9 Tips for Fall Semester Success

Saturday, August 18th marked the official first day of school at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Gone is the summer of discovering who "Kiki" really loves (she really caused damage, didn't she?). Here comes the fun part: taking on your Fall 2018 semester "like a boss." 

We've compiled feedback from former students to share some tips for Fall Semester Success: 

1. Plan Ahead to Score a Sweet Parking Spot: The new semester promises plenty of packed parking lots, so we recommend you arrive early to secure the prime spot next to your classes. Also, we've heard there will be some road construction impacting Pecos during the months of August and September, so it's good to plan for delays.

2. Fuel Your Brain: At the Pecos Campus, the Coyote Cafe features a variety of food options as well as hosting a local restaurant on-site each week. The café is located at in Bradshaw Hall (between the Library and Coyote Center). You'll find their menu, upcoming features and hours of operation here. Grounds for Thought, under the Ironwood Bridge, offers coffee drinks, smoothies and quick bites to eat on the north end of campus.

At the Williams Campus, the Roadrunner Cafe offers breakfast, grilled, and deli options for breakfast and lunch each day. You'll find their menu and hours of operation here. 

Our college recently launched the Coyote Cupboard at both the Pecos and Williams campuses. The Coyote Cupboard is a food pantry with non-perishable and household items available to any CGCC student. Learn more here. 

3. Use Your Cell Phone: Need to find a class or access campus maps at the drop of a dime? You can access your student resources right from your mobile device. Use your MEID to login to Myinfo.maricopa.edu and access your:  

• Class Schedule 
• Campus Maps & Room Information
• Financial Aid Award Status 
• Holds on Your Account 
• Messages 
• Textbook Information 

4. Get CoyoteConnect-ed: No need for FOMO! Stay up-to-date about campus events, student life activities, volunteering opportunities, and much more. Login to CoyoteConnect here. 

5. Stay Safe with the RAVEGuardian App - Our Public Safety and Campus Police recommend that all students download the Rave Guardian app on GooglePlay or AppStore.  The app allows you to create a network of trusted safety guardians, set safety timers to alert police and family, submit anonymous tips, and have one-touch access to contact campus police. The convenience of storing safety processes in one app can save you precious seconds in an emergency. Learn more about the Rave Guardian app here.  

6. Get Involved - Getting involved in campus clubs helps students build leadership skills, strong friendships, networking connections, life experiences, and a powerful resume. Building a network of peers who can walk this college path alongside you is a key element of setting yourself up for success. Find out more about campus clubs here and stop by our Club Fair next week (Aug 29 - 30).  

7. Leverage Tutoring Resources - Get acquainted with the level of support that's available for on-campus tutoring services. You'll find that our learning centers offer both drop-in and appointment-based support. Find both locations and times for the Pecos and Williams campuses here. 

8. Be Bold and Ask - One of the biggest obstacles for a new community college student is the daunting task of asking for help or clarification. Our Faculty and Staff are here to support your success. Be bold and ask for help when needed. Be bold and ask for clarification when you are confused. You will find that the majority of your peers are challenged by the same question you are bold enough to ask. 

9. Slow Down - Many of our students are holding jobs in addition to studying. While you're running from one location to the next, we recommend you schedule some time to slow down and visit the Student Center Pavilion to unwind. 

CGCC Students Selected as 2018 Coca-Cola Gold Scholars

Hats off to Heather Robinson, Kimberly Redding, and Lauren Allison for recently being selected as a Gold Scholar on Coca-Cola’s 2018 Academic Team. All three recipients will receive a $1,500 scholarship from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation to assist in their pursuit of a higher education.

“Congratulations to Heather, Kimberly and Lauren for being named to Coca-Cola’s 2018 Academic Team,” said William Guerriero, interim president at CGCC. “We are extremely proud of your academic accomplishments and are excited to see what the future holds for each of you.”

Heather, a nursing student at the Williams Campus, is working on a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Northern Arizona University and hopes to become a Labor and Delivery nurse at Mercy Gilbert Hospital.

Kimberly, a Fine Arts student at the Pecos Campus, is working towards a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with a minor in behavioral psychology at Arizona State University’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.

Lauren is currently majoring in aviation at the Williams Campus and is working towards her bachelor’s degree in Applied Science Aviation at Arizona State University. Following graduation, she plans to attend the American Flyer’s mechanic/pilot cross training internship program and obtain private, instrument, and commercial flight ratings.

Heather, Kimberly, and Lauren’s selection were based on the score they earned in the All-USA Academic Team competition, for which more than 2,000 applications were received this year. This program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and is administered by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Phi Theta Kappa will recognize Heather, Kimberly and Lauren along with other 2018 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholars on stage at PTK Catalyst, Phi Theta Kappa’s Annual Convention, April 19-21 in Kansas City, Missouri. On behalf of CGCC, congratulations on your outstanding academic achievement and leadership accomplishments that earned you this recognition.

Four CGCC Students Named to All-Arizona Academic Team

Four Chandler-Gilbert Community College students were recognized for their outstanding academic achievement, commitment to service, and distinguished leadership at the 2018 All-Arizona Academic Recognition Ceremony on March 1 at the Hilton Phoenix/Mesa Hotel.

Students Amanda Acuña, Lauren Allison, Kimberly Redding, and Heather Robinson were among the 79 Arizona community college student recipients to be honored for their academic success.

“On behalf of the faculty and staff at CGCC, I would like to congratulate this year’s All-Arizona Academic Team recipients Amanda, Lauren, Kimberly, and Heather on receiving this notable honor,” said William Guerriero, interim president at CGCC. “We know you will go on to achieve great success in your academic and professional careers and represent CGCC positively in the community for years to come.”

To be considered for the All-Arizona Academic Team, students must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, be in good academic standing, be working towards completion of an associate degree, demonstrate leadership, and actively volunteer on campus or within their communities.

In addition to being recognized, each student winner received an academic scholarship and tuition waiver to one of Arizona’s three universities: Arizona State University, University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University. The scholarships and tuition waivers are made possible by Phi Theta Kappa, American Association of Community Colleges, Arizona Community Colleges, Arizona Board of Regents, and USA TODAY, all of whom aim to help these exceptional students reach their educational goals.

Judging to select the recipients consisted of three rounds. In the first round, a group of local businesses, civic, education, and government leaders reviewed applications and chose the recipients of the award. Only two students were selected from each college campus. The selected recipients’ applications were then forwarded to Washington, D.C., for second and third rounds of judging and scoring by representatives from various federal agencies and national education associations. Those scores were used to rank the students for first, second or third state teams. First Team members received a $1,000 scholarship, Second Team members a $750 scholarship and Third Team members a $500 scholarship to one of Arizona’s state universities.

Chandler Gilbert Community College, Pecos Campus Recipients

Amanda Acuña-Third Team

Major: Psychology 

Amanda plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Biology at Arizona State University. Following her bachelor’s, she plans to pursue a PhD in Neuropsychology and use that to further current understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders through research and clinical practice. Amanda is a certified CPR and drowning prevention instructor for free community outreach classes, a PBS Eight and Blake’s Miracle volunteer, and mother of two. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, an Otto and Edna Neely Scholarship recipient and CGCC Academic Scholarship recipient.

Kimberly Redding-First Team

Major: Fine Arts

Kimberly is working towards a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with a minor in behavioral psychology at Arizona State University’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.  She will leverage her education to create art therapy programs for patients in medical institutions as a Certified Art Therapist, while continuing to volunteer for organizations such as Free Arts for Abused Children, and dance classes through her church. Kimberly is an organizer of CGCC’s Tunnel of Oppression for Phi Theta Kappa’s Honors in Action Contribution, a high school student mentor with the Sِi Se Puede Organization, a Maricopa County Global Leadership Retreat representative, and a volunteer at Free Arts for Abused Children.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Williams Campus Recipients

Lauren Allison-First Team
Major: Aviation

Lauren plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in Applied Science Aviation at Arizona State University. Following graduation, she plans to attend the American Flyer’s mechanic/pilot cross training internship program and obtain private, instrument, and commercial flight ratings.

She currently serves as a student tutor, a member of the CGCC Student Activities Board, a volunteer with Coyote Cupboard, and a member of the Presidential Search Committee.

Heather Robinson-First Team
Major: Nursing

Heather is working on a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Northern Arizona University and hopes to become a Labor and Delivery nurse at Mercy Gilbert Hospital. It was there, several years ago as a labor and delivery patient, where she encountered the compassionate and competent nurses who set the bar for the kind of nurse she wants to be.  Heather plans to continue to fill her life with service in the community through her church and many other organizations.

She is currently a member of Student Nurses in Action, a Block 2 Focus Group Leader, and United Way Valley of the Sun volunteer.

Congratulations to this year’s 2018 All-Arizona Academic Team recipients!

Four CGCC Students Named to 2018 All-Arizona Academic Team

Congratulations to Chandler-Gilbert Community College students Amanda Acuña, Lauren Allison, Kimberly Redding, and Heather Robinson for being named to this year’s All-Arizona Academic Team. Acuña (Psychology) and Redding (Fine Arts) represent the Pecos Campus while Allison (Aviation) and Robinson (Nursing) represent the Williams Campus. The students will be recognized for their outstanding academic achievement, commitment to service, and leadership at a statewide celebration on March 1 at the Hilton Phoenix/Mesa Hotel along with 75 additional recipients from community colleges throughout Arizona.

Left to Right: Amanda, Kim, Heather, and Lauren.

To be considered for the All-Arizona Academic Team, students must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, be in good academic standing, be working towards completion of an associate degree, demonstrate leadership, and actively volunteer on campus and/or within their communities. Each student winner will receive an academic scholarship and tuition waiver to one of Arizona’s three universities: Arizona State University, University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University. The scholarships and tuition waivers are made possible by Phi Theta Kappa, American Association of Community Colleges, Arizona Community Colleges, Arizona Board of Regents and USA TODAY who aim to help these exceptional students reach their educational goals.

CGCC Alumni News

Chandler-Gilbert Community College alumni Derek Lull and Martine Garcia are making local headlines for their service to their communities and commitment to academics.

Derek Lull

Derek, a graduate of CGCC’s Law Enforcement Training Academy, currently works as a police officer in Coolidge serving the safety needs of his community.

Martine Garcia

Martine, a dual master’s degree graduate in management and legal studies from Arizona State University is passionate about people, community and education and has spent the past year and a half applying these passions by mentoring and advising student leaders at Arizona State University's Changemaker Central.




Read more about Derek and Martine’s journey after CGCC.

CGCC’s Keiran Faulkner Receives Arizona Livestock Honors

We sat down and chatted with Chandler-Gilbert Community College student Kerian Faulkner about her recent Arizona National Livestock award and her new role as a livestock ambassador. Faulkner, an agribusiness sophomore, has spent more than half her life raising and showing market lambs on the local, state and national stages. In this interview, she shares her background in livestock and the important role it plays in her life.

Connection: Keiran, congratulations on your recent Arizona National Livestock Award. We are so excited for you! We want our readers to get to know a little bit about you and your passion for livestock. Describe your background in the livestock industry and its importance in your life.

Keiran: I have been raised in this industry and I can't ever remember a time in my life where Livestock wasn't involved. I began raising sheep in 2007 when I was 8 years old. I joined the Yuma Moos 4H group to begin showing lambs for Jackpot shows and the Yuma County Fair. As I continued my journey of showing lambs, I began showing at the Arizona State Fair, the Arizona National Livestock Show, and at shows all around Arizona through the Southern Arizona International Livestock Association (SAILA). When I entered high school, I became a member of the Cibola Future Farmers of America chapter through my high school agriculture program, which gave me the opportunity to submit my financial records to win awards through my sheep projects.
The livestock industry has had a massive impact on my life. In my years of state-wide travel to shows, I have met friends who have become family, and made memories that will last a lifetime. Through my years of raising and showing lambs, I have learned so many valuable life lessons. Raising livestock teaches young people the importance of financial record keeping, the responsibility of caring for a life besides your own, and the value that can be found in hard work and dedication. All of which make our youth ready for life in the real word.

Connection: How did you get involved in livestock shows?

Keiran: My family has been involved in the livestock industry for over 50 years; we have had everything from cattle, to sheep, to hogs, and even goats. My personal involvement in livestock shows began when I got my first lamb, Blueberry, back in 2007. I showed her at the Yuma SAILA and the Yuma County Fair. I will admit that while raising Blueberry, I was very much against showing after that year, but when fair time came around, I was fortunate enough to win Grand Champion Market Lamb at the County Fair, and I decided "hey, showing isn't so bad after all." From then on, I found a love in showing lambs, and continued to attend more and more livestock shows to better my skill and become more involved.

Connection: Describe the AZ National Livestock Show award and what it means to be an ambassador?

Keiran: As the Arizona National Livestock Show ambassador, I will be traveling across the state and country to promote the show to potential exhibitors. I will be attending county and state fairs, SAILA shows, and even a national show sometime in the fall. I will also attend meetings with the board that makes ANLS possible. Being selected as the ambassador also comes with being awarded a $2,000.00 scholarship which I will use towards my studies this year.

Connection: What, if any, future plans do you have in livestock shows?

Keiran: I don't have any specific plans set yet for future my involvement in stock shows, but I do want to be around this industry for the rest of my life. I know as I eventually have a family of my own, that I hope to raise my own children at stock shows, just as I was. I would definitely be interested in working for a major livestock show if the opportunity were to arise.

Thank you for sharing your story Keiran, and congratulations on your recent achievements! We at CGCC are proud to have you represent our college as a 2017 Arizona National Livestock Ambassador. We wish you much success in your role.

Take Control of Your Education, Attend a Student Success Fair

Chandler-Gilbert Community College is hosting two upcoming Student Success Fairs to celebrate student success and promote graduation. Events will be held at the Pecos Campus on Tuesday, February 7 and Wednesday, February 8 from 9 am to 1 pm.

The Student Success Fair is a popular campus event designed to help students achieve their academic goals by providing direct access to information and resources that enhance and nurture the college-going experience. During the fair students, can connect, engage, and learn from CGCC faculty and staff representing nearly 20 different campus services. We encourage all students to join us. Students who engage with all four fair zones will receive complimentary lunch and are eligible for a free CGCC t-shirt.

CGCC to Host Student Etiquette Networking Reception

Dine with style! Chandler-Gilbert Community Career Services is excited to announce its upcoming Etiquette Networking Reception, an event designed to introduce students to proper dining etiquette, business attire, and business conversation. The event will be hosted by renowned business etiquette expert Carol Bory on Thursday, March 30 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. inside Agave Hall Room 1242 at the Pecos Campus.

Students will enjoy a delightful selection of hors d’oeuvres while sitting at a lunch table hosted by an industry executive who will share your table and offer advice during the reception. The Etiquette Networking Reception is an opportunity to learn how to network professionally while learning critical skills needed to act professionally while dining. Reserve your place with a $5.00 fee paid at the CGCC Cashier’ Office/Coyote Center.

Email confirmation will be sent upon receipt of payment. Learn more by visiting the Career Services’ website at cgc.edu/careers or contact them at phone at (480) 857-5211. This is an event you will not want to miss!

Service Learning Student Makes History

Twenty-year-old Chandler-Gilbert Community College Pecos Campus student, Matheu Gonzales, is using history to take service-learning to new heights.  Through his projects, Mr. Gonzales’ “service” is to create and preserve awareness of important historical people and events.  This impressive pursuit, its results and Mr. Gonzales’ account of his experience are vivid examples of the impact that service-learning can have on the student as well as society.  We had the opportunity to discuss with Mr. Gonzales what history, service learning and these projects have meant to him.

Connection: Your service learning projects are getting a lot of attention. Would you describe them to us?

Gonzales: My service learning topics included a biography of a man who played a part on making the Mexican School in Gilbert matter to the kids who attended the school. The man was Wayne McFrederick, he had no official biography until I was assigned to craft one for him.

Connections: Fascinating! How did you go about unearthing all the biographical information?

Gonzales: During this project I needed to work as a detective. With no formal information laid out in a single document I had to constantly research, send emails and letters to people who may know any information on Mr. McFrederick. It was a challenge, I began my research at the Gilbert Historical Museum. There I flipped through newspapers from the 1930’s on up. I moved onto data bases finding a little more than what the papers offered. I could not even find an obituary, or the actual day he had died.

Little by little, the information came and thankfully I was blessed to have received his obituary from a library in California, where he had moved and later died. I could not have found this without guidance and support from my mentor Danette Turner or the Gilbert Historical Museum which graciously allowed me to add to their collection of Gilbert History.

Connections: What has this project meant to you?

Gonzales: This project has meant a lot to me, I was trusted enough to share what this man had done for that community and those students. Being the first person to write about Wayne McFrederick’s life was an honor and a blessing, and I thank my professor Mrs. Turner for helping me on my journey

Connections: What about your other project?  Can you share a little about that?

Gonzales: My second project was scanning World War II pictures for the East Valley Jewish Society. During this I had to be very delicate with the photos. I wore surgical gloves to avoid damaging the photos with the oils of my hands.

Connections: Handling historical photos is not something most history students get to do.  What all did you see in these photos? 

Gonzales: I was able to see a theatre of war, as well what made World War II so infamous, pictures of the Holocaust. These pictures were taken by the United States Army themselves, they included more pictures of the horrid Holocaust.

After scanning these images, I was later told that they were traced back to the Monuments Men expedition. The expedition goal was to reclaim art, and history that the Nazis had stolen and were to be destroyed if Hitler lost the war. Hollywood made a major motion picture of the story, I am thrilled that I was somewhat a part of all of that…even if it only meant scanning the photos to my computer.

Connections: Wow, it must feel exciting to be a part of such magnificent history.  What did you learn throughout this experience? 

Gonzales: Doing this project had shed some light on everything that I have learned about World War II. It allowed me to see the war through a soldier’s point of view.  It also made me aware of the tragic reality that some historians claim the Holocaust never happened.  Pictures are a solid way of proving that it did; in a court of law it is said “It is not what you know, it is what you can prove in court” and I believe that’s a rule that is constantly followed in society. 

Connections: Where can fellow students and members of the community see your work?

Gonzales: Finishing this project will allow the East Valley Jewish Society, Chandler-Gilbert Community College and Mesa Community College to create an exhibit with the photos I scanned. I am very proud to know that my name will be associated with this exhibit.

Connections: Clearly your passion is history and historical research.  Can you share why?

Gonzales: Text books that students are assigned to read starting in high school are worded in a way that the author wants you to think about the subject…bad or good. Researching raw information allows for an unbiased way of thinking, allowing you to take the information in and form your own opinion. History can be swayed easily to a view someone wants you to see.

Historical research also preserves what should not be forgotten, the Holocaust and World War II, and brings to light pieces of history that should not live in the shadows, Wayne McFrederick. 

Connections: After this rich experience, what is your perspective on service-learning?
       
Gonzales: At the start of service-learning I had no idea that it existed or what it was.  I now know what it is as well as how important it is not just to a history student but to every student. It allows you to gain valuable experience in the field in which you are majoring. I am grateful for service learning and the opportunities it has led to for me and can lead to for anyone.

CGCC and Maricopa Community Colleges Offer Support and Guidance to ITT Tech Students

In response to the recent closings of three ITT Tech campuses in Maricopa County, the Chandler Gilbert Community College and the Maricopa Community College District are offering support, advice, and academic counseling to the affected students who are in various stages of academic degree or certificate completion.

Chandler Gilbert Community College encourages former ITT Tech students to contact us or the Maricopa Community College nearest them to help them navigate their transition, or complete the online ITT Tech Student contact form. Doing so will ensure that each student will receive individual attention and academic advisement. In this process, enrollment specialists will help students navigate academic program selection, transcript review, and financial aid needs.

Students who complete the ITT Tech Student contact form will be contacted within approximately 7 business days. Access the form by clicking here.

We look forward to seeing you at Chandler Gilbert Community College or at any of the Maricopa Community Colleges.

Project 3D Upcoming Events

The Office of Student Life and Leadership kicked off the Project 3D forum series on September 13 with the official launch event inside the Student Pavilion at the Pecos Campus. A variety of local civic organizations including the Arizona Democratic Party, Arizona GOP, League of Women Voters, East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Chinese American Phoenix Chapter gathered to educated students on key political issues and register them to vote in the upcoming presidential election.

Project 3D creator and CGCC student Curran Vinson was featured on 12 News where he discussed the vision behind the events and his hope to inspire students to get involved in political change. Click here to view the 12 News segment.

Upcoming Project 3D

•    9/27/2016 - “This Land Is Your Land, This Land Is My Land”: Politics of the Wall, 7pm- 8:30pm Agave Community Room
•    10/5/2016 - Project 3D and Rock the Vote Event, 11:30am - 1pm, Student Pavilion
•    10/18/2016 -Shots Heard Around the World: The Politics of Gun Control in America, 7pm - 8:30pm Agave Community Room
•    11/1/2016 - Social Justice, Diversity, and the New American, 7pm - 8:30pm, Agave Community Room

The voter registration portion of Project 3D is being conducted in connection with Rock the Vote, a non-partisan group that focuses on educating and registering young voters and getting as many as possible to turn out to the polls. This event will include live entertainment, food and guest speakers.

The Project 3D forums are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact katherine.haar@cgc.com or call 480-732-7150.

CGCC Student featured on Channel 12 News

Curran Vinson, CGCC Student. Photo credit: 12News

CGCC student Curran Vinson was featured on 12 News last Thursday to promote the launch of Project 3D. Check out the story here!

Behind the Scenes with CGCC Student Leadership Board President

April Martinell, CGCC Student Leadership Board President

We sat down with accounting major and Student Leadership Board president April Martinell for a brief Q&A to chat about what she hopes to accomplish this year in her leadership role.

Connections (CX): Why did you decide to join the CGCC Student Leadership Board?

April: I saw a need. Chandler-Gilbert Community College was looking for a new president that could take them to the next level of student engagement. I knew that was me! 

CX: What are you hoping to accomplish as this year's board president?

April: This year my focus will be on student engagement. I plan to bring the activities to the students, make it easier for them to get involved on campus and make new friends.

CX: What are the benefits of being an active part of the CGCC campus community?

April: I can think of four benefits, the first being RESOURES. Our college has a wealth of resources such as free tutoring, computer labs and career guidance counselors, just to name a few, that you wouldn’t find without getting involved. 

The second is DISCOVERY. Being an active part of CGCC will help you discover your strengths and that will give you confidence in pursuing your dreams.

The third is NETWORKING. We are all going somewhere. We are all in college for a purpose. Wouldn’t it be nice to have that smart person in your class as your future business partner, IT professional or accountant?

The fourth is COMMUNITY. Getting involved on campus builds a stronger and more resilient community. You never know how the club you join and help flourish could someday save the world.

CX: What advice would you give to a student who is looking to get involved on campus?

April: Attend the Club Fair, September 6 & 7 from 11-1pm on the Pavilion Patio! We have so many amazing clubs at CGCC that is a great place to start. I hope to see you all there!