News
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JCCC’s Student Senate Faces Unusual Start Of The Semester
Without the president, vice president and other executive board members in place, the Senate faced an unusual start to the fall semester. The Senate would not be able to conduct normal business, hold regularly scheduled meetings or run the four committees it oversaw.
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Kickoff The Semester At Cav Kickoff
The event will be held at the COM Plaza and Fountain Square from 10am to 2pm. There will be varieties of entertainment provided, including games and challenges for you to partake in.
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Deadlines, Galore. Mark Your Calendars, Cavs
Welcome or welcome back, Cavs! The new school year has arrived, and classes and activities are in full swing. To avoid last-minute scrambling that may affect your already busy schedule, look out for these important dates and deadlines that will be here before you know it.
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Fighting The Hidden Dangers Of Firefighting
Incoming firefighters were not educated enough about the risks of job-related cancers, but that is changing.
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Fall 2026 Begins with Parking Delays
Students and faculty arriving for the day are finding parking more difficult because parking garages and spaces are already full. This has caused students to spend extra time driving around to find a parking spot, creating delays for students and heavier traffic while they search for spots.
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Navigating First Gen Student Life
For many first-generation students, college can feel isolating. Without parents who have experienced higher education themselves, many are left to figure things out on their own. Things such as financial aid or internships can be hard to navigate when you don’t have any prior knowledge of the topic.
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From Student to Donor: One JCCC Alum Pays it Forward
“I graduated high school here in Johnson County,” said Stephene Moore, a scholarship donor at Johnson County Community College. “There was no hope whatsoever that I’d be able to go to school.” That reality wasn’t unusual in the late 1960s. It was simply the way things were. “My brother was in college, and I was
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Instructure & JCCC React To Canvas Hack
JCCC student Olivia Cramer sat down to finish an assignment due at midnight on the evening of May 7, only to find that Canvas was down. She was upset when her brother informed her that it was not functioning due to a hack.
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Canvas Down Following Suspected Cyberattack
It’s the week before finals, and everyone is feeling the pressure to start writing essays, planning projects and cramming for exams. The problem is you can’t–at least right now. At 4:13 p.m. on May 7, JCCC alerted faculty and students through its alert system that Canvas would be down for the time being. The following statement…
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JCCC’s Legal Studies Department Discusses The Use Of AI And The Law
Across the JCCC campus, the use of AI is still a topic of debate. JCCC continues to work toward a use of AI on campus that is both productive for the students and the professors. JCCC’s position on the matter is not to fear AI.
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JCCC To Host Denim Day Event Supporting Sexual Assault Survivors
On the last Wednesday of April, individuals are encouraged worldwide to wear denim. But why denim, you may be asking?
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Students Share Their Best Tips For Fall Enrollment
With the recent opening of summer enrollment and fall enrollment about to begin, these questions are likely to be the big thing on the minds of returning students: what classes are most recommended? What tips and tricks should students live by during this enrollment season?
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The Messenger Wins Big At The 2026 Kansas Collegiate Media Awards
In its first year of eligibility, The Messenger won 18 awards at the 2026 Kansas Collegiate Media Awards last weekend in Wichita, including All Kansas For Online & Digital Media for a 2 year school.
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JCCC Falls Short Of 2025 Zero-Waste Goal
In 2011, the Center for Sustainability set two major goals: to become a zero-waste-to-landfill campus by 2025 and to be 100% reliant on renewable energy by 2050. While the 2050 goal was met early in 2017 by moving to solar and wind energy, the 2025 zero-waste goal remains unmet.
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AI Town Hall Discusses Guidelines For JCCC
JCCC Executive Vice President and Provost Mickey McCloud and AI Task Force Chair R.W. Singh discussed the new AI guidelines for the university during an AI Town Hall.
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JCCC Theater’s Scene Shop Foreman, Sean Leistico Passed Away
Beloved Scene Shop Foreman for the Department of Music and Theatre, Sean Leistico, sadly passed away on March 23, 2026.
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The Messenger Interviews New Board Of Trustees Member Chad Carroll
The Messenger’s Sammie Magee talks with newly elected trustee Chad Carroll about his vision for JCCC and his experience with community college.
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Tuition to Increase, JCCC President Announces at Press Conference
During a press conference held with students before Spring Break, JCCC President Tony Miksa discussed why JCCC will raise tuition for the upcoming FY 2026-27.
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JCCC’s Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society to Host Food Drive
The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s food drive is live now through spring break to support JCCC’s Student Basic Needs Center. Located in GEB 153, this organization supports students who are struggling to buy food and other personal care items.
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JCCC Student Basic Needs Center Hosts Mobile Pop-up to Raise Awareness
There are JCCC students who face more pressure than tests and homework. They face the daily reality of missed meals or not knowing when or where the next meal will come. The Student Basic Needs Center aims to raise awareness of student hardship on campus and assist individuals facing difficulties.
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Community Reacts To Return Of Bus Fares
“Nuts,” is how JCCC student Emma Weis described her feelings about bus fares returning. After six years of free public transportation, Kansas City’s nearly 12 million bus riders will have to start paying $2 a ride starting in June, according to Kansas City News and NPR.
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The Messenger Route: PTK Food Drive, What To Expect At JCCC During Spring Break, JCCC Mental Health Resources, & JCCC Welding Program
The honor society, Phi Theta Kappa is holding a food drive for the Student Basic Needs Center through the month of March. Organizers will collect non-perishable foods, like baby formula, rice, and canned goods, as well as essentials such as soap, toothpaste, diapers, and laundry detergent in the Honors Lounge (GEB 140).
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Discord To Implement Age Verification
How much personal information is too much to entrust to the internet? Your phone number? Your address? Your credit card number? What about your actual face? Digital turmoil recently ensued over this debate when Discord announced its global ID verification update that will go into effect in March.
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The Messenger Route: Student Sustainability Idea Contest & Emergency Medical Science And Dental Hygiene Future-Proofing Work
The Student Sustainability Committee (SCC) is accepting proposals for the Student Sustainability Idea Contest until April 30.
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The Messenger Route: Navigating JCCC’s Veteran Online Resources, JCCC’s Future-Proofing Work, History Of Billington Library, & Guide To The Fashion Merchandising & Design Program At JCCC
Veterans transitioning from military service to campus life can find the move challenging.
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Students Gather At FADS Presentation To Voice Disapproval Of AI Exhibit
On Thursday Feb. 12th, many students gathered at The Fine Arts & Design Studios (FADS) presentation on AI, to express their disapproval of the institution’s choice to display art generated by artificial intelligence in its Spring 2026 exhibit.
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JCCC Hosts Exhibit For America’s 250th Anniversary
This year marks the 250th Anniversary of America, and January 29th was Kansas Day. Clearly, JCCC knows how to celebrate, and that is with an exhibit hosted by Humanities Kansas, an organization the college decided to partner with for this exciting anniversary celebration. This has provided our campus with the opportunity to learn about the…
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AI Art Exhibit Sparks Debate At JCCC
(Photo by: Garrett Lovell) As AI is quickly evolving, we are growing up in an era where we are told that we shouldn’t be using AI in our coursework, but should we be learning how to use it as a tool instead of staying away from it? Artificial Intelligence, also known as AI, has become
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The Messenger Route: Graduation Application Deadline, House Bill 2428, JCCC’s Trade Offerings, Protesting JCCC’s Controversial AI Art Exhibit, & JCCC’s Academic Calendar
Many students in their last semester at Johnson County Community College are guilty of checking out mentally, with one foot out the door of the student commons and into the real world. However I urge you, before you check out completely, to make sure you’re actually able to get what you came here for: your…
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Welcome Back Cavs
Cold weather is back and so are classes. The Spring semester is finally in session and our staff is ready to get back to work to deliver you the best in news, life, and sports.
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Dr. Scott Cox Talks About Love At First Scythe From The “New Works Initiative” Workshop
Meet the JCCC Professor who runs the “New Works Initiative” Workshop Dr.Scott Cox! Get to know a little bit about him and the New Works Initiative on campus. Follow JCCC Theatre online to know more about the department and it’s productions.
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Go Behind The Scenes Of Machinal – A JCCC Theatre Production
Catch up with three actors from JCCC’s production of Machinal directed by Dr. Scott Cox. Check out JCCC Theatre’s socials for more information on how to see future shows! Admissions are always free.
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JCCC Student Senate’s Gives Market Supports Families In Need For The Holidays
Learn more about Student Senates’s “Gives Market” 2025.
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Discover The Next JCCC “New Works Initiative” Play Love At First Scythe
Meet the student playwright for this years “New Works Initiative” Workshop production Georgia Wallace! Get to know a little bit about her and her inspiration on creating Scythe. Follow JCCC Theatre online to know more about the department and it’s productions.
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Celebrate Christmas By Lighting Up The JCCC Caboose
Warm hot cocoa, cookies and Christmas carols: Christmas at the Caboose serves as a festive kickoff to the holiday season, along with a holiday food drive for the Student Basic Needs Center. It is taking place this Friday at 6 p.m. They are requesting items like canned vegetables and cranberry sauce, stuffing and cornbread mix,…
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The Communication Studies Department Is Getting Ready For The Fall 2025 Edition Of The Stine Speaking Showcase
How many of you have taken public speaking just because it was required for your major? For those of you who have or are currently taking it, you have the potential to earn some money from it. The Stine Speaking Showcase is an end-of-semester showcase sponsored by the Communication Studies Department, highlighting students from COMS…
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Get The Inside Info And Tips From Professional At The 2025 Job And Internship Fair
Come with The Messenger to see some of what JCCC’s job and internship fair had to offer. We spoke with two professionals and got the inside scoop.
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JCCC Gives Helps Make Holiday Magic For Those In Need
With the holiday season around the corner, the thought of how much money goes into the festivities is on everyone’s mind. For those who can’t afford to buy gifts, JCCC Gives allows those families to experience that part of the holiday season.
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To Rent Or Not To Rent? Should You Rent Or Buy Your Next Textbooks?
Every semester, the daunting trip to the bookstore sneaks up on every Cavalier. This fall season is especially chilling with the recent availability of winter textbooks. Soon, the question of “to rent, or not to rent?” will become the talk of the campus. Should you put your wallet through purchasing books, or have less freedom…
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A Night Of Guidance And Connection: JCCC College Finance Night In A Flash
Let’s be honest, filling out the FAFSA every semester can be a struggle–and college expenses can be even more overwhelming. But do not fear, for Finance Night is here to help connect you to the resources you need for a successful and cost-effective college experience. On Wednesday, Nov. 19, you will learn how to jumpstart…
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RideKC Blue Bus System Provides JCCC Students With Free Transportation Around The Metro
Imagine you’re all out of gas and you really don’t want to go to the gas station before class in the morning. Lucky for you, JCCC partnered with RideKC, and anyone can ride for free on the KC Metro area bus route.
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National Student Satisfaction Survey: 88% Of Students Would Choose JCCC Again
The results are in. Students used their voices in the satisfaction surveys and had good things to say about JCCC campus and staff. The survey was administered in the spring of 2025 and JCCC received 591 responses. The purpose of the survey is to find out if added initiatives are yielding the desired results for…
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JCCC Theater’s New Production “Machinal” Is Ready For Opening Day
A new play is being put into production at JCCC–Machinal by Sophie Treadwell and directed by Scott Cox. The play is based on the true story of Ruth Snyder, a woman who conspired to murder her husband with the help of her lover in 1927. She was sentenced to death by electrocution. Sophie Treadwell was…
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A Look Back In Pictures At The JCCC Veteran Oral History Panel
On Nov. 6, veterans from the Vietnam war took part in a Veteran Oral History Panel organized by the Veteran and Military Student Resource Center.
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An Enchanted Evening of Giving: How JCCC Turns Celebrations Into Scholarships
With a ballroom full of laughter, music, and fine dining, the JCCC Foundation’s Some Enchanted Evening Gala may look just like any other celebration. But behind the glitz and glamor, this event is responsible for raising over $1.5 million in scholarships for JCCC students.
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JCCC’s Latest Master Plan Includes New Parking Structure
How many times have you circled the parking lots looking for a spot close to your classes for the day? Ever had to walk forever just to get to one class? Things might start to change according to the college’s new Facilities Master Plan, which could call for more parking.
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Explore The World With JCCC’s Global Engagement
Studying abroad can be a daunting decision to make, and moving away from home for an extended period of time is not always the ideal choice for some. A tool you can use to help make that decision is Global Engagement, located in COM 201. They offer information on study away programs, exchange programs and…
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Does Community College Have a Bad Reputation?
Follow the students from Professor Price’s Advanced Video Production class while they talk about whether or not Community Colleges get bad reputations.
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Results Are In For The Elected JCCC Board Of Trustees Members And Overland Park Mayor
On Tuesday, Nov. 4, the general election took place. Four JCCC Board of Trustees positions and the Overland Park mayor were up for election. The unofficial results are as follows:
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JCCC Student Basic Needs Center To Host Holiday Food Drive
Has the usual JCCC student heard of the term “food insecurity?” The term dovetails with “food deserts,” another term in vogue nowadays. Both terms basically describe a dearth of food in one’s life. These conditions are usually linked to persistent poverty or a lack of possible food options in the area one frequents and/or lives.…
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Achieve The i’Mpossible With Guest Speaker Josh Rivedal
Guest Speaker Josh Rivedal is coming to JCCCs’ campus. On Nov. 5 in GEB 233, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. there will be an interactive discussion on suicide prevention. He is not your average public speaker–Josh is CEO and founder of The i’Mpossible Project, an organization looking to achieve the impossible for suicide prevention.…
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What Did The Candidates For The JCCC Board Of Trustees Declare In The Media?
With general elections right around the corner, it is more important than ever to learn about who you’re going to be voting for. This election happens to have close-to-home candidates on the ballot: JCCC Board of Trustees Members.
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JCCC’s Student Access Services Provides Accommodations For Students Struggling In Class
From classroom to classroom, Student Access Services is leaving lasting impacts on students in need. For every meeting and accommodation created, they unveil new opportunities for students with documented disabilities to get the education they deserve. Access Advisor Megan Kissel explains how Student Services meet with students every day in order to get them the…
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What Is At Stake In The Upcoming JCCC Board Of Trustees Election?
In times such as these, the need for young adults to make their voices heard has become increasingly vital to the nation. There is a significant election taking place very close to home. Right here on JCCC’s campus, the Virginia Krebs Community Room in MTC is holding early casting votes to elect the JCCC Board…
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The RAVE Guardian app keeps JCCC students alert
Peace of mind, and help at the touch of a button–that’s what the RAVE Guardian app can provide. Campus threats, severe weather, medical emergencies and more, you’re covered. The JCCC Campus Police force has made campus safety easy. The Guardian app is a simple and free resource right on your phone for every situation.
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6,000 Protestors Gather On JCCC Lawn For “No Kings” Protest
Over the weekend, JCCC was one of the many sites of the “No Kings” protests taking place nationwide. The lawn on the corner of College Boulevard and Quivira welcomed about 6,000 protesters for the rally and protest, hosted by “Boots on the Ground Midwest.” The loud honking of car horns and shouts from roadside supporters,…
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New Weather Station At JCCC
JCCC has a new addition on campus, but it’s something you might not see right away. Right on top of the Billington library is the brand new weather station.
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“No Kings” Protest To Take Place On JCCC lawn
The organization “Boots on the Ground Midwest” has organized a “No Kings” rally–a protest to take place on the lawn at the corner of College Boulevard and Quivira on Saturday, Oct. 18. The No Kings protests were originally started by the organization “50501” (pronounced fifty-fifty-one). 50501 was founded in Feb. 2025 after a meme was…
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The Messenger Route: Kansas Residents’ Last Day to Make Sure You’re Ready for the November Election & JCCC Industry Panel
Today, Oct. 14, is the last day to register to vote in Kansas for the Nov. 4 general election, and if you can’t make it, it’s never too late to register for future elections and allow your voice to be heard. Primary elections are held on the first Tuesday of August and general elections are
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The Messenger Route: Kansas’ Possible New District Map & JCCC’s Study Abroad Program
(Photo by: Sh1pp02, 2022 Kansas United States House of Representatives election by Congressional District, Attribution 4.0 International) Will Kansas Get A New District Map? Whether the 2026 midterms will be your first chance to vote or you’re a veteran at the polls, there might be something new awaiting you next year. Republicans in Kansas are