Student Affairs
The mission of the Division of Student Affairs is to contribute to the intellectual, personal, professional, cultural and social development of students. This is accomplished, in partnership with all divisions of the college, by providing co-curricular programs, experiences and essential support services that fulfill the mission of the institution. For more information, call 860-512-3203.
Academic Advising & Counseling
860-512-3320
The Advising and Counseling Center professional counseling staff offer comprehensive academic advising services for all new, returning and transfer students. Students have the opportunity to discuss their short and long-term goals, results of their assessment test (Accuplacer), planned programs of study and degree/certificate program requirements. Students who have declared their majors in a program specific plan of study are expected to link with their academic program coordinators and/or faculty advisor early on to provide appropriate academic mentorship. All new students who are pursuing a General Studies, Liberal Arts & Sciences degree, or who have not declared a major, need to meet with an assigned advisor in the Advising and Counseling Center. Students may schedule appointments by contacting the Advising and Counseling Center at (860) 512-3320, or by contacting the appropriate faculty advisor.
During Academic Advising Weeks, returning students are encouraged to meet with a faculty advisor from their selected program of study. Academic Advising Weeks are scheduled each semester prior to the start of course registration. A list of program coordinators is available in the Advising and Counseling Center, SSC L108 and online at www.mcc.commnet.edu/students/advising.
New students are required to register online for the combined New Student Orientation (NSO) for orientation and advising at https://www.manchestercc.edu/enrollment/new-student-orientation/. The NSO is an orientation and advising session where new students are provided with an overview of the college, its support services, college catalog, explanation of English and math assessment results, as well as an online demonstration on how to read the course schedule; how to create a balanced course schedule; how to navigate their myCommNet accounts; and how to pay and register for courses.
Personal Counseling
The Advising and Counseling Center professional counseling staff provides a conducive, private environment in which students may discuss personal and/or social concerns. Counselors are available for short-term counseling in dealing with issues such as stress, anxiety and academic difficulty. Counselors recognize that many students are attempting to balance work, school and family responsibilities as well as personal needs. Counselors also provide help with decision-making, problem-solving and personal adjustment concerns. Students who need more extensive counseling assistance will be referred to appropriate community agencies. All counselor/student contacts are private and confidential.
Academic Support Center
860-512-2610
The Academic Support Center (ASC), located in the Lowe Student Services Center, Room L282, offers many opportunities for academic support to students of all ability levels. Individual or small group tutoring, subject-related review sessions, ESL and foreign language conversation labs, and college survival skills workshops are some of the services offered to students to enhance their understanding of classroom material. ASC staff is available to collaborate with instructors on specific activities to complement or supplement classroom instruction. The Academic Support Center offers walk-in support for writing and mathematics in addition to individual tutoring appointments.
Computer-Assisted Lab: Basic training in Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and the Internet is available by individual appointment. Computers may be used on a walk-in basis.
eTutoring: Students may register for free online tutoring assistance in writing (all subject areas), mathematics, accounting, statistics, biology, chemistry, general science, and anatomy and physiology. Students can submit writing assignments for feedback, receive live one-on-one mathematics help (subject to tutoring schedules), and leave questions for tutors. eTutoring is coordinated by the Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium, and tutors are based in participating academic institutions, including MCC. Visit the website at www.etutoring.org.
Individual Tutorial Assistance: Students may make day and evening appointments for coursework tutoring in the ASC. Subjects for one-to-one tutoring include English, math, science, social science, business, accounting and others. Tutors include faculty, professional staff, and trained peers.
Writing Center: The Writing Center is equipped with computers and assorted reference materials. The work area is a place for everyone; students, faculty and staff are welcome to write and/or talk about their writing and to meet in writers’ groups. The Writing Center does not offer extensive one-to-one tutoring, but students may be referred to an individual English tutor appointment for more comprehensive one-to-one assistance. Writing Center staff members will offer feedback about writing, answer specific questions, and direct writers to appropriate resources, including other writers.
Information about all of the services offered by the Academic Support Center is available at: https://www.manchestercc.edu/current-students/resources/academic-support-center/
Accident Insurance
860-512-3568
Enrolled students are carried automatically by group accident insurance while they are attending classes, or participating in-and while traveling directly to or from-an activity sponsored by the college. Students may purchase a 24-hour accident and sickness insurance through this policy.
MCC Alumni Affairs
860-512-2909
Manchester Community College Alumni Affairs is committed to building an effective network of alumni that is representative of the college community while meeting the changing needs of diverse alumni. MCC Alumni Affairs continues to focus their efforts on engaging students through networking events and communications such as the eNewsletter. Any student who takes classes at Manchester Community College is considered an alumnus and is welcomed into the alumni family. For more information on MCC alumni visit www.manchestercc.edu/alumni.
Art
860-512-2693
Visual art, by professional artists and MCC students, is on display throughout the campus and at MCC on Main. The Hans Weiss Newspace Gallery, located in the SBM Charitable Foundation Building, hosts monthly exhibitions of work by local and international artists, both acclaimed and emerging. Additionally, student art and pieces from outside artists are continually on display throughout the campus.
Career Services
860-512-3372
The Career Services office provides comprehensive programs, activities and services that assist students, alumni and community members to prepare for finding suitable employment by developing resume writing and interviewing skills, job-search strategies, and a deeper understanding of the fit between their competencies and the world of work. The office runs regularly scheduled job search skills workshops, organizes job fairs, coordinates alumni career panels, on-campus recruitment opportunities and various career-focused special events throughout the year.
In addition to developing and fostering positive relationships with recruiters both locally and nationally, Career Services offers an online job listing service that enables job seekers to post resumes and search full-time, part-time and volunteer positions as well as internships. Job seekers can also take advantage of an online career information delivery and exploration resource called Focus 2, which is designed to help users develop self-knowledge related to career choice and work performance by identifying, assessing and understanding their competencies, interests, values and personal characteristics.
Career Services recognizes the need for career development over the life span, and thus promotes a greater awareness within the institution regarding the importance of developing professional interests and competencies and exploring future career possibilities. To learn more about upcoming events and resources, make an appointment with a Career Services staff, or register for the online job listing service, please go to: https://www.manchestercc.edu/current-students/career/. Job seekers are also encouraged to visit the Career Services office in the Lowe Student Services Center; L-120.
Child Development Center
860-512-3272
The Child Development Center has been in operation since 1973. It is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday, throughout the fall and spring semesters and operates on the same schedule as the college. The experienced, professional staff provides a nationally accredited preschool program in a warm, safe and supportive atmosphere. Students in MCC’s Early Childhood Education program serve their internships in the Center with the guidance and support of the staff.
The preschool program is designed to stimulate and challenge the curious, creative preschooler. The environment is carefully prepared with a wide variety of activities, both group and individual. These include art, music, language, cooking, natural science, creative movement, outdoor play and the development of specific learning skills.
Children aged two years and nine months in September through five years of age are eligible to attend, with priority given to children of MCC students. Kindergarten-eligible children may not attend. Community residents may register children when space is available. Children may be registered for two, three, four or five half or full days to accommodate parents’ school or work schedules. Space is limited; parents should enroll their children as early as possible in the office of the director, room L140, Lowe Student Services Center. Registration for spring begins in December; for the fall, in May and August. A $25 application fee is required. A limited amount of financial assistance is available to eligible MCC students.
Cultural Events
Throughout the year, MCC sponsors a wide variety of cultural programs on campus and at MCC on Main. Musicians, authors, speakers, poets and actors appear on campus to present examples of the diversity and richness within our culture. Programs include Cultural Diversity Day, poetry readings and professional dance performances. For the most up-to-date event listings, visit the MCC website.
Disability Services
860-512-3590 or 860-512-3320
For students with learning disabilities and ADHD:
860-512-3597 - Gail Stanton
For students with physical, psychological, or medical disabilities:
860-512-3592 - Joseph Navarra
Support services at MCC are designed to “even the playing field” for people with disabilities. Towards this end, MCC provides academic adjustments such as proctors, readers and scribes; test adjustments; sign language interpreters; adaptive equipment; and assistance in locating and acquiring services form community agencies.
It is the responsibility of the student to disclose his/her disability and to provide appropriate documentation to a staff member in Disability Services. It is only after this disclosure and review of documentation that adjustments can be determined. Adjustments are not provided retroactively; students will be eligible for academic adjustments deemed appropriate by a staff member from the time of the disclosure and documentation review going forward. The Disability Services: Procedures Manual for Students is available in Testing and Disability Services, SSC L131.
Individual services are consistent with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act
860-512-3337
First time attending college? Planning to attend full time? Would you like to be in a program designed to help you graduate on time?
Manchester Community College is committed to providing students in the FIRST Program with the supports needed to have a successful first semester. As part of a cohort, students will also be paired with a FIRST Program Coordinator to help navigate the academic process. Students will also be invited to participate in weekly events for added social and professional development. Cohort groups are based on English placement.
- Call 860-512-3337 for more information about the FIRST Program adn help registering for your cohort. A limited number of students will be accepted into the program for the Fall 2016 semester.
- FIRST offers convenient schedules for students testing into ENG*096 and ENG*093. Enjoy the benefits of a cohort designed program, additional support, and a specialized orientation.
- Students will be placed into a convenient morning schedule of English and First Year Experience classes. Students can pick one or two additional classes to be full-time.
Housing
Manchester Community College is a non-residential college. Students are responsible for their own housing arrangements.
Institute of Local History
860-512-2770
The Institute of Local History stimulates interest in, and spearheads projects related to, the history of the region the college serves, as well as more broadly-based projects on Connecticut history. It serves as a service and resource center for local historical studies. Among its on-going projects are an oral history project for the town of Manchester, annual walking tour of the Cheney Brothers’ National Historic Landmark District, several non-credit courses and workshops, and a lecture series. It has also cooperated in the publication of two books about the history of Manchester.
Institute on Disability and Community Inclusion
860-512-2789
Established in 1992, the MCC/Communitas Institute on Disability and Community Inclusion is a cooperative institute that works to eliminate negative attitudes toward children and adults with disabilities. The Institute conducts conferences, seminars and think tank sessions, and augments the book, journal, video and computer holdings of the MCC library. Visiting scholar programs, focused research projects, and visits by international leaders help to present new stories and research that will reduce fear and misunderstanding concerning the inclusion of children and adults with disabilities into everyday community life.
MCC Police
860-512-3680
The mission of the MCC Police department is to provide a safe and secure educational environment for the college’s diverse and dynamic population. This is accomplished by providing professional police service, active crime prevention and proactive patrol.
Disclosure : The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1990 (34CFR668.46), also known as the “Clery Act”, is a federal law that requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses and to provide the institution’s policies concerning campus security. MCC’s Annual Security Report, prepared to meet the requirements of this act, can be accessed on the MCC website (https://www.manchestercc.edu/wp-content/uploads/MCC-Annual-Security-Report.pdf). A copy of this report is available, upon request, at the Campus Police department, room L174, Lowe Student Services Center.
Mentoring
860-512-3282
Brother-2-Brother and Sister-2-Sister are mentoring programs designed to provide additional support and encouragement to African American and Latino students, as they work towards their academic and professional goals. These mentoring programs are committed to the academic, cultural, personal and social development of African American and Latino students and:
- Equip students with the necessary tools and resources to pursue, achieve and maintain academic excellence;
- Encourage students to cultivate positive peer and adult relationships;
- Help students engage in their life-long learning process;
- Promote student leadership and service to the community.
For more information, please contact TJ Barber at 860-512-3282.
Music
860-512-2674
The MCC Vocal and Instrumental Ensemble gives music majors the opportunity to develop their ensemble skills and the general college community the opportunity to actively and passively engage in a music experience on the campus and in the community.
New Student Orientation
860-512-3283
Cougar Class (New Student Orientation and Advising)
The first step to a successful college career is attendance and active participation in a New Student Orientation (NSO) program. At Manchester Community College (MCC) NSO is called Cougar Class. This comprehensive program provides students with information needed for a smooth and successful transition to college life. The primary goals for Cougar Class are to provide an opportunity for new students to prepare for academic and social success at MCC and to interact with other incoming students and student leaders.
Students should go to https://www.manchestercc.edu/enrollment/new-student-orientation/ to register for Cougar Class. During half of the Cougar Class students will have the opportunity to meet with the advising staff to discuss assessment test results, access the College catalog/learn how to retrieve course descriptions, prerequisites, and when courses are offered; review courses, build a class schedule, receive information on academic and program advisors; and register/pay for courses. The other half of Cougar Class is spent learning about the campus community, co-curricular activities and services available to students outside of the classroom.
All new and transfer students (full-time, part-time and international students) are expected to attend Cougar Class. In addition, during your time at Manchester Community College, students are expected to participate in at least one student club and/or college governance committee.
Continuing/Returning Student Advising
Students with fewer than 30 credits in General Studies and Liberal Arts and Science degree programs should call the Advising and Counseling Center at 860-512-3320. Students with 30+ credits or in program specific majors need to contact their program coordinators. Students should email or call their program coordinator or faculty advisor to schedule an appointment, or connect during Advising Weeks, which take place in the fall and spring semesters. Refer to the Enrollment Guide for a list of faculty/program contacts for academic advising.
For more information about New Student Orientation, contact Jason Scappaticci at jscappaticci@manchestercc.edu or Wanda Reyes-Dawes at WReyes-Dawes@manchestercc.edu.
Student Activities
860-512-3283
The Office of Student Activities (OSA) administers co-curricular programs, oversees the Student Activity Fund and offers a variety of involvement experiences, leadership training, and social and cultural programs and services to meet the needs of MCC students. OSA programs provide multiple opportunities for students’ personal growth and development outside the formal academic environment. Students are encouraged to participate in the variety of activities and services that OSA provides in order to produce a more socially and culturally diverse learning environment. OSA is located in the Lowe Student Services Center, room L149.
Campus Activities Board
860-512-3283
The Campus Activites Board (CAB) is responsible for the coordination, planning and implementation of diverse programs at Manchester Community College. The committee, composed entirely of students, is funded by the Student Government Association through the activities fee. Any student may become a member of this committee, which sponsors films, concerts, speakers, Spring Fling, coffee hours, special events and travel programs each year.
Through active involvement, students develop practical leadership and programming skills while providing a diverse co-curricular activities program in response to student needs. CAB works out of OSA in the Lowe Student Services Center, room L149.
Student Clubs
860-512-3283
Manchester Community College sponsors many clubs of an academic, social, political and professional nature (some are affiliated with their area and national counterparts): Administrative Professionals Club, Alpha Mu Gamma, Black Student Union, Chess Club, Computer Repair & Share, Drug and Alcohol Recovery Counselors (DARC), Green Club, Habitat Club, ICE Radio Station, Le Cercle Français, Manchester Political Union, Outdoor Club, Paralegal Association, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), PRIDE Club, Science & Engineering Club, Games Club, Spanish Club, Upper Room Christian Fellowship Club, and Veterans Empowering Themselves to Succeed (VETS)are some of the clubs that have been active recently.
OSA encourages students to start new clubs based on their interest. For more information on when clubs meet, or how to start a new club, contact OSA.
Student Government Association
860-512-3292
The Student Government Association (SGA) is a governing body of elected and nonelected students who represent the entire student body. Funds collected via the student activity fee are used by the SGA to sponsor various clubs, organizations, activities, the student newspaper and student services. As the official voice of the student body, the SGA has the power to regulate the activity fund and member organizations, and to make decisions that affect all students. Any student may attend monthly meetings of the SGA. However, one needs a GPA of 2.5, take 12 credits per semester, and to have earned at least three credits at MCC to become an executive officer. The SGA office is located in the Lowe Student Services Center, room L149.
Student Newspaper
860-512-3290
Students are encouraged to contribute to the student newspaper, the Live Wire. Published seven times each school year, the Live Wire is funded by the Student Government Association and advertising revenues. This student newspaper serves the faculty, staff and students and focuses on news and events surrounding MCC’s campus and the greater Manchester community. Volunteers who can write, edit, take photographs, create comics or help with page layout and design are welcomed. Members can gain journalism experience and leadership skills. Visit the Live Wire office, located in the Student Services Center, room L146j.
Transfer Services
860-512-3320
MCC has the following resources available to students and community members who wish to transfer out to other institutions (including baccalaureate colleges and universities):
- Individualized transfer counseling
- Information on transfer articulation agreements
- General education articulation guides for local colleges
- Transfer resources
- Transfer Fairs (Spring/Fall)
- On-campus visits from regional colleges and universities
- Transfer workshops
For more information about MCC’s transfer program, please contact the Advising & Counseling Center, 860-512-3320.
Student Success & First Year Programs
860-512-3344
MCC’s Transitional Programs are designed to help students adjust to the demands of college. All of the programs provide workshops or courses that present the skills necessary for academic success. On-going support from peers and professional advisors is available.
Adults in Transition (AIT): Adults in Transition is a one-semester program created to help students cope with the stress and changes involved in returning to school after a long absence.
AIT is open to students who plan to start their first semester at MCC (including students who are returning to MCC after a long absence). Students who enroll in MCC through AIT are provided with special services that include:
- an individualized interview to determine personal needs
- personalized academic advising and registration services
- a required one-credit study skills class that meets before the semester begins
- a required two-credit transition development course that introduces all aspects of the College and provides assistance in career and curriculum planning
- staff and peer support
Students are encouraged to take one or more courses in their degree or certificate program or field of interest along with the AIT courses. The AIT program is offered in the daytime and evening. Call 860-512-3344 for further information or to schedule an appointment for a personal interview.
Summer Training and Academic Retention Service (STARS): The Office of Transitional Programs also offers STARS, an intensive six-week summer bridge program for incoming students. Students must apply for the program during the spring and be a first-generation college student. There is no cost for the program and students earn four credits for successfully completing the program. For more information, call 860-512-3344.
Veterans O.A.S.I.S. Center
860-512-3362
The Veterans O.A.S.I.S. (Operation Academic Support for Incoming Service Members) Center is located in the Lowe Student Services Center, L-101, and provides a dedicated, supportive space for veterans and active military service men and women to network, socialize, study and share as they integrate into the college experience. For more information about programs and services that are available for student veterans, please the O.A.S.I.S. coordinator at 860-512-3362.
Women’s Resources
860-512-3324
Women’s Resources provides information, workshops and programs to women. Some of the topics include women’s health, financial planning, sexual assault prevention, sexual harassment and stress management. The Women’s Resources office works closely with the Women’s Caucus on campus to provide holistic-related information to women. For more information on Women’s Resources, please call 860-512-3324.
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