Campus Center renovations near completion
You might not recognize parts of the Campus Center following months of upgrades and improvements that have created a fresh and more welcoming space.
Over the past three months, workers have overhauled the north wing of the Campus Center, which includes the Admissions, Advising and Registration offices. When the offices reopen the week of Aug. 17, they’ll have new walls with large glass windows, new furniture and new working space that’s bright and hospitable.
Over the summer, workers also replaced floor tiles in the central lobby, replaced some lighting and installed a sprinkler system throughout the building. The Learning Commons received new furniture and the lounge has new carpeting.
During renovations, the Advising, Admissions and Registration offices, as well as the Testing Center, moved to another building. Those offices are slated to move back to the Campus Center Aug. 17. (The offices are scheduled to be closed that day).
The Campus Center was built in 1987 and has undergone a series of upgrades over the past couple of years. A new bookstore opened in late 2013 and the SeaWolves Café opened about a year ago.
MySuccess summer program prepares student for Fall Semester
Thirty-six recent graduates from Portland Public Schools participated in SMCC’s MySuccess summer program to help prepare them for the academic year ahead.
During the intensive three-week program, students took classes, got acquainted with the campus and took part in activities. The program also provides students with a $500 scholarship toward their first semester and a dedicated coach who will work with them year-round to ensure their success at SMCC.
Jordy Izere, who graduated from Portland High School and is a native of Burundi, says the program has made him more academically prepared and given him skills to make a successful transition from high school to college.
“I think this was a really good choice for me to be able to come to college ready,” he said.
The MySuccess program was established last through a two-year, $125,000 grant from the John T. Gorman Foundation and matching funds from SMCC. It is the product of a unique partnership between SMCC, Portland Public Schools, the John T. Gorman Foundation and Portland ConnectED, a community coalition that aims to improve educational outcomes for Portland students from cradle to career.
#helloSMCC campaign to kick off new year
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to introduce themselves, places and things around campus by posting selfies and other photos to social media as part of SMCC’s #helloSMCC campaign to kick off the new academic year.
For the campaign, which will kick off the week of Aug. 17, people are encouraged to post photos and messages to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the #helloSMCC hashtag. The photos will also appear on the SMCC website.
The best daily posts by students can win a prize like an SMCC beach towel, baseball hat or T-shirt. Students can also win a prize by stopping by the #helloSMCC table at the
Sept. 3 Welcome BBQ and making a post.
Dozens of students and SMCC employees participated in last year’s inaugural #helloSMCC campaign.