The Current Online

by David Hiestand

On Feb. 22, students will have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with their state representatives and senators during Missouri Community College Rally Day, an annual event held at the state capitol in Jefferson City.

“This year, MCCA’s Rally Day is more important than ever, as the state’s higher education budget could be reduced by as much as 12.5 percent,” wrote MCC Associate Vice Chancellor Tom Vansaghi in a district-wide email.

Rally Day will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a gathering where elected officials will speak about the importance of community colleges.  Participants will then divide into groups according to campus and visit their state representatives and senators.

MCC will provide transportation for students interested in participating.  Students must pre-register with their campus coordinator.  Contact information and guidelines can be found in the Rally Day email sent to all MCC students.

The deadline for registration is Feb. 10.

Shorelines editor Matt Porto preps for more submissions (David Hiestand/The Current).

by David Hiestand

“There is just something magical about seeing your work in print,” said Terri Lowry, faculty sponsor of Shorelines, Longview’s annual publication of student writing and artwork.

Shorelines pays students for exemplary work through its annual “Creativity Contest,” which features cash prizes for fiction, poetry and artwork.  The entry fee is $1 per submission, but Lowry says students do not have to enter the contest to benefit from publishing in Shorelines. [...]

by Laura O’Donnell

How safe do you feel on campus after that late-night class?

On the Metropolitan Community College campuses, security is a major concern.  With some common-sense caution and help from the MCCKC Police force, students don’t have to be afraid of the dark.

Capt. Chuck McMullin, commander of the Longview branch of the MCC Campus Police, says that safety at all of MCC’s campuses is taken very seriously. According to McMullin, officers are available 24/7. If there is not an officer physically on campus, one is on call. [...]

by Jody Wise

Are you truly ready to graduate? If you are like most students, your focus is on the current semester or even this immediate class, and graduation seems to be in the distant future. You might be surprised at how soon you should be thinking about your graduation.

“Each student should apply at least two semesters prior to their intended graduation date,” said Mary Buso, an advisor at Penn Valley.

“Preparation for graduation should begin day one in meeting with an advisor, and you should plan [...]