal player in innovative retention efforts.
(to see the section on MCC, scroll to the bottom of the artical under Final Thoughts, see the the case study for Metropolitan Community College.) For the complete article click here.
The article also mentions MCC's role as a beta site for Course Signals, an early intervention system for students at risk of performing badly in a course.
(to see the section on MCC, scroll to the bottom of the artical under Final Thoughts, see the the case study for Metropolitan Community College.) For the complete article click here.
The article also mentions MCC's role as a beta site for Course Signals, an early intervention system for students at risk of performing badly in a course.
MCC-Maple Woods International Communications Students present Global Holiday Week
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| Free picture slideshow made with Smilebox |
Ready to serve - Public Safety Graduation
On Dec. 17, the Metropolitan Community College-Blue River Public Safety Institute graduated 36 students from the Fire Safety science academy. The program included the Gladstone Fire Department during the presentation of colors, Excelsior Springs Fire Chaplain, Larry Block and retiree from the Jackson County Sheriff’s department, Steve Leone as the guest singer.Graduates from Fire Academy class FA-19 are:
Brianna C. Able
Aaron R. Bagby
Lee W. Cain
Quintin J. Clark
Justin A. Contreras
Craig W. Cumpton
Christopher M. Davis
Christopher J. Deardorff
Andrew G. Dressler
Jeremy P. Fordyce
Sam J. Golden
Daniel J. Hargrave
Aaron C. Harrison
Adam C. Hartley
Adam C. Hickmon
Matthew G. Hill
Jeremy N. Huffman
Ryan J. Johnson
Tyrone A. Jones
Philip D. Lang
Nathaniel H. Leonard
Jordan C. Liberty
Robbie V. Medellin
Timothy L. Merriman
Rachel A. Montes
John D. Neldon
Lucas T. Pilgrim
Aaron N. Price
Matthew D. Roe
Michael D. Roe
Jaymes J. Sanders
Kenneth E. Soule Jr.
Joshua M. Sutton
Aleksey Tsurkan
Erica B. Walley
Matt D. Wells
On Dec. 20, the Police Academy also proudly graduated 34 cadets. The presentation of colors was delivered by the Cass county Sheriff’s office.
Graduates from Police Academy class 7-100 are:
Nichole D. Amer
David A. Benham
Henry R. W. Blaha
Josh A. Brown
Jeffrey Robert Buck
Daniel O. Char
Joseph L. Drake
Seth S. Gregory
Christopher R. Hedrick
Michael D. Hightower
Nick J. Hill
Dalton J. L. Howard
Joshua P. Hubbell
Katisha L. Johnson
Derek A. King
Devin T. Liles
Amanda L. Litsch
Jacob A. Marshall
Reggie L. McKeithen
Dustin P. McWhorter
Mary Katherine O’Dell
Ian D. Olson
Michael K. Plemmons
Jeremiah D. Renne
David M. Shepherdson Jr.
Michael A. Smith
Jessica N. Sooter
Aaron D. Stone
Daniel L. Stringer
Arron H. Thomas
Linda D. Tran
Drew E. VanBiber
Eric J. Wendel
Brandon M. Wilcox
Both graduation ceremonies were on the Blue River campus inside the Arts and Sciences Gymnasium.
MCC-Blue River receives $1,000 gift
The family of Aaron Smith presented a kind and generous gift to the MCC-Blue River Fire Academy in his memory on Dec. 17. Smith graduated with class F-17 a year ago this month. Public Safety Institute director, Mike Hendershot says of Smith, "he was one of those individuals that brought life to our academies, and was full of life and lived it to the fullest. Simply a pleasure to be around."
Employee Learning Gets a New Face
Rich Higgason, Ph.D., MCC’s new director of educational programs and employee development, says his favorite aspect of working for MCC is that the institution is committed to making people’s lives better. “As one of my students said, MCC means 'hope.'”Professional and organizational development at MCC is getting a new face – literally and figuratively.
Rich Higgason, who assumed the role of district director of educational programs and employee development in October, has innovative ideas in mind for his newly minted position – a role that is steeped in history and rich with possibility.
Higgason takes over where two seasoned colleagues left off: When Jane Zeitner, former director of educational programs, and Gail Barham, former director of organizational development, both retired last summer, the two roles were combined into one. Higgason, who was named to the new position on October 18 and officially starts the role full-time on January 1, tips his hat to his predecessors and embraces the opportunities that accompany the reformulated position.
“I’ve been amazed at the breadth and depth of programs Jane and Gail and their teams put on,” said Higgason. “There are already so many opportunities for employee learning, so we’ll continue to build on those, dovetailing the programs for faculty and staff and promoting all opportunities to the full employee audience.”
Higgason, who has been with MCC for 16 years and most recently was division chair for humanities at MCC-Blue River, believes employee learning is as fundamental to MCC as student learning.
“MCC’s vision statement stresses the importance of learning, including employee learning, and professional development is key to carrying out our mission to educate students,” said Higgason. “We need to be sure staff, faculty and administrators have the skills they need not only for their current roles but also for future growth. Continued learning equips us to best serve students and at the same time provides for employees’ own personal and professional growth.”
Higgason holds a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a master of arts in English from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a doctor of philosophy in English literature and criticism from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He served as a graduate teaching assistant and an adjunct lecturer at UMKC before joining MCC in 1994 as an adjunct lecturer at Longview. He became a full-time instructor at MCC-Blue River in 1998 and became division chair for humanities in 2006. He has served on more than 15 task forces and committees at MCC, including leading the Strategic Planning Council’s 2010 strategy 8 efforts to improve communication across the district and serving as a member of the MCC faculty senate and of MCC-Blue River’s president’s cabinet.
In addition to developing, promoting and delivering professional development programs, Higgason is also responsible for student service learning, district-wide student orientation and other student- and employee-focused initiatives. Though most of his experience as an instructor is in front of students, Higgason says he is looking forward to the challenge of providing learning opportunities to a new audience.
“The difference between teaching students and training employees is that you have to be a better teacher,” he said. “Employees are there voluntarily, so if your training is not effective, they stop coming. You’ve got to keep their attention and engage them in a different way.”
Watch for more information soon from the office of educational programs and employee development, including improvements to the training tracking system and streamlined promotion of educational and training programs.
Monday, December 20, 2010
A fresh challenge for the new year - MCC-Blue River staffer joins fitness challenge
MCC-Blue River student services assistant, Meg Holcomb is not intimidated by challenge or hard work. Having already overcome many of life’s obstacles, she’s ready to direct her dogged motivation into a brand new area of her personal life.
Recently, Meg has joined the "KC Weight Loss Challenge" sponsored by Kansas City Fitness Magazine. Blue River academic advisor, Jenny Steen recently participated in the challenge as well. She ranked a proud #6.
Similar to Steen, Meg intends to utilize MCC resources such the Longview gymnasium for frequent workouts. She’ll also refer to Blue Cross Blue Shield programs for health advice, tips and ideas.
In the coming weeks, Meg will rely on the strength of her mom, friends and her “uplifting co-workers” to progress toward her goals. Meg’s mom, Teresa Vest, is also participating in the challenge.
In spite of the pending lifestyle modifications, Meg’s confidence is high and her spirits are soaring.
To support Meg (and Teresa), visit the KC Fitness Magazine’s Facebook page here. Be sure to click to “LIKE” her picture. Vote soon! Voting closes Thursday, December 23 at Noon!
Go, Meg! We’re rooting for you!
Recently, Meg has joined the "KC Weight Loss Challenge" sponsored by Kansas City Fitness Magazine. Blue River academic advisor, Jenny Steen recently participated in the challenge as well. She ranked a proud #6.
Similar to Steen, Meg intends to utilize MCC resources such the Longview gymnasium for frequent workouts. She’ll also refer to Blue Cross Blue Shield programs for health advice, tips and ideas.
"I am an extremely happy and motivated person." Meg Holcomb
In the coming weeks, Meg will rely on the strength of her mom, friends and her “uplifting co-workers” to progress toward her goals. Meg’s mom, Teresa Vest, is also participating in the challenge.
In spite of the pending lifestyle modifications, Meg’s confidence is high and her spirits are soaring.
To support Meg (and Teresa), visit the KC Fitness Magazine’s Facebook page here. Be sure to click to “LIKE” her picture. Vote soon! Voting closes Thursday, December 23 at Noon!
Go, Meg! We’re rooting for you!
MCC-Maple Woods' Phi Theta Kappans to get new advisor
After many years of successful co-leadership of Phi Theta Kappa, reference librarian Mary Northrup will step down as advisor for the two-year academic fraternity.Stepping in to co-lead the Upsilon Xi chapter with energy and enthusiasm will be business faculty Jim Moes, who will also lead alongside testing center coordinator Kim Heft. Jim brings a lot of excitement for student learning and development to the international honor society.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Faculty needed for Course Signals program
MCC has been working in partnership with SunGard Higher Education to test a software program, Course Signals, that pulls together data from Blackboard grade books and MetroSoft to help predict early in the semester which students are at highest risk for getting a D, F or W.
Faculty will be able to run Course Signals anytime throughout the semester, which will give them additional opportunities to recommend actions to students that will improve performance. When run, the software will send one of three signals (green, yellow or red) to the student’s Blackboard home page to let them know how they are actually doing in class.
“The signals used are stoplight signals,” said Susan Wilson, director of student development. “If a student is doing really well, it’s green; not doing so well, it’s yellow; and if a student is at high risk of trouble in the course, they receive a red signal.”
The program also allows for faculty to send an email to the students that will give information and suggest resources for the student to utilize. Messaging can include a suggestion of certain material review, office hours of the faculty or a suggestion to visit the tutoring center, etc. The idea is to let students know their status early enough in the semester for them to be able to make changes and improve their grade.
Last spring, MCC was asked to participate as a development partner to work hand-in-hand with SunGard to see what enhancements need to be made to the product and to do testing to new versions as they become available. Because of this partnership, MCC will be able to test the software in a live setting from January – June at no cost to the college. At the end of the spring semester, MCC will complete an assessment plan to determine if we will enter into a five year contract at a significant discount.
“Course Signals will be evaluated to see if it does the things it is supposed to do,” Wilson said. “Does the software work; do we think it’s valuable for our students and faculty? We want the faculty perspective on how much time it takes and if they think it is a good way of communicating with students.”
Most importantly, are students making changes based on the signals and putting more effort into class? Students in the test program will be assessed as well. “We want to know if the students feel it is valuable and if they responded positively to the program,” added Wilson.
Finally, data from the class will be measured against other classes to see if there are fewer D’s, F’s and W’s in comparable classes. MCC’s comprehensive assessment will look to see if students moved from a red to a yellow, and a yellow to green.
MCC is looking for faculty to use this software in the spring semester. Faculty members interested in participating should contact Deanna Poudel at 604.4507 or Susan Wilson at 604.1070.
Faculty will be able to run Course Signals anytime throughout the semester, which will give them additional opportunities to recommend actions to students that will improve performance. When run, the software will send one of three signals (green, yellow or red) to the student’s Blackboard home page to let them know how they are actually doing in class.
“The signals used are stoplight signals,” said Susan Wilson, director of student development. “If a student is doing really well, it’s green; not doing so well, it’s yellow; and if a student is at high risk of trouble in the course, they receive a red signal.”
The program also allows for faculty to send an email to the students that will give information and suggest resources for the student to utilize. Messaging can include a suggestion of certain material review, office hours of the faculty or a suggestion to visit the tutoring center, etc. The idea is to let students know their status early enough in the semester for them to be able to make changes and improve their grade.
Last spring, MCC was asked to participate as a development partner to work hand-in-hand with SunGard to see what enhancements need to be made to the product and to do testing to new versions as they become available. Because of this partnership, MCC will be able to test the software in a live setting from January – June at no cost to the college. At the end of the spring semester, MCC will complete an assessment plan to determine if we will enter into a five year contract at a significant discount.
“Course Signals will be evaluated to see if it does the things it is supposed to do,” Wilson said. “Does the software work; do we think it’s valuable for our students and faculty? We want the faculty perspective on how much time it takes and if they think it is a good way of communicating with students.”
Most importantly, are students making changes based on the signals and putting more effort into class? Students in the test program will be assessed as well. “We want to know if the students feel it is valuable and if they responded positively to the program,” added Wilson.
Finally, data from the class will be measured against other classes to see if there are fewer D’s, F’s and W’s in comparable classes. MCC’s comprehensive assessment will look to see if students moved from a red to a yellow, and a yellow to green.
MCC is looking for faculty to use this software in the spring semester. Faculty members interested in participating should contact Deanna Poudel at 604.4507 or Susan Wilson at 604.1070.
Penn Valley celebrates holidays, salutes shoe diva!
MCC-Penn Valley recently celebrated the holidays with a dessert-themed holiday party. In addition to sampling the assortment of sweet treats, there was a special surprise included. Employees paused to recognize the birthday of the eternally youthful Carroll O'Neal (center), associate dean of students. O'Neal is known for her penchant for shoes and several brave women stepped out in their heels to salute the ultimate Shoe Diva. Rock on Madam O'Neal!
Season's Greenings! Tips for being kind to the environment this holiday season
Season's greenings from the MCC Green Initiatives Task Force!During this season filled with merriment and joy, there are lots of little things you can do to keep your holiday festivities from being a big drain on the environment.
Here are some tips for being (ever)green both at work and at home this time of year:
- Earth-friendly office de-cluttering: If you use the end of the year as an opportunity to purge all of the old paper files you no longer need, don't forget to toss those papers in an MCC recycling bin instead of in the wastebasket. Remember - lots of different recycleable items can now be comingled in the blue bins located throughout the campuses and other MCC locations.
- Mindful wrapping: As you are planning your gift-wrapping strategy, consider options that are just as kind to the environment as they are pretty to look at. Check wrapping-paper packaging to see if it is recycleable or is made from post-consumer waste (which means it has already been recycled). As a general rule, paper with foil or plastic elements or that use a lot of dye aren't recycleable, but many other types are. Check with your local municipality or recycling center to see what they will accept. Decorative gift bags, which are likely to be reused by recipients, are also a good option for reducing waste. Same goes for pretty tissue paper - why buy it again and again when you can just fold up gently used pieces and stow them away for your next gift-giving occasion? And if you're the creative type, there are plenty of alternatives to expensive, non-recycleable wrapping materials!
- Green up your holiday party with more than just pine trees and holly: If you are hosting a gathering for friends or family, there are several simple things you can do to reduce the environmental impact of your get-together. Consider using non-disposable plates and cups; if you do choose disposable dishware, look for paper products made from a high percentage of post-consumer waste. Also, make it easy for your guests to recycle cans and other items by setting a recycling bin next to the trash can.
So, as you are spending time with family and friends this holiday season, don't forget about everyone's favorite family member: Mother Nature. I mean, just think about all she's done for you!
Remember to keep up with the Green Initiatives Task Force year-round by visiting our facebook page. We wish you a safe, happy and earth-conscious holiday!
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