On January 26, 2018, Nicole D’Alesandro, counselor, and Valerie Groll, veteran counselor, presented a professional development seminar at the North Texas Community College 7th Annual Spring Leadership Conference- “Reaching Out: Leadership Skills to Achieve the Community College Mission.” The counselors presented an adapted version of their Consortium on Leadership and Renewal Academy (CLARA) project on military-connected/veteran new student orientation. The presentation informed attendees how TCC South supports military connected/veteran students’ transition to higher education through a targeted new student orientation program.
The Office of Student Activities hosted the Student Organization Leadership Conference (SOLC) on January 26, 2018. Student organization leaders participated in officer training, information sessions on travel and funding and other campus policies and procedures. Additionally, students received the opportunity to attend a Safe Space training offered by the TCC South Diversity & Inclusion Council. Total participation at the SOLC was approximately 35 student leaders and advisors.
On January 27, 2018, the Generation Hope and Texas Pre-Freshman Engineering (TexPREP) students joined forces in the Future City Greater North Texas Regional Competition. The team, which began preparing in early August, scored well above the Region’s average for each of their five deliverables and achieved perfect scores in selected subcategories. The team missed the preliminary round by only 10 points, which has already ignited their excitement to begin preparing for next year’s competition.
A team of South Campus advisors facilitated its 4th annual Taste and Talk on January 31, 2018. This event served as an opportunity for students to learn and engage in a less-formal environment. TCC South Advising and Counseling Services continues to strive toward improving student interaction and ensuring effective communication lines.
On February 1, 2018, the Office of Student Activities kicked off African-American Heritage Month by welcoming Russell Maryland to campus. Through his story of passion and dedication, Maryland encouraged students to have perseverance and talked about the importance of having strong mentors in their life. After he answered questions from participants, Maryland stayed after the event.
Student Support Services (SSS) participant Jesus Balderrama was selected to participate in the online experience of NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS). Participants are chosen based on application profile, essay and letter of recommendation. NCAS gives community college STEM students an authentic NASA experience and encourages them to finish a two-year degree or transfer to a university to pursue a NASA-related field or career.
On Feb. 19 & 20, in recognition of National TRIO Day and in an effort to raise awareness of TRIO Programs, TRIO staff set up information tables in the Student Center and provided information regarding TRIO to students, faculty and staff. Table tents providing information regarding TRIO and posters highlighting TRIO students, were displayed throughout the campus. Additionally, as a way of giving back to the community and in support of students, TRIO staff collected food donations that will be donated to the TCC South Campus Food Bank.
Belinda Lopez, Coordinator of Student Support, attended the 43th annual Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (TACHE) conference held in Dallas/Addison Feb. 28-Mar. 3. Lopez was nominated and re-elected as State Board treasurer for the association for the 2018-2020 term. As treasurer, Belinda has adhered to TACHE’s fiscal policy including the receipt, handling, expenditure and disbursement of funds and timely tax filing. She collaborates with chapter treasurers and other members across the state to ensure open lines of communication are established and ensure accurate records are kept. She has enjoyed and learned throughout the last two-year term in this position. Her goals are to continue to build and strengthen relationships with institutions throughout the state to advance TACHE’s mission of improving educational and employment opportunities for Chicanos in higher education.
Two Upward Bound seniors were accepted to universities for fall 2018: Blake Alvarez (Paschal HS), awarded the University of North Texas Emerald Eagle Scholarship covering the total cost of attending UNT for four years, and Angela Lopez (South Hills HS), who is deciding between Tarleton State University, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Texas A&M University, Houston Baptist University and the University of North Texas.
On Feb. 26, Sharron Crear, director of TRIO Programs, served as a reader for first graders at Versia L Williams Elementary School for their Black History Reading Expo. Several professionals in the Riverside community, including Fort Worth Councilwoman Kelley Allen Gray, participated in the Reading Expo.
The Language Arts Department and the French Club sponsored an event about the importance of language and FBI agents. This event was a great success with nearly 70 participants attending. The emphasis was placed on Languages and Intelligence. The panel of FBI linguists presented on language and the uses within the field of investigation and information. This event was made possible through the efforts of Floreen Henry, Linda Roy, Julieta Cano, Janeeka Macon, Markeya Williams and Maisha Tsiboe.
In addition, Language Arts celebrated the 50th anniversary of the South Campus La Societe Francophone student organization in alignment with the United Nation’s International Day of Francophone. The event was hosted by Floreen Henry and Molly Floyd.
Students enrolled in the A Step Above Program continue to gain real world experience through the Basic Automotive course. This course is designed to help students with developmental disabilities gain employment in basic automotive service and detailing while highlighting career pathways for positions such as automotive technician. Steve Willie, Toyota T-Ten Coordinator, revealed the students’ talents when he reached out to request their services with the Toyota fleet for the signing ceremony attended by District administration, a Board of Trustees member and community and industry leaders. In the week prior to Spring Break, the South Campus Police Department provided opportunities for students to detail their official fleet.