Updates from the President
Welcome Back!
After spending 18 months getting to know the institution, its creative people, tenacious students, and innovative programs, I am energized by the dedication to our mission I see and feel on a daily basis at MCC. I tell everyone I meet how lucky I am to work at a college where people extend themselves to transform lives through education. I hear it from students, alumni and community members — MCC is a place where lives are changed.
It is going to be a stimulating and challenging new academic year and I am excited to report that we have a revamped Senior Leadership team in place that is committed to transparent, respectful and collaborative leadership. We are ready to work with you on innovative ways to foster student success and retention.
Senior Leadership (Cabinet) Realignment
With the departure of several senior leaders, roles and responsibilities have been realigned to better help the college meet the challenges and exploit the opportunities that lie ahead. In brief:
- Phil Sisson will lead the entire student services team with recruiting, admissions and enrollment now reporting to his area. Also moving to Academic and Student Affairs are all K-16 partnerships, including TRIO Programs.
- Judy Burke will lead a multifaceted group that includes Corporate and Community Education, the Career Centers, and a new Institutional Advancement Group which includes Development, Marketing, Institutional Research and Resource Development (grants).
- Colleen Cox will continue to serve as the Lowell Campus Manager while assuming broader responsibilities for scheduling and managing events at all locations. She will be responsible for the Historic Homes, Food Services, the Bookstores, the Law Center, and transportation.
- The President’s Cabinet includes:
- Phil Sisson – Provost and VP of Academic and Student Affairs
- Judy Burke – Executive Director of Institutional Advancement
- Colleen Cox – Chief Administrative Officer
- Joe Patuto – Chief Technology Officer
- Brian Butler – Director of Facilities
- Patrick Cook – Executive Director of Government and Community Relations
- Betty Ann Learned – Interim Chief Financial Officer
- Mary Chatigny – Interim Director of Human Resources
- Lura Smith and Donna Corbin – Office of the President
- In a related move, Ken Dunn is retiring as director of the Law Center and Terry Downes will fill the Director position.
Strategic Transformation Planning Process
MCC is committed to transforming lives through its collaborative, innovative and forward-thinking programs and services. Looking toward the future, MCC has crafted a Strategic Plan, Transformative Education, focusing on the key objectives of teaching and learning, student access and success, community partnerships, and technology. As it embarks on these strategic initiatives, MCC, like its counterparts across the Commonwealth, faces significant challenges that can only be addressed with the full and active engagement of the entire college community.
The changing context we operate in includes declining enrollment, declining state support, increased costs, increased competition, and an aging infrastructure. Combined, these factors have created a challenging budget climate that is predicted to grow worse in the coming years. To meet these challenges, MCC will embark on a Strategic Transformation Planning Process. Please join me at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8, for the Opening Forum in the Lowell Café where we will outline this inclusive process.
At MCC, we are committed and willing to engage these challenges head-on. We will do whatever is necessary to adapt to this changing educational environment, and to continue serving our students and our communities. While there are significant challenges ahead, I am confident MCC’s team of creative and experienced educational professionals will rise to the occasion, and I look forward to working closely with you.
Summer Activities
My wife, Judy, and I recently had a wonderful dinner with Maria Aybar, the inaugural recipient of The Dr. James C. and Judith G. Mabry Completion Scholarship, and her mother. It was exciting to hear about Maria’s busy summer and her plans for the coming year at MCC. This is a young woman who will go far and we feel privileged to be able to support her journey through higher education.
On August 6 & 7, I completed the Pan-Mass Challenge by cycling 192 miles over two days to raise funds to support the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. I am proud to be part of Team FLAMES, which has raised more than $485,000. We also rode to support Ady, a wonderfully positive 7-year-old fighting leukemia. She and her family were at rest stops each day to cheer us on, and I was touched by her courage and tenacity. I greatly enjoyed being part of something so large, so well run, and so inspiring.
All the best,
Jim Mabry
Grant News
- MCC received notification of several grant awards this summer. As the result of a collaborative effort between Global Education and the division of Business, Education and Public Service, Middlesex’s proposal, The Morocco Experience: International Business Fellowships, was selected for funding through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and Partners of the Americas. MCC’s project was one of 18 projects awarded out of 180 applications. This capacity-building grant for U.S. undergraduate study abroad is intended to broaden the population of students who study abroad, and the destinations and disciplines in which they study.
Middlesex Community College also was awarded a multi-year US Department of Education TRIO Talent Search grant to support Lowell Public School students to prepare for, and enter, college. This five-year renewal application, for the period 2017-2021, will build on the success of more than 20 years of Talent Search programming offered in cooperation with the Lowell Public Schools. MCC’s new Talent Search program will offer a coordinated continuum of outreach, academic intervention, advising and support to 714 students drawn from grades 6-12 at three target schools in Lowell. Colleen Winn is MCC’s Talent Search Director and manages the Talent Search and Upward Bound TRIO programs, as well as the Gear Up project. Together these grant-funded programs serve more than 1,400 Lowell students each year.
Upcoming Events
- Opening Day – Cookout – 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, Bedford & Lowell
- Opening Forum – 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, Lowell Cafeteria
- Community College Night at Fenway Park – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14
- Bedford Day Parade – 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 – look for more info on Newscaster
- Board of Trustees Meeting – 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, Trustees’ House, Bedford
In The News
- Middlesex Community College Receives Grant to Help Veterans (Aug. 16, 2016)
- Middlesex Community College Receives $100K Grant (June 15, 2016)
- Middlesex College Partners to Provide $4 Million TechHire Grant (July 26, 2016)
- Area College Leaders: No to Allowing Guns on Campus (Aug. 10, 2016)
- Nonprofit Tries to Ease Burden for Low-income Freshman (Aug. 14, 2016)
News from the Divisions
Academics
Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE)
Supplemental Instruction
Starting in the fall, Jennifer Nicoloro teaching “Introduction to Microbiology,” Jane Morrison teaching “Introduction to Ultrasound Scanning,” Ralph DePrenda teaching “Introduction to Statistics,” and Sherryllene Pinnock teaching “Chemistry I,” will be added to the already 18 faculty using Supplemental Instruction (SI) in 33 sections supporting the success of more than 1,000 students.
Personnel Updates
Omar Al Dulaimy joined Middlesex as Coordinator of Academic Support Programs in the Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE) on August 9, 2016. Omar comes to us with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, BA, a Master of Arts in Graphic design from the University of Baghdad, and is currently completing his second Master’s degree in Curriculum and Teaching with a focus of working with ESL students at Fitchburg State University this fall. Omar has been working part-time at Middlesex for the last four years as an Instructor and Professional Tutor in the RAMP-UP program. Previously, Omar coordinated tutors and teachers to operate a Literacy Lab at Lowell High School. In addition, he worked as a SLIFE Tutor teaching mathematics to students with limited or interrupted formal education. Omar brings with him a strong mathematics and language background and we are looking forward to working with him.
Beth Kelley joined Middlesex as Supplemental Instruction (SI) Coach in the Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE) on July 18, 2016. Beth comes to us with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Trinity College, a Master of Education from Harvard University Graduate School of Education, and a second Master’s of Education in Instructional Technology from Bridgewater State College. Beth has worked part-time at Middlesex for 12 years as an Adjunct Faculty member teaching “Chemistry.” Additionally, Beth has been working in ACE since 2013 and has been a key contributor, training and supporting over 35 ACE student leaders each semester. Beth is a passionate and innovative educator who is committed to developing student leaders within the department while providing excellent academic support services.
Lore Porter joined Middlesex as a Writing Learning Specialist in the Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE) on July 25, 2016. Lore comes to us with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Duke University, and a Master of Science in Communication from Boston University. Lore worked part-time at Middlesex for four years as the Coordinator for the Center for Careers and Teaching, and came to the Academic Support Department as a Professional Tutor in the Writing Center in 2009. In 2013, Lore was hired as a part-time Writing Learning Specialist in ACE, and over the last three years has created a comfortable and productive environment where students feel welcome, tutors feel supported, and faculty feel connected. She has established partnerships with many English faculty and has developed relationships with faculty from other disciplines, such as Business and Engineering, advancing writing across the curriculum.
Assessment and Professional Development Offices
To more seamlessly meet the needs of MCC faculty and staff in their utilization of technology tools and digital learning environments, our Assessment, Professional Development and Academic Technologies areas merged and underwent some changes over the summer. Nancy Curll, Manager of E-Learning; Sanford Arbogast, Instructional Technologist; and Wendy Khadjikian, Administrative Assistant, join Director Peter Shea and Dean of Assessment and Professional Development Elise Martin on this team. We thank Paulo Barrio, former Assistant Director of Professional Development, for his years of valuable service, and wish him the best of luck in his new role at MCC as Coordinator of the Human Services program.
An important element of our 2016-17 academic year focus is the development and facilitation of strong faculty and staff communities of practice. To this end, we will implement a recommendation from the Technology Strategic Plan – the utilization of faculty and staff “fellows” for their input and collaboration on important initiatives such as:
- Assessment and assignment design – Cathy Pride
- Online learning environments for distance and classroom-based learning – Binnur Ercem
- Scholarship of Teaching and Learning/Professional Development – Jean Cremins
- Student use of eportfolios as learning and branding tools – Kyle Tucker
We have many offerings planned for the 2016-17 academic year, beginning with the annual Chairs and Coordinators kick-off meeting and New Faculty Orientation, both taking place Thursday, September 1, and the New Faculty Seminar Series, which will begin Friday, September 9, and offer our new full-time faculty a semester of teaching, learning and student success orientation designed to support their crucial first year as full-time faculty members here at MCC. The seminar series will include opportunities for peer classroom observation, best practice in active, inclusive pedagogies to engage and support all students in their learning, MCC resources that can provide additional support for student learning, strategies for creating optimal classroom learning environments, utilization of web-based learning environments for classroom-based courses, course design work that includes designing assignments that are aligned to course outcomes, and plenty of opportunity to hear from and network with other MCC faculty, staff and administrators. This seminar series will utilize a Blackboard site for seminar resources and peer discussion. All new part-time faculty will also be enrolled in this website, providing them opportunities to access these resources and participate in online discussions with their colleagues. Please contact Wendy Khadjikian or any other member of our team for further information.
This year we are pleased to welcome 13 new full-time faculty:
- Mary Jenny – Dental Assisting
- Kate Baker – English
- Ana Garcia – English
- Willy Ramirez – English
- Paulo Barrio – Human Services
- Ryan Fried – IT
- Aisha Arroyo – Math
- Robyn McDonough – Math
- Susan Lavallee -Nursing
- (Veronica) Ann McDonough -Nursing
- Kathryn Small -Nursing
- Carolyn Walsh -Nursing
- And a new faculty member TBD in Medical Laboratory Technology
Also this summer, Elise Martin, Dean of Assessment and Professional Development, in her role as Degree Qualifications Profile (DQP)/Tuning “coach” for the National Institute of Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA) and the Lumina Foundation, presented a workshop on “Mapping Your Curriculum for Teaching and Learning Excellence” at Quinsigamond Community College’s summer Assessment Academy. You can view Elise’s participation on a national panel at the DQP Launch event in Indianapolis, IN, in the October 2014, from the DQP website: http://degreeprofile.org/webinars-videos/
Business, Education and Public Service
Judy Hogan, Michelle Bloomer, Lynda Pintrich, and Tim Scanlon began work with Martha Wyatt, Outreach Coordinator from the US Attorney’s Office regarding a partnership with the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office and other Lowell community social service agencies, including UTEC, to be a part of the Lowell High Risk Offender Reentry Initiative targeting offenders 18 to 30 years of age. This program has been very successful in Boston and will be introduced in Lowell soon. We are very excited for the opportunity to work on a project which is so well aligned to our CJ faculty’s (and program’s) views on rehabilitation opportunities which aim at decreasing the rate of recidivism and the integration of offenders as productive members of the community.
Michelle Bloomer and Judy Hogan have begun work on a Children’s Behavioral Health Specialist Program with The Children’s Behavioral Health Workforce Collaborative, a coalition of CBH employers working to reduce mental health disparities and increase quality of care in racial, ethnic and under-served communities in Massachusetts. The Collaborative has two initiatives, one focused on strengthening career pathways for Family Partners and Therapeutic Mentors, and the other on strengthening multicultural clinical practice for clinicians. Susan Anderson and Danielle Kehoe are currently developing a grant application to fund the development of the CBH courses, while Ellen Grondine is assisting in the articulation of credit from other institutions who offer a similar program.
Business, Entrepreneurship and Legal Studies
Four students attended the Next Gen Summit for young entrepreneurs in NYC over the June 3rd weekend. The conference included an amazing stream of successful entrepreneurs all under 30. Two of the students were able to implement some of the business etiquette skills learned while attending the April 27 Fashion, Hospitality, and Entrepreneurship dinner at the Nesmith House, sponsored by the Hospitality program and the BEP Division.
Student Impressions:
“It was quite inspirational to hear all of the success stories from accomplished entrepreneurs who were in the same position as us just a few years ago,” said Danny.
“I’m really glad I went, the people there were so inspiring they made me want to start something, also I was able to make a lot of really good connections with people and got some sage advice from some of the more experienced people,” said Jason.
Carlos Broccato and James Dottin, Chair of Business, are in the planning stages for the Business Ethics Film & Speaker Series for the Fall semester. They will be inviting outside business leaders to address current ethical issues in business. Look for the announcement of dates soon!
Under the direction of Halye Sugarman, Coordinator of the Paralegal Program, the Paralegal faculty took part in two training sessions on the use of MindTap materials for Business Law and Family Law. The faculty met with representatives from Cengage Publishing to learn new techniques in offering online materials to students enrolled in both the online and face-to-face sections of “Business Law and Family Law.”
Stacie Hargis, Entrepreneurship Coordinator, along with five other professors from MCC and six from Lowell Public school, spent the month of July researching in Cambodia through a Fulbright-Hays Fellowship spearheaded by Dean Dona Cady. Hargis’s focus was on social entrepreneurship and the many social enterprises thriving in Cambodia. She compiled this info into case studies that will be used in her entrepreneurship courses, and which will lead to Service-Learning and project-based learning activities.
Global Education
Study Abroad
Belize Fellowship: Throughout the two-week study abroad 11 student researchers and three faculty advisors successfully completed surveys of two sites following reef check data collection protocols. The group was also invited to Leonardo DiCaprio’s island Blackador Caye to learn how developers plan to ecologically restore the island through a new paradigm in sustainable development while actively building a resort. Read about the group’s experiences in their blog.
China Fellowship: The two-week China Fellowship and an anonymous donor provided funding for 11 students and two faculty advisors to explore the culture, literature, language, and history of China. With a lecture at Peking Union Medical College, demonstrations of calligraphy and tai chi, exploring Xi’An and later the Longmen Grottoes, climbing Mt. Tai, and a tour of Shanghai BTU China, the group had an experience of a lifetime. Read about the group’s experiences in their individual e-portfolios on the Global Education site: https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/globaleducation/studexp.aspx
England-Ireland: Eight students with two advisors traveled to England and Ireland to experience the culture that inspired some of the greatest works in Western literature. Students explored London, Bath, Stonehenge, Stratford-on-Avon, Oxford and Dublin, including lectures on John Stewart Mills at Somerville College, Oxford; Samuel Taylor Coleridge at his home in the Quantock Hills; and the Book of Kells at Trinity College Dublin.
Fulbright-Hays Group Study Abroad
The MCC Fulbright-Hays Group Study Abroad (GPA) project – Cambodia’s Cultural Heritage in the Modern World — traveled in-country July 5-Aug. 3 with the focus to enable educators to deepen and expand connections between Cambodian arts and cultural traditions with the humanities fine arts, social science, and business curricula at MCC and the Lowell Public Schools. The main purpose of the project has been to draw upon Cambodia’s rich artistic heritage as a primary means to understand Cambodian culture and traditions which, when infused into curriculum, will support efforts to foster resiliency and a strong self-concept among Cambodian youth/young adults in the Lowell area. Furthermore, the project will also foster an appreciation of Cambodian classical and folk art forms among the general Lowell community, and support strategies for sustaining these traditions in the local region. Participant projects include an international ceramic exhibit, books on silk and decorative arts, sister school relationships, social entrepreneurship, and many more.
A carbon-fiber violin, purchased with funds raised through MCC’s Strings for Cambodia, was presented to the Royal University of Fine Arts followed by a concert of Cambodian traditional and Western music.
For more information and to read individual e-portfolios: https://mccfulbrighthays2016.wordpress.com/
Fulbright Scholar in Residence
MCC’s first Fulbright Scholar in Residence, Dr. Reth Soeng of Cambodia, will be arriving August 23 for the 2016-17 academic year. He will be teaching “Microeconomics” and “Macroeconomics” at the Lowell campus. Prior to the Fulbright, Dr. Soeng was an Adjunct Professor of Economics at the American University of Phnom Penh (AUPP) and a Visiting Professor of Economics at the Royal University of Law and Economics in Cambodia. Since 2009, he has also been a Research Fellow at the Centre for ASEAN Studies, University of Antwerp, Belgium, and did his post-doctoral work at the Flemish Centre for International Policy where he carried out a joint research project with the National Bank of Belgium. He has served as a referee for several scholarly journals–Journal of Asian Economics, International Trade Journal, Economics Bulletin and International Journal of Commerce and Management – and is also a member of Editorial Board of the Journal of Business and Management. Dr. Soeng looks forward to joining the MCC community, visiting classes, and participating in the life of the College.
Humanities and Social Sciences Division
Civic and Service-Learning
On August 8, 2016, Rose Gage joined the Humanities and Social Sciences Division as our new Director of Civic and Service-Learning working across the college to advance our Civic and Service-Learning programs. Rose holds a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology and a Master of Arts in Agency Counseling from Marywood University in Scranton, PA. Prior to joining Middlesex, Rose was Assistant Director of the Community Service Center at Bridgewater State University, and Assistant Director of Learning Beyond the Classroom at Western New England University. In addition to her higher education experience, Rose has worked as a Case Manager in an Intensive Foster Care Program as well as a variety of other positions in human services. Welcome, Rose!
English Department
The English department is delighted to announce the addition of three new full-time faculty beginning this fall: Kate Baker, Anna Garcia and Willy Ramirez. We are confident they will contribute to the work of the department and college in rich ways.
Kate is well known to many of you for her years of teaching for MCC, ALP and other courses, as well as her work as adjunct liaison for the past year. Kate has taught in Colorado, New Hampshire as well as Massachusetts. And she earned her BA at UMass, Lowell before traveling to Boulder, Co for her MA.
Anna also has taught ALP and other courses for us over the past two years. She spent this summer in Spain where she previously earned her MA in English. She has also taught at the Madrid campus of Saint Louis University.
Willy is known to many folks in Lowell as he has been working as Program Coordinator for the College Access Support Program, along with teaching part-time and running a reading group exploring Spanish literature. He is an MCC grad who earned his BA and MA in NYC.
Nursing and Allied Health Division
Personnel Updates: The Nursing and Allied Health Division has several changes in personnel that occurred over the summer.
- After 26 years of providing leadership in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program, Tom Walsh is retiring at the end of August.
- Jane Morrison has been appointed new DMS Program Coordinator.
- We are pleased to welcome three new full-time faculty to the division for this fall; two faculty for the Nursing program, and one in Medical Laboratory Technician program.
- (Veronica) Ann McDonough obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Stanford University and her Master of Science in Nursing from Yale University. Ann is an experienced Family Nurse Practitioner who has been teaching as an adjunct faculty in the nursing program at Middlesex Community College since 2008, and will be primarily teaching community health, replacing Sharon Jette, who is retiring.
- Carolyn Walsh obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Rhode Island, and a Master of Science in Nursing with a Nursing Education concentration from Walden University. Carolyn has been teaching as an adjunct faculty in the nursing program at Middlesex since 2007, and will be the new Coordinator for the Part-time Nursing program, as Cassie DelCheccolo has relocated to Texas.
- Christine Laviolette is a new full-time faculty who was hired to teach in the Medical Laboratory Technician program. Chris is a graduate of the University of Lowell with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Lab Technology, and has many years of experience in the field both in Massachusetts and South Dakota. Chris has been teaching as an adjunct in the Medical Laboratory Technician program since 2014 and is a welcome addition to that expanding program as they prepare for initial accreditation this fall.
STEM Division
Personnel Updates: Three new faculty will be joining us this fall. Ryan Fried will be part of our IT area. Robin McDonough and Aisha Arroyo will be part of our Mathematics department. Ryan joins us from industry, Aisha joins us from Massasoit Community College and Robin has been part of our faculty as an adjunct faculty member.
- Ryan Fried joins Middlesex as IT faculty this fall. Ryan brings a strong background in Information Technology to MCC. Ryan received a Bachelor in Science in Business with a major in Management Information Systems. Previously, Ryan worked at Aetna in their Information Technology Leadership Development Program. He attended the Cisco Academy at RPI this summer and contributed this summer to the development of our new Cyber lab in the Pollard building.
- Aisha Arroyo joins Middlesex as a Mathematics faculty member this fall. She brings a strong background in Mathematics to MCC, having taught at Massasoit Community College, Bunker Hill Community College, Wentworth Institute of Technology and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Aisha holds a BS in Applied Mathematics from Georgia Institute of Technology as well as an MS in Mathematics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She served as an ACCESS Fellow with the American Mathematical Association of Two Year Colleges.
- Robyn McDonough joins Middlesex as a full-time faculty member in the Mathematics department after serving as an adjunct at MCC for several years. She also brings experience as a High School Math faculty, having worked at Lowell high School. She holds a BS in Business Administration from Boston University, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Teaching from Fitchburg State University as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics from Rivier University.
- Lauren Maniatis, a Biology Faculty member left to move to the west coast where she will be teaching part time at a Community College.
Program and Faculty News
- Don Brady, Kate Sweeney, Mo Moghimi, Syeda Begum and Ryan Fried have been working as part of a collaborative team with IT and facilities to relocate our IT program to new state-of-the-art facilities in the Pollard building. The new updated facilities were funded through a DOL grant and a Capitol fund grant from the state. The facilities will house program faculty offices, two classrooms and a server room to support the program.
- Brian Norris, Mary Anne Dean, Judy Burke, Phil Sisson, Don Brady and Kate Sweeney have been working with Nashoba, Shawsheen, and Greater Lowell technical schools throughout the summer to develop our Advanced Manufacturing Certificate, which is funded by the DOL GPSTEM grant.
- A DO THE MATH campaign is under way to encourage students to register for Math early in their programs. You will see Pins, Banners, video and window clings throughout campus.
- Michele Stein and Sally Quast have been developing courses in engineering and organic chemistry during the summer to enhance our curricular offerings in STEM.
- Several faculty and staff attended the AACU PKAL regional meeting, Best Practices in Retaining Undergraduate Students in STEM. Audrey Frater, Joyce Wang and Kate Sweeney presented the session, “Enhancing STEM Student Success with a Disciplinary-Based Support Center”. Sally Quast, Jean Cremins and Patricia Richard Best presented another session titled, “Best Practices for Enhancing Self-efficacy in STEM.” Iveta Dinbergs also attended.
Pathways Center
The Pathways Center was a hub of activity throughout the summer, implementing activities under the STEM Starter Academy and initiatives funded through the DHE PIF grant.
- Fifteen students attended the Summer Bridge Program which introduced students to STEM fields. Participants included High school students as well as incoming students and those new to STEM. Workshops were presented by Patricia Richard, Mariluci Bladon and Suzanne McHale.
The students had the opportunity to explore various STEM & Health fields through hands-on classroom and laboratory experiences taught by passionate MCC and UML faculty. Summer Bridge scholars developed a better understanding of the fields of environmental science, medical laboratory technology, robotics, and biotechnology, as well as study skills to be a successful college student, and critical thinking and research methods skills through a one-credit “Wicked Problems in STEM” course.
- The Center also offered a Math Academy for 15 students, which offered an accelerated class in “Pre-calculus and Trigonometry” designed to prepare for students for “Calculus.” After successfully completing the class, incoming students will be able to take calculus their first year. This program introduced students to various MCC and Pathways Center resources to develop the academic and career skills necessary to be successful college students.
- Math Booster sessions were offered that served 54 students, 32 incoming and returning, and 22 students from area high schools. The program was designed to introduce students to Middlesex and enhance their math skills as they prepared for college. This Math Booster included additional academic support and advising to boost students’ progress through their modules. The high school students were provided extensive academic support including study skills, tutoring, and tablet technology to help them get a leg-up in math before they return to high school.
- The Center also offered UML Academic Laboratory Workshops. Thirty-five students, over three different workshops, gained the opportunity to develop relevant and hands-on laboratory skills in the fields of microbiology, biotechnology, and robotics at the four-year college level.
- Also through the PIF grant, the center offered a Summer Bridge which allowed MCC students to take classes at UML. The Bridge supported 18 students in attending UML courses in engineering, math and science. The Bridge was designed to enhance the transfer success of MCC students to UML. As well as attending the classes and gaining UML credit, students were supported with supplemental instruction and workshops in study skills, career opportunities and transfer success.
Research Experiences for Undergraduates – Sixteen students had the opportunity to develop and strengthen real-world work skills through various STEM/Health internships and research opportunities at UML or local industries (including Masy Biosystems, Novartis, Entegris, CreaGen, and Advance Research & Development, Albany Molecular Research Inc.). These paid summer internships and REU’s provided essential networking opportunities to students, as well as the chance to develop their presentation skills. Two students were supported for a research experience with Middlesex Faculty John Savage, Paul Patev and Doug Moffat in Belize.
On-site Interviews with Industry partners – Various companies (including CVS Health, UPS, Securitas, Labor Ready, Aspire Lifestyles) were invited on campus (Lowell) to hold on-the-spot interviews especially for MCC students. Students were supported through extensive career preparation and development before, during, and after these interviewing opportunities. Over 40 students interviewed and currently, over 25 students were hired.
C++ Workshops – Four computer science students were provided the opportunity to develop their knowledge and abilities with C++ through this hands-on workshop that advanced the skills they were able to bring from their respective internship/REU placements and academic careers.
Administration
Please be advised that renovations in the Roy Garage on Market Street will continue through the fall semester. MCC faculty and staff who work in the Derby, Talbot or Pollard buildings are strongly encouraged to consider parking in the Lower Locks Garage during this time. We appreciate your patience.
The City of Lowell would like to invite the MCC community to the 2016 Swamp Locks “lighting up” ceremony and events on Thursday, Sept. 1. Starting at 5 p.m., activities will include canal boat rides, entertainment, art displays at the 110 Canal property and – at dusk -lighting of the Swamp Locks and canal structures.
Advancement
ANNUAL FUND: Thank you to all of the generous donors to the 2016 MCC Foundation Annual Fund who helped raise more than $39,000 for 10 new Annual Fund grants. These grant awards are listed at www.middlesex.mass.edu/AF . The 2017 MCC Foundation Annual Fund will kick off in early fall. To donate, please go to www.middlesex.mass.edu/foundation/donate .
COMMUNITY COLLEGE NIGHT AT FENWAY PARK: Wednesday, September 14, 2016 has been declared Community College Day at Fenway Park with the Boston Red Sox! Join Middlesex Community College alumni, students, faculty, staff, donors and friends along with other Massachusetts community colleges and their constituents to cheer on the Red Sox as they play the Baltimore Orioles. The game will start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $22 and can be purchased at https://groupmatics.events/#/event/ccnight . For more information, call Amy Lee at 781-280-3579.
NEW HIRE: Advancement welcomes Lisa Farias Mazerall to the team. Lisa will serve as an administrative assistant, working closely with Gretchen Robinson in data management. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Stonehill College.
Corporate and Community Education and Training
Personnel Updates
We are pleased to announce Caitlin Campopiano accepted the position of Program Manager for Community Education and Training effective August 15, 2016. Caitlin has been with Middlesex for four years, previously in an administrative assistant position for Community Education & Training. Prior to MCC, Caitlin was the store manager of Charles Frederick Jewelers in Chelmsford, MA. Caitlin holds a BA in English Literature with a minor in History from University of Massachusetts Lowell. Caitlin will be responsible for workforce development programming such as Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide, Pharmacy Technician, and Personal Training National Certification among others. Please join us in congratulating Caitlin!
We are pleased to announce Timothy Scanlon accepted the position of Program Manager for Corporate Education and Training effective June 13, 2016. Tim previously worked at Rivier University as an Admissions Counselor and represented the institution as a student recruiter for first–time and transfer students. Tim holds a BS in Psychology with a minor in Business from Fitchburg State University. Tim will be responsible for working with area employers on training and education endeavors such as Workforce Training Fund Grants and Contract Training. Please join us in congratulating Tim!- Mary Wheeler has resigned as Program Manager in Community Education and Training and has taken an opportunity to work at MITRE in Bedford as an administrative assistant. We will miss Mary and wish her well in her future endeavors.
- After 10+ years in Community Education our Director of Lifelong Learning, Marci Barnes, has decided to explore a new opportunity. Marci has accepted a position with Juniper Networks as Program Manager of Community Engagement. Marci has been committed to our lifelong learners with our College for Kids Programming, MILES program, and our personal enrichment classes. We wish her all the best.
Corporate Education & Training
Delivered non-credit “Introduction to Linux” for employees at Silverlink.
- Delivered “Meetings that Support Performance Improvement” courses to employees at Lowell General Hospital through their Healthcare Workforce Transformation Grant.
- Offered CPR/ First Aid, Medical Administration, and Medical Administration Recertification classes for LifeLinks, Inc. Lifelinks orientation and recertification courses are conducted at MCC in order to provide employees exposure to taking classes in a college setting.
- Meetings are taking place regarding the Department of Labor Mass AMTC Tech Hire Grant that was recently awarded to Mount Wachusett Community College, Middlesex Community College, Northern Essex Community College, and North Shore Community College are sub-recipients on the grant. Middlesex will be offering training programs on Quality, Electronic Technician, or Machining in 2017.
- Dean Judy Burke and Director Chris Fiore hosted an employer/HR forum on August 24 at the Meetinghouse. The goal of the forum was to provide an opportunity for local employers to discuss how MCC can assist employees with tuition reimbursement dollars. This forum was free and open to employers and HR managers.
Community Education and Training
Congratulations to Community Education and Training and SHRM. CET was recently recognized by the Society of Human Resources Management as a Top 20 Educational Partner for 2015. CET partners with SHRM to offer HR Certification Exam Prep courses.
This summer, there were nearly 500 enrollments in College for Kids. The students ranged in age from 8 – 15, and enjoyed an exciting range of unique opportunities to explore careers, gain new knowledge, develop new skills and boost self-confidence. Courses offered on the Bedford and Lowell campuses included Fashion Design, Ace Aviation, Digital Photography, Theater, Lego Mindstorms, Veterinary, Film Production, Minecraft and Pokemon Go. Highlights included instructional flights out of Danvers Airport, field trips to Boston Common, a visit from the Billerica K-9 unit and more.
Enrollment
Academic, Career and Transfer Department
New Staff
- Maria Gonzalez: Maria comes to us from Northern Essex Community College, where she has worked as an academic counselor for many years. Prior to that, Maria worked here at Middlesex in our Admissions office and as an ESL instructor. Maria is a Middlesex graduate herself and a veteran of the US Army. She will be working as an Academic Advisor in our Bedford office.
- Jacqueline Gately: Jackie is currently an adjunct instructor in the Philosophy department at MCC and joined our advising team in July as a part-time advisor. In addition to her teaching background, Jackie was an academic advisor at Arizona State University. Jackie will work part-time as an advisor in our Bedford office.
- Josselyn Porter: Josselyn has been at MCC for many years, as an adjunct instructor in the Psychology department and more recently in the Service-Learning department. Josselyn previously worked in the TRIO program at Mount Wachusett Community College and has a strong counseling background. She joined our team in July will work part-time in our Bedford office.
Staff Changes
- Susan Hutchinson: Susan has worked part-time in the evenings in the advising department for the past several years and was recently converted to a full-time Academic Advisor in July. Susan is an MCC graduate herself and has been a member of the adjunct faculty for the Education department here at MCC for many years. She will continue to work in the Bedford office.
- Helen Vargas: Helen has worked part-time in the evenings for the advising department for the past two years and was recently converted to a full-time Academic Advisor in July. Helen has worked for several years in higher education in the financial aid area prior to coming to MCC. Helen will continue to work in the Lowell advising office.
Technology Update
The college is in the process of testing and implementing a new scheduling software system. College Scheduler is a system that works in tandem with information in Banner (and eventually Degree Works) that will allow for a much more robust and efficient registration system for advisors and students going forward. This new system will allow students to input information about which classes they wish to take, campus, and times they are available to take classes, and the system will automatically generate templates of sample schedules for the student to choose from. Then the student can select the schedule that works best for them and immediately register for their courses. The goal is to have the system fully implemented in time to use with students when we begin Spring 2017 registration in October. Stay tuned!
Admissions and Student Recruitment
Staff Changes
- Assistant Director of Admissions Kristie Faletra will be adjusting her status from part time to full time, beginning September 6. Kristie has been in the admissions office on the Lowell campus for six years. She has a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Psychology from Syracuse University, and a Master of Science in Public Relations from Boston University. Prior to joining Middlesex, Kristie was a development officer and an alumni officer at Boston University’s College of Communication. She also brings experience as an events, publications and alumni affairs coordinator at The Hewitt School in New York, a development officer at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and a regional executive for income development and special events at the American Cancer Society’s New England division. She is a member of NEACAC, the New England Association for College Admissions Counselors.
- Jennifer Migliozzi joined Middlesex on July 25 as an Assistant Director of Admissions in the Lowell office. Jennifer has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a minor in English Writing from Quinnipiac University and a Master of Education in Higher Education in Student Affairs from Salem State University. As a graduate student she was employed as an admission representative for Transfer Undergraduate Admissions at Bentley University and an admissions assistant in the Admissions Office at Salem State University. She was also a student success coach in the First Year Experience office and interim co-coordinator in the Student Transition and Engagement program at Salem State. She is a member of NACADA, the National Academic Advising Association and NEACAC.
- Jennifer (Jenna) Engelsen was hired as an Assistant Director of Admissions in the Bedford office and began on July 19. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL and a Master of Arts in Community and Social Psychology from UMass Lowell. She most recently worked as a career education liaison and interned in the Center for Leadership and Engagement at MCC. During her graduate degree program she was an intern at Community Teamwork in Lowell and was a graduate assistant in the psychology department at UML. As an undergraduate, she was the executive editor of the college yearbook. She is a member of NEACAC.
- In addition, Sabrina Boggio has moved to the Admissions office in Bedford as a part time administrative assistant. Sabrina most recently worked in the same capacity in the Academic, Career and Transfer Center. She is a graduate of Merrimack College with a degree in Business Administration and is extremely involved in community engagement and entrepreneurship in the city of Lawrence.
News
In June, Assistant Directors of Admission Jeffrey Tejada and Lauren Ellis attended a week-long Northeast Leadership Academy Institute, held on Cape Cod.
The summer has been a busy season in admissions with our continued recruiting of new students. In addition to our traditional events, such as campus tours and information sessions, we have attended several community events to promote MCC to a variety of populations. These events included a Health and Resource Fair at Mass General Hospital, the grand opening of a Job Lots in Danvers, The Greater Lawrence Community Action Council Resource Fair, the Lowell Summer Concert series, the No Bullying Zone Kids Community Fair in Lowell and Lowell Pride Day. We also hosted younger students on our campuses from the Lowell Police Department’s summer program and the Rising Stars Sports and Leadership Summer Program, sponsored by the Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association of Greater Lowell, introducing the idea that college is a possibility for them.
Enrollment Data Management
Enterprise Content Management (ECM) Solution
Middlesex Community College has recently selected an Enterprise Content Management (ECM) solution. The college began a partnership with Softdocs, Inc. last month. The ECM product consists of three parts; document imaging will allow the college to scan student documents and store them electronically in a student’s folder, the ability to create online college forms, and the functionality to create internal digital workflows. The Admissions, Enrollment Management, and Financial Aid departments are targeted to go live by December, 2016. This technology will not only reduce the handling and storing of current student paper documents, but will allow college employees and students the ability to access and view electronic student documents from anywhere within the college.
Electronic Distribution of College Transcripts
The college has implemented an automated process that allows students the ability to directly request their college transcript via a web application with associated links located on the MCC website and the MyMCC portal. Students can submit an electronic or paper transcript to other colleges, universities and third-party institutions. The launch of this automated process, which began June, 2016, has delivered over 1,300 official transcripts to other colleges, universities and third-party institutions with minimal staff intervention. The automation of this process has reduced the delivery time of MCC transcripts from days to minutes.
Enrollment Management
New College Level GPA
This summer, Enrollment Management and Information Technology have been working on the systems and processes to support the rollout of the college’s new GPA. Beginning this Fall 2016, Middlesex Community College (MCC) students will be receiving two Grade Point Averages (GPAs) based on their credits earned. These GPAs will be referred to as the Cumulative GPA (less developmental credit) and the Cumulative GPA. The Cumulative GPA (less developmental credit) will be used for measurement of academic performance on graded college-level courses at MCC. The Cumulative GPA will be used for measurement of academic performance on ALL courses (including developmental credit) taken at MCC. These two GPAs will be notated on every student’s MCC transcript and will also be provided through Degree Works. More detailed communications will be coming throughout the Fall 2016 semester to provide information to students, faculty and staff. For questions on the two GPAs, please feel free to contact Audrey Nahabedian, Dean, Enrollment Management (x3223), Daniel Moynihan, Registrar (x3136) or Lisa Gibson, Assistant Registrar (x3375).
New Technologies for Improved Student Service
Enrollment Management has been involved in the setup and testing of new, important technologies that will greatly enhance our ability to service students. These technologies include College Scheduler and Soft Docs. Working in collaboration with Enrollment Data Management, Information Technology and Academic Advising, College Scheduler will be introduced to students this Fall. College Scheduler will automate the schedule planning process, and provide students the ability to easily create a variety of schedules based on their selection of preferred classes and blocking off necessary times for breaks or work. Soft Docs will provide a document imaging solution to the Enrollment Management business processes, allowing students, faculty and staff easier and more immediate access, processing and retrieval of student information.
Scheduling, Graduation, and State-Wide Initiatives
Significant progress has been made this summer in the development of the Spring 2017 schedule. It is expected that this progress will contribute to the college’s ability to begin Spring 2017 registration earlier this year for both new and returning students. The review and awarding of Summer graduates is underway, with the release of Summer graduate diplomas on August 29, 2016. The e-transcript process was fully implemented this Summer, allowing students to request transcripts directly online and reducing the amount of time for transcript delivery. In addition, the department continues to participate in and support state-wide policy initiatives, including the Commonwealth Commitment, Civic Learning, the Mass Transfer/MAST initiative and Reverse Transfer.
Student Information Centers
This summer, the Enrollment Management division welcomed Shereen Rahimi, our new evening Enrollment Assistant in the Lowell Student Information Center.
Policy Changes
Enrollment Management supported the release of the 2016-2017 online catalog, with updates and review of course descriptions, program requirements and policy changes, effective Fall 2016. Of significant note is the policy change regarding the new Withdrawal Policy as listed below.
New Withdrawal Policy
The new withdrawal policy proposed by the Policy Committee was approved in June and will go into effect in the Fall 2016 semester. There are several changes in the policy that faculty, staff, and students should be aware of. These changes include:
- Clarification that withdrawal is an administrative process and not a grade, and is the student’s responsibility to initiate.
- Clarification for students of the financial and other implications of withdrawing.
- Extension of the withdrawal deadline from the 10th week to the 12th week of the regular semesters (with commensurate extensions in the WinterSession, summer sessions and other non-traditional sessions).
- Improved processes for students to withdraw, including completion of a form online, as well as ability to call the 800 number or drop off completed forms in person at the student information centers.There will be a college-wide marketing campaign to inform students and faculty of the new policy and the deadlines. Stay tuned.
Policy Committee
The Policy Committee will begin meeting again in the fall to continue reviewing additional college wide policies and procedures. Now that work to rule is over, faculty representation on the committee would be appreciated. If you are interested in serving on this committee please contact either your Division Dean, Kathy Gehly (x 3047 or gehlyk@middlesex.mass.edu), or Audrey Nahabedian (x 3223 or nahabediana@middlesex.mass.edu).
Facilities
I wanted to acknowledge both the Facilities staff and many departments throughout the college who have worked to help design and build out the new Cybersecurity lab in the Pollard. This will truly be a show case piece for the college. The facilities team has been seamlessly working on many important projects to improve the campus and the student’s experience. The projects list is ; IT server room generator, 17-classrooms have been upgraded with new furniture , science labs floor replacement in Henderson hall , Bedford Library new roof project, North academics concert hall has new seating, ground floor bathrooms in the Cowan center have been refreshed and upgraded, Bedford concrete walks replacement program. Also we should be recognizing a lot of the day to day maintenance task that the facilities team has been working hard on; annual inspections, cleaning, painting, carpet replacement and improving the grounds. I am extremely proud of our team and how we come together to make Middlesex Community College even a better place to, work, eat, and learn.
Personnel Updates
Would like to welcome the newest additions to the Facilities Team.
- Charlie Warning Utility Plant Operator
- John Rodgers Utility Plant Operator
- Dan Graham Electrician
- Kenneth Knoetgen Maintainer II
- Derrick Dandy Maintainer II
- Garret Collins Maintainer II
Congratulation to Mike Ryan with your recent promotion to
Maintenance Working Foreman.
Welcome back Richard Driscoll.
Office of the President
Office of Marketing Communications
New Campaign
Every two years, Marketing Communications refreshes the college’s brand campaign to keep marketing and other materials fresh, interesting, and relevant to our audience. The focus of the 2016-2018 Marketing Communications brand for the college is My MCC.
This campaign is designed around a series of personas that embody the variety of students the college serves. The goal of this campaign is to use real students to connect with prospective students and alumni.We have developed a very strong social media component to the My MCC campaign. All communications materials will include our social media icons and campaign hashtag #myMCC. In addition to the new brand identity, the college has also adopted the school motto (or tagline): “Student Success Starts Here”.
To learn more about the My MCC campaign or to learn more about the 2016-2018 Visual Standards, visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/marketing/
Student Affairs
Personnel Updates
The Center for Health & Wellness is thrilled to announce the addition of Tiffany Laudano to their team. With an M.S. from Morgan State University and an anticipated M. Ed from Cambridge College, Tiffany comes well-credentialed. Tiffany will be serving as Wellness Educator, helping to increase health/wellness education and awareness to the entire campus community. A middle school and high school health educator for the past 12 years, she was most recently as Wellness Teacher at Randolph High School. Tiffany is passionate about health education, and strives to engage students through experiential and activity-based curriculum/programs. She recognizes the connection between student success and personal wellness, and is eager to help students recognize both the multiple dimensions and the transformative benefits of personal wellness. In addition to formal and informal wellness events/activities, Tiffany will be conducting classroom visits, engaging with students and employees, building community connections, and engaging our campus community on a variety of health/wellness topics. We are fortunate to have her join our MCC team!
Grant News
MCC will serve as a host site partner with the Massachusetts Service Alliance Commonwealth Corps. Three service members have been identified to serve as Wellness Ambassadors on the Bedford and Lowell campuses, devoting their time to raising awareness of personal and community health and wellness. The service members will focus on three distinct areas: substance abuse prevention, mental health, and nutrition. Their efforts to educate, provide resources, and assess outcomes will ensure these critical issues and the connection between health and success is integrated at MCC and in the community. Service members will collaborate on projects and presentations culminating in a robust calendar of opportunities, classroom presentations, and assessment. Additionally, the initiative highlights the organization of a new food pantry on each campus accessible to all members of the Middlesex Community College community.
College News
For the fourth consecutive year, Middlesex has been selected as a NASPA Lead Initiative campus. NASPA’s Lead Initiative on Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement comprises a network of 74 NASPA member colleges and universities committed to encouraging and highlighting the work of student affairs in making civic learning and democratic engagement a part of every student’s college education. In collaboration with a variety of individuals and departments at MCC, the Center for Leadership and Engagement supports curricular and co-curricular democratic engagement opportunities to create structures and supports for students to explore political beliefs as they learn to participate in the democratic process.
Opening Day for our newest students will be held on Tuesday, September 6, beginning at 8 am. The success of the program relies on a collective effort, and volunteers from across the College will be greeting and acclimating the incoming class throughout the day. Faculty should report to their assigned rooms by 9:15 am for the Intro to College Session immediately followed by the Academic Session. Everyone is invited to end the day’s activities with a BBQ lunch from 12:30-1:30 p.m. to be held outside on both campuses. Please contact studentengagement@middlesex.mass.edu with any questions.
First-Year Experience
NEW Career Exploration IDS Courses for Pathways!
MCC students will now have an opportunity to explore careers through a variety of Career Exploration IDS courses specifically designed for the Pathways. Through these IDS courses, students will become more aware of their goals and career options which will lead them more quickly into their career paths.
According to America’s Promise Alliance, “Opportunities for career exploration give young people broader exposure to the working world they will one day enter. It helps them ‘connect the dots’ between school and career in ways that keep them motivated to graduate with the skills they will need for the future.”
During the summer, faculty design teams have been developing these program specific Career Exploration IDS courses which will be offered in the fall and spring semester. Below are the Career Exploration IDS courses for Pathways, some of which are offered in the Fall Semester 2016:
- IDS 130 Arts, Humanities, Communication Career Exploration: General Education Seminar
- IDS 131 Business Career Exploration: General Education Seminar (Fall 2016)
- IDS 132 Health Career Exploration: General Education Seminar (Fall 2016)
- IDS 133 Public Service Career Exploration: General Education Seminar (Fall 2016)
- IDS 134 Social Science Career Exploration: General Education Seminar
- IDS 135 STEM Career Exploration: General Education Seminar (Fall 2016)
Pathways and Academic Maps Information: https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/advising/pathways.aspx
New FYE Faculty Workshop
The New FYE Faculty Workshop took place this summer on August 11 on the Bedford Campus. This workshop is an important part of the ongoing professional development specifically designed for new faculty teaching the FYE course because it provides the foundation for the course. In preparation for the workshop, faculty were asked to think about their own philosophy of teaching and learning, and to bring an example of how others would know, including students, even if they did not share or discuss it with them. This proved to be an awesome experience for everyone!
The day began with a light breakfast, joined by colleagues from many areas of the college. Students who have already taken the FYE course also welcomed the group and told their stories about how the course had a positive impact on their first year at the college.
FYE Learning Outcomes, ISLOs, FYE Syllabus, Critical Reflection and Assessment were just a few of the topics that were discussed during the day. Faculty also participated in many engagement activities, such as the “gallery walk,” “adjective table” and why one should “eat a frog” each day.
President Mabry and Provost Phil Sisson joined the group for lunch, and shared their own interesting stories of how students are impacted by the FYE course. Our new faculty enjoyed the day, and were truly impressed with the extremely friendly, supportive messages from many members of the college community. Future FYE faculty workshops include Blackboard and ePortfolios.
Office of International, Multicultural and Veterans Affairs
New Staff
Merrimack College Fellows
- Ashley Trebisacci graduated from Stonehill College with a degree in English and Gender & Sexuality Studies. After college, she worked with international and study abroad students at Wheaton College (MA) for three years, and, most recently, oversaw budgets for the School of Health & Human Sciences at University of North Carolina, Greensboro. Ashley is pursuing her Master’s degree in Higher Education at Merrimack College and is excited to serve as MCC’s LGBTQ Resource Center Coordinator this year located in the Multicultural Center on the Bedford Campus.
- Kathryn “Kat” Macias received a Bachelor’s in Arts in Communication Studies from the University of Georgia. After college, Kat worked for two years at Keshet, a non-profit organization that works for the full inclusion and equality of LGBTQ Jews in Jewish life. Kat is pursuing a Master’s in Education in Higher Education at Merrimack College and is excited to serve as the MAPP Coordinator in the Multicultural Center on the Lowell Campus this year!
University of Massachusetts Graduate Interns
- Justin McGuire graduated from the University of Massachusetts Lowell with a Bachelor of Arts – Psychology concentration in May 2015. Since then he has been pursuing a Master’s of Education in Higher Education Administration at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. This year he will be interning in the Veterans Resource Center assisting with the implementation of the Eastern Bank grant which supports MCC veterans and their families.
- Michelle Zohlman received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from Central Connecticut State University. Since then, Michelle has joined UMass Lowell’s Office of Multicultural Affairs as a Graduate Fellow where she is also pursuing her Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration. She feels very fortunate and excited to also join the staff at MCC as a Multicultural Affairs Program Assistant to work with students in the Multicultural Center on the Lowell campus.
International Student Advisor and SEVIS Coordinator
- Maria McDuffie is a North Carolina native and obtained her undergraduate degree at North Carolina State University in Sociology and Psychology. She later moved to Massachusetts to pursue her Master’s degree in Community Social Psychology at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Maria pursued her passion in social justice by serving as a member of AmeriCorps*Volunteer in Service to America with Massachusetts Campus Compact. For the past two years, Maria has worked part time as the International Student Advisor and SEVIS Coordinator and recently was hired full time in that position.
Veterans Resource Center Coordinator
- Lonnie Armstrong has been hired to work as a Coordinator in the Veterans Resource Center in Lowell. Lonnie recently worked two years at Middlesex as an Achievement Coach in the Humanities and Social Sciences department and taught courses in the First Year Experience program. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies from Franklin Pierce University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University. Lonnie later completed his Master’s degree in Education with a Counseling Focus from Rivier University.
Other News
The Office of International, Multicultural and Veterans Affair received two grants one from the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation and one from the Cummings Foundation. Eastern Bank awarded a grant for $10,000 to help veterans transition from military service to higher education. The Strengthening Families Grant funding will be used to train college faculty and staff to better understand the needs of active military, veterans, and their family members, and to help students identify and connect with resources both on and off campus. This grant will make a significant difference in allowing Middlesex to expand its services to veterans and their families. The Cummings Foundation grants are for $100,000 each and awarded to 100 local nonprofits. This three-year grant will enable the Multicultural Center in Bedford to build capacity to enhance academic and career opportunities for students, using peer-support staff to improve engagement, leadership and job readiness.
Student Support Services
TRIO –Program for Student Achievement
We are delighted to announce that Leslie Stafford has accepted the position as Director, TRIO – Program for Student Achievement. Leslie began in this new role on Monday, August 22. Leslie brings deep and robust experience, having worked in Academic Support and Disability Support Services over the past 4 years at Middlesex Community College, as well as prior extensive experience in counseling and case management in K-12 settings, youth services and as a counselor at the University of New Hampshire. Leslie holds a BA in Psychology and an M.Ed in Counseling from the University of New Hampshire. Genevieve Green, who previously held this position, has left the college for other opportunities.
TRIO – Student Success Program
Rina Tenore joins the TRIO Student Success Program as the Lead TRIO Advisor. Rina graduated from Middlesex Community College with a degree in Liberal Arts and Science and then earned her BA in Psychology and M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration/Student Affairs from Merrimack College. She brings many years of experience in hospitality and in college registration, enrollment, and academic advising to the position. She most recently worked at Bunker Hill Community College.
The TRIO Student Success Program is also pleased to welcome Catherine Dillon and Jordan Ellis as part-time TRIO Advisors.
- Catherine Dillon comes to us with extensive experience in K-12 teaching and guidance in the Lowell area. She earned her BS from UMASS Amherst in Physical Education/Health and her MS in Counseling from Fitchburg State University.
- Jordan Ellis first became involved in TRIO in the Middlesex Community College Upward Bound Program while in high school. He went on to earn his BA in Sociology from UMASS Lowell and his MA degree in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin. In addition to his work with TRIO, Jordan teaches sociology at UMASS Lowell and a first year experience course at Middlesex.
Technology
Web Applications – MCC Portal
- The college’s Student Handbook was brought fully online and incorporated into the MCC Mobile App.
- A new, web based Service–Learning software, Give Pulse, has been implemented and ready for Fall 2016 Semester.
- Improvements to the My MCC web portal for students and faculty, allowing faculty to cancel their own scheduled class located in the “Courses I am teaching” section of the My MCC Portal.
- We are in the process of upgrading our portal and SharePoint Team Sites to SharePoint 2016. This will allow us to better support new browsers and mobile devices. SharePoint 2016’s OneDrive allows larger files and is more file type inclusive.
- The following software was upgraded to become web-based: SARS Anywhere, ITWorks Grant Management, and Extensis Portfolio.
Classroom/Academic Technology
- Seventeen Classrooms across the campus have new furnishing for the fall semester. The furniture is mobile to promote active learning. The rooms selected are: ARIB-3. HH114, HH115, HH210, NA117, NA209, NA211, NA217, NA G11, NA G17, SA103, LC101, LC102, LC103, LC110, LC111, LC112.
- A New Computer Classroom with new furnishing HAS BEEN CREATED in NA103.
- Two New Cyber Security Classrooms located in the Pollard Building.
- Online Learning Strategic Plan in Draft form.
- Mobile Technology Strategic Plan implementation plan for Fall 2017
- The CTO and the FSA Technology Committee will make recommendation for classroom design, classroom technology standards, and Faculty computers.
IT Infrastructure
- Parchment E- transcripts – automate the delivery and acceptance of transcripts.
MiddleNet Graduation Application – allows student to apply for graduation through the MiddleNet Portal. - FLAC- Adjunct Faculty can now acknowledge and see updates to their contracts through MiddleNet.
- Increased Network Storage Capacity – allows for additional file storage for the college community.
- Intrusion Detection Software Upgrade- monitors the systems on the network for possible security breaches.
Support Services
- Service Desk data shows a decrease in early-morning technical request, but an increase in late-morning and afternoons. The Services Desk staff will adjust their work schedules to meet this service demand. In addition, students are being actively recruited to work in the Technology Center supporting technical request.
- An alignment of IT Services between the Technology Center and the Library are being discussed to best support our students. The Technology Center will embed technical resources in the library this semester.
- The Blackboard Technical End User Support contract for faculty and students has been renewed. All MCC Faculty, Staff, and Students are eligible to use the services provided by the Blackboard Phone & Online Support Center to assist them with most Blackboard-related questions or problems.
https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/technologycenter/blackboard.aspx
Middlesex Connector 