MCC Offers Virtual Admissions Sessions to Local High Schools

Middlesex Community College understands that students cannot afford to pause their academic journeys. Middlesex has worked hard during this COVID-19 crisis to transition coursework and student services to remote, virtual and limited contact systems that keep students on their academic path. In an effort to accommodate prospective students and their families, MCC’s Office of Admissions and Recruitment is offering virtual sessions.

As a leader of online education for over 20 years, Middlesex has made an efficient and successful transition to remote systems. Jeffrey Tejada, MCC’s Director of Diversity Outreach and Recruitment, believes it is critical to offer virtual platforms to guide current and future students.

“I think now more than ever, in light of the crisis we are experiencing, students and families need to feel reassured that MCC has their needs, interests and concerns in mind as we help them navigate through the college enrollment process,” he said. “Attending college is an equally exciting and nerve-wracking experience.”

The Getting Started @ MCC sessions – which began weekly in March – help students understand and complete the enrollment process. Sessions answer questions related to the community college experience and feature the resources, services and opportunities available to students, including Mass Transfer, Academic Advising, Student Engagement, Academic Map and Pathways.

Sessions will now be offered bi-weekly in addition to being catered to local high schools, including in Lowell and Lawrence – which will feature a bilingual session to accommodate the city’s large Latinx population.

Maintaining connections with local high schools is beneficial to prospective students to learn what is available to them. Karyn Cassidy, College Relations Counselor at Lowell High School, believes MCC has been responsive to Lowell High’s needs.

“Jeff Tejada has continued to provide virtual opportunities for our seniors in an effort to keep them connected and moving towards their goal of attending college in the fall,” she said. “These services are a reminder to our students that college is still a possibility.”

While applying for college can feel overwhelming, Tejada believes these sessions answer questions, help eliminate fears, and show students that they are not alone in this process.

“Many of our applicants are first-generation students who are both feeling tremendous pride and sense of accomplishment in being the first members of their families to go to college,” he said. “But they are also concerned about the various unknowns that come with applying, enrolling and attending college.”

The webinars also include sessions on Dual Enrollment for high school students wanting to earn college credit, Health Programs for students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, and International Admissions for students who wish to come to the U.S. for their studies.

Education does not have to be put on hold because of COVID-19 and Middlesex understands that students need guidance on the college process now more than ever.

“Despite these extremely difficult and unprecedented circumstances, the critical function of educating our students continues at Middlesex,” Tejada said. “The connectivity offered through our Getting Started @ MCC virtual sessions and other webinars allows us to continue our critical work of recruiting and guiding students to Middlesex Community College.”

To participate, students receive an email invitation with a link to the webinar of choice. Participants can choose to use the mic and chat function or the camera as they connect with the Admissions representative.

Visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/admissions/virtual.aspx for more information and to sign up for a virtual session.

To register for summer and fall classes at MCC, 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, we educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners. MCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – on our campuses in Bedford and Lowell, and online. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!