Inside Mesa

Yesterday was a special treat for members of Mesa Community College Commission on Excellence in Education. Invited by Dr. Larry Christiansen, President, MCC …we were asked to attend "in the spirit of open communication" in order to address recent investigative concerns; assuring us that the college will continue to make positive changes, build upon their programs and services, while "focused on excellence."Debra Duvall, Superintendent, Mesa Public Schools and past Chair of the Commission - welcomed us and made several poignant comments: o MCC has 27,000 studentso Diversity is well represented at this school with 2000 international studentso Regarding illegal actions-Not the caseo International Travel-Not Illegalo MCC activities praised by community boardso Partnerships have been forged with NAU, ASU-Students are looking beyond, looking to get their education at a community collegeo An opportunity for those at the college to share their account of events was not providedPhil Austin, Attorney and President of MAHC - Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens - said that his organization will be writing a letter of praise in support of MCC.Ken Volz, Consultant - said that he was part of a trip without tax payer dollars and saw first hand the benefits of the trip and felt others were not ready to look at the college beyond a paradigm with vision and not restricted.John - felt that Mesa preaches diversity but does not live it.Dr. Christiansen shared with us that the 2000 international students had to enroll for 2 semesters with 12 credits each to obtain a particular Visa and then be able to attend the college. That generates just under $3 Million.In early 2000 - $50,000 was set aside for international travel. Moving ahead cautiously, two board members were asked if this was a good idea, then the community - with approval. Students need only about $3000 for travel because of MCC connections. Now - they will do international study "but not that way - no more travel."Wink Harner, Manager - Disability Resources and Services then gave a special presentation highlighting this "cutting edge" center full of technology advances that creates an atmosphere of learning for every kind of disability. Out of the 8-10% disabled, 90% are learning disabilities. MCC has 110 different kinds of disabilities and are providing accommodations for more than 1300 students as of the Fall of 2006. The software is incredible, many will be loaded on the library computers for anyone to use - the learning experiences and education seem attainable for all - what a miracle! A video clip showed students able to create music by movement from an infra-red light - the joy on their faces incredibly rewarding to the soul. Don’t miss a special live event demonstrating this , December 4, Noon, MCC Navajo Room. It was great to see Ms Harner again and see the accomplishments she has been part of mobilizing there. She took me to the DRC where I met some of the students and a student showed me around - although blind - explaining each piece of equipment and a computer screen with Braille that prints out from a special printer in Braille. Remarkable! To reach the DRC and find out even more information, call 480-461-7447 - speak to Wink Harner, Manger, Dobson Campus or visit on-line.It’s too bad two reporters left early - they missed the best part!