Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Motlow Smyrna Building Set for March 23

History Club to Sponsor Motlow Smyrna Cleanup Day on Feb. 24

College Days at The Tennessee Aquarium

We Heard It Through The Grapevine That...

     * Radio station WGNS-AM/FM aired a story about the Tennessee State Building Commission's approval of Motlow Smyrna's future 81,000-square-foot building. Hear Rep. Mike Sparks' report at http://www.wgnsradio.com/motlow-state-in-smyrna-growing-with-nearly-28-million-building-cms-43944 .

     * Speaking of the new building, a groundbreaking ceremony is planned for the Smyrna campus at 11 a.m. March 23. Plan to attend? RSVP at motlowfoundation@mscc.edu .

     * Students, faculty and staff can visit the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga for half price through Feb. 28. The discount applies to everyone in your paying party. To learn more or buy tickets, call (800) 262-0695.

     * Any Motlow employee can submit events to Motlow's new master calendar at https://calendar.mscc.edu .

     * The deadline for TAF purchases for 2018-19 is March 16, 2018. To learn more, contact your department/budgetary head or Cindy Logan at clogan@mscc.edu .

     * A statewide marketing campaign for Tennessee Reconnect is underway. The state (TBR and THEC) will be advertising with billboards, social media, commercials, and print ads. Motlow will begin its own marketing campaign in the coming weeks. Inquiries about Reconnect can be steered to abarton@mscc.edu or www.mscc.edu/reconnect .

     * The Writing Center will host an ePortfolio in the Student Success Center from 4-7 p.m. Feb. 19 (Monday). Students will enjoy free pizza and drinks and tutorial assistance with no appointment necessary. Participants may bring ePortfolio assignments for FYE, English 0810, or any other class. Tutors will be ready to help.

     * The Emergency Medical Service (EMS) program led by Director Drew Hooker and Paramedic Coordinator Justus Smith recently received national accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

     * The Motlow State Community College Art Department is sponsoring a one-of-a-kind exhibition of art by Middle Tennessee native Carolyn Ford. Students, faculty and staff can view the exhibition in the Eoff Hall Gallery on the Moore County campus through March 22.

     * Actor, director and producer Phil Darius Wallace will present the program “From the Heart of a King, a Salute to Martin Luther King Jr.” to celebrate Black History Month. His performance will occur at 11:15 a.m. Feb. 27 inside Eoff Hall in the Powers Auditorium on the Moore County campus.

(Got news? Submit your information to Charles Whiting at cwhiting@mscc.edu or Ramona Shelton at rshelton@mscc.edu. The next submission deadline is Feb. 28.)

Emergency Preparedness Drill to Occur on Smyrna Campus

         SMYRNA -- Imagine seeing the sky go dark and hearing an alert to take shelter.

         This actually happened at Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin when a tornado ripped through the campus, damaging several buildings. Other twisters have hit Murfreesboro and Nashville in recent years.

         As stormy spring approaches, the Motlow Department of Public Safety has been scheduling a series of unannounced Emergency Preparedness drills on all Motlow campuses. According to Director of Public Safety Ray Higginbotham, these drills are required as part of the SACS COC accreditation requirements.

         "Participation in these drills is mandatory for all faculty, adjunct faculty, students and everyone on campus whenever a drill happens," Higginbotham said. "The scheduling of the drills was coordinated with each campus dean." 

         All drills will be conducted with the least amount of interruption as possible. Everyone is urged to take these drills seriously.

         "Treating these drills seriously and responsibly will help ensure that everyone is better prepared to respond appropriately in a real situation," he added.

         Higginbotham will be on each campus to monitor the drills, checking to see that proper procedures are followed and that everyone participates. He will be available to answer any questions and assist as necessary. Each drill will last no more than eight to 10 minutes maximum, from start to finish.  

         All emergency alert messages are broadcast through the Motlow intercom speaker system. The pre-recorded messages will provide very detailed instructions for everyone to follow. Staff is no longer required to blow horns or verbally announce messages during any alerts.

         "Each drill will be announced with a warning message explaining that the drill is not an actual emergency," Higginbotham continued. "That message will be followed by very distinct siren sounds that will be immediately followed by a very clear message explaining the procedures that need to be immediately implemented and followed." 

         Ample time will be given for everyone to implement the required procedures (approximately seven minutes). Once everyone has followed the proper procedures and moved to a designated shelter area, the “All Clear” message will be broadcast utilizing the Motlow intercom speaker system. 

         There will not be a “face-to-face All Clear” message given at the conclusion of the drill. Once the “All Clear” message has been broadcasted utilizing the Motlow intercom speaker system, everyone may resume their normal activities.

         The Motlow Alert messaging system (Text Alert Messages) will not be activated during a drill. The “Motlow Alert” messaging system will only be used in the event of an actual emergency situation. 

         There will not be a follow-up meeting of the “Emergency Management Team” at the conclusion of this drill.

         Higginbotham encouraged individuals to review the current Emergency Preparedness Plans for detailed instructions of what you should do during any drill or actual emergency situation. The Emergency Preparedness Plans for all campuses are located on the Intranet.

         "It is critical that everyone review the Emergency Preparedness Plans and familiarize themselves with everything in the plans," he said. "You may also refer to the color-coded quick reference sheets that are located throughout each campus in office areas, classroom areas, etc., for detailed instructions for specific types of situations. I encourage everyone to pay close attention to the Emergency Preparedness Plans, especially those individuals who are listed as 'Building Responsible Persons.'"

         All Motlow severe weather shelters are located on the first floor of all buildings. Designated shelter areas may be hallways or rooms. These areas are identified by distinguishable signs.

Motlow Smyrna Library Hosts 'Unplug & Read!'

By Paige Hendrickson

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

         SMYRNA -- In conjunction with Read To Succeed, the literacy organization for Rutherford County, the Motlow Smyrna Library is again hosting the event “Unplug & Read!” for the month of February.

         This leads nicely into the month of March as National Reading Month. This event is in its 11th year community-wide, and for Motlow libraries, this year marks the fifth year the college has promoted and hosted the event. All Motlow students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate.

         As the need for and presence of technology increases exponentially each year, Motlow's connection to these devices, apps and “life lines” becomes more dependent to function in today’s constant information overload. To offer some "downtime" to this perpetual tether to technology, the college is asking Motlow students, faculty and staff to “unplug” from all electronic devices and simply read! 

        

         Each time one “unplugs and reads” for 15 minutes or more, he or she qualifies to place an entry form in the box located in the library. The number of entry forms per person is unlimited, so for the rest of February, just “unplug,” read, and fill out the entry forms.

         Following are the rules for participation:

         * All participants must “unplug” from technology and "all" electronic devices to qualify by reading only printed materials.

         * Entries must cover materials read from Feb. 1-28, 2018.

         * Each reading session must be at least 15 minutes in length to qualify, but no limit for the total number of entries or limit for total time.

         * Each person submits "one" entry form for each reading session. Entry forms are placed in the prize-drawing box in the library.

         * The more one “unplugs and reads,” the more chances to win!

         Studying or reading for school or work count, too.

         Prizes will be given to the person in each category (student, staff and faculty) who has read for the longest amount of total time for the month of February. The deadline to turn in the entry forms is March 2, 2018 (Friday).

         Learn more about Read to Succeed by visiting www.readtosucceed.org.

Radio Pro Bryan Barrett to Kick Off Spring Famous Communicator Talks at Motlow Smyrna

         SMYRNA -- Bryan Barrett, the operations manager and afternoon drive personality for WGNS-AM/FM in Rutherford County, will visit the Motlow Smyrna campus on Feb. 22 (Thursday) as part of the Famous Communicators Speakers Series.

         Bryan's presentation will occur from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in Room 205 of the MLA Building. He will share insights on the impact of radio in today's digital age. According to Learn.org, graduates of associate degrees in Mass Communications can land a host of entry-level jobs in broadcasting, publishing and public relations. The talk is open to everyone (with seating on a first-come, first-served basis).

         Bryan began his broadcasting career at WGNS while in high school. After hosting the morning news/sports for six-years, he left to become the morning news anchor on the Tennessee Radio Network. TRN has more than 80 radio affiliates across the state, including WGNS. He was promoted to TRN's associate news director in 2003, assistant news director in 2004, and news director in 2006. 

         In 2007, the radio professional was called back to WGNS in Rutherford County to become the station's operations manager and afternoon drive personality. He hosts "Rutherford Issues" (10 a.m. weekdays), a show about just that... issues that affect Rutherford County.

         All these years, Bryan continued to play an important role in WGNS programming, even while at TRN. He's been a part of the Primetime Sports team since 1993, has been doing play-by-play for high school football on WGNS since 2002, and has been doing play-by-play and color commentary for basketball since 1994. Bryan is also co-host of the Prentice Alsup Heating and Air Coaches Corner (8 a.m. Saturdays) with Jon and co-hosts the iDEAS Tees Primetime Sports Scene (6 p.m. Thursdays).

         In his free time, Bryan enjoys being with his family and working in his church. He has two children, Dalton and Bobbye Susanna. Bryan has been married to his wife, Heather, since 1998. Bryan and his family attend Holly Grove Baptist Church, where he serves as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and music director.

         Other upcoming speakers for the Famous Communicator Series include professional songwriter-performer Lisa Aschmann (March 28) and digital marketing firm executive Suzie Schulenberg (April/TBA)

Motlow Smyrna Spotlight: Heather Koller

By Emma Sagor

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

         Associate Professor of History Heather Koller is a beloved educator who has made invaluable contributions to Motlow Smyrna. She currently serves as a faculty-at-large representative for Faculty Council. Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer Emma Sagor recently conducted this insightful interview.

     QUESTION: Tell me a little something about yourself, so our readers can get to know who you are and what you do here at Motlow.

     ANSWER: "First and foremost, I am a teacher, and I teach history. Teaching history is the most joyful part of my job! I am also the faculty at large representative, which means I work with the faculty as well."

     QUESTION: What made you want to teach in the field that you are teaching in?

     ANSWER: "I have always loved history. I remember while in graduate school reading all the History books I could get my hands on. There is nothing I ever wanted to do more than major in History."

     QUESTION: Do you have a favorite Historical Character?

     ANSWER: "Theodore Roosevelt! Really the whole Roosevelt family, Theodore, Franklin and Eleanor. They are my favorites. They were always optimistic, and they believed that if we work together that we can make things better. They were also strongly committed to justice."

     QUESTION: How long have you been teaching?

     ANSWER: "I have been teaching 12 years full time, but originally I started as an adjunct part time when the Motlow Smyrna site was in the armory."

     QUESTION: Did you teach anywhere prior to teaching here at Motlow?

     ANSWER: "Before teaching here in Tennessee, I taught in North Carolina."

     QUESTION: Are you originally from the Smyrna area?

     ANSWER: "No, I was born in Illinois, and I grew up there."

     QUESTION: What brought you to Tennessee?

     ANSWER: "We usually followed my husband when new job opportunities arose. We currently have been living here in Tennessee for about 20 years now." 

     QUESTION: What brought you here to Motlow?

     ANSWER: "When I was an adjunct, I choose to teach classes at Motlow over other schools because I thought it had a better atmosphere. The way people treated each other with a lot of kindness and thoughtfulness is one reason that stood out about Motlow to me."

     QUESTION: What advice would you give for success - whether in life in general or success in a particular area?

     ANSWER: "Keep going even when it feels like it isn’t working! Be thoughtful and be good to others. Always be professional, and even when life knocks you down, get back up! It may sound a little cliché, but it is one of my philosophies. Another piece of advice I would give anyone is to always stand up for what you know is right."

     QUESTION: Ms. Ramona Shelton and Mr. Charles Whiting both mentioned you as one of the top people they looked up to -- who inspired them. Who is someone that you look/looked up to?

     ANSWER: "I had a mentor in grad school named Dr. Portwood, and she was always extremely patient with me and kind to me. She believed in me. She definitely made me feel like I could succeed. One thing that has inspired me since I started my career in Smyrna was when Motlow first was in Smyrna. It only used to consist of the small building. We were once shoved in that small building, so we all worked together, and it made me want to do my best with the people I worked with, to be my best. It also made me realize that we have to take care of each other."

     QUESTION: What is your favorite quote?

     ANSWER: "Let’s see… I’ll give you a history quote by William Faulkner. 'The past is never dead; it’s not even past.'"

This and That...

It’s Homecoming Time!

Motlow State Community College will welcome students, alumni, friends and supporters to the Moore County campus on Feb. 10 (Saturday) for the annual Homecoming celebration.

There are activities on the Smyrna campus, too! To help get students in the spirit, Smyrna Student Government will have treats the week of Feb. 5-9 in the MLA Lobby that match the theme of the day.

* Monday’s theme is Blue Cheese - Wear Blue. There will "blue" treats to enjoy in the lobby around 10:30 a.m.

* Tuesday is Thousand Island - dress tropical. Look for tropical flavored goodies around 11:30 a.m.

* Wednesday is Ranch Dressing - dress cowboy. Gather up some trail mix and granola around 10:30 a.m.

* Thursday is House Dressing - wear your Motlow Gear. Green and gold treats will show up around 9 a.m.

Homecoming activities on the Moore County campus on Saturday are centered around the men’s and women’s basketball teams hosting Walters State Community College in Nisbett Center, Copperweld Arena. The men’s game will begin at 2 p.m., and the women’s game will follow at 4 p.m.

 

Plant a Tree

It’s “tree time” again at Motlow. Join the Biology Club and the TECTN in planting 250 native trees across the State of Tennessee!

* Step 1:  Order your free trees at http://www.TECTN.org/250KTreeDay

* Step 2:  Pick up your trees at the Motlow Smyrna campus on Feb. 23 (Friday) from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tree Species are Persimmon, Loblolly Pine, Redbud, Red Oak, and Tulip Poplar.

* Step 3: Plant your Trees on Feb. 24!

Students Attend PRAXIS CORE Exam Workshop

Sixteen students majoring in Education attended a PRAXIS CORE Exam workshop hosted by the Education Department on Jan. 25 on the Smyrna campus.

The workshop, which was presented by the Student Tennessee Education Association, helped students prepare for the upcoming PRAXIS CORE exam. The exam is required for students who hope to enroll in a Teacher Education Program at a four-year university. It is also required for graduation for those students who are pursuing the Associate of Science in Teaching (AST) degree in elementary or early childhood education.

“The presenter shared information about the security surrounding the exam site and how to overcome test anxiety, as well as information about the types of questions on the exam,” said Debbie Simpson, curriculum chair of the Education Department.

Students were provided a resource notebook with materials related to the PRAXIS CORE exam. They were given particulars about the number of questions in each section and the amount of time they would have to complete that section. The sections are reading, writing and math. Students were allowed to practice questions similar to those on the PRAXIS CORE in a timed setting.

Other workshops are planned on the Moore County and McMinnville campuses in early February. 

Students interested in attending a similar workshop in the fall term are encouraged to contact Simpson at dsimpson@mscc.edu   

                         

We Heard It Through The Grapevine That...

                  * Our Motlow Smyrna Environmental Science class was featured in a photo that appeared in the January issue of the Music City Center's Green Times. https://www.nashvillemusiccitycenter.com/sites/default/files/media/Holiday/january_2018_green_times.pdf

                  * The Smyrna Library handles the campus Lost and Found. A number of items have already been turned in. Stop by to see if the collection includes something you've misplaced or lost.

                  * Groundbreaking for the new building will occur on March 23, with construction beginning on April 2. Construction on a new entrance and parking lot will begin at the same time. The building will be ready for classes in August 2019.

                  * New faculty include Carmen Lopez (Spanish), Nathan Fisher (Chemistry), and Felicia Brown (Sociology).

                  * Motlow needs faculty and staff to volunteer for its marketing campaign. Interested? Contact Terry Bryson at tbryson@mscc.edu.

                  * Barnes and Noble in Murfreesboro will donate a percentage of all sales on Feb. 10 to Read to Succeed. Mention "Read to Succeed" on checkout.

                  * Motlow has created an online list of students who made the Dean's List or Honor Roll. Check it out: http://www.mscc.edu/deans_list

                  * Smyrna's Honors English 1010 class used an innovative new subscription service rather than a textbook. Now the students are famous! Check out their photo in Journal of the Month: https://www.journalofthemonth.com/info/course

(Got news? Send your tips to cwhiting@mscc.edu or rshelton@mscc.edu)

 

Professor John Hart to Host Hamlet-Fest

By Anthony Czelusniak

Motlow Buzz Staff Writer

         SMYRNA – Associate Professor of English John Hart extends an invitation to all students for his two-week seminar on Shakespeare’s "Hamlet" starting Feb. 5.

         Hamlet-Fest will be held from 2-3:30 p.m. in room 127 of the Arthur L. Walker Jr. building on Feb. 5, 7, 12 and 14.

         Shakespeare’s "Hamlet" is one of the most influential of Shakespeare’s plays. It is also Hart’s personal favorite work of any author. He believes that the themes in the play are universal, even in modern society.

         "'Hamlet' captures a time in everyone’s life when people aren’t in sync with the world around them," Hart explained. "Hamlet is faced with a problem that he isn’t ready for. It’s a good metaphor for deciding who you are going to be.”

 

         Hart said that each class will be self-contained, and participants won’t need a background in the play to understand the discussion. Each day, Hart will show clips from a variety of different portrayals of Hamlet. Actors include Benedict Cumberbatch, David Tennant, and more.

Hart believes that seeing Shakespeare’s work performed is a far better approach than just reading the plays.

         “Shakespeare is meant to be seen, not read," he added. "Different actors read it their own way, and that makes it far more interesting than if you had read it yourself.”

         Hart hopes that most students take something personal away from Hamlet-Fest. He believes that there is something for everyone in the play, even those people who think they don’t understand it.

         Hart concluded by saying, “The major theme is still relevant to people today. Why do good people have bad things happen to them?”

Finalists for Motlow President to Tour Smyrna Campus

         SMYRNA – Four finalists for president of Motlow State Community College will tour the Smyrna campus and appear at receptions and public forums the week of Feb. 5-8 (Monday-Thursday).

         * Dr. Niles Reddick, vice provost and chief executive officer at the University of Memphis—Lambuth in Jackson, Tennessee, will tour the Smyrna campus from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Monday. An open forum will occur from 12-1 p.m. Monday in MLA 221.

         * Dr. Michael L. Torrence, assistant vice president of academic affairs at Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin, Tennessee, will tour the Smyrna campus from 2-3 p.m. Monday. An open forum will occur from 2:15-3:15 p.m. Tuesday in MLA 221.   

         * Dr. Shannon L. Kennedy, executive vice president of Cleveland Community College in Shelby, North Carolina, will tour the Smyrna campus from 8-9 a.m. Wednesday. An open forum will occur from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Wednesday in MLA 221.

         * Dr. Jon D. Mandrell, vice president of academics and student services at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, Illinois, will tour the Smyrna campus from 8-9 a.m. Thursday. An open forum will occur from 2:15-3:15 p.m. Thursday in MLA 221.

         All forums will be live-streamed at tbr.edu/hr/executivesearches/mscc-2018.

         Receptions for the candidates are scheduled in Room 105B of the Marcum Technology Center on the Moore County campus from 7:45-8:45 a.m. Feb. 5 (Dr. Reddick); 8-9 a.m. Feb. 6 (Dr. Torrence); 5-6 p.m Feb. 7 (Dr. Kennedy); and 5-6 p.m. Feb. 8 (Dr. Mandrell). 

 

Famous Communicator Series to Feature Three Area Professionals

         SMYRNA -- Three top communications professionals will visit the Smyrna campus at various times this spring to provide insights about the radio, recording, and digital marketing fields.

          The Famous Communicators Speakers Series was launched last fall to give students the opportunity to learn from communications experts in Middle Tennessee.

         Bryan Barrett, the operations manager and afternoon drive personality for WGNS-AM/FM in Rutherford County, will speak to students on Feb. 22 about the impact of radio in today's digital age. 

         Lisa Aschmann, a performing songwriter and author who has written songs for more than 800 movies and TV shows, will visit the Smyrna campus on March 28 to share how she has achieved success in the highly competitive recording industry.

 

         Suzie Schulenberg, founder of the digital marketing firm FaverWebs, will visit in April to explain why communication skills are essential for career success in every field. 

 

         The talks, which are open to everyone, will occur at various locations on the Smyrna campus. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.

In the Motlow Smyrna Spotlight: Ally Elliott

Interview By Ramona Shelton

Motlow Buzz Managing Editor

         Ally Elliott is president of the Criminal Justice Club, a charter member of the History Club, and a summer 2018 graduate of Motlow State Community College.

Question: Why did you choose Motlow Smyrna?

Answer: "I knew that I would be eligible for Tennessee Promise, but even before that, I already knew that I wanted to come here to Smyrna. Since I went to Smyrna High School, I had heard about Motlow and knew the classes would be smaller and that Motlow offered a ton of classes that I wanted to take."

Question: What advice would you give to a new freshman coming to Motlow Smyrna for the first time?

Answer: "I feel like there is a common misconception that community college isn’t real college. That if you go to community college it isn’t the same thing as going to university, but what people need to realize it that it is better. Being at Motlow gave me the chance to be a part of a family atmosphere. I have had the chance to make a ton of close friends and to get involved in so many things that I doubt I would have been able to at any university."

Question: You are the first president of the newly created Criminal Justice Club. Tell us what the club is all about?

Answer: "Our members have a huge appreciation for everything that our law enforcement community does to keep us safe and this is our chance to connect with them, to learn more about what they do. Last semester, club members participated in a 5K race sponsored by some of the police groups here in Middle Tennessee so that gave us a chance to connect with people in the field but not necessarily in a true “law enforcement” capacity. We’ve had booths at Club Days to get new members. In the future we hope to do some K-9 demos and maybe work with Habitat for Humanity."

Question: What are your plans for after you graduate from Motlow?

Answer: "When I was younger I imagined that I would just go to Florida and California bum around on the beach for a while before coming back here and buying a house to settle down. Now I have changed that and my plan is to take a little break but then go to MTSU to finish my Criminal Justice degree. My other option is to become a production assistant. I have always been interested in the production side of Hollywood, and I have some family connections there so that is always an option. But I definitely decided that education came first!"

Question: Tell us something interesting about yourself.

Answer: "I was lucky enough to travel to Europe several times over the last year. My family lives in Scotland and England, and we had several family weddings that I got to attend. My stepdad and I are both into creepy, adventurous things. During one of our wedding trips, we were wading in one of the waterways and noticed a very old convent that had once been a school. The building was a ruin, large holes in the walls and everything. But since the water was low, we discovered an old staircase that went from the water into the building." (Editor's note- that is something that sounds like a scene from a Nancy Drew mystery!)

"I have never had a job that didn’t connect to celebrities somehow. I have held several positions at celebrity 'meet-and-greets' including helping with crowd control. I learned that crowds don’t mind waiting to meet their favorite celebrities if you make them laugh while they are waiting in line. Thanks to these jobs, I have gotten to hang out with people like Ian Somerhalder and Norman Reedus."

The Scoop on D2L and MyMotlow Banner (Part Two)

By Anthony Czelusniak

Motlow Buzz Staff Writer

            Last issue, Motlow Buzz readers received insights on the inner workings of D2L from Dean of First Learning Terry Durham. Now it’s Cindy Logan’s turn to explain some of the details of MyMotlow Banner.

            MyMotlow Banner is similar to D2L in that it is provided by a separate company called Ellucian. However, unlike D2L, Motlow’s IT department is able to build custom modules for MyMotlow Banner to increase functionality whenever the need arises. 

“Examples of [custom modules] include orientation, testing and proctoring sign-ups or specific program applications, like nursing or medical lab tech programs,” said Logan, who serves Motlow as chief information officer.

            MyMotlow Banner is used by students year-round, but during class sign-ups and when the final grades are being posted, the usage will increase significantly.

            Logan explained that these usage spikes are not a problem at all “unless we happen to be monitoring system statistics and the spikes go unnoticed.”

            Managing MyMotlow Banner is not an easy task. Maintenance is needed continuously to provide service. The size of MyMotlow Banner goes beyond what the user can see.

            “Banner is a vast system that brings together hundreds of functional processes, supported by several thousand database tables,” she said. “In addition, there are several other software systems that interface with Banner to provide additional functionality needed by the college but not provided by banner.”

            One of the biggest challenges for the maintenance of MyMotlow Banner is scheduling. MyMotlow Banner is in use throughout the year, meaning there will always be some disruption of service.

            Logan added, “We usually try to schedule those windows late in the evening and on weekends when fewer users are on the system. We also do our best to avoid times when we know usage will be high or when a major event is occurring.”

            When asked if there is anything students or faculty can do to make managing MyMotlow Banner easier, Logan asserted that it is not the responsibility of students or staff to worry about managing MyMotlow Banner.

            “The primary responsibility of faculty is to teach, and the primary responsibility of students is to learn. Faculty and students should never be burdened by the Banner system but should always be prepared to report to IT or Motlow leadership when they feel the system is a burden or is not performing as it should.”

            Logan reiterated how important it is to keep account login information safe.

            “Students see only their own student or financial aid data, employees see their own employment information, faculty/advisors see only their own students, and faculty see only their own courses,” Logan said.  “Protecting one’s user-ID and PIN is critical to maintaining security of one’s own data.  Never share your user-ID and PIN number and periodically change the PIN to ensure security.”

            Students and faculty who need assistance can contact the Help Desk at Extension 1510 (on-campus) or (931) 393-1510 Option 1 (off-campus) or helpdesk@mscc.edu.