Avondale, Arizona – October 4, 2011 – Hispanic Heritage Month at Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) kicked-off on October 3 and will continue through October 14. On-campus events will celebrate and showcase the success of local Latinos. Festivities will include speakers, workshops, films, a community organization fair, a mural art project, artist reception, art walk and art installations. Events are free and open to the public.
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EMCC will host the “Teacher Education 101” information session on Thursday, October 13 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Center for Teaching and Learning. This free, public session will provide information on the various associate degrees in Teacher Education at EMCC, plus university transfer options when advancing towards a bachelor’s degree. Academic advisors, student support services and financial aid specialists will be on hand to explain the opportunities available for creating an educational plan.
EMCC Education faculty and staff are hosting and facilitating the event. “’Teacher Education 101’ was developed to address frequently asked questions, but provide a wide range of answers and resources for those who are considering becoming a teacher,” says EMCC Education faculty, Deborah Raffin. “We welcome current students and traditional age prospective students, but we also want to appeal to those non-traditional age students who are re-careering, or considering that possibility, and even retirees.”
Rebecca Swiggert is an EMCC alumna and now a sixth grade teacher at Westwind Intermediate in the Pendergast Elementary School District in Phoenix. When she moved from Illinois to Phoenix, she decided she was ready to re-career and pursue her passion of becoming a teacher. “It was the perfect time to start over and do something that I have always wanted to do,” said Swiggert. “There are so many rewards, like seeing the light bulb go off when a student finally understands! It’s my way to help change the world, one student at a time.”
University partners are participating in the evening session to answer questions about transfer processes and offer guidance in selecting a bachelor degree program and the various concentrations. Confirmed universities include Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, Northern Arizona University, Ottawa University and University of Phoenix.
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The EMCC Business Institute presents a Retail Management Open House on Tuesday, October 11, 4:30 – 6 p.m. in the Ocotillo Hall, Room 120. Prospective and current students will learn about the two educational options within the Retail Management program – the certificate and the associate’s degree. Academic advisement will provided to discuss course requirements, discover the benefits and career pathways for each of the program options. Information about course registration processes for the second eight-week session of the current Fall 2011 semester and for the Spring 2012 semester will also be available. Students developing an educational plan will learn about their options in pursuing a related bachelor’s degree and internship opportunities.
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Open registration for the Spring 2012 semester will begin October 17. Classes begin on January 14, 2012. Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) students living in and near the Town of Buckeye now have the option of attending the new Buckeye Educational Center (BEC) located on 902 East Eason Avenue in Buckeye, Arizona. Limited but specific courses were designed to provide a range of popular core courses, workforce development and non-credit community education classes to fit the community’s needs. All EMCC students have access to student services at both campuses, including advisement, testing services and registration.
The first semester at the Buckeye Education Center will begin on October 17 with a condensed schedule due to construction and recent grand opening. The fall semester for all EMCC students ends December 15.
EMCC, a Maricopa Community College, offers associate degrees, degree-tracked programs for university transfer, certificate programs for workforce development and community education courses for personal or professional advancement. The college’s population ranges from traditional age to non-traditional, returning and re-careering students, creating a dynamic learning environment. The campus provides many student-focused amenities including cafeteria, fitness center and bookstore, plus a full range of student success services including advising and counseling, tutoring, veteran’s center, career and transfer center, internship placement center, honors program and much more. Extracurricular opportunities include student clubs and organizations, men’s and women’s cross country and golf teams, and art and cultural events.
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Save the Date – Developing “News” coming soon
- Southwest Skill Center Completion (graduation) Ceremony – Friday, October 21, 2012
- Health Awareness and Career Expo – Wednesday, November 16, 2012
Free community event. Vendor and sponsor opportunities www.estrellamountain.edu/expo
Please post on November event calendars.
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Estrella Mountain Community College is located on Thomas and Dysart Roads in Avondale and offers transfer-ready academic courses and job-specific occupational training to approximately 13,000 students annually. Estrella Mountain is part of the Maricopa County Community College District, one of the largest community college districts in the nation. For more information visit www.estrellamountain.edu or www.maricopa.edu .
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