MCC Student and Security Officer Helps Keep MCC Healthy & Safe

In the face of the pandemic, Middlesex Community College has transitioned coursework and student services to remote, virtual and limited contact systems. As an open-access institution, the college’s Public Safety department is on-campus for students and employees who require access. Stephanie Guerra, an MCC student and Security Officer on the Lowell campus, has been on the frontline of keeping the college community safe as MCC navigates the COVID-19 crisis.

As a student and a Security Officer for Securitas on MCC’s Lowell campus, Guerra has had a positive experience both academically and professionally. In her position during this crisis, she has been helping employees and students get materials they need to continue teaching, working and learning.

“I’m able to help students and staff with maintaining safety practices throughout the college,” Guerra said. “We’ve been able to provide students with laptops so that they can continue their classes online, as well as provided home delivery to students who are not able to pick them up. It’s been a great experience and the students appreciate it.”

Guerra – and the rest of MCC’s Security and Facilities departments – have been instrumental in keeping the college running. The best part of the job for her – especially now – is helping students and employees stay healthy and safe.

“During this pandemic our public safety team has been there to assist the college in whatever way possible,” said Patrick Cook, MCC’s Executive Director of Public Affairs. “In Stephanie’s case, she has been helping maintain the continuity of learning for students, faculty and staff by assisting us with the distribution of laptops and chrome books, clay for the sculpting class, musical instruments, and access to our food pantries. It feels especially appropriate because Stephanie herself is an MCC Student and is able to help her fellow classmates in this manner.”

When employees or students do have to come to campus to pick up materials, the public safety team ensures that everyone follows the proper protocols, which includes wearing gloves and masks, and maintaining a six-foot distance from others. The team also washes their hands often, offer sanitizing stations across campus and floors, and have a cleaning crew come in to sanitize the building every day.

“I feel like everyone’s been very understanding and cooperative,” Guerra said. “Everyone’s been great about following the rules, signing in, and maintaining the six-feet distance. The staff and faculty that we work with, including the Public Safety department, get things done – which is great.”

Every morning, Guerra starts the day by checking the news and emails for campus updates. She’s eager to help as best she can as part of the team. While there are not a lot of people on campus at a time – and the campus is quiet for a large part of the day – she believes it’s important for someone to be there when something is needed.

“Stephanie has proven herself to be reliable, attentive to detail, and extremely supportive to our entire college community,” said Dan Martin, MCC’s Director of Public Safety. “Less than a year on the job, Stephanie has been promoted to shift supervisor due to her ability not only to problem solve, but to be a leader with her peers.”

Guerra is a Mechanical Engineering student who is interested in STEM club. She’s enjoyed taking math classes and working with her fellow Security Officers. In the past, she’s worked details at the Nesmith House, including when the college welcomed W. Patrick Murphy, United States Ambassador to Cambodia, and at President James C. Mabry’s Soupfest.

Working with detectives to gather information has also provided an interesting experience for Guerra who appreciates being able to implement practices learned from work into the real world.

Faculty and staff have been supportive of Guerra as she goes through her Middlesex journey, including helping her learn the right skills and knowledge she needs to be successful.

“I really enjoy working with the entire Security department and MCC staff,” she said. “Everyone has been really helpful in these difficult times.”

To register for classes at Middlesex Community College, including MCC’s four Summer Session offerings, 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!