STUDENT SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES

 

New Student Orientation

 

Orientation (ORIE 0100) is required for the following new students:

         1.       Students who have never attended college.

         2.       Students who have attended another college, but have completed less than 12 semester hours.

         3.       Students who plan to graduate from SWTJC with an Associate of Arts Degree, Associate of Applied Science Degree, or a College Certification.

 

          ORIE 0100 will be an online class.  Students must be registered for the class before they are allowed access to the online course.  It is the student’s responsibility to visit the online class website before the first class day.

 

          To find out how to report for Orientation online class, go to swtjc.net and click on “Online Instruction.”  This will take you to a page with general information about online classes.  Scroll the list until you find your class (New Student Orientation) and click on the website.  You should find a syllabus with general guidelines and policies for the class, information about materials you will need and instruction about how to begin your new class.

 

*** Online Orientation is designed for students planning to attend classes on the Uvalde campus.  If you are planning to take classes in Del Rio or Eagle Pass, you need to attend the orientation classes on that campus.

 

 

Student Information Center

 

          The Student Information Center functions include:

         

1.          The Career Information Center Office offers career planning, online career assessment and interpretation.  The service is free to all Southwest Texas Junior College students.

          2.       The Transfer Information Office offers a university catalog library, transfer equivalency guides, and the Texas Common Application.

3.        The Visitor’s Center Office provides information and tours to potential students, parents, and drop-in visitors.  Schedule an appointment for a tour ahead of time for the best possible service.

 

For more information to schedule a visit or tour, contact the Student Information Center at (830) 591-7228 or visit our website at www.swtjc.net.

 

 

Counseling and Advising Services

 

          Counseling and advising offices provide individual attention to all prospective and current students.  These services assist students in achieving educational and personal goals.  Students are encouraged to make realistic choices between curricula that are specifically designed to prepare them for an occupation upon completion of course work at SWTJC and those that are designed for an extended academic education in four-year institutions.

 

          Students are encouraged to contact a counselor or advisor when any of the following services are needed:

 

          1.       Educational-Academic Counseling/Advising

                    Students find help in selecting an educational objective, resolving academic difficulties and planning for further educational pursuits.

          2.       Transfer Planning

Students designing a program of study requiring transfer to another institution will be assisted in selecting course work that transfers and fulfills degree requirements.

          3.       Personal Counseling/Referrals

Counselors are available to also assist students in personal matters.  Consultations are kept confidential.  When needed or requested, students are referred to specialized community resources.

         

          There is no charge for these services and confidentiality is assured within the limits set by law.  No record of visits is recorded on a student’s official transcript.

 

          Counselors or advisors are available at the Student Support Services department, the Career Center, the Student Activities office, and the Counseling Center.

International Student Services

                A designated counselor in the Counseling Center provides all the same services to international students, including guiding them through the student visa application process.

Services for Students with Disabilities

 

          Southwest Texas Junior College delivers special accommodations to students with disabilities in order to remove barriers to successful course completion.  Once documentation is received, the student requesting support services meets with the Director of Student Services to determine the necessary accommodations.  These may include oral examinations, interpreters for hearing-impaired students, note-taking assistance, and other aids as identified.

 

 

Testing Center

 

          The SWTJC Testing Center provides a variety of testing services to meet the needs of the residents of Southwest Texas.  Among those exams given on a regular basis are: THEA, GED equivalency, ACT, ACCUPLACER, and other certification and licensure exams.  A computerized database for placement test scores is also maintained.  Students requiring special accommodation testing must notify the testing coordinator at least six weeks in advance.  Students are encouraged to test as early as possible to facilitate the admissions process.

 

 

Other Testing

 

          Each student entering SWTJC is also encouraged to take the ACT test since ACT scores are required to be eligible for some scholarships at SWTJC.  Other tests are available to students who would like to further explore their abilities, aptitudes, and interests.  These specialized tests are available in the Career Placement and Recruitment Center.

 

 

Student Development Seminars

 

          Seminars are designed to assist students for improvement in study and social skills, motivation, career decisions, physical well-being, and other topics.  Seminars are offered in the fall and spring semesters and all SWTJC students may attend for free.

 

Health Services

 

          A health fee of $13 is charged each fall and spring semester for the students on the Uvalde campus.  This fee is charged to all students registered in day classes and qualifies them for the health services available at the college infirmary.  A registered nurse is available in the college infirmary each day Monday through Friday, to take care of the health needs of the student.  Most services on campus are covered by the $12 fee.

 

          The Health Clinic is closed between semesters and during both summer school sessions.  It is also closed on the weekends and during the school holidays.  Emergency care can be obtained 24 hours per day at the Uvalde Memorial Hospital Emergency Room.  Emergency room services or local doctor office visits and charges are the responsibility of the student.

 

          SWTJC offers a medical insurance policy available through our Dean of Students.

 

 

Bookstore

 

          School adopted textbooks are available at the college bookstore.  Students are expected to purchase all required books and supplies for their courses.  One of the major services of the bookstore is the Buy Back Book Policy.  During the week of final exams, the bookstore will repurchase used books if they are to be used the following semester.   The  Buy Back Book Policy for the summer sessions differ from the fall and spring semesters and  students should contact the college bookstore for the Buy Back dates.

 

 

Will C. Miller Memorial Library

 

          The Will C. Miller Memorial Library houses a state-of-the-art library automation system which accesses more than 40,000 volumes and includes computer based circulation.  The library maintains subscriptions to 360 periodicals and 18 newspapers and provides both on-line and print indexes to this collection, some of these having full-text articles.  The Internet is accessible on 35 terminals.  The library web page address is http://library.swtjc.cc.tx.us/.  Our email address is library@swtjc.cc.tx.us.  Our phone number is 830-591-7367.

 

          Facilities of the library include study carrels and tables, small group conference rooms and a large conference room for class instruction.  The Media Center houses audio-visual hardware and equipment for producing a variety of audio-visual materials.  The Archives Room contains rare books and a historical collection of Southwest Texas Junior College publications.  The Library provides computers for word processing and instructional programs.

 

          If material cannot be found in our libraries, interlibrary loan arrangements with Sul Ross State University and the Texas State Library System allow students and faculty access to materials from academic and public libraries across the state at no cost to the patron.  The library is open 80 hours a week, including weekends, except during college holidays and between semesters.  The library staff is available to assist with the location and use of library materials.

 

          Library service is furnished to the Del Rio and Eagle Pass campuses through digital libraries.  Students have access to the book collection at the main campus through the automated card catalog.  Internet terminals and online periodical  and newspaper indexes with some full-text articles are available.

 

 

College ID Cards

 

          College ID cards are necessary when using the Library, the Gymnasium, the Cafeteria, the Bookstore, and the Business Office.  ID cards are made at the Library at the time of registration.  The original card is valid for as long as the student is enrolled in SWTJC and is updated each semester.  Should a card be lost, the replacement fee is $5.25 and the original picture is used.  As the property of SWTJC, the ID should be surrendered to college officials if requested to do so.

 

 

Food Services

 

          Campus food services include both a snack bar and cafeteria in the Student Center for students, faculty, and guests.  Fourteen cafeteria meals a week are provided in the regular room and board plan. 

 

 

Recreation

 

          The Student Center is a place for students to spend their leisure time during the day and provides both a television room and a recreation area for ping-pong and pool.  There are ample opportunities for all students to participate in various programs of recreation and sports.  These activities include archery, badminton, baseball, basketball, bowling, dancing, golf, softball, swimming, football, air hockey, and tennis.  By paying moderate green fees, students may play golf on the beautiful municipal golf course of Uvalde.  Off-campus sport activities may include: hunting (deer, turkey, quail), fresh water fishing, and water sports (skiing, swimming, boating).

 

          Sports and recreational facilities available on campus are listed below:

 

     1.        Intramural Field --The college owns a regulation, fenced field on which intramural games are played.

     2.        Swimming Pool -- The college pool, located near the gymnasium, is 30 feet by 75 feet.  The pool has been covered to make an indoor pool.

     3.       Rodeo and Roping Arena -- This modern facility is located on campus and provides opportunity for rodeo practice and school sponsored rodeo events.  The arena is lighted for night use.

     4.       Gymnasium -- A regulation basketball court and other physical education and recreation facilities are provided in the La Forge Hall Gymnasium.  The downstairs Weight Room contains Nautilus equipment and free weights.  The upstairs Weight Room contains ten station Global machines and free weights.  Three racquetball courts are located in the gymnasium.

 

 

Stable Rentals

 

          Students who wish to bring their horses to the college campus may rent a stable through the Agriculture Department.

 

 

Lockers

 

          Private lockers are available on a first come first serve basis.  Lockers are especially convenient for commuting students who need a place to keep books and supplies.  Students must furnish their own locks.  These lockers are located on the rear of the Anderson Building.

 

 

Bus Service

 

          Bus transportation without charge is available to students who live in surrounding towns within the tri-county taxing district (Real, Uvalde, and Zavala).  All other students must pay a fee.  Area towns now included in the bus service are Utopia, Sabinal, Knippa, Crystal City, Carrizo Springs, La Pryor, Leakey, Barksdale, Batesville, Camp Wood , Pearsall-Dilley, and Asherton.

 

 

Student Placement Service

 

          A student placement service is available to SWTJC students seeking off-campus employment.  Interested students should register by completing a placement card available at the Student Financial Aid Office.  Students should also check the help wanted ads posted at the Job Placement Office.