Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Mitchell Columns will not be published on Wednesday, Nov. 26. The final issue of 2008 will be published on Dec. 10.

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Scholarships

Academic Calendar

Board Briefs

QEP Quips

MCC Inclement Weather Policy

Archive

November 20 through December 3

Michael Brooks—20th

Lamont Kinney—22nd

Audra Houpe—29th

Motivating Students Series
Negative feedback can lead to a negative class atmosphere. Be specific when giving negative feedback and tie comments to a specific task or performance—not to a specific student. Cushion negative comments with positive compliments about aspects of the task that students did well and be sensitive to "offhanded" remarks that might engender feelings of inadequacy. Often students want to know the "answer"—"what was it I should have said or done to make it right?" Avoid pleas from students for the "right answer" which can rob them of the opportunity to think and problem-solve for themselves. Ask for suggestions of possible approaches to the problem, suggest sources, and encourage them to build on existing skills. Always praise students for small, independent steps. —Submitted by Employee Development (11.19.08)

College CLOSED
November 26 through 28

First ARP Church
(Rehearsal, Dec. 6 @ 3 p.m.)

Friday and Saturday of this past week were busy days. The Mitchell Community College Student Government Association hosted the SGA Western Division Conference here on our campus this past Saturday. Over 60 SGA officers from colleges all over western North Carolina were in attendance. Dyrita Ellis-Lowe, our own SGA President, was the host for the day and welcomed the visitors to Mitchell. Ms. Ellis-Lowe and our SGA folks did such a good job putting on the conference that the group asked to come back to Mitchell again next year! Most of the breakout sessions were held in the Workforce Development Center at our Continuing Education Center and the guests were very impressed with that facility. The morning session was kicked off by football star Vincent Smith talking about “Teamwork.” Manuel Dudley and Dr. Sandra Kaiser both made presentations during the morning on taking responsibility for one’s office in SGA and obstacles on the road to getting an education. Other sessions were led by guests from around the state. I was honored to be asked to speak at the luncheon and gave a few insights into the complex issue of leadership starting from the perspective that one must first learn to “lead” one’s own life. It was great fun to meet SGA folks from across the western part of the state and to see the commitment these students have to their colleges and for learning new skills. I must add that Nikkole Davis and Beverly Brown provided the staff support for this event and did their usual wonderful job of keeping everything moving along effectively. Also on Friday of last week, we held the luncheon for the “fair share” givers to our United Way campaign, which raised over $22,000 this year. Some 21 faculty and staff were invited for fun, food and fellowship in appreciation for their leadership support for United Way. Given the weakening economy, United Way agencies will be called on to provide assistance to more people that ever. It is a joy to be associated with a college that has so many good things going on during the week and even on the weekend.