Student Success Programs

The Student Success Office provides a variety of programs to enhance student's learning to achieve educational success.  They include the following:

PSYT 1313: Frameworks for Learning: A Psychology of Adjustment for College Success (2-2-3)

A great amount of research shows that first year students need a great deal of support in adjusting to college life.  The First Year College Success Course provides the student with a series of assessments that gives the student and his/her advisor a profile to help shape an educational plan for student success.  The course introduces the student to learning styles; orients the student to campus resources; provides interactive group discussions on learning issues; and equips the student with basic skills to be successful during the rest of his/her TSTC experience.

Click here to view Course Information Sheet

Mini-Sessions for Success

Each semester mini sessions on study skills, personal growth, and job exploration are held.  These sessions include:

• Learning styles applied to the classroom
• How to read a textbook
• Listening and note-taking in class
• Improving your writing skills
• Studying and test-taking techniques
• Using the library for research
• Resume writing
• Interview skills
• Stress management
• Money management
• How to pay for college
• Basic computer skills

These sessions are offered to all TSTC students each semester.

Click here for Summer 2008 schedule for mini sessions on critical thinking

Tutoring

Tutoring is available each semester to help students improve their academic performance in the course in which they are being tutored.  Students can participate in the following tutoring programs:

• Open Lab Tutoring:  Available to students in all levels of mathematics, English, chemistry, biological sciences and computer literacy.
• The Five Week Review Program:  Students struggling in either math or English are identified and given a tutor.  These students must commit to at least two hours of tutoring per week until their grades improve.
• Supplemental Instruction (Group Tutoring):  Is made part of traditionally difficult courses.  Supplemental instruction tutors work closely with instructors and students to provide intensive small group instruction that supplements actual classroom material.
• Computer-based tutoring:  Available in English, math, biology and social sciences.  The computer-based tutoring utilizes software to help students practice English and math skills and review biology and social science materials.  The software is textbook compatible and provides students with practice/review test questions.

Supplemental Instruction and Tutoring Schedules for Summer 2008

Summer 2008 Supplemental Instruction/Tutoring Schedules

Disclaimer:  Because schedules are subject to change without notice, please contact the Student Success Office (956-364-4109) to get up-to-date schedules.

Mentoring

TSTC faculty and staff volunteer to mentor students for success in their program of study.  Any student can have a mentor.  The goal of the program is to provide students with a support person to encourage student persistence and success while at TSTC. For more information, click here.

Speaker Series

"Stories of Triumph; Voices of Hope" is a speaker series that introduces students to TSTC graduates, Valley community leaders, and cultural events to encourage and motivate students to set goals and strive to achieve them.

On-line Tutoring

On-lining tutoring is available for courses.  Please contact Belle Martinez (364-4110) for information on on-line tutoring.

For further information call or email:

Richard Kirk
Student Success Office
Bio-Medical/Dental Building
D-121
Phone:  (956) 364-4110
Fax:  (956) 364-5114
richard.kirk@harlingen.tstc.edu