MESA, Ariz. – Jan. 26, 2023 – Helping students achieve success in their lives and academic careers is the focus of the 2023 Arizona Chapter of the National Organization for Student Success (NOSS) Conference being hosted Feb. 3 at the Mesa Community College (MCC) Southern and Dobson Campus.
“Faculty and staff from community colleges across the state attend the conference, but we specifically cater to those who work in developmental education or student success roles,” says Ashley Armour, Ed.D., program analyst for the MCC Foundations for Student Success program and NOSS president-elect.
Conference keynote speaker is Dede deLaughter, M.Ed., director of learning support at the University of North Georgia. deLaughter assists students, faculty and staff with learning support policies, programs and procedures that result in successful retention, progression and graduation.
“We hope our conference will allow colleagues and professionals to share expertise and insight into the very important and complex undertaking of engaging students as well as building an inclusive community, now that we are reopening our colleges to in person courses,” Armour explains. “Moreover, we will learn more about accessing our own joy and, in so doing, help our students activate and tap into their joy, resulting in a heightened sense of meaning, purpose and engagement regarding their lives and their education as a pivotal component to success.”
Presentations will address the role happiness plays in student success, she continues, adding, “The science of positive psychology concludes that happiness leads to success, not the other way around.”
Three breakout sessions will feature topics such as building community, joyful learning, helping students find joy in taking a dreaded class, engaging students with embedded tutoring and motivating with mindfulness, among others.
The Arizona chapter of NOSS was established in 2014 and is dedicated to helping learners at all levels of college preparedness realize their full academic potential, providing numerous services to learners, members and educational institutions and helping foster social justice, access and retention of college students throughout Arizona.
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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu
National Organization for Student Success (NOSS) exists to assist education professionals in making a positive difference in the lives of students. Learn more at thenoss.org.
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. On average MCC students provide 23,000 hours of community service annually. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 25,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations through a combination of modalities. MCC is transforming how it champions student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution with nearly 50% of its students being the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges; its American Indian Institute serves students from the 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes as well as out-of-state tribes. The diverse student body includes hundreds of international students from around the world. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to attain their goals. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) -- hlcommission.org.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.