Catalog 2010-2011 - South Texas College

these organizations has made inter-library loanagreements to share resources with other memberlibraries. Thus, the STC community has access tothe collections of several hundred academic andpublic libraries across the United States. STCLibrary patrons can borrow materials directly fromparticipating TexShare libraries with their currentSTC ID card and a TexShare card available fromthe STC library. Participating TexShare librariesin the region include: University of Texas-PanAmerican, University of Texas at Brownsville/TSC,Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Texas A&M-Kingsville,and TSTC-Harlingen.CENTERSfor learningexcellenceThe Center for Learning Excellence (CLE) helpsstudents acquire or reinforce the learning skillsand course content knowledge that they needto be successful in college. At the CLE, studentscan receive high-quality drop-in or by-appointmenttutoring along with other academic supportresources in a broad variety of subject areas.The CLE has been awarded the highest levelof certification status from the College Readingand Learning Association (CRLA), a leadingorganization in the certification of academiclearning centers based on established bestpractices for tutor training and evaluation. CLEsites are located on every STC Campus: Pecan,Mid-Valley, Starr County, Nursing and Allied Health,and Technology Center.Each of the CLE campuses house computerlabs where students can access technologicalresources to enhance learning; such resourcesinclude specialized software programs andinteractive electronic resources, as well as opencomputer labs for internet access and onlineinstruction. In addition, the CLE offers group-studyrooms for students to use with or without tutoringassistance.Students may also take advantage of the followingacademic support programs provided by theCenters for Learning Excellence:4Supplemental Instruction is a program in whicha peer learning mentor, called an SI Leader, isscheduled to attend class and hold regularlyscheduled study sessions in order to maximizestudent success. SI is primarily assigned tocertain courses that have been recognized asacademically challenging. Students enrolled inan SI course are charged a $15 per credit hourfee. Enrollment in SI classes is limited, so earlyregistration is encouraged.4Group Tutoring by Appointment provides anopportunity for students to obtain tutoringsupport for study groups. Study groupscomprised of four or more students may call toschedule a private tutoring session at the CLEfor up to one hour.4Student Success Workshops are informationaltraining seminars provided by professionalSTC staff and faculty. The workshops areoffered throughout the fall, spring, and summersemesters and cover a variety of subjects.Students can learn ways to maximize studytime, organize notes, manage time effectively, ormaster key academic concepts by participatingin these sessions.4Learning Communities are multiple coursesattended by the same group of studentsand taught by paired instructors who blendcurricula to maximize student learning. Usingthis approach, students are able to makeconnections across disciplines and build astrong peer support network.4Other specialized CLE Programs and Servicesinclude ASL Learning Lab, ESL StudentServices, Test Proctoring, and much more.Check the Centers for Learning Excellence websitehttp://academicaffairs.southtexascollege.edu/cle/for up-to-date information on tutor schedules,hours of operation, and complete descriptions ofthe academic support services we offer.ALUMNIAND FRIENDSThe Alumni & Friends Association developsrelationships and establishes lifelong connectionsbetween South Texas College and its members,leading to increased support for the institution’smission and goals. It promotes a variety ofnetworks and resources, and offers opportunitiesto grow professionally and socially.OUTREACHThe Outreach Department provides off-siteassistance to residents in Hidalgo and Starrcounties. Outreach Specialists distributeenrollment, financial aid, and program informationat various college and career days; promote thecollege through presentations at schools andcommunity agencies; assist prospective studentswith their transition into the college by helpingto complete enrollment and financial aid forms;conduct campus visits/tours; and coordinate newstudent orientations.The Outreach Department also facilitates the dualenrollment application and registration process forthe district’s high schools. Outreach Specialistsmaintain a unique relationship with communityagency representatives, high school counselorsand other school district personnel to ensure thatthey are providing the most efficient and effectiveservice possible.For further information, please call (956) 872-8391or 1-800-742-7822.79