August 2026
Upcoming Events
President’s Welcome
Dear Students,
Welcome to a new academic year at Monroe County Community College! Whether you are joining us for the first time, returning to continue your journey, earning college credit while still in high school, or coming back to prepare for a new career, we are excited that you have chosen MCCC.
This is an exciting time to be a student at Monroe County Community College. Across campus, we are investing in new programs, technology, facilities and opportunities designed to help you succed.
Our new Health Sciences Simulation Center is providing students with state-of-the-art, hands-on clinical experiences. New and expanded programs in electric and hybrid vehicle technology, mechatronics, data analytics, construction technology, paramedicine and other high-demand fields are preparing students for a rapidly changing workforce.
But innovation at MCCC is about more than new programs and technology. We are also changing how we support you. Through expanded academic and career advising, stronger connections with employers and universities, experiential learning opportunities and enhanced student-success services, our goal is to help you see a clear path from where you are today to where you want to go.
Most importantly, MCCC remains a community. Our faculty and staff are here because we believe in our students and in the transformative power of education. I encourage you to get involved, ask questions, use the resources available to you, meet new people and take advantage of the many opportunities you will find throughout this newsletter and across campus.
Your future is taking shape, and we are proud to be part of your journey.
Welcome to MCCC. I wish you a successful and rewarding year!
Sincerely,
Dr. Kojo A. Quartey
President
Monroe County Community College
Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success Welcome
Dear Students,
Welcome to Monroe County Community College! As vice president of enrollment management and student success, one of the most important things I want you to know is simple: You do not have to navigate college alone.
Over the past several years, MCCC has made significant changes to strengthen the support available to you -- not only academically, but personally, financially and as you prepare for your future.
We have expanded mental health services and resources because we recognize that your well-being matters. College can be exciting, but it can also bring stress and unexpected challenges. When you need support, we want you to know where to turn and feel comfortable asking for help.
We have also strengthened academic advising and counseling, expanded tutoring and academic support and created a more coordinated approach to helping students from their first contact with MCCC through registration. During the 2026-2027 academic year, our teams will be working to place a greater emphasis on your life after MCCC. Whether your goal is to transfer to a university, begin a career, earn a credential or develop new skills, we want you to understand how your education connects to your future. You will see growing opportunities for career exploration, employer connections, experiential learning and transfer planning.
We are also working to make MCCC a place where you feel that you belong. College is more than attending classes. Get involved, attend an event, join a student organization, meet your classmates and faculty, and take advantage of the many opportunities available to you. 
Most importantly, ask for help when you need it. Our faculty and staff chose to work at a community college because helping students succeed matters to us. If you are struggling academically, personally or financially -- or simply aren't sure what to do next -- reach out. If the first person you ask does not have the answer, we will help connect you with someone who does.
Your desire to fulfill your goals brought you to MCCC. Helping you achieve them is our commitment to you.
Have a great semester, and welcome to MCCC!
Sincerely,
Scott Behrens, Ph.D.
Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success
Monroe County Community College
Welcome Back
On the first day of classes, Wednesday, August 26, our campus employees and knowledgeable students will be available throughout campus to help new students find their way around. Just look for people with the “Ask Me” buttons.
Changes in Enrollment Management and Student Success Services
Due to issues with air conditioning in the Warrick Student Center (Building S), the following services have been relocated temporarily to Founders Hall or the Campbell Academic Center:
Founders Hall
Room 145: Gerald McCarty, Dean of Students
Room 143: Michelle Jenkins, Professional Counselor, Academic Advisor
Room 142: Kelly Riley, Professional Counselor, Academic Advisor
Room 141: Peggy Jacob, Professional Counselor, Academic Advisor
Room 129: Financial Aid/Admissions
Room 110: Nickie Hampsher, Director of Financial Aid; Allison Miller, Assistant Director of Financial Aid; Omaira Ortiz, Director of Admission and Enrollment Management
Campbell Academic Center
Room 116: Kim Letasse, Financial Aid Specialist
Room 120: Michael Blumenauer, Assistant Registrar, Makenna Baldwin, Registrar’s Office Assistant
Room 122: Sarah Mason, Registrar
The Husky Portal: Your Digital Front Door to MCCC
For students who are new to Monroe County Community College, one of the first resources you should become familiar with is the Husky Portal.
The Husky Portal is your central online hub for accessing the tools, information and support you will use throughout your time at MCCC. Think of it as your digital front door to the college.
What Can I Find in the Husky Portal?
From the Husky Portal, you can quickly connect to many of the resources you will need as an MCCC student, including:
- Brightspace – Access your courses, assignments and course materials.
- MCCC Email – Check important messages from faculty and the college.
- Self Service – Register for classes, review your schedule, check grades and access student account information.
- Financial Aid and Scholarships – Find information to help you understand and manage the cost of college.
- Academic Advising and Counseling – Get help planning your educational pathway and staying on track.
- Student Success Resources – Connect with tutoring, academic assistance, writing and presentation support, and other services.
- Mental Health and Wellness Resources – Find support when personal challenges, stress or other concerns affect your well-being.
- Career Services – Explore careers and connect your education to your future goals.
- Disability Services – Learn about accommodations and available student support.
- Heck's Food Pantry – Connect with food and basic-needs assistance.
- Campus Information and Events – Stay connected with what is happening at MCCC.
How Do I Access the Husky Portal?
It's easy!
1. Go to the college's home page.
2. Select HUSKY PORTAL at the top of the homepage.
3. Sign in using your full MCCC email address and password.
4. If prompted, complete the authentication steps required to secure your account.
Once you are signed in, you can use the portal to connect to many MCCC systems and resources from one convenient location.
Make the Husky Portal Part of Your Routine
Bookmark it! Check your Husky Portal and MCCC email regularly. Faculty and staff use these systems to share information that can be important to your classes, financial aid, registration and college experience.
Need Help?
If you have difficulty accessing your account or the Husky Portal, contact the MCCC Information Technology Help Desk at (734) 384-4234.
Start with the Husky Portal. Stay connected. And remember, MCCC has people and resources ready to help you succeed.
Six Things to Do During Your First Weeks at MCCC
The beginning of the semester is exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming. One of the best ways to succeed in college is to start with a plan.
Here are six things every MCCC student should do during the first few weeks of the semester.
1. Make Sure Your Schedule Works for You
Take another look at your class schedule. Do you have the courses you need? Does your schedule work with your job, family responsibilities and other commitments?
If you are taking only a few classes, you may also want to consider whether adding another course makes sense for you and your goals.
At the beginning of the semester, students can generally add or change classes until a class has met for the second time. However, online courses and courses that meet only once per week cannot be added after the class has started.
If you are thinking about dropping or withdrawing from a course, remember that deadlines and financial-aid implications may apply. Talk with an advisor and, if you receive financial aid, check with the Financial Aid Office before making a change.
2. Build Your Academic Plan
Don't just plan this semester, plan your path to graduation.
Every student should have an academic plan showing the courses they expect to take each semester.
Start by reviewing MCCC's Pathway Clusters to make sure you understand the academic program associated with your educational and career goals.
Next, sign in to Self-Service through the Husky Portal and select Student Planning:
- Select My Progress.
- Review your outstanding degree or program requirements.
- Select a course that fulfills an outstanding requirement.
- Choose "Add Course to Plan" and select the semester in which you plan to take it.
- Select "Back to My Progress."
- Continue until you have mapped out your remaining requirements.
Your plan does not have to be permanent. You can adjust it as your goals and circumstances change. The important thing is to have a plan and regularly review it.
3. Keep Moving Toward Your Goal
If completing your degree quickly is your goal, think beyond one semester at a time.
Students attending full-time should consider completing approximately 30 credits each year, while part-time students should strive to make consistent progress toward their credential.
Summer courses can also be a great way to stay on track, catch up or get ahead.
Remember: The goal isn't simply to accumulate credits, it is to complete the right credits for your degree, certificate or transfer plan.
4. Meet With Your Academic Advisor
Your academic advisor is an important partner in your success.
New students are assigned an academic advisor during the beginning of their first semester. Once you know who your advisor is, schedule a meeting, even if everything seems to be going well.
Before your appointment, review "My Progress" and create the academic plan described above. You'll have a much more productive conversation if you arrive prepared to discuss your goals, remaining requirements and future semesters.
Don't wait until registration begins to meet your advisor.
5. Visit the Student Success Center — Before You Need It!
Here's one of the most important habits successful college students develop:
Ask for help early.
- Make at least one tutoring appointment during the semester, even if you are doing well in your classes.
- The Student Success Center in Founders Hall provides free tutoring and other academic assistance. Trained student tutors and faculty specialists can help you better understand course material, improve study strategies and prepare for assignments and exams.
- The Student Success Center also connects students with resources including Disability Services, Early Alert support, Heck's Market Food Pantry, mental health screenings and referrals, supplemental instruction and other services.
- Successful students don't wait until they are struggling. They use the resources available to them proactively.
6. Get Involved!
College should be about more than going to class and going home.
Make a goal of attending at least one meeting or event for a student organization that interests you.
MCCC offers opportunities ranging from Student Government and academic and professional organizations to arts, culture, service and special-interest clubs.
Getting involved is a great way to meet people, develop leadership skills, build your résumé and feel more connected to the MCCC community.
Your First-weeks Challenge
Before the first few weeks of the semester are over:
✓ Check your schedule.
✓ Build your academic plan.
✓ Make progress toward your degree.
✓ Meet your advisor.
✓ Visit the Student Success Center.
✓ Get involved.
Start strong now. Small decisions during your first few weeks can make a big difference in your success at MCCC.
Connect on Campus
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 the MCCC Student Clubs and Organizations page to learn more about the clubs and organizations at MCCC.
R
Date | Time | Room | Event |
9/8/2026 | 12:30 p.m. | S-165 | SGA Welcome Back Meeting |
8/26/2026 | All Day | S-148 | Sign-up Day for Tutoring |
8/26/2026 | All Day | ALL | First Day of Classes: Make sure to attend your first class. |
8/26/2026 | 11:30a.m. | La-Z-Boy Lawn | Welcome Back Cookout: Hot Dogs and Games with the President |
9/7/2024 | Labor Day (College Closed) | ||
9/8/2026 | 11:30 a.m. | S-165 | All SGA and MCCC Club Meeting |
9/27/2026 | Morning | Monroe | Bed Race to Aid Children |
10/14/2026 | Midpoint of the Semester | ||
10/26/2024 | Register for Winter Term | ||
11/26/2026 | Thanksgiving Break Begins (College Closed) | ||
12/14/2026 | Last day of Classes |
Make Your Voice Heard — Join MCCC Student Government!
First formal meeting will be held on Sept. 8 at 12:30 p.m. in S-165. Learn how to run for office on September 1 at 11:30 a.m. in S-165.
Get Involved. Make Connections. Make a Difference.
Want to meet other students, develop leadership skills and have a real voice in what happens at Monroe County Community College? Student Government is a great place to start.
MCCC's Student Government Association represents the student body, supports student clubs and organizations, helps plan campus activities and provides students with a voice in the college's shared-governance process.
And getting involved is easy — show up, bring your ideas and join us!
More Than Meetings — Students Have a Voice
MCCC has a long tradition of shared governance, which means faculty, staff, administrators and students all have opportunities to contribute to conversations about the college. Student Government provides an important avenue for that student voice.
This year, SGA members will increase their participation in college governance by representing students at college council and Board of Trustees meetings, sharing information about student and club activities and bringing forward issues and concerns that matter to students.
If there is something you think MCCC could do better, Student Government is one place where your idea can become part of the conversation.
Help Make Campus Fun!
Student Government isn't all business.
SGA members help create the campus experience by working with clubs and organizations and supporting activities throughout the year. Student Government members have been involved in everything from MCCC's welcome back events and blood drives to Halloween activities, Poetry Night, community service, Furry Finals, dances and other campus events.
Have an idea for something you'd like to see happen at MCCC? Come help us make it happen. You don't need previous student-government experience. You just need an interest in getting involved.
From the Gender & Sexuality Alliance Club: Start the Year with Us!
The mission of the MCCC Gender and Sexuality Alliance is to make a strong, supportive community, to increase awareness and acceptance and to provide resources regarding LGBTQ+ issues and culture. GSA meets every other Thursday from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in S-165 including Aug. 27; Sept.10 and 24; Oct. 8 and 22; Nov. 5 and 19, and Dec. 3. Please feel free to drop in to any meeting. In GSA, you can be as involved as you would like. Would you prefer to sit back and listen? Great! Want to hang out with some LGBTQ2SIA+ folks? Perfect! Ready to be loud and proud? Fabulous! Want to make social change? Awesome! Ready to organize a revolution? Beautiful! GSA welcomes students and community members wherever they are. Contact GSA at mcccgsa@monroeccc.edu or find updates by scanning:
From Turning Point USA at MCCC:
Turning Point USA at Monroe County Community College is entering its second year as an officially recognized student organization, and we invite all students to learn more about what we do.
Our chapter is dedicated to promoting respectful discussion and exploring topics related to constitutional rights, free markets, fiscal responsibility and individual liberty. Whether you identify as conservative, liberal, independent or simply want to hear different viewpoints, you're welcome to attend our meetings and events.
During our first year, members hosted a guest speaker on building meaningful connections with others, organized campus information tables, participated in a human life awareness event, took part in the local Walk for Life, attended the Charlie Kirk Gala and joined members of the Monroe County Women's Republican Club at several community dinners. This summer, our student leaders also represented MCCC Turning Point U.S.A. at the national Turning Point U.S.A. Student Action Summit in Washington, D.C.
If you're interested in meeting new people, engaging in thoughtful conversations, developing leadership skills or simply learning more about Turning Point USA, we'd love to meet you. For meeting times and additional information, please contact Sophia Nadeau, TPUSA at MCCC president at snadeau2@my.monroeccc.edu or Barry Kinsey, faculty advisor, at bkinsey@monroeccc.edu.
From the Ballroom Dance Club:
The Ballroom Dance Club was founded in 2010 to form a social dance club with a fun and inviting atmosphere in 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 2026-27. The recruitment meeting will occur on Wednesday, Sept. 4 from 3:30-5 p.m. in room H-139.
Ballroom Dance Club members generally meet once or twice monthly to organize events and/or learn new dance steps and skills. The club typically hosts a monthly themed lesson/party to offer opportunities to practice. The parties also help make dance approachable and fun. Many activities are open to the public. Optional field trips have included observing professional-level ballroom dance events.
For more information, contact the club advisor, Kellie Lajiness, by email at klajiness@monroeccc.edu.
From the Psychology Interest Group:
All are welcome to join the Psychology Interest Group, a club for any MCCC student interested in knowing more about psychology and getting involved with psychology on campus and in our community.
- Learn about new research and practices
- Connect with others interested in psychology
- Discuss different psychology perspectives
- Discover psychology careers
- Lean how to utilize psychology to strengthen our communities
Join us every other Thursday, starting Sept. 3 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in L-142, including Sept. 17; Oct. 1, 15 and 29; Nov.12, and Dec. 10.
Contact us for more info:
Patrick Wise: pwise@monroeccc.edu
Melissa Grey: mgrey@monroeccc.edu
From the Humanities and History Club
The Humanities and History Club is both a research space and an educational creative outlet for students at MCCC who are interested in the humanities, such as art, culture, literature, political science or even philosophy. Research historical topics from medieval architecture of the thirteenth century to the space race of the 1960s and everything in between.
The Humanities and History Club participates in various campus activities and events, such as bake sales, film screenings, and even professional lectures from historians and humanities professionals alike.
The club meets monthly, typically on the third Thursday of every month, in the Holladay Theater (lower level of the C Building) from 3-4 p.m.
Students interested in joining should e-mail gthornsberry@my.monroeccc.edu.
From The Agora:
The Agora, your student newspaper on campus, is more than newsprint.
The Agora 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 58 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: Journalism/Transfer Pathway
For more information about related courses in our new Digital Media Marketing and Communication Program, visit: Digital Media Marketing & Communication Program
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 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 2026!
Working as a student tutor is a great on-campus job that allows you to keep up on your academics and help other students, and it is a wonderful addition to your resume! If you are interested in working as a student tutor for fall 2024, please contact Amanda Althouse, coordinator of student success, at aalthouse@monroeccc.edu or via phone at (734) 384-4184.
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
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
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.
Mental Health MEET-UP
MCCC's mental health counselor will be holding times in each building. Pop in, say hi and get more information on our mental health services (and doughnuts, too!):
- Aug. 31: 9-10 a.m. building H
- Sept. 1: 9-10 a.m. building T
- Sept. 2: 9-10 a.m. building L
- Sept. 3: 9-10 a.m. building C
Start Strong!
Join us in the Student Success Center area Aug. 26 and 27 from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. to begin the semester. We will have representation from Financial Aid, Student Success, Admissions, Registrar and Student Tech Support for students to pop in and ask questions and get the help you need as the semester begins.
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.
Work Where You Learn
MCCC students are hired for many positions at the MCCC, including many 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 via College Central, fill out the Student Assistant application and e-mail it to workforce@monroeccc.edu or drop it off at the Office of Workforce Development in Room Z-286.
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 up until a class has met for the second time. If a class is online or only meets once per week, you cannot make changes once that class has already started. 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 on the college's registration page.
Submit to MCCC Happenings
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 at the beginning of each semester
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 info is included in this publication, make sure to submit them to aelliott@monroeccc.edu three weeks before the end of the current semester.