During summer semester, Mitchell Columns will be published every other week. This week is the last weekly edition for spring semester. The next edition will be published May 21. See below for this summer’s publication dates.

Deadline for article submissions to Mitchell Columns is every Tuesday at 9 a.m. E-mail articles to  printgraph@mitchellcc.edu

SELF MOTIVATION SERIES
(This series will explore the role of what has been identified as the "inner voice," "self-talk," and "intra-communication," etc. in effecting positive outcomes.)
Changing negative and self-defeating "self-talk" can be encouraged by others, but it is ultimately up to the individual to become aware of negative thinking, monitor it, and change it. One of the best ways to do this is to be on the lookout for and avoid tunnel vision (seeing only one aspect of a situation and ignoring or excluding all other relevant information). One remedy is to avoid dichotomous reasoning (seeing everything as black or white). This type of self-talk sounds like the following: all or nothing, win or loose, succeed or fail, love or hate, and everything is good or bad. Typical words include: "never", "all", "every", "everybody", and "always". Teachers can help by encouraging students to think in terms of gray areas. They can be taught to analyze situations in terms of percentages. Seldom is anything 100%. It may be 50%, 20%, or only 5%. Strive for a balanced point of view. Remember the ancient Greek ideal: "nothing to excess". —Submitted by Employee Development (05.07.08)

Exams

Nursing Pinning Ceremony

7 p.m.

On the Circle

GED Graduation

7 p.m.

On the Circle

Curriculum Graduation

7 p.m.

On the Circle

Faculty Workday

CCTL Registration

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

BioTech and Life Sciences: What’s In It For Me?

2 to 4 p.m.

Rotary Auditorium and the Circle

Summer Final Registration

Faculty Development—Developing Partnerships with Business, Industry and K-12

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

SB-101

Administrative Council

3 p.m.

Faculty Workday

Fish & All That Jazz

6 p.m.

Mooresville Center

Ten-week Session Begins

Drop/Add for 10-week Session

Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA)

1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Rotary Auditorium

Early Fall Registration & Advising Begins for Returning Students

9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Early Fall Registration

9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

MCC Retirement Reception

2 p.m.

Faculty Development—Overview & Orientation for WebAdvisor

10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Memorial Day

No Classes—Faculty Workday

Memorial Day Band Concert

6 p.m.

On the Circle

Faculty Workday

Security Test & Drill

Student Services Building Groundbreaking

4 p.m.

CNA Graduation

7 p.m.

Shearer Hall

Faculty/Staff Development—Microsoft Office Training

Faculty Workday

Luncheon & MCCEE Auction

11:30 a.m.

Old Gym

Faculty/Staff Development—Microsoft Office Training

BLET Graduation

6 p.m.

• Heard the Student Government Association report. Elections for new officers for ‘08-’09 were held April 22.

• Heard the Faculty Senate report.

• Heard the MCCEE report. The campus auction and lunch will be held on May 29 beginning at 11:30 a.m.

• Heard a report on activities at the Mooresville Center.

• Reviewed revised plans for the Mooresville Classroom Building.

• Received the Quarterly Financial report for the period ending March, 2008.

• Heard that the Associate Degree Nursing program received reaccreditation for seven years.

• Heard that the Early Childhood Associate Degree program has also been reaccredited for seven years.

• Heard that the Medical Assisting program has been reaccredited for eight years.

• Received the information for 2008 graduation exercises on May 7, 8 and 9.

• Heard that the College has received a Visual and Performing Arts Grant.

• Heard that the College has received two grants from the NCCCS Motorsports Consortium.

• Heard that the College has also received an Energy Efficiency Grant.

• Heard the Student Government Association report.

• Heard the MCCEE report. A fish fry/fund-raiser event will be held in Mooresville on May 15, 2008.

• Approved the 2008-2009 County Budget Request.

• Received the 2006-2007 State Financial Audit Report.

• Approved the 2008-2009 Full-time Employee List.

• Heard that the State Board will meet on the MCC campus April 17 and 18.

• Heard that MCC is featured in this month’s edition of "Statesville Living" magazine.

• Heard the Student Government Association report.

• Heard the Faculty Senate report.

• Heard the MCCEE report.

• Approved Morlando Holden Construction’s bid for the new Student Services Building.

• Heard that all of the 2007 MCC Medical Assistant graduates who took the October 2008 CMA (AAMA) Certification Examination have passed.

• Received a copy of a letter from the U.S. Department of Education confirming that MCC has "no deficiencies" and is fully eligible to participate in federally funded financial aid programs.

• Received copies of the Spring Writers’ Series brochures.

• Approved to change the starting time for Board of Trustees meetings to 7 p.m.

• Heard that the State Board of Community Colleges will meet on the MCC campus on April 17 and 18.

• Heard the MCCEE report and received copies of the MCC Spring 2008 Events publication.

• Heard the Building Committee report.

• Approved preliminary plans for the Mooresville classroom building.

• Received the Quarterly Financial Report which included state, local and institutional funds.

• Heard the Spring 2008 Curriculum Enrollment Report.

• Heard a report from the College Council. The Holiday Luncheon will be held December 7 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

• Heard the Student Government Association report. The SGA will host a Holiday Party for students, faculty and staff on December 13 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Montgomery Student Center.

• Received the Building Committee report. The Vocational Building renovation should be completed by December 10.

• Heard that the College has been awarded a 2007 facilities and Equipment Grant for $900,000 for the new classroom building at the Mooresville Center.

• Approved the deletion of MCC Policy 01-13 Information Technology Allocation.

• Heard a report on the system-wide change in admission guidelines for undocumented students.

• Heard a report on the on-site visit by the National League of Nursing.

• Heard a report on the Early College program.

• Heard a report on the Fire Fighter Basic Training Program.

• Heard a report from Brett Fansler, Director of the Mooresville Center

• Heard the Student Government Association report.

• Heard the Faculty Senate report.

• Heard the MCCEE report. The N.C. Thumb and Finger Style Guitar Players will hold its annual convention in Shearer Hall on November 9 and 10.

• Received the annual Internal Equipment Audit report.

• Received the Quarterly Financial Report for the first quarter of the academic year.

• Heard a report on the SACS On-site visit and the NLN visit.

• Received the Institutional Effectiveness Plan Assessments for 2006-2007.

• Welcomed new Board members Dorothy Woodard and Larry Nichols.

• Heard the Student Government Association report.

• Heard the College Council report. The Holiday luncheon will be December 7.

• Heard the MCCEE report. The annual Fish Fry will be October 4 at Stamey Farm.

• Reviewed the College’s updated Long-range Master Plan.

• Approved the 2007-2008 MCC Salary Plan including a 5% salary increase for full-time employees.

• Approved the 2007-2008 State Budget Resolution.

• Approved three revised MCC policies.

Highlights of the MCC Board of Trustees Meeting
Wednesday, August 22, 2007

• Welcomed new Board member, Dr. Jackie Grigg
• Heard the MCCEE report. "Music from the Grove" will be presented on Saturday, August 25, at 7 p.m. in Shearer Hall.
• The West End parking lot has been completed. Landscaping and lighting will be completed by December.
• Renovation of the Vocational Building should be completed by December.
• Received the MCC "Crisis Action Guide."
• Heard the Year-end Quarterly Financial Report.
• Approved the Student Government Association budget for 2007-2008.
• Received the Program/FTE audit. No audit exceptions or findings were identified in the report.
• Approved the 2007-2008 schedule of meeting dates for the Board.

Highlights of the MCC Board of Trustees Meeting
Wednesday, June 27, 2007

• Heard the MCCEE report. The campaign for new seating in Shearer Hall is underway and over 1,000 brochures detailing the campaign have been mailed to alumni and community members.
• Heard a report on construction projects on the Historic Main Campus. The West End parking lot construction should be completed by the end of July. The renovation of the Vocational Building should be completed in December, 2007.
• Received the State Audit Report.
• Received an update on the SACS reaccreditation progress.
• Heard the curriculum summer enrollment report. Head count for summer is 854 students.
• Heard a report on the Early College. David Blattner has been selected as the new principal for the CCTL.
• Elected the following officers: Dr. Ralph Bentley, Chair; Joe Troutman, Vice-Chair and Sarah Davis, Secretary.

• Heard the Student Government Association report. The SGA will host a Club Appreciation Reception on May 1 and a luncheon for curriculum graduates on May 11.
• Heard the MCCEE report. A celebration of the 150th anniversary of College classes and the 100th anniversary of Shearer Hall will be held on the Circle on May 10, at 6:30 p.m. The annual Campus Campaign is currently underway.
• Heard the Building Committee report. The Vocational Building renovation has started with a November 2007 expected date of completion.
• Approved the bid for the West End Parking Lot project.
• Received the quarterly financial report.
• Heard a report on the Mooresville Center.
• Heard plans for MCC’s graduation events.
• Heard an update on the SACS reaccreditation.
• Heard a report on the Minority Male Mentoring Program.

Highlights from the MCC Board of Trustees Meeting
Wednesday, March 28, 2007

• Heard the Student Government Association report. Spring Week will be April 9-13. Awards Convocation, Spring Court program and a luncheon will be held on Tuesday, April 10.
• Heard the College Council report. The annual Retirement Reception will be held May 24 from 2-4 p.m. in the Alumni Lobby.
• Heard the MCCEE report. The MCCEE Board will meet April 2 at 5:30 p.m. in the Montgomery Student Center.
• Approved the 2007-2008 County Budget Request.
• Approved the MCC 2007-2008 full-time employee recommendations.
• Approved the Continuing Education Self-Supporting Course Policy and the Continuing Education Accountability and Credibility Policy.
• The College has been awarded a Homeland Security Grant in the amount of $40,000.
• Received an update on the SACS re-accreditation process.
• The Cosmetic Arts Center recently received 99 out of 100 points on a state inspection.
• Heard a review of the Workforce Development Summit that was held at the Mooresville Center.

Highlights from the MCC Board of Trustees Meeting
Saturday, January 27, 2007

• Approved MBAJ Architects for the design of the new building at the Mooresville Center.
• Approved the LaFaves Company bid for the renovation of the Vocational Building.
• Reviewed and approved the 2007-2008 County Capital Projects request.
• Received the Quarterly Financial Report.
• Mr. Brett Fansler, new Director of the Mooresville Center, was introduced.
• Received the 2007 Spring curriculum enrollment report.
• Approved a 1% budget transfer from instruction to Student Services.

• Approved the Student Government Association budget for 2006-2007
• Recognized and thanked Bill Pope for his 30 years of service as attorney to the Board of Trustees and Mitchell Community College
• Heard a report from State Board of Trustees member Chester Middlesworth
• Approved 11 revised and two new MCC policies
• Fall curriculum headcount is 2,623, an increase of 11.9% over Fall 2005
• Fall Convocation will be held on August 31, 2006 at 11 a.m. in Shearer Hall. The College will be celebrating 150 years and Bill Moose will be the speaker
• Heard an update on the College’s SACS reaccreditation process
• The Early College has 48 returning sophomores and 51 new freshmen enrolled
• The Tech Prep Consortium has recently received a four-year grant for technical programs

• Presented Alice Fortner, retiring Board member, with a gift of appreciation for her service to the Board and the College.
• Announced that Dr. Ralph Bentley and Tim Dearman have been reappointed to the Board and Ted Millsaps has been appointed as a new Trustee.
• Reported that beginning July 1, 2006, $477,000 from the MCCEE income will be used for College programs.
• Reported that the Rotary Auditorium renovation is scheduled to be completed July 27, 2006.
• Announced that Mitchell Community College has again been designated a "Superior Institution" based on Critical Success Factors identified by the North Carolina Community College System.
• Elected the following officers for 2006-2007: Dr. Ralph Bentley, Chair; Joe Troutman, Vice-Chair; and Sarah Davis, Secretary.

Highlights from the MCC Board of Trustees Meeting
Wednesday, May 24, 2006

• The Mitchell Community College Board of Trustees held its monthly meeting at the Mooresville Center.
• Dr. Vernon Lawter welcomed the Board to the Mooresville Center and reported on the significant enrollment growth at the Center.
• Melanie Hillman, SGA President, presented the Student Government Association report. The SGA will host a lunch for all curriculum graduates after graduation rehearsal on May 12.
• Wendy Tobin, chair, presented the College Council report. The Retirement Reception will be held on May 30, 2006 at 3 p.m.
• Dr. William Findt gave the MCCEE report. The 5K Run/Walk and Alumni Day will be held on May 6, 2006.
• Richard Lefevre presented the Quarterly Financial Report and the Equipment Audit Report.
• Dr. Findt reported on the recent Environmental Study for the College.

• The MCCEE Auction will be held Friday, March 31, 2006 at noon in the Old Gym. Lunch will be provided by the College Council.

• New and revised policies were approved by the Board.

• The MCC Full-time Employee List for 2006-2007 was approved.

• Three new programs were approved: Lateral Entry Teacher Certificate, Truck Driver Training Collaborative Program and Automotive Technology.

• An update of the College’s SACS re-accreditation progress was presented.

• The College’s revised and compressed Institutional Goals for 2006-2007 were approved.

• The MCC SGA received the Top C Campus Award and Spirit Presentation at the recent N4CSGA Conference. Melanie Hillman won the Darrell Mitchell Student Award for the Western Region.

• The Board received the state audit enrollment report which indicated no exceptions or concerns for the recent FTE audit.

• Dr. William Findt gave the MCCEE report. MCC employees have contributed $16,000 to the Endowment this year, a 73% giving rate.
• Board members were invited to the Book Signing for Bill Moose’s first book, A History of Mitchell Community College, on February 2, at 2 p.m. in the Alumni Lobby.
• Board members were invited to attend the dedication of the Lillie Norket Nursing Classroom on February 21, at 4:30 p.m.
• Wally Riddle presented the Building Committee report.
• Richard Lefevre presented the proposed County Budget Request for 2006-2007,
• Richard Lefevre presented the Mid-year Financial Statement that included state, local and institutional funds.
• Approved a mileage reimbursement rate change from 48.5 cents per mile to 44.5 cents per mile in accordance with the recent adjustment made by the IRS.
• Approved the firm of MBAJ for the construction of the new Student Services Building.
• Dr. Douglas Eason announced that the Mitchell Community College Band will hold a benefit concert on February 6, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. in Shearer Hall.

Highlights from the MCC Board of Trustees Meeting
Wednesday, November 30, 2005

• Presented a gift to Jim and Rhoda Calloway in recognition of their work in maintaining the Ballard Memorial Garden and their dedication to Mitchell Community College for over 20 years.
• Melanie Hillman presented the Student Government Association report.
• Lisa Cooper presented the Faculty Senate report.
• Dr. William Findt reported that the "Walk-in" Messiah will be presented on Sunday, December 4 at 3 p.m. in Shearer Hall.
• An increase in the College’s travel reimbursement rate was approved. The rate will be increased from $0.30 per mile to $0.48.5 per mile. The rate for using a personal vehicle when a college vehicle is available was increased from $0.25 per mile to $0.30 per mile.
• Part-time employees’ pay rates for 2006 were approved.
• Dr. Tim Brewer reported on the progress of the QEP and Compliance Certification.
• Judy Morgan presented an update on the Early College program.

The Board of Trustees presented a resolution to Mrs. Maryann Randall in memory of former Board member Robert ("Bob") N. Randall for his dedication and commitment to the work of Mitchell Community College.

• Melanie Hillman, SGA President, presented the Student Government Association report.
• Wendy Tobin, Chair, reported on the activities of the College Council.
• Dr. William Findt gave the MCCEE report. The Veterans’ Day Program will be held at 11:00 a.m. on November 11, 2005 on the Historic Main Campus.
• Vernon Lawter presented an update on the Mooresville Center which has experienced a 9% enrollment increase this fall.
• Ed Wagner reported on parking at all MCC locations.
• Mary Ellen Goldstein presented "Mitchell Stats and Facts."
• Dr. Tim Brewer, Dr. Sandra Kaiser, and Linda Wiersch presented a report SACS re-accreditation and the Quality Enhancement Plan.
• Wally Riddle gave the Building Committee report. Renovation plans and samples of carpet, fabrics, etc. that will be used in Rotary Auditorium were reviewed.
• Richard Lefevre presented the Quarterly Financial Report.
• Dr. Douglas Eason announced that the 2005 nursing graduates had achieved a 97% first attempt passing rate on the NCLEX, though all student have now passed the licensure exam.
• Dr. Eason announced that the College has been selected to pilot a new program called Career Readiness and has received a $28,000 grant to implement this program.
• Dr. Eason announced that Dr. Ralph Soney, former Vice-President for Instruction at MCC, has been selected as the new President of Roanoke-Chowan Community College and would assume his new post on November 1.

• Dr. Ralph Bentley gave the MCCEE report.
• Dr. William Findt announced that Fall Convocation would be held at noon on August 25, 2005 in Shearer Hall and the Open House for the new Technology/Workforce Development Building would be at 4:00 p.m. on September 20, 2005.
• Gary Johnson reported that the Technology/Workforce Development Building opened on time for fall classes. The HVAC system in the Learning Resources Center has been completed and the Main Campus parking lots have also been completed.
• Richard Lefevre announced that the College had received a clean state audit for 2004 with no recommendations or findings.
• Dan Manning reported that the headcount for curriculum classes is 2308 at this point. The student module of the CIS system has been fully implemented.
• Judy Morgan reported that classes would begin on August 25, 2005 at the Early College with 50 students enrolled for this year.
• Alice Fortner announced that the MCCEE will sponsor "Music from the Grove" on Saturday, August 27, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in Shearer Hall. Proceeds from the concert will go to the MCCEE.
• Judy Morgan gave a report on the status of the Early College program.
• The following officers were elected for 2005-2006: Dr. Ralph Bentley, Chair; Joe Troutman, Vice-Chair; and Sarah Davis, Secretary.

Highlights from the MCC Board of Trustees Meeting
Wednesday, June 22, 2005

• Dr. Ralph Bentley gave the MCCEE report.
• Dr. Douglas Eason reported that the Workforce Development/Technology Building is 99% complete and should be turned over to the College on July 1.
• Dr. William Findt reported that a committee has been formed to work on the bond issue. Committee members are: R.B. Sloan, Bob Amon, Joe Troutman, and Ann Kelly. Kara Presnell and Dr. Findt will also work with the group.
• Jodee Fulton presented six new and revised MCC policies for approval.
• Dr. Eason announced that the College has received a program audit with no findings and no recommendations and an equipment audit reporting no losses by the College.
• Dr. Eason announced that the Cosmetic Arts Center recently received 99% out of 100% on the state board inspection and is one of two community colleges in the state to do so.
• Carol Johnson reported on the Continuing Education class visitations.
• Dr. Tim Brewer reported on the process for SACS reaccreditation.
• Dan Manning reported on summer curriculum enrollment. The headcount for this summer is 951 students.
• Judy Morgan gave a report on the status of the Early College program.
• The following officers were elected for 2005-2006: Dr. Ralph Bentley, Chair; Joe Troutman, Vice-Chair; and Sarah Davis, Secretary

• Melanie Hillman, SGA President, presented the Student Government Association report.
• Daphne Holland gave the Faculty Senate report.
• Dr. Ralph Bentley gave the MCCEE report. The MCCEE Auction raised $4,100 this year. The annual campaign is currently underway.
• Dr. Douglas Eason reported that construction on the Workforce Development/ Technology Building is on schedule for completion on June 25, 2005.
• Richard Lefevre presented the Quarterly Financial Report.
• Mr. Lefevre presented the County Operating Budget Request for 2005-2006 for review and approval.
• Dr. Eason reported on the County Bond Issue. The MCC Board of Trustees voted to request $6 million in General Obligation Bonds in October 2005.
• Jodee Fulton presented revised MCC Policies for review and approval.
• Vernon Lawter presented an update on the Mooresville Center.

• Melanie Hillman, SGA President, presented the Student Government Association report. Spring Week will be April 11 through 15 with the Awards Convocation, Spring Court Presentation and Luncheon on April 14.
• Cheryl Sells, Chair, gave the College Council Report. The Spring luncheon will be April 28.
• Dr. William Findt gave the MCCEE report. The MCCEE auction will be held April 15.
• Dr. Douglas Eason introduced Dr. Tim Brewer, Vice-President for Instruction.
• Richard Lefevre presented the amended 2005-2006 County Capital Funds Request and the Long-Range Capital Projects Recommendation.
• Mr. Lefevre reported that the state auditors are on the campus conducting the annual State Audit for 2003-2004.
• Marvin Norman presented the list of recommended full-time employees for 2005-2006.
• Judy Morgan gave an update on the Early College Program.
• Carol Johnson presented the Spring Semester 2003 Continuing Education Class Visitation Report.

• Dr. Ralph Bentley reported on donations received by the MCCEE for 2004.

• The play "Driving Miss Daisy" will be presented March 4 and 5 in Shearer Hall. Proceeds from the play go to the MCCEE.

• Richard Lefevre presented the "2005-2006 County Capital Funds Request" and the "Long-Range Capital Projects Recommendation."

• Richard Lefevre presented the quarterly financial report.

• Dr. Douglas Eason announced the promotion of Dr. William Findt to Executive Vice-President for Development and College Relations and Ms. Carol Johnson to Vice-President for Workforce Development and Continuing Education.

• Dr. Eason reported that Dr. Tim Brewer will begin March 1, 2005, as Vice-President for Instruction.

• Dan Manning gave the Spring 2005 Curriculum Enrollment Report.

• Melanie Hillman, President of SGA, gave the Student Government Association report
• Cheryl Sells, Chair, presented the College Council report
• Gary Johnson reported on the college construction projects
• Richard Lefevre presented the Quarter Financial Report
• Judy Morgan gave an update on the Mooresville Center
• Judy Morgan reported on the status of the Early College Planning project
• Dr. William Findt gave a report on the numerous grants received by the College during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2004
• The MCCEE annual Fish Fry will be held October 28, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. at Stamey Farms

• Melanie Hillman, President of SGA, gave the Student Government Association report
• Daphne Holland, Chair, presented the Faculty Senate report
• Approved the Curriculum Course Fees and Continuing Education Course Fees for 2004-2005
• Approved the Cosmetic Arts Center Patron Fees for 2004-2005
• Approved the use of Cosmetic Arts Patron Fees for 2004-2005
• Dr. Eason reported on the following grants recently received by the College: 21st Century Grant; Minority Male Mentoring Grant; Health PLUS Grant; Health PLUS Faculty Development Grant; and Gates Early College Planning Grant
• The MCCEE Board of Directors will meet October 4, 2004, at 5:30 p.m. in the Montgomery Student Center