Welcome to Fall Semester Thunderbirds!

The kickoff of a new college year always brings a sense of hope and renewal - things we all truly need right now! Classes begin August 22, 2020. While campus life at Mesa Community College is certainly different now than in any previous time in history, our focus is and always has been on helping you accomplish the academic goals that can change your life.

Responding to the need for ways to learn in these times, four innovative class formats have been created to meet your schedules and needs as well as address health and safety issues caused by COVID-19. This image and video explain which format might work best for you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApycEVu0sqg

Small steps toward returning to the college are glimmers of the “normal” life we all long for. MCC campuses remain closed to all but essential employees. Access to MCC’s campuses are currently limited to those who are unable to be served virtually.

When Fall 2020 classes begin on August 22, these are some of the ways the college is keeping those coming to campus and our community safe:

• Specific procedures, acknowledgements and training are needed before students and employees can return to our campuses. If you plan to take classes with an in-person component, your faculty will ask that you complete our student acknowledgements.
• A mask or face covering must be worn by everyone on campus. If you are unable to wear a mask, please request an accommodation exception before you come to campus. Details here. If you see someone without a mask, be kind; you never know their struggles.
• Safety precautions, such as Plexiglas, hand sanitizers and masks, are being employed in staff contact areas in the rare cases where you might need to come to campus to complete admission and enrollment.
• Safe distancing of 6 feet or more is required. The on-campus portions of hybrid courses are being divided into several sections in order to optimize social distancing.

Learn more about MCC’s safety practices from this video

Staff and faculty are ready to offer you all of our great MCC student services to get you registered for classes and on the way to success. You might need some of these:

• The MCC website home page gives you direct access to enrollment services via phone, chat, video, email and text. In the rare case when you need in-person assistance, an appointment is required. In addition to regular weekday hours, virtual services are available Saturdays August 15 and 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Books should be ordered now. The MCC bookstore is closed for in-store shopping. However, staff is available to answer questions during regular business hours and you can order online! Free ground shipping and returns are available for online orders.
• Academic Advising is offering a limited number of same-day phone and video appointments, so sign up early. You’ll need your MEID and password. You can also go to mesacc.edu/advising and click the "Chat with an Advisor" button.
• New Student Orientation provides virtual support with first semester advising and registration.
• Placement Testing in person and on campus is offered only for specialized tests or circumstances. Otherwise you can submit verification of placement measures online.
• Veteran Services helps with classes, technology support, book lending, housing, health/wellness and finances. Go to mesacc.edu/veteran-services or email veterans@mesacc.edu.
• Financial Aid and Enrollment Services Specialists are available by accessing this link, calling 480-461-7000 or going to the Financial Aid website for additional options.
• Payments and signing up for a payment plan are accomplished via my.Maricopa.edu or by calling 480-461-7000, option 3.
• Disability Resources and Services helps with accommodations based on individual needs. Visit their website or call 480-461-7447.

As this new normal evolves, we are continually considering more ways to foster your success. Additional services we plan to offer include Wi-Fi access locations, sites you can work/study in between classes and computer areas for those with technology needs.

Student Life & Leadership is developing food distribution options through the Mesa Market and monthly food box distribution in partnership with the United Food Bank.

As this academic year begins, we’ll keep you up-to-date on procedures and opportunities. Let us know how we can help! We are dedicated to your success.

Together Thunderbirds Thrive!
Lori M. Berquam, Ph.D.
Interim President, Mesa Community College