TAMIU's Student Services Can Help You Get What You Want Out of Life

Attending a University for the first time doesn't have to be an overwhelming experience. With a variety of programs in place to help both first time and continuing students, Texas A&M International University can help one adjust and thrive in the academic environment.

One important program is the First Year Success program, which was initiated in the Fall of 2001 and strives for personal contact with every first year student at TAMIU.

Raquel López, First Year Success Program coordinator, explained that the Program offers students a place to go for direction, whether the student needs clarification on their status, information about dropping a class or if they need to find a job on campus.

"Research shows that the first year of college life requires huge adjustments in time management, organizational skills, as well as self-discipline. Juggling these changes while simultaneously learning TAMIU's expectations regarding test requirements, degree plans, scheduling of classes, etc., can become overwhelming. The First Year Success Program staff, which includes graduate student advisors, communicates and advises first year students before these problems become barriers. We try to have as much information as possible at our fingertips. We have a liaison with every campus department that works with students and we meet with those liaisons to keep abreast of the latest developments," said López.

She said that academic advisors are available during the day and during extended evening hours and weekends in Killam Library, room 217.

Another service that can help students do well is the Writing Center, located on the second floor of the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, with 12 trained tutors on staff for assistance with research papers and other writing assignments, in English or Spanish, as well as test preparation for the Rising Junior Exam, TASP, TOEFL, GRE or other exams.

Randy Koch, director of the Center, said the Center helps students with more than just a single paper.

"The Center is designed to help one improve one's writing overall. Although we can certainly help with single projects, our tutors can help one learn about writing, making future papers easier to write," said Koch.

He said that the Center's hours-Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.-hopefully would make it possible for all students to use it.

Sandra S. Gray, director of the Center for the Advancement of Scholastic Achievement (CASA) said tutoring for subjects other than writing is available at CASA, as well as test preparation for TASP reading and math. CASA is located in Killam Library, room 205.

"We offer tutoring in math, sciences, history-just about any subject that's offered on campus," said Gray.

Dr. Terence Hannigan, director of Student Counseling Services, says he can help students adjust and cope through expanded student counseling services.

"We've hired three part-time counselors who have extended the hours of service of our office. In addition to our regular office hours, students can now see a counselor on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings until 8 p.m. We recently hired a full-time Disability Services for Students coordinator, Ruby González," said Hannigan.

He explained that Student Counseling Services provides information in the form of brochures and information tables, to students about important issues.

"We've presented many topics such as dealing with depression, domestic violence, test anxiety, study skills, developing healthy relationships and others," he said.

Angelina Cantrell, director of Student Health Services, said her office can help students stay healthy as they work hard during the academic year.

"We offer screenings, flu shots, cholesterol tests and many other services to help students stay healthy and do their best in school. We're here to see sick students, prescribe medication if needed and help them get better," said Cantrell.

For more information about the First Year Success program, please contact Raquel López at 326.2785, or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 334. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Academic advisors are available extended evening hours and weekends in Killam Library, room 217

For more information about the Writing Center, please contact Randy Koch at 326.2885, or visit the Center in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, second floor. Writing Center hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Friday, and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information on CASA, please contact Sandra Gray at 326.2132, or visit offices in Killam Library, second floor. CASA hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday, 1. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information about Student Counseling Services, please contact Dr. Terence Hannigan at 326.2230, visit offices in the Student Center, room 124. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Thursday and Friday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday.

For more information on Student Health Services, please contact Angelina Cantrell at 326.2235, visit offices in the Student Center, room 125, or e-mail acantell@tamiu.edu. Student Health Services office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu