Words to the Wise Wednesday

The LLCC Student Success office has undergone significant changes over the past few years, so it is the office’s goal that colleagues across campus get to better know the who, what, when, where and why of Student Success. Over the next few months, they will be bringing you “Words to the Wise Wednesdays.” This week, they continue with the focus on the “who” and introduce four more members of the Student Success team.

Who

Laurie Clemons, student success coach (Dec. 5, 1994)

Laurie ClemonsLaurie is the student success coach for degree-seeking students in Workforce Institute programs, criminal justice and students with accommodations. Workforce Institute programs include majors such as automotive, culinary, lineman and related programs. Laurie received her bachelor’s degree in management from University of Illinois Springfield. She has worked in higher education for 26 years in the offices of registration and student success. Laurie is the club advisor for the Black Student Union, serves as African-American History Month Committee chair and also serves on the Technical Review Committee and Enrollment Management Team. When not at work, she enjoys fellowship with her church family, shopping and spending time with her sorority sisters, family and friends.

Richard Hayes II, student success coach (Jan. 3, 2000)

Richard HayesRichard is the student success coach for business and accounting students. Richard received his bachelor’s degree from University of Illinois Springfield and his master’s from Capella University. He has worked in higher education for 20 years in student services and student success. When not at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and sons, attending church activities, playing tennis and golf, bike riding and building models.

Claire Heffron-McKinney, LPC, student success coach (Nov. 14, 2005)

Claire Heffron-McKinneyClaire is the student success coach for STEM majors. These are science, engineering and math related majors. Claire received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Blackburn College and her master’s degree in human development counseling from University of Illinois Springfield. She is a certified domestic violence professional and a confidential advisor. Claire has attained special training to confidentially assist students experiencing sexual harassment, intimate partner/domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. She has worked in higher education for 17 years, with 15 years in student success. When not at work, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, reading and watching Netflix.

Dr. Melissa Franzen, LCPC, student success coach (July 9, 2012)

Dr. Melissa FranzenMelissa is the student success coach for arts and humanities and students in the Honors Program. Arts and humanities include English, communication, art, music and related majors. Melissa received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and minor in sociology from Illinois College, and a master’s degree in human development counseling: community/clinical mental health from University of Illinois Springfield. She completed her Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from Walden University in May 2021. Melissa is a past president and member of ILACADA and a confidential advisor, with special training to confidentially assist students experiencing sexual harassment, intimate partner/domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. She has worked in higher education for eight years in student success. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her son and her friends, and playing games or sitting with a good book.

Student Success

www.llcc.edu/student-success
www.facebook.com/llccstudentsuccess
www.instagram.com/llcc_studentsuccess

LLCC to host Financial Aid Workshops in October

LLCC is offering workshops and completion events in October to assist students and families in filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to obtain financial aid to attend college. The FAFSA filing period is now open, and students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Financial Aid Workshops will be held at these LLCC locations and high schools:

  • Oct. 5, LLCC-Beardstown, 3-6 p.m.
  • Oct. 7, Southeast High School, 6-8 p.m.
  • Oct. 13, LLCC-Litchfield, 4-8 p.m.
  • Oct. 14, Lanphier High School, 6-8 p.m.
  • Oct. 15, LLCC-Springfield campus, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (for current LLCC students)
  • Oct. 18, LLCC-Springfield campus, 4-7 p.m.
  • Oct. 20, LLCC-Taylorville, 4-8 p.m.
  • Oct. 21, LLCC-Jacksonville, 3-7 p.m.
  • Oct. 26, Springfield High School, 6-8 p.m.

Students and parents/guardians may also get personal assistance completing the FAFSA at the LLCC-Springfield campus, Menard Hall, Room 1173:

  • Oct. 8, 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m.
  • Oct. 22, 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m.
  • Oct. 29, 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m.

Registration is requested at some of the events. More information is available at www.llcc.edu/financial-aid.

LLCC Choir concerts today at noon and 7 p.m.

LLCC choir standing outside in ampitheater
The LLCC Choir will present two Illinois ACDA Preview Concerts today in  A. Lincoln Commons. The performances are at noon and 7 p.m. and are free to attend.

This will be the choir’s first live performance since December 2019.

The program features repertoire that focuses on finding hope and strength and rising to action in the face of personal and global crises.

The LLCC Choir has been selected to perform this program at the Illinois ACDA Fall Conference next week at DePaul University. This is a special honor, and the choir is the only community college choir performing.

Multicultural Fest 2021

LLCC Multicultural Fest 2021. Wednesday, October 6th, outside Menard. Entertainment 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Food Trucks 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.Back by popular demand for the 17th year, LLCC Student Life presents Multicultural Fest tomorrow, Oct. 6. This long-standing tradition has been a community favorite for many years. We will celebrate the wonderful spectrum of cultures represented in our campus community. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. with DJ Yinka and goes until 2 p.m. Starting at 11 a.m., the LLCC community will be able to enjoy some free food from Aztca Mexican Grill, B & W Food Truck and Kona Ice of Decatur. Food will be available until 1 PM or while supplies last. As always, this event is free.

A very special thank you to Jay Kitterman, Julie Sutfin, Marina Wirsing, Sue Alexander and Jolene Lamb for helping to plan this event. If you have any questions about the event, contact the student engagement coordinator at kyle.roughan@llcc.edu.

Monday Morning Mentor program

Each week, Academic Innovation and eLearning is sending out a link to a different Monday Morning Mentor program by MAGNA Publications. Each topic is presented by respected academic peers and covers timely and relevant topics in only 20 minutes — brief enough to fit busy schedules, but long enough to deliver valuable, actionable content.

This week’s topic:
How Can I Ensure Academic Integrity in the Online Classroom?
Presentation date: Oct. 4, 2021 and on-demand for one week

Link to the presentation: mondaymorningmentors.com
From this link, you can view the featured 20-Minute Mentor and access the transcript, handouts and supplemental material. These materials are only available for the week of the presentation.

NOTE: You will need to enter a password in order to view the program. See Monday’s email from Becky Parton for the password, or contact becky.parton@llcc.edu.

Access to the programs in the Monday Morning Mentor series is restricted to members of the subscribing institution. Any unauthorized use or access, including sharing access with faculty and staff not affiliated with the subscribing institution, is prohibited.

Nominate a deserving colleague for KUDOS yet today!

Lincoln Land Community College KUDOS: Key or Unique Demonstrations of Outstanding ServiceKey or Unique Demonstrations of Outstanding Service award nominations are open yet today, Oct. 5. Nominate a deserving colleague by filling out the online submission form. (Please use a Chrome or Firefox browser when completing this form.) The awards will be announced Friday, Oct. 15.

The KUDOS awards are an informal way to recognize the special contributions — small and large — made by faculty and staff that create the positive environment that is LLCC. Brighten someone’s day. Say, “Thank you! Great job!” by nominating that person for a KUDOS award!

Bistro To Go open today

Bistro To Go in the Workforce Careers Center
Bistro Verde, LLCC’s student-run café, is open during the fall 2021 semester as Bistro To Go. It is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Nov. 18 (except for Nov. 2). You are invited to enjoy takeout soups, salads, sandwiches, baked goods, coffees and drinks prepared by LLCC culinary arts, baking and pastry, and hospitality students. View the fall 2021 menu!

Lunch orders may be placed online at https://orders.cake.net/11205518 (credit card) or in person (cash or credit card).

Wellness Screening and Flu Shot Clinic

The first of two wellness screening/flu shot clinics on campus is being held today. The other clinic is scheduled for Oct. 21. These clinics are open to all benefit-eligible employees and their spouses. Benefit-eligible employees who complete the wellness screening, including the online health risk assessment, will receive a $50 Visa gift card. Full details of this event are provided in the guide emailed by HR.