Moraine Valley Community College’s wraparound programs aim to bolster retention and degree completion

Tiffany S. Robinson, Moraine Valley Community College board secretary and school alumna, believes her role is to support students beyond the classroom, “a steward,” she said.

Beyond academic support, during her board report as secretary, Robinson highlighted the comprehensive wraparound services that are available to meet the needs of every student. “We offer a lot here, including a food pantry. We have [a] daycare. We have our TRIO program that specifically targets first generation college students,” Robinson said.

These programs intend to support student retention and limit challenges to program completion. 

It’s up to her, the rest of the board of trustees, and professors to ensure success, Robinson said. She’s a spanish teacher in Chicago and will represent Moraine Valley on the national diversity, equity, and inclusion committee for the National Association of Community College Trustees. 

“I do a lot of work with that. Just making sure that we’re staying within our scope and that we’re doing what we need to do. We’ve been acknowledged and received awards nationally for our DEI commitment.”

Innovation at Moraine Valley

Moraine Valley Community College President Pamela J. Haney announced that the college would be undergoing its affirmation process for the League of Innovation. According to the website, the League for Innovation in the Community College is “an international nonprofit organization with a mission to cultivate innovation in the community college environment.” The organization was founded in 1968. Moraine Valley has been a member since 1971. 

Affiliation with the League for Innovation allows “us to really focus on research development, innovation, and transformation and workforce solutions. And helps us stay innovative as a college,” Haney said. “And then also we get to learn best practices from our peers and international acknowledgment.” 

Haney began her presidential tenure in July 2023. Upon the selection of a new college president, schools must complete a reaffirmation process. The process consists of gathering information across six areas that demonstrate the schools commitment and evidence of implementing innovative strategies in the following areas: student success; program development; community engagement; diversity, equity, and inclusion; resource development; and technology. 

The college has created a subcommittee for each area to prepare its application. Once MVCC’s reaffirmation application is complete, they will submit it by December 15, participate in a virtual site visit in February 2025, and receive a final decision by Spring 2025.

Public service retirement

John Gorman celebrated his “second retirement,” announcing his leave from the Moraine Valley Police Department. He joined in August 2014 after retiring from the Village of Mokena Police Department. Gorman mentioned that he was proud to work here with his colleagues and “the kids.”   

Cathleen Pike served as a library monitor for 23 years. When she began her role at Moraine Valley, she only anticipated being there for a maximum of five years. She plans to return home and be a mom and a grandmother, she said.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for October 15 at 6:00p.m. at the college, room D219.