Campus Living

Most college students say they learn and grow as much by living on campus as they do by attending classes. The living environment at TSTC gives you opportunities for social interaction, interpersonal relationships and activities. Campus living is an important component of your total development as a student. We encourage you to join in residential living and expand your experience through human relationships, new ideas and cultural diversity. TSTC offers on-campus housing for the single student, married student or student with a family.

The Center for Assessment

Testing services assists students in obtaining maximum results from their educational opportunities. Students are encouraged to make appointments; however, walk-ins are welcomed and accommodated, based on counselor availability.

The Counseling Center

The Counseling Center, a component of the Department of Student Life, is dedicated to assisting students in developing transitional skills to help them achieve success in their academic, career and life goals in an inclusive envi ronment that embraces the diversity of our students and community.

Support Services

Support Services, offered through the Department of Student Life, is dedicated to ensuring that TSTC students, both traditional and non-traditional, have access to practical resources that will assist them in becoming self-sufficient, while pursuing academic success.

Most students would agree that the needs of everyday life do not come to a halt simply because one has enrolled in college. Many TSTC students have families and children who depend upon them for support even while they are striving to improve their livelihood. Single students also encounter practical needs requests that arise through the course of the academic year.

Support Services offers a variety of services to assists students in meeting their personal and academic needs. These services include: child care financial assistance program, textbook lending library, public transportation assistance, Clothes Closet and Food Pantry. Practical skills development seminars and workshops such as Parenting Education, household management, and, other personal and family enrichment activities are offered throughout the year.

Student Activities

Social Activities – Campus life at TSTC includes a variety of social activities, such as movies, dances, parties, and other special events.

Intramural and Recreational Sports – TSTC sponsors a variety of team and individual sports throughout the year. These programs contribute to students. general education by providing experiences that are available only through sports, athletic competition, and recreation. Intramural and recreational sports help create well-balanced and happy individuals by developing physical skills, good health, mental alertness, and social well being. These programs strive to reach as many students as possible and develop permanent interests in sports and lifetime fitness. These programs include team sports, such as flag football, basketball, softball, and volleyball, as well as other activities, such as tennis, racquetball, and aerobics.

The TSTC Games include participants from TSTC Harlingen, TSTC Marshall, TSTC Waco, and TSTC West Texas. These competitions are held every year, with the colleges serving as hosts on a rotating basis.

One highlight of the year is Dia Techsana. Students and organizations gather one afternoon each fall for fun and games. Participants can enjoy refreshments, games, contests and recreation.

As a TSTC Waco student, you can be a part of the action of Big 12 Conference sports. TSTC Waco students can attend all Baylor University home football and basketball games and other sports at a reduced cost. You can enjoy Big 12 Conference sports with tickets distributed through the Student Activities Office.

As a TSTC Waco student, you can be a part of the action of Big 12 Conference sports. TSTC Waco students can attend all Baylor University home football and basketball games and other sports at a reduced cost. You can enjoy Big 12 Conference sports with tickets distributed through the Student Activities Office.

TSTC Waco students can also attend - free of charge - McLennan Community College's home athletic events, including men's and women's basketball and baseball, by presenting a valid TSTC Student Identification Card at the venue entrance to each event.

Student Government

The Student Government Association (SGA) is the governing body that represents students and advises the college administration on issues of student interest and concern. TSTC Waco holds elections for SGA officers each March. The participation of students in TSTC Waco's decisionmaking process is an important institutional value. The administration recognizes the Student Government Association as the official voice of the student body, and as such, affords the president a permanent seat as a voting member at monthly meetings of the TSTC Waco President's Cabinet, the decision-making body of the institution.

Library

The Library, conveniently located between the Electronics Center and the Technical Studies Center, offers students more than 62,000 books and approximately 250 periodicals, including general interest magazines, technical and professional journals, and newspapers. Also available are private study rooms, drafting tables, TTY, photocopiers, microfiche readers and reader/ printers, and more than 2,000 videos.

The Library also houses a computer laboratory that provides more than 20 software programs and applications for student use. The lab has 24 multimedia computers with Internet access and popular software. Students can also access the Library on-line EBSCO-Host database from off-campus. Instructions for remote access are posted at the Library's Web page ( www.waco.tstc.edu/library).

Student Clubs and Organizations

Student clubs and organizations provide many opportunities for students to get involved in campus activities. Some clubs and organizations focus on particular professional fields, while others relate to more general interests, hobbies, and support services. Each club or organization must have a faculty/staff advisor and must be approved annually by the Executive Vice President. Students are encouraged to visit the Student Activities Office to learn more about student clubs and organizations.

Student Publications

Students who are interested in writing, photography, or journalistic projects are encouraged to become involved with the various college publications, including the TSTC Waco student newspaper, "Tech Times." Contact Marketing & Communications located in Patterson Hall or call (254) 867-3035 for more information.

College Bookstore

The TSTC bookstore maintains a wide selection of books and supplies required for classes and labs. The bookstore also offers an assortment of educational materials, health care products, stamps, cards, envelopes, and snacks, as well as an array of college sportswear, hats, and novelties.

Services for Students with Disabilities

Deaf/Disabled Student Services (D/DSS) functions as a support service to deaf and hard of hearing students and students with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations are provided for students with certified disabilities identified in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Each student, after providing appropriate documentation of his or her disability and his or her prescription for auxiliary aids, is evaluated individually to determine suitable accommodations. Some of the types of accommodations which may be provided include: tape recorders, extended test time, alternate testing sites, scribes, sign language interpreters, note takers, and the use of special adaptive equipment. Students are encouraged to contact Deaf/Disabled Student Services early to allow sufficient time for processing accommodation requests. D/DSS collaborates with both college personnel and students with disabilities and facilitate appropriate accommodations to assist in the student.s academic endeavors.

Specialized Deaf Student Services

The Deaf/Disabled Student Services Office offers comprehensive support services including a College Preparatory Program, sign language/oral interpreting, notetaking and tutoring. TSTC also offers a Deaf Student Club for deaf and hard of hearing students to develop their leadership and socialization skills. D/DSS interpreters are skilled in American Sign Language and English, and they are RID and/or BEI certified.

The College Preparatory Program is designed for deaf and hard of hearing students who need to prepare for collegelevel math, English and reading. Both non-credit development courses and regular credit courses are offered during the College Preparatory Program, which is available in the fall term each year.

Deaf/Disabled Student Services is located in the Fentress Center at 200 Bolling Drive. Questions about D/DSS should be addressed to Brent Burns, coordinator of D/DSS, at (254) 867-3600 (voice) or (866) 290-8665 (Voice/Videophone).

Women's Programs

The Women's Program of the Department of Student Life seeks to encourage TSTC's female students while offering a unique outlet and networking resource. Through the Department of Student Life Women's Programs, students can receive one-on-one support through mentoring programs. Returning female students act as .Big Sisters. to new students, helping new students to adjust to the newness of TSTC life and giving them support that only someone who has been there can offer. Technology professionals are also available to mentor female students who are beginning to chart their own course in their technical profession, offering guidance in all facets of the journey. TSTC women can find networking and group support in the department offices, as well as through social opportunities such as the Women in Technology student organization. Women will find their interests being addressed through women's issues education.