Session offers college advice

By Elaine Bonilla/reporter

South Campus faculty gathered on Jan. 19 for the Survive in Five installment of the Week of Welcome sponsored by student development services.

About 20 faculty members showed up, and each sat alone at a table. When students came in, they picked a piece of paper with a staff member’s name. The student would find that staff member and sit at that table. Students could spend five minutes with each member to ask questions and learn about what they need to know to survive college. Some of the topics included study habits, courses, programs on campus and even balancing school with family and work.

Coordinator and instructor of the teacher education program Shereah Fonteno said she could relate to students who attend school and work. She is currently in the process of getting her master’s at Texas Wesleyan.

Fonteno talked about how she decided she wanted to teach for a living, described her path and said she currently works with students who also want to get a degree in education.

Tina Jenkins, behavioral sciences department chair, discussed Visions Unlimited, which helps homeless people who want to further their education.

STARS TRIO program assistant director James Jesse explained how the program helps students who want to succeed but don’t know how. The program has representatives who help students with retention, career services, goal setting and support when they feel they have hit a roadblock, he said. The representatives also help the students get back on track toward achieving their goals.

Registrar John Spencer said his office helps students who are applying for admissions. This office makes sure all documents are received from students like test scores and meningitis vaccines as well as determining residency and offering waivers.

Business and marketing coordinator Nelda Shelton and business and marketing manager Glo Calhoun talked about the business and marketing programs and curriculum with students interested in that major. They help in advising business students when they’re deciding what classes they need to take for their specific degrees.

Calhoun said students waiting for textbooks could visit the department’s reading area so they don’t fall behind in classes.