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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

President's Wednesday Message


As we look to the new Downtown Campus and reflect on the projects (including a new Learning Commons) in our recently completed master plan, it seems a perfect time for MCC to host an Essential Discussion on the intersection of student learning and student learning spaces. So, on September 17, MCC will convene leading national and local thinkers to discuss “Learning by Design: New Students, New Classrooms, New Technologies.” The focus is on the physical and virtual spaces in which learning takes place and is supported, reinforced and extended—and how we can create more effective environments for students and for faculty. At a time when even the mainstream press is talking about MOOCs, competency-based learning, flipped classrooms, internships, and earning college credit for experience, it is clearly the moment to gather our own thoughts about how and where college-credentialed learning occurs.

This gathering marks the third Essential Discussion, a series with a goal of bringing to the College key thinkers on national issues impacting higher education. With well-respected faculty and staff and an outstanding reputation for innovation and student-centered practice, MCC is well positioned to take a central role in advancing dialog and thought on the issues that impact higher education. Having these colloquia here enables greater participation by our faculty and staff in the critical discussions that are driving the national education agenda. We also open up these events to the local and state community, which creates opportunity for connection across institutions and even across sectors.

So, I encourage you to sign up for the September 17th Essential Discussion: Learning by Design—New Students, New Classrooms, New Technologies. Add your voice to this discussion and make your thoughts heard -- both at the Essential Discussion and on the blog.

Anne M. Kress
Office of the President
09/11/2013