SAN JACINTO COLLEGE WWW.SANJAC.EDU

Registration for 2 spring 2019 open

Students reveal 3 New Year’s resolutions

Mentoring aids 4 students’ success

SANJAC.EDU ChRONiCLE CUSTOM ADVERTiSiNG SECTiON SUNDAy, JANUARy 6, 2019 2 <<< Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section | Opportunity News | Sunday | January 6, 2019 sanjac.edu News frOm YOur COllege

Registration open for accomplish the goal of completing a degree eternal search for knowledge and progress. This award is in recognition of Principle or certificate at San Jacinto College. The College held a mace retirement 2, based on the College’s exceptional efforts spring 2019 semester McGee also included symbolic elements ceremony in August 2018, retiring the in developing math pathways according to such as the four-sided San Jacinto College Registration is open now through previous College maces that represented the the Dana Center Mathematics Pathways’ Monument Star to represent our place in four principles of math pathways-based Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019 for all students Central, North, and South Campuses. history, and the flame which stands for the college programs: enrolling in the spring 2019 semester. 1. Multiple pathways with relevant and For more information, visit a San Jacinto College named challenging mathematics content aligned to College campus admissions office or specific fields ofy, stud sanjac.edu. 2018 Math Pathways Award recipient 2. Acceleration that allows students to complete a college-level math course New commencement San Jacinto College was named a 2018 more quickly than in the traditional mace makes official Math Pathways Exemplar Award recipient, developmental math sequence, presented by the Association of 3. Intentional use of strategies to help debut at winter Community Colleges (TACC), the Texas students develop skills as learners, and ceremony Success Center (TSC), and the Dana Center 4. Curriculum design and pedagogy based Mathematics Pathways (DCMP) at the 2018 on proven practice. Students, faculty, staff and attendees Texas Pathways Institute in Dallas on The other Texas community colleges at San Jacinto College’s 2018 winter Nov. 14. selected as 2018 Math Pathways Exemplars commencement ceremony at Minute Maid Chosen among 38 Texas community are: (Overall Exemplar); Park were able to see the College’s new colleges, the award recognizes the College’s (Principle 1); McLennan commencement mace make its official work in developing and implementing co- Community College (Principle 3); and debut. requisite math courses, combining college (Principle 4). Jeff McGee, San Jacinto College South preparatory and college-level math into Campus fine arts department chair, one course, and its continued efforts to constructed the mace completely by hand. strategically align specific math courses Inspired by the College’s values: Integrity, with the student’s chosen degree pathway Excellence, Accountability, Innovation, that provide them with the necessary Sense of Community, Student Success, math skills for that career field. This Diversity, and Collaboration, McGee’s allows students to complete their math manipulation of the hand-wrought metal requirements earlier, ultimately saving and wood construction reflect the grit, Photo courtesy of Andrea Vasquez, San Jacinto College them time and money in completing their determination, and flexibility needed to The College’s new commencement mace associate degree or technical certificate. Photo courtesy of Andrea Vasquez, San Jacinto College STUDENT SUCCESS CENTERS OFFER ACADEMIC DIRECTION

By Cheryl P. Rose “San Jacinto College is very big center alone provides 14,000- CORRESPONDENT on student success, and having 16,000 tutoring visits per tutoring available is an essential semester, involving about 5,000 Do you want to increase your component of that success,” students. GPA? Statistics show that San Shokralla said. “Generally, we see more students Students come for tutoring coming in before tests, midterms Jacinto College students who voluntarily. Shokralla said some and finals,” Shokralla said. “We continuously attended 15 or more students will come for something hold a huge Finals Frenzy event tutoring sessions did just that, specific or for a tune-up, and some each semester where we extend according to Diana Shokralla, come consistently. Many students our hours and provide snacks and director of the San Jacinto College report to the Student Success coffee.” Photo courtesy of Andrea Vasquez, San Jacinto College South Campus Student Success San Jacinto College’s Student Success Centers provide free tutoring for students in Center on the first yda of class, Math tutoring is most requested a number of subjects. In addition to peer tutors, some faculty also volunteer at the Center. And even better, tutoring is opting to utilize the free service by students, followed by sciences centers as tutors. free for enrolled students. immediately. The South Campus Student Success continued on page 7 sanjac.edu Sunday | January 6, 2019 | Opportunity News | Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section >>> 3 2019: STUDENTS, STAff LOOK TO NEW yEAR, ShARE RESOLUTiONS

Lynn Hernandez: My New Year’s Lizandie De Jesus: I want to become Jesus De Leon: My New Year’s Elisandra Garcia: This year, I’d like to resolution is to stop procrastinating and totally in control of my life. Right now, resolution is to score As in my classes improve myself and help others improve learn time management. I’d like to balance I’m still transitioning from high school this semester and next semester, then to as well. I want to learn skills to enhance to college and I am trying to spread my graduate with a high GPA.– De Leon is a my personal and professional life, and my two jobs and school better.I need to wings. Being my true, authentic self and part-time administrative assistant at the also to overcome my insecurities. – accomplish the impossible. – Hernandez is being free are my goals. – De Jesus is a student engagement and activities office Garcia is an accounting major and a mathematics major at San Jacinto College psychology major at San Jacinto College on the San Jacinto College Central Campus student government president at Central Campus. Central Campus. and a student. San Jacinto College North Campus.

Photo courtesy of Melissa Trevizo, San Jacinto College Photo courtesy of Melissa Trevizo, San Jacinto College Photo courtesy of Melissa Trevizo, San Jacinto College Photo courtesy of Melissa Trevizo, San Jacinto College Bradly Brown: I don’t really do New Year’s Brian Bui: I recently moved to downtown resolutions, but I do have a tradition of re- Houston from Friendswood. This year,I reading Woody Guthrie’s New Year’s Rulin’s would like to explore the city and get to every year.Guthrie has always been a big know it better. I’m excited to try new things SPRING influence on me and his list is amazing. The33 items include reminders such as learn people and expand beyond just work and home. better, change socks, don’t get lonesome, and Finding a better work/life balance is going CLASSES wake up and fight. The list always makes me to be my goal. – Bui is the coordinator of BEGIN smile and reminds me of what is important. – student engagement and activities at San Brown is an art professor and gallery curator Jacinto College North Campus. for San Jacinto College South Campus. JAN.14

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CENTRAL CAMPUS SOUTH CAMPUS 8060 SPENCER HWY. 13735 BEAMER ROAD PASADENA, TEXAS 77505 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77089 NORTH CAMPUS MARITIME CAMPUS 5800 UVALDE ROAD 3700 OLD HWY. 146 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77049 LA PORTE, TEXAS 77571

281-998-6150 | sanjac.edu

The San Jacinto College District is committed to equal opportunity for all students, employees and applicants without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, pregnancy, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, genetic information, marital status or veteran status in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. The following College official has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the College’s non-discrimination policies: Vice President of Human Resources, 4620 Fairmont Pkwy., Pasadena, TX 77504; 281-991-2659; [email protected]. Photo courtesy of Bradly Brown Photo courtesy of Melissa Trevizo, San Jacinto College 4 <<< Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section | Opportunity News | Sunday | January 6, 2019 sanjac.edu

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Photo courtesy of San Jacinto College Two of San Jacinto College’s mentoring programs are the Men of Honor and Women of Integrity programs. Students are matched with faculty and staff mentors to guide them through academic and personal challenges and successes. Both programs hold meetings and various events throughout the semester such as canned food drives, clothing drives and giveaways, student conferences, and guest speakers. Mentoring MAkeS A differenCe in StudentS’ SuCCeSS

By Cheryl P. Rose members as mentors, offering guidance, collaborated with licensed professional semester showed an improved success rate CORRESPONDENT encouragement, and support. The Men of counselors to organize a group meeting of 10 percent. However, if they attended Honor program soon gained traction and around the topic of domestic violence. both sessions, their success rate jumped to National statistics show that students became a funded department with groups on Based on tracking data, the programs are 50 percent. who have a mentor tend to do better each campus by 2013. At that time, female having an impact. “Having someone to talk to and a resource in school and to make it through to faculty and staff volunteers rallied to create “We’ve seen that students who stay with for discussing issues is powerful,”Goosen graduation. January is National Mentoring a sister program, Women of Integrity, also the program from semester to semester said. “We don’t know when students will Month, a celebration of volunteers and an available on all campuses. Though both show an increase in obtaining their degrees give up, so it is important to have assistance programs target minorities, all students are and credentials and have a half to whole encouragement for people to seek out these in place where they feel comfortable welcome to join. point boost in GPA,” Lamar McWaine, relationships. sharing whatever struggles and challenges At Men of Honor/Women of Integrity interim director of diverse populations at In 2009, volunteer leaders at San Jacinto they have. As faculty and mentors, we also meetings, mentors lead discussions on topics San Jacinto College. need to be careful about assuming we know Community College recognized the need such as study skills, time management, Connection is the key, according to what students need, but discover what they for mentors, as many of their students financial literacy, money management, Rebecca Goosen, associate vice chancellor didn’t have family role models as manners and etiquette. The group is of college preparatory at San Jacinto actually need by listening and empathy. first-generation college students.y The also a social network and a safe place for College. Pulling one subset of data as an Then we can offer possible solutions or ask started the Men of Honor program on the honest talk about questions and challenges example, she noted that African-American powerful questions and let them find the College’s North Campus to connect male in or outside of school. For example, at male students who attended one of two answers for themselves and discover what minority students with faculty and staff the request of students in 2018, leaders faculty advising sessions offered each they can do.” sanjac.edu Sunday | January 6, 2019 | Opportunity News | Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section >>> 5

sTuDeNT sPOTlIgHT AMBASSADOR WELCOMES NEW STUDENTS

By Cheryl P. Rose but I also was shy about asking questions, CORRESPONDENT especially of strangers. This role helped me be aware that the answers are out Guillermo Vaquero is excited to be there, but you have to ask and meet people in his final semester of the San Jacinto who can help and network. It’s helped College Physical Therapy Assistant me be a better public speaker and how Program. And although he will be to work with different personalities with moving on from college to a career compassion. That’s something I believe in the medical industry, he leaves a will help me in my career in physical legacy behind as one of the first faces therapy. to welcome new students as a student ambassador. Q: As an ambassador, are you famous? Q: What does your job as an A: I do get recognized. I’ll give tours to ambassador include? students in the summer and then that fall A: I work with people interested they will see me on campus and remember in attending San Jacinto College by me as their guide. It’s nice to know you giving tours, answering questions, and helped a student out and that he or she helping with applications. I work twice remembers you through the process. a week at the computer lab, helping people with the application process, and I give campus tours three to four want to be a times a month during the semester. In san Jac ambassador? summer, I’ve given as many as 30 tours in a week. It’s an opportunity to give Applications for ambassador back to students who are coming into positions will be available this an environment that often scares them. month at campus job fairs and in the College can be intimidating for a lot of Orientation and Campus Tours Office. students, so I try to get them to ask me The job is a paid position. To apply, questions and open up. It’s rewarding. students must have completed at least one semester at San Jacinto College. Q: What does it take to be a Ambassadors participate in training student ambassador? and ongoing weekly meetings. During A: First, you need to be very outgoing student orientation, ambassadors lead and friendly, able to engage people. You’ll be leading groups of people with presentations, ice-breaker activities, different personalities, so you need to and a career-assessment tool. They be able to read the vibe and adjust. You take small groups on campus tours also need to study the manual because and respond to questions. you will get a lot of questions about More information everything from financial aid to classes. Central Campus: You’ll learn how to cope with situations, such as students who are distracting [email protected]; and not paying attention. Everyone in 281-998-6150, ext. 1563 your tour group is depending on you as North Campus: the leader to keep it on time and to keep [email protected]; the distractors in line. 281-998-6150, ext. 2302 South Campus: Q: What have you gained from the [email protected]; Photo courtesy of Andrea Vasquez, San Jacinto College experience? 281-998-6150, ext. 3855 San Jacinto College student ambassador and physical therapy assistant student Guillermo Vaquero A: I’ve always been a friendly person, 6 <<< Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section | Opportunity News | Sunday | January 6, 2019 sanjac.edu

THIS MONTH IN SOCIAL MEDIA

2 Central Campus eye care technology students participating  in See to Succeed.

Scholarship winners receive recognition at the College’s 1  Veterans Day  events.  4

Students strike a pose before the Central Campus Masquerade  Ball hosted by PTK.  

Ayanna Nguyen (@abxrry) perfectly captures the evening  light on South Campus. 3 5

Assistants at the South Campus Gallery  unbox artifacts for an upcoming exhibit.

North Campus culinary students present their baked 6  goods at a student event.

The San Jac softball team takes a break after volunteering with  the Houston Food Bank.

The education technology department 7 8 shows off its holiday decorations. sanjac.edu | 281-998-6150  An Equal Opportunity Institution sanjac.edu Sunday | January 6, 2019 | Opportunity News | Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section >>> 7 New facility for petrochemical educatioN set to opeN this year

By Cheryl P. Rose electrical, health/safety/environmental, 10 years. We will be building the workforce CORRESPONDENT and nondestructive testing—will already central campus of the future here.” be taking classes in the uniquely designed cpeT facts The customized labs and simulation The first students will attend class at building. equipment will also be ideal for training Grand opening: Sept. 19, 2019 the new San Jacinto College Center for Griffin confirmed construction is65 existing workers to advance their skills, size: Approx. 155,000 square feet Petrochemical, Energy and Technology at the percent complete and on schedule. When Griffin said. Local industry is enthusiastic certificate, degree programs College’s Central Campus in August this year. finished, thew ne center will be the largest about having a resource for their employees • Process technology The new facility, a project four years in the building on any of San Jacinto College’s four to take on higher skilled positions through • Instrument technology planning, will be a showpiece for industrial campuses at 155,000 square feet on 18 acres. noncredit training programs, he said. • Electrical education related to the petrochemical The $67-million project is also on budget, Interest in petrochemical careers has • Health/safety/environmental industry, according to Jim Griffin, senior vice Griffin said, with substantialv in estment been high, and Griffin said studentse ar president of energy and petrochemicals at from local industries. The facility will have • Nondestructive testing anticipating the opening of the building. San Jacinto College. 32 custom laboratories, an exterior glycol continuing and professional “Students are very excited about this Construction of the center began in distillation unit, and a multifunctional glass development (cpd) courses new center, because they see the significant September 2017, and the grand opening pilot lab. • Maintenance investment and connection between event will be Sept. 19, 2019, timed to The planning process for the new facility • Millwright San Jacinto College and all these major coincide with the Gulf Coast Industry Forum was the most collaborative effort he’s ever companies with global footprints, companies hosted across the street at the Pasadena experienced, Griffin said, referencing the world, proudly representing Houston as the that are recruiting our students and sharing Convention Center. willingness of industries to not only donate energy capital of the world,”Griffin said. opportunities in these careers,” he said. Meanwhile, approximately 2,400 students but to roll up their sleeves to help create a “We will not only have the most advanced For photos of the project, enrolled in five credit programs – process visionary education center. current technology, but a lot of thought has go to https://www.flickr.com/photos/ technology, instrument technology, “We believe there is nothing like it in the gone into what operations will be like in sanjacintocollege/sets/72157698277575321.

Student Success from page 2 Study groups are popular for topics where memorization is “These sessions are open to anyone who wants to practice and English. Depending on the need, there can also be important, such as biology and chemistry, Shokralla said. their English conversation skills, including community tutors available for topics such as geology or psychology, In a new initiative this year at the South Campus members.” or technical programs such as HVAC, Shokralla said. Student Success Center, the center is hosting an English No appointments are necessary for tutoring or the The tutors vary from semester to semester, as many are language conversation hour several times a week for conversation hour, Shokralla said. Tutoring hours are fellow San Jacinto College students who have become people wanting to practice their language fluency. A tutor from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on peer-certified as tutors through the College Reading and hosts the session and is there to answer questions. Saturdays. There are always math and English tutors Learning Association. “The conversation hours have been well-attended, with available, but students should check the website for other Students also can find community in tutoring groups. four to 10 students at every meeting,” Shokralla said. subjects as the schedule changes each semester.

SaN Jac HappeNiNgS

Date event time Site Jan. 8 Meningitis vaccinations 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Central C1.150; North N6.108; South S6.152 Jan. 14 Spring 2019 classes begin All campuses and online courses Jan. 21 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No classes held All campuses and online courses Jan. 22 Meningitis vaccinations 2 – 6 p.m. Central C1.110; North N6.108; South S6.194 Jan. 25-27 Texas Community College Forensics Association tournament TBD San Jacinto College North Campus, Building 1 Jan. 28 Take 2 classes begin All campuses and online courses Feb. 1 Pasadena ISD regional science fair TBD Central Campus, Building 19 Feb. 8-9 San Jac Softball Tournament TBD South Campus softball field; sanjacsports.com for schedule All times and event schedules listed are subject to change. For more information, visit sanjac.edu. 8 <<< Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section | Opportunity News | Sunday | January 6, 2019 sanjac.edu YOur gOAls. YOur COllege.

VIsION & mIssION Vision — San Jacinto College will be the leader in educational excellence and in the achieve- ment of equity among diverse populations. We will empower students to achieve their goals, redefine their expectations and encourage their exploration of new opportunities. Our passions are people, learning, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Mission — Our mission is to ensure student success, create seamless transitions and enrich the quality of life in the communities we serve.

suPPOrT sTuDeNT A gift to the San Jacinto College Foundation transforms lives, enriches our community and suCCess provides tomorrow’s community leaders. For more than 20 years, the Foundation has helped thousands of students reach their goals. Our former students and graduates have filled vital roles in hospitals, classrooms, executive offices, manufacturing plants, and laboratories across our region and beyond. They have also won NORTH CAMPUS the World Series, NBA championships, starred 5800 Uvalde Rd., Houston, TX 77049 in major motion pictures and created major theatrical productions. Help our students today with the gift of education. Contact the San CENTRAL CAMPUS Jacinto College Foundation at 281-998-6104 or 8060 Spencer Hwy., Pasadena, TX 77505 sanjac.edu/foundation. SOUTH CAMPUS 13735 Beamer Rd., Houston, TX 77089 COmmuNITY Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, ImPACT and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto MARITIME CAMPUS College has served the citizens of East Harris 3700 Old Hwy. 146, La Porte, TX 77571 County, Texas, since 1961. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA ONLINE and Aa2 by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s. sanjac.edu San Jacinto College is a 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence Top 10 institution, a 2017 Aspen Prize Rising JOIN SAN JACINTO COLLEGE Star Award recipient and an Achieving the IN ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE IN Dream Leader College. The College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit HIGHER EDUCATION. students annually, and offers eight areas FIND YOUR NEXTCAREER AT of study that puts students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the WWW.SANJAC.EDU • 281.998.6150 workforce. San Jacinto College’s impact on the region totals $1.3 billion in added income, Connect with us on which supports 13,044 jobs.

An Equal Opportunity Institution