Campus News  |  Faculty & Staff News  |  Student News   In This Issue … January 8, 2007 Welcome Back Welcome back to all our faculty and staff!  I hope that you enjoyed your time with family and friends during the semester break and that you have returned to PVCC reenergized to greet our new and returning students.  It is my hope that by working together for the benefit of our students, we will have a successful and rewarding new year in 2007.   Campus News   Student Engagement Many of you may have read the recent article in the Arizona Republic, “Students in Maricopa Community Colleges have hard time finishing.” It speaks to the problem of student persistence and retention.  Seventy-five percent of Maricopa Community Colleges’ first-time, full-time students do not earn two-year degrees or certificates or transfer to universities within three years. This is below the national median.  Here is a link to the article. Dr. Kay McClenney, Director of the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE), was the keynote speaker at the Faculty Convocation at Phoenix College on January 5.  She began her presentation by repeating one our own college maxims —“Our students are engaged students.  Engaged students are better learners.”  Dr. McClenney proceeded to encourage us to “engage early and often,” and provided research to show that the more actively engaged students are, the more likely they are to learn and to attain their academic goals.  Thank you for facilitating student learning, and encouraging student persistence and success, which are the focus of our service to our students. Learning Week PVCC’s Learning Week, January 8-12, presents an opportunity for you to participate in many relevant sessions related to our focus on students and learning.  I encourage you to attend the sessions being offered this week. “L” Modular Building Ribbon Cutting Congratulations to all of those individuals, including PVCC occupational faculty, and staff from Athletics, Administrative Services, Facilities Services, and IRTS who worked so hard to plan the new “L” modular building. On Friday, January 12 from 1-2p.m., you are invited to attend the Ribbon Cutting and Open House for the new “L” Building. The building will provide needed space for the Allied Health programs (Fire Science, Emergency Medical Technology, Paramedic, Nursing and Nurse Assisting), the Athletics program, and the Office of Facilities Services.  Refreshments will be available, as well as tours of the new spaces. Disability Services Please welcome to campus Bev Maxton who is filling in for Esther Schon in Disability Services while Esther is on leave.  Bev has experience in Disability Services at both MCC and SMCC.   Cordially, Mary Kay Kickels President Do you have an interesting program, or outstanding accomplishment or student to highlight? If so, e-mail the News Desk at pvcc.news@pvmail.maricopa.edu A publication of the Paradise Valley Community College Office of the President 2007 © Maricopa County Community College District