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SMCC cancels in-person commencement, plans virtual graduation ceremony in its place

Southern Maine Community College is canceling its traditional in-person commencement and planning a virtual graduation ceremony in its place because of health and safety concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the uncertainty surrounding the virus and the need to protect public health, it has become clear that SMCC won’t be able to hold its graduation… More »

Campus Connections – April 1

SMCC comes together SMCC has come together in response to the unprecedented circumstances from COVID-19 by expanding our online class offerings and having employees work from home to make sure we offer a safe learning and working environment. With the virus spreading around the globe and in Maine, SMCC underwent a huge undertaking to continue… More »

Gov. Mills signs order to fast-track free online job training at community colleges

Order allows for greater flexibility to train workers online for critical jobs needed to address the effects of COVID-19 Governor Janet Mills signed an executive order allowing Maine Quality Centers (MQC) to swiftly address the changing demands in Maine’s job market due to widespread economic disruption caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Governor Mills’… More »

Top Stories: March 23 Campus Connections

Culinary students win Cajun Cookin’ Challenge A team of SMCC Culinary Arts students outperformed professional chefs and won top honors at the annual WMPG Cajun Cookin’ Challenge. Jada Tuttle, Becky Scott, Neil Gardiner and Derek Chao represented SMCC at the 25th annual cook-off, held Feb. 25 at the University of Southern Maine. The competition each… More »

In the Spotlight: March 23 Campus Connections

Student Profile Liam Woodworth-Cook, challenged and engaged Liam Woodworth-Cook was looking to be challenged and engaged when he decided to come to SMCC in 2018. He hasn’t been disappointed. Since arriving, he has excelled academically while becoming involved with the student newspaper, the student literary magazine and The Captain’s Cupboard on-campus food pantry to help… More »

SMCC cancels Open House following recommendation of Maine CDC

Southern Maine Community College has canceled its Spring Open House following the Maine CDC’s recommendation to not hold gatherings of more than 50 people to curtail the potential spread of the coronavirus outbreak. SMCC’s Open House had been scheduled for April 4 at its South Portland Campus. It typically attracts 800 to 1,000 accepted and… More »

Maine’s community colleges to extend students’ spring breaks

In order to best prepare for the impact of the coronavirus outbreak, Maine’s seven community colleges are all extending their student breaks from one week to two weeks. “This decision balances our commitment to creating the best possible learning environment for our students, keeping our communities healthy and safe and preparing to respond nimbly to… More »

SMCC, Adult Ed programs form partnership to help students overcome obstacles to college

Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) and Cumberland County Adult Education programs have entered into a partnership to help Mainers overcome barriers to earning a college education. SMCC and Cumberland County Adult Education program directors signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday for Adult Education to have office space on the SMCC South Portland Campus to… More »

SMCC Foundation receives $50,000 donation for student scholarships

A longtime supporter of Southern Maine Community College has made a donation of more than $50,000 to the SMCC Foundation in support of student scholarships. A philanthropic organization in February donated shares of an investment fund that, when liquidated, were worth $50,914. Of that total, $5,000 is earmarked for scholarships for students in SMCC’s Culinary… More »

SMCC hosts statewide precision machining competition for high school students

High school students from across Maine tested their skills on precision machining tools at Southern Maine Community College on Thursday for the statewide SkillsUSA Maine Precision Machining Competition. Students from centers for technical education in Augusta, Biddeford, Dexter, Rockland, Sanford and Waterville manufactured a variety of metal components on lathes, mills and CNC (computer numeric… More »