Updates from the President
Thanksgiving Revisited
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving break. Mine was filled with quality family time and way too much delicious food. We also toured a few historic sites and even managed to fit in some walking/running/riding and marching in Lowell’s City of Lights Parade. Now it’s time to finish up the semester by helping students succeed at MCC.
Strategic Transformation Process
The Strategic Planning Committee quickly compiled all of the great ideas that percolated up from the participants at the Strategic Transformation Summit in October. The committee has now completed a report on the feedback and forwarded it to me. From an initial review, I can see there are a number of ideas and suggestions that challenge existing modes of operation, existing processes, and ways of doing business. Everything will be carefully reviewed, as the Cabinet will be dedicating several days to working through these ideas about how best to deal with the current challenges.
Throughout the Strategic Transformation process, I am keeping in mind the following themes:
- Create a campuswide culture that is open, honest, respectful and inclusive
- Focus on our core of teaching and learning, and transforming lives through education
- Embrace tools, processes and practices that will make us more efficient and effective
- Develop the talent and capacity to take advantage of new tools, methods and processes
Recent Events
The International Student Dinner was once again a wonderful learning experience. Students from around the globe shared stories, traditions and good food. I am always impressed by how truly amazing these students are.
The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Induction Ceremony always makes me smile. Spending time with some of the best and brightest students at Middlesex is like a tonic that perks me up for at least a week. Each student has a fascinating story and I greatly enjoy the diversity of this group.- Since the Baker Administration halted spending on further higher education building projects that had been authorized through the 2008 Higher Education Bond Bill, Secretary of Education Jim Peyser has undertaken a Strategic Capital Planning Process. This process is designed to help decide how the Commonwealth invests in higher-education capital projects. Most recently, two regional workshops were held on our campus with leaders from Salem State, North Shore and Northern Essex community colleges, UMass Lowell and Middlesex.
The Lowell Police Academy recently graduated 51 officers who will work in community and college agencies across the area. This event highlighted MCC’s role in providing classroom and office space for a progressive and first-rate academy.- Our Medical Laboratory Technician Program recently sailed through its maiden accreditation site visit. The visiting team noted several times that it was extremely rare for a new program to be doing such an excellent job so quickly. We know this is due to the dedication and hard work of a whole team, but the passion of Program Director Suzanne McHale was cited. Suzanne has done an outstanding job developing this program.
- Thanks to the organizational skills of Donna Colella, I recently had meetings with administrative assistants on each campus. In each gathering, I learned more about the important roles they play, and we discussed suggestions for improvements and efficiencies.
- My ongoing College Dialogue series continues to help me learn more about the faculty and staff at the college, and the great things they do every day to boost student success. The more I learn about MCC, the more I realize just how special a place this is.
- It never ceases to surprise me when I discover hidden talents at the college, from Joe Nardoni reading poetry at Western Avenue Studios, to Wendy Khadjikian’s delicious pies at the Craft Fair, and the singing of Lura Smith at various venues in Lowell. What a talented group of people we have at MCC!
And finally …
The passing of Director of Multicultural & Veteran’s Affairs Maryanne Mungovan this month was a great loss. Throughout her battle with cancer, Maryanne never lost hope and never stopped helping students. She was a mentor, a positive role model to students, staff and faculty, and her unique brand of tough love pushed many to levels of success they may not have achieved without her. Maryanne will be missed and long remembered at Middlesex.
Upcoming Events
- Dec. 6 – Board of Trustees Meeting w/Student Government, 5:30 p.m., Nesmith House
- Dec. 14 – Winter Open House, noon to 3 pm, Bedford Trustees’ House
- Dec. 15 – Winter Open House, 11 am to 2 pm, Lowell Cowan Center, 5th Floor
- Jan. 3, 2017 – WinterSession begins
- Jan. 16 – Lura Smith Fund, MCCF MLK Celebration, Tsongas Arena, noon
- Jan. 23 – Spring Semester begins
- Jan. 26 – January Open Forum, 2-4 p.m., Bedford Campus Center’s Cafe East
- Jan. 26 – Trustee Meeting, 7:30 am, Trustees’ House, Galvani Room
- March 20-24 – Spring Break
- March 30, April 3, 4 & 5 – Advisory Board Dinners, Bedford Campus Center
In The News
- Middlesex CC Health Career Programs Receive National Recognition (October 31, 2016)
- Advocating for Girls (November 1, 2016)
- MCC Volunteers Donate Produce to Merrimack Valley Food Bank (November 7, 2016)
- Middlesex to Establish a Public Humanities Center in Lowell (November 10, 2016)
- Bedford Police Work to Engage Community (November 11, 2016)
- Lowell’s Khmer Post recently wrote a story about MCC’s $1.7 million U.S. Dept of Education/Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) grant and how it may impact the Cambodian community. In the same issue, the Post also interviewed Bopha Malone about her service on the MCC Board of Trustees.
News from the Divisions
Academic Affairs
Academic, Career & Transfer Department
- Our annual Transfer Fairs were held on Wednesday, Oct. 26, in Lowell and Thursday Oct. 27, in Bedford, both from 10 am to 1 pm. Hosting over 30 public and private institutions at these events, they are always a great opportunity for our students to explore their transfer options. We had some 250 students attend the fairs over this two-day period. We look forward to our State Transfer Fairs, which will be held in February 2017.
- On Nov. 4, an MCC staff panel presented “Complete College America: Building Collaborations between Academic Advising and Academic Departments at Middlesex Community College” at the NACADA (National Association for Academic Advising) Region 1 Mass Drive-In Conference at Northeastern University to an audience of some 25 staff from a variety of regional institutions. It was a great opportunity to showcase the work we have been doing with regard to the development of our Academic Maps and Pathways Maps. MCC panelists included Pat Bruno, Dean of Academic Advising, Transfer and Career Services; Bryan Wint, Director of Advising and Academic Pathways; Ellen Grondine, Dean of K-16 Partnerships; Judith Hogan, Dean of Business, Education and Public Service (BEP); and Jane Fain, Transfer Counselor, Advising Liaison to BEP Division.
- College Scheduler has been live for use by students since we opened registration on October 11. Since that time we have had over 600 students log in and use the tool. Academic advisors are now fully trained and we recently held two training sessions for Enrollment, Admissions and Student Information Center staff. Advising staff are demonstrating and using this tool in registration appointments with students. We plan to use the system in our Returning Student Group Registration sessions in December/January. We are also planning for a marketing campaign for our fall 2017 registration next spring, and will be offer training sessions for students and faculty on use of this new tool.
Director of Advising and Academic Pathways Bryan Wint has been leading the implementation plan for the Commonwealth Commitment Program here at the college. Communications have been sent out to several hundred students who may be eligible to participate in this new transfer program. Any student who may be eligible for this program can be referred to any academic advisor in the Advising Centers on either campus.
Academic Centers for Enrichment
This fall, Yatsen Paak joined the Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE) Department as our new full-time Administrative Assistant supporting the academic support program. Yatsen is an MCC graduate who holds an Associates in Science in Computer Forensics. Yatsen is continuing his education part-time at UMass Boston working toward a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. Prior to joining the ACE Department, Yatsen worked was an Administrative Assistant in MCC’s Law Center. In addition to his clerical experience, Yatsen’ s experience in information technology makes him an asset to the department by maintaining an accurate database, and resolving complex issues that arise. Welcome Yatsen!
The ACE Department is excited to announce we will be hosting the 1st bi-annual Northeast Regional Supplemental Instruction Conference, March 20, 2017, on the Lowell Campus. The conference theme is Transforming the Way Students Learn: Game Changing SI Strategies. Please visit the conference website for more information at www.middlesex.mass.edu/nersi or email NERSI2017@middlesex.mass.edu. Call for proposals will be accepted until December 15 and the registration fee is $85.
Academic Divisions
Business, Education and Public Service
HUMAN SERVICES
The Human Services Advisory Board met on November 2 and discussed several topics related to student enrollments, as well as their observations of students in field placements – noting the need for proper, clinical writing skills. The Human Services Department is working to pilot some courses over the next year with one specifically addressing clinical writing. The hope is to increase appropriate, clinical writing and minimize any concerns outside agencies might have regarding our students in the field of human services.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Every November the Criminal Justice Program must submit a review/report to the BHE in order to maintain their status as an accredited CJ program under the Police Career Incentive Program/Quinn Bill. This review/report was completed with the support of the MCC Institutional Research Department.
FASHION
Under the direction of Ashli Ree, Fashion Merchandising students partnered with Dressbarn in Tewksbury to organize our own fashion show at MCC on Thursday, Nov. 17, in the Federal Building Assembly Room.
Fashion Merchandising students also visited the Garment District, various retail companies, and museums in New York City on Nov. 18 & 19.
PARALEGAL STUDIES
Halye Sugarman submitted the Paralegal Studies Program’s Reapproval Report to the American Bar Association.
Students in the Paralegal Student Association volunteered on election day at the Lowell Elections Bureau. They spent several hours during this year’s busy election day helping with the bureau’s phone bank, directing voters to their voting locations.
On October 26, the Paralegal Studies Program hosted Paralegal Career Night, a panel discussion with working paralegals, members of the Massachusetts Paralegal Association and Paralegal Association of New Hampshire, and a legal recruiter. The panel welcomed MCC alumni, Lauren Ennis (’15) and Rachel Holmes (’13) as speakers.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Kim Morrissey served as a judge for the E For All Entrepreneurship Pitch Contest held at MCC on October 27. Eight local teams pitched business ideas befor a packed house in the Federal Building Assembly Room, with cash prizes being awarded to the top three.
Entrepreneurship Chair Stacie Hargis and the IDEA Center celebrated International Entrepreneurship Week by hosting several activities during MCC’s IDEA Week Nov. 10-17. The week is about celebrating ideas, innovation and entrepreneurship across MCC by hosting contests, panels, workshops, and special guests.
EDUCATION
The Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Education Transfer degree programs at Middlesex have earned continued NAEYC accreditation. Chair Nancy Higgins is very grateful for all the assistance provided by Maureen Goulet, Elise Martin and Susan Woods.
Global Education
U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs, and Partners of the Americas Capacity-Building Grant for Study Abroad
Middlesex has received a $50,000 capacity-building grant from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs, and Partners of the Americas. This grant is to be used to expand MCC’s study-abroad programming in Morocco, including development of modules and in-country planning. “The Morocco Experience” will be a new International Education Fellowship. It is a sustainable, collaborative effort by MCC and Moroccan partners to create a 3-credit fall course and January study-abroad immersive experience for 22-25 students.
The International Fellowship/study abroad provides opportunities for students to learn more about themselves, their own academic interests, and important cross-cultural issues as they explore other cultures, truly becoming global citizens. In “The Morocco Experience” course and study abroad, students will experience firsthand the culture and language of Morocco and the impact global economies have on the micro and macro level, encouraging them to think globally while acting locally.
The mission of the U.S. Department of State’s U.S. Study Abroad Branch is to promote diversity and participation in study abroad. It is committed to supporting the next generation of diverse American leaders to gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in a globalizing world.
Interdisciplinary Weekend
On Nov. 4 & 5, the “Interdisciplinary Weekend: Immigration” course was held in Lowell. On Friday, to a standing-room-only crowd of students and community members, Dr. Robert Forrant, of UMass Lowell, give a keynote: “Lowell’s Immigration Story: A Microcosm of the Nation,” followed by a tour of the Boott Mills and the Mill Girls Experience at Lowell National Historical Park, and then dinner at the Olympia Restaurant. Saturday opened with the featured panel discussion, Immigration Is Personal, moderated by David Kalivas with MCC Trustee Bopha Malone and students Maria Aybar, Fatou Sidibe and Apitchaya Thiapphet, followed by concurrent sessions, lunch, more sessions, and an ending World of Music concert by the immigrant group Caravan World Music Trio.
Spring 2017 Interdisciplinary Weekends will be focused on Africa (Feb. 24-25) in Bedford, and on LGBT issues April 28-29.
Fulbright-Hays Group Study Abroad
The MCC Fulbright-Hays Group Study Abroad (GPA) project Cambodia’s Cultural Heritage in the Modern World, will hold a conference March 31-April 1, 2017, in Lowell to present on projects. Please save the dates.
The focus of the Fulbright-Hays grant draws upon Cambodia’s rich artistic heritage as a primary means to understand Cambodian culture and traditions, which, when infused into curriculum, support efforts to foster resiliency and a strong self-concept among Cambodian youth/young adults in the Lowell area.
Global Education Film Series
The third film in the Global Education Film Series is “The King’s Last Song,” a documentary on Cambodian music by John Pirozzi. The free screening of this 20-minute film will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, in the Federal Building Assembly Room. The film will be followed by a concert of Cambodian music featuring Jeff Dyer, Ya Rath, Song Heng, Sovann Kahn, and Kimhan Meas. All are welcome!
Fulbright Scholar in Residence
Dr. Reth Soeng, our Fulbright Scholar in Residence this academic year, has had a paper, “EU Foreign Direct Investment in ASEAN: Do Institutions Matter?,” accepted as a discussion paper at the Centre for ASEAN Studies of the University of Antwerp in Belgium.
He would be very pleased to visit classes, student activities, or academic meetings to speak on Cambodia or on his expertise in economics. If you would like to arrange for him to speak, please contact him at soengr@middlesex.mass.edu. He looks forward to connecting with the college and community.
Humanities and Social Sciences
MCC Enters the Fed Challenge Again
The Business and Economics Club sent a team of three students to compete in the annual Fed Challenge competition at the Boston Federal Reserve Bank on Nov. 14. The competition involves presenting a diagnosis of the economy and recommendations for monetary policy, with separate competitions for community colleges and four-year institutions from the New England region. Although MCC’s team won the national community college championship in both 2008 and 2009, we have not faired so well since and did not place again this year! Nevertheless, it is a great experience for the students. One of our students from last fall took the lead in bringing a team from UMass Lowell for the first time. The students from MCC were Ricky Shaw, Randy Nguyen and Bobby Iovino. In addition, another one of our students from last year who is now at UMass Amherst, Nick Lindahl, came back to support the team. The team was coached by Rob Kaulfuss, along with fellow club advisor Vikram Sharma.
La Guagua and Latinos Unidos Co-host Dominican Sociologist, Journalist and TV Host Juan Cruz Tiffolio
On Thursday, Oct. 20, Willy Ramirez of the English Department hosted a joint event with his book discussion group La Guagua with Latinos Unidos, which featured Dominican sociologist, journalist and television host Juan Cruz Tiffolio. More than 45 Middlesex students, faculty, staff and community members attended the talk focused on the disappearance and likely murder of Jesus de Galindez, Basque nationalist, lawyer, journalist and educator who wrote about the Trujillo dictatorship.
Photos from the event taken by MCC student Santiago Acosta.
Jesús de Galíndez was a Basque nationalist, lawyer, journalist and educator. He mysteriously disappeared the night of March 12, 1956, after entering a subway station in New York City. At the time, Galíndez was a graduate student at Columbia University writing his dissertation, “La Era de Trujillo.” He was allegedly kidnapped and taken to Santo Domingo, where he was tortured and murdered in the presence of Dominican dictator, Rafael Leonidas Trujillo.
National Communication Association (NCA) Annual Convention
Gordon Curry recently gathered with communication scholars, professionals and community leaders across the country at the National Communication Association (NCA) annual convention. This year marked NCA’s 102nd Annual Convention, which was held in Philadelphia. The theme of the convention was Communication’s Civic Callings, which had a special emphasis on how the communication discipline is uniquely designed to address the urgent needs of local, national, and international communities. Gordon attended workshops within the community college section of NCA that tackled incorporating and assessing communication, and examining the role that community colleges play in preparing students to continue on. He also exchanged best practices with colleagues on instructing the basic course (“Speech”). In addition to his time gaining knowledge, Gordon got to reconnect with mentors and colleagues from his alma mater Virginia Tech, and build connections with faculty at other institutions.
Sculptor Michio Ihara Meets with Art Classes
Art History Instructor Shelley Hawks invited sculptor Michio Ihara, whose sculpture “Pawtucket Prism” was just restored at the Lower Locks in Lowell, to meet with her class and students from Margaret Rack’s “Color and Design” class. Students were very excited to meet Ihara and see images of his many international sculpture commissions.
MCC Theater Department
MCC Theater Department students have been active this month:
- Murder at the Nesmith House was performed Halloween weekend
- Random Acts performed its improv show November 2
- Students participated in an active- shooter drill at the VA in Bedford
- Members of the MCC Theater Department sang for the Veteran’s Day performance Nov. 9
Upcoming Theater Department events:
- “Much Ado About Nothing” runs Dec. 1-4
- MRT workshop/reading with the new musical “Hurricane,” on the second weekend in December
- Random Acts improv performance December 21
NEH: Citizenship Under Siege Grant
With funding through a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH): Citizenship Under Siege grant, faculty, staff and students, along with our dual enrollment partners from Groton-Dunstable, participated in the Senate Immersion Simulation at the Edward M Kennedy Institute on Oct. 28 where they learned about the United States Senate. After lunch, the group entered the replica Senate chamber and then became “senators for the day” as they debated and then voted on comprehensive immigration legislation.
Nursing and Allied Health
- Radiologic Technology Program faculty and students participated in a field trip to Body Worlds Vital in Providence, R.I., on Nov. 7. The trips was sponsored by the Center for Leadership and Engagement. Students were able to observe and study anatomical parts which reinforced what they were learning in the classroom this fall.
- Dr. Kathleen Pender-Phaneuf was elected to a three-year term on the Massachusetts and Rhode Island National League of Nursing Board.
- Nursing faculty celebrated Professor Sharon Jette‘s years of service to the MCC Nursing Program and her retirement with a dinner catered by UTEC. UTEC’s mission is to ignite and nurture the ambition of Lowell’s most disconnected young people, and to trade violence and poverty for social and economic success. The UTEC location was fitting for Sharon, who has left her mark on the nursing profession, making a difference in the lives of countless numbers of students by helping them reach their fullest potential as registered nurses.
- On Oct. 14, the Nursing Department and Joe Braga from the Health and STEM Pathway Center collaborated on an interactive learning opportunity aimed at preparing senior Nursing students for the transition into the workforce. This event was supported by the Center for Leadership and Engagement and supported the ISLO of Personal and Professional Development.
STEM
Program News
Engineering: On Nov. 3, Professor Michele Stein hosted the 3rd Annual Engineering Panel Night. A total of 94 students attended the night to learn more about the different disciplines within engineering. Five professional engineers sat on the panel with backgrounds in electrical, civil, biomedical, nuclear and aerospace engineering. The night was a great success.
Mathematics: New mathematics faculty member Aisha Arroyo is a project ACCCESS fellow, which is part of the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC) . AMATYC Project ACCCESS is a mentoring and professional development initiative for two-year college mathematics faculty. The project’s goal is to provide experiences that will help new faculty become more effective teachers and active members of the broader mathematical community. As part of this initiative, Aisha goes to several mathematics conferences to learn from fellow colleagues. She attended the national AMATYC conference in Colorado mid-November. The Math Department is looking forward to having her share what she learned at the conference, especially in the area of co-requisites. This is a focus area for the department in an effort to help students take a college-level math course sooner.
Science: The Life Sciences Program is being significantly updated to serve our students better for a seamless MassTransfer experience. Next on the department’s agenda are similar updates for Physical Sciences and Environmental Health programs. For the first time, nine Tewksbury High School students are enrolled as Dual Enrollment students in the MCC biotechnology course, “Methods of Biotechnology” (BIT 150). Mariluci Bladon and Patricia Richard attended the statewide Stem Summit.
Dissertation Approval for Sally Quast: The prospectus for Sally Quast’s dissertation project study was approved by the EdD Program Director at the Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership, Walden University. Her research explores college chemistry students’ perceived self-efficacy changes in chemistry as they relate to participation in project-based service-learning, with middle-school students.
Doug Moffat is working with students conducting sea-turtle beach patrols in Wellfleet as part of a SCI 201 research project. The Sea Turtle Team recently spent its first weekend at Wellfleet doing beach patrols (no turtles found), and will be going back again soon for more patrols.
John Smith, Michele Stein and Kate Sweeney participated in the MassTransfer Pathways Fall Conference. John led a group discussion of college and university faculty aimed at standardizing the introductory physics sequence. Michele and Kate participated in a group looking at a transfer block for engineering.
Jean Cremins presented at the November SOTL meeting on using Perusall technology in teaching. Jean will continue to hold three workshops this semester to help faculty intergrate this free software into their courses for spring 2017 semester.
Pathways Center
The Pathways Center saw a steady flow of students with nearly 600 visiting during the month of October. We continue strong partnerships across the school to provide various academic and career services, such as a growing number of Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions with ACE and LSAMP’s Engineering Panel Night that packed Café East (led by Professor Michele Stein). We are also excited to announce even more collaborations to support students in the coming weeks and months. The Pathways Center will be hosting a Career Info Session right after Thanksgiving break in Bedford, welcoming Procter & Gamble back to our campus; a field trip in December with Professor Sally Quast’s students; and a C++ workshop for Computer Science students during the upcoming Wintersession with the support of Professor Margie Bleichman.
The Pathways Center is happy to welcome Nancy Quinn to our team. Nancy has been supporting students in her role as a Career Navigator in Admissions and will continue in that role now under the Pathways Center, to help support the increasing number of students seeking STEM & health career help. For more information about any opportunities mentioned or to refer students, please check the Pathways Center website: www.middlesex.mass.edu/pathways or email: pathwayscenter@middlesex.mass.edu
Student Affairs
Center for Health & Wellness
MCC has joined over 350 colleges/universities in the White House Healthy Campus Challenge, with a shared commitment to making our campuses and our communities healthier. This joint effort between the White House, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Education is specifically designed to encourage enrollment in affordable health care coverage. The Center for Health & Wellness has partnered with Alumni Relations and Student Accounts to ensure the MCC community, and especially our students, know that open enrollment is happening right now and the Health Insurance Marketplaces allows individuals to shop for and compare plans. We are pleased to do our part to help everyone realize the promise and peace of mind that comes with having quality, affordable health insurance.
Center for Leadership & Engagement
This year, MCC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the premiere honor society for two-year institutions, inducted a record 119 new members! As part of the induction process, students attended society events modeled by the four tenants of PTK: scholarship, fellowship, leadership and service. Service events included raising money for the Lowell Boys & Girls Club and creating blankets for families in need through the nonprofit organization Project Linus. Advisors Steve Rossi and David Kalivas are continuing to develop MCC’s PTK chapter, which recognizes students’ academic achievement while providing opportunities for them to grow as scholars and leaders.
Student Support Services
The Transition Program, within Student Support Services, is delighted to announce that Nancy Sleger has accepted the position of Transition Program and Internship Coordinator. Nancy comes to the college with comprehensive and robust experience as a special education administrator, guidance counselor and career education coordinator at the Learning Prep School in Newton. She is also a licensed mental health counselor. The Transition Program has enjoyed many years in close collaboration with Nancy on her referrals of students to the program, as well as her testimony as a guest speaker at the Transition Program K-12 partner recognition breakfast, hosted at Nesmith House last year. She has been a strong advocate and partner for the program and Transition students. We are thrilled that she will be joining our team.
Disability Support Services has also recently hired Caitlin Jacobs as a PT Disability Support Specialist working on the Lowell campus. Caitlin joins our team facilitating accommodations and supporting students with disabilities. She comes to us with experience as a school counselor, academic and career advisor, and special educator. Her experience and welcoming and inclusive approach make her an asset to the department and the eollege.
We invite all to check out the link on the Massachusetts Executive Office of Education website showcasing an MCC Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment (ICE) student, Helen Mequanent. Helen is in her second year of MCC’s ICE Program partnership with the LABBB Special Education Collaborative. She has completed coursework in Graphic Design, Digital Imaging and Fashion and Retail Buying. Helen plans to take “Color and Design” in her final semester at the college. She also works at three job sites through LABBB’s vocational program.
Enrollment
Admissions
Admissions Open House
The Admissions Open House ended a very busy recruiting month. Over 200 people attended; 91 were prospective students and the remainder their families and friends. This year we grouped the academic representatives by academic pathways, rather than by division, so students could explore several programs within a discipline. Bryan Wint, Director of Advising, conducted three well-attended sessions on the benefits of MassTransfer and the State’s new Commonwealth Commitment program. Once again, we offer our sincere thanks to all across the college who participated and helped us showcase all that MCC has to offer.
Pathway to Success Day
On Dec. 8, we will be hosting high school seniors from three area schools for a Pathway to Success Day on the Lowell campus. Greater Lowell Technical High School, Lawrence High School, and Lowell Middlesex Academy Charter School have accepted our invitation to participate. We received funding for this day from a Make a Difference grant from NEACAC, the New England Association for Admission Counseling. The intention of Pathway Day is to provide students an opportunity to experience a “day in the life of an MCC college student.” This event provides a comprehensive introduction to faculty, staff, academic pathways, student resources, support services, engagement activities and strategies for success as a first-year, first-generation college student. The goal is to promote the importance of college readiness, retention and completion in line with the mission of Middlesex. A second Pathway day is planned for spring 2017 with different schools and will be held on the Bedford campus.
Professional Development
Three staff members participated in professional development activities this month. Jeff Tejada attended the HERC Diversity Summit at Bridgewater State University. Camille Brown and Jennifer Migliozzi attended NEACRAO’s (New England Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers) Reverse College Day. During Reverse College Day, roles are reversed and guidance counselors visit college representatives and receive information to help them better inform their students of the opportunities available to them.
Enrollment Management
Document Imaging Project
Softdocs was onsite during the week of October 24 to assist MCC staff with the configuration of the Etrieve suite. The Admissions, Enrollment Management and Financial Aid departments configured document types and security settings. This configuration is to support the functionality of Etrieve Content (document imaging).
Additionally, Softdocs was onsite the week of November 7 to train MCC staff on the development of eForms (electronic forms) and workflow within the Etrieve suite. John Giblin, Bud Hall, Ellen Rica, Cheryl Ruiz and Scott O’Neil did an outstanding job creating 13 different eForms over the course of a few days. The Etrieve Content (document imaging) is scheduled to go live on December 5. Softdocs will be onsite the week of December 5 to conduct Etrieve Content training with staff from Admissions, Enrollment Management, and Financial Aid.
DegreeWorks Testing
The User Acceptance Test Team – a collaboration of Enrollment Management, the Registrar’s Office and Information Technology – started testing the newest version of DegreeWorks, 4.1.5 on November 4. This release includes a web-based generation of the Scribe application and is a requirement for Banner Financial Aid 8.24.2. The team continues to meet on Friday mornings to complete the testing of this latest version of DegreeWorks.
Electronic Transcripts (Parchment)
A modification to the Parchment interface was completed. A “record research” hold will be placed on those transcript requests where students have an A number in Banner, but have no course history. Although small in scope, this change will allow Enrollment Management Center staff to attach a legacy transcript to the transcript request if required.
Dean’s List Update
This fall, full-time students will continue to be recognized with inclusion on the Dean’s List if they attain a GPA (less developmental) of 3.2. A policy change for part-time students has resulted in the creation of the Merit List, which will recognize the academic accomplishment of students completing at least six, but less than 12, credits during the semester. Please click on the link below for more information about the Dean’s and Merit lists. This information will also be available at the Student Information Center page on the MCC website.
Final Exam Schedule and Week
The detailed final exam schedule with dates, times and room assignments by course was finalized in November with the Academic divisions, and it has been posted on the MCC website. To check their exam times and corresponding room assignments, students, faculty and staff can easily go to our webpage.
Full-Time and Part-Time Student Class Evaluations
It’s time again for student class evaluations. Student evaluations are now being prepared and distributed through the Registrar’s Office and Enrollment Management Center. Evaluation packets were prepared in November, and they be will ready for pick-up beginning November 29. All completed packets should be returned to the appropriate locations by December 23. Faculty were emailed reminders on locations for pick-up. Part-time faculty can contact Lisa Gibson with questions, and full-time faculty can contact Audrey Nahabedian.
Registration Updates
- Registration for new students for Spring 2017 semester started earlier this semester, with new-student registration/advising sessions opening in November.
- Wintersession 2017 enrollments remain strong, and the Registrar’s Office continues to open new Wintersession course sections across many disciplines.
- In collaboration with Admissions and Academic Advising, Enrollment Management is planning the following walk-in activities for Spring 2017:
- Walk-In Registration for Returning students for the week of December 19
- Walk-In Testing and Registration for New and Returning students the week of January 9, 2017
- The Enrollment Management Call Center remains open with revised hours during the holiday period. We are promoting and encouraging anyone interested in Wintersession or Spring 2017 courses to be aware of the opportunity to call-in or gain additional information during this period. The holiday hours for the Call Center are:
• December 23, 9am-5pm
• December 27, 9am-3pm
• December 28, 9am-3pm
• December 29, 9am-3pm
• December 30, 9am-1pm
Math Placements for New Students- Policy Change
Over the past month, Enrollment Management has been supporting the development of communications and implementation of a new college policy which permits first-time students graduating within the last three years to use their high school GPA as the criteria for placement into college-level math courses. First-time students graduating between 2014 and 2017 who are in open-door programs are exempt from the Math Accuplacer test if they have an overall high school GPA of 2.7 or above. Based on evidence of their GPAs, students can register directly into college-level math courses. Admissions, Academic Advising, the Student Information Centers and/or the Enrollment Management Centers can assist students in determining their eligibility for this exemption.
Institutional Advancement
Advancement
Murder Mysteries A Success!
Murder at the Nesmith House performances were presented at the end of last month by students and alumni of MCC’s Theater Department, directed by Karen Oster, Chair of Performing Arts. Thanks to all who supported these murder mystery programs. The actors were wonderfully entertaining. Rumors of Tony Award nominations have been circulating. Proceeds from these performances supported the MCC Performing Arts Scholarship.
National Philanthropy Day
MCC celebrated National Philanthropy Day on November 15 as we honored the charitable work that EVERYONE does to make a difference and create impact in our lives and in our communities. The Advancement Office staffed tables in Bedford and Lowell to thank our college community for for supporting the Middlesex Community College Foundation, which offers student scholarships, faculty/staff grants, and financial support to various college programs and services.
MCC Alumna Angela Mastrogiacomo Speaks on Entrepreneurship
An MCC Foundation Annual Fund grant enabled the college’s Entrepreneurship Program, directed by Assistant Professor of Business Stacie Hargis, to welcome a panel of business owners to the Lowell campus on November 17 to speak to students about entrepreneurial thinking and to give advice to students on how to start a business venture. MCC alumna Angela Mastrogiacomo, class of 2009, was one of the guest panelists. Angela is the owner of a public relations company called Muddy Paw PR (www.muddypawpr.com), which caters to the music industry. In additional to speaking about her business and entrepreneurial journey, Angela served as a judge for the IDEA Pitch contest in which current students pitch original business ideas for prizes. Special thanks to Angela for giving back to MCC and helping current MCC students in such a special way. Read more about Angela and her success in this fall’s Profiles magazine.
November 29 is Giving Tuesday! Support the MCC Foundation!
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. MCC students Maria Aybar, Jesse Godin, Paulina Llorente Gonzales, and Phvey You Seng worked closely with Amy Lee and the Marketing & Communications staff to produce a short video designed to encourage donations to MCC Foundation on this particular day. Special thanks to our students for their spirit and dedication!
The Flatbread Company is coming to the Bedford Campus!
Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 30, the Flatbread Co. food truck will be selling pizzas and salads on campus from 4-7 pm. Students, faculty, staff and friends of the college will be able to eat on campus or have their orders boxed to take home. The Flatbread Co. will be also be back on campus December 7 and 14. Following the semester break, early in spring semester 2017, service will resume on Wednesday evenings. Eat! Enjoy! With sufficient sales, the Flatbread Company will keep coming back to campus regularly.
MCC Foundation Scholarships Available
The Advancement Office is witnessing great interest from students as they apply for MCC Foundation scholarships. Applications are available online at https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/foundation/scholarships/ . The deadline to apply is Friday, Dec. 9, 2016.
MCC Foundation Historic Home Rentals
The MCC Foundation Historic Homes offer beautiful space for your meeting needs, 2016 holiday receptions, and 2017 family celebrations! The John Nesmith House and the Middlesex Meetinghouse are available for dinner parties, cocktail receptions, rehearsal dinners, showers and bereavement luncheons. Experienced staff are available to assist you in coordinating your next event! Call (978) 458-3722, or email your inquiry to:
Maureen Spinney at spinneym@middlesex.mass.edu or Vicki Courtemanche, at courtemanchev@middlesex.mass.edu . Please also visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/historic or Facebook at www.facebook.com/MCChistoric.
Corporate Education and Training
- Delivered customized noncredit financial strategies classes for employees at Enterprise Bank.
- Delivered Microsoft Word training for employees at Washington Savings Bank.
- Offered CPR/first aid and medical administration recertification classes for LifeLinks. The training is conducted at MCC in order to provide employees exposure to taking classes in a college setting.
- Delivered a basic safety, personal protective Equipment, and global harmonization for the employees at SL Montevideo Technology, Inc.
Marketing Communications
PROFILES Magazine – Now on Campus and Online
The latest issue of Profiles, our friends/alumni magazine, is now on campus and online.
Fall 2016 Profiles focuses on entrepreneurship at Middlesex. Learn how Professor Stacie Hargis is promoting an “entrepreneurial mindset” on campus. You can also read about six student/alumni entrepreneurs.
This issue also features interviews with Joe Patuto, John Femia, alumna Angela Mastrogiacomo, and Alexander Gounaris, student member of the MCC Board of Trustees.
Marketing Communications Earns Six College-Marketing Awards
The Office of Marketing Communications has been recognized for outstanding work by regional members of the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR), the premiere organization for two-year college communications professionals. MCC was awarded six Medallion Awards – four silver and two bronze – during NCMPR’s recent District 1 Conference, held in Newport, R.I. The annual Medallion Awards competition spotlights the best work among District 1 member colleges. More than 250 entries were submitted in 46 categories.
MCC earned Silver Medallion Awards in the categories of Logo Design (Commonwealth Honors Program logo); Social Media Campaign (#MCCgrad Commencement campaign); Social Media Contest (UR 1st 30 Days Instagram Challenge); and Communications Success Story (Alicia Gentile: Dual Enrollment student who graduated from MCC and Nashoba Tech). The college won Bronze Medallion Awards in the categories of Video Shorts (Commonwealth Honors Program video) and One-Time Special Event (inauguration of President James C. Mabry).
Gallery of Award-winning Entries
‘The New Social Media Mission: Building Community’
As part of the recent National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR) District 1 Conference in Newport, R.I., Jennifer Aradhya, Director of Marketing Communications, and Kathy Register, Senior Writer/Editor, presented ‘The New Social Media Mission: Building Community.’ The Creative Solutions Roundtable highlighted the innovative strategies our department uses to increase engagement on our social media channels. For example, thanks to our competitions, challenges and special promotions, MCC’s award-winning Facebook page now has almost 10,000 followers!
New Email Signature Graphic Available
As part of the Marketing Office’s continuing efforts to consistently brand the college, a new email signature graphic has been created. All college employees are welcome to place this image in the footer of their emails. You can access the graphic from the Marketing Communications website at https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/marketing/logo.aspx
Did you know?
You can read a monthly compilation of Middlesex news articles from local media outlets in This Month at MCC, posted on the college website.
Government and Community Relations
Patrick Cook, Executive Director of Government and Community Relations, emceed an event for the NEMLEC Police Foundation honoring Cops for Kids with Cancer.
Patrick and the Public Safety team are also working with members of the MCC MACER team to address safety issues on campus. The collaboration has led to an increased presence on the Lowell campus of Lowell Police addressing pedestrian crosswalk safety.
Patrick also worked with the Greater Lowell Community Foundation on the restoration of an art sculpture behind the city campus. Partners hope to bring the art open space into a working area for students and an outdoor learning classroom.
A week before the presidential election, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas visited MCC’s Lowell campus to talk with students. The congresswoman held a nonpartisan town-hall conversation about this year’s especially engaging election cycle. Several members of our faculty brought their classes to the event and many important topics were discussed. Students were excited to hear what Congresswoman Tsongas had to say about what proved to be an historical election.
In recent months, Alisa Chapman, Director of Compliance & Title IX, has been working with a number of students on issues related to Title IX, a comprehensive federal law that provides protections for victims of sexual violence, harassment, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking, as well as resources for pregnant students. Please refer students to Alisa for guidance. Students who experience these issues outside of the college are still entitled to receive accommodations on campus to help them through their situation so that they can succeed academically. Alisa is available to meet on either campus with students, faculty and/or staff.
Within the past month, Government and Community Relations has taken over responsibility for the criminal background checks, CORI & SORI, for the Health and Continuing Education programs. These are conducted for all students entering into a clinical placement. Any questions regarding the process should be directed to Alisa Chapman via phone, 781-280-3621, or email at chapmana@middlesex.mass.edu.
Director of Public Safety Daniel Martin continues to work with area schools to train students, faculty, and staff in A.L.i.C.E./advanced lockdown and emergency procedures, most recently in the town of Lynnfield, MA.
The MCC Emergency Management Team held a recent meeting to review safety procedures on campus. Some changes were made to the Tier I and Tier II lists for the EMT, as there have been several changes in staffing at the college. New members of the team will be taking online training courses provided by FEMA in the coming weeks. The Team also reviewed current snow call and texting procedures as the winter approaches and the potential for inclement weather closures increases.
Dan Martin and the Public Safety Team are in the process of creating Emergency Procedure Manuals to be placed in all classrooms and elevators on campus. These manuals will serve as a quick reference guide for a variety of emergency situations.
Approximately 50 members from the Bedford community came to the Bedford campus for a four-hour training program. The training emanated from a series of hate crimes in town more than a year ago. As a result of a number of vandalisms and public defacements, race relation and diversity committees were set up in town, bringing in partners from government, the police, and faith-based organizations. More than 20 members of the police department, as well as the town manager, town selectmen, and other town leaders recenlty came together to present a course on Effective Community Engagement.
Lowell Campus Resource Officer Tom Hickey met with several sociology and interpersonal-communications students to conduct interviews as part of the students’ coursework. Officer Hickey, with assistance from Securitas and Bedford Campus Resource Officer Craig Naylor, also conducted extensive investigation into a theft that occurred in the Lowell Campus Library. This investigation led to identification of the suspect and a subsequent arrest and “no-trespass” order from the college.
Bedford Campus Resource Officer Craig Naylor met with several students after the election results, with students seeking clarification on how Question 4 (the Massachusetts Marijuana Legalization Initiative) would impact the college and what it means for college campuses. Officer Naylor also worked with the Facilities Department during the water main break in Building 9.
Several members of the Government and Community Relations Department joined their MCC colleagues and served on various Search Committees over the past month.
Human Resources
HR Staff
Reginald (Reggie) Nichols joined the Middlesex Human Resources Department on June 6 as the Affirmative Action Officer/Assistant Director of Human Resources. Reggie earned an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice from Bunker Hill Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UMass Boston, and a Master of Education in Integrated Studies from Cambridge College. He is a Certified Affirmative Action Professional through the American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity. In 2005 Reggie joined Middlesex as an academic counselor; and he served as two terms as president and vice president of MCC’s Faculty/Professional Staff union chapter of the Massachusetts Community College Council. Previously Reggie worked in college admissions at Boston University and University of New Hampshire; and in secondary education financing at Key Education Resources. Reggie has previous experience in community-based organizations and engaging across difference throughout his career. He is passionate about using technology to share and improve communication. Reggie is always available and willing to consult with the college community about human resources, affirmative action, equal opportunity and diversity. Reggie’s office is on the Bedford Campus, Enrollment Center, Room 107, 781-280-3536 or nicholsr@middlesex.mass.edu
Barbara Malobecki joined Middlesex on August 1 as the Human Resources Generalist. Barbara earned a Bachelor of Education in Elementary School Preschool Education from A. Mickiewicz University, a Masters in Education from Wroclaw University, a Post Graduate Certificate in Art and Music from Opole University, and a Masters in Leadership, Human Resource Management from Northeastern University. Previously Barbara worked as a human resources generalist, recruiting coordinator, and human resources administrator at SeaChange International, Inc., Little & Co., SoundBite Communications, and Lab Medical Manufacturing, Inc. She also worked at Brandeis University as a department associate managing a variety of human resources and administrative responsibilities. Barbara is fluent in Polish. At MCC, Barbara works with our HR information systems, BANNER HR and HR/CMS, and works collaboratively with departments to obtain and disseminate accurate data and information. She is available to assist you with your HR questions; her office is on the Bedford Campus, Cataldo Building, Room 113, or call her at 781-280-3672 or email Malobecki@middlesex.mass.edu
College Resources Can Help Address Harassment, Violence
Over the past weeks there have been incidents reported throughout the country in which individuals were targeted for abuse based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or abilities. MCC values diversity, equity and inclusion, and is committed to fostering an environment that allows all students, faculty and staff to learn and work free of discrimination and harassment.
MCC encourages our community to engage in civil discourse in a respectful manner on issues facing our nation and our college. If you have witnessed or experienced intimidation, threats, harassment or violence, contact:
- Reginald Nichols, Affirmative Action Officer, at 781-280-3536: or
- Alisa Chapman, Director of Compliance/Title IX Coordinator, at 781-280-3620.
Faculty and staff can obtain assistance or resources by contacting Human Resources at 781-280-3527 or LifeWorks, our Employee Assistance Program, at: http://www.lifeworks.com/ or Call: 888-267-8126 or TTY/TDD: 800-346-9188 or Información en Español, llame al: 888-732-9020.
In addition, Personal Counseling services are available to students.
• Lynn Gregory, Bedford Campus, Enrollment Center, 2nd Floor 781-280-3630
• Marilyn Yeo, Lowell Campus, City Building, 3rd Floor 978-656-3258
The Massachusetts Attorney General has established a hotline for reports of post-election hate crimes and harassment or violence based on race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. This will allow the state to track and respond to reports. The hotline number is: 1-800-994-3228.
In the event of an emergency, please dial 911. Our Public Safety Department is here to assist our community and can be reached at: Bedford 781-589-0234 or Lowell 781-589-1384.
Middlesex Connector 