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.

In celebration of Black History, Mesa Community College (MCC) presents Black History 2022 - Year of Recognition. MCC will honor the achievements of Black people past and present by hosting events from February through December 2022. We hope you will join us! Visit this link for a full schedule of events.

BHM Recognition Basketball Game

Feb 16 at the Theo Heap Gym

Join us for half time performances, BSU recognition and giveaways! Women's game: 5:30 pm, men's game: 7:30 pm, join us and cheer on the Thunderbirds while we celebrate Black History Month.

Living Library

February 23-24

Living Library showcases humans as books, who engage in conversation with their readers as they tell their stories. Details coming soon!

Black Student Union Club

BSU is a space in which students can discuss topics of race and other areas of social justice. Students of all backgrounds are welcome! Click here to join BSU!

Meetings: 2/4, 2/18, 3/4, 4/1, 4/15, 4/29 from 2-3 pm in BP-4 or virtual.

Student Success Workshops

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

Feb 7 | 12:00-1:00 pm | WebEx

Feb 8 | 12:00-1:00 pm | Building 38-608

Topic: Study Skills: Memorization vs. Application. Don't study the same for every subject. Learn tips to become a study guru!

Feb 15| 12:00-1:00 pm | Building 38-608

Feb 16 | 12:00-1:00 pm | WebEx

Topic: Effective Note-Taking Methods: Gain ideas on how to take more effective notes that will help you retain and learn more information.

Would you like to learn more about the MCC Honors Program and how you could earn up to $500 in scholarships?

Stop by the Honors Office at either MCC campus to meet the staff and learn more!

Honors Open House

Would you like to learn more about the MCC Honors Program and how you could earn up to $500 in scholarships?

Stop by the Honors Office at either MCC campus to meet the staff and learn more!

February 7-11

Southern & Dobson | KSC 35S, Room 175 | Monday-Friday from 8:30 am-4 pm

Red Mountain | Desert Willow 135 | Monday-Thursday from 8:30 am-2 pm

For more information, please visit the Honors Department website.


Redefining the Creator Economy: A Survey of the Digital Arts

On display February 7-March 4 | MCC Art Gallery

This exhibition explores seven different genres in contemporary art including internet art, digital art, augmented realities, glitch art, post-digital art, NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and the role that artificial intelligence plays in creativity. The interest in these themes has grown throughout the cultural landscape of Arizona in recent years which has a large community of cultural creatives working at the forefront of interactive design, motion graphics, experimental film and video, intermedia art, immersive environments, and much more. With venues like Wonderspaces, the Thoma Foundation, Walter Productions, and the Atari Hotel popping up throughout the state, this exhibition represents a unique opportunity to connect with the growing culture of digital entertainment and fine art practices that have gained a foothold in Arizona and which promise to continue to expand in the decades ahead.

Click here for more info.

Please join us for the opening on February 10th from 6-9pm to see the work of 50+ artists from around the world.

Arizona Education Through the Eyes of First Generation Educators

Tuesday, February 8 | 5:00-7:30 pm | Link to register

Navajo Room at Southern and Dobson, or virtual.

You are cordially invited to attend an event hosted by Mesa Community College's Education Studies Department, Cultural Sciences Department, and Teach for America's Phoenix Alumni Association.

Hosted by Dr. Emerald Woodland, a panel of first-generation college students who became educators will discuss their perspective on the most pressing needs in our state's public education system today. The purpose of this event is to bring together current educators, future teachers, and everyone interested in improving public education.

The event will take place in Mesa Community College's Navajo Room from 5:00 - 7:30 (light refreshments provided) on February 8th, 2022.

Attendees who chose to attend virtually will be emailed a link to join the day of the event.


A Night of Poetry and Story

Tuesday, February 8 | 7:00 pm | Link to virtual event

The creative writing program and English department at Mesa Community College are proud to welcome writers Leigh Chadwick and Morgan Talty for a reading Tuesday, February 8 starting at 7:00 p.m. This digital event can be accessed here (password: rpE5cFMvj37) or via phone at 1 602-666-0783, access code ‪2487 329 8310.

Any questions/concerns can be directed to Jeremy Broyles, jeremy.broyles@mesacc.edu.

Please join us for a night of poetry and story courtesy of two of the most important up and coming writers in the country.

Please join MCC’s Music Business Program for a virtual fireside chat with Laura Escudé where we’ll explore what it takes to be a music industry entrepreneur; how to get started in live performance and show design; how to network successfully to garner business from top tier artists and records labels; and how to balance your creative music career with building a highly successful business.

Fireside Chat with Laura Escudé

Tuesday, February 8 | 6:00-6:45 pm | Link to join

Ms. Escudé is the first ever artist and live show producer to become certified in Ableton Live Training. She is an award-winning music performer, and highly sought-after live show designer.

Laura Escudé is also the founder of the thriving touring production company, Electronic Creatives, a renowned Tour Sound Production services firm offering live show design, touring support, playback engineering, and live FX support. Laura Escudé and her team of designers, artists, and engineers have designed shows for top major music artists including Kanye West, Ariana Grande, Kesha, Lil Wayne, The Weeknd, and more.

Please join MCC’s Music Business Program for a virtual fireside chat with Laura Escudé where we’ll explore what it takes to be a music industry entrepreneur; how to get started in live performance and show design; how to network successfully to garner business from top tier artists and records labels; and how to balance your creative music career with building a highly successful business.

YOU BELONG @ MCC

Club Rush & VolunteerFest

Wednesday, February 9 | 10:00 am-12:00 pm

Students who get involved outside of the classroom have a rewarding college experience and feel a sense of belonging on campus. It's also a great way to find community and support through the college experience. Student Life & Leadership is sponsoring a Club Rush to encourage students to sign up and connect to MCC student clubs and organizations. Here's how students can participate:

  1. Visit the Club Hub at www.tinyurl.com/ClubHubMCC. Under each club listing, you will find advisor contact information and a link to join the club. Club leaders will reach out to interested students with more details and information.

  2. Attend an IN-PERSON CLUB RUSH on Wednesday, February 9, from 10 am-12 pm. Club Rush will be taking place on the Clock Tower Lawn at Southern & Dobson and in the Saguaro Mall on the Red Mountain campus. The Club Rush at Southern & Dobson will also include a VolunteerFest sponsored by the Center for Community & Civic Engagement and other campus resources.

  3. Start a new club or organization by contacting Student Life & Leadership.

Civic Action Hour: Homelessness 101

February 9 | 12:00-1:00 pm | Link to join

Join us to learn more about homelessness. We'll debunk common myths, hear from those experiencing homelessness, and learn more about what you can do to help in your community.

Shawn Donnelly has served since 2017 with St. Vincent de Paul, an international nonprofit, and currently is in the role as their Community Engagement Programs Manager. Half of SVdP’s mission is to serve those in need in the community and half of our mission is to give the community the opportunity to serve. SVdP strives to feed, clothe, house, and heal those in need and to do through harnessing the generosity and compassion of the community. Shawn works with individuals, corporate groups, universities, churches, and other nonprofits to help them find meaningful opportunities of engagement.

Before her work at SVdP, Shawn spent 5 years managing many ministries and volunteers within a large church in Colorado. Whether it is at SVdP, at the church in CO, as a business consultant, or a construction project manager, she has always been passionate about helping others move forward in their lives and connect to their larger purpose.

We Care Wednesday

Wednesday, February 16 | 10:00 am-12:00 pm | Red Mountain Campus

The next We Care Wednesday drive through produce distribution is taking place at the RED MOUNTAIN campus on Wednesday, Feb 16. It will take place from 10 am-12 pm. This is free and open to the public!

Enter campus on Red Mountain Way off of McKellips Road. A volunteer will place the food in your trunk/car. Please wear a mask for the safety of our volunteers. For more info, visit this link. The next We Care Wednesday at the Southern and Dobson campus is happening on March 3.

Valentine's Day at RED

Monday, February 14 | 10:00 am-12:00 pm | Red Mountain campus

Red is the color of love, and we LOVE Red! Join us at MCC Red Mountain for a Valentine's Day party with Student Life and ASMCC Student Government.

MCC Southern & Dobson | February 16 | 10 am-2 pm

MCC will be hosting a BLOOD DRIVE with Vitalant Blood Services at the Southern & Dobson campus on February 16. There is a CRITICAL shortage of blood in our community, and YOU can help! To schedule an appointment, please visit this link and use the blood drive code "MCC."

Civic Action Hour: Civic Engagement with Midwest Food Bank

February 16 | 12:00-1:00 pm | Link to join

Join us for an Overview of Midwest Food Bank (mission, values, programs), including the role of the volunteer and the impact on our community

Merilee Baptiste is the Executive Director of Midwest Food Bank – Arizona Division. While Midwest Food Bank was founded in 2003, the Arizona Division began in 2017. Her background consists of a 22-year career at Vanguard, a top investment company, holding multiple project and leadership roles.

Merilee's experience in investments, customer service, project management, sales, risk management, leadership and fund accounting benefit Midwest Food Bank. At Midwest Food Bank, she sees a different type of investing - people serving and investing in their community and in others. "The Holy Spirit is in this place and touches so many people in ways that cannot be explained," she says.

Merilee credits the Arizona staff and volunteers with creating a culture of teamwork, positivity, and encouragement. "I think I've been hugged and prayed for more, and done so in return, in the first 30 days in my role, than all 22 years in my corporate role," she says.

Study Abroad with MCC

Study Abroad Information Sessions (virtual): Fridays from 1:00-1:50 pm | Feb 11, Feb 18, Feb 25 |LINK to join the sessions.

MCC is excited to announce the return of many of our study abroad programs for Summer of 2022!

Programs are open to all MCCCD students and community members, 18 years of age and above.

Summer short term faculty-led programs offer MCC classes taught abroad. Discover your world by partaking in a life-changing academic experience that will have a profound effect on your personal and professional future! Programs, courses, and cultural excursions may vary from year to year.

For information on all Study Abroad programs, application, scholarship and payment information, courses available and more, please visit the Study Abroad website, or check out this video.

See below for the programs available in Summer 2022, and click on the name of the country for more information.

*Deadline to apply for all programs is MARCH 4, 2022. Scholarship Deadline: MARCH 11.

Start out 2022 with a membership to the MCC Fitness Center!

Start the new year 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 either the Southern and Dobson or the Red Mountain campus fitness centers. Enroll in either the credit or non-credit options as described below:

  • PED101FL 1 Credit = see class schedule to enroll

  • PED115 2 Credit = see class schedule to enroll

  • Students = $50 (semester) or $25 for half semester, starting in March

  • Employees = $25 (semester)

Community Ed memberships are also available.

image of stationary bikes in a fitness center

For more information, visit this website or call 480-461-7556. Julie Freeman can provide support in getting students or employees enrolled.

Click here for more information!

VITA Tax Preparation

Mesa Community College is one of several sites in Mesa and Chandler that assists with tax preparation for those with income under $58,000 in 2021. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is available from January 29-April 14 for free tax preparation.

*Limitations apply, please see this link for more information on locations, dates and times, what to bring, who qualifies, and more.

MCC dates/times:

  • MCC-Southern & Dobson campus: Located in SC22, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-9 pm (Closed 3/15 and 3/17) and Saturdays, 9 am-1 pm (closed 3/19). Appointments preferred, click here to schedule.

  • MCC-Red Mountain campus: Located in Acacia Village, Mondays, 6-9 pm (Closed 2/21 and 3/14) and Saturdays, 9 am-1 pm (closed 3/19). Appointments preferred, click here to schedule.

Student Government started with only two officers last summer and after a semester of rebuilding from the ground up, we now have a full executive board. Stay tuned for resources and events put on by Student Government. We are here for YOU! More activity on our social medias coming soon!

Meet ASMCC: Your Student Government

Introducing…YOUR 2021-2022 Student Government

Vicente Ortiz: President

Shineka Clay: Executive Vice President and Senate Chair

Nicolette Beaulieu: VP of Red Mountain

Justin "JB" Berrios: VP of Operations

Galya Ochoa: VP of Communication

You can visit the ASMCC offices in the Kirk Student Center at Southern & Dobson or in Mesquite 210 at Red Mountain. Stop by and meet the team!

Click here to download the flyer

CTE Open House

Friday, February 25th | 9:00 am-1:00 pm

The CTE 2022 Open House will expose current MCC students and approximately 400+ prospective students from all over the East Valley to MCC’s program and degree opportunities. A business and industry component will allow students to connect programs of study with potential employers and career paths.

Each February, a public campaign takes place to celebrate the value of Career and Technical Education and the achievements and accomplishments of CTE programs across the country.

As an added bonus, the Student Fair will partner with the CTE 4.0 Open House, STRONGER THAN EVER. Students will be given information regarding scholarships, clubs, and leadership opportunities that are on campus.

Click here to check out the MCC CTE Booklet

For more information about the CTE Open House, please visit this website.

ONGOING PROGRAMS, SERVICES, AND EVENTS

banner announcing mesa market times and locations, text included next to image

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 up to 10 food and 5 hygiene products for free each week.

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

Open Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm

Southern and Dobson Campus

To use the Mesa Market at the Southern and Dobson campus, visit the Office of Student Life & Leadership in KSC 35S.

Red Mountain Campus

To use the Mesa Market at the Red Mountain campus, visit the Office of Student Life & Leadership in Mesquite 210.

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

Banner image for the MCC Club Hub website

Click here to visit the MCC Club Hub!

Click Here for a Calendar of Club Meetings (top right corner of this page)

Get Involved and Get Connected!

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.

Club Recruitment activities for the Spring 2022 semester will take place during the week of February 7. Stay tuned for more information!

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. The food distributions are open to all students and community members in need of food assistance:

  • Drive-thru service. A volunteer will place food in your trunk or vehicle. (Walk-up service is available for those without vehicles.)

  • Masks are encouraged. If you are feeling any cold or flu symptoms, please stay home and seek medical treatment.

  • Southern Dobson: Located in the Southwest parking lot. Please enter from Dobson Road onto Solar Way at the Southern and Dobson campus.

  • Red Mountain: Located in the Red Mountain Way Circle. Please enter from McKellips Rd and proceed straight through the stop sign. Distribution takes place in the circle near the Desert Willow building.

Southern/Dobson Dates : Mar 2, Apr 6, May 4

Red Mountain Dates : Feb 16, Mar 16, Apr 20, May 18

If you're interested in volunteering, please contact Student Life & Leadership. Volunteers are needed for every We Care Wednesday distribution.

Free Bus Passes for students

The City of Phoenix is providing each of the Maricopa Community Colleges with free 31-day Valley Metro bus passes for students. There are no eligibility requirements. Visit Student Life & Leadership at either campus to request your free bus pass. *While supplies last

Astronomy Nights at MCC

First Friday of each month | 6:00-10:00 pm | MCC Planetarium

MCC Astronomy Nights are held on the first Friday of the month during February, March, April, & May and September, October, November, & December.

MCC Astronomy Nights include planetarium shows, telescope viewing, information tables, hands-on activities, and more! Planetarium shows and indoor activities occur rain or shine, but telescope viewing of the night sky is only offered when the sky is clear.

Planetarium shows run from 6:00-10:00 PM, with shows starting every hour.

For more information, including show schedule or to purchase tickets, click this link.


Career Services Workshops

Working Wednesdays

On Site Recruitment

Each Wednesday during the Spring 2022 semester (from January 26th - May 4th) the Career Services Department will be hosting Working Wednesdays on the Clock Tower sidewalk from 10am - 12pm. Each week, we will welcome 5 employers on campus to table and speak with interested students about the job opportunities available within their organization.

Professional Development Workshops

Each Wednesday, there will be a rotating schedule of professional development workshops held in BA-10W at 1 pm and 6 pm*. For a list of topics, please visit the Career Services Event Calendar.

*6 pm workshops is virtual, and only available with pre-registration at this link.

Visit the Career Services website for more information about events, services, and opportunities.

Closing image with a picture of the Thunderbird and social media information and it says "make it a great semester!"
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.