MCCC Happenings Newsletter May 2024

MCCC Happenings Header image

May 2024

red lineUpcoming Events

VIEW MCCC UPCOMING EVENTS


red line

Summer Classes Begin May 13

While many students cherish the break that summer offers from their academic studies, opting for a class or two during this time can be a strategic move. The Department of Education's research reveals that students who enroll for summer classes tend to graduate sooner and are more likely to complete their degree. This not only accelerates your entry into the professional world but also potentially boosts your income earlier. Moreover, it's worth noting that the cost of education can be higher for students who don't take summer classes, as their graduation may be delayed. 

It is also important to consider your sources of funding for your college education when deciding whether or not to take summer coursework. State funding programs, such as Michigan Reconnect, require students to take and pass at least six credits of coursework for two semesters per academic year to remain eligible for funding. Learn more at https://www.michigan.gov/reconnect.

Registering is as easy as going to myWebPal and using the following steps:

1. Under “Student Planning” select “Plan & Schedule.”

2. Use arrows to select the term for which you want to register.

3. Click on “View other sections.”

4. Select the section you want, and click “Add Section.”

5. Click “Register Now” (upper right) to register for all selected sections, or click “Register” under each section (left).

6. Verify completed schedule on right of screen.

7. Sign out and close browser.

The Office of Admissions and Guidance Services is available to assist students with the scheduling process. Please call (734) 384-4104 for more information, or email admissions@monroeccc.edu.

Summer/Fall Registration Info
 

red line

Ethical Imperatives and Intellectual Integrity: Why AI Should Not Be Used to Cheat in Academia

(This article was written by ChatOpenAI.com)

In the contemporary era, the rapid advancement of technology has revolutionized various aspects of human life, including education. Artificial Intelligence, with its capabilities to analyze vast datasets, process information at lightning speed, and mimic human cognitive functions, has become increasingly integrated into educational settings. However, while AI offers numerous benefits to enhance learning experiences, its misuse for academic dishonesty, particularly cheating, poses significant ethical and educational challenges. This essay elucidates why resorting to AI for cheating undermines fundamental values of education, ethical integrity and personal development.

Foremost, academic institutions serve as crucibles for the cultivation of knowledge, critical thinking and intellectual growth. Cheating through AI circumvents the core purpose of education, which is to foster genuine understanding, creativity and problem-solving skills. When students rely on AI to fabricate academic work or provide answers, they deprive themselves of the opportunity to engage meaningfully with the material, stunting their intellectual development and eroding the value of their academic achievements. Education is not merely about obtaining grades or credentials; it is about acquiring knowledge, honing skills and nurturing a curious and analytical mind. AI-driven cheating subverts this process, reducing learning to a transactional exchange devoid of genuine comprehension and personal growth.

Moreover, cheating through AI engenders a culture of dishonesty and undermines the principles of fairness and meritocracy within academic communities. Education is predicated on the principles of equity and equal opportunity, where individuals are evaluated based on their genuine abilities and efforts. However, when students exploit AI to gain an unfair advantage, they compromise the integrity of academic assessments and devalue the achievements of those who uphold ethical standards. Such actions erode trust among peers and educators, corroding the foundation of a supportive and collaborative learning environment. In the long term, a culture of academic dishonesty fueled by AI undermines the credibility of educational institutions and diminishes the value of academic credentials, ultimately eroding societal trust in the education system.

Furthermore, using AI to cheat poses broader ethical dilemmas concerning integrity, accountability and societal values. Education not only shapes individuals' intellectual capacities but also molds their character and ethical principles. Cheating through AI fosters a mindset of expedience over integrity, where individuals prioritize short-term gains at the expense of their moral compass. By normalizing unethical behavior, students risk compromising their personal integrity and ethical judgment, traits that are indispensable for success in both academic and professional realms. Additionally, the proliferation of AI-driven cheating perpetuates a cycle of dishonesty that extends beyond academic settings, undermining the fabric of trust that binds societies together.

In conclusion, the utilization of AI for cheating in academia represents a betrayal of the fundamental principles of education, ethical integrity and personal development. By circumventing the process of genuine learning, undermining fairness and meritocracy, and fostering a culture of dishonesty, AI-driven cheating jeopardizes the foundational values upon which education and society are built. To uphold the integrity of education and nurture ethical individuals capable of contributing positively to society, it is imperative to reject the temptation to use AI for cheating and instead reaffirm the values of honesty, diligence and intellectual integrity in academic pursuits. Only by upholding these values can education fulfill its noble purpose of empowering individuals and advancing human knowledge and understanding.
 

red line

Get Involved: Student Government and Student Clubs

International dancers on campusThe Student Government Association is the formal voice of the student body at Monroe County Community College, providing a vehicle of communication between the college administrators, faculty and staff. Representatives serve on the President’s Advisory Committee and the Outstanding Faculty Award Committee. This year, SGA has worked hard to simplify procedures to encourage new club formation and to make funds available (https://www.monroeccc.edu/student-clubs-funds) to all formal student organizations and clubs. 

Our Multicultural Student Association, which launched its first major college-wide event, the Spring Cultural Celebration, is brand new to our collection of student clubs. To see what clubs and student organizations are available, or to see how you can form a new club, go to https://www.monroeccc.edu/clubs-organizations
 

red line

Title IX Changes are Coming to MCCC

Title IX of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits sex discrimination at educational institutions receiving any federal financial aid, was signed into law by President Richard Nixon more than 50 years ago and has been evolving and changing ever since. While many past amendments focused on equity within college athletics, changes introduced last month are more than 1,000 pages long, addressing everything from basic definitions, disciplinary sanctions, remedies and required supportive measures. They will impact policy, procedure, qualifications for Title IX coordinators, training, parties' rights involved in cases, notification of parties and even records retention. These changes must be incorporated into MCCC's employment structure, policies and procedure by August 1, 2024. More to come.
 

red line