The T-Bird Times is a digital newsletter, which is published on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month by the Office of Student Life & Leadership. If you'd like to have your event or announcement included, please click this button to be directed to a Google Form. 

WELCOME BACK, THUNDERBIRDS!

Welcome to the Spring 2024 semester at Mesa Community College. For those of you who who are new, WELCOME! For those of you who were here last semester, welcome back! We hope you all had a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable holiday season.

Please join us at both the Southern & Dobson and Red Mountain campuses for Welcome Week, January 16-18. There will be Welcome/Information tables at both campuses handing out free snacks, campus information, and smiles from 8:00 am-1:00 pm. We hope you'll stop by for a big Thunderbird Hello!

Thor says, "have a great semester, Thunderbirds!"

Civic Action Hour

January 24 | 12:00-1:00 pm | Register for the event: http://bit.ly/3ScysI2

CCCE is excited to announce the first Civic Action Hour of the semester this upcoming Wednesday, January 24th, 2024. Note this will be our only CAH on a Wednesday. For more information please the CCCE website.

Presenter Dr. Maha Nassar is an associate professor in the School of Middle Eastern and North African Studies at the University of Arizona, where she specializes in Palestinian cultural and intellectual history. In addition to numerous scholarly articles, her award-winning book, Brothers Apart: Palestinian Citizens of Israel and the Arab World (Stanford UP), shows how Palestinian intellectuals connected to global decolonization movements through literary and journalistic writings.

Dr. Nassar’s analysis pieces have appeared widely, including in The Washington Post, The Conversation, and +972 Magazine. As a 2022 non-resident fellow at the Foundation for Middle East Peace, she joined FMEP in developing public programming for their Occupied Thoughts podcast. Dr. Nassar’s current book project examines the global history of Palestine’s people.

Register for zoom link: http://bit.ly/3ScysI2. CAH takes place every Tuesday from 12-1 pm.

Civic Action Hour

Working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference; promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes. 

Jan 30: Removing Barriers with the Curb Cut Effect 

Presenters: Kate Mohler and Jason Reiche

People with disabilities need their communities to create safe, accessible, supportive environments. Changes made to accommodate people with disabilities often end up benefiting the entire population, a phenomenon known as the curb cut effect. Presenters will explore the curb cut effect, provide examples, and introduce the social model of disability, which encourages us to look for flaws in the environment, not in people.

Feb 6: How to Engage with the AZ Secretary of State

Presenter: Celina Olivas

Insights into the Fellowship Program, Poll Workers, and Key Details on the Presidential Preference Election. This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of how individuals can actively engage with the Arizona Secretary of State. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the Secretary's Fellowship Program, learn about opportunities to contribute as poll workers, and receive important details regarding the upcoming Presidential Preference Election.

Braiding Confidence Workshop

January 30 | 12:00 pm -1:30 pm | M200 (Red Mountain)

Join Student Ambassador Cy'anne Beasley to learn basic hair care, improve your styling ability, and feel more confident! 

This student-led workshop will teach students how to care for and braid hair to increase their confidence.

*Sponsored by Title V SENDAS Grant

Increasing Your Investing IQ

January 30 | 4-5 pm | Live online at this link

January 31 | 2-3 pm | LB 145

February 1 | 1-2 pm | Red Mountain DW 226

Join MCC's Financial Literacy program for this workshop on invensting.

Club Rush Safari

January 30-31, 10 am-2 pm: Southern & Dobson (Clocktower Lawn)

February 1, 10 am-1 pm: Red Mountain (M200)

Kick off your Spring 2024 semester at the Club Rush Safari! This is an opportunity for students to get connected to campus through clubs, organizations, community partners and campus resources. Get involved at MCC and make the most of your time as a Thunderbird!

If so, this event is for you! 

Fill out your Safari Passport by visiting with people around the room, and earn a free lunch and a chance to win a set of tickets to the Phoenix Zoo. 

Is your department interested in hosting a table? Click here.

Astronomy Nights at MCC

Join us on the first Friday of each month for our Planetarium Shows!

6:00-10:00 pm in the MCC Planetarium | Click here for more info or to purchase tickets.

There will be four shows throughout the course of the evening, starting at 6PM and starting every hour with the final show at 9PM. Tickets will be available on a first come, first serve basis at the entrance to the planetarium. To guarantee seats for a particular show, tickets are available for reservation for $3 each. 

Semester Schedule

Feb 2: Forward! To the Moon

Mar 1: Mars: The Ultimate Voyage

Apr 5: Totality!

May 3: Tour the Universe with Pink Floyd


Blood Drives

Blood donations are critical need in our community. You can help by donating blood at any of our blood drives at MCC. Sign up to donate at either Red Mountain or Southern & Dobson. Sign up for your appointment at www.bloodhero.com using location code MCC. Walk-in appointments may also be available. 

Gilman Scholarship Workshop

Tuesday, February 6 | 1:30-2:30 pm | Via Google Meet (click for link)

Interested in studying abroad this summer? Pell Grant recipients are eligible for the Gilman International Scholarship of up to $5000! Come to this worskhop to learn the details! Learn how to apply and receive guidance on writing your essay. Deadline to apply for the Gilman Scholarship for the Summer 2024 Study Abroad Programs is March 7. 

Study Abroad with MCC!

Experience the world. Study abroad! Earn up to six credits while exploring the language and culture of locations such as France, Ireland, Puerto Peñasco, Japan, Italy, and Namibia (Africa).

 Study abroad programs are available to students, employees and community members. Find out about programs, scholarships, and financial aid. Dream Big. Set Goals. Take Action!

The International Education Department is now accepting applications for the following 2024 study abroad programs:

Nice, France - Application deadline: March 1, 2024

Athlone, Ireland - Application deadline: March 1, 2024

Florence, Italy - Application deadline: February 2, 2024

Fukuoka, Japan - Application deadline: February 2, 2024

Puerto Peñasco, Mexico - Application deadline: March 1, 2024

Namibia (Africa) - Application deadline: March 1, 2024

Apply early to avoid getting on a waitlist!!

For information on all of the summer study abroad programs, visit mesacc.edu/study-abroad.


Upcoming Theatre and Performing Arts Events

Othello-National Theater Screening

January 19 | 7:00 pm | MCC Theatre

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit this link.

Phoenix Symphony at MCC

January 19 | 7:30 pm | MCC Performing Arts Center

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit this link. 

STUDENT SUCCESS WORKSHOPS

The Foundations for Student Success is offering student success workshops during the fall semester. Workshops are free and are conducted both online and in person. These sessions are open to all students. For more information, please visit this site.  

*The Thunderbird Think Tank is located adjacent to the Testing Center on the Southern & Dobson campus.

Topic: Self-Advocacy: Communication Skills for College Success

01/23/24 | 12:00 pm | Thunderbird Think Tank

01/26/24| 10:00 am | Online: Click here

Topic: P.O.W.E.R. of Math Study Skills

2/6/24 | 1:30 pm | Thunderbird Think Tank 

2/9/24| 10:00 am | Online: Click here

Thunderbird Athletics

Support the MCC Thunderbird Athletes at one of their upcoming HOME games

Working Wednesdays with Career Services

February 7 | February 14 | February 21

10:00 am-1:00 pm in the Navajo Room (2/7 only) and Student Lounge

Local employers and campus resources will be on campus to network and speak with students, staff, and the community looking for jobs or internships.

Focus of each event:

2/7: General 

2/14: Behavioral Science, Human Services, & Cultural/Society Fields of Interest

2/21: Business, Entrepreneurialism, Management and Computer & Information Technology Fields of Interest.

We Care Wednesday

Wednesday, Feb 7 | 10:00 am-12:00 pm | Southern & Dobson Campus

The next We Care Wednesday fresh food distribution is taking place at the SOUTHERN & DOBSON campus on Wednesday, Feb 7. It will take place from 10 am-12 pm in the Navajo Room and is free and open to the public! *Food available while supplies last.

This is NOT a drive-through distribution, walk-up service only

The next We Care Wednesday at Red Mountain will be on Feb 21 from 10 am-12 pm (drive through distribution outside the Desert Willow building).

FAFSA Lab now open!

January 30-March 28

Do you need some help completing your 2023-24 or your 2024-25 FAFSA? This is your chance to get help. RSVP at this link.

CG301 Orientation Room (Southern & Dobson campus)

Tuesdays from 9 am-11 am

Thorsdays from 2 pm-4 pm

Follow the Student Life Instagram for your chance to win Thorsday prizes! @mccthunderbirds


What is THORSDAY?

Wear your favorite Thunderbird gear every Thorsday, greet your friends with "Happy Thorsday," and find your own ways to celebrate your Thunderbird pride.  Do you have your Thorsday shirt? Stop by Student Life!

ONGOING PROGRAMS, SERVICES, AND EVENTS

MESA MARKET

FOOD & HYGIENE PRODUCTS FOR STUDENTS

The Mesa Market is a food and hygiene pantry for MCC students. Any student is eligible to visit the Mesa Market for food and hygiene products for free. 

Click this link for a Mesa Market flyer to share with others.

Southern and Dobson Campus

The Mesa Market at Southern/Dobson campus is located in KSC 35S.  Open Monday-Thursday from 9 am-5 pm.

Red Mountain Campus

The Mesa Market at Red Mountain is located in Palo Verde 111.  Hours of operation are TBD. 

We are always grateful for donations to the Mesa Market! Feel free to drop off your donations to the Mesa Market at either campus. 

We Care Wednesday

We Care Wednesday is a food distribution that takes place on the first Wednesday of every month at the Southern/Dobson campus and the third Wednesday of every month at the Red Mountain campus. The distribution happens from 10 am-12 pm* or until supplies run out. The food distributions are open to all students and community members in need of food assistance:

Southern/Dobson : Feb 7, Mar 6, Apr 3, May 1

Red Mountain : Feb 21, Mar20, Apr 17, May 15

Clubs are an extremely valuable part of a student's experience at MCC. If you are interested in getting involved in a student club, please stay tuned for opportunities to meet our clubs, and consider starting (or reactivating) a new club! We are also seeking club advisors to help support a variety of MCC clubs. Any faculty or staff that are interested in this opportunity are encouraged to reach out to a member of the Student Life team. 

The Club Hub will have an updated list of student clubs (as we learn which clubs will be active this year) as well as important paperwork, forms, and a list of club connections to various Fields of Interest. 

Banner image for the MCC Club Hub website

Click here to visit the MCC Club Hub!

Get Involved and Get Connected!

Caring Connections Spring 2024

Stay tuned for Caring Connections for the Spring 2024 semester!

MCC Fitness Center Memberships

Start the new semester STRONG! Did you know you can sign up for a membership to the MCC Fitness Centers? They provide membership access to students, employees, and the community, and a membership gives you access to both the Southern and Dobson and the Red Mountain campus fitness centers.  Membership includes cardio and strength training equipment, fitness tools/accessories, access to drop in group fitness classes, personal training consultation and 1 complementary session, knowledgeable staff, day use lockers, clean facilities, and no crowds!

Also available: Community Ed memberships, PED 101/PED 115 classes for credit and a variety of fitness classes. Visit the Fitness Center website for a schedule and more information.

For more information on Student Life, visit our website. 

STUDENT LIFE & LEADERSHIP

Student Life is here to help you GET ENGAGED and GET CONNECTED at MCC. 

Getting involved makes a HUGE difference in your MCC experience. Check out Student Life for more information on these opportunities. Visit us in KSC 35S at the SoDo campus or in Mesquite 210 at Red Mountain, or check out our Virtual Student Life Center for more information.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.