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
VOTE on our MCC Tagline!
Vote here: mesacc.edu/form-tagline
Institutional Advancement has partnered with the Office of Student Life and Leadership to help create a school spirit tagline for MCC.
The goal: to create a short, catchy tagline that can be used to invoke a feeling of school spirit for MCC. The vital use of our Thunderbird mascot serves as a symbol that MCC houses a vibrant community. After an initial survey, along with presentations to several focus groups among both students and employees, many great options for potential taglines were brainstormed. We've narrowed it down to 5 options and are now taking it to a college-wide vote!
This tagline will be used to accompany a broader marketing/communications campaign surrounding school spirit, where we hope to include it among promo items, campus signage, a "hype" video, and other official college usages.
Please vote for your favorite option on a school spirit tagline. Students and employees are both being polled. You will only be given one vote, so please make sure you are signed into your Google account.
Field of Interest Day
March 26 | 10 am-1 pm | Clock Tower Lawn
Who's up for some spring training fun? Students, get ready to knock your educational goals out of the park at the upcoming Field of Interest Day!
Meet with advisors and instructors from your Field of Interest and learn more about your program of study
Connect with over 20 representatives from colleges and universities across Arizona and beyond
Learn more about student clubs and organizations
Who Helps the Helper?
March 26 | 11 am-1 pm | LB-300
March 28 | 6-8 pm | LB-300
Please join us for our Women's History Month Program "Who Helps the Helper?
In environments and systems that often feel unsupportive, overburdened, and overwhelming how can we possibly thrive? How do we embody the lessons we try so desperately to instill in our loved ones? How do we prioritize self-love, health, and wellbeing while giving so much of our energy to others? Join us for a conversation about self-preservation and the cost of burnout. Together let’s reimagine what caregiving can be and dream of what our individual and collective world could look like if helpers could first help themselves. Special Guest Speakers Ayesha Davenport and Stephanie Morales will guide us through these conversations.
Registration is required. Register here: bit.ly/whth2024
Bio's of speakers can be found here.
Computer Science Club meeting
March 28 | 3:00-4:00 pm | MC 114
The Computer Science Club is holding its second meeting on the Linux operating system this Thursday. Come learn how the Linux terminal works!
*New Club* Alert: Pre-Health Club (RM)
April 1 | 3:00-4:00 pm | RDM: S-152
The Pre-Health Club is NEW to the Red Mountain campus, and they're holding their first workshop on April 1. This will focus on the the process for applying to medical schools, application process and more helpful information. This is open to all students interested in this information, or joining the club.
Self Defense Workshops
KBX PHX, ASMCC Student Government, and Women Rising are pleased to offer four one-hour sessions, designed to empower participants with essential self-defense skills and strategies.
March 27 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Southern & Dobson, West Gym
Topic: Self defense basics, vulnerable targets, attacking tools, and realistic uses.
April 3 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Southern & Dobson, Clock Tower Lawns
Topic: De-escalation strategies, releases, and escapes.
April 10 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Southern & Dobson, Clock Tower Lawns
Topic: Empowerment strategies, advanced striking, and board breaking
Everyone is welcome to attend!
Blood Drives
April 3 | 10 am-1:30 pm | Bloodmobile at RM
April 9-10 | 10 am-1:30 pm | Student Lounge at SoDo
Schedule your appointment to donate blood at www.bloodhero.com and use the location code MCC to choose the best campus for you.
We Care Wednesday
Wednesday, Apr 3 | 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, April 3. 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 Apr 17 from 10 am-12 pm (drive through distribution outside the Desert Willow building).
UPCOMING EVENTS AT RED MOUNTAIN
RM Garden Club
Friday, March 29 | 1:15-2:15 pm | S152
Did you know that the Red Mountain campus has a community garden? We have a new club on campus, dedicated to supporthing the RM Community Garden and helping to beautify our campus. Join them for their first meeting! All are welcome and no gardening experience is required.
Motivation Rocks & Snow Cones
April 9 | 10 am-1:00 pm | Saguaro Mall
ASMCC at Red Mountain is hosting a fun day with snow cones and the chance to paint motivational rocks to be placed around campus. Get creative and write a special message to help motivate and put a smile on the face of a fellow Thunderbird who sees your rock. Rocks will be placed around campus on Earth Day. Join us!
Summit Student Success Awards
April 25 | 5:30-7:30 pm | M200
Faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate deserving students for the Red Mountain Summit Student Success Awards. All students who are nominated will be recognized in a celebration on April 25. Use this link to nominate students by April 15.
FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE
Friday, April 12 | 7:30-9:30 pm | Red Mountain campus
In celebration of Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Red Mountain campus is hosting a free outdoor movie night, featuring the 2020 Disney film, Mulan.
In partnership with the HiWay Baptist Church, we'll be showing the film as well as serving free hot dogs and popcorn.
Load up the family, bring your favorite movie snacks, wear your comfy movie-night clothes and join us for a great night!
This event is free and open to the public. We will have chairs available, but feel free to bring your own for your personal comfort. We hope to see you there!
Register for zoom link: http://bit.ly/3ScysI2. CAH takes place every Tuesday from 12-1 pm. See below for information about the upcoming workshops.
Center for Community and Civic Engagement
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.
Mar 26: Former Members of Congress Townhall
Congressman Bill Enyart and Congressman Erik Paulsen, moderated by MCC journalism students
Discussion between two former members of congress (This event will be held in person & online).
Apr 2: Educational Barriers for Immigrants by Aliento
Presenter: Mario Montoya
We will discuss Education Barriers faved by the Undocumented, mixed status, and DACA population. Provide resources.
Apr 4: EngageMe Workshop with the Sierra Club
Date: Thursday, April 4th , 2024
Start Time: 12:00 PM | End Time: 1:30 PM
Location: Thunderbird Think Tank 38-608 A/B
Host: Sierra Club- Grand Canyon Chapter & CCCE
Purpose: Sierra Club is one of the oldest and most influential grassroots environmental organizations in the United States. The Grand Canyon Chapter seeks to engage its members and the public in protecting our communities; public lands, including national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges; rivers and streams; and wildlife.
Join us to learn about opportunities for Action on Climate in Arizona!
Presenter: Sandy Bahr is the director for the Grand Canyon (Arizona) Chapter of Sierra Club, where her responsibilities include advocating for environmental protection, equity, and democracy, including climate action and justice, with various state and federal agencies, conducting research, developing and evaluating policies, conducting grassroots outreach and organizing, developing and implementing priority projects, fundraising and budget development, and supervising staff, among others. Originally from Michigan, she has made the Sonoran Desert her home for more than 35 years and worked actively on environmental protection issues in Arizona for the past 30, both as a volunteer and as staff for various organizations. Sandy monitors and advocates on environmental protection, clean energy, and climate justice at the Arizona Legislature, the Arizona Corporation Commission, and various state and federal agencies.
Co-Curricular Type: Academic Involvement
Reserve your spot now here
Apr 9: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
Presenter: Meghan Smart and Len Drago
The power of community science and environmental education to help protect Arizona's environment (Meghan Smart)- touch on topics on how the agency works with volunteers to collect credible data to identify and fix pollution sources. Tribal relations and impact (Len Drago)- go over the power of Tribal relationships and how it's key in Arizona.
Apr 16: How to Get Involved in Washington, D.C.
Presenter: Jesus Rendon
Are you curious on what it's like to intern in D.C? Current White House Intern will share his experience working at the Hill and give insight on how you could gain experience as well.
Upcoming Theatre and Performing Arts Events
Hunchback of Notre Dame
Mar 29-30, April 3-5 at 7:30 pm
March 30 and April 6 at 2 pm
MCC Performing Arts Center
A new musical based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney film. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Serenata in the Spring
April 1 | 7 pm | Performing Arts Center
For more info or to purchase tickets, click here.
Spring Dance Concert: AURATIC
April 11-12 | 7:30 pm | Performing Arts Center
A moving reflection of human truth and beauty, choreographed by MCC Dance 2024 graduating students.
For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
MPJE & MCC Jazz Ensemble Concert
April 16 | 7:00 pm | MCC Performing Arts Center
For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
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 Care for an A+ Lifestyle
3/26/24 | 12:00 pm | Thunderbird Think Tank (Southern & Dobson)
3/29/24| 10:00 am | Online: Click here
Topic: Withstanding Adversity
4/10/24 | 11:00 am | Thunderbird Think Tank (S/D)
4/12/24| 11:00 AM PM | Online: Click here
Earth Week Campus Clean Up
April 22-23 | 9:00-11:00 am at SoDo and RM
Celebrate Earth Day by helping to beautify our campuses. We will be cleaning up trash in the parking lots and the trails around both of our MCC campuses. Please sign up here to volunteer. Remember to wear closed toed shoes and dress for the {warm} weather with sunscreen, light weight clothing and a hat.
SENDAS Conference 2024
April 25 | 8:00 am-12:00 pm at RM
April 26 | 8:00 am-4:00 pm at SoDo
Registration is now open to attend the SENDAS Conference. For more information or to register, click this link.
Financial Literacy Workshops
Bite of Reality Budgeting Simulation Event
Monday, March 25 | 10:30 -11:45 am and 12:00-1:15 pm | Navajo Room
The Financial Literacy Team is proud to host Bite of Reality, an interactive budgeting simulation, with TruWest Credit Union on Monday, March 25. There are two sessions open to all students who would like to attend. Students will be given a persona with information about their income and family circumstances, and are required to make purchases, while trying to stay within their persona's means. It's an opportunity to experience the realities of money management within a safe learning environment.
FAB Life Budget Simulation Event
Tuesday, March 26 | 4:00-5:15 pm | Live Online-Click here
Thursday, March 28 | 9:30-10:45 am, 11 am-12:15 pm, 12:30-1:45 pm | M200 at Red Mountain
The Financial Literacy Team is proud to host The FAB Life budgeting simultion live online (March 26) and in person at Red Mountain (March 28). All sessions are open to all students who would like to attend. Students will be given a persona with information about their income and family circumstances, and are required to make purchases, while trying to stay within their persona's means. It's an opportunity to experience the realities of money management within a safe learning environment.
Show Me the Money: Personal Finance in Movies, Music, and Media
Thursday, April 4 | 12:00-1:00 pm | Red Mountain-M200
Thursday, April 4 | 1:30-2:30 pm | Southern/Dobson-LB145
The Financial Literacy Team is proud to present a workshop where we will take a closer look at the personal finance skills and messages we learn from the media we consume. Participants will watch clips from movies, listen to a few songs' lyrics, and view some social media clips, each followed by a short discussion about the money message and it's impact. This workshop will be held in-person at both the Red Mountain and Southern/Dobson campuses on April 4.
Financial Literacy Treasure Hunt
Southern & Dobson | April 2-3 | 10 am-2 pm (Clocktower)
Red Mountain | April 9-10 | 10 am-1:30 pm (Mesquite Stairs)
April is National Financial Literacy Month! The Financial Literacy Team is hosting a Treasure Hunt for students to learn about opportunities, services, and resources at MCC and their financial benefits, at both the Southern/Dobson and Red Mountain campuses.
Students can earn a prize by stopping at the Financial Literacy table, receiving a clue leading them to a place of services/resources, take a selfie with a dollar sign in that location, and answering the question "How could the services/resources be financially beneficial to you or other students?" Prizes for participating!
Thunderbird Athletics
Support the MCC Thunderbird Athletes at one of their upcoming HOME games
Mar 23: 12:00/2:00 pm WOMEN'S SOFTBALL vs. Gateway Community College
Mar 26: 12:00/2:00 pm MEN'S BASEBALL vs. Arizona Wester College
Mar 30: 12:00 pm MEN'S BASEBALL vs. Central Arizona College
Mar 30: 12:00/2:00 pm WOMEN'S SOFTBALL vs. Arizona Western College
Apr 2: 12:00/2:00 pm MEN'S BASEBALL vs. Cochise College
Apr 5: 3:00 pm MEN'S BASEBALL vs. Paradise Valley Community College
Apr 9: 3:00 pm MEN'S BASEBALL vs. Glendale Community College
Apr 11: 12:00/2:00 pm WOMEN'S SOFTBALL vs. Paradise Valley Community College
Apr 12: 3 pm MEN'S BASEBALL vs. Chandler Gilbert Community College
Apr 13: 12:00/2:00 pm WOMEN'S SOFTBALL vs. South Mountain Community College
Apr 16: 12 pm MEN'S BASEBALL vs. Phoenix College
FAFSA Lab now open!
Now through 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
Foundation Scholarship NOW OPEN!
The Maricopa Foundation General Scholarship Application opens on March 1, and remains available until April 30.
Did you know that there are hundreds of scholarships available for all ten Maricopa Community Colleges from the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation? One application....hundreds of scholarships. Don't miss this important deadline. Click here to apply.
Free Tax Preparation
Are you a low or moderate income taxpayer who needs help with your 2023 returns? VITA is here to help! There are sites throughout the valley (including MCC). For comprehensive program information, dates, location maps, and requirements, please visit this link.
FREE DENTAL HYGIENE SERVICES
The Mesa Community College Dental Hygiene clinic offers a full range of comprehensive dental hygiene services at fees less than most private dental practices. If you're interested in FREE dental hygiene services, please complete this form to be contacted by a student who can answer questions and schedule your first appointment.
Mobile Health Care Visit
February 28 | March 27 | April 24 | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm | Southern and Dobson Clocktower
The Mobile Health Unit from Native Health will be on campus on the last Wednesday of each month during the spring 2024 semester.
Services include: Women, men, and child well checks, sick visits and specialty referrals.
For more information, contact egarcia@nachci.com
Follow the Student Life Instagram for your chance to win Thorsday prizes! @mccthunderbirds
What is THORSDAY?
Thor the Thunderbird is the MCC mascot.
The Thunderbird is a legendary creature in certain North American indigenous peoples' history and culture.
Thursday, "Thor's day" is named after the hammer-wielding Norse god of thunder, strength, & protection...THOR.
Therefore, Thursdays at MCC are now know as 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: Located in the Navajo Room This is not a drive-through distribution. Please consider bringing your own bags for your food.
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.
For more information, contact Adam Soto (or the MCC Care Team.
Southern/Dobson : Apr 3, May 1
Red Mountain : Apr 17
***No distribution at RDM in May
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.
Click here to visit the MCC Club Hub!
Get Involved and Get Connected!
Caring Connections Spring 2024
Caring Connections Spring 2024: Week 8 -- Growth Mindset
Have you ever felt helpless because you don’t know how to start a paper, solve a math problem, or respond to an exam question? Most of us have felt this way, and even had nightmares about completing a stressful activity.
Research shows our brain activity increases when we make mistakes and grapple with what went wrong and how we can recalibrate to achieve different outcomes in the future. Our potential outcomes soar the highest when we address the mistake with a growth mindset, when we celebrate our imperfections, saying, “I didn’t get it right this time,” or “I cannot do this YET. BUT I will keep trying!”
A great way to enhance your growth mindset is to plan for the future and seek out support.
Make an appointment with a tutor (virtual or in person), schedule a research consultation with a librarian, talk with your instructor (before class, after class, or visit during office hours), connect with a classmate, visit mesacc.edu/get-help, or access resources available in your Canvas courses.
Participate in the next Foundations for Student Success workshop: “Overcoming Procrastination? Maybe Later . . . (3/4 and 3/8).
If you are nearing degree or certificate completion, congratulations! If you applied by March 1 and meet all requirements to receive your degree or certificate, we hope you will join us in celebrating your accomplishments by attending the Commencement Ceremony on May 11, 2024. For more details, visit: mesacc.edu/graduation/event.
Stay up to date on the latest events going on around campus with the T-bird Times Newsletter, published the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month by MCC’s Office of Student Life and Leadership.
Caring Connections Spring 2024: Week 9-- Achieving Goals
Have you ever heard the phrase, “You don’t know what you don’t know?”
Roughly 80% of students change their majors at least once during their college experience. Changing course isn’t bad; it’s necessary to ensure you maintain your momentum and are true to achieving your goals. MCC’s Career Services provides FREE assistance to help you make clear decisions about your future.
Unsure what career to pursue? Career Coach is an easy-to-use FREE tool designed to help you identify careers matching your interests. You can browse potential career options, take a career assessment, and help improve your resume.
Attend the next FREE student success workshop - Preparing for the Second Year, Wednesday, March 20th at 11 AM (Thunderbird Think Tank) and Friday, March 22nd at 10 AM (Online).
If you’re looking for events to attend around campus, visit the T-Bird Times online newsletter.
We’re here to help you achieve your educational goals! Visit mesacc.edu/get-help to review the vast resources available to all MCC Thunderbirds.
Caring Connections Spring 2024: Week 10-- Next Steps
Congratulations on completing more than half the spring semester! It is now time to look ahead. Registration is open for the summer and fall sessions. Enroll now to help ensure you get into the classes you need to meet your goals.
There are important dates and observances listed on the academic calendar you should be aware of as the semester wraps up. The application for May graduation has passed (March 1). However, if you are eligible to graduate and you submitted your application before the deadline, congratulations! We hope you will join us at the Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 11, 2024. The deadline to RSVP to participate in the ceremony is April 14, 2024.
The deadline to apply for summer graduation is June 1. All steps to graduation are available to review here.
The upcoming Student Success workshop is "Self Care For an A+ Lifestyle" on Tuesday March 26th, 12 PM (Thunderbird Think Tank) and Friday, March 29th, 10 AM (Online: Click here).
If you’re looking for events to attend on campus, visit the T-Bird Times online newsletter.
As you consider your next steps, please remember, as a Thunderbird you have access to support to aid in your success. Visit mesacc.edu/get-help to see what’s available.
MCC Libraries
Find your place at the MCC Libraries!
The MCC Libraries are here to support you whether you’re taking one course or a full load of courses. We have two beautiful libraries with all the resources you need to succeed along with friendly folks ready to help you - come check us out!
https://mesacc.libguides.com/Findyourplace
Flipster: Your MCC Libraries' Digital Magazine Hub
Flipster is a resource for accessing a variety of bestselling digital magazines.
Explore Nearly 40 Popular Magazines: Flipster offers access to nearly 40 well-known magazines, such as Consumer Reports, Rolling Stone, Time, and People. Whether your interest lies in reports, music trends, or home decor inspiration, Flipster has a curated collection for you.
Seamless Access from Anywhere: Conveniently browse digital versions of your preferred magazines from your desktop, tablet, or phone. For on-the-go reading, simply download the Flipster mobile app from iTunes, the Google Play store, or the Amazon App store. The app is compatible with Android and iOS devices, including iPad and iPhone. Note: In the app, search for "Mesa Community College" and use your MEID and password to login.
Effortless Navigation with Flipster: Unsure where to begin? Watch a short tutorial (3:23) to understand the straightforward process of searching for magazines and navigating the platform.
Ready to Dive In?: Flipster is here to enhance your reading experience. Access, explore, and enjoy the best in digital content—all at your fingertips. Get started here.
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!
Students = $50 per semester or $25 for half semester
Employees = $25 per semester
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 a FREE ONE WEEK Guest Pass to the MCC Fitness Center, click this link.
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.
Clubs & ASMCC Student Government
Campus Events
MCC Spirt (Thorsday!)
Leadership training
Multicultural Event Programming
Services such as free scantrons and discounted bus passes
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.