Tomorrow is World Mental Health Day, which comes when our lives are significantly impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fear and anxiety about the virus can be overwhelming. Actions such as social distancing can make people feel isolated and lonely, leading to increased stress and anxiety. This day, observed annually worldwide, focuses on mental health education, awareness, and advocacy against social stigma.

Eight months ago, many of us may have found ourselves taking gatherings for granted. Fast forward to the present day, and the coronavirus pandemic has dramatically altered the way we gather, but it hasn't changed our very human need for social connection.

Thanks for celebrating MCCA Day with us!

Ahoy Matie! 

This past weekend at a socially distanced gathering of friends, we sat on a patio reminiscing on the days when we thought this situation would last only a couple of weeks. Still, seven months later, we found ourselves discussing what has become our *cringe* new normal. We swapped stories of working from home with kids and/or partners (unsure which group requires more attention), contactless food delivery and pickup (a win!), swapping vacations for staycations (loving all the local parks), all our new hobbies (we're now professional chefs, yogis, and gardeners), and the latest professional skills we've developed ↴

For more than 125 years, Americans have celebrated Labor Day on the first Monday of every September. In today's economic and labor climate, the national holiday should be the most meaningful observance of the year. Yes, the three-day weekend is more than summer's unofficial finale, the culmination for wearing white, and the end of hot dog season (seriously!).

It's Morphin Time!

Hi there! Remember us? We’ve been a bit distracted staring at our day planner wondering how it’s July 31 And speaking of planners — remember last month when we said this month we’d let you know about MCCA2020? Unfortunately, we’re still working through things (thanks a lot, Covid!), but the announcement will be well worth the wait. Promise! Next week we’ll have breakout sessions on the website for your viewing pleasure.

Nice to see you again!

This month did not begin how we may have envisioned. Protestors across the country have taken to the streets in response to the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota. America is mourning. Our institutions have the opportunity to lead. For Diverse: Issues In Higher Education, Dr. Brandon C. M. Allen makes four recommendations higher education should consider enacting.

...and that’s a wrap on May 2020. (Where did it go?) Now we transition to online summer classes, summer orientation programs, and retention/recruitment for fall.

Happy Friday! We've got the top down and the windows up as we cruise into the weekend for the unofficial start of summer. Speaking of which, for the first time in 20 years, AAA did not issue a Memorial Day travel forecast, but the Missouri State Highway Patrol is expecting an increase in traffic.

Hello again! Can you believe we're halfway through May? Time sure is flying by. Speaking of time – what's your favorite song with it included in the title? Tell us here. We're partial to:

Hi everyone. A lot to cover today, but first – do you enjoy the MCCA This Week newsletter? Answering YES or NO helps us make strategic improvements.

Happy May Day! The traditional celebration of spring may be just what communities across Missouri need after months of physical distancing measures and home quarantining due to the coronavirus pandemic.