Priority Press - From The Motlow Buzz Printed Edition - Issue One

By Kia Dowen

Motlow Buzz Student Editor-in-Chief

Graduation Prep

SMYRNA -- Sophomores should begin to prepare for graduation by submitting their Intent to Graduate and signing up for their Exit Exam. Students planning to transfer from Motlow should begin to request transcripts from prior institutions and submit formal applications.

The Intent to Graduate form is located in the MyMotlow student portal in the student tab under Admissions and Record Forms. The submission deadline is Feb. 15 as this must be reviewed by both your advisor and completion coach for approval.

Once the Intent to Graduate form is processed, students will receive an email regarding the Exit Exam, whereby scheduling is arranged by the student through the testing center for testing at any location the student finds available with a computer.

It is very important that students complete the Intent to Graduate and Exit Exam to graduate.

Transfer Prep

Students that plan to transfer into another post-secondary institution should research application deadlines and transfer scholarship eligibility. Many of these programs allow early application and require it for their best transfer scholarships.

MTSU is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2023 term. This neighbor university provides a guaranteed $3,000 per year in aid for up to two years for any Motlow student transferring into the establishment with 60 credits and a 3.0 GPA. To meet eligibility, student applications must be completed with all corresponding paperwork by Feb. 15.

Student questions regarding these opportunities can be answered in more detail by the Student Success Center, completion coach, or faculty advisor. Students may contact a designated transfer coordinator for questions about transferring into MTSU specifically.

* Student Success Center: 615-220-7854

* Completion Coach: [completioncoaches@mscc.edu]

* www.mtsu.edu/how-to-apply/contact.php

(Click on Transfer Students and your County)

Motlow 4 U

SMYRNA -- Motlow offers a variety of convenient resources to help students navigate and succeed in their pursuits. The following programs are available to all registered Motlow students free of charge.

Counseling Services

Feeling overwhelmed by stress or hardship? Not sure where to begin in tackling an obstacle in your life? Counseling services are available to all Motlow students free of charge though both in-person and Zoom meetings. There is “no problem too small or too large.” – Lisa Stone, LMFT

931-393-1960 | counseling@mscc.edu

AWJ 103 | Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Writing Center

Need help with a paper? Struggling to get citations down pat? Has eye strain gotten too intense to do any more revision? Maybe you’re not even sure where to start. Utilize the Writing Center for live or dropbox appointments!

       Students can access the Writing Center through the MotlowHub.

Math Lab

The Math Lab is open to all students via Zoom appointment.

Visit www.motlow.edu/academics/programs/tutoring/ and click on Math Lab and call the number listed for the day you want help.

Net Tutor

Are you taking a foreign language? Need help with a not-so-easy to classify class? NetTutor is a multi-disciplinary tutoring service that covers topics from Astronomy, Chemistry, and Finance, to Nursing, Poli Sci, and more.

      Login to D2L and find the link for NetTutor under Tutoring Services.

Get Involved!

SMYRNA -- There are a host of current opportunities for students to get more involved with Motlow and engage in resumé and portfolio-building opportunities.

Bucks Closet

Bucks Closet is the only Motlow clothing closet for professional wear and needs volunteers to model clothing and to operate and promote the program. Bucks Closet is located in HSC 317 and currently operates on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Interested students should email BucksCloset@mscc.edu.

Phi Theta Kappa

The Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society Motlow chapter is seeking members to help connect with students, administration, and the community. While formal membership holds certain requirements, all Motlow Students are invited to become volunteer members and can use PTK experiences to build their leadership skills and resumé.

Interested students should email advisor Misty Griffith at MGriffith@mscc.edu.

The Motlow Buzz

The Motlow Buzz is currently seeking writers to cover Motlow sports and arts.

Potential writers should email Professor Whiting at CWhiting@mscc.edu.

 

We Heard It Through The Grapevine That...

* Motlow has joined the Dream National Reform Network as part of its commitment to improving student success. Learn more about the Achieving the Dream program at http://www.achievingthedream.org/about-us

* Set To Go helps teachers provide students with the helpful knowledge they will need for a successful future. Learn more at https://www.settogo.org/for-educators/

* Professional counseling is now offered to Motlow students. Helpful resources and contact information are provided at http://www.mscc.edu/counseling/

* The Adjunct Office located at MLA 206 will be used as a small classroom from 12:30-1:50 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays this fall. Faculty members are encouraged to visit the library for computer access and printing.

* The Smyrna Fish Fry will occur on Sept. 8 (Saturday), and you can win two tickets. Proceeds from the event support the Smyrna Rotary’s efforts to help students buy textbooks. To enter the drawing, email Lane Yoder at lyoder@mscc.edu by the end of the day on Sept. 4 (Tuesday).

*  Internationally renowned speaker and award-winning author Tawan Perry will speak from 8:15-9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., and 12:45-1:45 p.m. in Room 112 of the Art Walker Building.

* The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 require that all institutions of higher education receiving any form of financial assistance provide each student with information regarding drug and alcohol use. Please visit the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act section at http://www.mscc.edu/policies/docs/3-00-00-00-drug-free-campus.pdf . You should also become familiar with the entire Student Conduct policy for which all students are held accountable, which can be viewed at: http://www.mscc.edu/policies/docs/3-02-00-02-student-disciplinary-part-2.pdf . 

* Motlow Smyrna’s favorite outdoor groundhog has been spotted again, this time behind the MaryLou Apple Building. What kind of animal is it? It looks like a woodchuck when looking at it from a distance, but beavers and Coypu are also spotted in wooded sections of Middle Tennessee.

(If you’re heard anything through the grapevine, please share it with us at cwhiting@mscc.edu or rshelton@mscc.edu)

This and That...

Counseling Support Available

Did you know that Motlow has a full-time licensed therapist who is available to speak or provide counseling for those who face unexpected emotional challenges. Lisa Stone is standing by to provide professional support or to step in for faculty members who need a guest speaker for their classes.

“Remember, I am available to you if you need to consult about a student in distress,” Lisa said. “Since we do not always know the emotional and mental health needs of those we work to educate, please make occasional announcements to your students that we have counseling services on each campus and that appointments with the therapist can be made by calling or emailing me.”  

Learn more about Motlow’s counseling services at http://www.mscc.edu/counseling/ or feel free to call Lisa at (615) 220-7913.

Club Days Returning to Motlow Smyrna

                Hey students… have you joined a club? What an excellent way to become more connected with fellow students and to make a contribution to Motlow. You can even earn community service hours for your Tennessee Promise scholarship.

                The next Smyrna Club Days on the Smyrna campus are set for Jan. 24 and 25 (Wednesday and Thursday) in the MLA Lobby. Club leaders who would like to have a table may contact Stacy Dowd at sdowd@mscc.edu.

Don’t Get a Ticket

The Motlow State Public Safety Department is responsible for enforcement of the “Parking and Traffic” policy.  Officers of the Motlow State Public Safety Department will be monitoring parking and traffic on campuses to ensure all vehicles are properly decaled and properly parked. 

Motlow State Community College requires the registration of vehicles and/or the issuance of permits on campus for the purpose of effective enforcement of campus traffic and/or parking regulations.  Everyone should pay close attention to assigned parking spaces, such as spaces marked for “Handicap” parking, “Faculty/Staff” parking, “Student” parking and “Visitor” parking.  Students, faculty, staff, and visitors must park only in the appropriately designated areas. 

Students, faculty, or staff, should never park in “Visitor” parking. Do not park on any grass areas unless it is allowed by properly designated signage.

Textbook Scholarships Available

 StoneCrest/Rotary Textbook Scholarships are available to Motlow Smyrna students who need assistance with the purchase of textbooks. To learn more or to request a SRSMC Scholarship Application, contact Michelle Griffith at mgriffith@mscc.edu.

Motlow's Counseling Services Program Changes Lives

               SMYRNA, Tenn. – According to the American College Health Association, 31 percent of college students have felt so depressed in the past year that it was difficult to function, and more than 30 percent have felt overwhelming anxiety, making it hard to succeed academically.

                Motlow Smyrna has a professional licensed therapist who is standing by to help students who face personal, social, emotional and adjustment issues. Sometimes there are challenges in life that individuals just can’t face alone.

                “Successful academic performance depends on emotional, psychological and social well-being,” said Lisa Stone, a licensed therapist who helps students overcome these challenges through the newly created Counseling Services program at Motlow State Community College.

                Stone, who joined Motlow on Aug. 1, works on the Smyrna campus all day on Mondays and Tuesdays. She encourages students to call (615) 220-7913 or visit with her in Room 138 of the Smyrna Classroom Building for confidential counseling sessions. Walk-ins are welcome upon availability.

                “Faculty and staff can help by noticing negative changes in a student’s behavior, attitude and motivation, then suggesting that they call Counseling Services for an appointment,” Stone added.

                Students can learn to navigate through obstacles and better maintain perspective and purpose by talking with a licensed therapist like Lisa. She is prepared to help them overcome challenges related to self-doubt, personal or relationship conflicts, stress or anxiety, depression, drug abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, and sexual orientation or gender identity.

                Stone encourages students who are experiencing a mental health emergency to dial 911 or go to their nearest emergency department.

                All counseling services are free for Motlow students. To make an appointment or to learn more, send an email inquiry to lstone@mscc.edu, call (615) 220-7913, or visit http://www.mscc.edu/counseling/ .