September 2025
Upcoming Events
President's Welcome
Welcome back to another semester at MCCC! We hope and trust that you all had a good summer and gained new knowledge if you were in summer classes, earned some money if you were working, and took some time to relax.
This semester promises to be an exciting one with some new and innovative programs such as Logistics/Warehouse Management and Radiography. Another recent development is the creation of an Intramural Sports Club. Our MCCC Makerspace in the Career Technology Center continues to be a place where you can exercise your creative talents, and our Safe Space in the S Building is a place where you can simply go to feel that sense of belonging. Also, MCCC offers Heck's Market, MCCC's food pantry, which provides a variety of healthy food options and essential supplies to any student for free who identifies as food insecure and is committed to a dignified and welcoming customer experience for all patrons. Students in need can simply sign up for free bags of food to take home regularly, and there is a grab-and-go, where students can go to Founders Hall for a snack. We are making numerous opportunities available to you to lighten your burden, remove more barriers and give you that sense of belonging at MCCC to ensure your success.
We are elated to welcome you to MCCC for another eventful semester.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kojo A., Quartey
President
Welcome from the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success
Dear MCCC Huskies:
Welcome to the 2025 academic year at Monroe County Community College! We have one core goal: enriching and transforming lives through degree and certification attainment. Every year, your Enrollment Management and Student Success team strives to improve the student experience with this goal in mind.
Last year, I told you about new positions in Admissions and new processes such as orientation. One year later, I am proud to tell you about the amazing work these people have been doing and how that work is impacting the student experience.
The Admissions team members held more than 100 events both on and off campus, engaging a total of 2,660 high school students with our academic and non-academic programs. These outreach efforts impacted students in school districts in Monroe County, as well as in neighboring districts.
Events such as these are significant in that they help students and their families learn about potential careers and how to fund education at any college or university. While we would love for all Monroe County students to choose to come to MCCC, our ultimate goal is to help every individual succeed in attaining their goals.
Monroe County Community College partnered with four area high schools this year to try a new concept to alleviate the confusing process of getting into college. This year, every graduating high school student from four area high schools (Monroe, Airport, Jefferson and Ida) received a letter upon graduation letting them know that they had been automatically admitted to MCCC without having to complete an application. All students had to do to get into MCCC was to contact us and sign up for an orientation. With this call or email, the student was assigned an educational advocate to help them get registered and learn everything they needed to succeed in their first year of college.
New student orientations provided incoming students with essential guidance on how to register for classes and access a variety of campus services, including financial aid, tutoring, mental health resources, disability services, student clubs and activities, testing services, course platforms. In addition, students were provided with key contacts who will provide ongoing academic support and guidance throughout their college experience.
A significant amount of work went into improving the way we interact with potential new students. As a result of the amazing work of all of these people, new, first-time college student enrollment is up 17% this year over last. If you are one of the new students who enrolled in MCCC this summer, please take a moment to email me and tell me about your experience. I would love to hear what went well as well as how you think we can continue to improve.
I hope you enjoy this newsletter and have a GREAT semester.
Stay safe, stay healthy, stay positive, and together we will be successful.
Welcome to a new and exciting academic year at MCCC!
Sincerely,
Dr. Scott Behrens
Vice President
Enrollment Management and Student Success
sbehrens@monroeccc.edu
Welcome Back BBQ Sept. 10
On Wednesday, September 10 starting at 11:30 a.m., President Dr. Kojo Quartey will grill free hot dogs for as long as they last, and there will be a cornhole contest on the mall in the middle of campus. Come join the fun as we kick off a great 2024-2025 academic year.
Improving the Student Digital Experience
The Husky Portal is an easy way for students to access their MCCC resources. By visiting https://monroeccc.my.site.com/portal/login or clicking Husky Portal at the top of the college home page, you can log in using your MCCC email address and password. From inside the portal, you can get direct access to your courses on Brightspace, register for classes through Self-Service, make a Tutoring or Writing Center appointment, and so much more!
Tips for Success at MCCC
To ensure success at Monroe County Community College, there are several things you should do:
- Check your schedule to ensure that it works for you and that you have the classes you need. If you’re only taking a few classes, you may want to consider adding a class if possible. At the start of each semester, you can add a class or make changes to your schedule up until a class has met for the second time.
- Set up your academic plan. Every student should have an academic plan that details which classes they will take each semester. There are two major sources to use when planning your schedule: A) Go to www.monroeccc.edu/pathways to identify your intended program of study; B) Then sign into Self Service and click on “Student Planning."
- Under “Student Planning” select “My Progress.”
- Review outstanding degree/program requirements.
- Click on the course you want to take to fulfill the outstanding requirement.
- Click “Add Course to Plan,” and select the term you would like to take the course.
- Select “Back to My Progress” (upper left of page).
- Continue planning outstanding requirements
(Note, once in Self Service you can also review any financial aid awards and if any paperwork is still outstanding in order to process an award.)
- Achieve your dreams faster. Make sure to take 30 credits each year if you are full-time and 20 credits or more if you attend part-time.
- Schedule a meeting with your academic advisor. If you are a new student, you will be assigned an academic advisor by the end of the first month of classes. Having a plan (See step two above!) will help you to have a productive session with your advisor.
- Make at least one appointment for tutoring in the Student Success Center. Good students do not wait until they are in trouble. They plan success proactively.
- Plan to attend a meeting for a student organization of interest to you.
Connect on Campus with Student Clubs and Organizations
The number one predictor of success in college is campus engagement. College life is a transformative journey that offers students opportunities to expand their horizons, develop lifelong skills and prepare for the workforce. College can be an overwhelming experience, especially for incoming freshmen or first-generation college students. Building connections with others through clubs and student organizations can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Friendships formed within these groups often lead to lasting relationships that extend beyond the college years. Go to https://www.monroeccc.edu/clubs-organizations to learn more about the clubs and organizations at MCCC.
Upcoming Events
|
Date |
Time |
Room |
Event |
|
9/9/2025 |
12:30 p.m. |
S-165 |
Student Government Association Welcome Back Meeting |
|
Every Day |
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. |
Founders Hall |
Sign up for Tutoring |
|
9/10/2025 |
11:30a.m. |
La-Z-Boy |
Welcome Back Cookout -- Hot Dogs and Games with the President |
| 9/16/2025 | 12:30 p.m. | S-165 | All MCCC Club Meeting |
Student Government
MCCC's Student Government Association ensures that students have their voices heard, supports student clubs and organizations, and collaborates to plan exciting campus activities. Student Government represents students as part of its shared governance role on campus to express student concerns and share about club activities. Getting involved in Student Government is easy. Simply come to one of its upcoming meetings and get involved! On September 9 at 12:30 p.m., SG will have its Welcome Back meeting in room S-165, where the group will begin planning processes for the upcoming academic year and discuss goals. On September 16 in Room S-165, SG will have its “All MCCC Club Meeting,” and hopes to see representation from all campus clubs and organizations to discuss club procedures and this year's events to have a year-long plan for all campus life activities. For more information about getting involved with Student Government, email studentgov@monroeccc.edu.
Attention Student Clubs/Organziations!
Message for all student groups and organizations: Please turn in your Renewal Request and Seed Money form to SGA as soon as possible. This will ensure that you receive funds in a timely manner and that your club information remains active on the college website: https://www.monroeccc.edu/clubs-organizations.
Ballroom Dance
The Ballroom Dance Club was founded 15 years ago to form a social dance club with a fun and inviting atmosphere through which students of any ability and age can confidently learn and practice various steps and ballroom styles that promote physical fitness, musicality, cultural awareness, manners and proper etiquette. The club is seeking new members and officers for 2025-2026! Auditions will be held on Friday, September 12 from 3:30-5 pm and Saturday, September 13 from 9-11 a.m.in Room H-139.
For more information, contact the club advisor, Kellie Lajiness, by email at klajiness@monroeccc.edu.
The Agora, MCCC's Student Newspaper
The Agora, your student newspaper on campus, is more than newsprint.
The Agora belongs is published by and serves as a creative outlet for students while serving the information needs of our campus community through photography, illustration, graphic design, videography, broadcasting, cartooning, writing, editing, online publishing, social media, and newsletters.
The Agora began publishing in February 1968 and has published almost continually for 56 years.
When you join the Agora either through journalism workshop courses or freelance, you are joining a team of smart, thoughtful and creative students. We travel together to conferences, enter contests that help boost your portfolios and resumes, and we find time to have fun even though the work can be difficult.
Students interested in getting involved with the Agora should contact the adviser, Matthew Bird-Meyer, at mbird-meyer@monroeccc.edu or by calling 734-384-4288.
For more information about related courses in our Journalism/Communications Transfer Pathway, visit: https://catalog.monroeccc.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=7&poid=641&returnto=335
For more information about related courses in our new Digital Media Marketing & Communication program, visit: https://catalog.monroeccc.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=7&poid=732&returnto=335
Mental Health Services
MCCC offers mental health services on campus in partnership with Monroe Community Mental Health Authority. The services include:
Mental health screening:
- Referrals
- Crisis prevention and intervention
- Advocacy
Linking and coordinating to the following resources:
- Counseling / Therapy
- Health services
- Financial Assistance
- Housing
- Social Services
- Other services and natural supports
Hours: Fall/Winter Semesters
Monday - Thursday: 8:30 am - 5 p.m.
Student Success Center
Disability Services Office
Founders Hall, F-149
(Enter through the Student Success Center off the Vajcner Academic Commons.)
Phone: (734) 384-4167
- Students can call the Disability Services Office Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. or Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. to request outreach from Monroe Community Mental Health Authority and receive a referral packet. Students can meet with counselors in-person or virtually.
- 24-hour services/Crisis. Please call the Monroe Community Mental Health Authority. After-hours, on-call staff is available to respond to crisis. Call the toll-free crisis phone: 1-800-886-7340. TDD/TTY: 1-800-886-7340.
Disability Services
Students with disabilities may be eligible for classroom and test accommodations to provide access to all college facilities and programs. Accommodations are intended to “level the playing field” as much as possible, so the student with a disability has an equal opportunity to succeed. Access is provided while maintaining high academic standards.
Disability Services coordinators are available to assist students with disabilities in all aspects of their educational planning. Students can meet with a disability services coordinator in the Student Success Center to request accommodations, plan their schedule, obtain career and transfer information and receive collaborative services with outside agencies.
The Student Success Center: Free Tutoring and Academic Skills Help
Successful students do not wait until they are in trouble to get help. They plan ahead. They anticipate. MCCC offers free tutoring and academic skills help for all students in the new Student Success Center located in Founders Hall. Tutoring services are available Monday through Thursday. One-on-one and group tutoring is available in-person and on-line via Zoom. All are welcome and encourage to take advantage of our services. Visit the Student Success Center website to schedule your first appointment today.
Hiring Tutors for Fall 2025! Working as a student tutor is a great on-campus job that allows you to keep up on your academics, help other students, and is a wonderful addition to your resume! If you are interested in working as a student tutor for fall 2025, please contact Amanda Althouse, director of student success, at aalthouse@monroeccc.edu or via phone at 734-384-4184.
Work Where You Learn
MCCC students are hired for many positions at the college, including for many positions that provide experience applicable to specific fields of study. These jobs are part-time with a maximum of 20 hours per week. It is the commitment of the college that the candidate is a student first and an employee second; therefore, a student’s class schedule is reviewed and work hours are scheduled accordingly. To be eligible, students must be enrolled for at least six credit hours during the Fall and Winter semesters of employment. To review and apply for student assistant positions, a candidate must register with the Office of Workforce Development at collegecentral.com/monroeccc; fill out the Student Assistant Application https://www.monroeccc.edu/sites/default/files/academics/StudentAssistant-JobApp.pdf and e-mail it to workforce@monroeccc.edu or drop it off at the Office of Workforce Development in the La-Z-Boy Center. A few positions that are now open include:
Currently, there are many student assistant positions available:
- Fitness Center Student Assistant
- Student Assistant, Admissions and Guidance Services
- Student Assistant, Admissions and Guidance Services
- Testing Center Student Assistant
- Technology Support Student Assistant
- Student Success Student Assistant
- Cellar Student Assistant
Title IX
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights enforces, among other statutes, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. Title IX states that:
"No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."
If you believe you have been sexually harassed or discriminated against, you should report that behavior as soon as possible so that the college may conduct a thorough investigation.
Learn more about Title IX at https://www.monroeccc.edu/titleix.
Withdrawal Procedure
If you need to drop a class once it has begun, do not just stop going to class.
At the start of each semester, you can make changes to your schedule via Self Service up until a class has met for the second time. If you decide you no longer want to attend a particular class, you can drop it via Self Service through August 27. After that, you must officially withdraw. To do so, fill out an “Add/Drop/Withdrawal Form” available online or in the Registrar’s Office. In addition to the form, you must provide proof that you communicated with your instructor prior to withdrawing (instructor’s signature on the form or via email). By officially withdrawing from a class, you will receive a ‘"W" grade, which does not affect your GPA. If you are receiving any type of financial aid, please check with the Financial Aid Office before making the withdrawal official. Failure to drop or withdraw from a course you do not wish to complete has both educational and financial consequences. Forms and further information can be found at https://www.monroeccc.edu/registration.
Submit to MCCC Happenings
This newsletter, MCCC Happenings, is a publication developed by the Enrollment Management and Student Success team to update students on events, things that are new to the college, MCCC policy changes and more. The full publication will be sent to all students once a month at the beginning of each month during academic semesters.
The Office of the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success has sole discretion regarding editing and what is published in MCCC Happenings. The Office of Marketing Communications designs the online newsletter and copy edits submissions for accuracy and clarity.
To ensure that your events are included in this publication, make sure to submit them to sbehrens@monroeccc.edu in accordance with the following schedule.
All articles and items submitted for the second (September 30, 2025) edition (Student Success) of Happenings are due by end of day on September 13, 2025.
All articles and items submitted for the third (November 4, 2025) edition (Retention) of Happenings are due by end of day on October 18, 2025.