Inside Story for Friday, September 24, 2010

Register by Oct. 1 for Omaha Table Talk

MCC employees and students are invited to participate in Omaha Table Talk 2010, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010. The annual Omaha Table Talk dinner invites participants to engage in an evening of facilitated dialogue with 8 to 12 guests of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. In host locations at homes or community sites, participants share their thoughts on race and diversity based on their own values, beliefs and experiences. Now in its sixth year, Omaha Table Talk's mission is to bring citizens of the community together to build social bridges. There is no cost to participate. The College is pleased to host three community sites for this annual city-site event.

To participate or learn more about Omaha Table Talk, visit www.omahatabletalk.com. You must register by Oct. 1 to participate.

Fight the Flu at Flu Shot Clinic

The Visiting Nurse Association will conduct a flu shot clinic at the Fort Omaha, South Omaha and Elkhorn Valley campuses the first week of October. The clinic is open to faculty, staff, students and families, ages 6 months and older.

Vaccines available include the seasonal and H1N1 varieties. The immunizations are covered 100 percent for BCBS members. Claim forms for MCC Blue Cross Blue Shield members will be available, as well as traditional Medicare. Bring your member card with you to the clinic. For non-members and other health care plans, the cost is $25 per shot, payable by cash or check. The flu mist will be available for $30.

• Fort Omaha Campus, Bldg. 10 lobby: Oct. 5, 9 a.m.-noon
• South Omaha Campus, Connector Lower Commons: Oct. 6, 9 a.m.-noon
• Elkhorn Valley Campus, Commons: Oct. 7, 9 a.m.-noon

How Do I Request Software Purchases?

The Software Review Committee has been reviewing all proposed software purchases and renewals since August 2003.  This process was developed in a continuing effort to be cost-effective, support institutional effectiveness and provide software users with a solid support system.

To request software, follow this procedure:

1. After receiving approval from cost center manager, staff/faculty member requests a software purchase by completing and submitting one of these online forms in the Forms Bank:
   1. New Software Purchase and Install Request form for new purchases
   2. Software Maintenance or Tech Support Purchase Request form for existing software
2. The request will be sent to the Software Review Committee for analysis.
3. If the software request is non-supported/non-approved, the requestor and cost center manager will be notified by email.
4. If the software request is approved by the Software Review Committee, the requestor and cost center manager will be notified by email. 
   1. Be sure to read the email; it will specify the next steps necessary to purchase the software.

Review and follow the above process when you need to purchase software.  If you have questions, email Vicki Spilker or call 457-2921.

Travel Procedures and Employee Reimbursements

A committee comprised of a cross-section of College staff was convened to review possible changes and make recommendations to simplify and streamline Procedures Memorandum VI-2 Travel Guidelines. The recommendations were presented to and approved by the President's cabinet. These modifications are effective immediately.

The major changes to the Travel Guidelines PM VI-2, travel procedures and employee reimbursements in general are as follows:

• Redefinition of local travel to mean any vehicle travel that does not entail airline travel or an overnight stay.
• Clarification of mileage reimbursement for travel to assigned first or last work site (unless it is greater than normal commute).
• Elimination of travel advances (except for student group travel).
• Incorporation of Non-Itemized, Lost/Missing Receipt Form on Forms Bank.
• Increase tipping maximum to 20 percent of the pre-tax meal amounts.
• Having travelers personally cover their expenses for later reimbursement or utilize their departmental P Card for lodging and conference fees.
• Suggestions on ways to expedite reimbursement voucher payment.
• Attachment of travel narrative form to travel authorization form for long distance travel.

Review the changes here:

Procedures Memorandum VI-2, Travel Guidelines: www.mccneb.edu/procedures/VI-2_Travel.pdf

Travel Authorization and Narrative Form: www.mccneb.edu/formsbank/instructions.asp?idnum=203

Collegewide Course Offerings

The Training & Development program is designed to contribute to the professional growth and development of MCC employees by providing educational services and opportunities through workshops, group activities and online resources.

Seats are still available in the following October workshops:

Threat Management and Recognition
TRDV 007N 01 (synonym-163752)
Oct. 1, 8-10 a.m.
FOC, ICA Room 201A

S.A.F.E. Defense
TRDV 009N 01 (synonym-163849)
Oct. 5, 10 a.m.-noon
SOC, ITC Room 120

Network Navigation
TRDV 010N 01 (synonym-164069)
Oct. 15, 1-4 p.m.
SRP Room 220

Emergency Preparedness and Incident Management
TRDV 008N 01 (synonym-163794)
Oct. 22, 8-noon
SOC, Connector Room 249

Excel Features, Advanced
TRDV 011N 01    (synonym-164184)
Oct. 22, 1-4 p.m.
FOC, Bldg. 10, Room 114

For complete course descriptions, go to http://www.mccneb.edu/trdv/workshops.asp

Note: Attending an activity during your scheduled work hours requires supervisor approval. It is your responsibility to obtain approval to attend a Training and Development event.

To enroll, visit webadvisor.mccneb.edu or call 457-8518. All listed workshops are non-credit, term 10/SE. For more information, contact Marilyn Cotten, Training & Development Coordinator, 457-2507 or mcotten@mccneb.edu.

Film and Media Conference Kicks Off Oct. 1

The film and video work of high school students, college students and amateurs will be recognized at the 5^th Annual Elkhorn Valley/BEA D 7 Film and Media Conference, Oct. 1-2 at the Elkhorn Valley Campus. The conference accepts entries in several categories that are judged by industry professionals. Student and amateur filmmakers gather in an informal setting to attend panels, workshops, share ideas and techniques. The event is sponsored by MCC and the Broadcast Education Association District. All events are free and open to the public.

For more information contact Robert Maass, Photography Instructor, 289-1437; or Tom McDonnell, Dean of Languages and Visual Arts, 289-1331.

Help Save the Day by Donating Blood

Down the street and across the country there are patients in need of lifesaving blood. You can be a lifesaver and make a difference in the lives of others by donating blood. Every day, blood is needed for people with blood disorders, cancer patients, transplant recipients, trauma victims and many others.

When you roll up your sleeve to donate blood, that single act can turn heartbreak into hope for patients and their families. Please schedule an appointment to donate blood.

Upcoming blood drive schedule:

• Tuesday, Oct. 12, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., South Omaha Campus, ITC Room 120 (Sponsor Code: 69)
• Wednesday, Oct. 13, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sarpy Center, Room 50 (Sponsor Code: 2262)
• Tuesday, Oct. 19, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Fort Omaha Campus, Bldg. 10 (Sponsor Code: 68)
• Tuesday, Oct. 19, 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Elkhorn Valley Campus, Student Commons (Sponsor Code: 594)

To view available times and to schedule your donation appointment, click here or visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code listed above. Or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) to schedule your blood donation appointment.

Not sure if you are eligible to donate? Visit www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/eligibility-requirements or call the above 800 number.

Elkhorn Gallery Features Works of Lori Larusso

The Gallery of Art and Design at the Elkhorn Valley Campus features the works of artist Lori Larusso now until Oct. 8. A reception will be held Oct. 7, 5-7 p.m. Larusso's show portrays representations of generic and stereotypical middle America, reminding viewers of the culture society maintains on a daily basis through every action. "Very often, our ideals are a reflection of the way we wish things were, rather than a product of the way we actually experience them," Larusso says in her artist statement. "I find this conflict to be in direct connection to the representational image."

The gallery is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Preschool Health and Safety Fair on Oct. 8

MCC's Second Annual Preschool Health and Safety Fair will help preschool-aged children learn about healthy lifestyles and safe living practices. The free fair is Oct. 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the South Omaha Campus.

Student Life Activities a Success at SOC

The goal of Student Life at the South Omaha Campus is to create a sense of community and connection for students. To encourage that effort, Welcome Week activities were held Sept. 13-16 in the Connector.

Students enjoyed music and participated in Cultural Awareness and Constitution Day activities. Those who completed Constitutional Day awareness questionnaires were entered in a raffle for a chance to win one of two $25 Bookstore gift certificates; Jordan Christopherson, below, was one of the gift certificate winners.

Weekly Green Tip

Rid yourself of junk mail - or at least recycle it. The average U.S. household received 1.5 trees' worth of junk mail each year, and many trees are thrown right into the trash. If you want to reduce the amount of junk mail you receive, you can start by registering with the Direct Marketing Association. You can register easily online at www.dmachoice.org; then, adjust your profile to stop receiving various categories of junk mail. For the junk mail you continue to receive, remember to toss it in the recycling bin instead of throwing it out with the garbage. You can even recycle plastic window envelopes. If all Americans recycled their junk mail, $370 million in landfill dumping fees could be saved each year. - The Green Book

MCC in the News

• Fort Omaha Intertribal Powwow, Sept. 15, KMTV Morning Blend
• 'Ritual Lifts Cloud of Mourning,' Sept. 19, Omaha World-Herald
• 'Fremont Center Sees Enrollment Increase,' Sept. 23, Fremont Tribune

MCC Job Openings

For information about the College's open positions and how to apply, visit www.mccneb.edu/hr or call the jobline at (402) 738-4050. Applications are also online at www.mccnebjobs.com.

MCC Is Making News

What's the latest and greatest? Check out the latest news releases issued by Public Affairs to find out.

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