Student Success
center
Issue 1
Oct. 2012 newsletter
What can the Graduation Coaches do for you? Monika Longoria’s degree plan required she take three courses in sequence. While this is for the students’ benefit and is normally not negotiable, this would have moved Longoria’s graduation from a four-year graduation to a five-year graduation. If she could take two classes concurrently, she could graduate in May of 2013. Eight months of employment could be potentially lost if her graduation date was delayed. After meeting with her graduation coach, she felt a sigh of relief. Together, they were able to work with the department chair to negotiate alternatives that would fit her degree plan. This would allow her to graduate a semester earlier. This type of intervention could propel Monika in to the job market much sooner, potentially earning her thousands of dollars. Come visit us in the MRCN Annex or call us at 956-882-8292 to set up an appointment.
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Inside this issue
On the go!
» » Tools for Academic success » » fall workshops » » 7 facts about a.s.p.i.r.e.
Attention Sophomores ! Are you feeling the second-year slump? Come and visit your expert guide and learn about navigating the sophomore year, opportunities for study abroad and much more. Call for an appointment at 956-882-8292.
Student Success Center 956-882-8292 •www.utb.edu utb.edu/studentsuccess
Fall 2012 Workshops (Presented at Tandy Hall 113)
Q&A
What is the Student Success Center? The Student Success Center (SSC) was created to unite, under one department, all support services provided by Student Affairs aiming to improve students’ academic success. Where is the SSC located? The Student Success Center (SSC) is located in the MRCN Annex nested between the far north side of the building and the back of Eidman Hall. It is opposite to the daycare facilities. What support services are offered? The SSC offers career counseling for students undecided about a major or to learn more about career fields for specific majors; guidance for sophoMORES; educational counseling for those wishing to learn strategies in becoming better students; graduation coaching to guide students towards reaching graduation on a timely manner; support and guidance for student-athletes. Other programs under this department include, CAMP for migrant students; SSSP/ASPIRE mentoring and tutoring for 275 eligible students and STING, mentoring for incoming freshmen with developmental classes.
Test Taking Strategies: Preparing for midterms and beating test anxiety.
Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10
Careers in Art
Noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18
Zombies, Study!
2-3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19
Financial Literacy
Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24
Careers in Communication
Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7
Balancing Act: Work, school and extracurricular activities
Noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8
Financial Literacy
5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15
Celebrating Career Development Month
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15
Test Taking Strategies: Preparing for finals and beating test anxiety.
Noon to 1 p.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28
Other programs under SSC • CAMP, which provides services for first year migrant students • SSSP/ASPIRE, which provides mentoring and tutoring for 275 eligible students • STING, which provides mentoring for incoming freshmen enrolled in developmental classes
The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College
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C.A.M.p. has Been funded for five years! Campus awarded $2.1 million grant to serve migrant students The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College (UTB and TSC) received a five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education totaling $2,124,780. The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) will provide assistance to 225 migrant/seasonal farmworker students over the next five years. CAMP is lead by Noel Rodriguez, Program Director, and Dr. Beatriz BecerraBarckholtz, Director of Student Success. CAMP works to help migrant students overcome academic barriers to success through
comprehensive support services, including academic assistance, career advising/counseling, cultural enrichment activities, tutoring, mentoring and direct financial assistance through stipends and scholarships. Another key component is providing an environment of peers and professionals who intimately understand CAMP students’ unique needs and circumstances and will offer support and the tangible resources to succeed. For more information on CAMP, contact Noel Rodriguez at 956-882-7872 or visit utb.edu/camp. CAMP is under the Division of Student Affairs at UTB and TSC.
Tools for your academic success
10 Tips for Your Success 1. Always go to class. 2. Read your syllabus each week.
Discover tips, strategies and secret codes to improve your memory, retention and comprehension.
3. Take notes and study in groups. 4. Set time to study and stick to it.
First take the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) to uncover your current practices, study skills and attitudes for learning. Review the results with the Educational Specialist who will guide you and teach you techniques to improve your study habits. This, in turn, will increase the likelihood of your academic success.
5. Use campus resources. 6. Get to know and communicate with your professors. 7. Get involved on campus. 8. Learn SAP rules.
For more information or to schedule an appointment to take the LASSI inventory, call 956-882-8292.
9. Prepare for exams. 10. Be responsible for your own education; it will not come to you unless you go for it!
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utb.edu
A.S.P.I.R.E. Program ASPIRE staff can help you with academic or unexpected situations which can affect your success and wellbeing. Explore your interests, aptitudes and skills to make informed choices when selecting majors or career paths.
• Mentoring: First-year participants have the opportunity to meet on a weekly basis with a peer mentor who provides a variety of personal and academic support.
• Tutoring: Peer tutors provide free individualized assistance in a variety of subjects. Other services provided by the tutoring lab include conversation groups and graduate school test preparation.
• Financial Guidance: Assist you in securing the most appropriate financial resources available through individual guidance, program resources, referral and liaison with the Office of Financial Aid and community financial support agencies.
• Computer Lab: Program participants have the privilege of using computers in the tutoring lab. These computers are equipped with internet access and a wide range of software options.
We are accepting applications to the program now through the end of the semester! For more information, visit our website at utb.edu/aspire or “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/aspireutb. Visit us a MRCN 112, or call us at 956-882-8250.
/ SP SS IRE P 11 AS ll 20 a s F ct Fa
100% o f partic first-year ipants agree that h a mento ving a peer r positi made a ve imp ac their grades t on .
2.9 was the average overall GPA earned by a student who attended five or more tutoring sessions.
89% of participants were classified in good academic standing at the end of the semester.
29 is the number o f subjects tutored.
85% of participants who attended UTB in Fall 2010 have persisted throug h Fall 2011.
7 Facts About S.S.S.P./A.S.P.I.R.E.
he as t umber w n 9 age ops aver orksh w of red a e f f o th. o m n
97% of ants particip at h agree t SPIRE A SSSP/ plays tutoring nt t r a an impo heir part in t academic t. en improvem
The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College Student Success Center 956-882-8292 • utb.edu/studentsuccess
Numbers based on fall 2011 data.
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