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.

Our need to connect is as fundamental as our need for food and water, says social psychologist and neuroscientist Matthew Lieberman. "We suffer greatly when our social bonds are threatened or severed."

In this time of being socially distant, gathering—even virtually—is vitally important to avoid loneliness.

Priya Parker, author, podcast host, and MCCA2020 keynote speaker, is an expert on gathering, and she's pushing all of us to be more thoughtful about how and why we get together — even while we must be apart.

Several months ago, a survey conducted among members provided the MCCA Convention Team a similar insight: the overwhelming need for connection. And we're delivering! Through our virtual event platform, you'll be able to engage in impactful networking opportunities via chat functionality, group video streaming, and a unique tour around the state with a meet and greet from Missouri's community colleges and our year-round partners!

The first 300 registrants will receive a free digital copy of Priya's book, The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters.

Join us November 11-13 as we come together to connect and work despite the obstacles.

Until then, #StayFocused!

Today's This Week is 827 words, about a 6.6–minute read.

Conversations about COVID-19

• COVID-19 has disproportionately affected community college students and families, causing massive disruption to enrollment. (EAB)
• A CDC report showed weekly reported cases of COVID-19 among young adults ages 18 to 22 jumped 55.1% between Aug. 2 and Sept. 5 across the US. (Reuters)

U.S. Education News

• Higher education should broaden its reporting to include all students — full- and part-time — and consider the variables that can affect success, such as food and housing insecurity. (Inside Higher Ed)
• Technology coming into play during the pandemic may encourage schools to move faster to incorporate it into classrooms once in-person classes resume. (EdScoop)
• Getting in front of communications is challenging during any crisis. When that crisis is a global pandemic that has gone on for months, however, it can feel nearly impossible. (CC Daily)
• Students who earn bachelor's degrees from community colleges could be more likely to enter the workforce and earn higher salaries. (Education Dive)
• Enrollments are down in all types of institutions at the undergraduate level, including 8% at community colleges compared to last year. (National Student Clearinghouse Research Center)
• While Guided Pathways are intended to improve student completion and community college sustainability, implementation of this model varies widely. (EAB)
• Dr. Jill Biden returned to the virtual campaign trail last week to champion her husband’s proposal to make community colleges a central component of his education, workforce, and economic plans, if he is elected president. (CC Daily)

Missouri News

• The past four weekly task force reports to state officials show Missouri in the “red zone” and always among the top 10 states in the highest case and positivity rates. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

College Headlines

• East Central College President Dr. Jon Bauer recently was named to the Rural Community College Alliance (RCCA) Board of Directors for 2020-2021. (ECC News)
• Jefferson College HVAC Adjunct Instructor Kati Donahue was recently named one of the best and the brightest Top 40 under 40 in the HVAC industry. (JC News)
• The Lewis Family Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) at Ozarks Technical Community College will expand to serve infants and toddlers beginning in the fall of 2021. The expansion is made possible by a $180,494 grant from the Missouri Department of Social Services. (OTC News)
• Miriam Helms, Jefferson College Senior Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Instruction, was recently awarded the Dr. B. Ray Henry Service/Innovation Award. (JC News)
• The North Central Missouri College LPN program has ranked #1 in the Midwest for 2020 by Nursing Process. (KTTN-FM 92.3)
• Jefferson College Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Ashley McGee, has been selected to participate in the inaugural TopConnect NJCAA symposium. (JC News)

Stuff We're Clicking On

• Soon after former Vice President Joe Biden announced that Sen. Kamala Harris would be his running mate in his quest to win the White House, the phone of the Democratic Party’s chief fundraiser was buzzing every other minute, alerting him that the campaign had just received another donation of exactly $19.08.

• Taking one day away from technology each week has helped me realize my resiliency and inspired confidence.

Boo! Pretty scary that Q3 has come and gone.  

Links you N2K (need to know):

• Hey, faculty! Please save the date: Wednesday, October 14 at 10 a.m., we're back with an all-new webinar on the psychology of student success. We'll be talking about how to increase engagement, foster belonging, and cultivate belonging. Register »
• We're giving you an extension! Nominations for the MCCA Advisory Board are now being accepted through October 9.