Getting back into the swing of school days
Lisa Kane
Everyone has trouble getting back into the groove at the start of the school year, and the student government at MCC strives to make the transition easier.Nate Valverde, 19, is a sophomore taking classes at both ASU and MCC, struggling to balance his school and work schedule.
“If school were more relative to my life, maybe it wouldn’t be seem like such a pain to revolve my schedule around,” Valverde said.
“I guess it would help if I had a reason to be more involved.”
The student government, ASMCC, works to advance the needs and interest of the students by promoting and maintaining a democratic form of student government and strive to unite students, faculty, staff and administration to accomplish this goal.
Briana Haas, a Program Specialist in the Office of Student Life and Leadership, promotes student involvement in all clubs and activities, and encourages new ideas.
“I like to see students get involved in campus life, it promotes a healthier outlook toward school,” Haas said.
“From the very first day of the school year we organize activities for all students to network and diversify their learning experience.”
Jami-Lyn Hinson, Vice President of Communications for ASMCC, works to advertise clubs, activities, and events available to unite all students on campus.
“At a community college, most students are ‘car-campus’ people. They arrive at school, go to class, and afterward get right back in their car and drive home,” said Hinson.
“Our main goal as student government is inclusivity; we’d like to see the demographic change,” Hinson added.
“There are approximately 28,000 students at MCC, and out of those 28,000, 42 people voted in the ASMCC board elections this year.”
Spencer Morgan, ASMCC Executive Vice President, recognizes the trouble with organized events on a community college campus.
“In the community college environment, it’s difficult to advertise because students spend so little time actually on campus,” Morgan said.
“Our idea is to promote activities that students can attend while already on campus. Then maybe they’ll come back for more.”
The first event of the fall 2008 semester is the New Student Orientation (FYI Meeting) on Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on the center lawn near the clock tower.
“Hopefully the FYI meeting will draw more students into campus life,” Morgan said.
“The meeting is to let students know about the events we have coming up for them, to encourage participation, and invite them to give us ideas on what they’d like to do.”
Coming up after the orientation is the Fall Bash on October 22, a pre-football game tailgating party that all students are welcome to.
Following the Fall Bash is MCC’s Homecoming, which is on November 8.
Later on in the year, there will also be events such as the Spring Fling and End of Year Celebration.
“The events here at MCC mirror those at larger universities, and we do that purposely,” Haas said.
“It may be a community college but it’s still worth having fun and getting involved, because nothing promotes a healthier outlook toward school then seeing it as a fun environment to be in.
