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.
*Attention Faculty* Please add the T-Bird Times to your Canvas Navigation Menu!
You can now OPT-IN to have a link to the T-Bird Times added in your Canvas Navigation menu! Please consider opting-in for all your FALL 2023 classes so your students have easy access to T-Bird Times and all of this important information. For instructions on how to enable this link, please click here or contact the CTL at ctl@mesacc.edu. Thank you!
Awareness Rally: Orange Shirt Day
September 27 | 12 pm-1 pm and 6-8 pm | MCC Clock Tower
On September 27, 2023 the Inter-Tribal Student Organization (ISO), American Indian Institute (A.I.I.) and the Center for Civic Engagement will be hosting a two-part awareness event to Remember, Honor and Educate the campus community about Federal Indian Boarding Schools and the inter-generational impacts for Indigenous students.
12:00-1:00 pm: Solidarity Walk around campus
6:00-8:00 pm: Community Rally featuring Tribal Speakers, Native American Honoring Song and Prayer and a Candle Light Vigil and Community Feed.
WEAR ORANGE!
Psi Beta Evening Lecture
September 27 | 7:00-8:30 pm |SC-11E (SoDo Campus)
Psi Beta Psychology Club presents:
Cross Cultural Variations of the Human Mind, presented by Professor Amaranth Weiss
Upcoming Community and Civic Engagement events
Topic: Civil Discourse & Media Literacy
A high-level overview on the best practices to discuss political issues in familiar and unfamiliar situations. Presenter: Avery Xola
Oct 4 | 12-1 pm | Online-Click here for Zoom link
For presentation details, visit this link
EngageMe Workshop: Every Child Matters
Host: Margaret "Talia" White and Leora Smith; American Indian Institute
Date: Friday, September 22nd, 2023
Start Time: 12:00 PM | End Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Phoenix Indian School Visitor Center
Field trip to Phoenix Indian School Visitor Center. Will learn the true history of Indian boarding schools across America. Lunch will be included!
Co-Curricular Type: Academic Involvement
EngageMe Workshop: The Art of Drag
Date: Friday, October 13th, 2023
Start Time: 12:00 PM | End Time: 2:00 PM
Location: LB-145 (Southern/Dobson)
Host: David Boyles
Bio: David Boyles (pronouns: he/they) teaches writing and rhetoric at Arizona State University, where they also developed the Discovery Seminar course, “Speaking OUT: LGBTQ+ Youth in Pop Culture and Politics.” They are co-founder and president of Drag Story Hour Arizona and were honored for their contributions to the Phoenix LGBTQ+ community with the 2022 Phoenix Pride John Bircumshaw Community Spirit Award. They are also the author of the recently published Young Adult novel Life is a Banquet.
Purpose: A performance of exaggerated gender expression intended to highlight the performative aspect of gender --has never been more popular or controversial than it is today. In this two-part program, David Boyles, ASU Professor and Drag Story Hour Arizona President, will discuss the history of drag. Professor Boyles will present a brief history of the art form of drag performance, told through the stories of a dozen of the most important figures in drag history, from William Dorsey Swann, who was born into slavery and went onto become America's first known drag queen, to Jose Sarria, the San Francisco drag performer who became the first openly LGBTQ+ person to ever run for public office and founded the Imperial Court, the largest LGBTQ+ charitable organization in the world
Co-Curricular Type: Academic Involvement
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. Learn how to be a successful online student, how to manage stress, and how to feel like you deserve to be a college student!
Topic: P.O.W.E.R. of Math Study Skills
9/2523 | 1:30 | S/D: Thunderbird Think Tank
9/29/23| 10:00 am | Online: Click Here
Topic: Keeping Motivated and Avoiding Burnout
10/5/23 | 1:30 pm | S/D: Thunderbird Think Tank
10/6/23| 11:00 am | Online: Click Here
Thunderbird Athletics
Support the MCC Thunderbird Athletes at one of their upcoming HOME games
Sept 29: 7:00 pm WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL vs. Phoenix College
Sept 30: 4:30 pm: WOMEN'S SOCCER vs. Scottsdale Community College
Sept 30: 7:00 pm MEN'S SOCCER vs. Scottsdale Community College
Oct 4: 7:00 pm WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL vs. Eastern Arizona College
Oct 6: 4:30 pm WOMEN'S SOCCER vs. Gateway Community College
Oct 6: 7:00 pm MEN'S SOCCER vs. Gateway Community College
We Care Wednesday
Wednesday, Oct 4 | 10:00 am-12:00 pm | Southern & Dobson Campus
The first We Care Wednesday fresh food distribution of the semester is taking place at the SOUTHERN & DOBSON campus on Wednesday, Oct 4. It will take place from 10 am-12 pm in the NAVAJO ROOM in the Kirk Student Center. This is free and open to the public! *Food available while supplies last.
Walk-up service only. WCW at Southern and Dobson will no longer be a drive-up service.
The next We Care Wednesday at Red Mountain will be on Oct 18 (and is still a drive-through event).
Disney College Program
October 4 | 2:30 pm | LB 145 (SoDo)
Discover a unique living and working environment with partcipants from all around the world. Gain on-the-job experience with a world-renowned company all while preparing for your future.
Learn more about the Disney College Program and enjoy a free lunch!
Latinx Identity and Power Speaking Performance
October 5 | 6:00-8:00 pm | Navajo Room: SoDo Campus
Visit this link to RSVP or for more information: tinyurl.com/mcclhm2023
*Seating is limited
The Office of Student Life and Leadership at Mesa Community College is proud to welcome students and community members to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month. This academic presentation delves into the historical, social, and political dimensions that have shaped the emergence and development of the Latinx identity in the United States and beyond. The lecture critically examines how Latinx individuals navigate issues of representation, agency, and societal influence, as well as how the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, gender, and class plays a significant role in shaping their experiences. Through a comprehensive analysis of academic research, historical data, and contemporary case studies, this lecture sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by Latinx communities while emphasizing the community’s collective power and contributions to broader social, cultural, and political landscapes.
Olmeca's Biography can be found here.
College Cash Corner Podcast
Tuesday, Oct 3 | 11:00 am-1:30 pm | Student Lounge (SoDo campus)
Stop by the Financial Literacy Table in the Student Lounge to celebrate the release of the first official episode of the College Cash Corner Podcast. The will be giveaways and if you want to, you can listen to the first episode while hanging out.
Pizza with the President at RM
Thorsday, Oct 5 | 11:30 am-1:30 pm in M200 | Red Mountain campus
MCC College President, Dr. Tammy Robinson will be joining students at the Red Mountain campus for pizza and conversation. Please join her to discuss updates for our campus, talk about opportunities for improvement and share your experience. Dr. Robinson will be there from 12:00-1:00 pm for the conversation, but feel free to come early to get your lunch!
Please RSVP here for an accurate count.
Upcoming Theater and Performing Arts Events
Band & Orchestra Concert
Oct 3 | 7:00 pm | MCC Performing Arts Center
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit this link.
Jazz Combo-Free Lobby Concert
The Play That Goes Wrong
Oct 6-14| MCC Performing Arts Center
Oct 6-7, 12-13 at 7:30 pm, Oct 7 and 14th at 2 pm
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit this link.
Inter-tribal Student Organization Rez Market
Oct 3 | 11:00 am-1:00 pm | 36N, North Side (SoDo Campus)
Join the Intertribal Student Organization for Rez Market! The club will be selling frybread (cash only). Vendor spaces are filled. Be on the lookout for more events in the upcoming months!
RockENROLLment Days
October 3 | 9 am-4 pm | EC-39 (S/D)
We're plugging in the amp and cranking up the dial for Thunderbird Rock EnROLLment Day hosted by MCC. This is just for current students who need assistance with Advising, Course Registration, Financial Aid and other available resources.
Current Thunderbirds are invited to stop by the Enrollment Center on October 3 for priority registration! RSVP here
Also happening in Enrollment Services at Red Mountain.
Veterans Benefits and Resources Event
Oct 10 | 9:30 am-11:30 am | LB 145 (SoDo Campus)
Please join us on October 10th, 2023 when MCC's Veteran Services Office will be hosting the AZ Department of Veteran Services, Southwest Veterans Chamber of Commerce, Brothers in Arms LLC and other community partners. We will discuss benefits and resources available to our veteran and military affiliated populations such as:
VA disability and compensation benefits
VA pension benefits
VA home loan benefits
Military resource support programs in employment, job preparation assistance, tuition waivers, etc.
Resource support available for all military connected individuals
This event is open to all faculty, staff, students and community members! Light refreshments will be served. For more information or questions please contact tara.simo@mesacc.edu
Veterans Heritage Project
Deadline to sign up: October 6 | 9:00 am-11:00 am
Veterans Heritage Project is an ongoing project for students to participate in. Students have the option to gain college credit, and will be published in the Library of Congress upon completing their interview and writing their story with a veteran. The last day to sign up for this great opportunity is October 6th, 2023. It is completely free to students. Optional support meetings will be held weekly on Tuesday mornings between 9am and 10am via Zoom.
Scholarships Available!
One application, hundreds of scholarships!
Apply online at mcccdf.org/scholarship.
The Spring 2024 Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation General Scholarship Application is now open and accepting applications! Submit one General Scholarship Application and be eligible for hundreds of scholarship opportunities. The application deadline is October 31, 2023.
Save the Date: Red Mountain Halloween Extravaganza
Tuesday, October 31 | 5:30-8:30 pm | Red Mountain campus
Calling all ghosts and goblins, princesses and super heroes--plan to join us on Halloween night while we host a free, fun, and safe night of Trick-or-Treating for our local community.
The Red Mountain campus has been hosting the Halloween Extravaganza since 2011, drawing crowds of 2500 people in 2018 and 2019. We are excited to be bringing the event back after a few years off during the pandemic. We need YOUR HELP! Please consider donating a bag (or two) of candy to the Student Life office at either campus to be used at the various themed tables. You can also sign up to host a themed Trick-or-Treat booth or volunteer at this link. Get your department, class, or your student club together,-- pick your theme and come up with decorations and an activity. It's a fun night and a great way to give back to our community. Please contact Erica Horihan (480-654-7759) with questions or for more information.
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 and Friday from 10 am-2 pm.
Red Mountain Campus
The Mesa Market at Red Mountain is located in Palo Verde 111. Open Monday-Thursday from 9 am-5 pm, and is closed on Fridays.
We are always grateful for donations to the Mesa Market! Feel free to drop off your donations to the Mesa Market at either campus.
Amazon Wish List for SOUTHERN/DOBSON DONATIONS
Amazon Wish List for RED MOUNTAIN DONATIONS
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 . 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.
For more information, contact Adam Soto (or the MCC Care Team.
Southern/Dobson : Oct 4, Nov 1, Dec 6
Red Mountain : Oct 18, Nov 15, Dec 20
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 Fall 2023
Weeks 1 and 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 attaining 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 "The Professional Student." There’s an in-person option on Thursday, Sept. 7 and an online option on Friday, Sept. 8.
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.
Here are some links to resources you may find helpful:
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
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.
Have time between classes? Reserve a study room in the library and get yourself organized.
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.
Week 4: Engage
Did you know that 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 you can use in your career. You can get engaged at MCC by:
Monitoring your college email for important information and updates.
Following the college on social media, @mesacc, 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 arts 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.
September Student Success Workshops include Time Management (09/19 and 09/22) and P.O.W.E.R. of Math Study Skills (09/25 and 09/29). Mark your calendar for other upcoming workshops of interest.
Week 5: Life Balance
Message for Students:
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. They provide a variety of membership options!
Check out the MCC Libraries Relaxation and Stress Relief guide! Find coloring pages, puzzles, live camera feeds, videos, meditations, books, eBooks, and more to help you destress and relax.
Week 6: Stop Before you Drop
Student Message
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 get familiar with the wealth of academic and basic needs services available to help you succeed.
Stay up to date with campus resources and events by checking out the T-Bird Times Newsletter.
Optional Lesson -- A clever video from ASU, about the importance of conferencing with faculty, is linked in one of the class activities for this week.
Career Corner-MCC Career Services
Working Wednesday : On-Campus Recruitment
Wednesdays: 11:00 am-2:00 pm | Navajo Room, Student Lounge, or Clocktower Lawn
MCC Career Services Department will be hosting Working Wednesdays throughout the fall semester. Each week, we will welcome employers on campus to table and speak with interested students about the job opportunities available within their organization. This year, we are hosting General Working Wednesday events (30 Employers) and Field of Interest (15 Employers) Working Wednesday events. For more info, visit this link
Professional Development Workshops
Join MCC Career Services for virtual professional development workshops in topics such as Resume Writing, Cover Letter Writing, Interviewing, and Branding Yourself. For more information, visit this website.
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 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.