MATC Matters

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Last week I attended the annual League for Innovation in the Community College’s “Innovations 2008″ conference. As usual, when I attend a national conference I try to relate everything I am hearing to what we do at MATC. Again, at this year’s Innovations conference, I was struck by how much talent and potential we have here at MATC. At the same time, I am encouraged knowing how much more we can achieve when we all work together for the good of our students. I know that when we are plodding day to day with our many tasks we sometimes forget the bigger picture. So, at this time of spring break let’s stop, take a breath, and realize how very important our students are.

Sandy Shugart, president of Valencia Community College, keynoted the opening session. For those of you who are new to MATC, Dr. Shugart has spoken for our convocation here in the past. These are his seven points for “The Power of Learning,” upon which he based his address at Innovations 2008:

1. Anyone can learn anything under the right conditions.
2. The college is . . . what the students experience.
3. Students need connection and direction.
4. Practice powerful pedagogies.
5. The purpose of assessment is to improve learning.
6. Collaborate/collaborate/collaborate!
7. Teach the students you have, not the ones you wish you had.

I believe these points reflect our philosophy here. Hopefully some of these concepts will be discussed during many of the breakout sessions planned for Friday’s convocation.

Mid-semester Convocation is this Friday, March 14, and it’s a great opportunity to recharge and reconnect as we head into the home stretch for the end of the semester. The agenda is now available on the CETL Web site. I look forward to seeing you!

Biotechnology connections
We are very fortunate to be in Madison, fast becoming one of the “hubs” for biotechnology and research. We’re working hard to enhance and develop our programs to meet the needs of this growing industry. MATC is an academic partner for the BioPharmaceutical Technology Center Institute (BTCI), an organization devoted to enhancing the quality of education in the life sciences and of education overall. BTCI is hosting the 3rd annual Stem Cell Symposium on April 16 and the 7th annual International Bioethics Forum on April 17 and 18. We will be sponsoring several students and faculty members at these events. If you are interested in attending, visit the web site for more information on BTCI and these activities.

A bit of the bard at MATC
MATC Performing Arts is offering one of the best prescriptions to relieve mid-term stress with their performance of “The Comedy of Errors” this weekend. Take a break with one of Shakespeare’s funniest early comedies. Performances run Friday and Saturday, March 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 16, at 2 p.m.

AQIP
This week, MATC Matters features a discussion of AQIP Category 3, Understanding Student and Other Stakeholder Needs. MATC is committed to building and strengthening our communication with students and stakeholders and continues to work on improving processes and activities to help us meet our goals. Please take a look at the article or visit the AQIP web site for more information.

MATC Marvels
Our art and design program students and graduates are continuing to maintain and build upon a reputation for high quality work throughout the Madison area and beyond. Recently, our graphic design, illustration and photography students took home 43 silver and gold awards from the Madison Advertising Federation’s 2008 ADDY Awards, a challenging and prestigious design competition, including Best of Show and First Runner-up Gold Student ADDY Awards.While we are very fortunate to have such serious and talented students, we know that the top-notch instruction they receive in these programs makes all the difference. Congratulations to the Art Department faculty, staff and students!

The Council on Approved Student Education (CASE) recently voted to continue certification of our Broadcast Captioning and Judicial Reporting programs through 2012. This means the programs will continue to be listed in the National Court Reporters Association’s Journal of Court Reporting and will be promoted by NCRA on the organization’s web site and in mailings. Congratulations to instructors Rachel Baker (lead) and Lisa Hubacher, and to program staff and students!

Here is a quote from Sandy Shugart that he shared during the Innovations 2008 opening session: “Students are not units, data points, customers, FTEs or objects of any kind. They are persons.”

For faculty and others who will be on holiday next week, have a great spring break! I’ll write again Monday, March 24.

Bettsey