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.

Tune into KBACH 89.5 Your Classical Connection

Need a break from the daily grind? Kick back and unwind with KBACH​ 89.5-- the Valley's source for classical music. 

Tune in 24/7 at 89.5 FM and worldwide at kbaq.org.

KBACH is a community service of Rio Salado College

Successful Students Use College Resources!

There are so many tools and services available to help you with your coursework, educational goals, financial aid, career plans and more!

Need help? Just ask!

Meet regularly with your advisors and counselors to make sure you’re taking advantage of the support resources available to you!

www.riosalado.edu/counseling
www.riosalado.edu/advisement

Check out these student success videos for additional tips.

Explore New Military & Veterans Success Center

This video produced by Maricopa County provides a thoughtful brief about the purpose of our new Military and Veterans Success Center - West at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, AZ.

Learn more about the center in this RioNews blog post.

We are grateful for the generous community support of this initiative and we look forward to being of service to Maricopa County’s transitioning military, veterans and their spouses!

Check out event photos on Facebook.

Brigadier General Brook photo courtesy of Luke AFB photographer Caleb Worpel 

"We are proud of the partnership that this center represents, combining Air Force programs at Luke with the resources of our incredible community for a more seamless transition in education and employment opportunities for our men, women and their families."

--Luke Air Force Base commander Brigadier General Brook J. Leonard.

Café@Rio Thanksgiving Pie Sale! Order by Nov. 17

Order scrumptious pies for your Thanksgiving feast from the Café at Rio!

Apple Pie - $11.99
Classic Pumpkin - $9.49
Pies are 10” 

Fresh, delicious ingredients and made with love!

Pre-order your pies during your next visit to the Café @ Rio or by calling 480-517-8728.

Pre-orders are due by Friday, Nov. 17.

Payment is due at time of pre-order. Price includes tax.

Pies can be picked up by 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 21 or Wednesday, Nov. 22.

Enjoy.

New Titles at the Rio Salado College Library

Check out the latest additions to 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.

Fiction

• After Anatevka by Alexandra Silber
• Amber Shadows by Lucy Ribchester
• Before We Were Yours: A Novel by Lisa Wingate
• Clockwork Dynasty by Daniel H. Wilson
• Fairytale by Danielle Steel
• Gone to Dust: A Novel by Matt Goldman
• Manhattan Beach: A Novel by Jennifer Egan
• The Necklace: A Novel by Claire McMillan
• Prague Sonata: A Novel by Bradford Morrow
• Vineyard: A Novel by Maria Duenas

Nonfiction

• Blue Ocean Shift: Beyond Competing: Proven Steps to Inspire Confidence and Seize New Growth by W. Chan Kim
• Boost Your Career: How to Make an Impact, Get Recognized, and Build the Career You Want by Sander A. Flaum
• The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni
• The Natural First Aid Handbook: Household Remedies, Herbal Treatments, Basic Emergency Preparedness Everyone Should Know by Brigitte Mars
• The Secret Life of the Mind: How Your Brain Thinks, Feels, and Decides by Mariano Sigman· Secret Sauce: How to Pack Your Messages with Persuasive Punch by Harry Mills
• Violence and the World’s Religious Traditions: An Introduction by Mark Juergensmeyer, ed; Margo Kitts, ed.; and Michael Jerryson, ed.
• What Happened by Hillary Rodham Clinton
• Where Have All the Heroes Gone?: The Changing Nature of American Valor by Bruce Garen Peabody and Krista Jenkins
• The Woman Who Smashed Codes: A True Story of Love, Spies, and the Unlikely Heroine Who Outwitted America’s Enemies by Jason Gagone

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. To request a title please call the Library at 480-517-8424.

News courtesy of the Rio Salado Library.

New Military & Vets Success Center at Luke AFB!

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey issued a proclamation today to commemorate the new Military and Veterans Success Center - West at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, AZ-- the nation’s first community supported, case-managed, holistic support center for transitioning military, veterans and their spouses.

“The support from multiple state agencies including the Department of Corrections and the Department of Veterans’ Services demonstrates our belief in this new model as a better pathway,” states the proclamation, which was read by Arizona Department of Veterans' Services Public Information Officer Nicole Baker, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house hosted by the Maricopa Community Colleges, Rio Salado College and Luke Air Force Base.

“I want to thank Chancellor Harper-Marinick and the Community College District for helping Arizona lead the country in supporting our transitioning military, veterans and spouses,” said Senator John McCain, during a message recorded for event attendees, which included community partners and local media.

“Our District is committed to our veterans, not simply by offering educational pursuits for students utilizing their G.I. Benefits, but by supporting any transitioning military, veteran or spouse,” said Chancellor Maria Harper-Marinick during ceremony opening remarks.

If unprepared, transitioning out of the military can be a challenging and confusing adjustment. Within 30-days, military members and their families may lose employment and housing, their support systems, sense of place and identity. It’s not that there aren’t resources available, in fact there are more than 40,000 organizations supporting military and veterans nationwide, however, the awareness of these resources is lacking. That’s the big gap the Military and Veterans Success Center plans to narrow.

"Enabling our Airmen to grow while on active duty and setting them up for success as they transition from active duty is something we emphasize daily,” said Luke AFB commander Brigadier General Brook J. Leonard, who was among the presenters at the event. “The Military and Veteran Success Center will support this effort in amazing ways for the 5,600 Airmen at Luke and the nearly 450 that transition out of Luke and into our community and others across America each year. We are proud of the partnership that this center represents, combining Air Force programs at Luke with the resources of our incredible community for a more seamless transition in education and employment opportunities for our men, women and their families."

The Military and Veterans Success Center will serve as a one-stop-shop to bridge resources to military members and their spouses, to help them transition smoothly and successfully into civilian life. Case managers will help individuals create success plans that incorporate all facets of their lives. The center will also help individuals seek funding through the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation for scholarships, books, tuition, housing, resume writing, financial literacy, transitional classes, child care and emergency needs.

Event attendees toured the center, which is located near the Luke AFB Lightning Gate entrance. It is one of two centers hosted by Rio Salado College that will provide free services to military families transitioning to civilian life in Maricopa County. The other center, known as the East Valley Veterans Center in Tempe, AZ will begin offering specialized transition programs in coming months.

“This center will support our hero community by giving them resources, sometimes years before they leave the military, that holistically develops a personal plan for success; financial, career, and family,” said District 8 Congressman Trent Franks.

Students enrolled in Rio Salado’s Incarcerated Re-Entry classes at Arizona Department of Corrections facilities played a key role in the center’s construction. Federal and local agencies and community partners were instrumental in getting the initiative funded.

“Maricopa County and our Industrial Development Authority has contributed almost a million dollars to support these centers with the latest technology that gets our veterans working as quickly as possible,” said District 4 Supervisor Clint Hickman.

“On behalf of the city of Glendale and our entire City Council, I welcome the Military and Veterans Success Center to Glendale,” said Glendale Mayor Jerry P. Weiers. “This is an example of how a multi-agency partnership from the local, county, state and federal levels can work to transition our nation’s heroes and keep them on a pathway to success. We want our best and brightest to remain here in our community as an integral part of our highly-skilled workforce.”

“We owe a great debt of gratitude to the brave men and women of our military and their families," said Rio Salado President Chris Bustamante. “This center represents our collective efforts to show how much we honor their sacrifice and demonstrates our commitment to helping them succeed.”

To learn more about this initiative, visit: https://mcccdf.org/fundraising/veteran-success-project.

Photos courtesy of MCTV Director René Blatté.  

Photo 1: Group photo with Luke AFB commander Brigadier General Leonard and Chancellor Harper-Marinick leading ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Photo 2 features Business Development Officer for the Maricopa County Industrial Development Authority Gregg Ghelfi, Chancellor Harper-Marinick and District 4 Supervisor Clint Hickman.

Donate Items to Goodwill Veteran Drive by 11/9

You still have time to help raise funds for veteran scholarships and emergency relief funds by taking part in our Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona donation drive. 

Please drop off your donations by tomorrow, Nov. 9 before the Veteran's Day closure. You can drop off donations at Rio Salado's Tempe headquarters, the East Valley Veterans Education Center or any of the Maricopa Community Colleges.

Proceeds will be equally distributed among the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges to provide veteran students access to courses the VA may not pay for or assist them financially during hardships – all in an effort to help them graduate and succeed.

Have questions? Rio Salado students and staff should contact Tara Simo at 480-517-8675 or tara.simo@riosalado.edu.

We appreciate your participation!

Vote Today. Democracy Needs You!

Happy Election Day! We encourage you to exercise your right to vote. Democracy depends on you!

Not sure where to vote or to drop off your ballot today? Curious if your ballot has been received or what early election returns are like? Check out these Maricopa County Elections and Secretary of State voter guides:

http://www.arizona.vote
https://recorder.maricopa.gov/elections

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month!

The Rio Salado Library is proud to celebrate the rich culture, diversity, and contributions of the Native American community.

Native American Heritage Month is observed each November. This commemorative month aims to provide a platform for Native people in the United States to share their culture, traditions, music, crafts, dance, and ways and concepts of life. 

Heritage Month is also an opportunity for native people to educate the general public about their tribes, the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present-- and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.

Check out Rio Salado Library’s Native American Heritage Month Guide for library and web resources that explore the culture, achievements, and history of Native Americans.

News courtesy of the Rio Salado Library.

Veterans Day Closure, Nov. 10-11

Rio Salado and the Maricopa Community Colleges will be closed Fri., Nov. 10 and Sat., Nov. 11 in honor of Veterans Day.

We look forward to celebrating this national holiday with Arizona veterans and their families.

Thank you for your service!

Take part in honoring Arizona veterans at the annual Phoenix Veterans Day Parade, Saturday, Nov. 11. Learn more atwww.phoenixveteransdayparade.org

Goodwill Donation Drive Helps Veterans, Nov. 1-10

Join us in an effort to raise funds for veteran scholarships and emergency cash reserves by donating clothes, shoes, books, household items and small furniture, Nov. 1 – 10 to Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona! 

You can drop off your donations at Rio Salado's Tempe headquarters, the East Valley Veterans Education Center or any of the Maricopa Community Colleges.

The proceeds from this effort will go to a special Maricopa Community Colleges District Foundation fund for veterans, which will be equally distributed among the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges. This funding will provide veteran students access to courses the VA may not pay for or assist them financially during hardships – all in an effort to help them graduate.

Items being accepted: books, clothing, computers, cooking supplies, electronics, furniture, housewares, handbags, jewelry, knick-knacks, linens, instruments, pictures, shoes, sports equipment, tools, and toys.

Items that will not be accepted: auto parts, building materials, hazardous materials, tires, cleaning products, flammable products, pesticides/lawn garden products, paint/paint supplies, televisions.

Rio Salado is proud to join Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, the Maricopa Community Colleges Student Affairs Office and the Maricopa Community Colleges District Foundation in this effort to help Valley veterans!

Have questions? Rio Salado students and staff should contact Tara Simo at 480-517-8675 or tara.simo@riosalado.edu.

We appreciate your participation!

Try Us Out! Explore Online Learning with Rio!

Get a sneak peek at what it's like to learn online with Rio Salado College. Check out our interactive online class demo to explore the options and convenience of our online learning platform and see why more than a quarter million online students have taken classes at Rio Salado.

Start your demo now!

Rio Salado is a proud member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), providing distance-education options to students in all 50 states.

For more information about SARA and the programs and classes available in your state, please visit this web page.