Merry Christmas, Rio Waves

Advisement Closure Dec. 22 & Winter Break Hours

The Tempe headquarters Advisement department will be closed after noon, Fri., Dec. 22 to prepare for its move to the first floor. 

As a reminder, most Rio Salado departments and the Maricopa Community Colleges will be closed Mon., Dec. 25, 2017 – Mon., Jan. 1, 2018 for the winter break. 

We will resume regular business hours Tue., Jan. 2. 

Please take note of these adjusted hours for student services for the remainder of this week and departments that will be available to serve you during the break.

Adjusted Hours, Dec. 18-23

• Advising: Dec. 18 – 21, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Dec. 22, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Closed 12 - 5 p.m.)
• Admissions, Registration & Records, Cashier's Office, Disability Resources & Services, Financial Aid and Veterans Services: Dec. 18 – 21, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Bookstore: Dec. 18 – 22, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Computer Lab: Dec. 18 – 21, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Dec 22-23, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Tutoring: Dec. 18 – Dec. 23, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Technology Helpdesk: Dec. 18 – 22, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Services Dec. 25- Jan. 1
Tempe Headquarters Computer Lab
Dec. 27-28, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dec. 29 – 30, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Tempe Headquarters Testing
Dec. 27 - 30, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Tempe Headquarters Tutoring
Dec. 27 – 30, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Technology Helpdesk
Dec. 25 – Jan. 1, 24-hour phone support

Other 24/7 services such as RioLearn, Ask a Librarian and My.Maricopa.edu will remain available.


We hope you enjoy a happy and safe holiday season!

Spring 2018 Community Cooking Workshops

Need a last minute gift idea? How about tickets to a Café at Rio Community Cooking Workshop at Rio Salado College in Tempe? There are eight workshops to choose from this spring. 

Visit www.riosalado.edu/cafe and click on community education workshops to view all offerings. 

Price range $22.50-$29.00 per class, with discounts for parties of two.

• Feb. 1 Party Hors D'oeuvres for Beginners
• Feb. 22 Pizza Making
• Mar. 8 Creating Garnishes
• Mar. 24 Tamales Workshop Morning Session
• Mar. 24 Tamales Workshop Afternoon Session
• Apr. 12 Grilling Tricks of the Trade Workshop
• Apr. 26 Thai Cooking for Beginners
• May 3 Desserts for Beginners- Lemon Meringue and Key Lime Pie

Want to learn how to make these yummy sea creatures? Check out the Creating Garnishes Workshop on March 8 with guest chef Michael Pisarik of AJ's Fine Foods, who will be sharing garnishing techniques he has learned over the years.

Rio Salado culinary workshops are non-credit classes designed for the beginner—with fun in mind.

Dual Enrollment Early Childhood Education

If you’re a high school student who enjoys working with children, then a career in early childhood education may be waiting for you!

Watch this video to see how Rio Salado College’s dual enrollment program can help you get a head start on an early childhood education degree by earning high school and college credits at the same time.

Classes can begin as early as ninth grade!

Learn about program requirements, how to enroll and the other benefits of our dual enrollment program by visiting: www.riosalado.edu/dual

Help Neighbors in Need Keep Warm this Winter

There’s still time to help Rio Salado Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) teams collect blankets, socks and other winter clothing for the Andre House of Arizona. 

Donations are being accepted until Saturday, Dec. 23.

Please drop off donations at the Rio Salado Tempe Headquarters Tower building first floor.  Women's socks are needed the most. Large bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body wash can also be donated.

For more information, please contact Evea.Morrow@riosalado.edu.

The André House of Arizona is a non-profit organization providing free services to people who are struggling with poverty and homelessness.

Thank you for your generosity!

New Titles at the Rio Salado Library

Check out the latest in fiction, nonfiction and DVD releases from the Rio Salado Library!  

This is a free service for Rio Salado students and staff. You can arrange for free pick up and drop off of your selections at Rio Salado locations across the Valley. Let us know if you have a special request by calling 480-517-8424.

Fiction

• Address: A Novel by Fiona Davis 
• Artemis: A Novel by Andy Weir 
• The Complete Sookie Stackhouse Stories by Charlaine Harris 
• Death in the Stacks by Jenn McKinlay 
• End Game by David Baldacci 
• The People vs. Alex Cross by James Patterson 
• Sleep No More: Six Murderous Tales by P.D. James 
• Sleeping Beauties by Stephen King and Owen King 
• The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg 
• Year One by Nora Roberts 

Nonfiction

• 8 Seconds of Courage: A Soldier’s Story, from Immigrant to Medal of Honor by Florent Groberg and Tome Sileo
• Aging with Care: Your Guide to Hiring and Managing Caregivers at Home by Amanda Lambert
• Bunk: The Rise of Hoaxes, Humbug, Plagiarists, Phonies, Post-Facts, and Fake News by Kevin Young
• Climate Wars: What People Will Be Killed For in the 21st Century by Harald Welzer and Patrick Camiller
• Dollars and Sense: How We Misthink Money and How to Spend Smarter by Dan Ariely and Jeff Kreisler
• Get Better: 15 Proven Practices to Build Effective Relationships at Work by Todd Davis
• The Last Girl: My Story of Captivity, and My Fight Against the Islamic State by Nadia Murad and Jenna Krajeski
• The Mayflower: The Families, the Voyage, and the Founding of America by Rebecca Fraser
• Overload: Finding the Truth in Today’s Deluge of News by Bob Schieffer and H. Andrew Schwartz
• Philosophy of Mathematics by Oystein Linnebo

DVDs

• Alzheimer’s: Every Minute Counts
• Edgar Allan Poe: Buried Alive
• Last Days of Jesus

This list is updated throughout the month as new books arrive. To view the complete list of new titles from previous months, please see the Library New Titles Archive

Final Exam Humor with a Moral to the Story

Need a little comic relief? Here's a must-see video to remind you of the importance of preparing for final exams!

We wish you the very best on your exams!

Winter Break Special Hours & Closures

Happy Holidays! Most Rio Salado departments and the Maricopa Community Colleges will be closed Mon., Dec. 25, 2017 – Mon., Jan. 1, 2018 for the winter break. We will resume regular business hours Tue., Jan. 2. 

Please also take note of adjusted hours, Dec. 18-23:

• Advising: Dec. 18 – 21, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Dec. 22, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Closed 12 - 5 p.m). 
• Admissions, Registration & Records, Cashier's Office, Disability Resources & Services, Financial Aid and Veterans Services: Dec. 18 – 21, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Bookstore: Dec. 18 – 22, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Computer Lab: Dec. 18 – 21, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Dec 22-23, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Tutoring: Dec. 18 – Dec. 23, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Technology Helpdesk: Dec. 18 – 22, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Services Available during the Break:

Tempe Headquarters Computer Lab
Dec. 27-28, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dec. 29 – 30, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Tempe Headquarters Testing
Dec. 27 - 30, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Tempe Headquarters Tutoring
Dec. 27 – 30, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Technology Helpdesk
Dec. 25 – Jan. 1, 24-hour phone support



Other 24/7 services such as RioLearn, Ask a Librarian and My.Maricopa.edu will remain available.

We hope you enjoy a happy and safe holiday season!

KJZZ & Rio Salado Open Hermosillo News Bureau

Rio Salado’s member-supported NPR station KJZZ 91.5 FM will open a news bureau in Hermosillo, Mexico in a partnership with the Universidad Tecnológica de Hermosillo, to expand its coverage of the business and economic relationships between Arizona and Mexico.

Rio Salado President Chris Bustamante and KJZZ General Manager Jim Paluzzi joined representatives from the Universidad Tecnológica and the Sonoran Secretary of Education to sign a partnership agreement at an Arizona-Mexico Commission meeting in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico on Nov. 7, 2017.

“Increasing accurate news across our borders will benefit residents in Arizona and Mexico,” said Bustamante. “It is exciting to partner with the Universidad Tecnológica de Hermosillo, allowing KJZZ to report on important information to both communities and regions we serve and at the same time give students hands-on experience to support the learning they receive in the classroom.”

“KJZZ is a force for news and information in Phoenix and has proven experience with international reporting,” said Paluzzi. “This is another example of the station’s commitment to providing listeners with in-depth coverage of important regional issues that are seldom covered by other media.”

The newsroom will be located on the Universidad Tecnológica campus to complement the efforts of KJZZ’s Mexico City news bureau, which opened in 2016. KJZZ is the only NPR member-station with an international bureau. 

"Hermosillo is known for its investment in the IT sector and the state of Arizona is making huge strides in trade with that city in the technology sector and other areas," said KJZZ Associate General Manager of Editorial Strategy Mark Moran. "These are important stories not being heard, that directly impact Arizona's economy."

According to the Arizona-Mexico Commission, in 2016 total two-way trade between Mexico and Arizona was $15.7 billion ($8.3 billion in exports and $7.4 billion in imports from Mexico).

Affordable Care Act Enrollment Deadline Dec. 15

The deadline to enroll in Affordable Care Act coverage is this Friday, Dec. 15!

Get started at www.healthcare.gov.

Happy Hanukkah, Rio Waves!

Higher Learning Adapting to Needs of Students

The EvoLLLution team interviewed Rio Salado President Chris Bustamante to address the ever-changing needs of students and how Rio Salado is helping students succeed by adapting to the shifting landscape of higher education. 

Read the interview now.

"Helping people obtain meaningful jobs that matter for your community is one major reason why we are here, so if we can connect all those dots, it is really about investing in our students and our communities. Sometimes that takes a lot of restructuring, refocusing and retooling, but if you’ve got your sights set on the right things, and you learn a lot along the way, and you do more of what works, you will succeed." - Chris Bustamante

Salvation Army Holiday Food Drive Ends Dec. 15

Do your part to help end hunger. Join Rio Salado Dental Hygiene students for a Salvation Army Holiday Food Drive. 

Donations will be accepted until Friday, Dec. 15, 2017. 

You can drop off non-perishable donations in collection boxes located at Rio Salado’s Tempe headquarters.

We appreciate your participation and generosity!

Tips for Final Exams & Wrapping Up the Semester

This is the time of year when many Rio Waves are preparing for finals-- and graduation.  We wish you the very best as you wrap up the semester and this part of your educational journey.

Here are a few student success tips to keep in mind before you take your final exams:

• Be prepared
• Study for exams ahead of time
• Seek answers to what you don’t know from your instructor or a tutor
• Test your knowledge with friends or family members

Check out our student success tips videos for additional advice: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgZIJ1OaKljFrzjOEsXLGvj5QNjs1V87W

Graduating? Celebrate your accomplishments with us during our May 2018 commencement ceremony. Details coming soon at www.riosalado.edu/about/teaching-learning/student-life/graduation/Pages/default.aspx

Try the New MyInfo Mobile App!

Check out the new MyInfo mobile app for Maricopa Community Colleges students!

It’s an intuitive tool designed to help you succeed! Go to MyInfo.Maricopa.edu, using your mobile device to download this free app.

With the MyInfo mobile app you can view your class schedule, track your academic progress, access important messages and more!

Learn more by visiting my.maricopa.edu/tools/myinfo

Rio Salado Top CollegeBoard CLEP Testing Center

Rio Salado Tempe Testing Office Coordinator Stevie Campbell

Each year, the CollegeBoard recognizes testing centers that administer the most CLEP exams in the country. Rio Salado testing centers made the list of Top 100 National Testing Centers and Top 25 Military Test Centers for College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP®) test-takers.

Diana Pinon

“We are proud of this distinction,” said Rio Salado Director of Testing Services Diana Pinon. “The College Board has recognized our college as a Top 100 College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP®) testing center since 2002.”

Rio Salado’s testing centers offer 33 CLEP exams, which assess subject matter proficiency and provide an opportunity for students to receive college credit with qualifying scores. For example, Spanish CLEP test-takers can earn up to 16 college credits. Students can apply knowledge they’ve gained through prior course work, independent study, internships, job training, professional development and personal pursuits.

Tucked away in nine of Rio Salado’s locations are testing centers serving thousands of Valley residents and visitors including CLEP test-takers, U.S. Military personnel, U.S. Postal Service workers, FBI agents and GED® test-takers.

There are also testing services for IT professionals who need to keep certifications up-to-date, including Pearson Vue CompTIA Certification exams, which are recognized by thousands of companies as a predictor of employee success. All Maricopa students, faculty and staff are eligible for significant discounts on these exams. Students pursuing A+ certification save about 55%. Network+ certification students pay approximately half the normal rate. Rio Salado students may also receive college credit for their certifications.

Office Coordinator Danille Armstrong

Rio Salado testing centers also provide proctoring services for other educational institutions so students can take midterms and finals at a location that’s convenient for them.

Students can take advantage of free ACCUPLACER exams at Rio Salado testing centers, which help them gauge their current skill levels for Reading, English and Math. Academic advisors use the results of the assessments along with details about students’ academic backgrounds to determine appropriate college courses.

Rio Salado Testing Centers also offer Adobe Certified Associate and Microsoft Office Specialist Certiport Exams; exams that assess English language skills and more.

For a comprehensive view of the types of services offered, the locations, hours of service, forms of identification required and other details, visit:www.riosalado.edu/testing.

Adult Re-entry Programs Available to You!

This video features Director of Workforce Solutions at Chicanos Por La Causa Victor Contreras speaking with Rio Salado Downtown Coordinator Andrea Vazquez about the programs and services available to adult re-entry students at Rio Salado Valley locations.

No matter what kind of student you are, Rio Salado has classes and programs to meet your needs! We’re ready to help you with advising, registration, tutoring, new student orientation classes, GED® test prep and English as a second language programs, financial aid, work-study programs, scholarships and more.

Let us help you get started on your college career. Visit www.riosalado.edu or call 480-517-8000 to begin your educational journey.

RioNews on Maricopa Now December

Watch the latest edition of Maricopa Now to learn about our new Military Veterans Center at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale (7:30), to meet our Emmy award-winning SPOT 127 youth media team (10:20) and to get a cooking lesson from Café at Rio Chef Kenny on how to make a homemade pasta with brown butter sage (29:30)! 

Tune in now!

PTK / NSLS Winter Clothing & Blanket Drive

Join Rio Salado's Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) chapters in collecting blankets and socks for the André House of Arizona, Dec. 4-23.

Please drop off donations at the Rio Salado Tempe Headquarters Tower building first floor.

Women's socks are needed the most. Large bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body wash can also be donated.

For more information, please contact Evea.Morrow@riosalado.edu.

The André House of Arizona is a non-profit organization providing free services to people who are struggling with poverty and homelessness.

See the World - Study Abroad!

Earn college credit while experiencing other cultures and languages with Maricopa Community Colleges Study Abroad program.

Learn more about this program including the list of 2018 destinations by visiting mcli.maricopa.edu/international-intercultural-education/student-programs/why-study-abroad

• Improve foreign language skills
• Strengthen global awareness
• Develop intercultural competencies that enhance employment opportunities
• Increase abilities in learning, problem-solving and coping with change
• Strengthen understanding of the political, cultural, and economic context of other cultures
• Gain international work/service experience
• Enhance academic learning
• Increase self-confidence and self-awareness

Get out and see the world! 

You May be Closer to a Degree than You Think!

Did you know that Maricopa Community Colleges students and alumni can combine community college and university credits to meet the requirements for an associate degree? 

See if you qualify for our Reverse Transfer Program by visiting www.maricopa.edu/academics/university-transfer/reverse-transfer

An official associate degree is a valuable credential, which can give you a competitive edge when you’re applying for internships and jobs.

Download Free Guardian Safety App

Improve Your Safety and Be a Guardian for the Maricopa Community Colleges with the New RAVE Guardian Mobile App and RAVE Alert Text Messaging!

RAVE Guardian Mobile App
The RAVE Guardian Mobile App is a free service for students, faculty and staff to upload from the Apple App Store or Google Play.  Once you download it to your mobile device, authenticate your account with your employee or student email address, then create a username, password and personal profile.

Once open, Rave Guardian will display a simple interface with six icons:

● Inbox — Manage messages to the District-wide Public Safety communications center
● Guardians — Create a network of guardians looking over you, including family, friends, and others you trust
● Safety Timer — Allows Guardians to access your status and location so they can alert Public Safety if you fail to check in at a designated time
● Send a Tip — See something, say something. Anonymously send messages and photos to Public Safety
● Call Campus Police — Make a one-touch voice call to Campus Public Safety
● Call 9-1-1 — Easy access to a voice call in case of an emergency



RAVE Alert Text Messaging

Rio Salado staff, faculty and students are automatically opted in to receive RAVE Alert Text Messaging about college incidents. Please take the time to confirm that your current mobile phone is listed and that it is tagged as a cell/mobile device to ensure you receive messaging.

Students should use My.Maricopa.edu and staff should use HCM to confirm their status and to make updates.

By working together as a community, we can help create the safest possible environment at Rio Salado and the Maricopa Community Colleges.

Questions about RAVE? Don’t hesitate to call on Rio Salado’s Public Safety Office for support: (480) 377-4555.

Learn How to Be a Teacher at Free Orientation

Rio Salado's Post Baccalaureate Educator Preparation Program is a great opportunity for individuals with a bachelor’s degree to work toward Teaching Certification.

Attend a free orientation with Rio Salado's Teacher Ed team to learn more about the educational pathways, scholarships, teacher-in-residence programs and other opportunities available to you.

Register now! 

Free and open to the public

In-Person Orientation Dates
January 8, 2018
February 5, 2018
March 12, 2018
April 24, 2018

Rio Salado Conference Center
2323 West 14th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281

Time: 6-8 p.m.

Virtual Orientation Dates
January 16, 2018
February 20, 2018
April 2, 2018

Time: 6-8 p.m.

We will share a link to join the virtual session once your registration is complete.



Visit www.riosalado.edu/programs/education/post-baccalaureate or call 480-517-8140 for more details.

Artists of Promise Creative Writing Deadline Dec. 1

Let Your Creativity Soar, Rio Waves!

The Maricopa Community Colleges Artists of Promise Creative Writing Competition deadline has been extended to Dec. 1.

Learn more about this competition.

Rio Salado among Top 5 Largest Valley Colleges

We are proud to serve as one of the five largest colleges in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

We look forward to being of service to you!

Source Phoenix Business Journal Book of Lists for 2017

Congratulations to Dental Student Elizabeth Ledford

Congratulations to Elizabeth Ledford of Cottonwood, AZ, a Rio Salado dental assisting student chosen to receive the American Dental Assistants Association Merit Scholar Award for 2017. 

This award is presented to a student who has demonstrated advanced achievement in academic and clinical performance, as well as teamwork and leadership qualities, based on involvement in campus, program and/or community activities. Students must currently be enrolled in a CODA accredited program.

“Elizabeth is an exceptional student and we are very proud of her,” said Rio Salado’s Faculty Chair of Dental Programs Holly Harper.

Ledford is completing her last dental assisting course at Rio Salado, DAE290, which is focused on an internship at a dental office in Cottonwood. 

Ledford is also a recipient of the 2017 Liz Koch Memorial Scholarship. She plans to use her scholarship to volunteer abroad as a dental assistant with Global Health Outreach after graduation, to mentor healthcare workers and provide comprehensive dental care to people in need. 

Learn more about Ledford in this Camp Verde Bugle story.

Photos of Elizabeth Ledford at the July 2017 Rio Salado Give Kids a Smile clinic.

Thanksgiving Week Special Hours & Closures

Rio Salado and the Maricopa Community Colleges will be closed Thu. – Sun., Nov. 23-26 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Some Rio Salado locations, services and testing centers will be available on Sat., Nov. 25. Please visit our location pages for details about special hours and services available.

Please also take note of special hours of service for locations, Mon. – Wed., Nov. 20-22. Most departments will close at 5 p.m. Testing centers will be open for regular hours Mon. - Tue., Nov. 20-21 and closing at 5 p.m. on Wed. Nov. 22.

We will resume regular business hours on Mon., Nov. 27.

Services normally available 24/7 such as RioLearn, Technology Support Helpdesk, Ask a Librarian and My.Maricopa.edu will remain available.

Here's a look at other student services that will be available to you during the Thanksgiving break:

LOCATION	DATES OPEN	HOURS
RSC Financial Aid	Throughout the break	24/7 phone service
RSC Technology Helpdesk	Throughout the break Saturday, Nov. 25	24/7 phone service 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
RSC Tempe Testing	Saturday, Nov. 25	8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
RSC Tempe Computer Lab	Saturday, Nov. 25	8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
RSC Tempe Tutoring	Saturday, Nov. 25	9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
RSC Northern Testing	Saturday, Nov. 25	8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
RSC Northern Computer Lab	Saturday, Nov. 25	9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Communiversity at QC Testing	Saturday, Nov. 25	8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Lifelong Learning Center Testing	Saturday, Nov. 25	8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

We hope you enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Find Enrichment in Early Childhood Education

Looking for an enriching career? This video provides insights into the many rewards and benefits of a career in Early Childhood Education from local industry professionals who have a deep passion for what they do. 

Learn about the many opportunities in this field and how you can create a lasting impact on the lives of children, your community and your life.

Rio Salado’s Early Childhood Education Program provides multiple opportunities for entry-level career seekers and professionals pursuing continuing education. Learn more by visiting www.riosalado.edu/earlychildhood, emailing earlychildhood@riosalado.edu and calling 480-517-8771.

Here are some of the options available to you through Rio Salado’s Early Childhood Education Program:

Certificates 

• Academic Certificate in Child and Family Professional Development
• Certificate of Completion in Family Child Care Management
• Certificate of Completion in Infant Toddler Development 

Degrees 

• Associate in Applied Science in Early Learning & Development
• Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Early Childhood Administration and Management 

This video was made possible by funds allocated by the U.S. Department of Education under the Carl D. Perkins Act.