Did You Know? Substance Use and Mental Health Are Often Connected
Mental health conditions and substance use often occur together. In some cases, conditions such as anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia may develop before substance use begins. In others, substance use can trigger or worsen mental health symptoms.
Understanding this connection can help individuals recognize when it may be time to seek support. Learn more about the science of addiction from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Support is available. Montgomery College employees can access free, confidential support 24/7 through MC CARES. If you need an accommodation, email ADA Accommodations.
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EAP and PDAP Update: FY26 Q3 Utilization
The FY26 third quarter utilization rates for the Educational Assistance Program (EAP) and Professional Development Assistance Program (PDAP) have been updated as of March 31, 2026.
To make the most of this valuable benefit, eligible employees are reminded to prioritize their education and professional development. Remember, EAP and PDAP requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis within the determined FY limits based on employee group, and must be for eligible expenses incurred by Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Office of Business Services (OBS) deadlines for FY26 are June 5 for EAP direct payments, June 22 for EAP and PDAP reimbursements, and June 30 for wellness reimbursements.
Please email the HR Help Desk if you have any general questions and visit the EAP/PDAP webpage for information and resources. Maximize your EAP benefits before the end of the fiscal year!
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Equity Week 2026: Film Screening, Panel Discussion, and Universal Design Summit
Equity Week 2026 continues with several opportunities for the Montgomery College community to engage in conversations that strengthen inclusion and belonging.
On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from Noon to 2 p.m., attend a film screening of A Tale of Three Chinatowns at the Germantown Campus, Bioscience Education Center, Rooms 151–152. The documentary explores how urban development and demographic change are reshaping historic Chinatown communities in Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Boston. Director Lisa Mao will join the audience for a live Q&A following the screening. Register here.
On Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 3 to 4 p.m. via Zoom, join the employee panel discussion From Awareness to Action: Supporting Disability Inclusion at Work. College employees will share lived experiences and practical insights on building workplaces where individuals with disabilities feel supported, valued, and able to thrive. Register here.
Equity Week concludes on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. via Zoom with the Inclusion by Design Summit: “Inclusion Begins with Access.” This virtual program will explore how intentional design and accountability can create learning and work environments where belonging begins with access. Register here.
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AAWCC–MC: 3rd Annual Conference on April 24
Join the American Association for Women in Community Colleges Montgomery College Chapter (AAWCC–MC) on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Germantown Campus Bioscience Education Center, Rooms 151–152, for the conference, Rise & Move: Women Advancing with Purpose. The event will focus on career advancement and provide strategies for intentional positioning, career acceleration, and professional growth.
The keynote address, “Resilience and Reinvention: Succeeding and Leading in Times of Rapid Change,” will be delivered by Dr. Daria J. Willis, president of Howard Community College. Dr. Willis will share insights on navigating change, leading inclusively, and positioning yourself for future opportunities.
Participants can expect a full day of engagement and development, including:
• Networking with colleagues across the College
• Professional development sessions
• Breakfast and lunch provided
• Giveaways and conference experiences
• 2026–2027 AAWCC–MC membership included
Register here.
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Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month with MC Library
April is Arab American Heritage Month, and MC Library invites you to celebrate. Stop by any campus library location to view the Arab American Heritage Month displays and borrow books, films, and other materials related to Arab American heritage. You can also explore the online Arab American Heritage guide, which features recommended books and e-books, streaming films, research resources, and local organizations connected to Arab American heritage, cultures, and issues.
Employees are encouraged to explore the Arab American Heritage guide for their own learning and to share it with students who may benefit from discovering more about this important heritage month.
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Payroll: FY27 Pay Date Schedule Available
The FY27 pay period and pay date schedule is available on the Payroll tab of the HRSTM Forms page. The schedule includes academic year and summer pay dates, along with adjusted timesheet deadlines.
Please note that timesheet deadlines may occur one day earlier during weeks that include College holidays to allow sufficient time to process payroll.
For reference, Summer Session I pay dates are June 12, June 26, and July 10, 2026. Summer Session II pay dates are July 24, August 7, and August 21, 2026. The final pay for non-instructional faculty (counselors) who work through August 21 will be included with the first academic year pay date on September 4, 2026.
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MC Wellness: Updates
Take advantage of these upcoming programs designed to support your health and wellbeing.
Data Rocks: Know Your Numbers
Monday, April 27, 2026, 12:15–1 p.m.
Join Kim Crilly, RN, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Exercise Physiologist, to learn which key biometric numbers matter most for maintaining good health and helping prevent chronic disease. Register for this webinar here.
Mental Health First Aid Certification Training
Friday, May 8, 2026, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
This Zoom training for Montgomery College employees, led by Megan Cooperman and Dr. Tracey Smith-Bryant, teaches participants how to recognize and support individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Two (2) hours of pre-course work are required. Participants who complete the training will receive a certification valid for three (3) years.
To participate in this free virtual training, contact Megan Cooperman.
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Retirement: Planning Sessions with Equitable
Montgomery College employees are invited to attend upcoming retirement planning webinars with Equitable, one (1) of the College’s financial partner. These sessions will cover the Maryland State Pension System, supplemental retirement savings strategies, investment considerations, and planning for retirement income. Both sessions present the same information..
• Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 5–6 p.m. Register here.
• Friday, April 24, 2026, 1–2 p.m. Register here.
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Early Education Lab School 17th Annual Art Show
Friday, May 1, 2026, 10:30 a.m.–Noon
The Montgomery College Center for Early Education Lab School invites faculty, staff, and students to its annual 2026 Blooming Artist Gallery Show, held indoors and outdoors on the children’s playground.
The exhibit features children’s creative interpretations inspired by artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Ansel Adams, Maria Martinez, and Claude Monet.
Explore the creativity of our young artists and view documentation panels highlighting their artistic journeys, prepared by CEE Lab School educators.
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Your Voice Matters in Shaping Our Middle States Accreditation Self-Study
As part of Montgomery College’s Middle States Self-Study, draft chapters will soon be available for community review. This is an opportunity for faculty and staff to read, reflect, and provide feedback to help ensure the self-study accurately represents the College.
The self-study is a collaborative process, and your perspective is important. Details on how to access and review chapters will be shared soon. To learn more, visit the Middle States Accreditation Self-Study website.
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Important DatesApril 1-30
Wednesday, April 22
Administrator Council,
1–3 p.m. Join the meeting here.
60-Day Reminder for FY26 EAP/PDAP requests. OBS deadline is Monday, June 22.
Thursday, April 23
Take Your Child to Work Day. See your registration for details by campus location.
Equity Week 2026:
"From Awareness to Action: Supporting Disability Inclusion at Work", 3–4 p.m. Register here.
Payroll Zoom Office Hours,
8–10 p.m. Join the Waiting Room.
Friday, April 24
Payroll Zoom Office Hours,
10 a.m.–Noon. Join the Waiting Room.
Saturday, April 25
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Staff, Chairs, and Administrators
- Dean of Instruction, Applied Sciences and Technology (internal posting through Monday, April 27)
- Dean of Instruction, Natural Sciences and Technology (internal posting through Monday, April 27)
- Executive Associate II, Office of Information Technology
- Financial Aid Counselor
- Records and Registration Specialist (internal posting through Friday, April 24)
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Visit Careers at MC to view the current academic and staff openings.
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Become a Contributor for Employee MattersInterested in submitting an employee-related article or becoming a regular contributor to Employee Matters?
We welcome your ideas and stories. Please submit articles to Tiffani Smith, Wednesdays by noon for consideration in an upcoming issue.
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Emergency Evacuation Accommodation All employees should have an emergency evacuation plan. Employees who may need assistance during an evacuation due to a disability should be included in emergency planning.
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MC Wellness offers free fitness classes, workout videos, wellness challenges, health events, and campus gym access for MC employees, spouses, and retirees to support physical and mental well-being.
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Join the MC Employees Facebook Group
Join. Like. Comment. Share.
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Stay in the Know! Use this list for quick access to the information, resources, and updates every employee should have at their fingertips. Staying informed means staying empowered, so check your inbox and consider bookmarking these pages for easy reference.
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