Academic Affairs Highlights. June 29

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1 Academic Affairs Highlights June 2014 The following is an overview of highlights pertaining to the Academic Affairs Division: June June 6 June 10 June 10 June 12 June 19 June 20 June 21 June 26 June 27 June 29 June 30 Summer 2014: Art Exhibitions BAT MHSM Graduates Study Abroad Opportunity Education Week: Creating Opportunity for College Access by Nicolás González TexPREP Program presentation in Starr County Campus Jaguar Academy Session I & Session II Study Abroad 2014: Seville, Spain South Texas Leadership Academy (STLA) for Staff 2014 Child Development Leadership Conference Summer Leadership Academy for Migrant Students (SLAMS) Camp Graduation Ceremony for Ambassadors Leadership Academy (ALA) & Distinguished Leadership Academy (DLA) Summer 2014 Production: The House of Yes by Wendy McLeod South Texas College Alumni visits Starr Campus to share Medical Mission to Guatemala with students

2 Division: Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Department: Visual Arts and Music Department in collaboration with STC Library Art Gallery Highlight: Summer 2014: Art Exhibitions Pecan Campus Exhibitions: In collaboration with Visual Arts & Music Department Calculated Efforts: A South Texas Ceramic Showdown June 13-14, 2014 (exhibit avail. until Aug. 8) Annual ceramics exhibition and two-day workshop Clay demonstrations by nationally recognized & distinguished ceramicists Fred Spaulding and Jennifer Quarles. people across the state and even nation are putting things in place and into kilns in order to make the show happen in the summer." Chris Leonard, STC ceramics instructor and exhibit/workshop organizer. Bit by Bit: A Student Digital Art Exhibition June 19 Aug. 8, 2014 Exhibition showcases a collection of digital prints by South Texas College art students. Students enrolled in Digital Art and Digital Photography classes develop technical, visual, and conceptual skills that they may use as tools for creative problem solving, Pedro Perez, STC art instructor. Starr Campus Exhibition: In collaboration with Roma High School Roma High School Annual Art Exhibition June 12 - Aug. 8, 2014 Display features works of art by Roma High School students under the guidance of Roma High School art instructors. STC Library Art Gallery s collaboration with Roma High School entering its 6th year. Every year s submissions are always different from the last, reinforcing Roma s reputation as an incubator for highly inventive art students. Dawn Haughey, STC Library Art Gallery associate. STC s Library Art Gallery exhibits regional, national and international artwork, explores new visions and theories of creativity, and introduces innovative artistic expressions to the South Texas region.

3 Division: Math, Science, and Bachelor Programs Department: BAT Medical and Health Services Management Highlight: BAT MHSM Graduates Study Abroad Opportunity On June 5, 2014, South Texas College News highlighted Jesus Moralez and Benito Moya, two former students from Bachelor of Applied Technology in Medical and Health Services Management Program (BAT-MSHM). They were fortunate to be among eight students chosen, between Texas A& M Health Science Center School of Public Health at College Station and their McAllen Campus, to study abroad in China. Mr. Moralez and Mr. Moya, were unable to attend the May 17, 2014, Graduation Ceremony at South Texas College. Nonetheless, both students proudly walked with their cap and gown the Great Wall of China as a symbol of their gratitude to all faculty and staff at South Texas College. Study abroad programs provide students with practical, hands-on learning experience outside of the classroom. These experiences can be academic or non-academic in nature and provide students the opportunity to gain exposure in a particular field of study. The Bachelor of Applied Technology specializing in Medical and Health Services Management program prepares graduates for entry to mid-level management positions in a health care or medical facility. Graduates of this program will provide valuable expertise in the area of health care systems management, finance, medical staff roles and responsibilities, reimbursement mechanisms, the electronic medical record, privacy issues, and legal issues related to the health care industry.

4 Division: Academic Advancement Department: High School Programs & Services Highlight: Education Week: Creating Opportunity for College Access by Nicolás González On June 10, 2014, Education Week, a national newspaper which focuses on K-12 education policy published a series of articles for their Commentary Special section: College Access for All: A Commentary Collection. South Texas College is proud to have one its Leadership Team members have an article published in the commentary collection along four other educational leaders who shared their stories and ideas for encouraging college access for all students. Mr. Nicolás González, Administrator for High School Program & Services (HPS) South Texas College since 1999, shared in his commentary titled Creating Opportunity for College Access his personal triumph to achieve a college degree, his vision as an educator, and the success of the Dual Enrollment Dual Credit program at South Texas College. Mr. González commentary is part of a special section supported by a grant from the Lumina Foundation. Nicolás González Administrator for High School Programs and Services at South Texas College in McAllen since 1999 Link to original article: Education Week is recognized as "American education s newspaper of record." Lumina Foundation is an independent, private foundation committed to increasing the proportion of Americans with high-quality degrees, certificates and other credentials to 60 percent by 2025.

5 Division: Academic Advancement Department: High School Programs & Services Highlight: TexPREP Program presentation in Starr County Campus On June, 10, 2014, the High School Programs and Services Department from South Texas College presented for incoming TexPREP students and parents at the Auditorium located in Building E. in Starr County Campus. The TexPREP program is an agreement between South Texas College and The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and participating school districts to offer an academically intense, mathematics-based summer program which stresses the development of abstract reasoning and problem solving skills. The purpose is to identify achieving middle and high school students with and interest in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and other mathematics-related areas and to increase their potential for careers in these areas.

6 Academic Affairs Highlights June 2014 Division: Academic Advancement Department: Office of Professional & Organizational Development Highlight: Jaguar Academy Session I & Session II On Thursday, June 12, 2014, the Office of Professional and Organizational Development (O.P.O.D.) launched its brand new Jaguar Academy with 38 participants from all divisions of the College. The Jaguar Academy engages new employees beyond the standard first day orientation and helps them connect to South Texas College s Comprehensive Mission and to become part of the STC Family. The curriculum is designed to provide guidance, support, and instill confidence in new employees as they adapt to their roles here at the College. The goal of Jaguar Academy is to: Help new employees be familiar with the college culture; Shorten the new-hire learning curve; Enable employees to better assist students and colleagues Participation will ensure new employees feel welcomed and prepared for their position and their role at the College. The Jaguar Academy consists of six, 2-hour sessions that will be held from June to July The O.P.O.D. plans to offer this academy in the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters each year. During session 2, College Mission, Philosophy, and Points of Pride, the college president, Dr. Shirley A. Reed delivered a presentation on the College history, mission, and future plans of STC. Participants also took part in a group activity which involved sharing their hopes and wishes for STC and its students and culminated with the participants completing and signing a Personal Commitment and Contribution form. STC president: Shirley A. Reed, M.B.A., Ed.D. Participant Comments: Great way to learn the campus and meet other staff Really enjoyed the activity helped me become familiar with campus resources Inspiring presentation strengthened my interest in STC and what we are doing for the students. This presentation really made me realize how great STC is for not only me but the RGV

7 Division: Program: Highlight: Math, Science, Bachelor Programs, & University Relations Study Abroad Program Study Abroad 2014: Seville, Spain In the 2014 Study Abroad Program to Spain, 7 students and one faculty traveled to various historical sites and nearby destinations in the cities of Seville, Granada, Córdoba, and Madrid from June 5-19, This gave the participating students an opportunity to experience first-hand the many traditions, customs, cuisine, artistic, and rich historical background that helped create the actual Spain. Courses Offered: SPAN 1311 Spanish I Héctor Villarreal, Assistant Professor of Spanish SPCH 1311 Speech Moraima Cárdenas, Speech Instructor MUSI 1192 Guitar Jaime Garcia, Guitar Instructor Each student registered for one or more courses during the program and they benefited from a Learning Community setting. This faculty-led program allowed students to acquire knowledge and skills beyond a traditional classroom setting.

8 Division: Academic Advancement Department: Office of Professional & Organizational Development Highlight: South Texas Leadership Academy (STLA) for Staff The morning featured a powerful and interactive keynote session presented by Greg Stephens on Crucial Conversations. Greg worked with the participants by teaching them how to have difficult conversations when the stakes are high. The afternoon featured the always popular Martha Valdez from WorldClass Training. Martha worked with the participants to enhance their Positive Assertiveness to help increase communication skills and lead to greater employee empowerment. On June 20, 2014, the Office of Professional & Organizational Development hosted the 8 th annual South Texas Leadership Academy (STLA) for Staff. The event featured a full day, with over 100 participants from around the STC district and ranging from all types of classifications.

9 Division: Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Department: Child Development Highlight: 2014 Child Development Leadership Conference Pictured above Speaker Bill Corbett illustrating techniques with Ms. Aida Lozano, STC Child Development Center, Manager. South Texas College Child Development Department hosted its 4 th Annual Child Development Leadership Conference on Saturday, June 21, 2014 with 106 participants from across the Rio Grande Valley in attendance. This year s leadership conference focused on emotional intelligence and how to use specific techniques with staff and families enrolled in their programs. The conference s guest speaker was dynamic speaker and award winning author, Mr. Bill Corbett. Mr. Corbett is a parent educator, professional speaker and television producer and host. He has a degree in Clinical Psychology and has been working one-on-one with parents for 20 years. Mr. Corbett is also wrote his parenting book called Love, Limits, & Lessons: A Parent s Guide to Raising Cooperative Kids. Pictured above, participants actively engaged in demonstrating effective guidance techniques. Participants learned new and practical techniques in the field of Emotional Intelligence which can be implemented as soon as they return to their programs. Ideas were exchanged on how best to support children in out of home care and how to implement emotional intelligence with staff and parents as well as how to effectively use it in their personal life. The Child Development Department strives to bring in high quality and reputable trainers to the area to highlight the best techniques in the field of early care and early childhood education for the child care community. Pictured above conference speaker, Mr. Bill Corbett and Ms. Veronica Rodriguez, Child Development Program Chair.

10 Division: Academic Advancement Department: Centers for Learning Excellence in partnership with Outreach and Continuing Education Departments Highlight: Summer Leadership Academy for Migrant Students (SLAMS) Camp For two weeks in the month of June 16-26, 2014, the Centers for Learning Excellence (CLE) in partnership with the college s Outreach and Continuing Education departments, hosted its 4 th annual summer camp for migrant students. The program, funded by a grant from Region One Educational Service Center, is designed to introduce 6-8 th grade migrant students to the college experience. The camp features fun, group-based activities on academic skills, leadership, and college knowledge. SLAMS Camp Week 1: Starr Co. Campus Dates: June 16-19, 2014 Student attendees: 40+ students Featured Presentations: Why Go to College? Campus Tours (NAH Campus & Technology Campus) Financial Literacy Team Building and Personal Leadership Writing Process: Expressing Identity & Authorial Voice Math/Science: Calculating Movement SLAMS Camp week 2: Pecan Campus Dates: June 23-26, 2014 Student attendees: 80+ students Future Goals: Due to significant interest from school districts across the Valley, plans for next year include the development of a camp at the Mid-Valley Campus and an expansion of the number of students served by the initiative.

11 Division: Academic Advancement Department: Office of Professional & Organizational Development Highlight: Graduation Ceremony for Ambassadors Leadership Academy (ALA) and Distinguished Leadership Academy (DLA) On June 27, 2014, the Office of Professional & Organizational Development (OPOD) hosted a graduation ceremony for the second cohort of the Ambassadors Leadership Academy (ALA) and the first cohort of the Distinguished Leadership Academy (DLA). OPOD was pleased to graduate a total of 32 participants (20 for ALA and 12 for DLA). In attendance at the graduation ceremony, were the supervisors from ALA and DLA, along with the ALA Steering Committee members. ALA graduates were declared as an Official STC Leader. They received a certificate of completion along with a STC Leader Pin. DLA graduates received a one of a kind certificate declaring them as Distinguished Leaders for South Texas College. Ambassadors Leadership Academy Distinguished Leadership Academy

12 Division: Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Department: Communications Arts Drama Highlight: Summer 2014 Production: The House of Yes by Wendy McLeod South Texas College Theatre will present its Summer 2014 production of The House of Yes by Wendy McLeod on June 26-28, 2014 at 8:00pm and June 29, 2014 at 2:00pm at the STC Cooper Center for Communication Arts Main Stage located at 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. On a stormy Thanksgiving night in the early 1980s, in a Washington, D.C. suburb, Marty Pascal brings home a fiancée to meet his peculiar family: his twin sister Jackie-O (who has an unhealthy obsession with her twin brother), his kid brother Anthony (who reveals that she s their first guest) and his mother (who doesn t really know how to be a mother). The House of Yes is the story of a damaged family that has somehow struggled along until the introduction of a stranger brings its secrets crawling into the light. The House of Yes became an award winning film earning a Special Jury Award at Sundance according to Wendy Macleod s website. No children under the third grade will be admitted. Contains mature themes, viewer discretion is advised. Tickets will be $5.00 and can be purchased at the box office up to one hour prior to show time. Tickets can also be purchased online For more information, call (956) or mgarza_0080@southtexascollege.edu or agarza_5463@southtexascollege.edu.

13 Academic Affairs Highlights June 2014 Division: Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Department: Psychology; Starr County Campus Psychology Club Highlight: South Texas College Alumni visits Starr Campus to share Medical Mission to Guatemala with students On June 30, 2014, the Starr County Campus Psychology Club invited Leo Lopez III, South Texas College Alumni, (1 st cohort of DEMSA), and a 3 rd year medical student, soon to be doctor and native of Starr County-RGC as a guest speaker and share his experiences during his 2nd medical mission to Guatemala in Central America. Mr. Lopez presented pictures and elaborated on how much one should value what they have in America, including a very nice institution of higher education such as South Texas College. At the end of his presentation, the Psychology club students asked questions in a Q&A session. During the month of June, the Starr Campus Psychology club donated numerous bags with donations that Mr. Lopez asked for which included: sunglasses, sunscreen lotions, hats, caps, vitamins, and ibuprofen. These donations helped Mr. Lopez as he provided medical care and implement public health education resources and programs in Guatemala during his medical mission from June 19-June 25, South Texas College Alumni Leo Lopez shares with students his medical mission experience in Central America. Psychology Club members and Advisors donate items for Leo Lopez s medical mission to Guatemala. One of the purposes of the Psychology Club is to serve the community, so we always try to be involved and make a positive difference in every way we can, agreed Eli and Alex Sarabia. Thanks to the psychology club for making our mission possible with your donations, I admire each and every one of you; Alex and Eli are both role models and educators I highly respect and look up to, stated Leo Lopez III.