Learning College FAQs

What is the Learning College?
The Learning College concept is the core of what we do at Montgomery College.  Because MC is a Learning College, all of us—students, faculty and staff—are committed to a culture of learning.  We recognize that we are all learners and each of us contributes to the other’s learning. This results in enhanced analytical skills and deeper understanding of content. It also increases each learner’s capacity for reflective and insightful decision making in ways which can be measured, and it supports progress towards both academic and personal goals. This commitment to learning is the basis for all decision making and resource allocation at MC.

Hasn’t Montgomery College always been a Learning College?
The Learning College is a natural extension of our student-centered mission.  It expresses our focus on demonstrable student achievement. It represents a shift from a focus on instruction—what students are offered—to a focus on learning—the totality of what students take away from their college experience.

What am I expected to do as part of the Learning College?
All members of the College community work together to shape the learning experiences of students in directed, intentional way. Each encounter with a student offers the potential of a learning experience. Our objectives are expressed in student outcomes, and we continuously measure our progress toward those outcomes. Above all, each of us serves as an example of lifetime learning. 

How is the Learning College at Montgomery College different from the Learning College elsewhere?
The national principles of the Learning College movement have been adapted to the unique environment at Montgomery College. Faculty and staff shape new and continuing initiatives by participating in retreats, innovative initiative teams, and the Make It Happen! Innovation Grants (MIHIG) program.

How do I become more involved in the Learning College?
You are welcome to join an initiative team, attend a retreat, apply for a Make It Happen! Innovation Grants (MIHIG), and incorporate Learning College principles into all of your interactions with students.

Who directs the Learning College?
The Vice President for Academic Initiatives & Partnerships , Dr. Clarice Somersall, and her staff coordinate the implementation and facilitate assessment of the Learning College. Her office serves as a resource and clearinghouse in the implementation of the Learning College concept. It is part of the Office of the Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Services.

What is an innovative initiative?
The term “innovative initiatives” is used at Montgomery College to describe support for critical priorities including access, student retention and achievement, collaborative learning, professional development, and accountability. A team led jointly by a senior administrator and a faculty member oversees activities in each innovative initiative area.  

What is a Learning College Academic Retreat?
The Learning College Academic Retreats are opportunities for students, faculty, staff and administrators to meet and discuss learning, best practices, and enhancement for our Learning College.

What is a Student Leadership Summit?
A Student Leadership Summit brings together student leaders from all three campuses and Workforce Development and Continuing Education to share experiences, develop cooperation, and provide feedback on Learning College projects.
 
What is a Make It Happen! Innovation Grant (MIHIG)?
A MIHIG is a short-term grant funded by the Montgomery College Foundation of up to $3500 for a project designed to enhance student learning.

How do I apply for a Make It Happen! Innovation Grants (MIHIG)?
MIHIG project applications are accepted from any member of the MC community. Awards are made once each semester.  Details are available on the Learning College website (link)

What is MCLearns?
MCLearns is a partnership of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Initiatives & Partnerships , Center for Teaching and Learning, Center for Professional and Organization Development, Office of Information Technology, the Office of Online Information and Distance Learning, and Workforce Development & Continuing Education. The group assesses needs, provides programs and allows one-stop shopping for professional development activities for staff and faculty.

What is Community College Survey of Student Engagement? (CCSSE)
The CCSSE is designed to enable community colleges to improve their institutional effectiveness and better serve their students’ needs. It measures the extent to which students are “engaged” in “educationally sound activities” at their institution – that is, behaviors and activities that relate to effective teaching and student learning, retention, and success. The 2006 and 2004 reports on on MC's survey results are available for you to view..