This Month at TSTC

Attention Military Veterans!
Hector M. Garza, Regional Veterans Resource and Referral Specialist, will begin visiting TSTC on a monthly basis. You are invited to meet with him to find resources like employment, medical, home/land/home improvement loans, legal assistance, locate a military friend, disabled veterans programs and many other benefits available to veterans. To see a full list of benefits and resources, please visit the Texas Veterans Leadership Program Web site at http://www.twc.state.tx.us/tvlp/tvlp.html.

Mr. Garza will be available to veterans at the Learning Resource Center, Study Room 112 on the second Tuesday and Wednesday of every month beginning February 9 from 1 PM to 5 PM and February 10 from 8 AM to 12 PM. Veterans also may contact Mr. Garza at his office, 505 South P St., Harlingen, TX 78550, phone 956.546.3141 or cell 956.204.9183, or via e-mail at hector.garza1@twc.state.tx.us.

Keeping It Clean
Living in a dormitory room could be difficult if you are organizationally challenged and have never done house cleaning. A student development workshop February 10 will offer practical tips to keep your dorm room or home clean, tidy and safe. Participants must register online in advance at https://secure.harlingen.tstc.edu/workshop. Click on “Register” in the left margin and log in using the WebAdvisor log in and password. For details phone 956.364.4520.

Drive-Through Barbecue
SkillsUSA will conduct a fund-raiser with a delightfully delicious barbecue plate sale. Pickup will occur behind Building H (Building Construction Technology) from 11 AM to 1 PM February 10. Plate includes ¼ chicken, rice, beans and trimmings. Phone Ruben de La Rosa (956.364.4667) for tickets or Rolando Carranza, Jan Nesmith, Alfonso Gonzalez, Rigo Davila, Ricardo Serna, Donald Wilt, Eddie Cavazos or Cesar Ibarra. SkillsUSA students also are selling tickets!

Tutoring / Supplemental Instruction
Supplemental instruction targets assistance for students taking traditionally difficult courses. For spring semester SI is available for chemistry, English composition, math, Biology A&P, history, Computer Drafting & Design Technology, and Computer Networking & Security Technology. For more information go online to http://www.harlingen.tstc.edu/oss/Tutoring_Information.aspx or phone 956.364.4170.

Are You Ready to Graduate?
Students preparing for spring 2010 graduation should apply with the Admissions & Records Office no later than February 12. The application is available online via WebAdvisor. Candidates for commencement should start the process by completing the exit survey online, print a program evaluation (degree plan) available at www.mytstc.edu and report to your faculty advisor to review the program evaluation. Questions? Contact your faculty advisor or the Admissions & Records Office at 956.364.4320.

Help Haiti and Change for Haiti
The Staff Senate, Faculty Senate and Student Government Association want to provide recovery assistance for earthquake survivors in Haiti with donation drives entitled “Help Haiti” and “Change for Haiti.”

“Help Haiti” donations will be accepted through February. Collection boxes should be located in every campus building today.

Please provide the following supplies in the form of individual health kits:

• 1 hand towel (15” x 25” up to 17” x 27”) No kitchen towels.
• 1 washcloth
• 1 comb (large and sturdy, not pocket-size)
• 1 nail file or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers)
• 1 bath-size bar of soap (3 oz. and up)
• 1 toothbrush (single brushes only in original wrapper, no child-size brushes)
• 6 adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages

Materials on the list will be accepted separately, and new or unused medical and hygienic supplies will be accepted. Contact Celia Merrell at 956.364.4125 for details.

The SGA coin collection campaign is called “Change for Haiti.” SGA officers will carry jars and jars also will be available around campus through March 1. Proceeds will go to “Doctors Without Borders,” the world's largest private humanitarian relief organization. Collection sites include: SGA Office, Student Center Room 122; Student Life Office, Student Center Room 123; Vice President of Student Development Office, Student Center Room 139; Wellness & Sports Center; Nurse’s Office, Student Center Room 132; Housing Office, and Bookstore. For more information phone 956.364.4304 or 956.364.4343.

‘The Value of Art’
A special art exhibit featuring students’ creations from TSTC’s first Drawing I classes is on display at the Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum through March 31. It’s open to the public and there is no admission fee. Contact Instructor Nancy Russell, 956.364.4877, for details.