Face-to-Face Coaching, round 2

The second round of Face-to-Face Lifestyle Coaching for MCC employees is being offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield (BC/BS) in conjunction with the MCC Living Well program. Employees who are members of the BC/BS insurance plan can meet monthly, at no cost, with a certified health coach, who is trained in psychology and health management.

The health coach will work one-on-one with employees in 25 minute

Connect with the community - attend Lead KC event April 14

Kansas City Mayor Elect, Sly James, has pledged to appoint young professionals and young adults to 90 boards and commissions within Kansas City.

Lead KC in the Mix provides the opportunity for those interested to connect with political and civic leaders and express their interest and desire to serve.

Students and employees who are interested in serving on a board or commission, or have an interest in networking with their community leaders, should plan to attend the Lead KC event on April 14 from 5-7:30 p.m. at Union Station. RSVP at engagekc@kcmo.org or call 816.513.1378.

New PTK inductees at MCC-Longview

MCC-Longview's Phi Theta Kappa chapter inducted 73 new members into the campus honor society this past month. Those new members were surrounded by family and supporters who packed the MEl Aytes Education Center for the ceremony.

Here is what PTK's co-sponsor Jan Rog said about the event:

"The Mel Aytes Education Center was literally buzzing because of all the energy and intelligence this group brought.  When the inductees stood up to sign the Phi Theta Kappa book and then light a candle of knowledge, they truly surrounded everyone in the audience.  That was a a lovely moment."

Change in the enrollment process

MCC has made changes in the steps students take to enroll. Check out all the information here.

Stars shine brightly at MCC gala

More than 425 people attended MCC's second annual Five Star Gala on Thursday, raising tens of thousands of dollars for scholarships, academic coaching, emergency book funds and special projects.

The event, held at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown-Muehlebach Tower, honored the Francis Family Foundation with the Five Star Award.

Known throughout the region for its commitment to creating brighter futures for all generations, the Francis Family Foundation has been a pioneer in education for young children, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond

MCC-BTC HVAC Instructor Receives Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching

Dick Decker, HVAC instructor at Metropolitan Community College’s Business & Technology Campus, was honored as a recipient of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in Jefferson City on Wednesday, March 30.  The award was presented at a luncheon sponsored by the Missouri Community College Association.

MCC-Longview students keeping KC parks clean

MCC-Longview students were featured over the weekend in The Kansas City Star as they worked all day Saturday to clean up Blue Valley Park.

The park, notorious for being an illegal dumping ground for tires and other trash in Northeast Kansas City, got some much needed attention as dozens of students from MCC spent the morning clearing out rubbish.

This is the 21st annual park clean up led by MCC-Longview and instructor Keet Kopecky's service learning program.

Genea Wilson: MCC-Longview April Employee of the Month

Please join me in congratulating Genea Wilson, social science administrative assistant, as MCC-Longview's April Employee of the Month.

Along with being a diehard KU fan, here is what her co-workers are saying about Genea.

“While Judy Smith was gone, Genea went above and beyond to help those of us in the Humanities.”

“As a new instructor, she’s been super helpful to me with procedural questions.”

“Genea checks in on me to see how I am doing despite being incredibly busy herself.”

“I’m so grateful for her friendliness and assistance.”

CONGRATULATIONS, Genea, on a job well done!

Use Facebook, Twitter to keep up with MCC-Blue River

MCC-Blue River is on Facebook.com and Twitter.com

Keeping up with events and news at MCC-Blue River is easier than ever because Blue River is posting up to the minute news and campus related articles from The MCC Insider on Facebook and Twitter. Up to the minute events are posted right when they are happening.

Anyone with an account on Facebook.com can “like” MCC-Blue River to see campus related posts in their news feed. Following MCC-Blue River on twitter.com delivers all of the campus “tweets,” letting Twitter users know instantly when MCC-Blue River has news.

Read reports of staff and faculty awards and honors and keep up with groups like Phi Theta Kappa, MCC-Blue River clubs and student activities, organizations, and

MCC-Maple Woods Fitness Center presents Fitness Friday!

Women business owners share expertise

MCC-Penn Valley continued its women's history month celebration with "Enterprising Women," a networking showcase of local women entrepreneurs. The event was coordinated by Chris Kelly, MCC supplier diversity program coordinator.

Featured presenters included: Mary Anne Auer of Wexford Labs, Linda Norfleet of Ruth Burke & Associates, Brenda Clark of BC Collection custom jewelry, Lindsay Aydelotte of Herlife magazine, Audrie Seeley of Andrie Seeley Landscaping, and Desta Watson of Divine Floral designs.

Panelists shared lessons learned and gave advice to attendees wishing to start their own businesses.

MCC Faculty honored with Governor's award for Excellence in Teaching

Four Metropolitan Community College faculty members were honored with the Missouri Governor's award for Excellent in Teaching.

The award ceremony, which was part of the Missouri Community College Association's Rally Day in Jefferson City on Wednesday, honored 19 faculty members from community colleges across the state.

"Truly, there has never been a more important time for the work you are doing," Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon said to faculty members at the award lunch on Wednesday.

Faculty members honored from MCC were:

George Blomster
Adjunct Instructor of Mathematics
MCC-Penn Valley

Dr. Anne Dvorak
English Instructor
MCC-Longview

Robyn McGee
English Instructor
MCC-BLue River

Stephanie Zerkel-Humbert
English Instructor
MCC-Maple Woods

For more photos from the event, be sure to check out the MCC-Longview photo blog.

Message to Students - Prepare to Enroll

Summer and fall enrollment begins on April 11. This semester, there is a new look in the myMCCKC Student Center that will help navigate students through the enroll and pay process.

Prepare to Enroll

Students are required to complete that step before you can select classes. If not completed ahead of time, you will be presented with Prepare to Enroll when you go to enroll. Once completed, you’ll be able to jump right in and select classes, enroll, and pay.

Prepare to Enroll includes:

• Details about MCC payment options
• Verification/edit options for student contact information, including MCC Notify Me
• A place to inform MCC of your current goal on the Student Profile
• Financial aid status as it relates to Pell grants
• Details of any holds on student records that would prevent a student from enrolling.

NEW STUDENTS should:

 1. Log in to myMCCKC before you come to your enrollment group session.

•  Set up a password you can remember
•  Complete the applicable MCC Notify Me option
•  Set up password help, if not already done on the application for admission

2. “Prepare to Enroll” in your Student Center on myMCCKC beginning April 1st. If this step is completed ahead of time you will not have to do that during your enrollment group session. This will allow staff to spend more time helping you get into the right classes.

 

RETURNING STUDENTS should:

 1. “Prepare to Enroll” in your Student Center on myMCCKC beginning April 1st. If this step is completed ahead of time you will not have to do that before you select classes.

Team MCC wants you!

The countdown is on! Team MCC needs you to help reach their $5,000 fundraising goal for the annual AIDSWalk Kansas City. The team has now surpassed the $3,000 mark - but is still looking for students and employees to walk as one MCC on Saturday, April 30, 9 a.m. at Theis Park.


To join Team MCC visit http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/nancy-harrington/mcc/team

For more information about being part of the team, contact Nancy Harrington at 816.604.4240.

For more general info about AIDSWalk KC: http://www.aidswalkkansascity.org/

MCC-Blue River seeks volunteers for City of Independence Spring Clean-Up

The city of Independence will have receptacles in the parking lot at MCC-Blue River so that people in the local community may dispose of any unwanted items they have accumulated over the winter. The City of Independence Spring Clean-Up is a program designed to aid elderly and handicapped citizens to dispose of unwanted garbage and items.

From 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, volunteers will be needed to help unload the items that are collected and possibly to go with city employees who will pick up items from elderly and disabled neighbors who have requested assistance.

It’s a fun, fast paced morning to work, and students, staff, faculty and the general public are all invited to volunteer their help. Watch a nationally recognized community service program at work and be part of the action.

Volunteer Opportunity Saturday, April 2 at MCC-Blue River, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Contact Amy Slater at MCC-Blue River for details, 806.604.6500 or Amy.Slater@mcckc.edu

MCC students shine at PTK honors lunch

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon said it best: "The people sitting in this room today are the future leaders of tomorrow."

That room the governor was addressing was the Phi Theta Kappa awards lunch in Jefferson City honoring some the top faculty and students from community colleges across the state.

As part of the Missouri Community College Association's Rally Day at the state Capitol, the awards lunch highlighted some of the top performing students and faculty that have made a distinct impact on their campus, community and peers back home.

A number of Metropolitan Community College students were named to the All-Missouri Academic Team, which recognizes 35 of the top academic and philanthropic students in the state.

MCC-Penn Valley final exam, commencement schedule announced

MCC-Penn Valley’s commencement ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 19.

As result, the final exam schedule for the day exams has been changed. There will be no reading day for Penn Valley. The final exam schedule for day and evening exams will be Thursday, May 12-Wednesday, May 18.

Penn Valley students, faculty and administrators will observe this year's commencement exercises on May 19 at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Auditorium (13th and Wyandotte).

Blum is a peach…and totally bananas!

MCC payroll manager Stacey Blum is known for two things: being helpful and being wacky. Well, and being the paycheck lady. Now she can add one more moniker to the list: employee of the month.

Blum, who was selected for the honor earlier this month by colleagues at the Administrative Center, is described as “the shining light in her department.” Her helpfulness, responsiveness and dedication have been credited with ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time even when the department was understaffed.

Blum has worked in MCC’s payroll office for

Flag football and Intramural basketball, volleyball at MCC-Blue River

Spring is here, and it’s time again for the sporting life. MCC-Blue River hosts flag football and intramural basketball and volleyball this season. Sign up forms are in the office in the Arts & Sciences building. The deadline to sign up for five on five flag football is Wednesday, April 6, and games begin the following Friday. Intramural sports shall commence soon after.

Football players will convene at the soccer field on the east side of campus after 1 p.m. The season will consist of five games, followed by a playoff for the top two teams. Flag football teams must be made up of at least 50% MCC students.

The free spring intramural tournaments for basketball will be held April 12 and 14 at 2:15 p.m. in the gymnasium. All MCC students are welcome, and each team must include at least two MCC student participants. T-shirts will be available for those who have not already acquired them.

Sport	Dates	Times	Location
Flag Football	Fri Apr 8 – May 6	1:00 p.m.	Soccer Field
Basketball	Tues Apr 12 & 14	2:15 p.m.	Gymnasium
Volleyball	Wed Apr 20	1:00 p.m.	Gymnasium

Contact Dave Owens for more information: 816.604.6426 office, 816.437.1958 cell, david.owens@mcckc.edu

MCC-BTC Students Compete at SkillsUSA State Contest Today

From left, Michael Whited and George Price will compete in state SkillsUSA contest at Linn State Technical College Thursday, March 31.  Michael is competing in Prepared Speech and George is competing in Technical Computer Applications.  Kate Douglas and Ed McCarty, Cisco Faculty, will be judging the Internetworking Contest.