Offices extend hours to assist new Scorpions!

Registration Month at Texas Southmost College is in full swing and there is still time to sign up and become a Scorpion student in the Fall!

The college is extending its hours and hosting registration rallies and events to get students help to begin classes on Aug. 22

The next registration rally is this Saturday, Aug. 13 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Hania Garza was one of the prospective students getting help through the process during a recent Registration Rally. She sat alongside her mother, Blanca Alviar, as they waited to get called into a station where TSC staff aided students in their college journey.

“I’ve taken college classes before, in high school, I made progress toward my associate’s degree,” Garza, a recent graduate of Porter High School, said. “I’m the first one in my family to go to college. It is a lot of pressure but at the same time, it’s really cool. It’s special for them but it has been difficult since they don’t have the experience, I have no one to talk to when I need help.”

That is where TSC’s helpful staff comes in. Hania was able to access a one-stop-shop of assistance with admissions, financial aid, and even student clubs and services on hand.

Representatives from the Recreation Center, Students Services, Counseling, Student Accessibility Resources, and many more were on-site to let students know what is offered on-campus.

“They’re really helpful,” Garza said. “I went to academic advising a few months ago and they walked me through the registration process, so I feel more confident.”

Rene Villarreal serves as Associate Vice President of Student Services and he explained the importance of a rally with so many services available.

“The goal of this month is to encourage anybody who hasn’t worked on anything to still be able to pursue a degree or certificate,” Villarreal said. “We have registration rallies throughout the month and they can accomplish and get registered, so they don’t have to come back. We want to make it as easy as possible to complete their educational goal. We want to avoid them having to come back and forth. We’ll take them. You’re here so might as well take care of everything so after this, all they have to worry about is having their books on the first day of classes on the 22nd.”

Alissa Salinas said that TSC was helpful as she changed institutions.

“I was originally supposed to go to another school but midway I switched because they have the program I wanted,” said Salinas who graduated from Lopez High School in the Spring. “They’ve been super helpful, a lot more helpful than the other institution…a lot more direct with instructions.

“Without this rally, I’m pretty sure I would have registered sometime in the Spring and not in the Fall,” Alissa Salinas said.

Her mother, Celina Salinas talked about how TSC, the most affordable college in the Rio Grande Valley gives the family pieces of mind because of the value and cost.

“It makes it easier for the whole family for her to get started with school without the burden of needing to work,” Celina Salinas said. “However she can also work here at school when she’s attending classes if she chooses, so that is nice.”

TSC is also hosting Sting Week from August 15-18 which includes events like FASFA Fest, Club Fair, and Job Fair. You can see all of those dates at https://www.tsc.edu/registration-events/ 

Extended hours are every day until the first day of classes.