HR Newsletters 2019

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NEWSLETTER MCCB HR

1ST Quarter News 2019

IN THIS ISSUE

WITH YOU IN MIND—REFLECTIONS

WITH YOU IN MIND - REFLECTIONS

EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER

PAGE 2

NEW HIRES

NEW MCCB POLICIES

MCCB OPEN POSITIONS

MCCLA CLASS 2019-2020

REFLECTIONS- CONTINUED

C3—WELLNESS

EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER

Kim Verneuille

YOU ARE INDEED THE BEST OF MCCB

BIRTHDAYS

January

Matthew Riley Melissa Readus Shelika Hooker

7 7

RETIREES AND NEW HIRES

Carla Causey Jason Carter Tunga Otis

17 16 25

Jim Southward 30 years of state service Johna Peyton (January 11)

February

Marilyn Gardner

4 5 5

Krista LeBrun Lajuna Ivory Megan Akins

NEW/REVISED POLICIES

12 13 15

Dr. Andrea Mayfield

Robin Griffith

MCCB Policy 2.13 - Probationary Period and Termination At-Will

March

Nikitna Barnes Tonya Pickens

7 8

Dr. Tierra Flowers Sherriel Moore

13 17 17 21 22

MCCB OPEN POSITIONS

Patti Fleming

Veronica Dunning

1. Senior Accountant 2. ECA—Family Engagement Specialist 3. Mississippi Apprenticeship

Lisa Bonds

MCCLA CLASS 2019-2020

Dr. Kimberly Jones Dr. LaToya Sterling

C3 HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Welcome to another year in the pursuit of WELLNESS! WE ARE AWAITING THE NEXT ROUND OF GRANT FUNDS from The Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation! We have outlined a plethora of events, sessions and challenges for per- sonal growth, health and wellness development. Look for interesting and compelling information from your local well- ness coordinator! In health and wellness! C3 Wellness Ambassadors

C3 Wellness Center

C3WELLNESSCENTER

NEWSLETTER MCCB HR

2nd Quarter News

2019

IN THIS ISSUE

MESSAGE FROM HR

“The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R. 7) in a 242–187 vote March 27. If the bill is ultimately signed into law, it would prohibit employers nationwide from asking job appli- cants about their salary history and require them to prove that pay dis- parities between men and women are job-related. “ There are critics of this measure. However, in 2018 similar bills were signed into law in several states around the country. HR will continue monitoring this and evaluating the implications. Additional legislation to keep on the radar: The Child Rearing and Development Leave Empowerment (CRADLE) Act, introduced a few weeks earlier by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, would let parents receive up to three months of paid leave if they postpone Social Security benefits and take leave from work. The Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act, which pro- vides partial wage replacement for all Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) qualifying events funded by a payroll tax on employers and em- ployees. On March 28, for the first time in 50 years, the Department of Labor (DOL) proposed changing the definition of the "regular rate" of pay—the building block for calculating overtime. If the planned exclusions from the regular rate are adopted, employers may pay less in overtime. The proposed rule would exclude the following from the regular rate:  The cost of providing wellness programs and onsite specialist treatment.  Reimbursed expenses, including travel expenses that do not exceed the maximum travel reimbursement under the Federal Travel Regulation system.  Accident, unemployment and legal services, which the DOL considers to be benefits plans.

EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER

BIRTHDAYS

NEW HIRES

JOB OPENINGS

TRIVIA

WELLNESS

TOPIC FOR CONSIDERATION

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

MCCB NEWS

EMPLOYEES OF THE QUARTER

Dexter Holloway and Kell Smith

SHRM

“Inspire, don’t push. Innovative thinking is a creative process.”

BIRTHDAYS

April 2 Shana Hansen 8 Ashley Mitchell 15 Krystal Adcock 19 Tina Bradley 19 Jevelyn Smith 26 Davita Weary 29 Kathy Smith

June

May

5 Mark Jenkins 5 Kenecha Brooks—Smith 8 Katelynn Bowman 18 Kell Smith 20 Audra Love-Kimble

14 Dr. Teresa Barnes 16 Steven Martin 28 Dr. Sheriece Robinson 30 Sandy Crist

MCCB NEW HIRES

TRIVIA TIME!

Katelynn Bowman Steven Martin James “Jim” Miller

Want two free movie tickets?? Just answer these questions below. Be one of the two winners who will be selected at random from those who provided the correct re- sponses! Most answers can be found in this issue!! Submit your responses to HR@mccb.edu - no later than Monday, April 8 — 5 pm. Drawing to be held April 12. 1. What’s the tentative date for the internal property audit? 2. Name two professional development sessions you would like to attend, whether they are currently offered or something new. 3. What is MCCB policy 2.13? 4. Gossip can be a true statement. True or False

Austin Smith Kathy Smith

JOB OPENINGS

Instructional Design/Development Specialist—open until filled

C3 HEALTH AND WELLNESS

And we are off to a GREAT start again this year! March 2019 winners...

Walking Challenge Mark Jenkins Audra Kimble Trim Your Waist Nikitna Barnes

Challenges listed on Facebook or email for further information: C3wellness@mccb.edu

C3 Wellness Center

Mark Jenkins

C3WELLNESSCENTER

WELLNESS CONTINUED PAGE 4

TOPIC FOR CONSIDERATION—Gossip in the Workplace

R ealistically, there will never be a complete stop to workplace gossip. It is unfortunately inherent but in the workplace it must be addressed. Casual talk can easily turn into harmful gossip, even slander. Be mind- ful that when on agency time, what employees discuss has a direct impact on what they produce and how they produce it. Don’t waste valuable work time.

“ With integrity, you have noth- ing to fear, since you have nothing to hide. With integrity, you will do the right thing, so you will have no guilt.”

As stated, at its worst, gossip can be vicious, untrue, and defamatory. Remember that the spread of gossip involves you in unprofessional behavior that can cause irreparable damage to your image and that of others. You may be helping to spread a lie.

Should you receive information that you know is deliberately misleading or even damaging speculation, you have the responsibility of not spreading such gossip.

You may know something that may even be true; that does not mean that it is worth saying. The matter may be none of your business, or unkind to speak about.

Gossip in any form will not be tolerated at the Mississippi Community College Board.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

I t is an exciting time at the MCCB! We are working on creating a cohesive and comprehensive vision and approach for our agency’s professional development. This will be better achieved with your input. Before the end of April, each MCCB staff member will receive a survey link. We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to provide a response to the survey questions. Your response will help guide our training and pro- fessional development plans for July 2019-June 2020.

Major PD initiatives underway include:

1) Creating a comprehensive and strategic professional development plan for the agency 2) Exploring how to become a CEU authorized provider 3) Introducing a professional development catalog that highlights all of the exceptional training we provide as an agency and with our partners

Interviews have been scheduled with each office director and or division leader. The feedback gathered dur- ing the interviews will support the major PD initiatives underway. We thank everyone for the support and

eagerness to contribute to the development of the MCCB PD vision. Here’s a look at the professional development events coming this quarter: Mandatory Training: Drug Awareness – April 18, 2019 @ 2pm Director Training: Crucial Accountability – May 15, 2019 @ 9:30 am Technology Series: Cybersecurity – May 16, 2019 @ 2pm Technology Series: Tech Tools – June 20, 2019 @ 2pm

Dr. Krystal Thurman Director of Professional Development

WELLNESS

A big shout of encouragement for our two Paul Lacoste Sports participants! Nikitna Barnes and Matthew Riley Keep moving forward as you enter the home stretch!

As we await the BCBS Grant decision, the C3 Ambassadors would like to encourage you to continue your journey of wellness. Strive to live a healthy mental, physical, and fi- nancial life. Wellbeing from a holistic approach adds bal- ance and stability to all aspects of daily life. Keep calm, stretch, and EXERCISE!

Shana Hansen

Disclaimer: This newsletter mention of Paul Lacoste in no way endorses the Paul Lacoste program.

Walk Your Way to Wellness—”Can you boost your memory by walking backward?”

According to a Harvard University study published in a recent issue of Cognition , “people who walked backward, imagined they were walking backward, or even watched a video simulating backward motion had better recall of past events than those who walked forward or sat still.” The study was designed to test the effects of motion on memory. The researchers found that study participants had better information recall when moving backward and the boost in memory lasted an average of 10 minutes after movement stopped. According the article, backward motion could be added to our existing techniques for memory re- call. For example, a method called cognitive interview is intended to metaphorically walk people through an event. Such activities assist in a more accurate recall of information. The researchers determined that walk- ing backward could have a similar effect on the brain. While it is still too early to understand whether this technique has practical applications, it is worth consideration. The next time you are trying to recall a memory, consider walking backward. If nothing else, it will make hallway interactions more fun! See the full article at https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/can-you-boost-your-memory-by-walking-backward

Dr. Krystal Thurman

MCCB NEWS—WHAT’S IN THE WORKS

1. Internal inventory audit—Tentative May 2019 (TBD) 2. New website development (Reveal mid-year 2019) 3. Newsletter submissions requests—We want to know you better! “What’s Your Story?”

NEWSLETTER MCCB HR

3rd Quarter News

2019

IN THIS ISSUE

BREAKING COMFORT—AIMING FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY

MESSAGE FROM HR

“Comfort is the Enemy of Progress” P.T. Barnum Existing in a place of comfort is easy. It is that stagnant, “this has always worked so I assume this will continue to work”, place where the comfort besotted mindset lives. If you are not changing, then you are unquestionably not moving forward.

EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER

BIRTHDAYS

NEW HIRES

JOB OPENINGS

TRIVIA

WELLNESS

What must be disrupted to break free of comfort?

TOPIC FOR CONSIDERATION

1. Realize that the chains of comfort mediocrity exist. 2. Sacrifice the security bubble of comfort. 3. Embrace challenges. 4. Risk your fears and discover the unknown.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

MCCB NEWS

What you do matters.

EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER

Action is required.

Identify the areas of delay, identify barriers, and challenge comfort seekers.

Build those necessary partnerships.

Focus on making daily progress.

Break free from the chains of comfort.

We have all heard that we should ‘think outside of the box’. Well, sit on the box if you must. Dare to think of what an ideal work day would look like and strive towards ideal.

Audra Kimble

Cynthia Jiles Assistant Executive Director for Human Resources

“Understand that what matters to people impacts society.”

BIRTHDAYS

July

September 3 Shalon Farris 14 Missy Saxton 14 Shamiko Allen 14 Dr. Tony Chiang 22 Ray Smith 24 Dr. Micca Knox 30 Dr. Kimberly Jones

August

4 Ed Roberson 4 Jim Miller 7 Dexter Holloway 9 Shuronda Common 12 Johna Peyton 17 Jenny Kern 18 Austin Smith 19 Angenette Dixon 25 Valeria Williams

10 Kenneth Wheatley 15 Dr. Rachel DeVaughan 17 Russell Shaw 23 Jacob Goodwin 26 Dr. Shawn Mackey

MCCB NEW HIRES

TRIVIA TIME!

Russell Shaw Jeb Stuart

Want two free movie tickets?? Just answer the four questions below. Be the first to provide the correct responses. Most answers can be found in this issue.

JOB OPENINGS

Submit your responses to HR@mccb.edu - no later than Wednes- day, July 17 — 5 pm. Winner to be announced July 17. 1. What is the time frame for reporting Workers’ Comp injuries? 2. Which MCCB Committee do you serve on? 3. Who (outside of your usual group) have you invited to lunch? 4. What is the suggested distance that your computer screen should be from your face?

1. Instructional Design/Development Specialist—open until filled 2. Technical Specialist for Finance— open until filled 3. MACJC Contract—Compliance Auditor

TRIVIA ANSWERS

1. May 2019 2. Various 3. 2.13—Probationary Period and Termination At-Will 4. True

2nd Quarter

MESSAGE FROM HUMAN RESOURCES—Policy Update

Policy Update: MCCB Policy 7.3 - Workers’ Compensation All employees are covered by Workers' Compensation Insurance. An employee injured on the job is entitled to finan- cial and medical aid under the Workers' Compensation Insurance program in accordance with state law. All injuries must be promptly reported to the Director of Human Resources. If an employee sustains a job-related injury or illness, it is important to notify the supervisor and Human Resources immediately. The notice of injury must be done within three days of the incident. Failure to report an injury/accident will result in disciplinary procedures. Workers’ compensation benefits (paid or unpaid) will run concurrently with FMLA leave, if applicable, where per- mitted by state and federal law.

TOPIC FOR CONSIDERATION—Can You Pass the Civility Test?

Tips for Getting There

 Maintain confidentiality in all communications

 Pay attention. Show your co-workers respect by giving them your full attention during meetings and recognizing everyone's input

 Mind your language. Saying “please,” “thank you” and “I’m sorry” can have a big impact.

 Regularly express appreciation to co-workers for their help, and avoid interrupting others when they are speaking. Apologize if you have mistakenly offended anyone.

 Give credit to others when they do a good job.

 Say “hi.” Make the effort to say “hello.” Courtesy is infectious.

 Be considerate with your humor. Before making a joke, pause and ask yourself, “Is this re- mark at someone else’s expense? Will it embarrass someone?” If the answer to either of these is yes, don’t share the joke.  Be inclusive. Look for ways to include co-workers in events or projects by inviting them to lunch or asking for their input. Who have you invited to lunch lately?  Be a role model. Set the example on how to promote and reinforce respectful leadership behavior.  Don’t let disrespectful behavior stand. Make an effort to manage conflicts in a timely effective manner.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT—LEARNING LAUNCH—Employee Engagement

Gallup (2017) defines employee engagement as employees “who are in- volved in, enthusiastic about and committed to their work and workplace.” En- gagement is often defined in terms of employees’ behaviors and feelings. Exam- ples of engaged behaviors are optimism, team-orientation, solution-orientation, selflessness, passion for learning and growth, and willingness to pass credit and accolades to others but accepting of blame. Engaged employees perform more efficiently at their jobs, provide better service to those they serve, feel a sense of urgency and enthusiasm for their work, and demonstrate persistence and adapta- bility that may expand beyond job descriptions and roles. When employees are disengaged, examples of behaviors may include pessimism, self-centeredness, high absenteeism, negative attitude, narrowed focus on working for the monetary reward over all else, and willingness to accept credit but preference to deflect and pass on blame (SHRM, 2019) How would you describe your level of engagement? Do you live the mission of the agency? Have you shared your reasons for increased or decreased engage- ment with your supervisor? It is important to consider your answers to the posed questions. Whether you feel exceedingly engaged at work or less than so, consid- er the many ways you can increase your level of engagement. To become more engaged at work, start by asking what is expected of you, be kind to someone else, seek a mentor, when disconnects occur, dig deeper to understand why they happened, ascertain how you can create value, seek regular feedback, take time to reflect, participate in the many social activities planned throughout the year, join the numerous professional development sessions provided, participate in community service projects, volunteer to work on projects (with your supervisors permission), or simply ask how you can do more. There are so many ways to be engaged and there is no one size fits all approach.

Sources: Gallup (2017). Gallup daily: U.S. employee engagement. Retrieved from https://news.gallup.com/poll/180404/gallup- daily-employee-engagement.aspx

SHRM (2019). Developing and sustaining employee engagement. Retrieved from https:// www.engagementmultiplier.com/blog/why-is-employee-engagement-so-important/amp/

Dr. Krystal Thurman Director of Professional Development

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SESSIONS

Third Quarter Professional Development:

July 16, 2019

Appy Hour Lunch & Learn (voluntary) | 11:30 am -12:30pm | 5th Floor Conference Room

August 5, 2019

2019 MCCB Convocation (required) | 8:30 am - 4:30pm | MPB Auditorium

September (TBD) Law of 16 Leadership Training (all invited to participate) | September - ex act date, time, location to be determined

WHAT’S YOUR STORY?

Your story should be here!

ENGAGEMENT—YOU PUT THE (HUMAN) IN MCCB HUMAN RESOURCES

There are several ways to share yourself with the agency:

Newsletter  Suggest a reading “Suggested Reading List”  Tell us your story—”What’s Your Story?”  Ask a question—if you are thinking it—so are others  Send your recipes for “Good Eats”

Service—Committee Participation  Community Service Committee  Employee of the Quarter Committee (appointed)  Professional Development Committee  Safety Committee  Social Committee

5 Reasons to Join a Committee and Engage in YOUR Workplace 1. Have your say 2. Committee actions add variety to your work 3. Expand your network 4. Opportunity to demonstrate leadership 5. Expand your knowledge base

GET INVOLVED TODAY —JOIN A COMMITTEE

COMMITTEE

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON

CONTACT EMAIL

Social Committee

Dr. LaToya Sterling

lsterling@mccb.edu

Community Service Committee

Beth Little

blittle@mccb.edu

Professional Development

Dr. Krystal Thurman

kthurman@mccb.edu

Safety Committee

Cynthia Jiles

cjiles@mccb.edu

WELLNESS

WE WERE AWARDED THE 2ND ROUND GRANT FUNDS FROM THE BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD FOUNDATION OF MISSISSIPPI!!! LOOK FOR WELLNESS DEVELOPMENTS SOON!!!

C3 – HEALTH AND WELLNESS

April 2019 winners…

May 2019 winners…

50 Miles in 50 Days Nikitna Barnes Alex Brower Veronica Dunning Pamela Hughes Mark Jenkins Dr. Sheriece Robinson Arun Surakanti

Walking Challenge Mark Jenkins Audra Kimble Trim Your Waist Nikitna Barnes

Wellness Adventurer Challenge Nikitna Barnes

Habit Building Challenge Nikitna Barnes Angenette Dixon

June 2019 winners… To be announced!

C3 Wellness Center

C3WELLNESSCENTER

EYESTRAIN 101

Whether it’s a work computer, a home laptop or our ever-present smartphones, chances are you stare at some type of screen for hours each day. This can lead to vision problems. “Focusing on tiny type for hours on end can cause eyestrain, fatigue and headaches,” the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) cautions. “Staring at screens for long periods can also leave eyes parched, red and gritty-feeling.” The Mayo Clinic states that eyestrain is a common condition that occurs when a per- son’s eyes get tired from intense use, and “people who look at screens two or more hours in a row every day have the greatest risk of this condition.”

Take a break AAO recommends taking the following steps to prevent eyestrain:

Keep your screen at arm’s length. When working with a desktop computer, keep the screen about 25 inches from your face, or about an arm’s length away. If doing so makes the words on the screen appear too small, adjust the font size.

Mind the glare. Screen glare from lighting can irritate your eyes; try a matte filter for your screen to help diminish glare.

Give your eyes rest time. AAO notes that eyestrain occurs after long and continu- ous screen use, and recommends workers follow the “20-20-20 rule”: Take a break every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This will al- low your eyes time to relax. Avoid dry eyes. Try using a personal humidifier at your desk to help keep your eyes moisturized. Additionally, keep eye drops handy to lubricate your eyes if they feel particularly dry. Pay attention to lighting. If your screen is too bright, your eyes have to work harder. Adjust your screen’s brightness, as well as the lighting in your office or home, to re- duce eyestrain.

If these steps don’t help, AAO recommends seeing an ophthalmologist.

Safety + Health Online Magazine

MCCB NEWS—WHAT’S IN THE WORKS

1. New website development (Reveal August 2019) 2. Newsletter submissions requests—We want to know you better! “What’s Your Story?” 3. Wellness wish list — Send your wish list to Shana (shansen@mcb.edu)

NEWSLETTER MCCB HR

4thQuarter News 2019

IN THIS ISSUE

HR TIP—INTEGRITY CHECKLIST

PG 1 HR TIP 1 EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER

 Nothing hidden (acting in transparency)

2 BIRTHDAYS 2 NEW HIRES 2 TRIVIA 3 WELLNESS 4-5 NOTABLE

Being truthful and honest Performing complete work



 Working from an empowering context*

Doing what you do - very well



CONGRATULATIONS

 Performing a task as it was meant to be done or better with- out cutting corners

6 REFLECTION 7 TOPIC FOR CONSIDERATION 8-10 CENTER FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 11 SUGGESTED READING

Honoring one’s word



Doing what you know to do



 Doing what you said you would do and in a timely manner  Doing what others would expect you to do even if you haven’t said you would do it  Communicating when you are not able to perform a task as soon as you realize you won’t be doing it or won’t be doing it in a timely manner

11 MCCB NEWS 12 GOOD EATS

EMPLOYEES OF THE QUARTER

*Empowering context means one refers to coming from a place of commitment and agree- ment. You’re not disparaging, undermining or bemoaning the task at hand.

By Kris Boesch|March 31st, 2015| Employee Engagement & Satisfaction, Employee Perfor- mance & Accountability, featured, Kind, Candid & Constructive Communication

Veronica Dunning, Cynthia Jiles

Cynthia Jiles

Jason Carter

Assistant Executive Director for Human Resources

BIRTHDAYS

October

December

November

7 Beverlin Givens 10 Jennifer Bell 17 Carla Causey

12 Dr. Kim Verneuille

1 Ayanna Lipsey 4 Raul Fletes 5 Tammy Rutland

18 Bronwyn Robertson 18 Dr. Krystal Thurman 19 Tonya Neely 28 Dr. Scott Kolle

6 Beth Little 12 April May 21 Lisa Smith 30 Dr. LaToya Sterling

MCCB NEW HIRES

TRIVIA TIME!

Tanya Neely Parks Graham Ayanna Lipsey

August 15

Want two free movie tickets?? Just answer these questions below. One winner will be selected at random! Answers can be found in this issue!

September 1 October 1 October 15 October 15 October 15 October 15

Farrah Appleberry

Renitta Cotton

Submit your responses to HR@mccb.edu - no later than Friday, October 8 — 5 pm. Drawing to be held October 9. 1. How long were division presentations during Convocation? 2. What is the duration of the MAUI online course? 3. What is the deadline for making benefit enrollment changes? 4. What does the letter C stand for in Brick?

Vernitta Crawford Shanudra Forman

Shelby Gann October 15 Wanda White-Johnson October 15 Daphne Miller October 15

TRIVIA ANSWERS—3rd Quarter

1. Within 3 days of the incident

3. Varying answers

2. Varying answers

4. 25 Inches from your face

INTERNSHIP PARTNERSHP

Missy Saxton

MCCB has embarked upon a new partnership with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS). October 1 , 2019 marked the inception of our internship program. Under this partnership, MCCB will host and train clients of MDRS. Our goal is to provide a planned, supervised internship experience.

Samantha “Sam” Hines currently occupies the office area adjacent to Megan Akins (519B). If our interns can assist you in any way—let me know.

This program will allow Samantha and any future MCCB interns to gain office and clerical skills. Email me msaxton@mccb.edu—with any projects or clerical needs of which our interns can assist.

Open Enrollment

Shana Hansen

Wellness and Benefits Coordinator

October is here! Health Insurance Month Open Enrollment Fair:

For active employees, this means you have an opportunity to make changes to your health insurance coverage. The Mississippi Community College Board will host an Open Enrollment Fair On October 23-24, 2019 . MCCB’s Open Enrollment Fair is for all active employees who want to enroll or make changes to insurance benefits as well as medical and dependent flexible accounts. Milton Walker will be available to assist on these days with the selection of your 2020 benefits. Several vendors will be onsite for to dis- cuss their products or just stop by and pick up information. Please see Shana Hansen if you have any questions or suggested vendors.

Oct 23 will be located in the Technology conference room located in the IHL basement. Oct 24 will be located in the 7 th floor conference room.

The effective date for changes made during open enrollment is January 1, 2020. Please see Shana Hansen by October 28, 2019 with any changes for 2020.

KnowYourBenefits.dfa.ms.gov

Check out this website for health care provider lists, a medical explanation of benefits, the state of Mis- sissippi Employees’ Life and Health Insurance Plan, and current news. You may also call BCBSMS at 800- 709-7881.

C3 Wellness We have exciting things happening with C3! August 1, 2019, the Mississippi Community College Board was awarded a second-year wellness grant from the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation. These grant funds are being used to build an outdoor wellness area. The outdoor wellness area is locat- ed in the northern courtyard of the Edsel E. Thrash (JSU) building. We expect the area to open at the end of October! This area is being constructed with commercial-grade turf, picnic tables and umbrellas. With this new addition to the wellness toolkit, C3 plans to offer outdoor lunch and learns. The profes- sional development topics will include: nutrition seminars, stress management, meditation, general health and wellness education. We believe that this addition will motivate increased physical activity throughout the day, promote healthy eating and money-saving habits. There will also be an open shad- ed area built for: stretching, yoga, Tia Chi, outdoor fitness events and fitness challenges. A bicycle share-system and water bottle filling stations will also be an invigorating addition to our cam- pus. This will encourage employees to get outside, get moving, and drink more water as they enjoy our beautiful campus.

PINNING CEREMONY 2019 —MORE THAN 300 YEARS OF COMBINED DEDICATED SERVICE

From Left to Right: Ive Burnett, Tina Bradley, Jason Carter, Dr. Andrea Mayfield, Missy Saxton, Dr. Scott Kolle, Marilyn Gardner, Sherriel Rush, Ed Roberson (Not pictured: Dexter Holloway, Ray Smith, Audra Kimble, Beverlin Givens)

MCCB HONORS RECENT GRADUATES

SEE ADDITIONAL PICTURES ON FLICKER link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/147556248@N02/albums/with/72157710989533543 In alphabetical order: Krystal Adcock, Megan Akins, Katelynn Bowman, Tina Bradley, Kenecha Brooks-Smith, Shuronda Common, Dr. Angenette Dixon, Shelika Hooker, Dr. Kimberly Jones, Dr. Sheriece Robinson, Kathy Smith, Dr. LaToya Sterling, Dr. Krystal Thurman, Dr. Kim Verneuille, Dr. Valeria Williams

Mark Jenkins

CONGRATULATIONS!

BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS

Kenecha Brooks-Smith (ECA): Mississippi Early Childhood Association, parliamentarian Sandy Crist (Adult Education): National Association of State Directors for Adult Educa- tion (NASDAE) Board of Directors, Elected Representative http://nasdae.org/board-of-directors/ Educational Testing Service, HISET Board of Directors, Appointed Data Recognition Corporation, TABE Division, Advisory Board, Appointed Dr. Rachel De Vaughan: National Coalition for Literacy, three-year term starting October 1 Dr. Micca Knox: Erica and Warren Martin Foundation, Advisory Board Member, Jackson, MS School House 21, Jackson, MS, Board Member Child Care Aware of America, Washington, D.C., MS State Council Member Dr. Krista LeBrun: Mississippi Distance Learning Association, board mem- ber

Dr. Shawn Mackey (Programs and Accountability): American Technical Education Association: board member Advance CTE: organization member Mississippi Public Broadcasting: board member National Association for Industry Specific Training Directors: organization member April May (ECA): State Early Childhood Advisory Council (SECAC), member Dr. Krystal Thurman: Mississippi Autism Board - gubernatorial appointee MS Autism Advisory Committee - Co-Chair Spe- cial Education Advisory Panel - member Ed Roberson (Audit/OCR): State Rehabilitation Council, Disability advocacy Group Representative Missy Saxton (Executive): State of Mississippi Board on Jail Officer Standards and Training (BJOST), Chair-two years Member-10 years

NEW MCCB WEBSITE

Dr. Krista LeBrun and Shalon Farris

After months of hard work, the MCCB launched the newly designed website. Visit https:// www.mccb.edu/.

Thank you Dr. Mayfield for your support of the re-design of the MCCB website. Your excite- ment and support throughout this project was always so encouraging.

This project would not have been a success without the dedication from the MCCB Website Design Team (Jacob Goodwin, Cynthia Jiles, Dr. Krista LeBrun, Beth Little, Dr. Krystal Thurman, and Kell Smith). Thanks to each of you for taking the time to attend design team meetings, providing input and suggestions, and reviewing content. I also want to thank Dr. Krystal Thur- man and Dr. Rachel DeVaughan for doing a thorough grammar and spelling review of many of the pages on the website. Additionally, I would like to thank each of the divisions and offices for meeting with us and helping us determine the layout and organization of your content and the IT Division for completing the DNS Configuration. Our goal with the new website is to provide a platform to showcase who we are as an agency, what we do for the State of Mississippi, and who we serve. Amongst the new features on our site is the ability to display information about current news and upcoming events. To ensure the site is constantly updated and that the content is useful and relevant, the fol- lowing link may be used to submit topics for the News and Events section of the MCCB Web- site: https://forms.gle/YDiiSom1biRsqiFs5. To ensure content is accurate and relevant, if you should notice an outdated item or non-functioning link, please use the following link to sub- mit the issue: https://forms.gle/tGSn7E2Lurz3d9h2A .

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR BRICK AND MORTAR

We are all BRICKs and our words are mortar. What does this mean?

Normally we think of bricks as the building materials used to make walls and other ele- ments of masonry construction.

So, what makes You a BRICK? Think of our agency, MCCB, as that masonry building. As a team member, you are the essential building material to frame this agency and our cul- ture. What you bring to the agency is what binds or destroys us. If your brick and mortar is cracked with lies, gossip and negativity, you destabilize and destroy the very culture in which you “live”. If your brick is solid with a mindful purpose of positivity and growth, you build up the MCCB team and thus, MCCB the agency. You become a stabilizing agent.

B—Best

R—Resource

for

I — Information

C—Collaboration

and

K—Knowledge

You have the ability, more so the responsibility, to create the best culture here at MCCB; one that is respectful, inclusive, supportive, honorable, transformative, energetic, and en- gaging. A great culture is not a linear process nor a magical wish. If you are what you eat; then you certainly, are what you do. That’s right, building the culture that you desire, dream of, and speak of; starts with you. You have power. Each team member is capable of impacting MCCB from any and all di- rections. Every day, your words and actions construct the MCCB culture. What is the cul- ture you truly want?

Our great culture starts and continues with each of us.

CENTER FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Dr. Krystal Thurman

MCCB 2019 Convocation

The Mississippi Community College Board’s Division of Human Resources, along with the Pro- fessional Development Committee, hosted the agency’s inaugural Convocation on Monday, August 5, 2019 at the MPB Auditorium. The theme for the event was “Better Together.” MCCB staff learned more about Dr. Mayfield’s vision for our agency’s future. Each division shared a ten minute presentation outlining the major programs and efforts that contribute to the overall success of the agency and the community college system. The afternoon session included improvisation based exercises that were designed to engage staff with colleagues from other divisions, to push ourselves outside of our comfort zone, and to apply new ways of thinking to our everyday work life. The day-long event was informative, fun, and allowed us to see how we can work better together. Thank you to everyone who volunteered and contributed to the success of the event. We look forward to hosting the 2020 Convocation.

To see additional photos, visit the MCCB Flickr page accessible from the new agency website – www.mccb.edu. Visit the social media section linked to the bottom of the homepage.

Lunch & Learn – Effective Grant Writing

MCCB staff feasted on the Effective Grant Writing Lunch & Learn session facilitated by Ken- neth Wheatley on September 19, 2019. Participants learned the basics of locating and re- searching grant funding opportunities, approaches for writing measurable goals and objec- tives for various types of grants, and strategies for writing budget narratives. Numerous door prizes were awarded at the end of the session. Don’t miss out on future opportunities to lunch and learn!

Scheduled PD Safety

November TBD

Continuous Improvement

December TBD Lunch & Learn

CENTER FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT - ONLINE TRAINING and PD

The Center for Professional Development is a new initiative launched by the Division of Human Resources. Over the coming months, MCCB staff will learn more about new courses and webinars offered via the center. Stay tuned for future announcements!

CPD -Who wants to take a trip to MAUI?

Got your attention? Good, read on to learn more.

MAUI stands for Making Assessment Understood for Improvement. Take the journey through this free, four-week, online course offered through the Center for Professional De- velopment. Amber Nelms, NEMCC Director of Institutional Effectiveness, will facilitate the course. The first fifty participants to register and complete the online course will receive a free t-shirt. Outcomes assessment at any level is an often dreaded, misunderstood, and misused process. Research shows that these are common issues in all levels of higher education, and span the globe. Professional development is one way to address perception of the assessment pro- cess. The instructor will share an assessment-focused professional development program that was piloted at her institution. It consists of four asynchronous modules, delivered online within Canvas. Formative assessments will be utilized throughout. A pre- and post- survey in- strument will be utilized to be able to analyze changes in pre-course and post-course percep- tions and knowledge of the assessment process.

Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:

Define and discuss basic assessment terminology Recognize quality outcomes.

Discuss challenges related to IE/assessment. Explain the planning process of the institution. Demonstrate choosing appropriate measures, collection of data, and analysis of collected data. The course is open to anyone interested in assessment. Participants who successfully complete the course can apply for .8 CEUs.