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Planning on Graduating or Transferring?

• Be sure to apply for Spring 2021 graduation by Friday, April 2nd.

• Explore your transfer option and connect with university representatives at PVCC's Virtual University Transfer Fairs on March 30 and April 22nd. Register HERE.

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PVCC Advising Wants Your Feedback!

Please take this short survey from advising so they may serve you better!

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Study Skills & Effective Note-taking for Online Students

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Add your MCCCD student email to your GMAIL app on iPhone or Android

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Have Technology Woes?

Have you ever encountered a problem with technology, such as trying to turn in an assignment in Canvas?

Let's start with a few basic, general tips.

Browsers

Chrome is the preferred browser for most applications required by PVCC professors like Canvas, MOER, Google, Townsend Learning Press, and others. For that reason, be sure to download Chrome on your computer or mobile phone or tablet for free if you don't have it. Other browsers include Firefox and Safari. Never use Internet Explorer. It won't work!

Google Drive (email, docs, slides, and sheets)

Did you know that your Maricopa email account is a Google account? That means you have access to Google drive, docs, slides, and sheets by going to https://my.maricopa.edu/ and logging into "student email" with the G for Google.

Microsoft Office 365

Prefer Microsoft products over Google? All students at Maricopa Community Colleges have free access to Microsoft Office 365. Microsoft Office 365 provides Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and more. Take advantage of this free software!

When you encounter a technology glitch, the best course of action is to try to solve the problem yourself by conducting an Internet search for a solution and then looking up how to perform possible solutions.

Here are directions on how to perform some common fixes:

• Canvas Community Help (search for Canvas solutions)

• How to Clear Your Cache on Any Browser

• How to Clear Chrome Browser History and Cookies on Computer

• How to Disable Pop-Up Blockers in Every Browser

• Having problems with a Turnitin assignment? Check Turnitin's Twitter to see if their system is down.

Still need help? Reach out to PVCC Technology Helpdesk.

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Meet PVCC's New Social Worker!

Meet PVCC's new Social Worker, Stacy!

What is the role of a social worker?

My role at PVCC is to support students who need one on one help accessing resources to meet their emergent needs, which include food insecurity, housing concerns, employment, needs for their children, and beyond. My hope is to be a resource for our students as they are seeking community programs and services to help them.

How do they connect with you?

I might receive an email from a PVCC employee, and then reach out to a student directly to offer my support. Students can also contact the counseling department to schedule a time to talk one on one. Right now I work virtually, every day, so I am pretty accessible! Just make a virtual appointment. It's easy!

email: stacy.moreno@paradisevalley.edu

Phone: 602-787-6540

Or make an appointment online by selecting 'social worker' under 'purpose of appointment'.

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"What If" Grades in Canvas

Want to know how grades on future assignments will affect your overall average in the class? Watch the video below!

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Dealing with Test Anxiety Video

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PVCC Counseling

PVCC Counseling offers guidance to individuals who are dealing with personal, academic, social, or career issues. We are here to help you learn more about yourself and your environment.

All appointments will be conducted via phone just call 602-787-6540 to schedule an appointment or make an appointment online by selecting 'personal' or 'career' under 'purpose of appointment'.

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Need to Memorize Terms? Study with Flashcards Using the 3 Pile Method

Every discipline has its own language. To participate fully in class, you must learn the terminology and use it when completing assignments to demonstrate your knowledge and write precisely.

Learning terminology, concepts, or memorizing facts and formulas is required before being able to engage in higher-order thinking. For this type of learning, flashcards are probably one of the most commonly used study tools. You can use a digital version like Quizlet or paper flashcards, which is more effective for learning if you write in your own handwriting.

When using physical flashcards, the 3-pile method can be used.

Here are the steps of the 3-pile method:

1. Quiz yourself on the entire pile of flashcards.

2. If you know the information (without looking), put the card in a YES pile.

3. If you don’t know the information, put the card in a NO pile.

4. If you somewhat know the information, but have to turn the card over to confirm, put the card in a MAYBE pile. Be honest with yourself.

5. Focus on the MAYBE flashcard pile first. These flashcards contain information that will take the least amount of effort and time to learn completely because you’re already halfway there.

6. Once you know cards from the MAYBE pile, add them to the YES pile. If you don’t know a card, put it back in the MAYBE pile and keep going back to it until you know it.

7. Eventually all your MAYBE cards will end up in the YES pile.

8. Tackle the NO pile, which is the most difficult to work through, because the information is likely totally unfamiliar to you. Work your way through this NO pile until you know them all. As you learn each card, add it to your YES pile.

Adapted from: https://schoolhabits.com/how-to-study-flashcards-3-pile-method/

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Apply for Maricopa Foundation Scholarships!

The Maricopa Foundation Scholarships are now open for Fall 2021. These scholarships give students the opportunity to APPLY FOR HUNDREDS of scholarships with ONE APPLICATION and All students regardless of immigration status are eligible to apply for these great opportunities!

Students can access the scholarships at the PVCC scholarship web site by clicking on MCCCD Foundation Scholarship link or by going directly to the MCCCD Foundation site.

• Fall 2021 Application Cycle: Closes April 16, 2021

• Spring 2022 Application Cycle: September 1, 2021 – October 17, 2021

The Learning Success Center and the Math Center surveyed tutors last fall to learn about students’ online learning experiences and challenges. Tutors report hearing from all of you that your biggest challenges are:

• Technology issues, especially with connectivity and using the technology

• Strategies for understanding how to learn online

• Time issues that prevent getting help in classes in a timely manner

So, what’s the answer? You have several options, but one that has been proven to help is to work with tutors!

Nationally, studies have shown that college students who use tutoring have an average GPA that is a letter grade higher than students who do not use tutoring. Within the Maricopa Community Colleges, using tutoring more than three times for a class in a semester helps students succeed. Getting help before you get into trouble is the best plan of action.

What is the difference between the LSC and the Math Center?

The LSC offers tutoring in most classes, including math. The Math Center provides tutoring and embedded tutoring, with tutors participating in classes. You should use either or both, whichever you prefer!

Need help with work-life-school balance, study skills, or referrals?

Our success coaches provide students with work-life-school balance skills, study skills, and referrals to other areas of campus and the community as needed. Success coach specialists in reading and math further address important areas for student success.

Are the Learning Success Center and the Math Center open for in-person services?

Not right now, but live tutoring and success coaching are available online through Cranium Café. These brief videos for the LSC and the Math Center show you how to find tutors and success coaches online in Cranium Café. You can find more information about the LSC on our website or by calling us at (602) 787-7180. For help with the Math Center, go to the website or call (602) 787-7740.

We want you to do your best, and we have great tutors and success coaches who can help you succeed! Please let Mary Early (mary.early@paradisevalley.edu) or Tereza Dominguez (tereza.dominguez@paradisevalley.edu) know if you have any questions or learning support needs.

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HOW TO STUDY FOR FINAL EXAMS: 5 Tips!

(But You Can Use the Tips for Midterms too!)

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Purpose Coaching: Advance Your Academic, Career, and Personal Life

Deep in the human heart is a natural yearning to belong, find meaningful work, and make a difference rather than stumbling through life. Figuring out your purpose in life is not a simple task – so having a guide on this journey of self-discovery and planning your future can be invaluable. Here at PVCC, we’ve designed a 4 session virtual coaching process, working with a PVCC Counselor, to help you figure out where you can flourish and make a difference (and make a living). This process will require an investment of your time but it is well worth it. $15 to cover the online materials.

Module 1. Sense of Self (Identity)

Module 2. Know Yourself

Module 3. Serve Profoundly

Module 4. Build a Better You (and take action!)

Get started today by calling the PVCC Counseling Office @ (602) 787-6540 or emailing: marianne.auten@paradisevalley.edu

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From our Buxton Library

Pumas, we at the Buxton Library, look forward to getting to know you during your time at PVCC. Although our library is not yet open, we do offer a wide range of virtual services such as:

• One-on-one research consultations (via WebEx of Google Meet)

• Research Rescue: We find 2-3 great sources from library research databases and send them to you via email.

• Call us at 602-787-7200 or email library@paradisevalley.edu to request items from our collection or general information

• Door side pick-up: Need books from our collection? Call or email us and we'll do a friendly delivery in the E Building hallway!

  • 1. • 1. • Hours of Pick-up Service: Mon., Wed. & Fri. 10 am -2 pm. & Tues. & Thurs: 3 pm - 7 pm

• 24/7 ASK a Librarian Chat Service for research support

• No internet or poor internet? Request a hotspot to check out.

• Can't afford your textbook? We'll scan up to three chapters of your textbook and email them to you. Email us at: library@paradisevalley.edu

To see hours of door side service, and the wide range of services available from the library, visit our "We're Here to Help" page: paradisevalley.libguides.com/heretohelp

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Evaluate the Reliability of Your Sources

Do you have to write an annotated bibliography, essay, or research paper? Chances are you will be required to use sources for an upcoming writing assignment, which means you need to check their reliability!

There are many methods to evaluate the reliability of sources. One is the CRAAP method:

C-currency

R- reliability

A-authority

A- accuracy

P-purpose/point of view

*When evaluating media sources, search for their level of reliability and bias using the FREE website Media Bias Fact Check.

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Need Technical Support?

• PVCC's technology support will be available over the phone at (602)787-7780 or remotely through the Information Technology Helpdesk.

• We are available: Monday-Thursday from 7:00am-7:00pm, and Friday from 7:00am-5:00pm.

• Only the pre-loaded software or software required for use on the device by your course(s) will be supported. We are unable to support non-PVCC authorized software installations.

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COVID-19 Testing

COVID Testing at Union Hills and Black Mountain

There is now COVID-19 testing being offered to the community at both PVCC campuses. The logistics for each location are a little different so please see below for details.

Union Hills (18401 N 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85032)

• Offered in the parking lot north of the A & J bldgs. Mon-Fri from 7am-5pm

Black Mountain (34250 N 60th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85266)

• Offered in the Holland Center parking lot next to PVCC 7 days a week from 7am-6pm

Appointments are required and are booked directly through Embry Women's Health at: https://embrywomenshealth.com/testing-blitz/.

• COVID testing is zero-cost to patients, regardless of insurance.

• Embry has a total of 40 test sites across the state, 30 of which are in the Phoenix Metro area. Additional sites are opening every week.

• Saliva testing is now available at all test sites in Maricopa County except for Phoenix College, Metrocenter, and GCC North test sites.

• Testing is available for ALL ages, kids and adults.

• Kids under 18 must have a legal guardian present.

• All providers have certified medical backgrounds.

• Results are typically posted in 3-5 days.

• More information can be found at embrywomenshealth.com.

If you need additional information or have questions regarding COVID testing, please contact Embry Women's Health directly at (480) 376-2170.

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COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines are here, but are currently being given only by appointment to people who are considered a priority. See the Vaccine Prioritization chart below (subject to change).

As of March 2, 2021 Maricopa County has now expanded vaccine eligibility to 55 and older. Once about 55% of that population has been vaccinated, additional 1B groups will follow in prioritization.

Maricopa county is currently in Phase 1B. Eligible populations in Phase 1B prioritized are:

• Adults age 55 and older

• K-12 school staff and childcare workers

• Law enforcement/protective services (includes all sworn officers and government-employed security officers

• Phase 1A populations

Populations Eligible Later in Phase 1B

Adults living in high-risk congregate settings and other frontline essential workers not already eligible will be eligible for vaccination in Phase 1B after the prioritized Phase 1B groups. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that, when supplies of COVID-19 vaccine are limited, vaccinations should be offered in a phased approach. View their recommendations for sub-prioritization of frontline and other essential workers here.

Version OptionsCOVID-19 Vaccine - Phase 1BHeadline

Populations Eligible Later in Phase 1B

Some examples of essential workers who may be eligible in this phase include:

Maricopa County is currently in Phase 1B. Eligible populations in Phase 1B prioritized are:

• Food and agriculture-related occupations

• United States Postal Service workers

• Transit workers

Once the eligible list is finalized and more information is available, updates will be posted at Maricopa County COVID-19 Vaccine webpage

• Maricopa County COVID-19 Locations webpage for more information.

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Need a Laptop or Hotspot?

Laptop and Hotspot checkouts are available to students throughout the semester. You must be in good standing with the college from a financial/code of conduct standpoint to check out equipment. To sign up fill out the following form. *Note we have a limited supply of hotspots, so these are issued based on need.

Go to: Device Checkouts

Select -> Laptop | Hotspot Device Checkout Form

Once you have filled out the form contact the Helpdesk to arrange a pick-up time. 602-787-7780.

The Helpdesk is opened Monday - Thursday 8:00a-7:00pm Friday 8:00am-4:00pm