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Information for EVERY student

BBA in Management from UTB Update

Many students are interested in taking courses at Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Harlingen with the goal of transferring out to another university.  TSTC Harlingen has an articulation agreement with the (UTB) University of Texas at Brownsville's School of Business where a student with an interest of pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management degree can take virtually every prerequisite required for the program at TSTC, then transfer out.  

With any articulation agreement, there are always "fine print" that aren't widely known to students until they encounter problems.  I recently had a student contact me as she encountered some of those obstacles.  Included in this post is a PDF of the basic degree plan from UTB.  

Here's how to read it:

The first block [ General Education Core - B.B.A. 48 Hours] is the general Academic Core you must complete at either institution.  For every course mentioned in this block, TSTC has a corresponding course to match it that is FULLY transferable.  A student can either take them individually or complete our Academic Core and receive credit for these 48 hours. 

The second block [Bus. Admin. Lower Division Core - 18 Hours] are specific courses needed to continue with UTB's School of Business.  The left hand column shows the UTB courses required. Here is a list of courses that mirrors those requirements including the "Fine Print":

Bba

I hope this clarifies the transition.  Remember also that UTB's Off-Campus University offers a lot of the Upper Division courses at TSTC. So in essence, it will be UTB's instructors and tuition but TSTC's facilities. 

Click here to download:
BBAinManagementUTB.pdf (95 KB)

How are YOU placing?

Most students don't give too much emphasis on Placement Tests such as the Accuplacer.  There seems to either be a mass confusion or lack of seriousness from students.  

What Students Don't Realize

Remedial (Developmental) courses, such as: DMTH, READ & WRIT, can take up a good portion of time when attempting to finish your degree.  You can actually add up to a year's worth of extra courses to your degree timeline depending on how low/high you place.  

I'm not trying to scare anyone, but I do want to emphasize the importance of this.  

Not All is Lost

Believe it or not...there are ways "around" it. 

Your Options:

1) Quick Reviews. Every semester, roughly the week prior to the start of classes, developmental departments offer "Quick Reviews" in their subject area.  They usually last the entire week, but if you score high enough on the Accuplacer test given at the end - you can hopefully bypass a class or two.  
2) Accuplacer Tutoring. The Office of Student Success offers a tutor geared for Accuplacer assistance only! :-)  He is available every day during certain hours at a time.  
3) Learning Communities.  These allow you to take two "joined" classes (usually one remedial and one academic course) together with similar topic assignments. One that is pending for future semesters is WRIT 0100 and ENGL 1301...which benefits a student because you typically need WRIT 0200 completed before taking ENGL 1301.  

No matter how you go about it...please be sure to speak to an Advisor...they will be able to help you see any other obstacles or options in your future! 

UTB Courses at TSTC - Spring 2011

Doodle

Complete your bachelor’s right in Harlingen with UTB/TSC Off-Campus Teaching Site. By combining online classes with videoconferencing and in-person classes at the TSTC Harlingen campus, UTB/TSC brings higher education to you.

 

TSTC CREDITS TRANSFER
Seamlessly transfer your TSTC credits to UTB/TSC, helping you finish your bachelor’s and advance your career in less time.

 

COURSES OFFERED THIS SPRING 2011

ACCT-3324-85

Cost Management

BLAW-3337-89

Business Law I

BMIS-3351-89

Information Systems in Organizations

COUN-6310-61

Introduction to Guidance and Counseling

COUN-6313-61

Personal Growth

CRIJ-1310-85

Criminal Law

EDCI-4324-64

Designing Instruction & Assessment to Promote Student Learning

EDCI-4325-64

Implementing Responsive Instruction and Assessment

EDCI-6300-64

Introduction to Research

EDCI-6331-60

The Curriculum in the Secondary School

EDCI-6348-61

Science Education Project

EDUC-1301-66

Introduction to the Teaching Profession

EDUC-2301-64

Introduction of Special Programs

GEOG-3320-03

Cultural Geography for Educators I

INTL-3392-89

Supply Chain Management

MANA-3361-85

Principles of Management

MANA-3362-83

Human Resource Management

MANA-3363-89

Operations Management

MANA-4352-89

Business and Society

MANA-4366-89

Small Business Management

MARK-3371-83

Principles of Marketing

PSYC-3324-83

Health Psychology

SOCI-3364-01

Minorities

SOCI-4325-85

Population and Migration

SOCW-2361-02

Introduction to Social Welfare

SOCW-2362-02

Social Welfare Institution and Legislation

 

SAME EDUCATION, SAME SUPPORT

Through innovative technology, UTB/TSC brings you the same high-quality education traditional students get:

• Accredited degrees and programs

• Scholarships and financial aid

• Professional faculty

• Tutoring and advising

• Library services

 

CONVENIENT & AFFORDABLE

With convenient schedules and several off-campus locations — and among the lowest tuition in the world-renowned University of Texas System — your degree is in reach. At UTB/TSC, knowledge knows no boundaries.

 

REGISTRATION UNDER WAY

Cledia Hernandez:

(956) 882-4168

(956) 882-4148

cledia.hernandez@utb.edu

www.utb.edu/ocu

3 Services EVERY student should know...

Being a college student is somewhat hectic.  Having to jumble a full course load, homework, a job or two and possibly children is not the easiest set of tasks to do simultaneously.  I've put together THREE web 2.0 technologies that may possibly ease your burden. I've personally used them and recommend them. 

1.  Jott.com - Assistant Features
  
 - This service was an excellent help while in school and while managing work.  When I first started using this service, it was free. Unfortunately, the service is now $3.99 a month. I still use it because it has come in handy MANY times.  

   - With Jott, you can capture quick thoughts...quickly...just by using your phone. You can call, text or email "notes" to your Jott account where they are then sent to your email inbox.  You can call Jott and "Jott a note". From there, your message is transcribed and converted to text, then sent to your email address on file.  

   - It was great for setting up reminders about test dates, birthdays, random thoughts and even emailing the professor.  

   - Jott is also compatible with many Web 2.0 social sites such as Google Cal, Remember the Milk, Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, etc., so you can post status updates or add calendar events from this ONE service. 

While you are at it, you can create lists and add to them whenever you recall something that should be on it. 
EXAMPLE: I have a list called "Store".  Whenever an item I need to get from the store crosses my mind, I "jott" it using the Jott.com service.  It is then added to my "Store" list and I am able to get that list text'd to me or emailed to me when I actually go to the store. Now...THAT's convenience. 

If you get interested in it, let me know and I'll send you a coupon code for a free month of service. 

2.  ScanMyEssay.com - VIPER Anti-plagiarism Scanner  (FREE)

   - Easy, accurate...FREE. 

   - This downloadable program scans your computer and the internet, then compares them with your essay to make sure you can't get busted on plagiarism.  It will scan other essays on your computer, published essays on the internet and bring up a highlighted side-by-side comparison of items that look similar.  

    - I'm sure you can see the benefits to this. No further explanation needed. 

3.  FreeFileConvert - File Conversion (FREE)

   - If you have ever come into the situation where you need to convert your Microsoft Word Document into a PDF, but just didn't know how...this site is for you.  You can thank me later. 

   - Simply goto the site, upload your file...choose the format you need it converted to (i.e., docx, pdf, jpg, etc.) then click "convert".  Badda-bing badda-boom.  

These three sites will be life-savers sooner or later if you use them correctly.  For extra tips and tricks or to ask specific questions...respond to this post or email me.  I also have videos up on various topics that may help you out. 

Don't BUY it...RENT it instead!

Did you know that the average student will spend over $500 per term buying textbooks? Seems like an awful lot of money to buy textbooks that often get opened one time, right? Well, with Chegg, you will save hundreds!

So stop wasting your money and start renting from Chegg.  I’m on the bandwagon and I’ve saved enough to buy all my term papers!  Not really, but I have saved some serious cash by Chegging my books.  I have a promo code that will save you an additional 5% off your total order, useCC107728.

Want proof?

Essential Biology by Campbell, Reece & Simon is $83.18 if you buy it on Amazon.com.  If you rent it on Chegg.com, it’s only $11.78.  That’s a savings of over $71!

It’s so simple, just search for the books you need and place your order.  Chegg will ship them to you fast and at the end of the term you ship them back for free.  What’s really cool is that they plant a tree for every order (for all you tree-huggers out there).

Don’t forget to visit Chegg.com and use 

promo code CC107728.


--
Joshua Hernandez
" if you can't solve a problem...You're probably playing by the rules."

A little chat with UTB's Transcript Evaluator...

Aviary_utb-edu_picture_1

The University of Texas at Brownsville exposes the truth behind the mystery that is "transcript evaluation".  An interview with one of three transcript evaluators currently working at UTB/TSC lead me to answers I (and every other student) have been searching for since our inception to higher learning. 

I started off slow, with some general questioning before tackling the major issues.  Here's the noted version...

How long does it take for a transcript to reach you personally (minus mail carrier time)?

 - Bottom line, it can be anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks honestly. Once the transcript is received at the Admissions Office, it is processed by student workers who place the transcript information into a system, then it is passed over to an actual evaluator.

 

What do you do with it once it reaches your hands? How do you evaluate it?

 - I immediately input the grades for common courses into Datatel. Typically, transcripts from local RGV colleges are quickly placed into the database since their academic core courses will transfer over. When I receive transcripts from other colleges outside the RGV or the state, I first

  1. Check accreditation of that college
  2. Research descriptions of courses that may transfer in

As you can imagine, this may take a while so we generally leave outside (the RGV) colleges for last.

Courses that absolutely do NOT transfer are remedials, certificate of completions, academies (Police Academy, etc.) or Graduate Study courses.

How does that work? Is there a rubric you use or point system to determine what courses are "worthy of transfer"?

 - Honestly, it is technically up to each of our opinions. A bit of power on our side I suppose. I check for matching course descriptions, but generally I  don't evaluate every course unless the student asks.

 

Alright, KINE courses...spill it.

 - I will generally give transfer credit into the college for any KINE course that involves a physical activity (even the online versions) except for KINE 1301. As far as KINE 1301 goes...if you took that course on or before Fall 2009, we will take it...if you took it Spring 2010 and on, we won't.

 

How do you handle Foriegn Universities?

 - That's a horse of a different color...for another conversation. 

 

Very well.

 

After that conversation, we decided to have a few follow up interviews in the future to dig more in depth on transfer questions.  I'll be out for a month on military training, but rest assured, I will be tackling this upon my arrival.  If you have specific questions you'd like answered, this is your chance.  Leave them in the comment section for me. 

Don't forget to "like" us at Facebook.com/TSTCgst

 

 

 

 

 

Education's version of Facebook...

A report in eSchool News documents the combination of learning and social networking by dissecting a new social site, Grockit.  This site is eventually going to be geared toward creating a "collaborative learning space online where students can help one another solve homework problems and study". 

Doodle

I could personally see how that would work, so long as there are students in your region using this site.  There wouldn't be too much use for it if there is nobody in your area utilizing the service.  Ideally though, you'd be able to access your peer's homework assignments 24/7. The enticing aspect is that a student can receive aid and advice from peers - instantly.  Since Grockit is an altered social networking platform, those individuals participating in the community will be graded and rated by their peers for integrity and service...much like eBay.  

At the moment, Grockit only serves grades 8-12 (Math and English) and Test Prep for the SAT, ACT, GRE and GMAT.  I've registered an account at www.grockit.com to explore the service more in depth.  So far...I've been impressed by how they go about analyzing your strengths and weaknesses. You start off by creating a profile and taking some exams depending on what service you will be using (GRE, SAT, etc).  These exams will test your Verbal, Quantitative and other skills. From then on, it is up to you to take Lessons to work with instructors in group classes and one-on-one, partake in a Group Study where you can chat live with other students, exchange tips, and learn by teaching, or Practice Solo and focus on areas all on your own.   

Of course..everything comes with a price...so in that aspect, it really isn't anything like Facebook...

BEWARE! 

The "Introductory" plan is free...which comes with unlimited Group Study Questions, 20 solo questions, etc...you don't get progress reports or performance reports.  The online personalized tutoring is a "pay as you go" plan..with is pretty pricey, $50 an hour for the GRE section! 

The "Standard", "Tutoring" and "Course" plans range from $79.99 to $399.99 one-time fee for a year's membership.  

My Opinion:

The site seems to be well thought out but over all projects the "I'm here to make money" vibe.  E-learning is relatively new and many studies are being conducted on the pros/cons of e-learning and social groups.  The concept rocks; the "business" side doesn't. 

 As it stands, I'd recommend using Grockit for the free "Introductory" offer to see where you may need some improvement on your skills then find other means of studying...BUT the product is there if you want it. 

Another University program available on TSTC Harlingen's Campus!

Times...they are a-changin'. 

Earlier I announced some specifics for the University of Texas at Brownsville's BA of Business Administration in Management to be housed on Texas State Technical College Harlingen's campus this Fall 2010.  There are a few colleges and universities that have already begun to implement a pathway to their bachelor degree(s) and Graduate programs without the inconvenience of leaving the Rio Grande Valley.  
Welcome Our Lady of the Lake University - San Antonio! 
Our Lady of the Lake University started with the implementation of a local graduate program, the Doctoral Degree in Leadership Studies program, that proved to be a hit.  They now have plans to introduce a Bachelor of Applied Studies in Computer Information Systems and Security (which is certified by the National Security Agency) at TSTC Harlingen.  This program is offered through OLLU's Weekend College Program and will meet eight times per semester which comes out to be every other Saturday and housed here in Harlingen.  According to Charles Puente, the Program Management and Advisor for Our Lady of the Lake University San Antonio Weekend College, students with an Associate in Applied Science technical field will receive approximately 54 to 60 credits toward their Bachelor degree!  That's practically two years worth of credits.  
Of course, the total amount of courses that transfer over depend on your associate degree field. Professor Ahlberg, the Department Chair of the BAS.CISS program, tells me that the TSTC program with the most transferable courses is the Computer Networking and Security Technology (CNST) with a total of 60 transferable credits (including the Academic Core).  
So far, the breakdown of courses available only extends to Fall of 2010.  A cohort of 15 students must be established before OLLU can continue the planning process for the remaining semesters.  Professor Ahlberg explained a portion of it to me earlier today.  Students who participate in this program can expect to receive 6 courses per year for an average of 3 years.  Granted, this is a slower process than the traditional amount of time for a Bachelor degree BUT what one sacrifices in time, one makes up for in convenience.  After you complete your academic core, and transfer over your associate degree credits, the average student will be looking at approximately 22 courses left (which is 1/2 the battle for a bachelor degree).  
I'm still doing some more research into it in order to provide everyone with a transfer equivalency chart. This will allow us to see exactly what we have to play with. In the meantime, I welcome any questions you may have.  
Our Lady of the Lake University Department Chair and advisors will be on campus to answer questions regarding their program on:
Wednesday, June 16
1 - 6 PM
Building "S" - 122

Thursday, June 17
10 AM - 3 PM
Building "S" - 122
To RSVP for the event/forum...please follow this link.
For a list of degrees offered from OLLU at TSTC or OLLU online...please follow this link. 
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