MCT Deal is "O-K"

Got the following from Tim Jebsen, MC Drama Instructor and Executive Director, of Midland Community Theatre ...

"Midland Community Theatre will open our 2011 membership season with the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical OKLAHOMA. This family friendly musical is a classic of the American theatre - considered to be the first of the modern American musicals where the music and dancing advanced the storyline. Our amazing cast of 32 - including several current and former Midland College students - and our crew - including several Midland College faculty and staff - have been working for the past five weeks to get ready for our opening."

"All Midland College students can attend OKLAHOMA - and other MCT productions - at NO COST with a valid, current student ID. You do not need to be enrolled in a drama class to take advantage of this fantastic offer."

"Please support MCT and consider attending OKLAHOMA:
February 4 - March 5, 2011
Davis Theatre I
Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m.
Sunday, February 13th at 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 17th at 7:30 p.m."

Box Office: (432) 570-4111
boxoffice@mctmidland.org

Show 'em the Bird!

The MC Cheerleaders will be selling these t-shirts at all home basketball games, and I will have them in my office (SSC 101)," writes Ty Soliz, MC's Intramural Sports and Health & Wellness Coordinator, and the advisor for the cheerleading squad at Your College. "They are $15.00 each and range in size from youth large to 2XL. The money will be used to help with travel costs to the Regional and National Basketball Tournaments. Help support the Midland College Cheerleaders!!!"

For more information, you may contact Soliz at 685-6467 or asoliz@midland.edu

Early Morning Sky Over MC

One of the benefits of coming to work early today, was getting a chance to get some shots of the skies as I walked across the MC campus to my office.

Mark Your Calendar

Last week, I offered up this post about GED at MC, noting that, almost sixty years after it was created as a service to America's military veterans, the General Educational Development (or GED) tests are still out there, and still providing an opportunity for people to advance their education, their career, and their life. Your College is pleased to have a role in that process.

This week, I need to update the dates for an upcoming GED testing period, which is now set to take place February 4th and 5th, rather than the 11th and 12th.

CLICK HERE to learn more about GED testing at MC, February 4-5, 2011.

And, while we're on the subject of GED at MC in February, CLICK HERE to learn more about GED testing at MC, February 18-19, 2011.

Won't You Join Us?

The latest Studio 3600 exhibit is titled "Past and Present," and features the current and collected works of MC Art Professor, Warren Taylor.

The public is invited to the opening of this show, which includes a reception ... “Art & Sandwiches at High Noon,” from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Thursday, January 27 at McCormick Gallery of the Allison Fine Arts Building. Admission is FREE.

For more information, go to www.midland.edu/mccormick 

Storm Clouds Are Here

by Dr. Steve Thomas, President
Midland College

I wrote several weeks ago of the impending crisis with the state budget, and I am sure that you have read or heard that the base bill recommended by the House Appropriations Committee is even worse than we thought. No one expected the recommendation to eliminate funding for Odessa College, Frank Phillips, Ranger and Brazosport. We did expect a reduction in formula funding, which currently stands at a -7.7%, but combined with a 82.3% reduction in Group health Insurance and other changes, community college funding is down 18.9%. These numbers do not take into account enrollment growth which compounds the problem.

Beginning in February, we will develop our operating budget for 2011-2012 starting with worst case scenario to best case scenario realizing that we will not know exactly where we stand with state appropriation until summer. I have stated on several occasions that we will analyze ways in which we can reduce our budget that will be least disruptive to our students and everything is on the table for discussion. I am aware that these are anxious times and many are worried about the impact job loss and other circumstances might have on the community. I encourage you not to worry because it is very early in the process and I am confident that there will be a grass roots effort to work out a compromise with the Legislature that will be more manageable.

We will continue to work hard to provide a quality education for our students, we will continue to grow, and we will weather this storm together. Thank you for your encouragement and support and for all that you do to serve our students. I am very proud to be a part of Midland College.

Steve

GED at MC

Almost sixty years after it was created as a service to America's military veterans, the General Educational Development (or GED) tests are still out there, and still providing an opportunity for people to advance their education, their career, and their life. Your College is pleased to have a role in that process.

In November 1942, the United States Armed Forces Institute asked the American Council on Education (ACE) to develop a battery of tests to measure high school-level academic skills. The ACE reports, "these Tests of General Educational Development gave military personnel and veterans who had entered World War II service before completing high school a way to demonstrate their knowledge. Passing these tests gave returning soldiers and sailors the academic credentials they needed to get civilian jobs and gain access to post-secondary education or training."

In addition to military service, other common reasons for GED recipients not having received a high school diploma include adult immigration to the United States, homeschooling, leaving high school early, the need to work, and wanting to get into college early. It's estimated that more than 15 million people have received a GED credential since the program began.

CLICK HERE to learn more about GED testing at MC, January 21-22, 2011.
CLICK HERE to learn more about GED testing at MC, February 11-12, 2011.

"New Year Resolutions" for College Students ...#11, Create Your Own List of 'Things to Accomplish in 2011' -- and Go After Them Like a Heat-Seeking Missile

Emily Bennington
The Huffington Post

"A few weeks ago, I hosted a presentation at my alma mater," author Emily Bennington wites in this article at The Huffington Post weblog. "It was the first time I had set foot on campus in nearly a decade and, frankly, I found the whole experience a bit surreal. Now, with the perspective of ten years away from college life, the trip inspired me to think about all the things I really wish I could have told myself back then. Here it goes ..."

"11. Create Your Own List of 'Things to Accomplish in 2011' -- and Go After Them Like a Heat-Seeking Missile - From 14-year-old fashion bloggers to billionaire CEOs, this is an age of unprecedented opportunity for young talent. Even still, success won't just come to you. You have to attack it with two parts work ethic and one part lunacy. Of course, you'll learn a few hard lessons along the way, but just think of the stories you'll have for the kids in 2021."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Bennington's "Eleven Resolutions for Every College Student This Year"

"New Year Resolutions" for College Students ...#10, Be Present

Emily Bennington
The Huffington Post

"A few weeks ago, I hosted a presentation at my alma mater," author Emily Bennington wites in this article at The Huffington Post weblog. "It was the first time I had set foot on campus in nearly a decade and, frankly, I found the whole experience a bit surreal. Now, with the perspective of ten years away from college life, the trip inspired me to think about all the things I really wish I could have told myself back then. Here it goes ..."

"10. Be Present - While it's foolish to worry about what's now to the point you forget to focus on what's next, I do think it's wise to hop off the carousel once in a while and just live in the moment. Believe me, the ride will be over before you know it."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Bennington's "Eleven Resolutions for Every College Student This Year"

... and Speaking of "Freedom Riders" ...

... students at Your College - and colleges across the country - are invited to “Get on the Bus” and be one of forty college students selected to join original Freedom Riders May 6-16, 2011, in retracing the 1961 Rides. CLICK HERE for entry information.

WARNING ... entry deadline is Monday, January 17!

"Freedom Riders" Making Stop at Your College

Basin PBS and Midland College present "FREEDOM RIDERS," a Stanley Nelson Film, in a Special Midland Preview Event, February 2, from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. in the Wagner & Brown Auditorium, Allison Fine Arts Building.

FREEDOM RIDERS tells the story of a courageous band of some 400 civil rights activists — black and white, young and old, male and female, Northern and Southern — who in 1961, risked their lives by deliberately violating Jim Crow laws and traveling together on buses as they journeyed thr...ough the Deep South. Greeted by mob violence and bitter racism along the way, many endured savage beatings and even imprisonment. They called themselves the Freedom Riders, and they managed to bring the president and the entire American public face to face with the challenge of correcting civil rights inequities that plagued the nation.

Learn more about the film at pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/freedomriders/

FREEDOM RIDERS will air on Basin PBS in May. This special full-length FREE preview event is being sponsored by Midland College and the African American Roots Historical Cultural/Arts Council, Inc.

Watch the full episode. See more American Experience.

"New Year Resolutions" for College Students ...#9, Find Valuable Work Experience While in School

Emily Bennington
The Huffington Post

"A few weeks ago, I hosted a presentation at my alma mater," author Emily Bennington wites in this article at The Huffington Post weblog. "It was the first time I had set foot on campus in nearly a decade and, frankly, I found the whole experience a bit surreal. Now, with the perspective of ten years away from college life, the trip inspired me to think about all the things I really wish I could have told myself back then. Here it goes ..."

"9. Find Valuable Work Experience While in School - My biggest regret about college by far is that I didn't complete an internship. Not a single one. So, when I graduated I didn't have any contacts to leverage, any work experience to speak of, and -- oh yeah -- no job prospects to consider. Really. Stupid. Move."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Bennington's "Eleven Resolutions for Every College Student This Year"

Crowning Achievement

Just got the following from Stephanie VanCuren, Student Activities Coordinator at Your College, about a chance for students to toss their hat ... errrr ... crown into the ring.

"All registered clubs and organizations may submit their nominations for Homecoming King and Queen to the Student Life Office," Stephanie writes. "All nominations must be received by Friday, February 4."

"Students can vote for their king and queen from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 17 in the Amistad Atrium or the Jack E. Brown Dining Hall."

"Join us in cheering on our Midland College basketball team as they play New Mexico Military Institute on Thursday, February 17. The men's basketball game will start at 7:45 p.m. Crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen will be during half time of the game."

Please contact Stephanie at svancuren@midland.edu or 432-685-4543 for more information. On a related note, there will be other Homecoming-related activities ... we'll keep you posted on those, as well.

"New Year Resolutions" for College Students ...#8, Start Building Your Network NOW

Emily Bennington
The Huffington Post

"A few weeks ago, I hosted a presentation at my alma mater," author Emily Bennington wites in this article at The Huffington Post weblog. "It was the first time I had set foot on campus in nearly a decade and, frankly, I found the whole experience a bit surreal. Now, with the perspective of ten years away from college life, the trip inspired me to think about all the things I really wish I could have told myself back then. Here it goes ..."

"8. Start Building Your Network NOW - Whether you already have a great mentor -- or you're looking for ideas on how to find one -- take a tip from workplace expert Tory Johnson and reach out to five new people each week. It doesn't matter if you connect in person or via social networks, the only rule is they have to be in a position to help you achieve your goals. I just started doing this a few weeks ago, but if I'd begun in college I'd be up to almost 3,000 new contacts by now. Damn."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Bennington's "Eleven Resolutions for Every College Student This Year"

Court Report, 2 - The Lady Chaps

"Lady Chap basketball moves to #3, eyes repeat visit to Salina," is the headline for this report from MC Athletic Director Forrest Allen, who goes on to write, "with an eye on the 2010-2011 basketball season Coach Ron Jones altered his recruiting philosophy slightly, focusing on more agile, yet physical post players and on longer, athletic guards and forwards. This change has paid off and catapulted the Lady Chaps to a 14-2 overall record and a #3 ranking in the most recent NJCAA polls."
CLICK HERE to read the rest of Allen's report.

"New Year Resolutions" for College Students ...#7, Find a Mentor

Emily Bennington
The Huffington Post

"A few weeks ago, I hosted a presentation at my alma mater," author Emily Bennington wites in this article at The Huffington Post weblog. "It was the first time I had set foot on campus in nearly a decade and, frankly, I found the whole experience a bit surreal. Now, with the perspective of ten years away from college life, the trip inspired me to think about all the things I really wish I could have told myself back then. Here it goes ..."

"7. Find a Mentor - Great mentors should be on the 'Endangered Species' list. These days, you really have to seek them out and the earlier you can find them, the better. The trick is that mentoring is like dating - you either vibe with a person or you don't. But, like dating, if you keep looking you will eventually find someone who fits."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Bennington's "Eleven Resolutions for Every College Student This Year"

I Need a Bigger Calendar

It is REALLY busy around the campus of Your College today. Today, we welcome back out faculty and kick-off a full week of in-service as we prepare for the start of the Spring Semester ... first day of class is Tuesday, January 18. And that's just one of many things filling today's calendar ...

• Today, at the MC Campus Bookstore, there is a "Meet the Author & Book Signing" featuring ... Leslie Williams, Author of "The Judas Conspiracy," "A Deadly Thing, They Say" and more; David V. Putnam, Author of "One Bone Rattle"; and the Midland College English Faculty, Contributors to "Elixirs, Heroes and Potent Suns" ... MORE

• Today (and tomorrow) at at MC's Bill Pace Cogdell Learning Center, there is a Enrollment for ICRP (Intensive College Readiness Program). Classes will take place Monday through Thursday evenings at Cogdell ... MORE

• Tonight at the Al G. Langford Chaparral Center, the MC Lady Chaparral Women's Basketball, and Chaparral Men's Basketball teams return to their home court when they host Frank Phillips College.
... MORE

Plus, a couple of ongoing activities, continuing through the week ...
• Registration for the Spring Semester
• Nominations for 2011 Homecoming Royalty

... if this keeps up, I will DEFINITELY need to get a bigger calendar!

"New Year Resolutions" for College Students ...#6, Give Back

Emily Bennington
The Huffington Post

"A few weeks ago, I hosted a presentation at my alma mater," author Emily Bennington wites in this article at The Huffington Post weblog. "It was the first time I had set foot on campus in nearly a decade and, frankly, I found the whole experience a bit surreal. Now, with the perspective of ten years away from college life, the trip inspired me to think about all the things I really wish I could have told myself back then. Here it goes ..."

"6. Give Back - You could line up all the bars in town, and you still wouldn't get a better buzz than helping others in need. It's an amazing feeling and one I wish I would have discovered earlier in life."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Bennington's "Eleven Resolutions for Every College Student This Year"

On a related note ...
CLICK HERE to learn about MC's Students In Philanthropy program
CLICK HERE to learn about student clubs and groups at MC
CLICK HERE to learn about MC's Legacy Scholarship program

"New Year Resolutions" for College Students ...#5, Do Not Lose Yourself for Anyone

Emily Bennington
The Huffington Post

"A few weeks ago, I hosted a presentation at my alma mater," author Emily Bennington wites in this article at The Huffington Post weblog. "It was the first time I had set foot on campus in nearly a decade and, frankly, I found the whole experience a bit surreal. Now, with the perspective of ten years away from college life, the trip inspired me to think about all the things I really wish I could have told myself back then. Here it goes ..."

"5. Do Not Lose Yourself for Anyone - In my journals from college, I should have written more about the courses I was taking and less about the boy I was chasing. I definitely lost a ton of time -- not to mention looked ridiculous -- trying to alter things that were simply outside my control. If your mental magnet wants to be with you, is single (!), and is willing to make a commitment, great. If not, respect yourself enough to m-o-v-e o-n. Life - and college in particular - is too short."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Bennington's "Eleven Resolutions for Every College Student This Year"

"New Year Resolutions" for College Students ...#4, Do Not Go Into Debt

Emily Bennington
The Huffington Post

"A few weeks ago, I hosted a presentation at my alma mater," author Emily Bennington wites in this article at The Huffington Post weblog. "It was the first time I had set foot on campus in nearly a decade and, frankly, I found the whole experience a bit surreal. Now, with the perspective of ten years away from college life, the trip inspired me to think about all the things I really wish I could have told myself back then. Here it goes ..."

"4. Do Not Go Into Debt - Trust me when I tell you that living beyond your means will limit the opportunities available when you graduate. Don't blow your shot at post-college freedom -- e.g. freedom to move to a cool new town, freedom to take a lower-paying job in the short-term for better opportunity long-term, etc. -- because you ran up a crippling debt in school. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices, but if you can't pay cash for it, don't buy it. Period."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Bennington's "Eleven Resolutions for Every College Student This Year"

On a related note ...
CLICK HERE to learn about Financial Aid services (scolarships, work-study, grants, etc.) at MC

It Works in Texas, Too

Alex Friedrich looks
at news, moods and
trends in higher ed

In a recent post to his ON CAMPUS blog, Alex Friedrich writes, "when I asked high-school students, parents and school personnel what they thought of community colleges, a number of them didn’t think two-year schools provided the 'full college experience,' which usually includes dorm life, sports, a full array of arts, and so forth."

"Parent Diane Raff of Roseville has found out that’s not the case."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Friedrich's report

---

It's working in Minnesota ... and it's working here in Texas, too, at Your College. In addition to a full slate of educational opportunities, MC also offers students a chance a "full college experience." You can find out more about MC Student Life by going to www.midland.edu/life/ or by calling (432) 685-4781.

"Meet the Author & Booksigning" featuring ... Leslie Williams, Author of "The Judas Conspiracy," "A Deadly Thing, They Say" and more; David V. Putnam, Author of "One Bone Rattle"; and the Midland College English Faculty, Contributors to "Elixirs, Heroes and Potent Suns"

"New Year Resolutions" for College Students ...#3, Study Abroad

Emily Bennington
The Huffington Post

"A few weeks ago, I hosted a presentation at my alma mater," author Emily Bennington wites in this article at The Huffington Post weblog. "It was the first time I had set foot on campus in nearly a decade and, frankly, I found the whole experience a bit surreal. Now, with the perspective of ten years away from college life, the trip inspired me to think about all the things I really wish I could have told myself back then. Here it goes ..."

"3. Study Abroad - Speaking of being bold and adventurous, here's a way to knock out both at once. Even if you don't think you can afford it -- at the very least visit your campus study abroad office and research options. I had to take a semester off and save up the funds to study in England, but every double-shift I worked was totally, completely, 100% worth it."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Bennington's "Eleven Resolutions for Every College Student This Year"

On a related note ...
CLICK HERE to learn about "Study Abroad" opportunities at MC

Midland College Announces New Head Coach for Volleyball Program

Tammie Jimenez

From MC Director of Athletics Forrest Allen ... "The Midland College Athletic Department is pleased to announce the hiring of Tammie Jimenez as our next head volleyball coach. Coach Jimenez has been a four-year assistant coach on the Midland College volleyball staff and is well-positioned to continue the advances of the program. She becomes the third head coach in the nine-year history of MC volleyball succeeding Erica Elder and Kimberly Boone-Weaver."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Allen's report, and learn more about Coach Jimenez

"New Year Resolutions" for College Students ...#2, Do Not Obsess Over Weight

Emily Bennington
The Huffington Post

"A few weeks ago, I hosted a presentation at my alma mater," author Emily Bennington wites in this article at The Huffington Post weblog. "It was the first time I had set foot on campus in nearly a decade and, frankly, I found the whole experience a bit surreal. Now, with the perspective of ten years away from college life, the trip inspired me to think about all the things I really wish I could have told myself back then. Here it goes ..."

"2. Do Not Obsess Over Weight - As someone who battled an eating disorder at university, I get the pressure -- and I'd love to tell you that it goes away as you get older, but it doesn't. So learn to deal in a healthy way now because becoming demonically-possessed by weight does nothing to put it on or take it off. It only makes you feel worse. So if you need help, reach out. If not, stop beating yourself up and go live your life."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Bennington's "Eleven Resolutions for Every College Student This Year"

On a related note ...
CLICK HERE to learn about MC Health & Wellness Program
CLICK HERE to learn about MC Student Activities
CLICK HERE to learn about dining services on the MC Campus

Court Report

"2011 WJCAC men's basketball race to be hotly contested," is the headline for this report from MC Athletic Director Forrest Allen, who goes on to write, "this year's men's WJCAC race should be one for the ages with several teams all having a legitimate shot at the 2011 title. In the most recent NJCAA Men's Division I Basketball Poll (January 4, 2011) four teams from the WJCAC are ranked among the nation's top 20 programs."
CLICK HERE to read the rest of Allen's report.

"New Year Resolutions" for College Students ...#1, Have an Adventure

Emily Bennington
The Huffington Post

"A few weeks ago, I hosted a presentation at my alma mater," author Emily Bennington wites in this article at The Huffington Post weblog. "It was the first time I had set foot on campus in nearly a decade and, frankly, I found the whole experience a bit surreal. Now, with the perspective of ten years away from college life, the trip inspired me to think about all the things I really wish I could have told myself back then. Here it goes ..."

"1. Have an Adventure - As I've said before, college offers a unique window to go big. You're young. You're relatively free. You're still forming impressions about the world and your place in it. Use this opportunity to do something extraordinary you'll remember forever. Take a road trip. Serve as a missionary. Work at a summer camp. Be smart and be safe, but be bold. This is your time."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Bennington's "Eleven Resolutions for Every College Student This Year"

Be Inspired, Be Heard, Be Midland College

Well, I DID Say It Would Be Busy

In yesterday's post, I suggested it would be especially busy over at the Scharbauer Student Center, where online and walk-in registration for the Spring Semester is now in progress. So, how busy was that first day? Here's a first-hand report from Michael Chavez, Dean of Enrollment Management at MC ...

"On the first day back from the Christmas break, Student Services was 'pedal to the metal,'" he writes. "Students must had been eager to return to Midland College, because yesterday it seemed like they were all here. Today, we anticipate the same type of crowd."

"In excitement to determine the number of student registered yesterday alone, I discovered more information. Student Services saw 461 students, provided 600 student services (i.e, advising, scholarship, VA, transcripts, application) and registered 209 students. The average wait time for students was less than 20 minutes. This totals to 6 days 19 hours and 27 minutes of student services in one day. This is outstanding work, and I wanted to share the information."

There's still time for you to become a part of Your College. CLICK HERE for more information about registration, and a schedule of Spring Semester classes. In the meantime if you have questions, you can submit them online, or by e-mail, at the links below.

Admissions

Advising

Financial Aid

Registrar

A Happy New Year ... and Busy, Too

http://www.midland.edu/schedules/

With Winter Break now behind us, and 2011 well underway, it's time to get back to work as we prepare for a new year that promises to be a busy one at Your College.

It's especially busy over at the Scharbauer Student Center, where online and walk-in registration for the Spring Semester is now in progress. More information to help you with registration is available HERE. The first day of class is Tuesday, January 18 ... but the time to get ready is NOW.

Looking at our calendar, registration is the main item right now ... but there are plenty more kicking-off in the days and weeks ahead. More on those, later.