The Collegian (Hurst, Tex.), Vol. 18, No. 1, Ed. 1 Wednesday, August 31, 2005 Page: 4 of 10
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Back to School
page 4 • August 31, 2005
abound
for text
buying
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Health Services
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NE Campus student
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A
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4
Important Services, Offices
QQl spent too many
years wishing 1 had my
degree and not doing
anything about it. 1 de-
cided it was time to take
the jump."
want them [her
children] to know that
it's important to continue
their education, and it's
never too late to get in
there...”
— Renee Cote-Cox,
enrollment. Since 1999, TCC en-
rollment has jumped more than 33
percent, or almost 10,000 students.
i Crystal Ramsey,
South Campus student
More than 18,000 students
with ages ranging from mid-20s to
70s help make up the 34,000 plus
students enrolled at TCC, which is
more than 57 percent of the student
body.
In today’s competitive job
market, the lack of a college de-
gree is a barrier for job advance-
ment or placement.
Studies show that over a life-
time, individuals with a college de-
gree will add almost $500,000 to
their income.
The Collegian surveyed ap-
proximately 100 students who
have returned to the classroom to
learn why they chose to return to
school after a five-,10- or even 20-
year hiatus. Those surveyed had
different stories, but one thing is
clear: education is a critical suc-
cess factor for each of them.
Tired of being passed over for
jobs and promotions motivated
South Campus student Crystal
Ramsey to return to college after
20 years. Ramsey said the lack of a
college degree holds her back from
advancing in her job.
“I spent too many years wish-
ing I had my degree and not doing
anything about it,” she said. “I de-
cided it was time to take the
jump.”
Once she realized she was
never going to move into manage-
ment without a degree, Ramsey de-
cided to correct the situation.
“I never thought I was smart
enough to attend college,” she said.
“I only had a GED and never
thought I could get into college.
All of my doubts were answered
when I enrolled at TCC and found
out that I am college material.”
Natalie Leshner, SE Campus
student, agrees that education is
key to one’s success.
“I decided I didn’t want to just
get by, and I knew getting my de-
gree was the only way to a good
career and income, which is what
compelled me to enroll at TCC,”
she said.
Distance learning student Va-
lerie Bell said she cannot advance
with her current employer unless
she obtains a degree. As a mother
of three, finding time to attend
classes can present a challenge.
“Online and ITV classes make
it much easier for older students
who have full-time jobs to contin-
ue their education,” she said.
The most common reason
adults return to the classroom may
be to advance a career, but many
choose to return to school for the
simple goal of personal enrich-
ment.
SE Campus student Norma
Dewaid said after putting two girls
through college, she felt the need
to do something just for her, and
enrolling in college classes was the
perfect fit.
“Returning to school has been
a rewarding and fun experience for
me,” she said. “Being around
young people and learning new
things has really energized me.”
Returning to college can be a
challenge, but keeping up with the
demands of a full-time job and
family can be a balancing act.
Philip Rabon
reporter
With so many extracurricular
choices—government associations,
sports teams and entertainment
groups—how can one decide?
It may be difficult, for some, to
choose what student programs to
join, so students just need to decide
how to spend their time.
Students who want to help im-
prove their campus can join the Stu-
dent Ambassador program. Ambas-
sadors serve as a voice for students
to the faculty. NE and SE campuses
have Ambassador programs that
have been established for years and
are active when it comes to advanc-
ing the quality of the campus.
“The Ambassadors serve as a
direct voice to the dean,” Trey
Collins, former president of the SE
Campus Ambassadors, said. “It was
the Ambassadors that helped estab-
lish the Bistro [student lounge].”
Known to SE students, the
Bistro is an area where students can
unwind. With a big screen TV, seat-
ing areas and the cafeteria next
door, it has become a popular hang-
out between classes.
The ambassador program also
concentrates on improving the sur-
rounding community.
“During the Christmas sea-
South Campus
SACC Room 1306
Monday - Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
817-515-4531
NW Campus
WCTS Room 1128A
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
817-515-7790
SE Campus
ESEC Room 2118A
Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
817-515-3591
Student Activities
NE Campus
NSTU Room 1704
817-515-6644
SE Campus
ESEC Room 2130A
817-515-3595
NW Campus
WSTURoom 2817
817-515-7795
South Campus
SSTU Room 1103
817-515-4553
SE Campus
ESED Room 2302A
Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
817-515-3521
South Campus
SSTU Room 1211A
Monday & Thursday 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
817-515-4896
South Campus
SSTU Room 1102A
Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
817-515-4551
Career Services
NE Campus
NSTU Room 1625A
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
817-515-6692
NW Campus
. WCTS Room 1124
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
817-515-7785
SE Campus
ESEE Room 2103A
Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
817-515-3592
by Mandy Reynolds
reporter
The sound of school bells can
sound like the ring of a cash register. ■
Many TCC students buy their ■
books on campus; however, several J
other ways to get school supplies I
can save major bucks.
Of 30 students interviewed,
only two of those students went to
sources other than the campus book- I
store to get their supplies. But many |
said they had heard online book
buying was a cheap way to get their
textbooks.
“It’s easier and cheaper. Over-
all, it is a better experience,” Dusty .J
Wood, a computer programming ■
sophomore on South Campus, said.
Jenna Howard, a sophomore on
South Campus agreed.
“I bought my philosophy book
online at Ecampus.com for $20. It
retailed at around $80,” she said. ■
Students wise to the ways of I
networking have discovered that
book buying and selling online is I
much more profitable than buying
and selling at the campus bookstore.
Amazon.com and Ecampus,
com are reliable Web sites that take ■
security precautions so students can
feel comfortable giving personal in- '' (
formation such as credit card num-
bers, names and addresses.
When shopping online, students
avoid the hassle of crowds and lines.
Also, it is generally quick.
“If you get your order rush de- ■
NE Campus
NSTU Room 1704
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.,
Saturday: 9 a.m.-l p.m.
817-515-6222
Disability Support Services
NE Campus
NSTU Room 1629
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
817-515-6333
NW Campus
WCTS Room 1111A
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
817-515-7733
I
Renee Cote-Cox, NE Campus
student, said being back in school
have been really hectic, but she be-
lieves it sets a good example for
her children and grandchildren.
“I want them to know that it’s
important to continue their educa-
tion and it’s never too late to get in
there and do what needs to be
done,” she said.
South Campus student Dana
Cloud decided to return to college
after 25 years to pursue an educa-
tion in elementary education.
“I felt it was time to finish
what I had started long ago,” she
said.
“Plus, with four children at
home, I have really enjoyed having
something that I do just for my-
self,” she said.
For those who find it difficult
to return to college after years
away from the classroom, NE
Campus student Brett Gregory en-
courages fellow TCC classmates to
stay determined and focused on
their goals.
Greg LaVanway, South Cam-
pus student, agrees.
“You must focus on the goal
and stay committed. School is a
marathon not a sprint,” he said.
son,” Collins said, “SE hosts a
homeless shelter dinner. Shelters
from around the city bring the
homeless to a Christmas feast.”
The Ambassadors are the ones
who put the dinner together every
year; they also host and serve the
men and women in attendance.
For the past few semesters, NE
Campus Ambassadors have had
double duty also attempting to start
a student body government and
help with student elections.
“A number of Ambassador
members wanted to form a student
government,” Rachel Martin, NE
Ambassador officer, said. “It started
at the beginning of the fall. We
hope to get all the clubs and organi-
zations involved.”
Plans have been modified, and
the NE Ambassadors will stay under
that umbrella, but they plan to main-
tain a tighter organization and pro-
vide a strong student voice on NE.
Similar to the SE Campus
homeless shelter project, NE has
Christ Haven. During last fall, NE
Ambassadors helped women’s shel-
ters in the area.
“We got to help a lot of kids,”
Tricia McCrea, NE Ambassadors
treasurer, said. “There was a lot of
student involvement from outside
the Ambassador program.”
order to sensitize faculty, staff and
students to the capabilities as well
as to the special needs of persons
with disabilities.
Parking areas for the disabled
are located throughout each cam-
pus parking lot for students with a
state-issued disabled parking plac-
ard or a disabled-person license
plate.
The DSS programs on all
campuses have plans to try to ex-
pand on their services as technolo-
gy allows.
“We plan to try to expand on
our visual impairment services,”
Scherrieb said.
NE Campus opened a technol-
ogy-filled DSS Study Center more
than a year ago.
For more information on DSS
services or assistance, contact the
DSS office on any of the four cam-
puses.
Started in the spring semester,
NW began its own Ambassador
program; members are second-year
students.
The focus of the program is to
serve as a first-point contact for
new students. The NW Ambas-
sadors work with the student coun-
cil and advisers to give one-on-one
tours as well as peer advising.
South Campus does not cur-
rently have an Ambassadors pro-
gram or student government, but
hopes to form them in the coming
semesters.
The Ambassadors’ focus is dif-
ferent at every campus, each one
emphasizing what is important to
those students.
Ambassadors also sponsor
such events as three-on-three bas-
ketball tournaments, date auctions,
free conferences and career fairs.
McCrea said that by volunteering,
students better themselves, their
school and their community.
“Ambassadors is open to any-
one interested,” Martin said. “They
can join or just volunteer, depend-
ing upon how active they want to
be.”
Students interested in joining
the Student Ambassadors program
should visit their campus student
activities office.
|\
The Collegian J
I
livered, you will probably have your b
books before half your class does,”
one student said.
For those skeptical of the Inter-
net, the TCC bookstore is still open
for business.
Tara Alley, South Campus
sophomore and on-call bookstore
staff member, believes it is better to
buy books at the local campus book-
store because it improves college
revenue, which could possibly allow
for perks for students.
Alley offered a few suggestions
to keep in mind if students plan to
sell back their books on campus.
Students should keep their text-
books in good condition, Alley said.
This means being careful of water
damage and keeping up with any ex-
tras such as a CD that may come
with the book. Alley estimated the
bookstore will pay less than half of
what the book originally cost if it is
in great condition.
“It is important to sell your
books back early. The amount of
money you get back for books de-
pends on the business tactics of sup-
ply and demand,” she said.
Students should not assume
they can always resale a textbook. If
the store is overstocked, then the
staff will not buy the book back.
Also, if the college is not using the
book the next semester, the campus
store will not buy it, no matter what
the condition of the book.
Alley suggested taking a friend
or a book to make the line waiting
experience more enjoyable because
students will wait in line.
“Expect it! There is usually a
line. It will make your book selling
experience more pleasurable if you
find a way to pass the time,” she
said.
Alley understands the disap-
pointment of getting back only a
third of what students originally paid
for a book, but there is nothing the
staff can do about it.
“Many of us are students too,
and we don’t get a discount on
books,” she said.
Alley believes the bookstore is
providing a privilege to students by
offering the chance for them to sell
back books.
Another bookstore staff mem-
ber said, “The Internet is a great way
to try and get rid of the books that
the bookstore won’t buy back, but if
the book is in good condition, try the
bookstore first. We will give you
the best price possible, and it will
keep used books in our bookstore
for other students.”
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Support available for students with disabilities Options
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Keith Ludwick/TAe Collegian
Amanda Jacobs fills out forms for assistance in the Disability Support Services office on NE Campus. Individual students on nay campus
may decide how much help they need with classes, from securing notetakers to having a quiet environment for test taking.
Official documentation of a
disability must be within the last
five years.
DSS requires a statement of
how the disability limits a func-
tional capacity of everyday living.
DSS staff members encourage
students to participate in campus
clubs, activities and social events
and in special DSS activities.
DSS sponsors disability
awareness activities each year in
Mature students find rewards in college classes
by Erika McMinn
reporter
Seeking personal enrichment
and obtaining an edge in today’s
competitive job market are key
motivators for numerous adults re-
turning to the classroom.
South Campus student Gail
Bond said the very act of learning
and growing is exciting and has
made her feel more alive.
In 2000, the U.S. Census Bu-
reau reported more than 88 million
U.S. adults were enrolled in some
type of schooling. TCC has also
witnessed an increase in student
agency prior to enrollment at TCC.
Anyone wanting help from
DSS must meet general require-
ments for TCC admission for both
credit and non-credit programs.
Students should visit the DSS
office on their campus before reg-
istering. DSS personnel will de-
scribe the available and appropri-
ate services and assist with admis-
sions, advisement, orientation and
registration.
Ambassadors voice needs
by Robert Alt
reporter
One of the most important de-
partments for any student with dis-
abilities attending TCC is probably
disability support services.
The office provides supportive
services to students with a disabili-
ty who are enrolled in credit or
non-credit programs.
“Tarrant County College dis-
ability support services will pro-
vide services to any student with a
disability as defined in the Reha-
bilitation Act of 1973,” Carl
Scherrieb, South Campus DSS co-
ordinator, said.
Some of the available services
include readers, media aids, online
study hall, arranged testing by ap-
pointment, electric wheelchairs
and scooters for on-campus use,
referrals to community resources
and connecting study skill work-
shops.
Some students with disabili-
ties are subject to forms of tuition
exemption.
As stated on the TCC Web
site, “Section 54.205 of the Texas
Education Code, paragraph (b),
states that a deaf or blind person
who is a resident of the State of
Texas is entitled to exemption
from the payment of tuition and
fees at any institution of higher ed-
ucation utilizing public funds upon
certification of the appropriate
state vocational agency.”
The DSS office advises eligi-
ble students to contact the appro-
priate vocational rehabilitation
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The Collegian (Hurst, Tex.), Vol. 18, No. 1, Ed. 1 Wednesday, August 31, 2005, newspaper, August 31, 2005; Hurst, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1315591/m1/4/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting Tarrant County College NE, Heritage Room.