The Office of Student Life & Leadership was excited to recognize students at the Thunderbird Leadership Awards, a recognition award for MCC students who have shown exemplary commitment and skills in leadership. 

This event took place on April 25, and we were honored to celebrate so many outstanding Thunderbirds. Please take a few moments to look through the program to learn more about these student leaders. Click here to view the event program.

The Red Mountain Summit Awards are an opportunity for us to acknowledge the success and hard work of our Red Mountain students throughout this academic year. 

The 2022-23 Red Mountain Summit Award nominees are celebrated on this website. We encourage you to take a few moments to learn more about these outstanding student leaders from the Red Mountain campus. 

Congrats to all nominees!

Help us stock up the Mesa Market before we head out for summer break. It's a bit quieter on campus during the summer months, but food insecurity among our students and their families doesn't end when classes do. 

Please help replenish our supply of non-perishable food, hygiene products and cleaning supplies for our Mesa Markets at both campsues. 

To make it easier for you, we have an Amazon Wish List for each campus, and the order you place through your personal Amazon account will be sent directly to MCC. You can also drop off your donations to the Student Life offices at either campus.

Thanks in advance for your support!

Southern/Dobson Wish List  |  Red Mountain Wish List 

Week 2: You Belong

You belong here! Together we will make this a successful semester.

Please connect with each other and take advantage of the vast resources available to aid in your success.

As Thunderbirds you have access to academic services and life essentials, such as food, personal hygiene items, and clothing. Visit mesacc.edu/get-help to get familiar with the breadth of resources that are available should you or someone you meet need them now or later in the year.

Please consider attending a FREE Student Success workshop hosted by the MCC Foundations for Student Success. This month’s topic is Self-Advocacy: Communication Skills for College Success. There’s an in-person option on Tuesday, January 24, and an online option on Wednesday, January 25.

If you have a general college question, you may use the Ask MCC button linked from the Current Students tab on the college’s home page to chat online with a MCC staff member. (mesacc.edu/students/ask-mcc)

Here are some links to resources you may find helpful:

• Canvas Orientations and Online Learning Assistance

• HelpCenter/College Technology Services

• The Thunderbird Tech Studio, which is DIFFERENT from the HelpCenter, can help you use technology for class participation and course assignments including course navigation, google suite, presentation technology, mic and camera set up, and mac and windows operating systems. Watch this video to learn more.

• As a student you have FREE access to the Microsoft 365 Office Suite.

• Follow @mesacc on social media for upcoming events and important information.

• The T-bird Times, a digital newsletter, published on the first and third Friday each month, is provided by the Office of Student Life & Leadership to help keep you informed of events, activities, and resources.

Week 3: Time Management

Student Message:

Your success depends on planning to succeed, so be sure to prioritize your time and stay informed. Time management is key! To help you plan, consider the following tips and resources:

• Create a semester calendar to record due dates for all exams, quizzes, papers, and finals.

• Plan time to complete homework – refer to your syllabus for specific guidelines.

• Keep classwork with you in case you find extra time in your day to complete it.

• Know important financial dates – mesacc.edu/financial-aid/important-dates.

• Stay informed, check your Student Center regularly – my.maricopa.edu.

• Make time for college events. Check out the T-Bird Times for college happenings.

• Seek the help of a college advisor for planning and goal setting – mesacc.edu/academic-advisement/ask-academic-advisor.

• Use the MyInfo App – a mobile-friendly way to access your class schedule, financial aid information, grades, and to-dos.

• Use the RISE app – an iOS app to help locate basic needs supports near campus so you may focus on learning.

Optional Lesson

Week 4: Engage

Did you know students who engage in college activities and their communities tend to complete their courses and academic goals more successfully than those who do not? Participation in clubs and activities builds networks and offers opportunities to gain skills and develop leadership qualities benefitting professional pursuits. You can get engaged at MCC by:

• Monitoring your college email for important information and updates.

• Following the college on social media (@mesacc.edu) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for up-to-date information on what’s happening at the college and provide opportunities to engage with others.

• Checking out the T-Bird Times bi-weekly newsletter published by Student Life and Leadership. The newsletter summarizes events and opportunities, provides helpful tips, showcases departments and clubs, and features recipes, trivia, and more.

• Attending a college performance, athletic competition, or event.

Engagement with academic support is also vital.

• Are you first generation, low income, a foster youth, or a student with a documented disability? If so, the TRIO program may be a good resource for you. Learn more and apply online at mesacc.edu/students/trio/apply-trio-today.

• Tutoring is available in person and virtually. Visit mesacc.edu/students/tutoring for details. Tutors can help with homework questions or problems, understanding concepts or discussing ideas, study strategies, preparing for tests, or if you are beginning to fall behind and need some assistance.

• Resources supporting your wellbeing and academic success are available at mesacc.edu/get-help.

• February Student Success Workshops include P.O.W.E.R. of Math Study Skills (2/7 and 2/10) and Overcoming Procrastination? Maybe Later… (2/22 and 2/24). Mark your calendar for other upcoming workshops of interest.

Optional Lesson

Week 5: Life Balance

When we have a balanced life, we are in a better frame of mind for learning and achieving goals. Please be sure to practice self-care, get enough sleep, eat healthy, and exercise – stretching and short walks can make a big difference. You will need to stay on top of your homework and other responsibilities, of course, but make it a priority to care for yourself at least one small way each day! Here are some suggestions and resources that may help:

• Build in time each week to destress, such as by enjoying a few minutes daily to relax and breathe. The American Heart Association provides a list of 10 ways to fight stress.

• Consider participating in one or more of the extracurricular activities hosted by the college. Activities are summarized in the T-bird Times, a bi-weekly newsletter from Student Life and Leadership, and are posted on the college’s social channels (@mesacc).

• Take a few minutes to soak in nature in the cienega (Red Mountain Campus) or the Rose Garden (Southern and Dobson Campus). The MCC Art Walk, in-person or virtually, is quite impressive.

• Access MCC counseling services for help with personal, academic, or career-focused issues.

• Use MCC’s Fitness Centers available at both MCC campuses and provide a wide variety of membership options.

Optional Lesson

Week 6: Stop Before You Drop

Around this time of the semester you may start to feel overwhelmed with your classes and life in general. Keep your momentum!

If you are thinking about dropping a class, STOP and speak with an advisor, faculty member, or counselor -- especially since withdrawing can impact your financial aid and academic progress. We care about your success, so please stop and seek help before you drop!

Visit Mesacc.edu/get-help to to get familiar with the wealth of academic and basic needs services available to help you succeed.

Optional Lessons -- A clever video from ASU, about the importance of conferencing with faculty, is linked in one of the class activities for this week.

Week 7 – The Power of No

Congratulations! You’re closing in on the second half of the semester; take stock in your accomplishments and your “bandwidth” to take on extra tasks.

It’s okay to say “no, I can’t at this time” to focus on your goals. Check out this video of acclaimed writer and producer Shonda Rhimes on how to say no. FOMO (fear of missing out) is real, but instead of thinking of a “no” as never, think of it as “not right now.” Keep a list of things you want to do in the future and use it to help you prioritize what you want to say “yes” to in the future.

Two things you want to say “yes” to right now are securing financial support for the summer or fall semesters, and reviewing the resources available at mesacc.edu/get-help.

There are lots of great spring activities and events to say “yes” to this semester! Be sure to check out the latest edition of the T-Bird Times for a list of them.

• If you are on track to graduate this spring, be sure to submit a FREE application to graduation by March 1 to receive your degree or certificate. If you plan to attend the commencement ceremony, RSVP by April 21 (participation is optional). For more infomation, visit: mesacc.edu/graduation/steps-graduation.

• Maricopa Community Colleges has a proud tradition of offering students, their families, and friends the opportunity to celebrate graduation through convocation ceremonies. Convocations are a more intimate and culturally focused event designed to celebrate students from diverse communities and various special interest groups. For more information, visit: events.maricopa.edu/convocations.

• If you’re continuing on in the fall, be sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): mesacc.edu/financial-aid/apply/complete-fafsa.

• Apply for scholarships! Learn about available scholarships and get information on submitting successful applications: mesacc.edu/financial-aid/types-aid/scholarships.

• The next Foundations for Student Success Workshops workshops are Remembering What You Read and Preparing for the Second Year.

Optional Lesson

Week 8: Growth Mindset

Student Message

Have you ever felt paralyzed because you don’t know how to start a paper, calculate 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 soars 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), 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. Read up on events going on across campus with the latest edition of the T-bird Times.

Participate in a Foundations for Student Success workshop: Preparing for the Second Year (March 7th and 8th).

If you are continuing your studies over the summer or next fall, take advantage of Priority Registration.

Optional Lesson

Week 9: Achieving Goals

Student Message:

Have you 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 your goal. MCC’s Career Services office 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. Visit Career Coach to browse potential career options, take a career assessment, and help improve your resume.

Attend the next FREE student success workshop - Remembering What You Read, in person on Wednesday, March 22 at 1pm (Southern and Dobson: Bldg 38 - Room 608, Think Tank) or online on Friday, March 24th at 12pm.

If you are eligible to graduate this spring, congratulation! Reminder: if you plan to participate in the the commencement ceremony on May 14, RSVP by April 21.

If you’re looking for events to attend on 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.

Optional Lesson

Week 10: Next Steps

Student Message:

Congratulations on completing more than half of the spring semester! It is now time to look ahead. Find a Class is now open. Plan out your next semester to ensure you are able to get into the classes you need.

There are important dates and observances listed on the academic calendar you should be aware of as the semester wraps up. If you are eligible to graduate this spring, congratulations! Reminder: if you plan to participate in the commencement ceremony on May 14, be sure to RSVP by April 21.

Maricopa Community Colleges has a proud tradition of offering students, their families, and friends the opportunity to celebrate graduation through convocation ceremonies. Convocations are more intimate and culturally focused events designed to celebrate students from diverse communities and various special interest groups. For more information, visit: events.maricopa.edu/convocations.

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.

Optional Lesson

Week 11: Celebrate Victories

Student Message

Each day presents itself with opportunities to celebrate wins; sometimes we just have to look for them.

“A little progress each day, adds up to BIG results.” – Brigitte Linford

Here are some victories you can celebrate:

• Did you get up today when your alarm went off instead of pressing the snooze button?

• Did you submit an assignment on time, or perhaps a little early?

• Did you connect with a tutor or reach out to your instructor for assistance?

Small steps like these put you closer to your goals and ultimately the finish line. Major accomplishments are regularly celebrated; the small ones are often dismissed. Reward yourself when you accomplish tasks of all sizes – these little victories can have a big impact on your progress toward meeting your goals.

As you close out the semester, here are some reminders to keep you on track:

• Have you registered for Summer and/or Fall classes?

• Important dates are listed on the academic calendar. If you are eligible to graduate this spring, congratulations! If you are planning to participate in the commencement ceremony on May 13, be sure to RSVP by April 21.

• Participate in a MCCCD Convocation ceremony. For more information, visit: events.maricopa.edu/convocations. Mesa Community College will also be holding special ceremonies that coincide with the main graduation celebration.

• If you’re looking for events or other ways to get involved on campus, visit the T-Bird Times online newsletter. One event is the next FSS Workshop - Success for the Neurodivergent: Learning with the Brain in Mind.

• Visit mesacc.edu/get-help to see what’s available to you as an MCC Thunderbird.

Optional Lesson

Week 12: Find Joy

While college can bring on stress, it may also be a time of joy. You’re learning exciting things, taking a step forward to better your life, and connecting with other students. There are also a variety of great opportunities to get respite from the stress that can come with being a college student. Here are some things that can add joy to your college experience!

• Register for Summer and/or Fall classes so you can experience the joy of knowing you have the classes you need to stay on track in meeting your goals. Academic advisors are available to assist if you have questions – mesacc.edu/academic-advisement.

• Immerse yourself in the arts: mesacc.edu/arts/events. Some performances are free!

• Add exercise and movement to your routine – you can use the Art Walk at Southern and Dobson or take the walking trail at Red Mountain, which are free to enjoy. Plus, the MCC Fitness Centers are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and experts to provide guidance. Memberships are available for a modest fee.

• Visit the MCC Rose Garden, the largest in the desert southwest. The flowers are in full bloom and fragrant.

• Take a break in the cienega at Red Mountain – watching the creatures and hearing the babbling brook may help you to relax to find your joy.

• Take in the last Astronomy Nights show of the semester.

• Enjoy thousands of movies, free of charge, through the MCC library’s Kanopy offerings.

• Attend the next Foundations for Student Success Workshop - Self Care for an A+ Lifestyle.

• If you are graduating this spring, congratulations! If you are planning to participate in the commencement ceremony on May 13, be sure to RSVP by April 21, which is also the last day to purchase regalia. Other important dates are listed on the academic calendar.

• Participate in a MCCCD Convocation ceremony. For more information, visit: events.maricopa.edu/convocations. MCC is also hosting special ceremonies that coincide with the graduation celebration.

• If you’re looking for events or other ways to get involved on campus, visit the T-Bird Times online newsletter.

• Visit mesacc.edu/get-help for academic and well-being resources.

Optional Lesson

Week 13: Stay Focued

Student Message:

The rest and relaxation from Spring Break may be wearing off. You’ve got this! Stay focused on your goal--the end of the semester is close.

• Study for exams now; don’t wait until the day before or the day of the exam to review.

• Library Resources: As you write your papers and final projects, the library can help you find information for an assignment. The library also provides quiet study spaces. The “Ask a Librarian” is available 24/7 via chat.

• Academic Assistance/Tutoring: take advantage of free drop-in and virtual tutoring to help if you get stuck on a problem or need help understanding a new concept.

• Test your knowledge with friends or in a study group. Being confident in knowing the content will help alleviate any test anxiety you may be feeling.

• If you are graduating this spring, congratulations! If you are planning to participate in the commencement ceremony on May 13, be sure to RSVP by April 21, which is also the last day to purchase regalia. Other important dates are listed on the academic calendar.

• Participate in a MCCCD Convocation ceremony. For more information, visit: events.maricopa.edu/convocations. MCC is also hosting special ceremonies that coincide with the graduation celebration.

• If you’re looking for events or other ways to get involved on campus, visit the T-Bird Times online newsletter.

• Visit mesacc.edu/get-help for academic and well-being resources.

Finally, take a couple of minutes to enjoy a quick Pep Talk. You can do this! We are here to help!

Optional Lesson

Week 14: Reflect

Student Message

This is a good time to reflect on your semester and give thanks to those who have helped you achieve your goals.

Reflection helps us learn. When you take the time to process an experience in writing, speaking, doing math, or even drawing, you develop metacognition (thinking about thinking), which helps you take stock of what you learned and how you learned it. Sometimes through reflection, you find that you learned more than you thought in a class or unit. Other times you are able to figure out where you still need practice or help. It’s also nice to look back at written reflections to see your progress.

Here are some suggestions:

• Build time at the end of major projects to reflect on your progress.

• Spend a couple of minutes after each class journaling about the day.

• Send an encouraging note, text, or email to a mentor, professor, and/or classmate that has helped lift you up.

• Participate in the Foundations for Student Success Workshop on Withstanding Adversity.

Some ongoing reminders:

• Participate in a MCCCD Convocation ceremony. For more information, visit: events.maricopa.edu/convocations. MCC is also hosting special ceremonies that coincide with the graduation celebration.

• If you’re looking for events or other ways to get involved on campus, visit the T-Bird Times online newsletter.

• Visit mesacc.edu/get-help for academic and well-being resources.

Optional Lesson

Week 15: Finish Strong

Student Message:

You’ve come so far -- you’ve almost completed the spring 2023 semester. Congratulations! Even though the semester is coming to a close, our support of your success remains steady. Remember: MCC tutors are available to help. Check out mesacc.edu/get-help for other academic and basic needs; staff remain available to provide assistance. Here are some tips to help you finish strong!

• Study for exams now; don’t wait until the day before or the day of the exam to review.

• Get answers to questions about your academic studies from an instructor or a tutor. Tutors share their knowledge for free and can help with math, physical science, biology, writing, academic skills, and computer science and CIS/BPC -- mesacc.edu/students/tutoring/hours-locations.

• Test your knowledge with friends or in a study group. Being confident in knowing the content will help alleviate any test anxiety you may be feeling.

• The Library “Ask a Librarian” is available 24/7 via Chat -- mesacc.edu/library.

• Participate in Fuel for Finals events hosted by Student Life & Leadership. Details are highlighted in the T-Bird Times.

• Take advantage of the resources provided by MCC libraries which include a De-Stress for Finals week (May 1-4) with activities, research support and extended hours.

If you are graduating this semester, CONGRATULATIONS! Otherwise, see you next semester!

Optional Lesson