Center for Student Success

Maria Velez-Hernandez, Interim Associate Vice President for Student Success
361-593-3290, https://www.tamuk.edu/studentsuccess/

 

The Center for Student Success houses programs that help students achieve college readiness, develop essential academic success skills, and strategically plan their path to graduation. In addition, the Center coordinates academic elements of the Javelina First-Year Experience, including the First-Year Seminar, and the Javelina Read. It provides a home for the Academic Advising of all undergraduate students. It is committed to creating a learner-centered environment, and offering programs designed to enhance student success in and out of the classroom. These programs include Academic Career Literacy, Academic Tutoring, the University Writing Center, Supplemental Instruction, and Peer Mentoring. All Center for Student Success programs are enhanced with AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) high impact strategies.

Curriculum

First-Year Experience Classes

https://www.tamuk.edu/studentsuccess/univ-success-course.html

The Center for Student Success offers UNIV 1201, a one-semester course designed to introduce students to the Javelina experience.  Students will learn listening and note taking strategies; become familiar with campus support networks; improve financial literacy skills; and learn how to utilize our online learning platforms.  Additionally, students will read a novel that will be used in class to engage them in conversations about diversity and ethics, and to improve their critical thinking and communication skills.   

Retention Services

The Center for Student Success programs are designed to support students as they develop their academic, personal, and leadership skills. The following programs develop, enhance, and enrich the undergraduate experience and while doing so, positively impact student retention and persistence to graduation.

Academic Advising

https://www.tamuk.edu/studentsuccess/advising.html

The Center for Student Success personnel evaluate the academic background of incoming freshmen and assess student readiness for college course work. These advisors work with students to define and develop realistic goals, help students recognize their abilities and interests, identify any special needs, and/or match students to available resources that may be required to aid in their journey to be successful. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisors on a regular basis to monitor their progress toward their educational and career goals. Advising provides a linkage between academic preparation and career goals.

Pathways Academic Assistance Center

https://www.tamuk.edu/studentsuccess/PAAC/index.html

The Pathways Academic Assistance Center “PAAC”, located in the Jernigan Library Room 220, provides comprehensive resources that help all students achieve their academic goals and potential.  The core focus is to be an extension of the classroom experience by providing individual or group tutoring, either in person or online,  that afford the skills necessary for students to achieve academic success.  The PAAC also provides Javelina Embedded Tutoring “JET”, formally known as Supplemental Instruction (SI), which provides an embedded tutor in historically challenging classes.  The JET offers a series of weekly review sessions that offers guided course review, as well as provides note-taking, study skills, and test-taking strategies.

University Writing Center

The University Writing Center, located in the Jernigan Library Room 217, collaboratively assists students in all stages of the writing process, from generating ideas to editing and proofreading.  Students can work with peer writing consultants by appointment either in person or online.

Student Success Mentoring Center

Peer mentors support students by sharing success strategies and positive habits, guiding students to resources and opportunities on campus, and promoting positive decision making.   

Department Faculty

Alegria, Desiree Lecturer, Center for Student Success; B.A., Texas A&M University-Kingsville; M.S., Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

Arias, Roberto Lecturer I, Center for Student Success; B.S., Texas A&M University-Kingsville; M.S., Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

Bustamante, Diana Lecturer I, Center for Student Success; B.A., Texas A&M University-Kingsville; M.S., Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

Hennessey, Patricia Lecturer II, Center for Student Success; M.A., Rhode Island College.

Singer, Svetlana Lecturer I, Center for Student Success; B.A., Moscow State University (Russia); M.S., Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

Subjects in this Department

University Learning (UNIV)

UNIV 1101  Learning in Global Context I  1 SCH  (0-2)  

A student success lab, designed to enhance the opportunity for success of first-year students. In-depth analysis and application, extended readings, internet assignments, class discussion, and consistent student interaction and feedback concerning course content.

UNIV 1102  Learning in Global Context II  1 SCH  (0-2)  

A continuation of UNIV 1102. Designed to enhance the opportunity for success of first-year students. In-depth analysis and application, extended readings, internet assignments, class discussion, and consistent student interaction and feedback concerning course content. Prerequisite: UNIV 1101.

UNIV 1201  Learning in Global Context  2 SCH  (2-0)  

A course designed to enhance the opportunities for success of first-year students through analysis, application, reflection, discussion, and interaction.