3 Services EVERY student should know...

Being a college student is somewhat hectic.  Having to jumble a full course load, homework, a job or two and possibly children is not the easiest set of tasks to do simultaneously.  I've put together THREE web 2.0 technologies that may possibly ease your burden. I've personally used them and recommend them. 

1.  Jott.com - Assistant Features

  

 - This service was an excellent help while in school and while managing work.  When I first started using this service, it was free. Unfortunately, the service is now $3.99 a month. I still use it because it has come in handy MANY times.  

   - With Jott, you can capture quick thoughts...quickly...just by using your phone. You can call, text or email "notes" to your Jott account where they are then sent to your email inbox.  You can call Jott and "Jott a note". From there, your message is transcribed and converted to text, then sent to your email address on file.  

   - It was great for setting up reminders about test dates, birthdays, random thoughts and even emailing the professor.  

   - Jott is also compatible with many Web 2.0 social sites such as Google Cal, Remember the Milk, Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, etc., so you can post status updates or add calendar events from this ONE service. 

While you are at it, you can create lists and add to them whenever you recall something that should be on it. 

EXAMPLE: I have a list called "Store".  Whenever an item I need to get from the store crosses my mind, I "jott" it using the Jott.com service.  It is then added to my "Store" list and I am able to get that list text'd to me or emailed to me when I actually go to the store. Now...THAT's convenience. 

If you get interested in it, let me know and I'll send you a coupon code for a free month of service. 

2.  ScanMyEssay.com - VIPER Anti-plagiarism Scanner  (FREE)

   - Easy, accurate...FREE. 

   - This downloadable program scans your computer and the internet, then compares them with your essay to make sure you can't get busted on plagiarism.  It will scan other essays on your computer, published essays on the internet and bring up a highlighted side-by-side comparison of items that look similar.  

    - I'm sure you can see the benefits to this. No further explanation needed. 

3.  FreeFileConvert - File Conversion (FREE)

   - If you have ever come into the situation where you need to convert your Microsoft Word Document into a PDF, but just didn't know how...this site is for you.  You can thank me later. 

   - Simply goto the site, upload your file...choose the format you need it converted to (i.e., docx, pdf, jpg, etc.) then click "convert".  Badda-bing badda-boom.  

These three sites will be life-savers sooner or later if you use them correctly.  For extra tips and tricks or to ask specific questions...respond to this post or email me.  I also have videos up on various topics that may help you out. 

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

3 keys to showing students you care

Advisors, when they first start off, are motivated and dedicated. Over time, some tend to lose the sense of accomplishment that comes with service.  Often times, it isn't complacency that gets in the way, it is communication. 

Communication is critical to the advising process, and the foundation of good communication is respect and caring. I've taken a step back from the job. I've taken a retrospective look into what has worked, what has not, and why.  Here is what I came up with:

1) The first key is to take students seriously. Each has a different perspective and each student brings a new situation with them. 

2) The second is to never assume a student knows everything. Many advisors just jargon and tend to assume that every student knows the admissions process or the process to add/drop courses, etc.  This is one of the worse mistakes an advisor can make. Your goal should be to enlighten and educate, regardless of the student's age or perceived knowledge. 

3) You MUST make it personal. Students are coming to you for guidance and direction. If they wanted a systematic response, they would use the online chat feature on your school's main website for help.  Students are looking for that personal touch from an advisor. As an advisor, you should remember their name and situation because of all the thought and time spent on their case. 

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's 2nd Posterous

Don't BUY it...RENT it instead!

Did you know that the average student will spend over $500 per term buying textbooks? Seems like an awful lot of money to buy textbooks that often get opened one time, right? Well, with Chegg, you will save hundreds!

So stop wasting your money and start renting from Chegg.  I’m on the bandwagon and I’ve saved enough to buy all my term papers!  Not really, but I have saved some serious cash by Chegging my books.  I have a promo code that will save you an additional 5% off your total order, useCC107728.

Want proof?

Essential Biology by Campbell, Reece & Simon is $83.18 if you buy it on Amazon.com.  If you rent it on Chegg.com, it’s only $11.78.  That’s a savings of over $71!

It’s so simple, just search for the books you need and place your order.  Chegg will ship them to you fast and at the end of the term you ship them back for free.  What’s really cool is that they plant a tree for every order (for all you tree-huggers out there).

Don’t forget to visit Chegg.com and use 

promo code CC107728.

--
Joshua Hernandez
" if you can't solve a problem...You're probably playing by the rules."

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

A little chat with UTB's Transcript Evaluator...

The University of Texas at Brownsville exposes the truth behind the mystery that is "transcript evaluation".  An interview with one of three transcript evaluators currently working at UTB/TSC leads me to answers I (and every other student) have been searching for since our inception to higher learning. 

I started off slow, with some general questioning before tackling the major issues.  Here's the noted version...

How long does it take for a transcript to reach you personally (minus mail carrier time)?

 - Bottom line, it can be anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks honestly. Once the transcript is received at the Admissions Office, it is processed by student workers who place the transcript information into a system, then it is passed over to an actual evaluator.

 

What do you do with it once it reaches your hands? How do you evaluate it?

 - I immediately input the grades for common courses into Datatel. Typically, transcripts from local RGV colleges are quickly placed into the database since their academic core courses will transfer over. When I receive transcripts from other colleges outside the RGV or the state, I first

1. Check accreditation of that college
2. Research descriptions of courses that may transfer in

As you can imagine, this may take a while so we generally leave outside (the RGV) colleges for last.

Courses that absolutely do NOT transfer are remedials, certificate of completions, academies (Police Academy, etc.) or Graduate Study courses.

How does that work? Is there a rubric you use or point system to determine what courses are "worthy of transfer"?

 - Honestly, it is technically up to each of our opinions. A bit of power on our side I suppose. I check for matching course descriptions, but generally I  don't evaluate every course unless the student asks.

 

Alright, KINE courses...spill it.

 - I will generally give transfer credit into the college for any KINE course that involves a physical activity (even the online versions) except for KINE 1301. As far as KINE 1301 goes...if you took that course on or before Fall 2009, we will take it...if you took it Spring 2010 and on, we won't.

 

How do you handle Foriegn Universities?

 - That's a horse of a different color...for another conversation. 

 

Very well.

 

After that conversation, we decided to have a few follow up interviews in the future to dig more in depth on transfer questions.  I'll be out for a month on military training, but rest assured, I will be tackling this upon my arrival.  If you have specific questions you'd like answered, this is your chance.  Leave them in the comment section for me. 

Don't forget to "like" us at Facebook.com/TSTCgst

 

 

 

 

 

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

TAMUK transfer equivalency courses are here!

TAMUKequivCourses.pdf (39 KB)
View this on posterous

Here are the most recent courses that are transferable to Texas A&M Kingsville from Texas State Technical College Harlingen. 

Enjoy. 

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

Updated List of UTB Course offerings at TSTC

Hey everyone! Here is the updated list of UTB Courses that will be held at TSTC Harlingen.  If you have any questions...just ask. 

There are new updates made as time passes, please understand if locations/times change from now until course start dates. 

See the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

Technology will keep Advisors on their toes..

There is a difference between ideal advising and a student's view of advising.  Advising is helping students become self-sufficient. Effective advisors care about students and want to make a difference in their lives.  Great advising is also interactive; both the student and advisor contribute.

The use of technology should not be an excuse to abandon the relationship or accountability aspect.  Instead, it should be a tool to aid in enhancing those aspects.  The tricky part is that with the use of technology, advisors must be true to the cause; advisors will have no choice but to keep up with the relationships and stay prepared to answer questions in a moment's notice. If the advisor is not organized and prepared then it will immediately show and the student will lose trust. 

From the student's perspective...the advisor should automatically be accounting for the following questions:

• Are the course and/or section number accurate?
• Do any of these courses conflict?
• Does the student have the necessary prerequisites, co-requisites, placement scores or other preparation to take the course?
• Are any courses for "instituitional credit only" that will not likely transfer to another institution?
• Is the student taking the courses in the proper sequence?
• Does the student need to take any courses this term that aren't offered in other terms?
• Have any course/program requirements changed from the previous semester?

The number one student problem is confusion. As the advisor, you are expected to be the expert.

How technology changes things...

If you are considering implementing, or perhaps have already implemented, technology and social media into your daily operations then I suggest you be aware of the side effects.  Technology brings three key factors to the equation of advisement:

1) Increase in turn-around time
          - Web 2.0 tools and social media platforms are syncronous. This means virtually instant communication.  Whether it be via e-mail, blog, instant message or the like...the communication is instantaneous.  Students are well aware of this and expect instant, tangible results.  If they send an e-mail to you with a question, they expect a response within minutes. 

2) Increase in advisor accountability
          - The instantaneous nature of communication technology creates a new sense of accountability on different scales.  Keep in mind that students communicating with you via e-mail, blog, etc. have the ability to track their communications. This means that not only are they able to be made aware of when you opened or deleted their e-mail, but they are also able to track and record the information transfered between both parties.  Advisors can no longer afford to make careless mistakes or answer a student without having done the proper research ahead of time. 

3) Adjustment to daily activities/work style
          - New technology sometimes requires an adjustment to current work styles.  If you are a bit more on the traditional side when it comes to tools you are using for advisement, consider the adaptations you will need to make if you plan on incorporating new technologies.  Aside from a possible learning curve, you will need to plan adjustments to keep up with the technologies and consider which mediums you will use to do so.  The majority of web 2.0 tools are able to be accessed via smart phones, desktop applications, web applications, text message and email.  Do some research on the tools you are considering to utilize. Instead of waking up in the morning to read the paper, you may have to alter that to checking your blog comments or email.

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's 2nd Posterous

3 "better" ways to get a hold of a student...

As many of you know...attempting to establish or re-establish communication with a student is similar to hunting down a Sasquatch.  With the advent of Pocket, Cricket and other similar pay-as-you-go phone plans, a student's phone number can change three or four times within a semester!  

This places the academic advisor in a bit of a predicament.  An advisor is expected to maintain lines of communications regardless of a student's actions; with everything going on in a student's life, a student isn't always thinking about updating their resources with their new contact information.  As a result, advisors are left with nothing more than a dried up trail of old communication avenues that may or may not work when you need them.  

Through experience, I've reached a conclusion...it is time for advisors to get even more aggressive in their tactics. Here are three "better" ways to contact a student, aside from the traditional phone call and disconnection recording:

1) Collect Personal Email Addresses. Traditional students reaching the post-secondary level are all too exposed to solicitation.  Since the birth of the non-static web, our students have been asked to give their email address up on a contact form only to find out their inbox is filled with SPAM two seconds after hitting "enter" or submitting the paper form.  As a result, this new generation of students have adapted and now own 2 or more email addresses - specifically for this reason. Each email has it's purpose for the student.  It would benefit us to collect these addresses in an attempt to obtain their "true" personal email. Here are a few tips:

   - On any form that collects student information (whether via web or hard copy), add at least two slots for email addresses and label them "primary" and "secondary/alternate"...much like our phone number section.  

   - Add a disclaimer that you will not use their contact information for solicitations or allow access to any third party affiliates, even other departments in the college.  

   - Use their personal email in addition to their student/college email address to ensure your communication is delivered. 

2) Facebook/Myspace REQUIRED. Over 95% of traditional student entering or currently in college have either a Facebook or Myspace account, depending on the region you live in.  It takes time and effort to set these accounts up and establish their social community, especially if they have "custom" page names as part of their URL.  Take advantage of this and set up a Facebook or Myspace account for your specific department.  You will get better return rates on communication via social sites than a typical phone number.   Here are some tips when using these social media sites:

   - On any form that collects student information (whether via web or hard copy), add a section that allows them to write in their social media links. Not only will this save time, but it's an official way of a student giving you permission to contact them in this manner. A disclaimer for this would be a good idea as well. 

   - If you are going to use this method as a contact source, you must remember that it comes with rules and a dedication to building that personal rapport.  In doing so, you will be amazed at how much access to a student you can have and the perks of seeing "status updates" work well when you are having trouble finding out what a student may need to improve their grades, etc. 

   - If you have the ability to do so, I'd recommend making their involvement on your Facebook or Myspace account mandatory for your program/department/club, etc. The key is to keep them engaged or request "friend status" with your account. 

3) U shld IM them. Virtually every student has a smart phone. With that, comes mobile accessibility to IM services and providers such as Yahoo! Messenger, AIM, Digsby, etc.  Find out (via surveys, etc.) which services are most popular in your student base and set up professional accounts with those services.  Not only will you be making your services more convenient for them, but you will also be able to see when they are online or reachable.  All IM transcriptions can be logged and tracked, downloaded and emailed. 

Trust me, these methods work.  It is all a matter of preparation before the execution.  Check to see what your college's policies are regarding social media and communication with students prior to establishing these methods.  I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the response you get.  

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's 2nd Posterous

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Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's 2nd Posterous

Education's version of Facebook...

A report in eSchool News documents the combination of learning and social networking by dissecting a new social site, Grockit.  This site is eventually going to be geared toward creating a "collaborative learning space online where students can help one another solve homework problems and study". 

I could personally see how that would work, so long as there are students in your region using this site.  There wouldn't be too much use for it if there is nobody in your area utilizing the service.  Ideally though, you'd be able to access your peer's homework assignments 24/7. The enticing aspect is that a student can receive aid and advice from peers - instantly.  Since Grockit is an altered social networking platform, those individuals participating in the community will be graded and rated by their peers for integrity and service...much like eBay.  

At the moment, Grockit only serves grades 8-12 (Math and English) and Test Prep for the SAT, ACT, GRE and GMAT.  I've registered an account at www.grockit.com to explore the service more in depth.  So far...I've been impressed by how they go about analyzing your strengths and weaknesses. You start off by creating a profile and taking some exams depending on what service you will be using (GRE, SAT, etc).  These exams will test your Verbal, Quantitative and other skills. From then on, it is up to you to take Lessons to work with instructors in group classes and one-on-one, partake in a Group Study where you can chat live with other students, exchange tips, and learn by teaching, or Practice Solo and focus on areas all on your own.   

Of course..everything comes with a price...so in that aspect, it really isn't anything like Facebook...

BEWARE! 

The "Introductory" plan is free...which comes with unlimited Group Study Questions, 20 solo questions, etc...you don't get progress reports or performance reports.  The online personalized tutoring is a "pay as you go" plan..with is pretty pricey, $50 an hour for the GRE section! 

The "Standard", "Tutoring" and "Course" plans range from $79.99 to $399.99 one-time fee for a year's membership.  

My Opinion:

The site seems to be well thought out but over all projects the "I'm here to make money" vibe.  E-learning is relatively new and many studies are being conducted on the pros/cons of e-learning and social groups.  The concept rocks; the "business" side doesn't. 

 As it stands, I'd recommend using Grockit for the free "Introductory" offer to see where you may need some improvement on your skills then find other means of studying...BUT the product is there if you want it. 

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

Another University program available on TSTC Harlingen's Campus!

Times...they are a-changin'. 

Earlier I announced some specifics for the University of Texas at Brownsville's BA of Business Administration in Management to be housed on Texas State Technical College Harlingen's campus this Fall 2010.  There are a few colleges and universities that have already begun to implement a pathway to their bachelor degree(s) and Graduate programs without the inconvenience of leaving the Rio Grande Valley.  

Welcome Our Lady of the Lake University - San Antonio! 

Our Lady of the Lake University started with the implementation of a local graduate program, the Doctoral Degree in Leadership Studies program, that proved to be a hit.  They now have plans to introduce a Bachelor of Applied Studies in Computer Information Systems and Security (which is certified by the National Security Agency) at TSTC Harlingen.  This program is offered through OLLU's Weekend College Program and will meet eight times per semester which comes out to be every other Saturday and housed here in Harlingen.  According to Charles Puente, the Program Management and Advisor for Our Lady of the Lake University San Antonio Weekend College, students with an Associate in Applied Science technical field will receive approximately 54 to 60 credits toward their Bachelor degree!  That's practically two years worth of credits.  

Of course, the total amount of courses that transfer over depend on your associate degree field. Professor Ahlberg, the Department Chair of the BAS.CISS program, tells me that the TSTC program with the most transferable courses is the Computer Networking and Security Technology (CNST) with a total of 60 transferable credits (including the Academic Core).  

So far, the breakdown of courses available only extends to Fall of 2010.  A cohort of 15 students must be established before OLLU can continue the planning process for the remaining semesters.  Professor Ahlberg explained a portion of it to me earlier today.  Students who participate in this program can expect to receive 6 courses per year for an average of 3 years.  Granted, this is a slower process than the traditional amount of time for a Bachelor degree BUT what one sacrifices in time, one makes up for in convenience.  After you complete your academic core, and transfer over your associate degree credits, the average student will be looking at approximately 22 courses left (which is 1/2 the battle for a bachelor degree).  

I'm still doing some more research into it in order to provide everyone with a transfer equivalency chart. This will allow us to see exactly what we have to play with. In the meantime, I welcome any questions you may have.  

Our Lady of the Lake University Department Chair and advisors will be on campus to answer questions regarding their program on:

Wednesday, June 16

1 - 6 PM

Building "S" - 122

Thursday, June 17

10 AM - 3 PM

Building "S" - 122

To RSVP for the event/forum...please follow this link.

For a list of degrees offered from OLLU at TSTC or OLLU online...please follow this link. 

Don't forget to "Like" us on Facebook! 

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

Surviving Online Courses

Taking an online course is very very very different from the traditional classroom environment, which you may have guessed (or noticed).  Many students come through my office inquiring about online courses or requesting general advice on completing them without dying. :-/

I've taken MANY online courses through TSTC, DeVry, AIU and UTB. Every college had different requirements and course set-up.  I've put together my top three pieces of advice:

1) READ the syllabus.  This course information sheet will be your best friend when attempting to knock out an online course.  It will have ALL the important information like Instructor Contact Info, Course Requirements and Materials, and above all...it will state the weight of all assignments, quizzes, and tests.  

2) Print out the Grade section.  Every course I've taken online has a section that clearly outlines the items you must turn in for a grade.  This section is typically an automatic creation due to the software program(s) (Learning Management Systems) that schools use.  It is very helpful when an instructor says you are "required" to participate in discussion boards/forums but in all actuality, she isn't officially giving you a grade for it.  

3) Print out the Grading Rubric. The reason for this is that since the course is online, the only way to "officially" measure a student's knowledge is to compare assignments, tasks, etc. with a grading rubric.  This grading rubric is what instructors must go by when grading your assignments.  The BEST thing to do is review the rubric prior to completing the assignment and specifically mention those requirements. With online grading, there is a huge sense of "business is done in writing" approach. Instructors need to prove their reasoning behind the grades they give. 

The above may sound like odd items of advice, but I promise you...it helps. I've learned a lot from my experience and trust...lessons have been learned. 

www.facebook.com/TSTCgst

www.twitter.com/TSTCjosh

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

Earn one Associate and two Bachelor degrees in 3 years!

Looking to cut your education years in 1/2? Follow this plan, and you can earn ONE Associate of Applied Science degree and TWO Bachelor degrees in 3 years! 

Many students linger in college, it's practically a part of society's norm. College is typically the "Let Loose" years for the average students.  On the opposite side of that norm are the students that want to get in and out without sacrificing time, money or convenience.  This blog shows you how to do just that.  

The two institutions involved are Texas State Technical College Harlingen, and the University of Texas at Brownsville.  

Step 1:   Enter the Education & Training Program at TSTC Harlingen. This 2 year program has the most Academic Core courses included in the degree plan than any other program at the college.  Once you receive your Associate of Applied Science in Education & Training, you will have 33 credit hours of the academic core (your basics) under your belt. This leaves you with 15 credit hours left, which translates into five courses. You must spread those five courses out during your time at TSTC, which means that you need to take 15 credit hours every semester, instead of the usual 12.  Trust me, one extra class won't hurt, and by doing so, you will finish your basics at the same time as you get your degree. 

Step 2:   Enroll at the University of Texas at Brownsville and pursue the Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences (BAAS) Interdisciplinary Studies degree as well as the Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) Workforce Leadership and Training Degree. This means you plan on getting a double-major.  Your Associate degree that you earned at TSTC will automatically give you 33-36 credit hours towards your bachelor degree(s), which shaves off one year of school.  Lucky you. 

Step 3:   Reference the included picture, those are the classes you MUST take in order to receive each degree.  Notice that they are all the same, with the exception of those two highlighted in red.  All you have to do now is add one of those courses to each semester (which would only be for two semesters), and you will waste ZERO time.  

Note: ALL the referenced UTB courses are available COMPLETELY online. This would be the "convenience" part. ;-)

All you must do, is be serious...not fail ANY course, and keep strong! In the end, you will have one associate degree, two bachelor degrees, and only sacrificed 3 years of your life. :-) 

Please note though, that there are a few more options for you as far as degree choice goes...connect with me on facebook or comments on this blog to learn more.  

Facebook.com/TSTCgst

Enjoy. 

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

College 101 Workshops work...

As our time in the General Studies in Technology Program grows, our adaptation of administering the "College 101" workshop series has altered.  We have included more students populations to include the Helping A TSTC Student Succeed (HATSS) Program, External Articulation Population, High School Equivalency Program (HEP), and the General Studies in Technology GED component.  

Our original survey has been modified to reflect a more precise assessment of freshman student knowledge.  The survey now includes questions on Financial Aid Probation, "6-drop" rule, etc.  Being able to administer this general survey/assessment to our students prior to taking our workshop, then again after receiving the workshop information and seeing the results is astonishing.  

The question still remains as to how many students who are NOT classified as freshman, will actually pass this survey/assessment.  The General Studies in Technology Program advisors and mentors went on a quick 100-student survey spree during the Summer of 2009. The targets were random students in order to not lean one way or the other and receive an accurate portrayal of the knowledge of an "average" student.  

We have presented ourselves with the same task, except the focus will be on students who are NOT freshmen.  This survey will be conducted Summer of 2010 with another 100 students from Texas State Technical College Harlingen.  We'll see what the results bring. Perhaps we will be able to assist students who are still mid-way to completing their educational goals.

The workshop series has been such a success that there are plans to implement the workshop series into the Allied Health programs on campus.  We are looking forward to contributing to the support provided for Texas State Technical College Harlingen students! 

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

THE list of courses from UTB taking place at TSTC Harlingen

Download now or preview on posterous

Utb_at_TSTCfall10.pdf (69 KB)

Come One, Come All! 

The list has arrived (See Attached)...included in this post are courses being offered by the University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB) but being hosted at Texas State Technical College Harlingen (TSTC).  Remember, these courses come with UTB's tuition and instructors. TSTC is only providing the classroom space. 

If you are planning on completing your Academic Core from TSTC, please try to speak to an Advisor prior to registering for ANY KINE course. That course will not count toward your academic core completion.  

There has been a lot of collaboration between the two colleges in order to make this a reality. Please also remember that a UTB advisor comes to the Academic Achievement Center virtually every Thursday, so feel free to contact us to set up an appointment for you.  

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

Get a Bachelor Degree at TSTC

This Fall (2010), you will be able to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management degree at Texas State Technical College Harlingen....literally. TSTC Harlingen has cooperated with the University of Texas at Brownsville in order to provide the physical location for courses pertaining to the BBA in Management.  

In english: You can take UTB courses in TSTC classrooms and get your bachelor degree without setting foot at UTB...until you graduate of course (unless you'd rather not walk).

Of course, there is a process that goes along with it.  This degree is setup up to automatically feed in from TSTC's Academic Core with a Field of Study in Business (EA.FOS.BUSI) degree plan.  This means that after you take the 66 credit hours with TSTC, you become academic core complete AND can start taking your bachelor level courses because you now only have two more years to go.  

April 16th - an information forum was held at TSTC's LRC Orientation room.  

In attendance:

   

   University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College

   - Dr. Rafael Otero, Interim Dean of the School of Business

   - Maggie Arriaga, Program Coordinator

   - Cledia Hernandez, Program Director - Off Campus University

  

   Texas State Technical College Harlingen

   - Joshua Hernandez, Lead Pre-Tech Advisor - Academic Achievement Center

   - Yvonne Browning, Instructor/ Associate Program Chair - Academic Business Programs
 

Dr. Otero mentions that an alignment has been created between TSTC's and UTB's Associate Degrees, respectively.  The General Core and Business Lower Division Core can be taken at TSTC. (in the "DRAFT" image, the top two blocks are the the General Core and Business Lower Division Core)

Much like other degrees and colleges, the School of Business at UTB has an application process. You must apply to become part of that school within the university, in order to pursue the degree.  Students must have a 2.5 GPA minimum when applying to the School of Business. 

There is also a minimum amount of student interest needed in order for the course to "make".  For this particular set of courses, that number is 15.  Which means that 15 students must register in each course in order for it to come to fabrication.  

This is one of the first steps toward TSTC's ultimate goal of providing a convenient and more affordable means for reaching higher education levels.  The University Articulation Center, that is set to be under construction at TSTC in the near future, will be the centralized location to house various university instructors and program ranging from RGV Universities as well as Central/North Texas Universities.  

For more information regarding the BBA in Management from UTB, such as which courses are being offered this Fall, etc., please feel free to contact me in the medium you are most comfortable with:

twitter.com/TSTCjosh

Facebook.com/TSTCgst

Yahoo IM: TSTC_Joshua

Phone: 956.364.4142

Email: joshua.hernandez@harlingen.tstc.edu

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

Get at Bachelor Degree at TSTC

This Fall (2010), you will be able to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management degree at Texas State Technical College Harlingen....literally. TSTC Harlingen has cooperated with the University of Texas at Brownsville in order to provide the physical location for courses pertaining to the BBA in Management.  

In english: You can take UTB courses in TSTC classrooms and get your bachelor degree without setting foot at UTB...until you graduate of course (unless you'd rather not walk).

Of course, there is a process that goes along with it.  This degree is setup up to automatically feed in from TSTC's Academic Core with a Field of Study in Business (EA.FOS.BUSI) degree plan.  This means that after you take the 66 credit hours with TSTC, you become academic core complete AND can start taking your bachelor level courses because you now only have two more years to go.  

April 16th - an information forum was held at TSTC's LRC Orientation room.  

In attendance:

   

   University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College

   - Dr. Rafael Otero, Interim Dean of the School of Business

   - Maggie Arriaga, Program Coordinator

   - Cledia Hernandez, Program Director - Off Campus University

  

   Texas State Technical College Harlingen

   - Joshua Hernandez, Lead Pre-Tech Advisor - Academic Achievement Center

   - Yvonne Browning, Instructor/ Associate Program Chair - Academic Business Programs
 

Dr. Otero mentions that an alignment has been created between TSTC's and UTB's Associate Degrees, respectively.  The General Core and Business Lower Division Core can be taken at TSTC. (in the "DRAFT" image, the top two blocks are the the General Core and Business Lower Division Core)

Much like other degrees and colleges, the School of Business at UTB has an application process. You must apply to become part of that school within the university, in order to pursue the degree.  Students must have a 2.5 GPA minimum when applying to the School of Business. 

There is also a minimum amount of student interest needed in order for the course to "make".  For this particular set of courses, that number is 15.  Which means that 15 students must register in each course in order for it to come to fabrication.  

This is one of the first steps toward TSTC's ultimate goal of providing a convenient and more affordable means for reaching higher education levels.  The University Articulation Center, that is set to be under construction at TSTC in the near future, will be the centralized location to house various university instructors and program ranging from RGV Universities as well as Central/North Texas Universities.  

For more information regarding the BBA in Management from UTB, such as which courses are being offered this Fall, etc., please feel free to contact me in the medium you are most comfortable with:

twitter.com/TSTCjosh

Facebook.com/TSTCgst

Yahoo IM: TSTC_Joshua

Phone: 956.364.4142

Email: joshua.hernandez@harlingen.tstc.edu

Joshua Hernandez
" if you can't solve a problem...You're probably playing by the rules."

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

Attending TWO Colleges simultaneously while on Financial Aid

The "unknown" Consortium Agreement is perhaps one of the hidden gems for transfer students.  Many students ponder the thought of attending two schools at the same time, but figure that Financial Aid (Federal Pell Grant) will only cover one school.  Well, to a degree - this is true.  BUT (there's always a "but") in all actuality, Financial Aid only requires to have a "home school" recognized to send the funds to. That "home school" may use a Consortium Agreement to recognize your attendance at another college.

Students are able to spend a semester or academic year at another domestic institution and transfer the hours earned back to their "home school".  Students can combine the hours at both institutions for financial aid purposes. It is possible to receive financial aid under these circumstances as long as certain requirements are met.    

Let me give you an example run down...

Little Johnny is attending Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Harlingen, and is in his last semester before graduating.  Unfortunately, for whatever reason, he only has one class left to take that is included in his degree plan.  He is on Financial Aid, and only classes that are on his degree plan will be covered.  Little Johnny doesn't want to waste time, and wants to continue his education at the University of Texas - Pan American (UTPA).  

Using Consortium Agreements that are already in place, he can attend both colleges at the same time and have Financial Aid recognize every course he takes.  He logs in to FAFSA Online and changes (or adds) UTPA's school code. 

 After completing the application and registration process at UTPA, he decides to take 3 classes at UTPA and 1 class at TSTC.  He takes his registration statement from TSTC to his new "home school" (UTPA) Financial Aid Office and pursues the Consortium Agreement. UTPA recognizes that 1 course from TSTC and tells FAFSA that you are a Full-Time Student.  

End result: Little Johnny gets to have his cake and eat it too.  He graduates from TSTC and doesn't miss out on time by taking his Bachelor courses at UTPA.  

NOTE: This is also possible with the University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB).  I personally find that this process is easier at UTB simply because you don't have to wait for the Census date to receive funds.  At UTPA, you must wait until the Census date (12th class day) to get approved for funds, which means you have to find a temporary means of paying for your class at TSTC.  

Here are links to Consortium Agreements in the Rio Grande Valley:

UT - Pan American

UT - San Antonio

UTSA - Health Science Center

South Texas College 

Joshua Hernandez
" if you can't solve a problem...You're probably playing by the rules."

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

Take UTB courses at TSTC!

Many students wish they could take courses from out of town Universities without sacrificing the ability to physically be present in the class. After all, not every student is comfortable enough to take online courses or have the financial means to travel everyday to class.

  

Good News: The University of Texas at Brownsville will be offering their Bachelor of Business Administration in Management degree at Texas State Technical College Harlingen. No more traveling. No online courses. Just a different location. 

This is a tremendous opportunity for students who live in Harlingen or neighboring communities to take advantage of pursuing a Bachelor Degree without having to travel to the University of Texas at Brownsville.  

UTB understands that there are going to be questions...so in order to clear up any miscommunication(s), they will be hosting an Information Forum at the TSTC LRC Orientation Room on April 15th at 6:00 PM.   

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

Possible Change in Regulations May be Bad News for Students at TSTC

There is an alert system in place at Texas State Technical College Harlingen. As it stands, a student is given several chances (3 to be specific) to be satisfactory regarding academics.  

In English: You have 3 strikes to get your GPA over a 2.0 or else you forfeit Financial Aid funds.

There is a proposal being made to the Board of Regents that govern the TSTC System, which will change the regulation.  

The Current System looks like this:

1st semester of having a GPA below 2.0 = Warning

2nd semester of having a GPA below 2.0 = Probation

3rd semester of having a GPA below 2.0 = Suspension (which effects the next semester) 

Suspension = 1 semester. 

The Proposed System looks like this:

1st semester of having a GPA below 2.0 = Probation

2nd semester of having a GPA below 2.0 = Suspension (which effects the next semester)

Suspension = 1 year. 

So, in essence, TSTC is merely adopting a formula that the majority of other universities and colleges already have in place. We were one of the rare colleges that had a "3-strikes and your out" rule...most have "2-strikes and out".  

Again, this is just a PROPOSED modification. It is NOT in effect just yet.  

The next Board of Regents meetings should be around the month of May, so with planning and execution..we're probably looking at the FALL 2010 semester that it would be in effect.  

Just thought I'd give you a heads up. 

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

TSTC on Facebook

As you have probably guessed...the majority of students have a Facebook account. TSTC realizes the importance that students receive information as soon as possible, so the Social Media Marketing Committee of the TSTC System has begun to put together an "inventory" of social spaces that TSTC currently has published.  

For Harlingen Students...this provides an excellent opportunity to be included in the most up to date information and subscribe to/become a fan of/friend your valuable departments, instructors or clubs! 

TSTC Harlingen Corporate and Community Education

TSTC High School Equivalency Program

TSTC Harlingen CNST Club

TSTC Fieldhouse

TSTC Phdclub (Photojournalism and Design Club)

TSTC SGA

TSTC Employment Opportunities

TSTC Harlingen

Photojournalism and Design Club

TSTCjosh (Advisor)

TSTC Harlingen

TSTC GST & Transfer Program

TSTC Harlingen 

TSTC Distance Education: 

TSTC Fieldhouse:  

Student Run

TSTC SGA: 

TSTC Harlingen Aviation Technology Club : 

TSTC PhD Club: 

TSTC DMD Club 

--
Joshua Hernandez
" if you can't solve a problem...You're probably playing by the rules."

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

Are YOU Non-Traditional? You'd better hope so...

Non-traditional students typically have more opportunities for scholarships, grants, and minor benefits.  All of which are better alternatives to not having anything. 

Did You Know? An occupation in which your sex (male/female) make up 25 percent or less of employment is considered non-traditional for that sex. 

Some examples of non-traditional jobs for women are architects, auto mechanics, drafters, machinists, and insulation workers. Women employed in these jobs typically earn higher wages and have more opportunity for advancement than their male counterparts. 

Some examples of non-traditional jobs for males are nurses, veterinarians, dental assistants, dental hygienist, medical assistant, surgical technician, teacher assistant. 

If you are going to college, check with your institution to see which degrees/trades may qualify you as a non-traditional student.

Choose your college to be directed to a resource: TSTC, STC, UTB/TSC, UTPA.

The benefits? 

• Child Care Services
• Textbook Assistance
• Grant Funds
• And More! 

It depends on each educational institution, so make sure you follow up on that.  If you qualify...then Congrats! Take advantage of what ever opportunity is available for you...YOU deserve it. ;-)

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

New registration "Laws" at TSTC Harlingen

Listen up! There are some new "Laws" effective immediately for Texas State Technical College Harlingen...YOU or someone you may know, might be affected. 

"Law" # 1:

Effective immediately all new students registering for the first time at TSTC, including transitory college transfer students, must complete new student orientation PRIOR TO REGISTRATION FOR CLASSES.  For now dual enrollment students who graduate and come to TSTC are not required to complete NSO, nor are returning stop-out students. 

       Faculty may advise new students prior to NSO, but will not be able to enter the courses into Datatel until NSO has been completed and the Datatel block removed by the College Information Office.  That block will be removed as soon as the live orientation ends and within 24 hours after online orientation is completed.    

 

Explanation: The way it used to work was, a student would come to an advisor - wanting to register for courses.  The advisor would register them for the New Student Orientation (NSO) if they were attending TSTC for the first time, then register them for regular courses.  Now, the student has to register themselves for the NSO (and complete it) before an advisor can register them for courses.  So more responsibility has been put on the student.  

"Law" # 2:

Effective this Summer/Fall registration period, the course schedule book will be available online only.  No more printed course schedule books. 

Explanation: As you may or may not know, TSTC would print "course catalogs" for students to view which classes were being offered the following semester.  We have done away with them. Now they are only available online.  

The Summer schedule is already available online at http://www.harlingen.tstc.edu/services/CourseSchedules.aspx 

You can get to this link from the Quick Links drop-down box on our college home page.  A button will be available on the home page soon.  The fall schedule is still under development and won't be available until March 29. 

As always, if there are questions...feel free to contact us! 

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

A Social Media Savior...Google's Chrome v. Mozilla's Flock

Aggregation. Automation. Action. 

There's a new web browser in town...a browser that doesn't just allow you to surf the web, it allows you to organize it. It's a new Social Web Browser.  

For the longest time Internet Explorer by Microsoft controlled the web as THE browser to use.  Then Mozilla Firefox came along and brought new features like "tabs" and others.  Then Google introduced their browser, Google Chrome (which is what I favored).  

Now...Mozilla has introduced (since 2006 actually) a new browser, made specifically for aggregating our social media: Mozilla Flock.  

There's a browser war going on in my desktop and the battle is getting heated.  Flock has won two "Under the Radar" awards since its creation, and has been building up strength ever since.  I personally started using it just recently because I'm not a fan of Beta Versions of any software.  

Here's a synopsis of this browser:

Connects to - Bebo, Digg, Facebook, Facebook Chat, Flickr, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube, Photobucket, Picasa, TinyPic, Blogger, Blogsome, LiveJournal, Typepad, Wordpress, Xanga, Delicious, AOL Mail, Yahoo Mail, Gmail, 

From one window pane on the browser, you are able to stay updated and update all those services at once. 

Interesting stuff..I suggest you give it a test run. (I wouldn't recommend this browser for those of you who use computer screens smaller than 17'') 

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

"Careers 202" Communication Etiquette

The day finally came...

...The General Studies in Technology Advisors and Mentors presented a workshop on the etiquette of communication and how to use it effectively.  The workshop started off with a "Listening Game" activity.  The object was to form two even lines, and see how accurate information can be passed from one individual to another.  

The results were...HILARIOUS! 

One sentence was whispered into the first person's ear...that person had to whisper it to the next person, etc.  By the time the sentence was repeated at the end...it was COMPLETELY wrong.  Funny stuff...you should have been there! 

And next time you can! Visit us at our website by clicking here.  And view our pictures that we've posted too! 

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

Communication Etiquette Workshop Pics 02/2010

Our "Careers 202" workshop series includes Communication Etiquette, showing participants the importance of effective communication in the workplace and at school.  

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Student Success Office

Untitled

Posted via web from Student Success Office

Insider Tips to college

TRUST ME...we know exactly how you feel when you get caught off guard by a negative "oh, you didn't know?"...

 

So...we compiled a list of "Insider Tips" and presented them at one of our workshops.

Please see video below:

 

Sometimes we doen't pay attention to the minute details simply because we never thought it would pertain to us.  Then one day, you're heading to your car after school only to find out you have a boot in place because you owe $99 or more in parking fees. (yes...it happened to me)

PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO.

 

 

Posted via web from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

A Different Perspective

The majority of the time, those who have not yet begun college...or have just started their college journey...feel VERY VERY lost.

I know I was in that boat when I began in 2005.  

From that point on...it was a never ending, twisting road to "on the go" knowledge.  A lot of us don't have, or didn't have, mentors to guide us along the way...especially in South Texas where most of us are first-generation college students.  

Prior to developing the College 101 workshop series at Texas State Technical College Harlingen, we couldn't help but create a survey (more like a mini-test) to see exactly how much knowledge our incoming cohort had in regards to college.  The results were NOT surprising.  

After our initial workshop series was provided, we were asked to present at the 2009 Tech Prep Regional Conference sponsored by Tech Prep of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc.  

The purpose of this presentation was to provide an overview of the inner workings of the Student Success Office and Academic Achievement Center at Texas State Technical College Harlingen, and explore the use of technology, advisement, mentoring, tutoring and supplemental instruction available to students. 

While we are at the conference, we decided at the last minute to conduct the same survey at the beginning of our presentation and compare the results to our students.  

The results were STAGGERING. 

When asked "How much do you understand about college?", the majority replied "Almost Everything". 

Come to find out, the questions most regularly missed were no different than that of the students we had surveyed only weeks prior.  

There seems to be a bit of confusion or need of clarification regarding the amount of semesters in an Academic Year, and the definition of College Credits, or how to calculate your GPA on a 4.0 scale.  

It was then that we realized how important our workshops were going to be and the hidden need we will be fulfilling.  With that, I'd like to emphasize to everyone who thinks they are behind the curve of college...YOU ARE NOT ALONE.  

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

College 101: "College Degrees" PowerPoint

The levels of degrees are thrown around in casual conversation all the time...but sometimes...if you are not familiar with it, you can be thrown off.  Here is a PowerPoint presentation given by one of our On-Campus Mentors, that may just help clarify some definitions...

 

Posted via web from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

College 101: "Financial Aid" PowerPoint

Financial Aid can be confusing, hopefully this will clear the air a little.  

Included in this presentation is a list of documents you will need for filling out the FAFSA application, including the websites to visit and a general knowledge of what FAFSA is.  

Posted via web from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

College 101: "College Scholarships" PowerPoint

Here is another PowerPoint version of our College 101 workshop series, created for easy use by those students unable to attend our workshop dates and times.  

This particular one was created by one of our On-Campus Mentors (a service provided by the Student Success Office).  

 

Posted via web from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

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Posted via web from Joshua Hernandez's posterous

Did You Know...

Did you know that the last day to drop courses at Texas State Technical College Harlingen - varies depending on whether you are taking courses in-house or online? 

It's TRUE! 

The official last day to drop courses with a "W" (for the 15 week session):

In-house (in person) = April 1, 2010

Online = Differs depending on the start date of the course...

FYI: Classes must be officially "dropped" to avoid receiving a failing or incomplete grade. Please stop by the Office of Admissions and Records to pick up a Course Schedule Change Form or call 956.364.4320 for more information. 

I would recommend you call Distance Learning (956.364.4950) to see when the official "last day to drop" is for your course(s). 

If you are on the regular 15 week session schedule, here's a little confusing insider information that my co-worker, Robert Foshie, researched...

From 2/8/10 until 3/12/10: A student is allowed to drop ONE class without owing anything. If the student decides to drop all of their classes, they would be responsible for paying back their Financial Aid.

From 3/12/10 until 4/1/10: This is the 60% period...students may drop with a "W" during this time.  

Basically, if you plan on dropping only ONE course, you can do it anytime before April 1.  If you plan on dropping more than one, you should wait until AFTER March 12th.  

Posted via email from Joshua Hernandez's posterous