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:

• 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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