September New Titles at the Rio Salado Library

Check out the latest additions to the Rio Salado Library for Septemeber, including the newly released PBS DVD, To Walk Invisible; a dramatic film chronicling the Brontë sisters extraordinary rise to literary fame in the male-dominated 19th-century world.

Fiction

• Glass Houses: A Novel by Louise Penny
• He Said/She Said by Erin Kelly
• Heirs: A Novel by Susan Rieger
• The Last Place You Look by Kristen Lepionka
• Lockdown by Laurie R. King
• The Marsh King’s Daughter: A Novel by Karen Dionne
• No One is Coming to Save Us: A Novel by Stephanie Powell Watts
• Rich People Problems: A Novel by Kevin Kwan
• UNSUB: A Novel by Meg Gardiner
• Y is for Yesterday by Sue Grafton

Nonfiction

• Convicting the Innocent: Death Row and America’s Broken System of Justice by Stanlley Cohen
• Enlightened Aging: Building Resilience for a Long, Active Life by Eric B. Larson and Joan DeClaire
• The Great Quake: How the Biggest Earthquake in North America Changed Our Understanding of the Planet by Henry Fountain
• Innovation and Scaling for Impact: How Effective Social Enterprises Do It by Christian Seelos and Johanna Mair
• Love in a Time of Hate: The Story of Magda and Andre Trocme and the Village that Said No to the Nazis by Hanna Schott
• One Minute Mentoring: How to Find and Work with a Mentor – and Why You’ll Benefit from Being One by Kenneth Blanchard and Clair Diaz-Ortiz
• Popular: The Power of Likability in a Status-Obsessed World by Mitchell J. Prinstein
• Race and Ethnicity in America by John Iceland
• The Story You Need to Tell: Writing to Heal from Trauma, Illness, or Loss by Sandra Marinella 
• You Can Do Anything: The Surprising Power of a “Useless” Liberal Arts Education by George Anders

DVDs

• American Experience: Oklahoma City
• American Experience: Rachel Carson
• To Walk Invisible: The Bronte Sisters

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.

Successful Students Practice Life Balance!

Life​ ​balance​ ​makes​ ​learning​ ​easier!

• Sleep, eat and exercise
• Enjoy​ ​extracurricular​ ​activities​ & hobbies
• Call on your ​counseling​ ​department​​ ​for support www.riosalado.edu/counseling

Insights into Rio Salado's Adjunct Faculty Team

Rio Salado College is unique in many ways, especially as it relates to the role and impact of adjunct faculty. 

Over the last academic year, Rio Salado had 1,418 adjunct faculty members teaching a total of 10,410 sections of 1,071 different courses with a faculty turnover rate of less than 7 percent from the prior year. How do we do it?

Rio Salado Languages Faculty Chair Angela Felix shared some insights about Rio Salado’s adjunct faculty and how inclusion plays a key role in their success with the American Association of Community Colleges 21st Century Center team. Read now.

“Rio’s adjunct faculty are at the heart and soul of our instructional model," said Felix. "Ultimately, supporting the success of adjunct faculty supports the success of students, and that’s an outcome that benefits us all.”

Find the Super Teacher in You at Free Orientation

Join Rio Salado's Teacher Education team for a free, Teacher-In-Residence orientation session-- so you can discover the super teacher in you!

Rio Salado’s Teacher-In-Residence program provides a convenient and cost-effective way for students and working professionals with a bachelor’s degree to transition into and launch a teaching career—with paid employment opportunities in the classroom— so students can apply what they learn and earn an income while they complete their certification coursework.

Are you ready to follow the calling? Take part in one of these upcoming orientation sessions!

In-Person
October 4, 2017
November 1, 2017
December 6, 2017



All in-person sessions will take place 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Rio Salado Conference Center in Tempe: 2323 W. 14th St., Tempe, AZ 85281.

Virtual

September 27
November 15
December 20

Virtual sessions will take place 5 - 6:30 p.m Via Skype. Instructions will be provided after registration has been completed.


Register Now: www.riosalado.edu/tir

Eager to learn more now? Call 480-517-8140.

Rio Salado Teacher Preparation Programs are approved by the Arizona State Board of Education and Rio Salado College is a regionally accredited post-secondary institution.

Improve Safety with RAVE Guardian Mobile 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!

The Maricopa Community Colleges are making a substantial investment to increase security at all of the colleges with the all-new Rave Guardian app.

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.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!

Rio Salado and the Maricopa Community Colleges are proud to celebrate the rich culture, diversity and legacy of our Hispanic and Latino communities!

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed each year from September 15 to October 15. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30 day period.

Learn more intriguing facts and insights by exploring this Rio Salado Hispanic Heritage Month Library Guide: libguides.riosalado.edu/HispanicHeritageMonth

Join the Maricopa Community Colleges for live performances, street festivals, art exhibits and engaging conversations this Hispanic Heritage Month!

Visit maricopa.edu/hispanic-heritage-month for a calendar of events.


Most events are free and open to the public.

Image Source: American Libraries

Happy Constitution Day!

Constitution Day commemorates the inception and signing of the United States Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. 

The holiday serves as a strong reminder that our rights as citizens and the structure of our government were founded upon the guiding principles in this document—and that freedom and liberty require civic engagement and sacrifice.

We take pause each year to honor and reflect upon the importance and meaning of the United States Constitution and to encourage students and the communities we serve to join us.

The U.S. Constitution Talking Blues

We created this web page, which includes details about an essay contest, resource guide, thoughtful essays, podcasts and more to get you into the Constitution Day spirit: www.riosalado.edu/constitutionday.

It also includes this music video featuring Rio Salado Library Assistant Christopher Orf performing a song he wrote called The U.S. Constitution Talking Blues-- to inspire you to read and think about how the Constitution affects your life.

Express Yourself! Enter the Rio Salado Constitution Day Essay Contest!

The contest is open to all students currently registered at Rio Salado College who submit an essay addressing this topic:

Given that the United States Constitution is a living document, how would you use it to promote change?

Participants will have a chance to win one of 3 prizes:
• 1st place: $100 Amazon gift card
• 2nd place: $50 Amazon gift card
• 3rd place: $50 Amazon gift card

Essays are due by midnight, Sunday, Sept. 17. The winners will be notified on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017.

Visit this web page for additional details: www.riosalado.edu/constitutionday/Pages/Essay-Contest

What Does the Constitution Mean to You?

We called on a few students to share their sentiments about what the U.S. Constitution means to them-- to help you get into the Constitution Day spirit.  Here's a look at what Taryn Rebuck has to say.

What the Constitution Means to Me – By Taryn Rebuck
The Constitution of the United States, one of the most important documents ever drafted in American history. It was created to protect the people from the government gaining too much control over our country.

The Constitution is a contract created by the ‘states’ to prevent the federal government from treading over individual rights, as well as, state’s rights. States are the ‘boss’ of the federal government and are responsible for ensuring the federal government does not breach the rights of citizens.

I believe the federal government needs to remember that the people are the voice of the country and the constitution ensures that they keep that voice. 

The everyday person needs to make sure they are informed of local and federal politics and that everyone exercises their civic duty, including their right to vote. Voting at a state level makes sure we elect the right representative for our voice. The representative is then responsible for voicing the opinion of the people to the federal government.

The Constitution and the Bill of Rights is supposed to limit the powers of the government as well as strengthen the United States. Without this monumental document, our country would not have a resilient foundation based on individual rights and freedoms. 

I believe the Constitution was created to protect the people, and that our lives would be a different place if the government had 100 percent control over anything and everything that happened in our country. 

Celebrate Constitution Day, September 17-- and enter the Rio Salado Constitution Day Essay Contest for a chance to win a $100 gift card!

The contest is open to all students currently registered at Rio Salado College who submit an essay addressing this topic: Given that the United States Constitution is a living document, how would you use it to promote change?

Essays are due by midnight, Sunday, Sept. 17. The winners will be notified on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017.

Learn more at www.riosalado.edu/constitutionday

Rio Headquarters Testing Center Closed 9/16

The Rio Salado Tempe headquarters testing center will be closed Saturday, Sept. 16 for scheduled maintenance.

Rio Salado testing centers at Southern, Northern, the Communiversity at Queen Creek and the Lifelong Learning Center will be available.

Please arrive early as there may be longer wait times.

Please do not hesitate to contact the testing team for details: www.riosalado.edu/testing

Successful Student Tip: Organize!

Successful Students Organize!

Manage​ ​your​ ​time:

• Stay​ ​on​ ​top​ ​of​ ​quizzes,​ ​tests,​ ​study​ ​time by​ ​using​ ​a​ ​calendar
• Keep​ ​classwork​ ​with​ ​you​ ​in​ ​case​ ​you find​ ​extra​ ​time​ ​in​ ​your​ ​day​ 
• Prioritize 
• Seek​ ​the​ ​help​ ​of​ ​a​ ​college​ ​advisor​ ​for planning​ ​and​ ​goal​ ​setting 

We have a series of student success videos that provide additional tips on how you can get organized. Check them out now.

And don’t hesitate to call on our Academic Advisement and Counseling teams for additional support!

Enter Constitution Day Essay Contest by Sept. 17

Celebrate Constitution Day, September 17-- and enter the Rio Salado Constitution Day Essay Contest for a chance to win a $100 gift card!

The contest is open to all students currently registered at Rio Salado College who submit an essay addressing this topic: 

Given that the United States Constitution is a living document, how would you use it to promote change?

Participants will have a chance to win one of 3 prizes:
• 1st place: $100 Amazon gift card
• 2nd place: $50 Amazon gift card
• 3rd place: $50 Amazon gift card

Essays are due by midnight, Sunday, Sept. 17. The winners will be notified on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017. 

Visit our Constitution Day web page for additional details: www.riosalado.edu/constitutionday

36K AZ Photos Added to Artstor Digital Library!

The Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona is collaborating on a release of nearly 36,000 photographs in the Artstor Digital Library.

The Center is recognized as one of the world's finest academic art museums and study centers for the history of photography.

View the collection in the Artstor Digital Library now!

Learn more about the Center at www.creativephotography.org

News courtesy of the Rio Salado Library.

Take Part in a Civil Liberties Discussion Tonight!

Alessandra Soler, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona, will deliver the first lecture in the Maricopa Center for Learning and Instruction (MCLI) Honors Forum Lecture Series, hosted by Maricopa Community Colleges. The lecture begins at 7 p.m. in Bulpitt Auditorium at Phoenix College.

Soler’s lecture “Protecting and Advancing Civil Liberties in the 21st Century” will cover the ACLU’s history, current threats to civil liberties and their impact on democracy, the ACLU of Arizona’s work in four key areas – immigrants’ rights, education equity, LGBTQ equality, and criminal justice reform – and how to get involved.

“For nearly 60 years, the ACLU of Arizona has worked to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties everyone in this country is guaranteed by the Constitution,” Soler said. “But the promise of the Bill of Rights is constantly under threat and currently faces extraordinary challenges. I’m excited to share the ACLU of Arizona’s work and vision with the Maricopa Community Colleges community.”

Soler came to the ACLU of Arizona as Executive Director in February 2006. She is the first Latina to head the organization. Soler has over 18 years of ACLU experience, including work at offices in Florida and Louisiana. Before joining the ACLU, she worked as a reporter for publications in Miami and Virginia.

The Honors Forum Lecture brings together distinguished local and national speakers for lectures themed “Democracy in Action.” Future speakers include Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, and Associate Professor and Author Django Paris. The series concludes with Carmen Perez, Executive Director of The Gathering for Justice.

Protecting and Advancing Civil Liberties

in the 21st Century

Wednesday, September 13, 2017  - 7 p.m.

Phoenix College - Bulpitt Auditorium
1202 W Thomas Rd.
Phoenix, Arizona 85013

The Honors Forum Lecture Series is open to the public, with free admission and unassigned seating. 

Contributed by the Maricopa Community Colleges

Celebrate your rights and your liberty with Rio Salado this Constitution Day, Sept. 17.  Learn more at www.riosalado.edu/constitutionday

It’s never too late to be what you might have been!

"It’s never too late to be what you might have been." 

-- Mary Anne Evans (pen name George Eliot)

We can help you get back on track! 

With flexible Monday starts and 8-14 week class options-- you can resume your educational journey in no time at all! 

Learn more now.

What Does the Constitution Mean?

We called on a few Rio Salado students to share their sentiments about what the Constitution means to them as part of our Constitution Day celebration.  Diana Betts, who also serves as a Rio Salado employee and was recently honored as one of the college's 2017 All Academic Scholars had this to say. 

What the Constitution Means to Me – By Diana Betts

To me, the United States Constitution is a promise that we make to our children.

In school, I was taught about the Constitution and what it meant to the citizens of the United States. I learned, from this document, what to expect of my country as I grew to adulthood. 

This document is the standard for the legacy that we will leave for our children, just as it was left for us by prior generations. This is a huge responsibility.

We must live up to the ideals set forth in the Constitution, in order to give our children the future that they are being promised, in their Social Studies classes.

We, as citizens, are responsible for demanding that the rights outlined centuries ago are preserved and passed down, for future generations. 

The most beautiful things about the United States Constitution, in my eyes, are the Amendments. As time has passed, some aspects of the Constitution have needed to be altered.

I appreciate that there is a pathway for changes to be made as they become necessary, over time. There can be no perfect document that is a model for the perfect country.

Allowing for alterations to be made by subsequent generations, to help the document to continue to align with the will of the people, is what makes America such a great country.

Celebrate Constitution Day, September 17-- and enter the Rio Salado Constitution Day Essay Contest for a chance to win a $100 gift card!

The contest is open to all students currently registered at Rio Salado College who submit an essay addressing this topic: Given that the United States Constitution is a living document, how would you use it to promote change?

Essays are due by midnight, Sunday, Sept. 17. The winners will be notified on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017.

Learn more at www.riosalado.edu/constitutionday

Bashas' Job Fair at RSC Northern 9/12

Take part in a free job fair hosted by Bashas' Family of Stores, Chicanos Por La Causa - CPLC and Rio Salado at Rio Salado Northern on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Participants will have a chance to take part in on-site interviews. 

The goal is to hire 100 people by day’s end.

Apply in advance now at bashas.com. 


Open to the public.

Tips on How to Pay for College

Wondering how to pay for college? 

This video from Rio Salado’s Counseling team reviews four funding sources to consider:

1. Personal resources – personal savings, employer tuition programs and college savings fund.
2. Scholarships – based on merit, talent and financial need.
3. Veterans benefits – for eligible students with military service experience.
4. Federal financial aid – grants, loans and federal work study.

Look for additional tips and resources from our Financial Aid team: www.riosalado.edu/fa.

#NeverForget911

We take pause to remember 9/11-- in memory of the victims-- and to honor the countless acts of compassion and courage demonstrated by our citizens and friends around the globe.

There's Still Time to Enroll for Fall 2017!

Full or cancelled class? No problem!

We can help you stay on track with our flexible Monday start dates and 8-14 week classes.

Learn what options are available to you!

Enter Constitution Day Essay Contest by Sept 17!

Celebrate Constitution Day, September 17-- and enter the Rio Salado Constitution Day Essay Contest for a chance to win a $100 gift card!

The contest is open to all students currently registered at Rio Salado College who submit an essay addressing this topic: 

Given that the United States Constitution is a living document, how would you use it to promote change?

Participants will have a chance to win one of 3 prizes:
• 1st place: $100 Amazon gift card
• 2nd place: $50 Amazon gift card
• 3rd place: $50 Amazon gift card

Essays are due by midnight, Sunday, Sept. 17. The winners will be notified on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017. Visit this web page for additional details: www.riosalado.edu/constitutionday/Pages/Essay-Contest

We asked a few students to share their sentiments about Constitution Day. Here’s a look at what Michaelanthony C. Arberry Jr. had to say from the perspective of a Rio Salado student, academic advisor, new dad of twins, military veteran and champion of the Constitution.

What Constitution Day Means to Me
by Michaelanthony C. Arberry Jr.

The United States Constitution means a great deal to me.

I come from a family of Marines. My father served 27 years, my brother served 4 years, and I served for 6 years. My great grandfather fought in WWII and was listed as Missing in Action (MIA), he was never found.

Before we are shipped off to basic training we swear an allegiance (military oath). One part of the oath is; “I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”

The United States Constitution is the foundation of our country. It established the national government, it established fundamental laws, and it gave certain basic rights to our citizens. The Constitution is the pillar of our country. Though our country is not perfect the Constitution allows us to make changes.

With the end of the civil war the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments were introduced to the U.S. Constitution. Collectively these amendments were known as the Civil War Amendments which ensured equality for recently emancipated slaves. As our country continues to grow and change we will encounter problems. The great part about this country is we can change the constitution (add amendments) as our country changes. I am proud and blessed to be a citizen of the United States.

I know the sacrifices that were made by family to get to where I am at. My great grandfather though he fought for the United States during WWII he was not a citizen. He was from the Philippines and the United States offered Filipinos to fight alongside them with the promise of streamlining their U.S. citizenship.

That is the power and allure of becoming a U.S. citizen; my grandfather was willing to die for the chance to become a U.S. citizen. His sacrifice has shaped me into a man I am today.

Look for other essays and Constitution Day resources at www.riosalado.edu/constitutionday.

My.Maricopa Student Center Outage Sept. 9 - 10

The Maricopa Student Center will not be available at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9-- until 2 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 10.

Please note, your student email, Canvas, and RioLearn are still available.

You will not have access to Maricopa Enterprise ID account creation, enrollment for classes, grade reports, transcripts, financial aid information and the student message center.

We appreciate your understanding.

Get the latest details

Successful Student Tip: Plan!

Successful Students Plan! Keep these tips in mind when planning for your semester:

• Plan to succeed, prioritize your time and stay informed

• Create a semester calendar to record due dates for all exams, quizzes, papers, and finals 

• 1 hour of class time = 2 hours of study time

We have a few new student success videos produced by Rio Salado’s Advisement and Counseling teams that provide valuable advice about planning, time management and more: Check them out now.

For additional planning resources, visit www.riosalado.edu/counseling

100+ Positions to fill at Bashas' Job Fair Sept. 12

Looking for employment? Take part in a free job fair hosted by Bashas' Family of Stores, Chicanos Por La Causa - CPLC and Rio Salado at Rio Salado Northern on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Participants will have a chance to take part in on-site interviews. The goal is to hire 100 people by day’s end.

Apply in advance now at bashas.com.

Open to the public.

Tempe Headquarters Testing Center Closed 9/16

The Rio Salado Tempe headquarters testing center will be closed Saturday, Sept. 16 for scheduled maintenance.

Rio Salado testing centers at Southern, Northern, the Communiversity at Queen Creek and the Lifelong Learning Center will be available.

Please arrive early as there may be longer wait times.

Please do not hesitate to contact the testing team for details: www.riosalado.edu/testing

A Message from MCCCD Chancellor about DACA

Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor Maria Harper-Marinick

The Maricopa County Community College District is built on a foundation of providing access to higher education for diverse students and communities, and we continue to be committed to that mission.

Under the announcement of the President, Attorney General Sessions and the Department of Homeland Security, DACA applications and renewals for the employment authorization document are permissible for a limited time and under limited circumstances.

MCCCD’s commitment to our students remains and we will continue to pursue our appeal, having submitted our petition for review on August 21, 2017. We will be conferring with outside counsel on the case as well as meeting internally to determine how we move forward in accordance with the law while maintaining our commitment to the residents of Maricopa County.

We have approximately 2,000 DACA students currently enrolled in Maricopa County Community Colleges. Those students will continue to pay in-state tuition until we determine the nature of the DACA repeal. We are committed to helping all people--regardless of their background--achieve their academic goals and fulfill their potential.

Sincerely,

Maria Harper-Marinick, Ph.D.
Chancellor

MCCCDF Scholarships = Free Money!

It's time to apply for Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation scholarships! Spring 2018 applications are being accepted Sept. 1-Oct. 15, 2017.

There are hundreds of scholarships to choose from-- including exclusive opportunities for Rio Salado College students and employees-- and veterans!

Apply now: mcccdf.academicworks.com

The streamlined process, which only requires one general application, will make it well worth your time! The few hours you spend on a scholarship application will be well worth the investment, at the very least, a good learning experience and practice at mastering the application process.

Celebrate Constitution Day & Enter Essay Contest!

We invite you to celebrate Constitution Day, September 17-- and enter the Rio Salado Constitution Day Essay Contest for a chance to win a $100 gift card!

We created this web page, which includes details about the contest, a resource guide, thoughtful essays, podcasts and more to get you into the Constitution Day spirit: www.riosalado.edu/constitutionday.

It also includes a music video featuring Rio Salado Library Assistant Christopher Orf performing a song he wrote called The U.S. Constitution Talking Blues-- to inspire you to read and think about how the Constitution affects your life.

Get in the Spirit of Constitution Day with Chris Orf singing The U.S. Constitution Talking Blues

Constitution Day commemorates the inception and signing of the United States Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. The holiday serves as a strong reminder that our rights as citizens and the structure of our government were founded upon the guiding principles in this document—and that freedom and liberty require civic engagement and sacrifice.

We take pause each year to honor and reflect upon the importance and meaning of the United States Constitution and to encourage students and the communities we serve to join us.

Express Yourself! Enter the Rio Salado Constitution Day Essay Contest!

The contest is open to all students currently registered at Rio Salado College who submit an essay addressing this topic: Given that the United States Constitution is a living document, how would you use it to promote change?

Participants will have a chance to win one of 3 prizes:
• 1st place: $100 Amazon gift card
• 2nd place: $50 Amazon gift card
• 3rd place: $50 Amazon gift card

Essays are due by midnight, Sunday, Sept. 17. The winners will be notified on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017. Visit this web page for additional details: www.riosalado.edu/constitutionday/Pages/Essay-Contest

We asked a few students to share their sentiments about Constitution Day. Here’s a look at what Michaelanthony C. Arberry Jr. had to say from the perspective of a Rio Salado student, academic advisor, new dad of twins, military veteran and champion of the Constitution.

What Constitution Day Means to Me – By Michaelanthony C. Arberry Jr.

The United States Constitution means a great deal to me.

I come from a family of Marines. My father served 27 years, my brother served 4 years, and I served for 6 years. My great grandfather fought in WWII and was listed as Missing in Action (MIA), he was never found.

Before we are shipped off to basic training we swear an allegiance (military oath). One part of the oath is; “I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”

The United States Constitution is the foundation of our country. It established the national government, it established fundamental laws, and it gave certain basic rights to our citizens. The Constitution is the pillar of our country. Though our country is not perfect the Constitution allows us to make changes.

With the end of the civil war the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments were introduced to the U.S. Constitution. Collectively these amendments were known as the Civil War Amendments which ensured equality for recently emancipated slaves. As our country continues to grow and change we will encounter problems. The great part about this country is we can change the constitution (add amendments) as our country changes. I am proud and blessed to be a citizen of the United States.

I know the sacrifices that were made by family to get to where I am at. My great grandfather though he fought for the United States during WWII he was not a citizen. He was from the Philippines and the United States offered Filipinos to fight alongside them with the promise of streamlining their U.S. citizenship.

That is the power and allure of becoming a U.S. citizen; my grandfather was willing to die for the chance to become a U.S. citizen. His sacrifice has shaped me into a man I am today.

Look for other essays and Constitution Day resources at www.riosalado.edu/constitutionday

Successful Student Tip: Engage!

Successful Students Engage! 

We encourage you to get involved in Rio Salado and Maricopa Community Colleges student life activities! 

By taking part, you’ll increase your chances for success in the classroom, develop life and career-building skills, meet and network with other students and community members and help make a difference in other peoples' lives. 

Visit www.riosalado.edu/about/teaching-learning/student-life to learn about the enriching opportunities available to Rio Waves!

My.Maricopa Student Center Outage Sept. 2-3

Scheduled maintenance to the Maricopa Student Center will occur over the next three days. The system will not be available from 11 p.m., Saturday, September 2-- until 7 a.m., Sunday, September 3.

Please plan accordingly.

Get the latest details about services affected

We appreciate your understanding.

10 Steps to Being a Successful Rio Salado Student

Success comes to those who plan! 

Rio Salado offers many resources dedicated to student success. These resources all share a common strategy: planning! 

This new video highlights 10 steps to being a successful online student at Rio Salado College. 

Check out these additional resources available to you from our counseling team: www.riosalado.edu/counseling