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

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

Oct 5 | 12:00 pm | MCC Performing Arts Center

For more information, please visit this link. 


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:

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?

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 : 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. 

Banner image for the MCC Club Hub website

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:

Optional Lesson


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:

Optional Lesson

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:

Engagement with academic support is also vital.

Optional Lesson

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:

Optional Lesson

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

Tuesdays during the Fall Semester-VIRTUAL at this link

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!

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

For more information on Student Life, visit our website

STUDENT LIFE & LEADERSHIP

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

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

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