Christmas Cards for Recovering Soldiers

Go by Dawn Cunningham's office (S Bldg 235) to sign a Christmas Card for a Recovering Soldier!

Help TSTC bring in the Holiday Spirit to Troops that are not getting to go home for the Holidays. This can be such a hard time for these men and women who are serving our country.

If you would like to send one yourself, please use the address below.

Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD
20791-5456

All cards must be postmarked no later than Friday, December 10. Cards postmarked after this date will be returned to sender. This deadline ensures enough time to sort and distribute cards before the holidays.

Merry Christmas!

Welcome Back!

Welcome back!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

The semester is coming to an end and many of us are already looking forward to Spring 2011.

The Student Ambassadors are going to be losing many participants, so, we are already looking for students to fill those vacancies.

If you are interested, please contact Ann Scoggin at (903)923-3211.

Veterans Celebration

There will be a Veterans' Celebration on Thursday, November 18,2010 at noon.

The event will take place in room 515.

Lunch will be served.

So, come out and help us honor our veterans.

T-Shirts are available for the event. See Pam Evans in room 137 or contact her at (903)923-3232 for more information.

Part Time Job Opportunity

Tutors are needed for Marshall, Longview, and Tyler schools.

Allegiance Learning Solutions will be on campus Wednesday, November 10, 2010. They will be interviewing students from 10 AM to 1:30 PM near the Visitors entrance and the Internet Cafe.

If you need some extra money for the holidays....this could be a great opportunity.

Speak Out

Phi Theta Kappa will be hosting a Speak Out on Tuesday, October 26,2010.

David and Carolyn Snow, of the Marshall non-profit organization My Friends Place, will be the speakers. They will discuss a Marshall Community project for people who are having a hard time in today's economy

Free Massages

Monday, October 25th, from Noon to 4pm, Student Activities will be hosting free back massages!!!!!

Drinks and candy bars will be provided.

Come out and break the monotony of mid-terms.

There is no sign-up, but, know that at peak times there might be a line.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In recognition of this month Student Activities and the Campus Activity Board will be selling Awareness memorabilia to use year round. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to the Susan G Komen Cancer Foundation!

Tuesday, October 19 is the second annual Pink Out Day so plan to wear pink. Lunch will be served in 515 conference room.

Learning Success Center

Congratulations to Robbie Anderson and The Learning Success Center. After 2 years of hard work, they have become CRLA certified!

CRLA ( College Reading and Learning Association)is an internationally recognized group that certifies quality standards in tutor training.

Welding For Beginners

This course is for those who are interested in learning some basic welding techniques. This class is ideal for home owners, farmers, and ranchers who want to be able to do some of their own welding in the future. Students will be introduced to the different types of welding ( MIG, TIG, and Stick)as well as gas and electric methods. Course will include welding methods, principle and practice. Students will get hands-on experience in performing metal welds.

Class will begin November 2010.

Course will be held for 4 hours every other Saturday for 12 weeks.

Course cost: $250 plus $25 material fee.

Call (903)923-3442 for more information.

Introduction to Handguns for Women and Novices

Are you interested in learning how to handle handguns? TSTC-Marshall is offering a handgun course through our continuing education department.

Topics include safe handling and storage of handguns, understanding the different types of handguns, ammunition, stance and shooting fundamentals, and the legal requirements for carrying and using handguns in Texas.

Students may bring their own handguns but they must be UNLOADED and will be checked and surrendered at the beginning of class and returned during stance exercises.

DATE: October 11, 2010 TIME: 6-9pm COST: $40

An additional live fire session can be scheduled, on an individual basis, at Green's Gun and Range in Marshall. Live fire session is an additional $25.

Fall Graduates

The last day to apply for Fall 2010 Graduation is Friday,October 1,2010. Please contact your advisor and pick up your application in the Registrar's Office.

Business and Professional Clothes Closet

Career Planning and Placement Services has an invitation with your name written on it! To what? I am so glad you asked! It's an invitation to become a donor to our new Business and Professional Clothes Closet!

We would like to offer both our male & female students the opportunity to take advantage of our Business and Professional Clothes Closet this Fall. So, we are asking you to donate business suits, ties, mens belts, dresses, casual outfits, and shoes. However, there are guidelines:
All clothing donations must be in good condition, dry cleaned on hangers and ready to wear to an interview.
Clothing must be less than 3 years old and/or contemporary in style.
When donating clothing or other items, please remember that our students want to achieve a current, professional appearance. Please donate items that you would feel comfortable wearing on an interview yourself.
This service will be free of charge to any student participating in a job interview or one of our career fairs.
This program will help enhance their search for employment by taking on a professional appearance at job interviews as well. Your donations of interview-appropriate clothing will help them make that first impression a positive one. Most important, they will look and feel confident.

Contact Vanessa Davis in the Placement Office for more information.

Enrollment Survey

Students,

Each semester we request your input on the enrollment experience while it is fresh in your mind. Please click on the link below to complete a quick 5 minute survey. All of those who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing for $100.00 to the TSTC bookstore. You must complete the survey by October 1, 2010 to be eligible for the drawing.

We appreciate your time providing us with valuable information to improve our services.


https://survey.tstc.edu/wsb.dll/3/customerserviceFall10.htm

Texas State Technical College and Halliburton

Just a reminder.

Halliburton will be on campus today for the job fair.

It will take place from 2-6pm in room 515.

Congratulations Spelling Bee Participants

Congratulations to the TSTC Marshall Spelling Bee Team (Colleen Halupa, LaShondra Manning, and Dorothy Meadows), for taking 2nd place at the Annual Harrison County Literacy Council Spelling Bee. They did a great job and advanced further than any previous team.

Congratulations also to the cheer team! They claimed back-to-back Spirit Stick Awards for rooting their Eagles to a near victory!

Car Wash

The Student Veterans Association is holding a car wash fundraiser.

Go get your car washed and help support our veterans!

$5 minimum donation is required.

Texas State Technical College and Halliburton

Texas State Technical College will be hosting a Hiring Event for Halliburton on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 from 2pm-6pm, in Room 515.

Halliburton will be looking for mechanical and electrical technicians, dispathers, and experienced oilfield workers(CDL preferred).

You must apply on-line before the hiring event: www.gohalliburton.com

Temporary positions are staffed through SOS Staffing in Longview and Bossier City or Manpower in Kilgore and Longview.

"Our partnership with Halliburton is an effort that we made not only for our students but for our community as well. This is an opportunity for TSTC and Halliburton to make a positive impact on the economy together."

Get Involved!

Wow, September is full of great events for a person interested in getting involved on campus!

9/07/10- Minute 2 Win It
9/08/10- Traveling Art Show
Zumba
9/09/10- Water Wars
9/10/10- Harrison County Spelling Bee
9/13/10- Organization Fair
Zumba
9/14/10- Game Night
9/15/10- SGA Meeting
Zumba
9/16/10- Thirsty Thursday
9/17/10- Leadership Seminar
9/20/10- Zumba
9/21/10- Time Out Tuesday
9/22/10- Zumba
9/27/10- Zumba
9/29/10- Open Forum
Zumba

If you have any questions about the upcoming activities, please contact O.L. Kelly at (903)935-1010.

Welcome Back!

Welcome back!

Today is the first day of the fall semester. I want to remind everybody that attendance is very important in attaining a good grade. So set a good precedent and try to be here everyday!

Also, remember the Learning Success Center. If you are having trouble in your classes, stop by. Tutors are there that will help you study. It is free, you paid for it with your tuition, so, take advantage.

Zumba

Zumba is a dance fitness program that combines Latin and international music in an effort to make exercise more fun!

TSTC Marshall offers classes, here on campus, on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:15 pm in room 515.

Contact O.L. Kelly, at (903)935-1010 if you have any questions.

Housing is Full!

Housing is already full for the fall semester!

However, we will continue to take applications and deposits for the waiting lists.

Lunch to Honor Our Veterans

Join us for lunch Tuesday, August 10, at noon, in the south building, near the visitors' entrance.

During this event, we will be filming a commercial that focuses on our Veterans. Come out and maybe you will see yourself on television!

Hope to see you there!

National Night Out

Please join our residents tonight at 5pm for National Night Out. This is a great time for our on-campus students to meet or better acquaint themselves with the faculty, staff, and especially the campus safety officers that we have here at TSTC.

It will take place at the Housing Commons.

See ya there!

Transportation and Technology Building

A ribbon cutting for the new Transportation and Technology building will be held Friday, August 6, at 7:30 AM.

Come check it out!

Happy Hour!

Come enjoy a cool (non-alcoholic) drink to help beat the heat!

Where: Housing Commons

When: Thursday, July 15

See you there.

Student Ambassadors

The Student Ambassadors Association is looking for new members.

This is an elite organization that helps Enrollment Management.

Members are expected to help with orientations, school visits, career days, and many other functions. In addition, you will be required to attend monthly meetings.

Membership includes a small scholarship every semester.

If you are interested, please contact Ann Scoggin at (903)923-3211.

Blood Drive

Give the gift of life.

Blood Drive today from 9 AM-2 PM at the Visitors Entrance on the south campus.

Time Out Tuesday

Time Out Tuesday is moving.

This week it will not be in the Housing Commons. It will be in the 200 Commons/Visitor's Entrance area. Hopefully, this will allow more participation.

Remember, no reservations are needed but once it is gone.....

Bookstore Closed Friday

The bookstore will be closed Friday, July 2.

They will re-open on Monday, July 5th for business as usual.

Open Forum

Open Forum is today!

Please come out and meet the new Student Government President, Micheal Hall. Plus, mingle with friends and hear other guest speakers.

Lunch will be served.

Hope to see you there.

Student Ambassadors

Student Ambassadors have a mandatory meeting on Thursday, July 1, 2010.

It will be held at the Housing Commons at noon.

SVA Meeting

Student Veterans of America (SVA) will be meeting Thursday, June 17 at noon in room 118.

Check it out!

Taste of Tech 2010

Time Out Tuesday

The first Time Out Tuesday of the summer semester is tomorrow!

Student Activities will be serving meatball subs, chips, and drinks.

Please come.

TSTC Games

Wanna go to Waco? This is your chance.

The TSTC Games are taking place in Waco, June 11- June 13th. In order to go you must try out for one of the teams that will be traveling to Waco.

There will be Volleyball (Girls), Basketball (Boys), Ping Pong, Pool, Madden, and Dodgeball teams.

Tryouts are tomorrow.

Contact O.L. Kelly at the Housing Commons for more information.

Study Tips

We all know that studying is important. Yet, some have less effective studying habits than others. Here are some tips that might help.

1. Study in Short, Frequent Sessions
Do not wait until the night before the test and then try to pull an "all-nighter".
Instead try studying for 10-15 minutes at a time more often.
It has been proven that short bursts of concentration repeated frequently are
more effective than one long session.

2. Review the Same Day
Review new material immediately. It will cement the information in your head.
If you wait too long it will seem less familiar.

3. Create a Routine
Pick certain times to study and DO IT! Make it a habit.

Welcome Back

Welcome back Everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the break.

I just wanted wish everyone well as the Summer II session begins.

Calendar for Fall Semester 2010

July 1-Aug 27 Fall 2010 pre-registration
July 16 Orientation and registration for new students
July 21 Orientation and registration for new students
Aug 5 Orientation and registration for new students
Aug 13 Orientation and registration for new students
Aug 27 Housing "move-in" day
Aug 27 Registration/Payment Deadline
Aug 30 FIRST CLASS DAY
1st day to apply for Fall 2010 graduation
Sept 3 Last day to change schedules (drop/add classes)
Sept 6 Staff/student holiday
Sept 27 2nd Tuition/Housing installment due
Oct 1 Deadline to apply for fall 2010 graduation
Oct 12-Jan 4 Spring 2011 pre-registration
Oct 27 3rd (final) Tuition/Housing installment due
Oct 28 Industry and Career Day
Nov 12 Last day to drop/withdraw with a grade of "W"
Nov 25-26 Staff/Student holidays
Dec 3 Orientation and registration for new students
Dec 10 End of semester
Dec 10 Commencement
Dec 24-31 Staff/Student holidays

Bookstore Closed

The bookstore will be conducting annual inventory next week.

They will be closed from Monday, May 17 through Friday, May 21.

They will reopen on Monday, May 24.

Library Closed

Our library will be closed on Thursday, May 6, 2010 due to maintenance.

It will reopen on Friday, May 7, 2010.

Thank you for your cooperation!

A Much Needed Break!

I am sure many of you are happy that the Spring 2010 semester is over.

I hope all went well this semester. If it did not, don't get discouraged. Take advantage of the tools offered.

The Student Success Center is the first place students should check if they are struggling in class. We have tutors here that will help you drag your grades up.

Plus, it is free!

Finally!

I would just like to congratulate all of our graduates. I know you have worked very hard to reach this point. I wish you all success and happiness in the future.

The Results Are In!

Micheal Hall has been elected President of the Student Government Association.

Aaron Norman is the new Vice President.

There are still positions open. If you are interested contact O.L.Kelly.

Commencement

Graduation is less than two weeks away!

I would like to let our future graduates know that they can pick up their cap and gowns at the bookstore. Also, rehearsal will be at 1:30 the day of graduation. The ceremony will be held at the Julius S. Scott Sr Chapel on April 30, 2010 at 6pm.

We would like to invite all family and friends to attend this special occasion.

Please contact Pat Robbins if you have any questions.

Federal Bureau of Investigation

The FBI is coming to Texas State Technical College- Marshall!

Vanessa Davis, our Placement Director, has been promoting TSTC and our students to the Dallas recruiter. After reviewing our programs, they are ready to meet our students and see how we can fit with the Bureau.

They will be here April 22, 2010 from 11 AM-12:30 PM.

How exciting! If you want more information contact Placement Services.

Crawfish Boil 2010

Crawfish Boil!

Our annual crawfish boil is this week. It will be Thursday, April 8, at noon.

In addition to the great food, there will be a volleyball game. It is students versus faculty and staff. Sign up now!

Each player gets a free tee shirt. For everyone else, you can buy one for $10.

Hope to see you there.

East Texas Manufacturers Scholarship

The Longview Economic Development Corporation, its CEO, and HR groups recognize the need for skilled technicians to meet the demand of today's manufacturing industries. They have created the East Texas Manufacturers Scholarship program in an effort to meet those needs.

Today's manufacturing jobs require college education and training. The scholarships are available to students pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in any of the following fields:

Combination Welding Certificate
Computer Aided Drafting
Computer Aided Manufacturing
Diesel Equipment Technology
Industrial Maintenance
Industrial Mechatronics
Instrumentation
Environmental Health & Safety Technology

AWARD RECIPIENTS MUST:

1)Be high school graduates with a minimum 2.50 Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale;

2)Have attended and graduated from a high school within a 50 mile radius of Longview, TX.

3)Must enroll in and maintain enrollment in a program of study leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree that is approved

4) Maintain satisfactory academic progress

5) Maintain a full academic load of at least 12 credit hours

6) Agree to share academic progress information with members of East Texas Manufacturers (ETM)

If you or anyone you know meet the above criteria, please APPLY!

Congratulations

I would to congratulate the winners of the 2010 Mr & Miss TSTC awards:

Mr.TSTC- Travis Eudey
Miss TSTC- Kristen Fitzgerald

Miss Congeniality- Chastity Houff
Mr. Congeniality- Aaron Norman

Mr & Mrs TSTC

Student Activities would like to invite you to the 2010 Mr. & Mrs. TSTC Pageant on Thursday, March 25,2010 at 7pm.

Candidates will take a trip down the red carpet before the official ceremonies.

The pageant will take place in the 515 conference room in the south building.

Light refreshments will be served after the festivities.

Please come out and support our students!

Getting Involved: Continued

Residential Housing Association

The Residential Housing Association establishes programs to create an atmosphere which promotes academic excellence and achievement. RHA is able to promote a living atmosphere that is comfortable, tolerant, and community oriented. RHA also encourages interaction among students through social, recreational, and leisure activities.

RHA does its best to develop programs which promote interaction among all members of the housing community, specifically supporting the RHA to increase opportunities for resident involvement in the total housing system. Most recently, programming was provided to educate residents about the relationship between physical and mental health and wellness. Through the cooking classes we are able to communicate students' needs related to sound nutrition and food quality.

To become a member, you just need to live on campus in campus housing.

We conduct weekly meetings with RHA officers, and monthly meetings with housing residents.

If you would like anymore information, please contact Hubert Staten.

Casino Night

I would like to welcome all of our students to the Commons Area tonight.

Student Activities is hosting a Casino Night.

Students can win all kinds of prizes including a new television!

So come on out and join the fun. It begins tonight at 7 PM.

Getting Involved: Continued

One of the organizations we have on our campus is Phi Beta Kappa.

It is an International Honor Society for two year colleges and membership is by invitation only. You are invited after you have completed twelve credits and earned a 3.5 GPA.

Our Phi Beta Kappa Chapter is very active. They attend conventions, participate in projects, hold fundraisers and open forums, as well as sponsor blood drives.

If you want more information about Phi Beta Kappa you may contact Venesia Adams, Dorothy Meadows,Cathy Fontaine, Mario Cantu, or Mary Dorris.

Helping Out and Giving Back

Today, Carter BloodCare is having registration for bone marrow . They are at the South Building near the security entrance.

If you have any questions, you may contact Mario Cantu at (903)935-1010.

Tomorrow, is the blood drive. It is from 9 AM- 2 PM in the South Building near the Visitor's Entrance.

We encourage everyone to participate!

National Fairy Tale Day

In observance of National Fairy Tale Day, TSTC Marshall invited several children to campus to entertain their imaginations by reading fairy tales that included Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and Alladin. Dressed in a blue ball gown and tiara, Ms.TSTC 2009 read stories to each class that came.

"This is a way to encourage kids from a young age to desire to read books," said Courtney Lyons, Ms TSTC 2009.

"It was a very fun experience, and I hope more children come out in the future."

Get Involved

Tom Healy is a young speaker, author, and entrepreneur. He encourages students to get involved at their campuses.

Healy states that Student Organizations will give you the following:

-A real world experience that you cannot receive in the classroom.

-A great boost to your resume.

-Interesting stories to share while being interviewed.

-Increase your time-management skills.

-Access to organizations' advisors and alumni.

Getting involved is important and our campus has the right organization for you.

Keep checking back, in future posts I plan to detail some of the organizations available here on campus.

Basic Motorcycle Operator Training Course

As of September 1, 2009,if you want to ride motorcycles in Texas, you must first complete a Basic Rider Course.

Luckily, we now offer just that!

Classes will be on Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM- 5 PM.

Dates:

March 13-14
April 10-11
April 24-25
May 8-9
June 19-20
July 3-4
July 10-11

Participants must pre-register in the Admissions Office.

Show Me Those Pearly Whites!

This month is National Childrens' Dental Health Month.

Our Activities Director, Orlandrus Kelly, and several students gathered toothbrushes and toothpaste for local children.

They visited area day-cares and gave the kids not only the equipment but some valuable information about dental hygiene.

National Make A Friend Day

On February 11,2010 TSTC-Marshall is celebrating National Make A Friend Day.

We have invited students from area colleges and universities to come to our campus to camp out!

There are so many activities planned for the attendees. There will be laser tag, horseshoe pits, Texas Hold'Em Tournament, and of course....FOOD!

Mark your calendars and come out and join us!

Workshop/ Open Forum

Overcoming Adversity to Become Successful in College and Life

Everyone deals with adversity, it's a fact of life, but some people overcome so much that they become an inspiration to the rest of us.

Stephanie Parsons is an Instructor here and today she shared her story about overcoming adversity.

Stephanie spoke today about the hardships she has faced.

She grew up in an abusive home in Missouri with five brothers and sisters.
She was unable to read, without anyone noticing, until the sixth grade.
Stephanie later married and had two difficult pregnancies.
Her husband was stricken with cancer.
She got a job at Hewlett-Packard but lost her job in a layoff.

At this point, many people would give up. Many would buckle under this kind of pressure. Even Stephanie admits to having times where she asked "Why me?" Yet, Stephanie endured. She gives thanks to many people and encourages others to look at the bright side.

She grew up in an abusive family but had a grandmother that inspired her to be a better parent.
She couldn't read but encountered a teacher who taught her.
She had two difficult childbirths, but has two children that are her life.
Doctors have given her husband slim chances, but he is still here.
She lost her job at HP but she is now with us at TSTC.

She attributes her success in life to faith in God and an adherence to the Golden Rule..."Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Hockey Night

Campus Activities has planned a trip to Shreveport to watch a hockey game. On Friday, January 29th, the Shreveport Mudbugs take on the Rio Grand Valley Killer Bees.

If you are interested you can sign up at the Housing Commons.

Tickets are free for TSTC students. If you would like to bring family or friends, they can purchase tickets at the Cashier Office in the Administration Building. Tickets can be purchased for $9.

YOU MUST RSVP BY 1PM MONDAY, JANUARY 25TH.

Hired!

Congratulations goes out to Kyle Farris, a graduate from our Process Operations Program. Kyle has been employed by Eastman Chemical Company as an Operator in Co-gen! He will begin in a couple of weeks.

Thank you goes out to Mr. Bobby Key for working with Kyle and connecting him with the company for this great opportunity!

Spring Semester 2010

Classes begin Monday, January 11, 2010. Today is the last orientation for new students. It begins at 1pm this afternoon. All returning students should have their new schedules and books.

Books can be purchased, on campus, in the bookstore. It is located in the South Building in Room 452.

If anyone has any questions regarding their schedules, feel free to contact us in Enrollment Management.

I hope everyone has a wonderful semester.

Welcome Back

Let me be the first to welcome back faculty, staff, and several students. I hope everyone had a nice break and are well rested because we have a busy week!

We have scheduled two new student orientations. The first begins at 1pm this afternoon. The second and final orientation will begin Friday at 1pm as well. If anyone has any questions about orientation feel free to contact Ann Scoggin at (903)923-3211 or LaShondra Manning at (903)923-3309.Additionally, our Student Ambassadors are here to help too. They are all wearing red TSTC t-shirts. Feel free to stop any of them with any questions you may have.