Success Insider
Everything Student Development - May 2015
Think Outside your box
First, as this is the inaugural edition of the Student Development newsletter, Success Insider, I am so pleased that you are collaborating to create something new that helps us all to be a better team. It's fun, informative, and builds relationships, so I appreciate all of you who are contributors. I must also mention my thanks for the initial efforts of the Communications Task Force and ultimately those who are carrying forward the initiative. I encourage all of you to be regular contributors, as the success depends on each of you taking the time to make this new idea actually work.
Second, it's obvious that we are in a building phase, both in staff and in our physical structure. While change has been more typical than not around here, it's important for you to stay rooted in the reasons for being here in this organization. As I witness the hard work of many search committees, and as I am made aware of the many responses of the many applicants who want so much to work here, I continue to hear what applicants hope is the "right" answer. It makes me recall interviews of some of you who ultimately became members of the team, as well as my own interview, and I'm glad that we gave the right answers to the hard questions. As we grow, let's all remember that one of the most fundamental questions for all of us is, “What matters most to you, and how do you make that happen?" Our answers were true for us on the days we interviewed, so let's continue to make it true for us today, whether we've worked here one or thirty years.
Third, thank you for what you do. Yes, it does matter. ~Paul
A total of 17 MCC students, including students from TRIO-Student Support Services, attended a transfer trip to UNT on April 17. We are excited that several students plan to attend UNT at the start of the Fall 2015 semester! Photo Credit: Melinda Ingram
Advisor news
- Thursday, May 7 @ 4:00 p.m.
- Thursday, May 21 @ 4:00 p.m.
Important Dates to Remember
- Summer I payment deadline is May 26 at 6:00 p.m.
- Summer II payment deadline is June 30 at 6:00 p.m.
The Advisor Training Handbook was updated to include the new TSI information. It has been cleaned up a bit to make it more user friendly. You can find it on MCC’s website under Faculty/Staff or by clicking on the following link: Advisor Training Handbook.
Top Stories
At the regular April 2015 board meeting, the Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Brandon Silva and Taylor Thomas as Advisors in Student Development. Brandon will start in May and Taylor will start in July. Congratulations!
*Student Development is still looking for two additional Advisors. If you are interested or know someone who would be a great fit, we encourage you/them to apply.*
Josh's first attempt at creaming Dr. Canham!
Looks can be deceiving.
Click on pictures to enlarge.
Photo Credit: Natalie James
Round Two!
Career Services is paving a new way
McLennan Career Services attended the annual “Work In Waco” event on Wednesday, April 22 at the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce. There were 53 employers and they were very pleased with the students who attended the event.
Upcoming:
Training will soon begin on the new College Central Network Software which is an online career office management system for college and universities, job seekers, and employers. This product offers virtual and live job fair platforms, assessments and survey platforms and allows students/alumni to search their institution's secure job database and College Central's national job board.
Photo Credit: http://wacochamber.com/
A few things disability services wants you to know
Disability Services has launched it's new and improved website. Go check it out: www.mclennan.edu/disability
McLennan now has an accessible shuttle on campus for those with a physical disabilities and those who are unable to walk long distances. The student can also contact Campus Police to schedule a pickup. In addition, MARCOM is currently working to create a campus map with accessible routes.
Food for Thought:
Did you know that students with learning disabilities and/or ADHD constitute the largest population of students served by Disability Services?
Photo Credit: http://rampyourvoice.com/
A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER, FROM the SUPPORT & EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
Upcoming Events/Deadlines:
- Summer and Fall applications are now on our website for students to print and complete.
- Summer applications are due May 1
- Fall applications are due Aug 3
- All students must call to set up a 20 minute intake meeting to turn in completed applications.
Program Requirements
After meeting initial eligibility requirements, students must also meet ALL of the following criteria:
Must be a single parent or displaced homemaker.
- Single Parent - a student who is single (never married), divorced, widowed or legally separated AND who provides more than 50% of the financial support for their child/children
- Displaced Homemaker - a student who has worked primarily without pay to care for their home and family, AND who has been dependent on the income of another family member but is no longer supported by that income, AND who is unemployed or underemployed and is experiencing difficulty in obtaining or upgrading employment.
Must be enrolled in at least 9 hours in a Workforce Education Program (6 hours must be face-to-face or on campus). The enrolled hours must match the student’s degree plan. Must be enrolled in at least 3 hours (on campus) in a Workforce Education Program to be eligible during each summer semester.
Must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA each semester.
Photo Credit: http://www.mclennan.edu/
First person to solve the below puzzle receives a $5 Sonic gift card!
What's been Going On With Trio-Student Support Services?
Recent Events
- Workshop: Transfer Information on 4/30 from 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. in LTC 212
- Cultural Event: Practically Pikasso on 4/24 from 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
- Awards & Recognition Banquet on 4/29 from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Great Accomplishments
- We just finished giving out over $22,000 in Grant Aid to Eligible TRIO SSS Participants. 37 participants received $600 (this is only offered in the spring, for participants that have met all program requirements and are Pell Grant eligible and have unmet need)
- Over 165 students (plus one guest), staff and faculty RSVP’s for our Annual Awards Banquet held on Wednesday, April 29.
- Fall 2015 we will start a new TRIO SSS Learning Framework class.
Things You Should Know
- TRIO is still looking for 3-4 more participants for the 2014-2015 cohort. At this point, only students with at least a 2.0 GPA will be accepted. TRIO Application
- A new Financial Literacy program called FinancialLiteracy101 has been purchased to assist participants. TRIO SSS participants are required to complete one financial literacy workshop/module per semester.
Photo Credit: http://www.mclennan.edu/
Success Coaches - Helping Students Achieve Success
There are a lot of exciting things going on among the Success Coaches.
Upcoming Events
- On May 8th the Success Coaches will host approximately 40 students from La Vega High School for their fourth and final tour for this academic year. This group is part of a grant initiative called Navigating the High C's. On this tour the students will visit the ESEC and Highlander Ranch to learn about the various programs offered at these locations. They will also have a pizza picnic on the lawn at the Ranch. We have developed some great relationships with these students and we look forward to seeing many of them in the Fall.
- Monique will be attending a free one day training called Equity: Why Race and Place Matters on Friday, May 8. The training will discuss how race and ethnicity can impact outcomes, local data on inequity and disparities, the history of how systems created disparities and how we can advance equity together.
- Free Computer Basics Workshop - Friday, May 22 from 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. in MAC 302. The workshop will help students with choosing the right computer, device and/or programs to purchase, how to open and close programs, how to format and save documents, emailing and attaching documents, computer shortcuts, and how to navigate Blackboard, WebAdvisor. Students who attend, will receive a free flash drive. Seats are limited, contact success coach, Monique Hoskins, to reserve a seat; 254-299-8519 or mhoskins@mclennan.edu.
Changes are Happening in the Coaching World
- Natalie James, one of the original four Success Coaches begun a new position on April 27 as the Project Link Outreach Specialist. She has been a dynamic and integral part of the Success Coach team and will be missed…even though she we still be in the same office. (Especially when it comes to updating, formatting and submitting the necessary files for those passports!) We are confident and know that Natalie will also be a dynamic and integral part of this community initiative. We are so proud of you Natalie! We congratulate her in her new role with Project Link at MCC.
- In correlation with recent changes in positions and the vision for our upcoming Completion Center, there are two new Success Coach positions currently posted. They are Success Coach (Social Work) and Success Coach (Financial Literary). If you are interested or know someone who would be a great fit, we encourage you/them to apply.
Photo Credit: http://www.mclennan.edu/
Student Activities: Providing students with involvement opportunities
The Office of Student Activities welcomes a new project, The Stall Street Journal. The purpose of the ‘newsletter’ is to disseminate information to students (campus) about various topics such as drug and alcohol awareness, sexual assault prevention, wellness, and a variety of other topics. MarCom created the template and the content is included from a host of resources. If there are any topics you would like to see featured, please email Claudette Jackson. The next time, you are otherwise occupied while visiting the facilities, take a moment and read The Stall Street Journal.
Recent Student Activity Events:
- April 1 - Easter Extravaganza by Baptist Students Association, 7:30am-11:30am, Outside on Plaza and around campus
- April 2 - McLennan Pride, meeting MAC307 3:00pm-4:00pm
- April 4 - Rad-Tech worked concessions at Horse Show at Highlander Ranch, 9:00am-3:00pm
- April 8 - MCC Food Pantry Open, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM, 2nd Floor Student Services Center behind Testing
- April 9 - Student Veteran's Association Meeting, MAC200, 3:30pm-4:30pm; Baptist Student Ministries Worship Gathering, 7:00pm-9:00pm, PAC145
- April 12 - Hispanic Heritage Festival, Hispanic Students Association, 2:00pm-6:00pm, Bosque River Stage; Engineering & Physics Club, Yuri's Night at Lake Waco Wetlands, 6:00pm-10:00pm
- April 13 - Phi Theta Kappa, Competitive Edge Workshop, 2:30pm-4:30pm, SSC105
- April 15 - Sigma Phi Sigma Sausage & Bake Sale, ESEC
- April 20-23 - MCCWLA, TRIO & CMA, Sexual Assault Awareness Events, Sexual Violence on College Campuses, Know the warning Signs, Sexual Violence in the Home, "The Clothesline Project"., MAC111, 2:30pm-4:30pm, except on the 21st, 2:00pm-4:00pm
- April 21 - MCC History Club Book Discussion, 5:00pm-7:30pm, MAC139; McLennan Pride Meeting 2:00pm-4:00pm, MAC307
- April 22 - MCC Food Pantry Open, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM, 2nd Floor Student Services Center behind Testing
- April 23 - Highland Games, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM, Green Space outside of the Student Services Center; Dinner and A Show, B.J.'s 5:00pm, "Proof" 7:30 on campus; MCCWLA Sexual Violence Awareness Month Presentation, 2:30 PM-4:30 PM; Baptist Student Ministries Worship Night, 7:30-9:00pm, Plaza or Lecture Hall in bad weather
- April 25 - Sigma Phi Simga, Assist w/Texas Special Olympics, 9:00am-3:00pm, Connally High School
- April 28 - Breakfast Sale, Medical Assistant Student Assoc., 7:00am-11:00am, Outside of Nursing, Cosmetology & Gym; Black Student Association Fashion Show, 11:00am-1:00pm, Plaza
- April 30 - Student Veterans of America Meeting, 3:30-4:30pm, MAC 200; MCCWLA, Bake Sale, 8:30am-1:00pm, Outside of Health Professions Bldg
Upcoming May Events:
- May 1 - Hispanic Student's Assoc. Cinco De Mayo, 7:00pm-10:30pm, Indian Springs Park, Face Painting and Hair Spray Booth
- May 2 - Surgical Tech 7:00am, Diabetes Walk, Brazos Park East; Rad-Tech, Monster Truck, 3:30pm-10:00pm, McLane Stadium, Cell Concessions
- May 11 - MCC History Club Book Discussion, 5:00pm-7:30pm, MAC139
- May 13 - MCC Food Pantry Open, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM, 2nd Floor Student Services Center behind Testing
- May 14-16 - Surgical Tech, Association of Surgical Tech Conference, San Antonio
- May 22-23 - Sigma Phi Sigma, Visit prison and museum in Huntsville
- May 27 - MCC Food Pantry Open, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM, 2nd Floor Student Services Center behind Testing
Testing Center: A jam-packed May
Upcoming Events
- May 4-8 – Spring Finals (They’ll be BUSY!)
- May 11 – The Testing Center staff (along with Paul Hoffman) will visit Collin College’s Testing Center for a fun-filled day. They will be learning about Collin College's walk-in based testing center, and ways for McLennan to implement it's own walk-in based model.
- May 12 – Moody High School Sophomore class and 12 Upward Bound students will take the TSI. Testing will also offer the HESI entrance Exam at 12:00 p.m.
- May 13 – Moody High School Junior class will take the TSI.
- May 14 – Testing will offer the HOBET/TEAS Exam at 12:00 p.m.
- May 19 – Testing will offer the HESI entrance Exam at 12:00 p.m.
- May 21 – Testing will offer the HOBET/TEAS Exam at 12:00 p.m.
- May 26 – Testing will offer the HESI entrance Exam at 12:00 p.m.
Photo Credit: https://positivityworks.wordpress.com
Announcements, Accolades, and Kudos
The line up
Brandon Sliva - Brandon has worked in the Testing Center as a Testing Assistant for the last 4 years, 7 months and 17 days. He will start his new role at McLennan as an Advisor on May 13, 2015. Brandon earned his Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration in 2006 from Texas State University in San Marcos.
Things you may not know about Brandon:
What kind of music do you listen to? I’m really in to Pirate Metal, Wizard Rock, Mathcore, and Cowpunk to name a few.
If you could choose one amenity to add to the workplace, what would it be?
To have a mariachi band play songs when it’s time to go home.
What’s the coolest experience you ever had? I got to meet and have a deep conversation with Bob Dole when he was running for President and I was in the 7th grade.
Let us all congratulate and welcome Brandon in his new role at MCC!
Natalie James - Natalie has worked as a Success Coach in Student Development for the last 2 years, 11 months, and 326 days, and previously served 6 years in the President's Office. On April 27, she begun working in her new role as MCC's Project Link Outreach Specialist. Natalie earned her Associates from MCC, BSAS from Tarleton and ME.d from San Angelo State University.
Things you may not know about Natalie :
What is your dream car? A 1967 Ford Mustang GT Fastback
If you could be on any TV game show, which one would it be? Of course, everyone is probably automatically thinking of the game shows we grew up watching...but it would have to be one of our more modern day "TV game show" Survivor! However, I would be on Big Brother if offered the chance too.
If you could splurge on 1 must-have item, what would it be? If I had the $$$ to build the new house my husband and I would like...I'd be taking the day off to break ground! The money isn't quite there. It looks like it may come one day after the kids are grown, but it sure would be nice if we could do it before then, so they can enjoy it too.
Congrats to Natalie on her new position!
Happy Birthday Too You, Happy Birthday Too You!
April Birthdays
Lizette LaStrape - 6
Laci Livingston - 11
Natalie James - 15
Sharon Roberts - 21
Debbie Ballew - 26
Upcoming May Birthdays
Monica Burmicky - 17
Melinda Ingram - 18
Camille Maela makes her debut
Naming the Newsletter Contest
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