The Advocate Vol. 49 Issue 1 – Sept 23, 2013

Advocate The Independent Student Voice of Mt. Hood Community College

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www.advocate-online.net September 23, 2013

Welcome

Volume 49 Issue 1

Want to make the most of your time on campus? Flip to page 4-5

Turn to page 3 to meet your MHCC President

Photos by Carole Riggs - The Advocate

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General Excellence Oregon Newspaper Publisher Association

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Opinion

Sept. 23, 2013

Editorial:Getting with the times Exciting things are happening this autumn with The Advocate. It’s a new year with a new set of editors who hope to create a great newspaper.

One of the top goals we have for this year is to make social media a much bigger part of the paper. We have previously dipped our toes in the wild waters of social media, but this year, we are diving right in. While we already have a Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and comment sections on our website, they have less traffic than a seven-year-old’s crayon blog. That’s going to change. We will be updating our social outlets much more frequently, as well as including new ones.

This year, we have a new section of the paper dedicated to the best tweets, posts and comments across the various avenues of social media. Say something funny, interesting, insightful or clever and we’ll put it in there (yes, it can be criticism).

Our Living Arts coverage will also feature a section dedicated to trending topics in the media.

We love our readers and are eager to engage with them any way we can. Read an article you don’t quite agree with? Hop on our website and add your two cents in the comments section, where you’ll find us ready to join in a healthy argument.

See something cool around campus? Tweet us about it! Know someone or something newsworthy? Tweet us about! Want to pat us on the back or file a complaint? You get the point. And don’t be

afraid to pop your head in at the Advocate office and let us know something in person. You can find us in the Integrated Media division near the campus computer lab (AC1369).

While we do our best to find and report all the most noteworthy things happening at Mt. Hood, there are plenty of people and stories we don’t know about unless we are told. This is not some-

Need a good place to eat?

by Danny Perez-Crouse The Advocate

You’re new to Mt. Hood and need to know where to get some quality food.

Don’t worry, I’ve got your back: Here are some suggestions on where to score some good eats between classes.

Various snacks and refreshments can be found in the campus Bookstore and the Library, but I recommend taking a pass. Everything is really overpriced, especially in the Bookstore cafe.

I never went back last year after I paid three dollars for what seemed like a shot of hot chocolate (no marshmallows).

The St. Helens Bistro is a good option if you happen to be near the 1700s classroom area. It has hot or cold drinks, cheap sandwiches, salads and other cold meals. While they aren’t the best, customers get what they pay for.

For those of you who need a Starbucks fix, a few good options exist. The St. Helens Bistro serves Starbucks coffee, and there is an Albertsons right by the college (corner of 257the /Kane Drive and Stark Street) with a Starbucks (among other things).

If you want to go the fast food route, you have various self-esteem lowering decisions. There are Burger King, Long John Silver’s, Taco Bell, Burgerville, Jack In The Box and a few other outlets found right outside the college. If you

have to do fast food, I say go to Jack In the Box. It’s within reasonable walking distance, just across 257th/Kane Drive, and you won’t lose your parking spot.

I know what you’re thinking: Is there anywhere good on campus to eat? The cafeteria, duh. Joking aside, there is some good quality, tasty food to be found at the MHCC version, commonly known as the Vista Dining Center. The prices aren’t bad. either. There are always combo deals for around five dollars. The Vista is south of the Bookstore, on the upper level that hangs above the Student Union. I recommend going straight to the grill and wrap station.

At the grill you can order burgers, fries, chicken strips and grilled cheese

Buy books for less

sandwiches, all freshly made. Everything the Vista staff makes is reasonably sized and much better than other nearby fast food offerings. The fries are especially thick and crispy.

At the wrap station, you can choose a variety of wraps, taco salads, burritos and tacos. The choices of ingredients aren’t exhaustive, but what’s available is of good quantity, quality and taste.

You can add bacon to anything, and really, that’s all you need to know. One more plus is that the service is always top-notch.

Hopefully, I was able to enlighten you on how to get some good food around campus. If you know of any more hidden spots or cheap eats here, tweet us about it @mhccadvocate.

by Rebecca Gaulke The Advocate

After paying more than a grand in tuition for the term, the last thing anyone wants to do is shell out hundreds of dollars more for textbooks. Finding the best deals and learning the tricks of avoiding the chaos of the Campus Bookstore during the first few weeks is something all students need to know.

So, read on.

First off, financial aid is now available to students to help purchase their textbooks in the bookstore, continuing until October 1st. Be sure to pick up your books by then.

Grabbing your books from the bookstore might be the most convenient option, but it’s not necessarily the cheapest. Amazon has great deals for students, and will even allow you to trade them in for a good amount at the end of the term. Plus, you won’t have to stand in line for an hour at the bookstore.

Better yet, buy books from friends and other students. Post what you’re selling on Facebook and Twitter and hang up posters around the school. The perks of buying from people you know is that they are more likely to give you a good deal.

Speaking of lines, the best way to avoid long lines at the bookstore, if you must go, during the first week is to go

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the Advocate Editor-in-Chief Katelyn Hilsenbeck

Living Arts Editor Rebecca Gaulke

Opinion Editor Danny Perez-Crouse

News Editor Katelyn Hilsenbeck

thing we say lightly: If you have something to bring to our attention, do not hesitate to let us know.

Another big addition will be a full video production team. This will add a whole new dimension to how we deliver the news. We will be utilizing videos for interviews, events, teasers and campus Q and A’s. We already have a video interview of the new president, Debbie Derr, and a promotional video for The Advocate. You can check out the videos at youtube.com/mhccadvocate.

Content-wise, we are really going to focus more on stories people will want to read. Something to get excited about is our new monthly feature dedicated to students who have interesting stories or great accomplishments. We’ve already received plenty of submissions, and look forward to more. As for the look of the physical newspaper, we are going for a bolder, sleeker and more modern appearance.

We also want our staff to grow. We welcome anyone and everyone who wants to give The Advocate a shot. Those interested can rest assured that they will be under the wing of people who will give them plenty of guidance and time to craft content they can be proud of.

This is a paper made for students, by students, and we think it would be great if students had a more active role. Let us steer you through an exciting new year for the Advocate and Mt. Hood.

early. Not 10 a.m. early–I’m talking before 8am early. It’s worth waking up to avoid spending your whole afternoon standing in line.

The bookstore has extended hours during the first week of the term, opening at 7:30 a.m. and closing at 7 p.m.

Monday through Friday. There are additional hours on Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. These extended hours last only through Oct. 1, so take advantage while you can.

Some other great websites for find-

Tips

ing textbooks include half.com, which is an eBay company, and, of course, craigslist. But, be wary: What you see isn’t always what you get. If you’re like me and you don’t really care what condition the book is in as long as you can read it, then go for it. But if you insist on your books looking nice, the best route might be to buy them new.

Follow my advice and you’ll be good to go—you don’t want to find yourself unprepared and start the term off on the wrong foot.

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Submissions Sports Editor Aaron Marshall

Copy Editor

Reporters

Advisers

Missy Burchell

Howard Buck

Greg Leonov

Dan Ernst Bob Watkins

Rebecca Gaulke

Photo Editor Carole Riggs

Video Team Melissa Casey

Ad Manager

Jared Lichtenberg

Cameron Miller

Lobsang Tenzin

E-mail: advocatt@mhcc.edu 503-491-7250

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Mt. Hood Community College 26000 SE Stark Street Gresham, Oregon 97030

The Advocate encourages readers to share their opinion by letters to the editor and guest columns for publication. All submissions must be typed and include the writer’s name and contact information. Contact information will not be printed unless requested. Original copies will not be returned to the author. The Advocate will not print any unsigned submission.

Letters to the editor should not exceed 300 words and guest columns should not exceed 600. The decision to publish is at the discretion of the editorial board.

The Advocate reserves the right to edit for style, punctuation, grammar and length.

Please bring submissions to The Advocate in Room 1369, or e-mail them to advocatt@mhcc.edu. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Monday the week of publication to be considered for print.

Opinions expressed in columns, letters to the editor or advertisements are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Advocate or MHCC.

Advocate

Sept. 23, 2013

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Derr brings back the sparkle 5

by Katelyn Hilsenbeck The Advocate

After 11 years spent in America’s heartland, MHCC President Debbie Derr has returned to familiar ground.

“This is truly coming home, not just home to my family, but home to Mt. Hood,” the newly hired campus leader said in an extended interview with The Advocate.

Derr was raised and began her career in Oregon. She worked at MHCC for 15 years and held several positions, including Vice President for Student Development and Services, before she departed in 2002.

Most recently, she was president of North Iowa Community College the past five years before assuming her new role at MHCC in July. Before that, she was Vice President for Learner Success at Madison College, in Madison, Wisc.

Derr explained that she left Mt. Hood to expand her horizons profes-

Photo by Melissa Casey - The Advocate

“It’s wonderful to get up in the morning and know you’re coming to a place that makes such a difference in so many people’s lives.”

Debbie Derr MHCC President sionally, which should benefit the school now: “I feel I have far more to give the institution than if I had stayed here those 11 years,” she said.

On the personal side, her move to the Midwest also was driven by the need for her son, xxxx, to have ice during winter on which to play hockey, she added.

Derr’s three adult children all live in or near Portland and her many relatives remain in Oregon, helping to fuel a desire to return. When the MHCC po-

sition became open, she jumped at the chance.

“A couple things brought me back.

One is I had decided I wanted to be a (college) president when I grew up and I’m pretty grown up now,” she said.

“Secondly, I have a real loyalty to Mt. Hood. I always have.”

With faculty and students flocking to campus this month, Derr has made the rounds to introduce herself. Several MHCC faculty and staff members remember her well and have gladly welcomed her back, meanwhile.

Spanish intructor Aurora Benenati said, “My feelings about her leadership were positive before and I just feel the same way now,” after Derr’s speech to assembled faculty members on Wednesday.

“She always had a very positive attitude, a warm smile, and I knew that she was very effective, knew how to set limits and had a lot of leadership,” Benenati said.

Derr, 57, will be paid $177,000 during the first year of a three-year contract.

She is Mt. Hood’s 10th president since its inception, and its first woman leader. She succeeds Michael Hay, who stepped aside in June after two years as president.

It’s been an incredible journey to land at the Gresham campus again, Derr said.

“Coming back and being in this office, it’s just... I have to pinch myself sometimes, because it’s just absolutely something I never could have dreamed would happen.”

Now that she is home, Derr said, “I’m not going anywhere. You guys are stuck with me!” She plans to retire from MHCC eventually, but, for right now, she said she is having too much fun.

As president, Derr plans to accomplish what the Mt. Hood District Board hired her to do, to “really support the team that is here, to provide consistency and to let people know that I’m a sure thing,” she said.

Derr said promoting students’ success and their degree/certificate completion is at the top of her priorities, as is helping each student achieve his or her own version of success. She also wants Mt. Hood to become a financially healthy institution.

“A lot of folks say they want the sparkle back on the diamond,” said Derr, who said she intends to bring it back.

“It’s important that people who are here, students, faculty, staff, are happy... and really want to be here and recognize and talk about what a wonderful place this is,” she said. “There are amazing things going on here every day.”

Derr said the Gresham-east Portland community’s demographic evolution over the last 10 years has provided

Things to know about your MHCC President Debbie Derr is MHCC’s 10th President since the college opened 48 years ago.

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Derr was previously employed at MHCC for 15 years and has been away from the campus for 11 years.

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Oregon is home to Derr and she intends to retire from MHCC.

Photo by Carole Riggs - The Advocate

Above: MHCC President Debbie Derr has enjoyed her return to Oregon and Mt. Hood.

Left: Derr speaks at the all staff convocation Wednesday. a special opportunity for MHCC– to become “a leader in workforce development, economic development, to provide so many first generation students the opportunity to go to school.

“We have a responsibility as a community college to have a breadth of academic offerings,” she said. “The more we look at the reality of the job market and who employers are hiring, those specialized degrees can become even more important.”

Engaging the neighboring community is a key objective for Derr, who wishes to create a safe, welcoming environment.

Derr lists two vibrant places on campus she particularly enjoys: the Student Union and the Aquatic Center.

She feels the Aquatic Center “serves the community. We’re teaching a life skill,” she said. “It’s sort of a microcosm of what we do,” and the Student Union is a favorite spot because, “students are there, they’re engaged, they’re sleeping sometimes and that’s okay!”

When she’s not on campus wear-

ing her president’s shoes, Derr loves to garden, spend time with her family and to be “doing crazy things like hiking and getting stung by wasps!” she said, showing off some recent stings. “I love the outdoors and there’s no place like home to be able to go hiking and camping and fishing.”

“I feel very, very lucky and very fortunate to have the opportunity to be back at Mt. Hood. It’s wonderful to get up in the morning and know you’re coming to a place that makes such a difference in so many people’s lives,” she said.

“It’s been just a wonderful journey.”

Engaging in student success is one of her biggest priorities along with creating an environment full of staff and students wanting to be here.

Derr journeyed to the midwest in search of ice for her hockey playing son.

For more of The Advocate’s interview with President Derr, go to our website,

www.advocate-online.net

Fall term dates to know Dates for standard length classes

Sept. 29

Oct. 4

Nov. 8

Dec. 6

Last day to drop with a refund Last day to add late with instructor permission Last day to withdraw from an individual class Last day to completely withdraw from college

Welcome Back Week Schedule Monday Free barbecue, popcorn and prizes doled out from noon to 2 p.m. in the Main Mall.

Wednesday There will be a pool party from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Aquatic Center, with a giant inflatable obstacle course, rock climbing, free ice cream and popcorn, and a photo booth to grab pictures with your friends.

Tuesday From noon to 2 p.m. there will be free sandwiches and several games to try in the Mall, including Giant Checkers, Giant Chess, tug of war, sack races, with more prizes handed out.

Thursday There will be volleyball and s’mores offered at the fire pit (near the large pond on the walkway toward the Gym) from 5 to 7 p.m.

Advocate

Sept. 23, 2013

What you ne

MHCC has two other campuses, Maywood Park and Bruning Center for Allied Health.

Maywood is located at 10100 N.E .Prescott St., Portland.

Bruning Center is located at 1484 N.W. Civic Drive, Gresham.

Being a student gives yo Check out our map for e

ID Cards

Co

MHCC student I.D. cards can be obtained with valid photo I.D. at the Library or Student Union front desks. Each term, a new sticker will need to be added to the card to show current enrollment and receive student discounts. The first two weeks of the term, cards are available anytime at the Library and Student Union, but then only during the following hours:

com fers vice ma (ba be low Con

Student Union: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 1p.m.

Library: Monday-Thursday, 1 to 7:30p.m.

Friday, 1 to 4:30p.m.

Saturday, 12:30 to 4:30p.m.

Sunday, 1:30 to 5:30p.m.

Industrial

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Food and drink options on campus 1: St. Helens Bistro Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. *located upstairs in the 1700 building

Academic Center

Stark Street

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2 3

4: Vista Dining Center Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wrap station::11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Grill closes at 2 p.m.

Case items available in lobby until 3 p.m. *Located upstairs above the Student Union

Dental Health Clinic The Dental Health Clinic provides those in the community, ages 3 and older, with cleanings and fluoride treatments and varnishes, x-rays and restorative care. There are discounts on cleanings for students and faculty. Dental Hygiene students are overseen by licensed professionals, and appointments last one to three hours. A list of services and how to enroll as a patient can be found at: www.mhcc.edu/DentalHygiene.

4 Main Theater

2: Bookstore Cafe Monday-Friday 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.

3: Reader’s Cup Coffee Shop Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. *located on the main level of the Library

Student Unio

257th/Kane Drive

Planetarium Sky Theater Cinemas

Planetarium shows are the first Tuesday or every month. Shows will be at 6:00, 7:15 and 8:30 p.m.

Admission is $2 and free to MHCC students.

The first show, “Wonders of the Fall Sky,” is Oct. 1.

Library The public and MHCC students may check out books from the Library. There also are Internet access stations, laptop loans (within the Library) and print stations.

Advocate

Issue 1

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eed to know

ou perks on campus. everything MHCC.

The Advocate office is located in the Integrated Media building, Room AC1369.

Pick up a paper every Friday at our newstands marked with the newspaper symbol.

ollege Print & Mail Center

The Print and Mail Center does rush jobs, has mputers available to alter documents and ofs poster printing, coiling and bounding seres, passport applications and international ail. The print shop is located on the lower level asement) beneath the Academic Center and can accessed by elevators or stairwells and by folwing the yellow arrows, once on the lower level. ntact the center at: GSOrder@mhcc.edu.

Visual Arts

Gym

Earl L. Klapstein Stadium

The Gym offers free access to a weight room, PE126, Monday–Friday from noon to 1 p.m., and on Mondays, Wednesdays and, Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m. There also are intramural sports offered and handball, racquetball and tennis courts available during select times.

Athletics

on

Aquatic Center Tennis Courts

Students receive entrance for open swim sessions at the Aquatic Center at no charge.

Times and dates are available by calling (503) 491-7243.

Rock Wall The rock wall, located in the Aquatic Center, is open for climbing six days a week. It offers 1,800 square feet of climbing area. Drop-ins are accepted during select hours; there also are rock climbing classes. There are student discounts for both daily and monthly climbing. Information on hours and fees can be found at: www.mhcc. edu/CommunityConnections.

Salon Cosmetology students overseen by their instructors provide a range of services that include nail care, hair care, skin care and waxing, hair color and hair styling. Students receive a 10 percent discount on all services. A menu of services can be found at: www. mhcc.edu/salon. The salon is located in the Main Mall, and is open 9 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Public Safety There is a public safety officer on duty 24-7 at MHCC. Security escorts are available by calling (503) 491-7310. Officers can also assist with dead batteries and locked cars. The Public Safety office is located next to the Library.

Photos by Carole Riggs- The Advocate

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Advocate

Sept. 23, 2013

Let Mt. Hood ease your stress Online resources MHCC has a variety of research resources available to students, including databases and research tips. Simply go to the mhcc.edu website and click on Library. Scholarly articles, citation style guides, and even resources for distance learning are all listed. To access online databases from off campus, you will need to enter your last name and I.D. number. You can also chat with a librarian at any time, through email, text message, in person or over the phone.

With so many methods of communication readily available, don’t be afraid to ask when you have a question.

-Rebecca Gaulke

Learning Success Center Career planning and counseling

The Learning Success Center has a variety of resources available to students. The LSC is located above the Library in Room 3300, and is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tutoring services are available for: math, reading, writing, English language learners, study skills, science, and other subjects and computer help. A variety of free Student Success Seminars will be hosted during the Fall Term. Tutoring is available on a drop-in basis, or by appointment.

-Rebecca Gaulke

Mt. Hood’s Career Planning and Counseling Center, located next to the MHCC Bookstore, has credit courses that coach students in career and life planning and in developing their resume.

There are advisers available by appointment who can sit and talk with you one-on-one and help establish short or long-term goals.

Having trouble choosing a major?

They help with that, too. After a short interview, the adviser works with you and helps you choose what steps you need to begin your path to the career you want. Stop by to make an appointment, or check out the Career and Counseling Center tab on Mt. Hood’s website.

The center also hosts multiple job fairs throughout the year. It brings employers to campus so that students can see the types of jobs out there. The initial event, the Holiday Jobs Fair, will be held Tues. Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Union.

-Missy Burchell

Photos by Carol Riggs - The Advocate

Above: The Library is one of many resources in the college that can help ease your work load.

(Below) The Career Planning and Counseling Center can help you decide on a major and set goals to obtain it.

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Photo by Carol Riggs - The Advocate

The U.S. Bank in the Bookstore is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

US Bank opens in bookstore

by Greg Leonov The Advocate U.S. Bank has opened a full-service branch in the MHCC Bookstore to offer financial resources to Mt. Hood students, staff and faculty members.

The bank is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, but officials said they’re willing to change hours of operation depending on student needs. The bank’s main purpose is to serve MHCC students and employees and not outside customers, officials said.

The branch will provide all services seen in most regular banks, such as various loans, savings and checking accounts, mortgages, and different types of investment options. There currently are cash incentives for opening a new account or referring a friend.

New ATMs on campus are free for U.S. Bank customers and people who bank with institutions that participate in the MoneyPass surcharge-free ATM network. If a customer’s own bank does not participate in the MoneyPass network, he or she is allotted four free ATM transactions per statement period; further transactions incur a $3.00 fee per transaction.

The new branch also offers “second-chance banking” to individuals who do not currently hold the best credit ratings.

U.S. Bank chose to expand at MHCC because of the school’s size and large enrollment, a desire to partner with the college administration ”and its location in a market where U.S. Bank has a long history,” said Pat Swanson, U.S. Bancorp spokesman.

“We are also strong advocates of financial education,” Swanson said. The branch intends to offer students free lessons in personal finance, school officials said.

The bank had a soft opening in August, following construction that was unobtrusive to the Bookstore atmosphere, said Julie Godat, Bookstore manager.

There will be a formal grand opening at 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 1, with many giveaways and other activities planned.

Through Sept. 30, U.S. Bank is offering a student promotion: Those who open a student checking account will receive $25 loaded onto their new bank card, upon bringing a receipt showing new card charges totaling $25 or more.

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Advocate

Sept. 23, 2013

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MHCC through their eyes The Advocate talked to a few of Mt. Hood’s long time staff members to gain perspective on how they view campus... and why they haven’t left Garie Zordich Since 1995 Garie Zordich has been at MHCC for 18 years, owing largely to her appreciation for her colleagues and students, she said.

Zordich has spent 13 years as the instructional administrative assistant for the Humanities Department. Prior to that, she was a Title III secretary, a secretary to research and planning, and secretary for the MHCC business department.

Previously, she worked for IBM, where she earned several certificates of certification for specialized courses. She also attended Fresno State University and Glendale Community College in California.

Zordich had several ties to the Mt. Hood campus, with a friend being an employee and her own daughter a former student here.

She said what makes MHCC special is its sense of community. Over the years, she said, the “dedication of the staff and their commitment to students” has remained a constant.

On the flip side, “I think there’s been a real difference in the types of students we serve,” Zordich said. After being exposed to so much technology today, “I think they expect so much more,” she said.

- Katelyn Hilsenbeck photo by Carole Riggs- The Advocate

Garie Zordich helps run the Humanities department and has created many ties to Mt. Hood over the years.

Court Carrier

Chris Maier

Since 1987 Court Carrier started working on campus in 1987 and hasn’t left since. Carrier is the program director and lead instructor of the Hospitality and Tourism program, a career field he has enjoyed much of his life.

Carrier began in the industry as a lifeguard at Glacier National Park in Montana.

Later, he worked as a hotel bellman, greeting guests and helping them to their rooms, all while making $1.10 per hour.

During his last summer before heading to graduate school at Cornell University, Carrier was hired again at Glacier National Park, but this time as resort general manager, at the age of 23. “My goal all along was to be in management and running hotels and resorts,” he said.

Upon returning to Portland after working a long list of different hotel jobs over the course of 20 years, Carrier became the first full time Hospitality and Tourism program director at Mt. Hood.

“It’s a fantastic field, and I love sharing that with students,” said Carrier. “I love it when people take care of other people.”

In 1987, there were just eight students in the program. Today, there are more than 100 enrolled each term. There were only four classes offered that first year, while today there are nearly 40.

Students who have graduated from the program hold jobs all over the world, running hotels, restaurants, and other parks and recreation jobs, Carrier said. “In my industry, there are 350 different job classifications. We aren’t trying to teach people to be just one thing, “I have stayed at MHCC because I want to share my passion for the industry with as many students as possible, hoping that they will also fall in love with the business,” he said.

- Rebecca Gaulke

photo by Carole Riggs- The Advocate

Court Carrier is the Hospitality and Tourism program director.

Since 1988 Graphic Design instructor Chris Maier is starting her 26th year at Mt. Hood and has great things to say about the students, human resources and the college courses.

Maier has a bachelor of fine arts degree in graphic design, which she earned at Arizona State University. Her graduate studies were at the University of Kansas, and Kent State University in Ohio. She also has contributed to the award-winning editorial layouts in Plazm Magazine.

Over the years, Maier has contributed to the graphic design division in a variety of ways, including the role of department chair and management. But her students are what keep her coming back to Mt. Hood, she said.

“I love seeing how my students’ lives have been changed through my Graphic Design program,” she said. “I’ve made it a point to keep in touch with most of my students over the years. I know where they work, how their families are doing, and how their careers have evolved.”

Maier said that the human resources at Mt. Hood are what really make it special – “plus, the fact that it’s in Oregon. Yay!” Asked what her favorite thing about Mt. Hood, she responded, “I think it’s cool that MHCC trains students to learn something specific. In less than two years, you can become a fish biologist, a hairdresser, a potter, a mortician, a filmmaker, a jazz musician, a dental hygienist or a welder.

“Mt. Hood offers way more than just your typical college classes,” she said.

- Danny Perez-Crouse

Steve Michener Since 1988 A long-time instructor at Mt. Hood recalls fondly the programs he’s had a big part in bringing to the college.

Faculty adviser Steve Michener has been a full-time employee at Mt. Hood for 25 years. Before coming to MHCC, he worked as an automotive technician at various dealerships (Toyota, Nissan, Chrysler) and an independent service shop.

“I have stayed at MHCC because I enjoy what I do and I have invested so much of my personal time and energy into the Chrysler CAP, Honda PACT and IMPORT programs,” he said.

Michener, and a former colleague, no longer with the college, created those programs together.

“These are articulated programs with the vehicle manufactures and local repair shops providing 100 percent of our graduates with top-level training and full-time employment,” he said.

Michener said there are only a handful of colleges in America with these kinds of programs. There are even fewer with more than one.

“The value for Mt. Hood is that we (receive) literally millions of dollars’ worth of (donated) tools, training materials, and vehicles every year. For the students this means they are provided cutting-edge training, at the highest level,” Michener said.

- Danny Perez-Crouse

Distance Learning tips from your Living Arts editor

by Rebecca Gaulke The Advocate

If you are new to online courses, they may be a bit tricky to navigate at first. Online classes are fast-paced, and unforgiving if you miss assignments, but if you stay on top of things, the course becomes much more manageable.

The first thing you need to know is that you MUST sign on to Blackboard

within the first couple days of the term or you will be dropped from the course.

You can officially sign into the course today, so if you unsuccessfully tried before now, try again immediately.

“Students must log in the first day of classes and not just sometime in the first week,” said Cat Megic, MHCC’s Distance Learning program coordinator.

Here’s what else you need to know: -Go to mhcc.edu and click on Distance Learning. You will be taken to mhcc.blackboard.com. Bookmark this page for future use, because you will use it often, if not daily.

-Log in using your student I.D. number and your birthday as your pass-

word (MM/DD/YY). If you have trouble, contact Distance Learning at 503-4917170.

-Read the syllabus and all other materials provided. Most courses will have some kind of introductory assignment/discussion to complete during the first week, so make sure you do it in order to avoid being dropped from the class. You must actually participate in the introductory assignment to be considered present for the class.

-It’s important to realize that the first couple weeks are crucial for online courses, so be sure to stay organized and on top of all assignments. Meeting deadlines and due dates are vital to your success – missing only ONE major assignment can set you back for the

entire term.

-Being self-motivated is a must for online courses. Online courses have due dates every week and move at a fast pace.

-You need access to a computer.

Don’t rely solely on your cell phone.

Having a smart phone won’t be sufficient enough to complete all coursework, although there are apps available which will help you to stay organized.

-If you are taking your first online or hybrid course, a helpful online course orientation is available (see dates below).

These are drop-in sessions, so be sure to check them out so you can be successful in your online classes this term.

The dates for online orientations are: -Mon., Sept. 23: 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. or 3:30-5 p.m. in AC 1303 -Tues., Sept. 24: 3:30 to 5 p.m. in AC 1309

8

Advocate

Sept. 23, 2013

nCoach

Mt. Hood features six intercollegiate sports teams that compete in the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC), which includes 34 schools in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia (not all schools compete in all sports). For results, standings and more: nwaacc.org.

Chelsie Speer, 5th year

n2012 record

September

32-11, South Region champions, 4th place NWAACC championship tournament nOutlook NWAACC champions in 2011, the Saints hope to ride outstanding hitter Lihau Perreira (pictured) and seven other returning sophomores to another title run this year.

nCoach

n2012-13 record

Matt Hart, 9th year

11-15, 6th place South Region

November

nOutlook Womens: (5 place NWAACC championship tournament) The Saints struggled to field a full squad during much of 2012 but hope to rebound with improved numbers this fall.

nOutlook Saints look for a strong lineup of returning sophomores to make a run at the postseason, including standouts Landon Rushton (pictured) and Mac Johnson.

th

Mens: (9th place NWAACC championship tournament) Mt. Hood will rely on a freshman-laden team that includes several former Mount Hood Conference high school standouts.

Geoff Gibor, 5th year

nCoach

nCoach

Tyler Rose, 1st year

n2012-13 record 2-23, 8th place South Region nOutlook Former assistant Rose hopes to reverse a grim finish last year, starting with snapping a 20-game losing skid.

March nCoach

Bryan Donohue, 7th year

n2013 record 31-14, South Region champions, 5th place NWAACC tournament nCoach

Meadow McWhorter, 12th season nOutlook

Did you know?

MHCC does not have a football or soccer team!

n2013 record 39-7, South Region champions, 3rd place NWAACC tournament

The Saints again should be carried by strong pitching and defense to battle for the South Region crown.

nOutlook A perennial power, Mt. Hood will chase another title with returning ace pitchers Kristen Crawford and Ann-Marie Guischer and reigning South Region player of the year, shortstop Teauna Hughes (pictured).

You are cordially invited to a

R ibbon Cutting Celebration of the new, full-service U.S. Bank Branch at Mt. Hood Community College!

Tuesday, October 1 | 12:30 p.m.

The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held in front of the U.S. Bank Branch, located inside the Bookstore on the Gresham Campus.

The celebration will include event remarks, refreshments, Captain Shield (the U.S. Bank Mascot) and a prize wheel with giveaway items1 from U.S. Bank and the Mt. Hood Community College Bookstore – all taking place in front of the Bookstore.

Event remarks by the following dignitaries: Dr. Debra Derr, Mt. Hood Community College President Dan Hoke, U.S. Bank SVP, Campus Cards & On-Site Banking Division Manager Jacob Baker, U.S. Bank District Manager Britt Halliday, U.S. Bank Branch Manager Please RSVP by September 23rd to Kimberly Armstrong via email at: kimberly.armstrong@usbank.com or phone at 509-353-5990.

Stop by the U.S. Bank Branch today and register to win a Nexus 7 Tablet2 (32 GB).

The winner’s name will be drawn during the event.

U.S. Bank, The only Bank on Campus

usbank.com 1. While supplies last. 2. No purchase necessary. See branch for official rules. U.S. Bank, Member FDIC