March 2024
Upcoming Events
MCCC has a number of events coming up; check them all out at the links below.
Title IX
By Dr. Scott Behrens, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success
You have probably heard about Title IX in the news. Usually, Title IX is associated with gender equity in sports at colleges and universities. Title IX is a hot-button political topic and tends to be modified with each U.S. presidential change. In fact, the Biden Administration is set to put forth Title IX modification any day. What is Title IX? According to the Department of Education, Title IX is the Education Amendment of the 1972 federal law that “protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance."
I am writing about this today because Monroe County Community College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive campus and maintaining a safe working and learning environment. As part of that commitment, it is important that everyone on campus has a basic understanding of Title IX and how it is implemented on our campus. To this end, the college is reviewing its Title IX Policy and accompanying procedures and looking to modify and add to its Title IX trainings.
Ensuring a safe working and learning environment in which everyone feels a sense of belonging is everyone’s responsibility. To accomplish this, everyone needs to know the basics off Title IX. Under Title IX, discrimination on the basis of sex can include sexual harassment or sexual violence, such as rape, sexual assault, sexual battery and sexual coercion. Sexual harassment is defined as unwanted sexual behavior, advances or requests for favors -- conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to an educational program or activity. Sexual assault includes any sexual act directed against another person without the consent of the complainant, including instances in which the complainant is incapable of giving consent. Lack of consent may include impaired judgement, physical ability or age. Stalking means engaging in a repeated course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress. Dating and domestic violence are patterns of behaviors that maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.
It is important to be able to identify discrimination on the basis of sex and/or gender so that we can report it when we see it. As a rule, when we see something, we need to report something. At MCCC, we have made reporting Title IX complaints easy. While most colleges have one trained Title IX Coordinator, MCCC has two ATIXA-trained (ATIXA is the Association of Title IX Administrators) coordinators/investigators. One is the executive director of human resources, and the other is me, the vice president of enrollment management. We also have a form, which can be found on our dedicated Title IX web page www.monroeccc.edu/titleix.
Once the Title IX coordinator has the complaint form, they will reach out to the complainant to begin gathering information and determine if the case meets the criteria of Title IX. If it does, the case moves forward. If it does not, the case may be referred to other areas of the college, if warranted. When a case is confirmed to be congruent with Title IX, the process is an initial assessment by the Title IX coordinator which may followed by a formal investigation, a hearing and appeal process.
It should be noted that hearings are only conducted when a clear claimant (alleged victim) and respondent (alleged perpetrator) are identified. A complainant may choose to receive supportive measures only and not proceed with the filing of a formal complaint or any other resolution process. Likewise, complainant and respondent may choose informal processes of resolution.
Support measures are available to everyone, and Monroe County has some excellent resources, including:
- Monroe Community Mental Health (office on the MCCC campus): (734) 384-4167
- River Raisin Counseling (734) 931-6151
- Family Counseling and Shelter Services (734) 241-0180
- SOAP Project (614) 216-1619
- Michigan State Police (734) 242-3500
- Child Advocacy Network (734) 604-3384
- Employee Assistance Program (419) 475-5338
If you see something, say something.
Set Yourself up for Success in the Second Half of the Semester: Visit a Tutor
Antoine de Saint-Exupery, a renowned French writer, once said, “A goal without a plan is just a wish." Regardless of what step of your journey you are on toward earning your degree, certificate other academic goal, it is critical that you have a plan for how to get there. MCCC has a variety of supportive services available to you as a student to plan for success, and one of those is free tutoring.
MCCC offers free tutoring and academic skills help for all students in the Student Success Center located in Founders Hall. Tutoring services are available Monday through Friday throughout the day and evening. One-on-one and group tutoring is available in-person and on-line via Zoom. All are welcome and encouraged to take advantage of our services. Visit the Student Success Center website to schedule your first appointment today. If you are having trouble accessing the tutoring website, or need a tutor for a course not listed, please contact Amanda Althouse, coordinator of student success, at aalthouse@monroeccc.edu or via phone at (734) 384.4184.
MCCC Launches Data Analytics Program for Fall Semester
MCCC will offer a new Data Analytics program this Fall Semester. The associate of applied science degree with specialization in data analytics was recently approved by the Higher Learning Commission and is designed to provide practical and theoretical preparation for positions in business analytics or data science.
The Data Analytics program provides two tracks – business analytics and data science – based upon the student’s interest. In addition to completion of the required general education courses, students desiring the program designation on their transcript must complete the required core and specialized courses.
Employment in the data analytics field in Michigan is expected to grow by 7 percent by 2028, according to 2024 data from Lightcast. There are more than 30,000 individuals employed in this field in Michigan, nearly 1,900 job postings and the average salary is about $87,000. Top jobs by income include statisticians, data scientists and management analysts and computer programmers.
Calling All Readers: Save the Dates
One Book, One Community of Monroe County’s month of programs are getting underway. This year’s book is "The Firekeeper’s Daughter" by Angeline Bouley.
An updated calendar of events can be found on the OBOC events page: https://www.monroeccc.edu/one-book-one-community/2024.
MCCC will host the author, Angeline Boulley, at the college on March 19. She will speak at 7 p.m. in the La-Z-Boy Center, Meyer Theater, and a book signing will follow.
Another planned key event is the annual OBOC Kickoff on March 12 at 6 p.m., which will feature another author -- Sally Cole-Misch, author of "The Best Part of Us" -- who began writing fiction after a full career in environmental communication. The event, which is sponsored by the Library of the Great Lakes, will be held at the MCCC Library. You can already register for this event and reserve a copy of the book here.
Other highlights of March’s calendar will include a film screening of "Warrior Lawyers: Defenders of Sacred Justice" with the director, book club meetings on and off campus, professor topics talks on criminal justice and archeology, a genealogy workshop, and the Writing Fellows’ annual book chat. All events are free and open to the public, so bring your friends or family members with you!
Contact Liz Hartig or Michele Toll for more information:
The Results are in: Tutoring Works!
As visits continue to increase in MCCC's Tutoring area, MCCC is closely tracking the pass rates for students who attend our tutoring sessions.
For Winter Semester 2023, the pass rate for students in MATH-092 who sought tutoring totaled nearly 70 percent. For the same period, the pass rate for students in MATH-151 who sought tutoring was 80 percent.
The MCCC Student Success Center recognizes that seeking help can be difficult for a variety of reasons. Many of our tutors have been tutored themselves in the past. We asked them what they would say to a student who was hesitant to ask for help, and this is what they said:
- “We are here and always happy to help. Everyone is welcoming, friendly and nice!”
- “Never feel bad about yourself for seeking help. We have all had to do it at some point so we understand! You are bettering yourself and that is something to be proud of.”
- “We know it can be intimidating, but all of our tutors are great at creating a safe space for learning and meeting students where they are at.”
- “The worst thing that could happen is that you give up some of your time by coming by. The best thing is that you can receive help in your courses and realize that there is a team here ready to support you!”
Stop by for Swag!
We encourage you to stop by the Tutoring area to meet our team in the Student Success Center. This very informal open house concept will allow you to see the area, meet some of the staff and relieve any worries you may have about seeking help. If you come by and bring a friend, you both will receive free MCCC swag!
For all questions tutoring related, please contact Amanda Althouse, coordinator of student success, at aalthouse@monroeccc.edu or via phone at (734) 384-4184.
We look forward to working with you!
Tae Kwon Do Classes Offered 
Tae kwon do is a Korean martial art that translates into "the way of kicking and punching" with proper attitude and concentration. Individuals practice tae kwon do to learn mind and body control through unarmed self-defense techniques, discipline and concentration. Classes are taught by Instructor Master Mark Bergmooser, a certified 5th-degree black belt and Instructor Frank Stasa. They are open to those age 10 and older. The cost is $60 per section. Private lessons are available for $30 each. Classes meet on Tuesday and Thursday, April 9 - 30, from 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. To register, go to https://monroeccc.augusoft.net.
MCCC to Host Business and Computer Tech Interactive Preview Night
On Tuesday, March 19, MCCC's Business Division will host a Business and Computer Tech Interactive Preview Night.
Explore our Business Pathway that can lead to careers in areas such as accounting, management, operations and supply chain, as well as our Computer Technology Pathway, which can prepare you to administer computer networks, develop applications, design video games and so much more.
Business Pathway – Areas of Study 
• Accounting
• Agriculture (Agribusiness or Operations)
• Business Management
• Entrepreneurship
Computer Technology Pathway
• Computer Information Systems
- Accounting/CIS
- App Development
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Office Software Specialist
- Office Specialist
- Office Professional
- PC Support Technician
- System Administration Specialist
• Graphic Design
3 New Degree Programs Coming Soon!
• Data Analytics
• Digital Media Marketing and Communication
• Paralegal
MCCC's Christ-centered Community to Host Presentation on 'Historical Case for the Resurrection of Jesus'
MCCC's Christ-centered Community, a student organization at the college, will host a presentation titled "The Historical Case for the Resurrection of Jesus" on March 21 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the La-Z-Boy Center Atrium.
It is free and open to the public.
The presentation will be made by Dr. John Piippo, who holds has a doctorate in philosophical theology from Northwestern University and taught philosophy at MCCC for 18 years. He is the author of six books and serves as a pastor at Redeemer Fellowship Church in Monroe.
The presentation will explore answers to the following questions: Is Easter the celebration of a myth or legend of a man rising from the dead? Or is it a bold historical claim that welcomes intellectual scrutiny?
The MCCC Christ-centered Community states that "skeptics, non-believers, pagans, and people of all faiths will be loved, honored and welcome" to hear the case and ask hard questions.
Date to Apply for Scholarship Opportunities Extended to March 15
Monroe County Community College recently announced $400,000 of scholarship funding available for the 2023-24 academic year.
“The online scholarship application is available now at www.monroeccc.edu/scholarships. Returning and prospective students are encouraged to apply now for over 200 available scholarships for the upcoming academic year,” said Dr. Joshua W. Myers, executive director of The Foundation at MCCC.
The deadline to apply has been extended from March 1, 2024 until March 15, 2024 to complete the scholarship application; however, it is recommended that students apply as soon as possible. Not all scholarships are need-based or require a high grade point average or full-time status. Many are program specific and are available in all traditional and technical career training programs.
“All a student needs to apply for scholarships is their MCCC student email address and seven-digit student identification number, which they will be assigned after completing the free MCCC Application for Admission, which can be completed online at www.monroeccc.edu by selecting the “Apply” tab on the homepage,” said Myers.
The college uses a simple online application process for all of its private donor scholarships at www.monroeccc.edu/scholarships. Students can complete an application in as little as 20 minutes, but students are encouraged to take their time to ensure a complete, compelling and accurate submission.
“We strongly encourage students to also complete the FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa as soon as they can, along with applying for scholarships from MCCC,” said Dr. Scott Behrens, vice president of enrollment management and student success. “Our financial aid staff works with students as much as possible to identify sources of financial aid (www.monroeccc.edu/type-of-financial-aid) that will help them with the cost of a college education. Scholarships are a great resource, of course. It is important for students to understand there are other opportunities,too, such as federal and state grants, scholarships from the college and other organizations, work study and lastly loans, but students have to apply.” Students can call (734) 384-4135 for more information.
Nearly 200 scholarships were awarded last year with awards ranging from $250 to full-ride scholarships that cover all tuition and fees for two years at MCCC.
“Donors who contribute to The Foundation make it possible for us to fund such a wide variety of scholarships in over 60 areas of study, including students who plan to transfer to four-year colleges after completing their studies at MCCC,” said Myers.
Submit to MCCC Happenings
The "MCCC Happenings" newsletter was created in response to student requests to minimize the number of emails sent to students. The intent of the newsletter is to provide students a simple place to learn about important information they need and events on campus. Ensure articles are written in third person as much as possible and are edited. Send articles to jhollis@monroeccc.edu in Microsoft Word by the appropriate deadlines for the Winter Semester editions. An "Upcoming Events" section is included at the beginning of every "MCCC Happenings" newsletter. This section links to upcoming events that appear in the online calendar of MCCC's website. Event notices may be submitted at any time to bwaldvogel@monroeccc.edu for inclusion on the website. Events must have a date, time, location and a description.
The Office of the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success has sole discretion regarding what is published in MCCC Happenings.
The Office of Marketing and Communications edits and designs MCCC Happenings. Please contact Joe Verkennes, director of marketing and communications, with any questions at jverkennes@monroeccc.edu.
Remaining Winter Semester Publication Dates:
April 1, 2024 (Submission deadline: March 18, 2024)