Campus Events and Activities Help Set Up MCC Students for Success

“For the Fall semester, I am looking forward to being able to go back on campus and participate in in-person classes,” said Monica McCann, a Middlesex Community College Medical Assistant Student. “I will be getting involved in events and activities as well.”

From Gardner and now living in Chelmsford, McCann enjoys welcoming new students to the college as an Orientation Leader, as well as helping them as a Supplemental Instructor. In her roles for Middlesex, she answers questions and helps classmates navigate the college experience. One of her suggestions to students is to be active around campus – whether in-person or online.

“The benefits of going to events and clubs on campus is a way to engage with other students and make new friends, and know that you are not doing this alone,” she said. “There are other people who are nervous and shy, and it’s a great way to connect with your peers.”

MCC’s Fall 2021 semester will feature on campus, online and hybrid courses, support services, events and activities to set up students for success. Featuring small class sizes, affordable prices and an encouraging community, Middlesex guides students to reach their academic, professional and personal goals.

“Being part of a community helps students better adjust to college life, leading to higher graduation and transfer rates, and more successful futures overall,” said Steven Rossi, MCC’s Director of Student Engagement & Retention. “From day one, MCC’s Office of Student Engagement (OSE) provides students with opportunities to interact with peers – in person and virtually – outside of the classroom and immerse themselves in campus life by joining a club or networking with alumni and professionals.”

As part of the Fall 2021 welcome week, MCC’s OSE hosted events to introduce new students to the college, classmates and staff members. Events – such as onboarding sessions for students who are veteran and military-connected, first-generation or part of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Academy – were created in order to help students transition into college with inclusive small-group experiences.

During Welcome Month events, MCC’s OSE will host a Fall Fest in both Bedford and Lowell for the community to celebrate the start of the semester, meet new friends, and learn more about how to get involved on campus. There will also be a Virtual Student Employment Fair to show students all of the jobs that are available across the college. Campus jobs offer flexible hours, professional development and networking opportunities.

Throughout the Fall 2021 semester, students can participate in both in-person and online events with featured speakers, exercise activities, game and movie nights, trivia, an open poetry and fiction reading and author visits, among other activities.

MCC’s Office of Civic and Service-Learning will also lead service projects, such as making cards for patients at Lowell General Hospital and hosting events focused on constitutional rights.

For students such as McCann – who returned to Middlesex after a few years to continue her education and made the merit list “for the first time in my life” in her first semester back – being involved on campus allows them to meet new people, adjust to college-life, and establish themselves as part of a community.

“MCC has given me the opportunity to grow and prove to myself that I can do this,” McCann said. “I am grateful for that.”

Visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/studentactivities/ for more information about MCC events, activities, clubs and organizations. Events will continue to be updated and added throughout the Fall semester.

MCC’s Fall 2021 semester begins on Thursday, September 9. For more information and to register for classes, visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC has been a proven leader in education for more than 50 years. Middlesex puts the student first. Meeting each learner where they are, MCC provides them with a safe, welcoming and engaging place to learn. Offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – Middlesex features flexible course formats and a variety of award-winning student support services and resources. Student success starts at MCC!