Welcome to the 2005-2006 school year! I am pleased that you’ve chosen to attend Mt. Hood Community College. All of us at MHCC are committed to providing the best educational experience possible and we strive to offer premier services to our students. We value our diverse community and strive to make all feel welcome.

Whether you are taking courses toward a degree or certificate, are updating job skills, or are here for personal enrichment, we are pleased that you have chosen MHCC. The college provides a vast array of services to help all students achieve success, and I encourage you to avail yourselves of whatever services meet your needs.

We are constantly working to improve educational offerings so that our college can meet the diverse needs of the community we serve. To that end, our professional technical programs offer first-rate education and training in several fields, and we pride ourselves on meeting the needs of students as well as the businesses and industries that rely on a skilled workforce. Mt. Hood Community College also collaborates with several Oregon universities and as a result offers opportunities to obtain bachelor’s degrees through classes held on our campus, allowing students to remain in their community. Work to expand these partnerships is ongoing so that we can meet the needs of more and more students. I also encourage you to get involved in college activities outside of classes, if your busy schedule allows. Join one of several clubs, attend athletic events, get involved in student government – the possibilities are many!

Since my arrival to MHCC over four years ago, state funding has declined while demands for services have not. Organizational changes, some necessitated by budget cuts with others inspired by our ongoing effort to streamline and improve services, are in place. The college’s board of education and employee groups have worked together to implement tremendous levels of savings over the past four years, and students are paying higher tuition as a result of our state’s budget difficulties. The board members join me in thanking each and every one of you for your contribution toward solving the budget difficulties. Please know that the hardship created by tuition hikes does not go unnoticed; during the last budget development process, the board continued need-based grants in order to help those most in need.

There’s a feeling of excitement in the air each fall as students and faculty return to campus, and with the beginning of a new school year come high hopes and expectations. I hope that each and every one of you has an excellent year!