MountainTop 10

1.

“Cougar Paws” Newest Way to Say Thanks

One of the many new ideas rolled out at this spring’s Convocation was SMCC’s new “Cougar Paw” employee recognition program. The idea, generated by our new Employee Development Council, is simple–here’s how it works. All employees at the Convocation lunch were provided with a set of five Cougar Paw cards, each representing a different SMCC value: Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Wellbeing and Community. When a colleague demonstrates one of these attributes, just pass the appropriate card along to them, as a way of recognizing their efforts.

Admin Assistant Stacey Wright used her “Collaboration” card to recognize Fiscal Tech II Kim Rainey this week for going the extra mile to help with a backlog of travel documents. Keep your cards handy, and when you’re the recipient of one of South Mountain’s frequent and not-so-random acts of kindness, pass along a Cougar Paw. And let the Top 10 know—we want to share the good news! Email us at south@southmountaincc.edu.

2.

Dr. Proctor Goes to Mars–Sort Of

Well, actually she’s headed for the Utah desert—the closest thing to Mars that NASA could find. SMCC Geology Faculty Dr. Sian Proctor has been selected to participate in a project to study new forms of food and food preparation needed for long-term space travel. Sian explains: “I am going to the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah (pictured at right).”

She continues: “I will be in the habitat from Jan 12-26 with 5 other crew members. I am the Education Outreach Officer. I will be posting about the mission on the website: http://hi-seas.org/ and the Facebook Fan-page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hawaii-Space-Exploration-Analog-Simulation/281387055255817. I hope you will follow along. Take care and have a great semester!”

3.

SMCC Grad to Study Abroad in Viet Nam

Dr. Proctor isn’t the only one taking a road trip. Former SMCC TRIO student Leslie Padilla was one of 11 students (and the only community college applicant) to be accepted into Loyola University Chicago’s Vietnamese study abroad program this spring.

Pictured sending Leslie off on her Asian adventure were (from left, front row): Laura Smith, Leslie, and Janet Ortega; (back row) Derrick Washington, Dr. Rey Rivera, Dr. Osaro Ighodaro, and Ruben Saenz.

Leslie, a Biochemistry major, wrapped up her studies at SMCC this fall, and through TRIO Advisor Derrick Washington, learned about the opportunity. She applied for admission at Loyola, and was subsequently accepted into the program, which includes scholarship support for travel and tuition for her spring semester spent at the Loyola Vietnam Center in Ho Chi Minh City. She also got to visit with Arizona State Representative Robert Meza, who learned of her accomplishment and invited her to the capitol for a visit. Congratulations, Leslie, and chúc may mắn!

4.

Cougar Cafe Upgrades Earn NextStep Award for SMCC

The recent remodeling of the SMCC Cougar Cafe, including the new automated kiosk ordering system, caught the attention of Nextep, the company that furnishes the kiosks, who bestowed an award on SMCC Fiscal Services Manager Tom Nicol and Cafe Manager Cindy Erickson (pictured here with VP Janet Ortega) for their work in implementing th system. If you haven’t tried the new automated ordering system yet, check it out—it’s quicker and easier than a drive-thru, with no exhaust fumes…

5.

Bye-Bye Blackboard…Time for a Fresh Canvas

By now, hopefully most of you are aware that Maricopa is discontinuing its use of Blackboard as our Learning Management System, and shifting over to Canvas. By this fall, the transition will be complete–no more Blackboard. So if you still haven’t taken the time to learn about the new system, we strongly advise you do–Patricia Herrera in the TLC is offering regular classes and workshops on Canvas, to get you ready for the shift. Those who have started using it are saying a lot of good things….check it out. Contact Patricia at x55687 for the upcoming schedule of classes.

6.

SMCC Parades Through Laveen, February 2

How to you plan on celebrating Groundhog’s Day this year? Doing the same thing you do every Groundhog’s Day, over and over and over? Break out of the rut, and this year, join our plucky band of South Mountain students and staff at the Laveen Community Parade, Saturday, February 2. The college’s Cougar Van will be there, and our Cougar Ambassadors will take to the street at 11:00 a.m., marching along Dobbins Road from 43rd to 51st Avenues. Come join the team, and help spread the word about SMCC to all our potential students out west!

7.

SMCC Hoops Star Enjoys NCAA Success

If you caught any of the Men’s Basketball games last season, you’ll remember the very talented Mike Craig, who led the team in just about every statistic and wound up being named Conference Player of the Year. Mike’s currently playing at Southern Mississippi for the Golden Eagles, helping lead them to a 12-4 record out of the gate, currently first in Conference USA, and is second on the team in points (10.4), rebounds (5.8) and assists (2.5). Here’s a story from the Arizona Daily Star from last December, when the team visited the U of A: http://tinyurl.com/cj8efk5

8.

One Name, One Password: “Single Identity” Access is Here

Don’t be this guy! We mentioned it last month, but it bears repeating — we’ve changed the way to sign on to any classroom or general use computer at SMCC—all you need to do is use your MEID and password. The new “Single Identity” system replaces our old “Instructor” user name and general use password. It’s all part of an ongoing effort to simplify access to Maricopa technology resources. We’ve also made changes to our WiFi access—read more about it here:

http://smccvoice.southmountaincc.edu/index.php/single-identity/

9.

College, Library to Feature African Storytelling

South Mountain is gearing up for Black History Month in February, and since we’re the Storytelling College,” we’ve already got two storytelling events on the calendar. First up will be a session hosted at the South Mountain Community Library on January 30 at 7 p.m., “An Evening of African Storytelling,” featuring presenters from the SMCC Storytelling Institute. Then, coming to the PAC on February 14 and 15 will be our fourth annual presentation of “Return to the African Village,” coordinated by Marilyn Torres and featuring storytelling, music and dance. Both events are free, so bring your friends, family, and the whole neighborhood!

10.

An SMCC Student Success Story

TRIO Director Ruben Saenz passed along this letter from Maria Villamar, a former student, that we had to share—one of the many great success stories we hear everyday from the many students we’ve helped along the way…

Dear Mr. Saenz,

It is my pleasure to announce my graduation on December 21, 2012 from Arizona State University. I am graduating as an undergraduate student in the Speech and Hearing Science department. I would like to take this moment to thank the staff at TRIO. The TRIO department provided me with many great teaching tools and tutoring services while being a student at South Mountain Community College. The most significant advice from a TRIO counselor was to apply for a Dorrance Scholarship. The TRIO staff helped me through the process of the application. I was one of the first applicants to apply during the first year offered at SMCC.

Fortunately, I was selected. Because of that, I was able to pursue my dream of a college education. I completed my Associate of Arts degree at SMCC and transferred to ASU in January 2010. While attending classes at ASU, ASU gave me the opportunity to work a few months in the Speech and Hearing Research Lab as a bilingual assessor. The workshops offered by the TRIO program prepared me for the journey of what would be my college experience at ASU. It all began with a TRIO staff member’s advice…

The Dorrance Scholarship paid for my education at SMCC and at ASU. Now I can teach my daughters that we can all succeed in life by making only a small sacrifice to persist in college and not to give up on your dreams. I learned to be an achiever and not a loser. Thank you, TRIO, for all your support and trainings during my college experience at SMCC.

Sincerely,

Maria R. Villamar

VIDEO LINK OF THE WEEK

LEARNING LINKS OF THE WEEK

ASU

Transfer Times
Arizona State University Office of Academic Partnerships, November 2012—NEW!
http://tinyurl.com/aca94ck

NISOD

National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development
SMCC Institutional User: member
SMCC Institutional Password: nisod13

A Salute to the SMCC Maintenance Crew

It happens all the time, but lately we’ve encountered more visitors than usual commenting on the beauty of our campus. And because it’s something we tend to take for granted, this week we wanted to single out the work of SMCC’s groundskeepers and custodians, who work day in and day out to keep South Mountain looking great. As of late, a number of staffers have even been doing double-duty because of some vacant positions. So thanks to Bear Holmes, Dave Bannenberg and the whole Facilities and Maintenance Department for a job well done!

Diversity Day Yields A Diverse Array

South Mountain is far and away the most culturally diverse campus out of all the Maricopa Community Colleges. That’s why twice a year, we take a few days to celebrate the uniquely enriching multicultural blend of humanity represented here. This year’s Diversity Awareness Days happened last week, and had the LRC Patio rocking. (There was also some killer neckwear happening.) 

Thanks to Asha Dey for coordinating, and watch for our Spring Diversity Awareness Days coming in late April.

SMCC Honors Showcase This Wednesday

It’s all too easy for us to get stuck in our offices, buried in work, and forget the reason we’re all here—teaching and learning. But every semester we have some great opportunities to show off our students’ efforts in the classroom, and the Honors Showcase is always one of the most inspiring. The Fall showcase is set for thisWednesday, December 5, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Library Community Room.

Honors Coordinator Nancy Deegan invites everyone to come and see the amazing work produced this semester by our honors students. Come check out the poster displays and PowerPoints, and prepare to be impressed!  

It’s Mashed Potato Time! SMCC Holiday Luncheon, Dec. 12

It’s the last triple-play date of the 21st century—this December 12 is 12-12-12, so what better day for the annual SMCC all-college holiday luncheon? Our employee groups will be contributing DOZENS of sides, salads and sweets, while the President’s Team provides the entrees. It all kicks off next Wednesday at half-past-twelve….(12:30)….and lasts until 2:30, or whenever the last roll gets buttered. And there WILL be enough mashed potatoes. All college employees are invited. So join us in the Student Union….you won’t "one-two" miss it!

SMCC Shoots for the Stars at Hermanas Latinas This Spring

Mark your calendars now forFebruary 28, when SMCC hosts theHermanas Latinas conference on campus, an all-day event designed to encourage female high school students to consider STEM-related careers and courses of study. As many as 100 area high schoolers will be on campus that day, for a host of activities, including a chance to meet an actual NASA astronaut! Watch your emails as for more details as we get closer

Warm Feelings Blanket Blanket Donors–Please Give!

It’s been a pretty warm winter so far, but don’t be fooled—the desert nights can get chilly, even in central Arizona, and blankets and socks are essential items for those on the street. That’s why South is working Central Arizona Shelter Services on their winter Blanket/Undergarment/Sock Drive. We’re looking for any new or gently used items you might be able to contribute—stop by the drop-off table outside the Learning Resource Center any day this week, or contact Buddy Cheeks (x38069) orKathie Hawkins (x38046) for more info. 

Catch Greg B’s Annual Catfish Fry, December 21

The Salt River isn’t really known as a good source of catfish—actually, the Salt River isn’t really even known as a good source of WATER. But that doesn’t stopGreg Brownell, longtime SMCC supporter and member of our President’s Community Advisory Council, from putting on one of the community’s tastiest events every year. "Greg’s 12th Annual Catfish Fry" takes place Friday night, December 21, starting at 6 p.m. up at the American Legion Hall, on Broadway just east of 16th Street. 

Tickets are $40 per person, and here’s Greg’s description: "A catfish fry is not just a meal, it is an event. There is music, dancing and lots of friendly folks having a good time. The meal is catfish (grain fed pond raised USA catfish), we have bacon wrapped asparagus, shrimp, corn bread, greens, mac and cheese, potato salad and lots of desserts." Sound good? Get your tickets here:  http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4907782309/efbevent# 

Alumni Association Seeks Members, Meets Dec. 12

One class at South Mountain is all it takes….to qualify for membership in the SMCC Alumni Association. We’re always looking for ways to spread the word about this up-and-coming group, and encourage everyone who’s ever matriculated here to join.

Lots of exciting things on the horizon, and if you’re an alumnus—(or, ladies, alumna)—come get involved! Our next meeting is next Wednesday, Dec. 12, starting at 5 p.m. in Room SES-105.

Music in the Air! Student Recitals This Week

It’s Student Recital Week! This is your chance to hear some of SMCC’s most talented student performers, and, more importantly, provide them with the experience of singing and playing in front of a live audience. All recitals take place in the PAC Hall, on the following schedule: Tuesday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 5, 6 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 6, 12 noon, Friday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m.; and Monday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m. For a complete rundown of who’s playing when, call our Performing Arts hotline, at x38353. 

There’s An App For That–And An SMCC Alum Made It!

SMCC STEP Students Step Into the BlogosphereSouth Mountain alums are showing up everywhere these days….even in iTunes. CIS Faculty Stephen Hustedde shared this note from one of his former students, Eddie Islas, whose consumer spending app is now for sale online:

Mr H, 

My name is Eduardo Islas (Eddie). I was in your CIS162AD C# class last spring. I just wanted to let you know I developed an iOS app for the iPhone, and it went live in the app store today.  I wanted to say thank you for what you taught me in your class….I couldn’t have done this without the knowledge I learned in your class. Take a look when you’ve got a chance. I built the app, the UI design, and the website by myself. I actually used responsive web design to build the site—once again, thank you!!

Here is the link to the app

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/saverly/id578517892?mt=8&uo=4

and the website: getsaverly.com

Candice’s inspirational story and aspirations for her future typify the South Mountain success stories we see everyday–she is no doubt headed for great things. You can read all about it here:

http://smccvoice.southmountaincc.edu/index.php/single-mothers-fulfill-college-dreams/

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/255585

This year, two such efforts are already underway—the Kids Coats for a Causecampaign, in which new and used coats and other clothing items are sought for area youngsters; and the Adopt an Angelprogram, organized by our Club Teach students, which seeks donations for children at the Orfanato Nino Jesus orphanage.

Mike Pops is our campus intact for Coats (x38154) and Marilyn Ayala can provide the Angels info (x55771).

And if you’re a Middle-Earth buff, you won’t want to miss their “Lord of the Rings” film festival, featuring “The Fellowship of the Ring” (Dec. 1, 9:30 a.m.), “The Two Towers” (Dec. 1, 1:30 p.m.) and “The Return of the King” (Dec. 8, 12:30 p.m.), all in anticipation of this winter’s big release of “The Hobbit.” Be there, Bilbo!

http://stepsmcc.blogspot.com/

SMCC, like many other colleges across the nation, has worked diligently to increase its efforts in support of student retention and persistence in recent years, and chief among these has been the introduction and expansion of our iStartSmart new student experience. And we’re pleased to report that the numbers are showing improvement. To date, more than 2,000 students have participated in the program, and we are now serving 85% of students who meet the criteria for inclusion—this year we more than doubled the size of our fall cohort.
But is it working? The numbers say “yes.” In the past three years, the percent of iStartSmart students successfully completing all of their courses with a C or better has increased by 11% to about 45% of the students in the cohort. And 86% of the students from the most recent Fall iSS cohort enrolled in the second semester, as compared to the average of 50% for all SMCC students. Fall-to-Fall persistence rates for cohort students are also well above average, with 51% of students persisting to the third semester as compared to 29% of the general student population. Bottom line—we are making significant progress! Thanks to ALL faculty and staff who have worked together toward our ultimate goal of student success and completion.

http://tinyurl.com/9wpznfj 

• http://strengths.southmountaincc.edu/
• http://strengths.southmountaincc.edu/index.php/strengths/strengths-blog/

Special thanks are due to MAT TreasurerInez Moreno-Weinert for her leadership of the 8th annual “Coffees of the World” fund-raiser this past November 1, at which your generous donations totalled $320. Proceeds go to MAT’s student scholarship fund. Inez has done a great job leading this event in recent years, but is ready to share the load–we’re looking for a heavily caffeinated MAT member willing to help lead of this event for 2013. If you are willing and able, please contact SMCC MAT President Travis May at x38324.

Speaking of fund-raising, we mentioned last week that the annual South Mountain Shootout golf tournament raised big bucks for SMCC’s scholarshipfunds. One of these was the “Officer Shane Figueroa Memorial Scholarship Fund,” which is available to graduating South Mountain High School seniors pursuing a career in criminal justice and starting their college career here at South.

A $1,500 check was presented by SM Chamber Director Steve Glueck to this fund Nov. 2. Those present for the presentation were (from left) SMCC Fiscal Tech J.C. Pedraza, Phoenix PD Lt. Darren Viner, SMCC President Dr. Shari Olson, SMCC Fiscal Manager Tom Nicol, Steve Glueck, and Phoenix PD Commander Allen Smith.

With the wealth of information available to students with the click of a mouse, “borrowing” the words and ideas of others has never been easier. That’s why the Library has offered multiple workshops on plagiarism this fall, and one more is coming up Monday, Nov. 19 from 3 to 4 p.m. in L-235. As an added incentive, one lucky attendee will win a $15 Cougar Cafe gift card….so as we enter the run-up to final exams, please encourage (maybe as extra credit?) your students to attend. Questions? Contact Stephanie Allen at x55887.

If you’ve never experienced one of our college dance concerts, you’re missing out on something very special. Adjunct Faculty Liliana de Leon-Torsiellohas created SMCC’s own student dance company, Elevate, and their annual fall dance concert, “Dream Dancing”, will take place this week in the PAC Hall. You’ve got two chances to catch it—Thursday (Nov. 15) and Friday (Nov. 16) at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10, but a Maricopa ID gets you in free. Come and support our dance students—you’ll be dancing all the way home.

If you’ve ever ordered a burger from the SMCC Cougar Cafe for lunch on a busy day, you’ve no doubt experienced the logjam around the grill—it can get confusing, and you can even lose your lunch—(no, not like that)—in the process. Well, worry no more—with two new electronic kiosks now in place, you can place your order with the touch of a screen, pay with a card, and then pick up your food when your order number is called. Now’s the time to check out our great menu and expanded seating area—lunch on campus is better (and easier) than ever!

When it comes to storytelling, the ancient Greeks and Romans were masters of the art. That’s what led the SMCC Storytelling Institute to create the “Greek and Roman Myth Throwdown” on Nov. 2, an open competition for students to tell three-minute versions of 26 Greek and Roman myths (literally from A to Z). The winners then were invited to come back at last Monday night’s “Myth Informed” and tell expanded versions of their tales. Among the winners—SMCC’s own tech team member and current storytelling student Travis May, who wowed the crowd with his unique interpretation of “The Furies.”  Donning the official “cheesy faux laurel leaf crowns” below are your eight winners: Zach Judd, Laura Rutherford, Kyle Mitchell, Cassie Cushing, Jarvis Hurts, Travis, and James Ashcroft. Banu Silbahar (not pictured) was the eighth winner.