TAMIU Annual Report 2018

2018 Annual Report / IMPACT C H A L L E N G E / I M PA C T Tech Solution Puts Course Scheduling in Students’ Hands A frequent source of student headaches at TAMIU is no more. Using an innovative online system, TAMIU has made it possible for students to create their own course schedule from the convenience of their desktop, smartphone or tablet. Dubbed TAMIU SchEDUler, the free of charge service was launched this Spring and has proven popular with students who can build their schedules, accommodating outside obligations and preferred learning times with a few keystrokes. University Registrar Juan Gilberto García, Jr. said TAMIU SchEDUler has made scheduling seamless, reduced registration frustrations and accommodated student  preferences, all within a mobile-friendly interface. “This is the first major change in our registration process in some time, and it puts students first. We wanted to impact students with a solution native to them: taking control of their needs from a desktop, smartphone or tablet. We know that schedules optimized for a student actually boost credit hours, increase student retention, and accelerate degree completion --  critical for all students and for the University. When the student builds a schedule that works for them, this flexibility helps them balance learning and life…and build on their success,” Garcia said. The University collaborated with Civitas Learning, a student success company that has partnered strategically with more than 325 colleges and universities like TAMIU, serving nearly 8 million students. Local Chef Cooks Up Scholarship Funding Chef Pete Mims has been pleasing Laredo palates for years. But lately, he’s found a way to ‘plate up’ his talents in support of scholarship funds for summer programs offered by TAMIU’s Office of Continuing Education. “The Cooking Series with Chef Mims” has proven a tasty way to share lifelong learning with the community, while also offering generous program support. To date, Chef Mims has offered three distinct cooking demonstrations, including a Thanksgiving-themed event, a Paella Night (TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz assisted!) and, most recently, an Italian Night which featured homemade pasta. Guests sampled starters to desserts and received a special recipe booklet. Proceeds fund special scholarships that enable foster children to attend Dusty’s Junior University and the TAMIU Programming Summer Camp. 16