Act Now! Complete the “Your Voice, Your MC” Survey Before October 6
The Office of Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management (HRSTM) extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and participated in the recent “Your Voice, Your MC” open forums. Your insights, ideas, and enthusiasm greatly contribute to our institution’s vibrancy and continuous growth.
We understand that schedules can be demanding, and some of you may have been unable to attend. If you missed the forums but still wish to share your thoughts, we encourage you to complete our “Your Voice, Your MC” Open Forum Action Plan Ideas Form. Your voice matters to us, and we want to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to be heard.
Our primary objective with these sessions and the feedback we gather is to provide recommended college-wide action plans to the cabinet by November. For this reason, we kindly request that you submit your input by Friday, October 6.
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MC Library Celebrates Banned Books Week This week is Banned Books Week! Banned Books Week, hosted by the American Library Association (ALA), celebrates the freedom to read. Attempts to ban books have skyrocketed in recent years. In fact, in 2022, ALA recorded the highest number of attempted book bans since they began collecting data on censorship in libraries over 20 years ago. Preliminary data from 2023 shows the rate of attempted bans is steadily rising (Source: ALA’s Office of Intellectual Freedom).
MC Library supports ALA’s Library Bill of Rights and its concept of intellectual freedom. We also uphold the principles of the ALA Freedom to Read Statement. The freedom to access, read, and write a wide variety of views and expressions is essential to the future of our democracy.
As the list of the most-banned books of 2022 demonstrates, many books are challenged because they include some type of diversity that an individual or group of people finds to be threatening or uncomfortable. These books have value. They can act as either a window, allowing the reader to learn about an experience or identity that is different from their own, or a mirror, allowing the reader to see their experiences or identities represented. Either way, providing access to banned books demonstrates that diversity not only matters but is celebrated at MC.
If you’d like to learn more about Banned Books Week or commit the ultimate act of rebellion against censorship and read a banned book, stop by any MC Library this week to see our displays. We also have an online guide about book banning and censorship that includes banned books you can borrow from the MC Library, as well as other information and resources about the topic.
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Family Empowerment Resource Fair
Join Montgomery College and United Bank on Saturday, October 14, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. for the Family Empowerment Resource Fair, formerly known as the Single Parent Conference.
There will also be fun activities for kids, including face painting, balloon animals, and sticker tattoos.
With empowerment as the focus, families will leave feeling supported, informed, and equipped to reach their goals. The fair takes place at the MC Rockville Campus in the Student Services Center. We hope to see you there!
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MC Wellness: Prioritizing the Mind and Body for a Balanced LifeAt Montgomery College, we believe in empowering your well‑being through various employee activities and wellness initiatives. In this edition, we will cover mental health awareness, financial wellness for retirement, and adjustments to our pickleball schedule at the Rockville Campus. Stay informed and engaged to enhance your overall wellness.
World Mental Health Day is October 10 - Prioritize Self-Care
In recognition of World Mental Health Day on Tuesday, October 10, we want to remind you of the confidential mental health resources available to all employees and household members.
Through our employee assistance program, Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP), you have access to six (6) free counseling sessions per issue through our service provider, ComPsych. Counseling can be done via phone, video, or in-person and covers challenges like stress, anxiety, grief, and more.
For 24/7 support, contact ComPsych at 844-236-2668 or visit the ComPsych website.
Prioritizing mental health is just as important as physical health. This World Mental Health Day, and every day, we encourage you to make time for self-care and utilize these resources whenever you need extra support.
Are You Financially on Track for Retirement? - October 19 Webinar
One of the top financial goals for individuals and couples is to be financially secure in retirement. This goal is not one that can be planned for in just the last few years leading up to the planned retirement date, but must be set and have milestones identified throughout the different stages of life.
There are many “rules of thumb” or theories on the proper amount and type of savings and investments one should have when setting aside money for retirement, but in reality, there is not one plan or solution that fits everyone.
Adjustments to the Pickleball Schedule at Rockville
On Tuesday, October 31, we will cancel pickleball due to the Open Enrollment Benefits Fair at Rockville (RV) Campus in PE137A. Coach Art will be at the open enrollment in RV to answer any pickleball questions for employees.
We have added a special drop-in pickleball playtime on Wednesday, November 1, from 4–6 p.m. in PE137A, for MC employees to come and play. Anyone new to pickleball can receive a lesson from Coach Art. Employees who want to participate should contact Megan Cooperman.
If you have any wellness questions or need disability-related accommodations, please contact Megan Cooperman.
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Hispanic Heritage Month: MC Festive Finale
Join our FREE closing event on Sunday, October 22, from 2–5 p.m. at the MC Rockville Campus Theatre Arts Building for lively dance performances, a live band, salsa, and more.
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| Important Dates Thursday, October 5Staff Council Meeting,
1-3 p.m. Meeting will be held over Zoom.
“A Mother’s Letter from the Grave: The Frank Grunwald Collection,” 12:30–1:45 p.m., in-person at Germantown Campus, HT Globe Hall
Monday, October 9“Experiential Crucial Conversations,” 3–5 p.m., in Workday.
Wednesday, October 11
“Microsoft Outlook Essentials - Fall 2023,” 9 a.m.–noon, in Workday.
Saturday, October 14
Timesheets for non-exempt (hourly) employees and Period Activity Pay for all part‑time faculty and WDCE instructors are due in Workday by noon.
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- Chemistry Instructional Faculty FT
- Construction Trades Worker
- Instructional Associate
- Instructional Faculty FT - Biology
- Part-time Faculty Business Instructor
- Part-time Faculty Japanese Language Instructor
- Part-time Information Technology Instructor
- Public Safety Officer II
- Temporary - Campus Police Officer
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Workday Support for Employees
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Become a Contributor for Employee MattersAre you interested in submitting an article for publication or becoming a regular columnist for Employee Matters?
We’re always looking for fresh College and employee-related content, and we’d love to collaborate with you and hear your story.
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Emergency Evacuation Accommodation It is important for all employees to have an emergency evacuation plan in place in the event of an emergency. Those who may need assistance during an evacuation due to a disability should consider identifying themselves to employers and building managers to aid in the planning process.
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The MC Wellness program offers online classes and
in-person classes daily for aqua fitness, cardio and strength circuits, desk stretching, pickleball, Pilates, Tai Ji, yoga, and Zumba.
Visit the Wellness page for the FY24 fall schedule and descriptions of classes.
All classes are complimentary for MC employees, their spouses, and retirees.
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Join the MC Employees Facebook GroupStay in the know by joining the MC Employees Facebook group. This group is only open to Montgomery College employees and will require approval to join.
Join. Like. Comment. Share.
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