PC Joins Arizona SciTech Festival With Feb. 7 Events, Including "Calculus: The Musical"

(PHOENIX, Ariz., Jan. 30, 2012) – The Arizona SciTech Festival is coming to Maricopa Community Colleges and many campuses, including Phoenix College, will be holding events and activities that showcase their offerings in science, technology, engineering and math.

As part of the festival, on February 7, 2012 Phoenix College will highlight innovations in chemistry, math, robotics, cadaver lab tour, medical lab science, histologic technology and bioscience education. Tours, demonstrations, speakers and two performances of "Calculus: The Musical!" will be featured. The latter will be shown in the Bulpitt Auditorium at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

“Calculus: The Musical!” is performed by a two-person troupe from Know Theatre of Cincinnati. It showcases calculus concepts in a humorous and accessible manner. The performances are free and open to the public.

Seth Goodman, PC's Project Director for Title V grant and coordinator of the school's SciTech activities, said the festival is "no small feat and will get better each year."

"It is intended to show there is a lot of activity in science, math and technology and a person doesn’t have to work too hard to seek it out," he said.

The point of the festival is to show people how science and technology will be driving forces in our society for years to come and offer them an entry point for becoming part of it, says Goodman.

Prior to each performance, PC Math professor James Sousa will make presentations on an open source arithmetic course he developed. Open source means the course materials are available online and free to use by anybody who would like to. They are especially helpful to students who need to brush up on pre-algebra math concepts and perhaps score higher on placement tests.

The open source pre-algebra coursework includes video instruction (YouTube), a digital e-book and online practice sessions with instant feedback. Sousa’s presentations, which will be at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. in Room 201, provide participants with specific information to access the open source course and materials.

For a full schedule of festival-related activities on the PC campus, click here.

The Arizona SciTech Festival showcases Arizona as a national leader in science, technology and innovation through a series of events spearheaded by the Arizona Technology Council Foundation in partnership with Arizona State University and Arizona Science Center. A plethora of activities during the month of February and into March will be held.

The festival is a grassroots collaboration of more than 200 organizations in industry, academia, arts, community and K-12, geared to generate interest and enthusiasm among all Arizonans about how science and technology will drive our state in the coming years.

For an event calendar of the general festival activities, click here.

For more information on PC SciTech activities, contact Seth Goodman at 602.285.7908.

Public Safety Update/Summary of Incidents/January 23-29, 2012

23 January; 9:50am:  Public Safety staff responded to the Student Union on a report that a student was experiencing chest pains.  Paramedics responded and the student was taken to Saint Joseph's Hospital for further treatment.

24 January; 6:00-9:00pm:  A student reported the theft of her bicycle from the bike racks located next to the A building.  The bike had been secured with an inexpensive lock; the student valued the bike at $131.00.  CCTV coverage was not available at that location.

25 January; 8:45am-2:45pm:  An employee reported the theft of her wallet from a classroom in the H building.  The employee received a call from her bank that one of the cards stolen with the wallet had been fraudulently used for the amount of $53.00.  The employee was advised to report the theft to the Phoenix Police Department and to cancel her debit cards.

27 January; 10:05pm:  A campus police officer responded to the overflow lot north of 15th Avenue on a report that a student was in distress.  The student is a former military person who served in Iraq and was experiencing possible flashbacks.  Phoenix Police were requested to respond for assistance.  The student was taken to the VA Medical Center by the Phoenix officers.

NOTE/REMINDER:  Bicycles, in-line skates, and skateboards are not allowed to be used on campus.  Bicycle operators should walk their bikes to the nearest bike rack.  Also, it is recommended that bicycle owners purchase the metal U-Bolt type locks as the less expensive locks are too easily cut.

NOTE:  Faculty members are encouraged to share the safety updates with their students.

End of update.  

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What do these jobs have in common?

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Get a jump on fellow job seekers at Phoenix College with

ACCESS—CIS 117DM

Thursdays 7:10-9:50

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Microsoft Access: Database Management (CIS117DM) 3 Credits

Introduction to the basic elements, exploration of additional components and common database management problems related to the Microsoft Access program. Prerequisites: None. Note: Combines the contents of BPC/CIS117AM and BPC/CIS117BM and BPC/CIS117CM. 

 

Northern Arizona University awarded for innovative degree pathways

Northern Arizona University awarded for innovative degree pathways

(Flagstaff, Ariz.) Nov. 7, 2011-- Northern Arizona University’s 2NAU joint admission program with community colleges has won a statewide award for helping students earn college degrees.

The Arizona College Access Network (AzCAN), a program of the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education, will present a 2011 Pathways to Postsecondary Education Award to NAU during a breakfast ceremony to be held in Tempe on Nov.18.

“Our 2NAU partnerships encourage community college students to complete both their associate’s and bachelor’s degrees,” says Brenda Sutton, associate dean, NAU-Extended Campuses. “The program emphasizes the importance of earning a bachelor’s degree in order to be competitive in the workforce.”

2NAU students are jointly admitted to a community college and NAU. Students receive intensive guidance from both institutions in exploring and preparing for career options while completing their community college curriculum. Students save money by completing their first two years at the community college tuition rate.

Sutton says the joint admission program also helps students begin to think early on in their postsecondary education about earning a four-year degree.

“Not only is the 2NAU program designed to help students ultimately earn a bachelor’s degree, it is designed to remove obstacles students often experience when transitioning from a community college to a university,” Sutton says. “Students meet regularly with advisors from both institutions to monitor their steady progress, offer motivation and support, and to provide a pathway to the university that is as seamless as possible.”

Since the university launched the 2NAU program four years ago, more than 1,500 students have signed up for the program throughout eight community college districts.

“Our enrollment numbers are already significant and we expect them to grow,” Sutton says. “This program helps community college students set their sights beyond earning a certificate or an associate’s degree and continue toward earning a bachelor’s degree.”

2NAU students also receive a waived NAU application fee, an NAU ID card, e-mail address, Cline Library privileges and more. Students who complete their associate’s degree with a 3.5 GPA or better qualify for an NAU scholarship for up to $4,000.

NAU has coordinators located on most Arizona community college campuses. Students can transition into an NAU degree program offered locally, online or in Flagstaff.

For information go to http://extended.nau.edu/2NAU/PhoenixCollege.aspx, or contact the NAU Phoenix College representative at PC2NAU@nau.edu.

The Pathways to Postsecondary Education Awards are being celebrated during the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education annual conference designed to reinforce relationships among leaders in postsecondary education, policy and business. This year’s conference is “Developing Human Capital: Arizona’s Race to Good Jobs.” For information, go to http://www.azhumancapital.com/.

Public Safety Update/Summary of Incidents/January 16-22, 2012

17 January; 11:06am:  A student attending class in PSB-20 scraped a finger with a needle.  The student did not require medical attention.

18 January; 9:35am:  A student attending a culinary class cut off the tips of two of her fingers.  Paramedics responded and the student was transported to Saint Joseph's Hospital for treatment.

18 January; 11:35am:  A campus police officer responded to the north parking lot on a report of a non-injury vehicle accident.  The parties involved in the accident exchanged insurance information.

20 January; 10:00am:  A campus police officer responded to the upper level of the parking garage on a report of a non-injury vehicle accident.  A vehicle rolled from a parking space and struck another unoccupied vehicle.  The vehicle operators were contacted and exchanged insurance information.

21 January; 11:20am-3:35pm:  Public Safety staff was informed by a student that while his vehicle was parked in the north parking lot, it was struck by another vehicle.  The operator of the striking vehicle left the scene without reporting the accident.  The student's vehicle was not dented by had some paint transfer on the left rear.  A hit & run report was filed.

NOTE:  Faculty members are encouraged to share the safety updates with their students.

End of update.  

Phoenix College Screens "Stand Up for Justice: The Ralph Lazo Story" On Friday, Jan. 20

(PHOENIX, Ariz., Jan. 17, 2012) – The Raul H. Castro Institute of Phoenix College and the Asian Pacific Islander Coalitions from Glendale Community College and Mesa Community College will present a 30-minute drama based on the real life actions of one Mexican-American/Irish-American student in Los Angeles to the forced relocation of his Japanese-American friends to concentration camps during World War II.

Ralph Lazo, a 16-year-old student from Belmont High School, chose to go to the Manzanar concentration camp in Owens Valley, California with his Japanese American classmates and their families. He was imprisoned for three years before being drafted by the U.S. Army and sent to the Pacific theater.

The 30-minute educational narrative, which has been adopted by many school districts in California as part of the curriculum, explores the enduring values of friendship and loyalty between Lazo and his Japanese American Nisei friends. Lazo is deeply moved by the trauma suffered by Japanese American families after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. When Japanese Americans on the West Coast are forced to sell their possessions and leave for designated concentration camps following the signing of Executive Order 9066 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Lazo decides to join them. He obtains his father’s permission to “go to camp” and manages to board the train taking hundreds of Japanese Americans to Manzanar.

Following the film, which will be screened at Bulpitt Auditorium on Friday, January 20, will be a panel discussion featuring Mas Inoshita, a former internee at the Gila River Internment Camp in Arizona; Marian Tadano Shee, a former internee at Crystal City Camp in Texas; Kathy Masaoka, co-chair of the Nikkei for Civil Rights & Redress in Los Angeles; and Pete Garcia, president of The Victoria Foundation.

Jason Tadano, president of the Associated Student Government at Glendale Community College, will serve as moderator.

Other sponsors of the event are: the Asian Chambers of Commerce, The Victoria Foundation, Chinese American Citizens Alliance-Phoenix chapter, Japanese American Citizens League-Phoenix chapter.

A reception prior to the screening with authentic Japanese food available for sale and provided by Nagasaki Grill's Chef Yoshi-San will be held in Pastor Plaza.

The event is free and open to the public.

When: Friday, January 20, 2012
6-7 p.m. Reception in PC's Pastor Plaza; Film begins at 7 p.m. followed by panel discussion

Where: Phoenix College Bulpitt Auditorium

For more information, contact Jim Shee at 602.499.9488 or Ted Namba at 602.571.0247.

Public Safety Update 1-18-2012

Public Safety Update/Summary of Incidents/19 December 2011-January 15, 2012

11 January; 6:45am: A Public Safety Cart was damaged when it was struck near the Student Union by a bicycle. The cart sustained damage to the front fender. The operator of the bicycle rode off on her bicycle before the safety officer obtained any information on her. Neither the safety officer nor the bicycle operator were injured.

13 January; 1:35pm: An employee reported criminal damage to room E-114. Person(s) unknown emptied a fire extinguisher in the room and damaged the telephone and copier. The amount of damage is unknown at this time.

Phoenix College Celebrates Opening of New Enrollment Center and Student Union

(PHOENIX, Ariz., Jan. 17, 2012) – A grand opening to officially commemorate the completion of Phoenix College’s new One-Stop Enrollment Center and Student Union will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2012.

This historically momentous event for Phoenix College will be celebrated on the steps of the Hannelly Center South Plaza with an official ribbon cutting ceremony from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Guest speakers from the college, the architectural, design and construction teams, and the Maricopa Community Colleges District will be featured. Refreshments and building tours also will be offered.

The completion of this phase of the One-Stop Enrollment Center signals “a new era for Phoenix College” in the delivery of student services, says Yira Brimage, vice president of student services at Phoenix College. The enrollment services feature a balanced approach of high touch and high tech, she added.

The new One-Stop Center has everything students need to experience a streamlined enrollment process: Financial Aid, Admissions and Records, Advisement, Recruitment & Retention, International Education, Veterans Services and the Cashiers Office. The Center also houses university transfer advisement offices for both Arizona State and Northern Arizona University.

On the same day of the Grand Opening, the new Student Union, also known as the “Bears Den”, will hold an open house from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., offering building tours, free hot dogs, cotton candy and popcorn.

Many of the historic features were preserved during the remodel of the 10,000-square-foot building, while new technologies and ergonomic designs were used to enhance the space, providing academic work-group areas, meeting rooms, computer workstations, a game room and spacious patio, as well as a coffee bar. The Student Union is home to Student Life and Leadership, ACE, Hoop of Learning, and the Student Leadership Council.

The second phase of the construction project will see a new Cafeteria and outdoor patio built in the existing Hannelly Center as well as renovated areas that will provide space for Counseling, Career Services and the Testing Center. The popular Sophomore Square will also be enhanced with inviting landscaping and gathering spaces as part of the Phase II project planned for completion in January 2013.

“Our students’ college experience will be positively impacted from their first day on campus when they enroll as a new student, and well into their college career, as they pursue and expand their interests by taking an active role in campus life,” said Phoenix College president Dr. Anna Solley.

Phoenix College NAACP/BSU Presents MLK Day Youth Rally

(PHOENIX, Ariz., Jan. 12, 2012) -- The Phoenix College NAACP/Black Student Union club proudly presents the 28th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Rally.

With the theme of "Focused & Moving Forward," the historical celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. King will include storytelling, arts, historical displays and literature, workshops, motivational speakers, children's activities and family entertainment.

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2012. The main event will be in Bulpitt Auditorium. Phoenix College is located at 1202 W. Thomas Road in central Phoenix.

Donations of $5 will be accepted and there is a $7 suggested donation after 12:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit the scholarship funds of Phoenix College Black Alumni and PC's NAACP/BSU.

For vendor and entertainment information, contact Billy Ramsey at 602.435.7411 or Dr. Camilla Westenberg at 602.2857365.

When: Saturday, January 21, 2012
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: Phoenix College, 1202 W. Thomas Road

Distinguished Teaching Award Nominees Sought at Phoenix College

Do you know a Phoenix College faculty member who has gone above and beyond in his or her profession to encourage students, advance higher education, or serve as a Phoenix College representative to the greater community? If so, you can thank this outstanding teacher by nominating him/her to receive the Distinguished Teaching Award.

One of the hallmarks for excellence in two-year colleges is the recognition and reward of excellence in teaching. Recipients of the Distinguished Teaching Award receive a plaque, have all expenses paid to professional conferences or seminars (up to $1,500), and share their methods and techniques with other faculty. Also, they award a $250 scholarship given in their name to a qualified PC student of their choice.

The recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award is chosen by a committee of peers based on a screening process, submitted supporting paperwork, and classroom observation of the nominees.

To be eligible for the Distinguished Teaching Award, nominees must demonstrate a sustained contribution to the students and the college. Therefore, before being nominated, nominees must be current residential (full-time) faculty and have completed three or more years of residential (full-time) teaching at Phoenix College. Any student, employee, alumnus of Phoenix College, or any member of the community may make nominations for the Distinguished Teaching Award.

Online nominations are due by Friday, February 3, 2012. Click here https://www.pc.maricopa.edu/ctlt/forms/nominationForm.php to access the nomination form. For more information, please contact DTA Committee Chair Robin Cotter at 602.285.7102.

A campus announcement of this year’s honoree will be made during the last week of the spring semester, and the award will be officially presented at the 2012 Commencement Ceremonies in May. Previous recipients include Karl Schindler, Music Program Director; Robin Cotter, Biosciences faculty; James Sousa, Mathematics faculty; Tillie Chavez, Nursing Department Chair; and Patricia Finkenstadt, Biosciences faculty.

NAACP/BSU Present MLK Day Youth Rally at Phoenix College

Join the Phoenix College NAACP/Black Student Union as it presents the 28th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Rally.

With the theme of "Focused & Moving Forward," the historical celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. King will include storytelling, arts, historical displays and literature, workshops, motivational speakers, children's activities and family entertainment.

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2012. It will be held in PC's Bulpitt Auditorium. The campus is located at 1202 W. Thomas Road in Phoenix.

Donations of $5 will be accepted and there is a $7 suggested donation after 12:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit the scholarship funds of Phoenix College Black Alumni and PC's NAACP/BSU.

For more information, contact Billy Ramsey at 602.435.7411 or Dr. Camilla Westenberg at 5-7365.

When: Saturday, January 21, 2012
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Phoenix College Bulpitt Auditorium

Spring Brings Exciting Changes to Phoenix College

The new One-Stop Enrollment Center opened its doors on January 3rd. Everything students need to experience a streamlined registration process is housed inside this building: Admissions & Records, Advisement, Cashiers, Financial Aid, NAU/ASU Transfer Offices, Recruitment & Retention, Veterans' Services, and the Welcome Center.

Our well-trained Welcome Center staff are ready to greet and assist students and 15 my.maricopa.edu self-serve computers are available. A new high-tech queuing system provides students with notification of their place in line on numerous monitors in campus buildings and sends text messages indicating their turn is coming up.

• Extended service hours January 9-26, 2012 for the One Stop Enrollment Center are Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Saturday, January 14th from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Regular service hours are Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Services include Admissions and Records, Financial Aid, Welcome Center, Advisement, International Education and Recruitment & Retention.

The new Student Union opened in December of 2011. This invigorating space is used for club and other meetings and features a game room, laptop recharging stations, computer usage areas, large video screens and an outdoor patio for campus events. This new-and-improved version of the Bears’ Den is designed for relaxing and socializing as well as studying. A space referred to as an academic center will give students a chance to work on projects in a group setting.


Conveniently located on the west end of the Student Union, the Bear's Brew coffee bar proudly serves up some of our favorite Starbucks beverages.  You can also find soft drinks, water, donuts and pre-packed sandwiches and salads from Chartwells.


Other Important Dates and Location Changes

• January 9:  Counseling will be located on 2nd floor of the LC building.
• The Bear Cafe opens January 9th and will be located in the south end of the LC building. Food services will include sandwiches, salads, pizza, etc. The main cafeteria will be closed for the spring and fall 2012 semesters for remodeling.
• January 14 (Saturday): Extended service hours for Student Affairs from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
• January 14: New Student Orientation, 8 a.m.-noon.
• January 14: Term begins for Saturday class start dates
• January 16: Closed for MLK Holiday
• January 26: You’re invited to attend a special ceremony! Help us officially open the new One Stop Enrollment Center and the new Student Union on this day from 1:30-2:30 p.m. in the south plaza of the One Stop Enrollment Center-Hannelly Center Bldg.  Open House in the Student Union. Join us for hot dogs, pop corn, video games, air hockey, and building tours 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The Library at Phoenix College Offers New Information Series

The Libary is offering a new information series to help students and faculty with library and research ideas. The LIBTalks are 18 minute-long presentations by Library staff and faculty on various topics. Attendees will get a free caffeine fix for attending. Faculty members earn 1 point for each talk they attend, with the person receiving the highest point total earning a $50 Amazon gift card.

Each topic will be repeated three times.

What the @#*! is that in my Bbcourse?
Wednesday, January 11, 2011, 12 - 12:18 p.m.
Thursday, January 12, 2012, 12 - 12:18 p.m.
Friday, January 13, 2012, 12 - 12:18 p.m.

All sessions will be held in L122. Registration is available through the CTLT, but not required.

PC Downtown Hosts Community Info Session on Health Careers

(PHOENIX, Ariz., Jan. 6, 2012) – Phoenix College Downtown is hosting a free community information session for persons interested in pursuing a career in the health care industry, including in the growing medical transcription field.

Phoenix College Downtown offers an online medical transcription program that allows students to learn at a pace compatible with their lifestyle and learning style. Students could complete the program in less than a year.

According to the U.S. Deparment of Labor, medical transciptionists make an average salary of about $32,000 a year.

“This information session is designed to help people in our community discover a growing career field that they can train for quickly,” said Roberta Jeffers, director of Business and Industry Partnerships at Phoenix College. “Healthcare is where the jobs are, and we can help students prepare for successful careers in medical transcription in less than a year.”

PC has partnered with Career Step, a leading online healthcare education company, to provide the online transcription program.

The information session will be held on Wednesday, January 25 at the Phoenix College Downtown campus, 640 N. 1st Avenue in central Phoenix. It begins at 6 p.m.

To register for the event, visit CareerStep.com/pcdt. To get more information about the session, call PC’s Custom Training and Education Department at 602.223.4000 or send an email to cte@pcmail.maricopa.edu.

For more information about graduation rates, median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, click here.

About Phoenix College Downtown
Phoenix College offers a variety of courses at a convenient downtown location in a beautifully restored historic building, with leading edge computer labs, new Electronic Courtroom, free adjacent parking and friendly faculty and staff. At PC Downtown you can find a class to fit your career needs or enrich your life! At our convenient downtown location, we also offer courses including Community Education courses and online courses. In addition, our Custom Training and Education division offers customizable training solutions for employers.

About Career Step
Career Step, a leading online school, focuses on helping students quickly gain the career skills they need to succeed in rapidly growing industries. With nearly 20 years of experience, the school has trained over 65,000 students in the United States and internationally and offers programs in the allied health and administrative services industries. Career Step's training programs are offered entirely online, and the school is committed to helping each enrolling student graduate and successfully transition to a rewarding career.

PC Bookstore Announces Spring 2012 Hours

The Phoenix College Bookstore has announced its Spring 2012 semester hours.

Please note it will be open on MLK Day (Monday, January 16).

Normal Bookstore hours
Monday through Thursday – 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Friday – 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday – 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Sunday – Closed

Extended hours for start of Spring semester
Saturday, January 14 – 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday, January 15 – Closed
Monday, January 16 – 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday, January 17 through Thursday, January 19 – 8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Friday, January 20 – 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday, January 21 – 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.