The Collegian 2018-2019 Student Orientation Edition by TCC Collegian

c o ll e g ia n .t c c d .e d u

n a i g e l l The Co ICT OLLEGE DISTR C Y T N U O C T TARRAN S E RV I N G T H E

e r e h s t r a t s y e n Your jour

A survival guide for new students

2018-19 Student Orientation Edition

Services

6-11

6 Registrar | Business Services

7 Academic Advisors | Counselors

12-13

Student Life 12 Student Life | Campus Carry 13 CARE Teams | Title IX

How to College

14-17

14 Bookstore | Learning Labs | Tutors

Campus Maps 18 South

18-23

19 Northeast 20 Northwest 21 Southeast 22 Trinity River

23 Trinity River East

collegian.tccd.edu | The Collegian | Student Orientation Edition | FALL 2018

meet the staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kathryn Kelman DESIGN Suzann Clay PHOTO EDITORS Peter Matthews, Lacey Phillips COPY EDITORS JW McNay, Monica Brigham, Michael Foster-Sanders OFFICE ASSISTANT Martina M. Treviño PRODUCTION MANAGER Stacy Luecker ADVISER Chris Whitley

Letter Policy The Collegian is a weekly student publication serving the Tarrant County College District. Editorial statements and advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the TCC administration. Letters to the paper should be 150 words or less, free from libel and poor taste and include the writer’s Colleague ID or telephone number (the numbers will not be published).

Letters may be brought to The Collegian office (NCAB 1124A, NE Campus), or mailed to: The Collegian • 828 Harwood Road Hurst, TX 76054 Office: 817-515-6391 Editor: 817-515-6392 Advertising: 817-515-6323 Fax: 817-515-0323 email: collegian.editor@tccd.edu TCC is an equal opportunity institution that provides educational and employment opportunities on the basis of merit and without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status or disability.

a letter from the editor

heard you’re new here, and as TCC’s student newspaper, we’re pleased to help introduce you to the college and assist you as you begin this new journey.

My name is Kathryn Kelman, I’m the editor-in-chief of The Collegian, TCC’s districtwide, student-run newspaper, which has been getting the news for the TCC community since the paper was established in 1988. This special edition is different from our normal issues and is designed specifically to help you “reach for success.” Starting college can be overwhelming, so treat this as a how-to guide to TCC. Allow this issue to walk you through the different services the college offers, help you navigate student life on our non-residential campuses and assist you with being a first-time college student. College is, after all, a time to explore. You’ll be afforded a lot of freedom here as you pursue knowledge and grow as an individual, but you will need to learn to manage your new independence and maneuver around your campus as well as life as a student. But don’t worry, this issue will point you to the many resources available. All you'll have to do is take advantage of them. Our college community is full of intelligent, creative and passionate people who are here to help you grow in more ways than you can imagine. Whether you succeed or fail, you don't have to go it alone. You can take solace in the fact that you are now surrounded by so many people whose job it is to provide support as you pursue your dreams. Your college experience at TCC will be what you make of it, so check out this edition we made just for you. After all, TCC is your new stomping ground, and we don’t want you to miss a thing.

Welco me to TCC

On behalf of The Collegian family, welcome to TCC. We’re excited you’re here and thrilled you’ve chosen to be a part of our community. Sincerely,

Kathryn Kelman Editor-in-Chief Toro is TCC's mascot and has been since 2011.

FALL 2018 | Student Orientation Edition | The Collegian | collegian.tccd.edu

Get to know your college Tarrant County College is one of the 20 largest higher education institutions in the U.S. with six campuses located across Tarrant County. In 1965, TCC was established as Tarrant County Junior College, though the name was changed to Tarrant County College in 1999. TCC opened its first campus, South, in the fall of 1967, followed by NE in 1968, NW in 1976, SE in 1996, TR in 2009 and TCC Connect in 2015. TCC’s mission and vision are to provide affordable and open access to quality teaching and learning. TCC is also committed to institutional effectiveness through its ongoing process of self-examination, self-improvement and an unending pursuit of excellence that guides the college’s programs and services. The college identified three goals to guide the institution moving forward. The goals are for TCC to function as one college, be student-ready and serve the community. “The big marker on all of this is that we will function

as one college, meaning that students in the community will have a similar experience no matter which campus that they are on,” chancellor Eugene Giovannini said. As for being a student-ready college, Giovannini said TCC will look to meet students where they are with what they have and work from there rather than expect students to be college-ready. The third goal means TCC will continue to partner with groups to serve the needs of the community, he said. “Those three goals should give to the individual, to the campus and to the overall college a direction in which to move as it relates to doing our work every day,” he said.

Follow TCC online @tarrant county college

@tccollege

@TCCollege @Tarrant County College

Tarrant County College

linkedin.com/ school/tarrantcounty-college/

Fall 2018 Academic Calendar

August 6 Admission deadline for first-time-in-college applicants for 16-week session 10 Admission deadline for first-time-in-college applicants for 14-week weekend session 13 Registration ends for 16-week, 1st 8-week and 1st 12-week sessions Registration ends for 14-week weekend session 19 Last day for full refund for 16-week, 1st 8-week and 1st 12-week sessions 20 Classes begin for 16-week, 1st 8-week and 1st 12-week sessions

Last day for full refund for

14-week weekend session 24 Classes begin for 14-week weekend session

September 3 Labor Day Holiday Admission deadline for first-time-in-college applicants for 2nd 12-week session 10 Registration ends for 2nd 12-week session 17 Classes begin for 2nd 12-week session 27 Last day to drop a class for 1st 7-week weekend and 1st 8-week sessions 28 Admission deadline for first-time-in-college applicants for 2nd 7-week session

October 1 Admission deadline for first-time-in-college applicants for 2nd 8-week session 5 Registration ends for 2nd 7-week weekend session 6 Final exams and classes end for 1st 7-week weekend session 8 Registration ends for 2nd 8-week session

15 Classes begin for 2nd 8-week session

December

Priority registration begins for Spring 2019 term

18 Last day to drop a class for 1st 12-week session 22 Open registration begins for Spring 2019 term

November 1 Last day to drop a class for 14-week session

11 Final exams and classes end for 1st 8-week session

8 Final exams and classes end for 1st 12-week session

Last day for full refund for 2nd 7-week weekend session

9 All grades due for 1st 12-week session

12 Classes begin for 2nd 7-week weekend session

15 Last day to drop a class for 16-week, 2nd 12-week and 2nd 7-week weekend sessions

14 Last day for full refund for 2nd 8-week session

26 Last day to drop a class for 2nd 8-week session

1 Final exams and classes end for 2nd 7-week weekend session 2 Final exams and classes end for 14-week weekend session

All grades due for 2nd 7-week weekend session

3 All grades due for fall 14-week weekend session 12 Final exams and classes end for 16-week, 2nd 12-week and 2nd 8-week sessions 14 All grades due for 2nd 8-week, 16-week and 2nd 12-week sessions 15-Jan. 1 Winter Break

19-25 Thanksgiving Holiday

collegian.tccd.edu | The Collegian | Student Orientation Edition | FALL 2018

South Campus SERS 1103B south.registrar@tccd.edu

Registrar Office

Northeast Campus NADM 1101A northeast.registrar@tccd.edu Northwest Campus WADM 1204A northwest.registrar@tccd.edu Southeast Campus ESED 1123A southeast.registrar@tccd.edu Trinity River Campus TRTR 1016B trinity.registrar@tccd.edu

On every campus, an admissions and registrar office is available to help students complete their admissions applications, register for classes and more. At the office, students can also submit various documents in person, such as meningitis vaccination forms, transcripts, residency paperwork and more. Students can also submit address changes, FERPA waiver forms, TSI exemption, exception and waiver forms and veterans VA paperwork at their campus’ registrar office. As for registering for classes, staff at each campus’ admissions and registrar office can assist

students with the process. Official transcripts from TCC as well as grades, academic status and enrollment verification can be requested in person at one of the offices. For information on international admissions records, transcript evaluation or veterans benefits processing, students should visit the district admissions and records office. The district office processes admissions and veterans paperwork and updates student records and handles transcript requests. The offices are open Monday through Thursday during normal business hours of 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. during the fall semester.

Business Services Each campus has a business services office where all financial transactions are handled. These offices take care of all tuition payments, prior term balances and any other fees or fines a student may have. Business services also handles payment plans, course refunds for when students drop classes and 1098-T questions. Also, should students receive a ticket from TCC police, they can take care of their fine at their campus business services office.

The offices also house a campus’ “lost and found.” Items can be returned and relocated at business services, where most "found" items are typically kept until the end of the semester. And should students have an issue with a vending machine on campus, business services can handle that too. The offices are open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday. For questions, call business services at 817515-4729 or visit the office on your campus.

South Campus - SERS 1105A Northeast Campus - NADM 1103A Northwest Campus - WADM 1202A Southeast Campus - ESED 1125A Trinity River Campus - TRTR 1030

FALL 2018 | Student Orientation Edition | The Collegian | collegian.tccd.edu

Academic Advising

Throughout a student’s academic career, it is strongly recommended that they regularly sit down with an academic advisor, which TCC has available on every campus. Academic advisors work with students to help them achieve academic and personal success. An advisor’s main job is to assist students in planning an academic program that fits their abilities and interests and to help students develop realistic educational goals. It is recommended that students consult an academic advisor every step of the way: when they start at TCC, while they’re a student and when they make future plans. NW advisor Lindsey Turner said she helps students choose classes based on

their career goals. “If a student is struggling in classes and is planning to quit, I remind them of their goals and bring the students to their long-term state of goals,” she said. TCC has resources to help students struggling with classes, said SE advisor Pam Baneau. “We do a thorough job in guiding these students,” she said. “Sometimes in the first semester, they don’t know what they need. We really are student advocates, and we try to teach students how to advocate for themselves.” All of the advisors want to see their students at least twice a semester but are open for more visits if a student needs one or seeks more guidance.

Counselors

South Campus SACT 1400 817-515-4558 Northeast Campus NSTU 2800A 817-515-6661 Northwest Campus WCTS 1110A 817-515-7788 Southeast Campus ESEC 2110 817-515-3590 Trinity River Campus TRTR 1408 817-515-1055

Students are encouraged to establish a relationship with academic advisors, ask questions, explore interests and research universities to find the best fit, NW transfer center coordinator Lourdes Davenport said. “Academic advising is the cornerstone of academic success,” she said. Academic advisors are available by appointment. Online advising is also available for students, but there is no academic advisement by phone. The offices are open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Ask an academic advisor about honors programs and support programs offered on your campus. TCC offers many different types of counseling on all campuses to suit the specific mental health needs of each student. Counselors have several on-campus resources available to help students deal with various personal issues. “Every counselor has a specialty,” NE counselor Masika Smith said. “We’re all trained for crisis counseling, but each of us has a certain field we can help out in.” Counselors also work with advisors to ensure they can help with a student’s academic worries in addition to any personal problems. “Counselors can help with stress management, dealing with test anxiety, relationship issues and finding a manageable balance with school, family and work,” said TR counselor Lori Leach. “We are here to help students get through the crisis.” Students are often hesitant to seek help and make a counseling appointment due to stigma. “I see students every day who are

feeling overwhelmed with different issues,” Leach said. “If you start to feel overwhelmed with school or personal concerns, please come in as soon as possible.” There is also a group of counselors dedicated to providing guidance to military veterans (see page 8 for more on veterans counseling). Short-term counseling services are free for all currently enrolled TCC students. “They are free and effective, even if you feel like it is a problem you can handle on your own,” said NW counselor Brentom Jackson. “Verbalizing it to someone who really cares to listen can provide an outside perspective, and useful strategies makes you feel better and empowered to face the many problems you will encounter throughout life.” The offices are open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday with the exception of NW, which is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday.

collegian.tccd.edu | The Collegian | Student Orientation Edition | FALL 2018

Veterans Counselors South Campus Valerie Groll SFOC 1341B - 817-515-4894 Northeast Campus Chris Hunt NSTU 2827 - 817-515-6493 Northwest Campus Anna Hinman WSTU 2814A - 817-515-7307 Southeast Campus Christina McDonald ESEC 2116A - 817-515-3381 Trinity River Campus Kevin D. Curry III TRTR 1401B - 817-515-1273

Student accessibility resources at TCC levels the academic playing field for students with visible and invisible disabilities. Office personnel meet with students to decide what type of assistance they need, TR SAR coordinator Kimele Carter said. “It’s a case-by-case, class-by-class basis,” she said. “Not every student has the

Veterans at TCC have access to counselors and veteran-focused services to assist with a smooth transition to college life on every campus. Veterans counselors are available to empower veterans, promote learning and make the college veteran-friendly. Each campus also has VetSuccess counselors from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to further assist when needed. Counselors are either veterans or military-connected, which means they understand military culture, said South veterans counselor Valerie Groll. same needs, nor does a student have the same needs for every class they take.” The SAR offices are designed to connect TCC students with disabilities to the accommodations and resources they need to fulfill their academic goals, Carter said. From note-taking help to interpreters to assistive technology, SAR offers a variety of services to make the curriculum at TCC accessible for students with disabilities, but it’s not a buffet, SE SAR coordinator Kaleb Cameron said. “Accommodations are based on need and not preference,” he said, adding that accommodations are individualized for each student's disability. To obtain academic accommodations, students must provide documentation of their diagnosis and the way it limits them, NE SAR coordinator Kim Eason said. “They have to have documentation from a licensed professional,” she said. “But if they don’t, we can refer them.” SAR coordinators can refer a TCC student to diagnosticians for learning disabilities, but students have to show a history of struggling academically to qualify. Students should visit SAR before classes start, Eason said.

TR veterans counselor Kevin Curry said his job at TCC is the best because he gets to help veterans as they transition to the next phase of their lives. “The vast majority of my veteran students courageously responded to the crisis of Sept. 11 by risking it all in service of their country,” Curry said. “I admire and am humbled by their sacrifice, and I attempt to repay their efforts by being there when they need me.” NE veterans counselor Chris Hunt said the challenges of college can be stressful when added to the other challenges veterans might be facing.

“Learning to navigate the academic system can be challenging for anyone,” Hunt said. SE veterans counselor Christina McDonald said the most important part of her role is to help ease the veterans from military to civilian life. “I am here to support and guide the veteran students to feel welcomed here at TCC,” McDonald said. “I am able to help veterans use his or her benefits to their maximum potential.” More information on VetSuccess can be found at tccd.edu/services/veterans-services/vetsuccess/.

Student Accessibility Resources All information shared with SAR is confidential and doesn't show up on transcripts. Students with documentation regarding a disability or suspect they have one are encouraged to stop by the office on their home campus for advisement. Some students find it difficult to go to the offices because of stigmas or negativity associated with disabilities, Cameron said. “But it’s a part of diversity and how we all have our own strengths and challenges,” he said. The offices are open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

FALL 2018 | Student Orientation Edition | The Collegian | collegian.tccd.edu

South Campus - SFOC Building 817-515-4554 Northeast Campus - NSTU 1629A 817-515-6333 Northwest Campus - WCTS 1133A 817-515-7733 Southeast Campus - ESED 2302A 817-515-3593 Trinity River Campus - TRTR 3817A 817-515-1295

Career Services TCC provides a variety of services to help students develop job search skills and locate employment opportunities. Career services is one resource for students who need help figuring out which major to choose and how to proceed after graduation. This resource offers several services including assessments to find where students’ interests lie and Career Coach, an online tool to help students build a resume and browse career paths. SE career services administrative assistant Quietera Lomax said it’s important to remember why a student chose to go to college. “Consider your reason for obtaining your degree,” she said. “If your goal is to obtain gainful employment, career ser-

vices should be a stop you make.” The staff works with students and utilizes MyPlan Career Interest Assessments as a tool to help assess a student’s personality type, strengths and interests and determine which careers may be a match for them. Career services occasionally hosts job fairs, which allow employers who offer flexible schedules, shift work and tuition assistance to speak to students and community members who can benefit most from their opportunities. The offices also assist current students with on- and off-campus employment. As for developing job search skills, career services can also help students put together the right resume and work with

them to develop interview skills to help students stand out. TCC also uses the career pathways model, which can help students navigate the choppy waters of choosing a major and what to do next, meaning related career and technical programs are grouped together. “We’re more or less creating a menu for them,” NE career services director Stephanie Rettig said. The career pathways model helps map a clearer course from the classroom to the workplace. So if a student wants to become a communications analyst, that student can earn a certificate, find a job and return for other certificates or a degree as they gain real-world experience, she said.

South Campus - SSTU 1102A 817-515-4551 so.careerservices@tccd.edu Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Northeast Campus - NSTU 1625A 817-515-6692 necareerservices@tccd.edu Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Northwest Campus - WSTU 2818A 817-515-7785 nw.careerservices@tccd.edu Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Southeast Campus - ESEE 2103A 817-515-3592 secareerservices@tccd.edu Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Trinity River Campus - TRTR 1002A 817-515-1054 trcareerservices@tccd.edu Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Library Services South Campus- SLIB 817-515-4524 Northeast Campus- NLIB 817-515-6627 Northwest Campus- WTLO 3100 817-515-7725 Southeast Campus- ESED 1200 817-515-3082 Trinity River Campus- TREF 2302 817-515-1220

New students to TCC may not know how helpful the campus libraries are and what a wide range of services they offer. Besides textbooks for classes and other teacher resources, students can check out novels, graphic novels and DVDs. If students have a research paper due or just want to research something for fun, they can head over to the library and check out the many databases it offers. Students' TCC ID card is their library card, and their WebAdvisor login is their library login. When it comes to studying or group projects, the library offers silent study rooms and group study areas. The library

also has desktop computers and laptops available. Need to scan, print or copy something? It has that too. The libraries will even help with research assignments. “We can help you narrow down or choose your topic and find resources to support it,” SE library services assistant director Tracey Minzenmayer said. TCC’s libraries offer both physical and digital services to help students succeed. NW library director Alex Potemkin believes the digital aspect of TCC’s libraries is an important service provided by the libraries across the district.

“Basically, students have access to libraries beyond library walls,” he said. “Any information they need can be found through our website so they don’t have to use Google and Wikipedia.” TR public services librarian Tracy Soto agreed about the importance of accessible information for students. “If students don’t know how to find that information or how to sift through all those sources of information, we provide help to them as well,” Soto said. More information on the campus libraries and the services offered at each can be found at library.tccd.edu.

collegian.tccd.edu | The Collegian | Student Orientation Edition | FALL 2018

Health Services South Campus SACC 1331A 817-515-4531 so.healthservices@tccd.edu Northeast Campus NSTU 1704A 817-515-6056 ne.healthservices@tccd.edu Northwest Campus WCTS 1151 817-515-7672 nw.healthservices@tccd.edu Southeast Campus ESEC 2118A 817-515-3591 se.healthservices@tccd.edu Trinity River Campus TREF 1312A 817-515-1059 tr.healthservices@tccd.edu

Students are offered free health services year-round on every TCC campus. For students not feeling well, the health services offices are there to treat them, so long as they are 18 or older, South health services coordinator Tina Ingram said. “Students can go to the bookstore and get ibuprofen, but we also have it here for students for free,” she said. Health services aims to help students stay focused and on campus so classes are not missed, NW health services coordinator Monica Hayes said. “We’re here to try to help students stay on campus throughout the day so that they don’t have to leave for basic health services,” she said. “Come in, get what you need and go back to class.” The clinics are staffed by licensed

registered nurses who provide weight monitoring, STD testing, over-the-counter medications and emergency response. “We have nebulizers for those with asthma as well as emergency medications like EpiPens, Instaglucose and oxygen,” Ingram said. Students who do not have health insurance can get information about lowcost or free resources where they can get

further assistance at health services too. “We’re here to help students find resources, to help people on campus and to provide health and wellness education on various topics,” Hayes said. Health services is open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. More information on health services can be found on tccd.edu/health.

Fitness Centers

South Campus - SHPE 1212 817-515-4543 Monday–Thursday: 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Friday: 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Northeast Campus - NHPE 1104A 817-515-6635 Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

All TCC students, faculty and staff can access any of the campuses’ fitness centers. The fitness facilities include multi-purpose gyms, weight rooms, cardio machines and jogging trails. Swimming pools are also available at all campuses, except TR, with recreational swim hours and instructor-led swimming courses. Campuses also have basketball, volleyball and racquetball courts available for general use. All the centers are constantly looking

to expand services to users, NE instructional associate Laura Bradford said. “For kinesiology majors, TCC has state-of-the-art training equipment normally found at four-year universities,” she said. To name a couple, TCC boasts a BodPod that can accurately measure body fat and a hydrostatic weighing machine that submerges in the water to assess a subject’s true weight. The centers are free to all students

who can use the gyms on any campus with a student ID to check in. Community and industry education students also have access to these facilities, and members of the local community can access the facilities by paying an annual membership fee that varies from campus to campus. More information on the fitness centers can be found at the kinesiology departments on each campus or on TCC’s website.

FALL 2018 | Student Orientation Edition | The Collegian | collegian.tccd.edu

Northwest Campus - WHPE Building 817-515-7641 Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–9 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Southeast Campus - ESEB 1204A 817-515-3850 Monday–Thursday: 7:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Friday: 7:30 a.m.–8 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Trinity River Campus - TRTR 1107 817-515-1905 Monday–Thursday: 6 a.m.–8 p.m. Friday: 6 a.m.–3 p.m.

Financial Aid

Almost $100 million of financial aid is awarded to TCC students each year through grants, scholarships, work-study and loans. Eligibility is determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. A student can apply online at www.fafsa.gov. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid as soon as possible because funds for programs are limited. Programs that are eligible for financial aid include any credit program that grants an associate degree and any certificate pro-

gram at least 16 credit hours. There might be exceptions regarding newer certificate programs that may still need federal approval. Tarrant County high school graduates also have an opportunity for financial assistance through TCC’s “Stars of Tomorrow” program. The program is available to students who graduate high school in the top half of their class while meeting a household income threshold. The program provides up to $4,000 over a maximum of six semes-

ters, depending on the number of enrolled semester hours. Veterans can apply for educational assistance and VA benefits and should contact the registrar's office. A veterans center is available on each campus for assistance with the process. Financial aid offices are open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m.5 p.m. Friday. For more information, contact the offices at fahelp@tccd.edu or 817-5154243.

The flexibility of hours is another bonus for students, said Wendy Hernandez, South financial aid associate. “They also might be able to focus more on their work because they’re on campus, and we work with their schedule,” she said. NE financial aid associate Andrew Rodriguez said several steps determine eligibility. “First, the student must complete the full name FAFSA online,” Rodriguez said. “Once the financial aid office at your campus receives your application and determines that you are eligible for workstudy, you must complete a work-study

orientation online or in person. Once you complete the orientation, you would proceed to the link provided in the orientation, upload your resume and apply for jobs that fall under the work-study category.” Students receive an award letter specifying the amount of work-study grant money they can receive. While there is no deadline for the work-study program, only a limited number of positions are

South Campus SERS 1112A Northeast Campus NADM 1212A Northwest Campus WADM 1201A Southeast Campus ESED 1105A Trinity River Campus TRTR 1032A

WorkStudy Students looking for on-campus employment that fits with their class schedule may be interested in the Federal Work-Study Program, which allows TCC to place students who qualify into jobs around the district as a form of federal aid for school. TR financial aid specialist Stephanie Castillo said this program offers many benefits for students because engagement on campus is a huge benefit and they can place students in departments where they’re studying. Through work-study, participants can get firsthand experience in their field of study, she said.

available on each campus. “You want to apply as soon as possible to get the most bang for your buck,” Castillo said. If students said they weren’t interested in the work-study program on their FAFSA application but want to participate later, it’s not a problem, Hernandez said. “They can come into our offices, and we can see if they’re eligible for it,” she said.

collegian.tccd.edu | The Collegian | Student Orientation Edition | FALL 2018

Student Activities South Campus | SSTU 1101A 817-515-4824 or 817-515-4050

Student Life

Northeast Campus | NSTU 1502 817-515-6582 Northwest Campus | WSTU 2811 817-515-7795 Southeast Campus | ESCT 1201A 817-515-3595 Trinity River Campus | TRIS (Idea Store) 817-515-1206

TCC is a nonresidential college, but there is no shortage of student life. Student life enhances the college experience by helping students meet their peers and form friendships by getting involved in things like intramural sports, clubs and organizations and other events the student activities offices put together during the semester. The college has over 170 student clubs and organizations for students to choose from. Students can check with their campus’ student activities office to see what registered organizations are offered on their campus and attend club fairs held at the beginning of each term where they can check out the different clubs available and meet members. If they don’t find something they like,

they can also ask their student activities office about starting a new student organization. When it comes to artistic expression, TCC also has opportunities for students interested in the fine arts. Dance companies, music groups and theater performances are available for students to participate in, and each campus frequently hosts art exhibits. Students can stay healthy and active by participating in intramural sports on their campus too. Intramural sports are recreational sports organized within TCC’s community. No practices are required. All you have to do is register, follow the policies and procedures and show up. Intramural offices will organize leagues, tournaments and special events among the many sports being offered. They’ll take care

For a full list o f student right s, responsibilities and other information a bout student conduct, the PDF version o f the student hand book is availa b le at tccd.edu/serv ices/student-l ife/ rights-and-resp onsibilities/stud enthandbook/

of scheduling games, hiring officials and providing equipment. Any currently enrolled student or employee is eligible for competition in any intramural sports activity, and no participation fees are required. Contact your campus’ kinesiology department for more information about intramurals. Students have many ways to get involved outside the classroom, and TCC’s student activities offices strive to cultivate a campus community where students can achieve academic success and enjoy the full collegiate experience. For additional ways to join student life on campus, students should visit their student activities offices, which are open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Appeal

Freedom to Assemble

Campus Carry Effective Aug. 1, 2017, the Campus Carry law (Senate Bill 11) allows licensed individuals in Texas to carry a concealed handgun in buildings on public community college campuses, except in locations the college establishes as prohibited. Prohibited areas include but are not limited to theater and performance halls, health services, testing services, counseling services, physical education facilities, Early College High School programs, child care facilities, and the TCC police department. Under the new law, openly carrying handguns is not allowed on college campuses.

Freedom of Sp eech

You have the right to speak on any topic, on campus, unless it infrin ges on the equal rights of others and functions of th e college.

You may publicly assemble on campus anywhere people are permitted to be. No advance permission is required. But, any demonstration, riot or activity that disrupts the normal operations of the college, infringes on the rights of others, or leads others to disrupt scheduled or normal activities is prohibited.

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of an investigation, you can appeal any decision you feel is necessary, but you must file within 10 days after an initial decision is made.

One in five college students experience some form of sexual assault, according to the RTI Center for Justice, Safety and Resilience. Because of this as well as how public awareness about sexual harassment has increased, campus officials are working to publicize how they can assist students and make sure students are aware of the options available to them for reporting sexual assault. One option is notifying their campus’ Title IX office. Though people often associate Title IX with ensuring equal opportunities for men and women in sports, the federal education law also addresses sexual offenses in the classroom or workplace for students, faculty and staff. Title IX protects people from discrimination based on gender in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. This includes a wide range of sexual and gender-based misconduct, like sexual violence, assault and exploitation, domestic and dating violence and stalking and harassment, according to TCC’s website. NW Title IX deputy coordinator Leon Minor said it’s important for students to be aware of the resources they have on campus to stay safe and for them to put the campus

South Campus, SSTU 1105 Belinda Lopez | 817-515-4827 belinda.lopez@tccd.edu

police number in their phones. TCC police can be reached anytime at 817-515-8911. The college has also made it easier for students to report sexual assault and misconduct because they can do so online by going to www.tccd.edu/care to access an incident reporting form, said Ricardo Coronado, associate vice chancellor for human resources and the district’s Title IX coordinator. “Students need to know their names are confidential when they report sexual assault,” he said.

Academic Grade Appeal Students can appeal any grade given they believe is unwarranted.

CARE Teams

South Campus Belinda Lopez | belinda.lopez@tccd.edu Northeast Campus Debra Lamb | debra.lamb@tccd.edu

Here are 3 areas where students may want to know their freedoms at TCC

Know your rights on campus

FALL 2018 | Student Orientation Edition | The Collegian | collegian.tccd.edu

Title IX

Northwest Campus Leon Minor | leon.minor@tccd.edu Southeast Campus Kecia Baker | vekeisha.baker@tccd.edu Trinity River & TCC Connect Campuses Tim Cason | timothy.cason@tccd.edu

To support students, TCC has CARE teams, also known as behavioral intervention teams, that consist of a cross section of people from different areas on campus. NW student development services vice president Joe Rode said TCC’s campus CARE teams are one measure to mitigate the risks of incidents, like the February school shooting in Parkland, Florida, from occurring on one of TCC’s campuses. The CARE acronym stands for consultation, assessment, resources and education, all of which are functions of the teams. The teams meet weekly and use NABITA’s threat assessment, which goes over behaviors and offers possible remedies

Northeast Campus, NADM 1302B Debra Lamb | 817-515-6649 debra.lamb@tccd.edu Northwest Campus, WCTS 1111B Leon Minor | 817-515-7141 leon.minor@tccd.edu Southeast Campus, ESED 2313C Kecia Baker | 817-515-3215 vekeisha.baker@tccd.edu Trinity River & TCC Connect Campuses, TRTR 2004A Tim Cason | 817-515-1331 timothy.cason@tccd.edu

and solutions to aid students, South student support coordinator Belinda Lopez said. The teams don’t only look at students who pose a threat to themselves or others. They also work with students struggling with homelessness, domestic violence, financial crises and more, said SE student support coordinator Vekeisha Baker. The teams comprise eight individuals from student support services, campus police, advising and counseling, health services, academic affairs, student accessibility resources, student life, and student conduct and Title IX. South student development services vice president Larry Rideaux said the teams are in place to keep students from falling through the cracks. “We don’t believe in throwing students away,” he said. “We believe we should provide the support to help them be successful and accomplish their goals.” The focus of the CARE teams is on students, said Rode, who hopes to improve student retention by developing relationships with those at risk. He added that providing a “culture of caring” for students is vital. Anyone can report a student online by going to tccd.edu/care, which takes a person directly to the reporting form. Students can also contact their campus’ student support coordinator for more info.

collegian.tccd.edu | The Collegian | Student Orientation Edition | FALL 2018

Bookstores South Campus SBKS Building 817-515-4565 Northeast Campus NSTU 1218A 817-515-6646 Northwest Campus WSTU 1201A 817-515-7755 Southeast Campus ESEC 1202A 817-515-3070 Trinity River Campus TRTR 2301 817-515-1050

Students taking a foreign language can use language labs to help them study the language and work with tutors at no additional cost. Language labs have supplementary materials for language courses that are offered, and they also provide an opportunity to talk to others who speak the language fluently. SE instructional associate Anel Herrera said these language tutors are effective for those struggling with a foreign language. “I’ve seen this help students pass a class that they were failing,” she said.

TCC bookstores on each campus are managed by Barnes & Noble and offer textbooks as well as supplies, clothing, gifts, drinks and snacks. The bookstore is a convenient place to buy required textbooks for courses at TCC. Students have the option to buy or rent physical copies in either new or used condition. Also, digital versions of the books are often available to buy or rent instead of grabbing a physical copy. Students can determine which books are required through the course syllabus via the instructor or online at tccd.bncollege. Tutoring is a valuable resource at no cost, said NW instructional associate Melanie Mendez said “It costs a lot of money to be tutored outside of the college, especially for specialized languages,” she said. There are also labs and tutoring available for many of the core curriculum courses on each campus. “Utilizing all the labs and support on campus is a big help,” said TR reading associate professor Christi Bluefeather. “Those students who do their homework on campus in the labs tend to do better with their grades.”

com. The online bookstore allows students to enter their course information into a form and find which textbooks they need. There is no obligation to students to buy their books from a TCC bookstore and may acquire their books through alternative retailers such as Amazon or Chegg. Students who are willing to spend time searching for a deal may be able to save some more money. If you buy your book through the bookstore, there is an opportunity to sell it back for a fraction of the cost, up to 50 percent, at the end of the semester. And if

you buy the wrong book from the bookstore, then the book may be eligible for a refund if it falls under the bookstore’s returns and refunds policy listed on the bookstore’s website. TCC Plus courses are also available, which include the cost of learning materials on your schedule and fee statement when you register. During the fall and spring semester, the bookstores are open 7:45 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:45 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday. The NW bookstore is also open 9 a.m.-noon Saturday.

Language Labs/Tutors South Language Acquisition Center SCLC 0123 | 817-515-4527 Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m.-noon, 12:30-4:30 p.m. NE Language Acquisition Center NACB 1114 | 817-515-6901 Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. NW World Language Lab WFAB 2615 | 817-515-7627 Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. SE World Languages Lab ESEE 2141 | 817-515-3811 Call for hours TR Sign Language Lab TREF 5308 | 682-200-1439 Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

FALL 2018 | Student Orientation Edition | The Collegian | collegian.tccd.edu

Blackboard App

Blackboard

WebAdvisor

We've got an app for that Between balancing classes, extracurriculars and possibly a job or two, there are a few applications students can use to help ease their workload and stay on top of things.

Circle of 6

Evernote

Venmo

Available for free for iOS and Android devices. Ever feel uncomfortable when it’s dark and you’re walking to your car or in an unfamiliar area? This app helps you stay safe by connecting you to six trusted contacts, whenever and wherever. Use the pre-programmed “come and get me” message with your GPS location, or easily call national and local emergency hotlines in critical situations. It’s a fast and discreet way to put your safety first.

Available for free for iOS and Android devices. This app syncs all of your stuff — text, audio, photo, video — to an online account, so you’re always connected with resources to study. The premium version is even more useful, at $5 a month or $45 a year.

StudyBlue

WebAdvisor/ Blackboard

Many of your college-related tasks can be accomplished online through WebAdvisor, Blackboard and your school email by logging in at my.tccd.edu. WebAdvisor handles most of the essential functions you need throughout your entire time at TCC. You can log on to WebAdvisor to register and pay for classes, schedule an advising appointment, request transcripts and perform a degree audit among many other things. Blackboard is primarily a resource for your current semester courses where you can find announcements from instructors, a discussion board with classmates and grades. Grades for previous semesters are accessed through WebAdvisor. While you may already have a per-

Available for free for iOS and Android devices. Venmo allows students to transfer money to others straight from their card or bank account. It’s quicker for those who need to pay rent on time or pay someone back.

Mint

Alarmy

sonal email that you prefer using, it is important to also regularly access your my.tccd.edu email to receive course announcements and campus news updates because teachers can only correspond with students through their TCC email. Logging into your school email also allows you access to Google Drive for cloud-based storage. If you are trying to log in for the first time, you can click on “Password Reset & Help” at my.tccd.edu and follow the instructions to determine your username and initial password. Tech support can be contacted at 817-515-8324 if you are having trouble and need assistance with any of these services. Available for $1.99 for iOS and free for Android devices. This is a great app to help you get to those early morning classes on time. Nicknamed the “world’s most annoying alarm,” Alarmy gives you two options to silence the alarm: 1) Shake your phone or 2) Physically go to the place shown on your screen and take a picture.

Available for free for iOS and Android devices. Lab fees. Books. Tuition. Food. College adds up quickly. One task students face while they’re in college is budgeting, but this app can help with that. Like Venmo, Mint allows people to securely put in bank information, which will help them accurately budget based on how much is in the account. Students can also track transactions as well as set reminders to avoid late fees.

Available for free for iOS and Android devices. Flashcards are an effective way to memorize information, but making them is a headache. With StudyBlue, use text, pictures and audio to create the perfect stack of digital flashcards or search the massive database to borrow someone else’s.

Dragon Anywhere

Available for free for iOS devices. Ever wish you could type faster? Dragon Anywhere uses voice recognition software to let you speak and immediately see your words in text. Try this if you’re in a time crunch and really need to churn out an essay or if you’re just someone who prefers speaking over writing.

collegian.tccd.edu | The Collegian | Student Orientation Edition | FALL 2018

Police New semesters bring in new students, which gives TCC police a chance to refresh everyone’s memory about rules and how to stay safe while on campus. When it comes to keeping a car secure, South Campus Lt. Darren Clark said people should be proactive in protecting the items inside. “Lock your car and keep track of your belongings. We frequently take reports from students who have had property stolen from them or was misplaced,” Clark said. “Being responsible with your belongings helps keep them your belongings.” Students are also encouraged to call campus police immediately if a car accident occurs on campus, he said. If a problem arises that needs police intervention, call or use the Code Blue phones located in every parking lot. “The single-button phones have a red emergency button that will give a direct connection to the TCC police for police, fire or medical emergencies,” Clark said. The Code Blue phones located in the

Alertus Students have the option to receive text message notifications from the college’s registrar, business services and financial aid offices. You can sign up for the text message notifications from your phone by texting “tccnotify” to 550-055. WebAdvisor also allows students to opt in to the same text message notifications. If you opt in but change your mind later, you can opt out at any time. The text messaging system was put in place by TCC to communicate effectively, said David Ximenez, enrollment and academic support associate vice chancellor. “Research and data revealed what students use most frequently, and it was text messaging,” he said.

parking lots are equipped with a point, tilt, zoom camera to further assist officers during an emergency 24/7. These phones are also located in classrooms campuswide. Owens pointed out that dialing 911 on a cellphone will connect the caller to local police. For campus police, callers should dial 817-515-8911 from their phone or 58911 from any on-campus telephone. For the fastest response to an emergency, students should contact the TCC Police Department first. TCC officers are already on campuses, and they know the campuses well. Officers can also help with more basic needs. “Vehicle assists, which include jumpstarts and car unlocks, are our most commonly responded to call,” SE Campus Lt. Greg Bowen said. Many times, students are unaware vehicle assistance services are provided free of charge, he said. The police department is on site and ready at a moment’s notice to assist with a Ximenez said it’s OK if a student doesn’t prefer text messaging. “We still have email and phone calls and snail mail if that’s preferred,” he said. “We just have this option for students as a way to communicate with students more effectively.” In addition to text message notifications from the registrar, business services and financial aid offices, students can also receive emergency alerts on their cell phone through their myTCC alert profile. All current students, faculty and staff receive an email with a username and password to update their myTCC alert profile. To receive emergency alerts on your cellphone, log in to your account and opt in for message alerts. Students can manage their contact profile online through myTCC alerts, where they can update their contact information for receiving alerts and add, delete or update their devices at any time. For more information about myTCC alerts, go to https://www.tccd.edu/about/ emergency-information/my-tcc-alerts/.

Police Emergency 817-515-8911 | Police Non-Emergency 817-515-7722 Environmental 817-515-1990 | Emergency Management 817-515-1290 Risk Management 817-515-1829 | Workplace Safety 817-515-1856

jump start. Bowen encouraged people to go to their cars with friends to avoid the risk of trouble. When in need of an escort, students should call police and request one. Campus police are there to help and put safety as their top priority, Clark said. “We are part of the campus community and are serious about our mission to help students,” he said. “We look forward to serving the students and making their endeavors at TCC safe and enjoyable.” For additional information on campus safety and TCC's emergency procedures, go to tccd.edu/about/emergency-information/know-what-to-do/.

South Campus SSTU 1213B - 817-515-4060 Northeast Campus NADM 1301A - 817-515-6737 Northwest Campus WADM 1202E - 817-515-7722 Southeast Campus ESEC 1240A - 817-515-3911 Trinity River Campus TRTR 3702A - 817-515-1911 Trinity River East Campus TRHW 3112A - 817-515-2369

Important Notifications MyTCC alerts are only one of the college’s systems used to notify people. Different systems are used depending on what’s going on and where. One is Alertus, which has an app that is free to download for iOS and Android devices, said emergency management director Kirk Driver. “This [Alertus] is useful for situations like for when people are in between their vehicles and a building and the app could alert them to not go into a particular build-

FALL 2018 | Student Orientation Edition | The Collegian | collegian.tccd.edu

ing,” he said. “We would love for our staff, faculty and students to take advantage of that.” When searching for the app, the results offer two options. Students, faculty and staff need to download the yellow “recipient” app. Once the Alertus app is downloaded, enter your TCC email, enter the organizational code, which is TCCD, then enter the PIN code, which is 8911.

For first-time TCC students, learning the rules of campus parking is important for avoiding unwanted citations and fines. To start, those attending classes at TR or TR East must display a parking permit that is stamped by the campus police. Student parking permits are free. To get one, students will need to bring their current driver’s license and class schedule and fee statements to TR Campus’ police office. As for the rest of the TCC campuses, parking permits are no longer required, but students are only allowed to park within the white lined parking spaces on all campuses. Campus parking lines are color-coded with white-striped lines for students, yellow for faculty and blue for visitors. If parked in the wrong space, a citation could be issued. Double, pull-through or back-in parking is prohibited at several locations,

Student IDs

South Campus SFOD 1402A 817-515-4560 Northeast Campus NLIB 2109 817-515-6874 Northwest Campus WCTS 1128 817-515-7176 Southeast Campus ESED 2120 817-515-3270 Trinity River Campus TREF 1203B 817-515-1035

Student IDs are free and allow access to services on campuses such as using the fitness centers or checking out books at the library. TCC students can also ride Trinity Metro bus routes for free with the use of their student ID (see right). You can get your student ID at the copy center on your campus, and you should bring along the following items: a picture ID, such as a driver’s license, your class schedule and fee statement and your colleague ID. The schedule and fee statement can be printed out through WebAdvisor. If you lose your student ID, you can replace it for a $10 fee. You can pay the replacement fee at your campus’ business services office and take the receipt to the copy center to get a new student ID. During the fall and spring semesters, copy centers are open 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m.-noon on Saturday.

Parking Lt. Toni Owens said. “SE and TR are the only campuses that allow backed-in parking,” Owens said. Students are expected to be familiar with and abide by the motor vehicle regulations outlined in the “Campus Motor Vehicle Regulations” booklet, available at campus police departments. The rules and regulations are

enforced at all times, including evenings and weekends. Owens said students can appeal a citation by filling out a form, which can be picked up at the police or business services offices. To learn more about parking areas and regulations, traffic violations and paying or appealing fees, go to tccd.edu/ services/campus-resources/parking/.

Trinity Metro This fall, all TCC campuses will have bus services for the first time, which will be free for eligible students with their student IDs. Trinity Metro, formerly known as The T, will bring bus services to the last two campuses not connected within the TCC system, the NE and SE campuses, in August. This solution helps students reach their education goals with the college, said communications and external affairs vice chancellor Reginald Gates. Hurst, North Richland Hills and Arlington don’t have citywide public transportation. That means travel to the two campuses in those areas is primarily done by car, which can be an obstacle for students.

As of last May, TCC students who are eligible for the EasyRide program can ride any Trinity Metro bus route for free with their student ID, Gates said. Through the program, TCC will cover the cost of using the bus lines, Gates said. Students must take at least three credit hours or 48 contact hours to qualify for the EasyRide program. To use student IDs on the buses, go to the copy center on your campus and have it activated. Any IDs issued after May 15 will automatically be activated for use on Trinity Metro buses. Download the NextBus app to find where your bus is in real-time and what buses may be near you. This is for the schedule only. You will need to use your activated ID for travel.

collegian.tccd.edu | The Collegian | Student Orientation Edition | FALL 2018

SOUTH CAMPUS

5301 Campus Drive Fort Worth, TX 76119 817-515-8223 tccd.edu/locations/south-campus/

SACA SACT SART SAUT SACR SBKS SBSA SBUS SCLC SECH SELE SERS SETC SFOA-F SHPE SHSC SLIB SMTC SMTH SMUS SNUR SPAC SRTA SREC SSCI SSTU STEC

Academic Classrooms Administration | Counseling Art Automotive Automotive Collision Repair Bookstore Building Services Testing Center | Classrooms | Labs Communications Learning Center Early College High School Electronics Enrollment Services Center of Excellence for Energy Technology Administrative & Faculty Offices Fitness Center Health Sciences Library Classrooms Mathematics Music Nursing Performing Arts Center Rotunda Recital Hall Science Student Center Welding/Construction

Dr. Peter Jordan South President

FALL 2018 | Student Orientation Edition | The Collegian | collegian.tccd.edu

NORTHEAST CAMPUS

828 W. Harwood Road Hurst, TX 76054 817-515-8223 tccd.edu/locations/northeast-campus/

Dr. Allen Goben NE President

NADM NACB NBSA NBSS NCAB NDPP NDPW NDSC NFAB NFAC

Administration Offices Academic Classrooms Building Services Business | Social Sciences Communication Arts District Physical Plant District Physical Warehouse District Service Center Fine Arts Building Faculty Offices

NHPE NHSC NIMC NLIB NMPC NSCE NSCW NSTU NTAB

Health/Physical Ed. Health Sciences Instructional Media Center Library Multi-Purpose Classrooms Science East Science West Student Center | Bookstore | Cafeteria | Nurse Technology & Arts

collegian.tccd.edu | The Collegian | Student Orientation Edition | FALL 2018

4801 Marine Creek Parkway Fort Worth, TX 76179 817-515-8223 tccd.edu/locations/northwest-campus/

NORTHWEST CAMPUS

Dr. Zarina Blankenbaker NW President WACB WADM WATB WBSA WCJC WCTS WFAB WFSC WHPE WMBA WMBB WMBC WBMD WPFR WSTU WTLO

FALL 2018 | Student Orientation Edition | The Collegian | collegian.tccd.edu

SOUTHEAST CAMPUS

Dr. Bill Coppola SE President

collegian.tccd.edu | The Collegian | Student Orientation Edition | FALL 2018

300 Trinity Campus Circle Fort Worth, TX 76102 817-515-8223 tccd.edu/locations/trinity-river-campus/

TRINITY RIVER CAMPUS

Dr. S. Sean Madison TR & TR East President

TRTR

District Offices Idea Store | Community Outreach Center | First Year Experience

FALL 2018 | Student Orientation Edition | The Collegian | collegian.tccd.edu

TRINITY RIVER EAST CAMPUS

245 E. Belknap Fort Worth, TX 76102 817-515-8223 tccd.edu/locations/trinity-river-campus/trinity-river-campus-east/

Dr. Carlos Morales TCC Connect President

Virtual Campus

TRHA TRHN

TCC Connect is the college's sixth campus and is ranked 10th in the state for online colleges. The virtual campus handles distance learning courses. Students enrolled through TCC Connect have access to certificate programs that are fully offered online as well as individual courses that are available to busy students. TCC Connect president Carlos Morales said he finds the benefits of the online campus are limitless for both students and the district. The virtual campusâ€™ office is located at TR in the West Fork building. For more information, visit tccd.edu/locations/ tcc-connect-campus/ or call 817-515-8000.

collegian.tccd.edu | The Collegian | Student Orientation Edition | FALL 2018