AVONDALE, Arizona – The fall semester of college is always full of new things…new students, new faculty, new classes, new school supplies, new friends, and this year Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) has its own new surprises to welcome back students.
After celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2011-12, EMCC is still growing to meet the needs of students with expanded services and facilities. “We’re now serving more than 15,000 students per year,” says Randy Naughton, EMCC Director of Facilities, Planning & Development “It was always expected that this campus would grow with the community and enrollment, and continue to provide quality facilities and services that support student success,”
First, the campus will celebrate the grand opening a new Student Union the first week of classes, which will also be the home to EMCC Student Life Office, EMCC Fitness & Wellness, EMCC Athletic Department, and EMCC Student Leadership for campus clubs and organizations.
Across the courtyard, construction is well underway for the Estrella Hall expansion, which is expected to be completed in March 2013. It will house offices for faculty and staff, plus meeting and learning spaces that will also be available to the community.
“This new Student Union is not only located in the center of campus, but it will the ‘heart’ of the campus as well,” says Herschel Jackson, EMCC director of Student Life & Leadership, and Athletics. “This space is all about student engagement and getting them involved. Data has proven that students who make a connection with their college experience – beyond just coming to campus, going to class and then leaving – are more successful in achieving their college and career goals.
Jackson also knows that students learn to be students from other students, which lends itself to his “reach one, teach one” approach. “If we can reach one student and teach them how to be a successful in college by getting them involved and feeling confident,” said Jackson, “then that student can teach others what they have learned, and hopefully that will lead them to Student Life & Leadership and all it has to offer.”