MCC Sets Up Tent on Bedford Campus to Welcome New Students

At Middlesex Community College, students are prepared to “hit the ground running as soon as the Fall semester starts,” according to Deborah Botker, MCC’s Social Science Department Chair and Coordinator of First Year Experience (FYE). Part of the FYE, MCC’s Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) courses provide a well-rounded foundation for learning to set up students for success from day one of their academic journey.

“IDS 101 combines orientation with classroom experiences to give students the essential tools they need to be successful in college,” Botker said. “Our data demonstrates that students who take IDS 101 – particularly in Quickstart – successfully complete classes at a higher rate, and also are more likely to enroll in classes in the following semester.”

With a mission centered on equity and accessibility, Middlesex strives to guide students through the completion of one of the college’s seven pathway programs to transfer to a four-year college or enter the workforce.

The one-credit FYE IDS course helps students become part of the MCC community while teaching them the skills and habits they need to reach their goals while they are at the college and in the future.

An important part of IDS courses is to provide students with the opportunity to meet people in different areas of the college to understand what academic and personal support resources are available to them during their time at Middlesex. It is also essential for new students to engage with their classmates.

This summer, parts of these classes will take place outside in a tent on the Bedford campus. While following health and safety guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), students can go through ice breakers, enjoy lunch together, and engage in post-class activities.

“The COVID-19 pandemic was an isolating time for so many people, including our current and new students,” said Pam Flaherty, MCC’s Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students. “Middlesex is a small college with a large, vibrant and welcoming community, and engaging in this environment lends to the long-lasting success of so many of our students. Using a tent outside allows students to meet each other and members of the college in a safe way.”

Faculty can use the tent throughout the day – weather dependent – and will follow different schedules, according to Botker. At the start of each course, students will be welcomed by MCC President Phil Sisson or Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Arlene Rodríguez. Students will also be able to meet with Orientation Leaders who can share their own experiences at Middlesex.

Starting on Thursday, September 9, MCC’s Fall 2021 semester will feature on campus, online and hybrid courses that come with award-winning student support services and resources. 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!