Payment arrangements must be made before Monday, Dec. 2

Students who have not made payment arrangements will be dropped from spring classes they have registered for on Monday, Dec. 2.

According to SWTJC Registrar Luis Fernandez, a total of 2,126 students had enrolled for spring classes as of Monday, Nov. 25.

"We will run a drop list on Monday morning (Dec. 2) and all students who are registered but haven't made payment arrangements will have to re-register starting on Tuesday, Dec. 3," Fernandez said.

Students have today (Nov. 25) and tomorrow (Nov. 26) to visit with an advisor and make payment arrangements in the business office. They can also sign up for a payment plan online through the Thanksgiving break.

Phi Theta Kappa holds fall induction in Uvalde

The Eta Beta Chapter of the international honor society Phi Theta Kappa inducted 35 new members during ceremonies held Nov. 7 on the SWTJC Uvalde campus. GROUP PHOTO

SWTJC President Dr. Hector Gonzales, a past member of the Eta Beta Chapter, welcomed guests and congratulated this year's inductees.

"This is the best part of my job, getting to recognize our top students," Gonzales said. "These are the leaders on this campus and the leaders of tomorrow."

Noting that the Eta Beta Chapter is consistently one of the top chapters in the state and nation, Gonzales urged the newest group of members to take full advantage of their membership in the only international honor society for two-year colleges.

"Be an active member and get involved in all the various projects and leadership opportunities PTK offers," Gonzales said. "This is a great opportunity to augment your education and career."

Uvalde students inducted include Teresa Aviles, Donna Casey, Kristen Castro, Taylor Dean, Nataly Hernandez, Pedro Navarro, Arianne Penalosa and Shelby Robles.

Nine students from Crystal City were inducted including Cresencio Adame IV, Oscar Balderas, Felix Benavides, Ashley Campos, Emily Cruz, Anita Flores, Christian Guzman, Katherine Perez and Sarah Sanchez.

Carrizo Springs students earning membership were Victoria Chavez, Alexander Doria, Cecilia Garcia and John Slack.

Devine students inducted this fall were Dayleene Alanis, Karina Gonzalez, Alysssa Ornelas, Cynthia Ramirez and Kyle Saathoff.

Sabinal students in the fall 2013 Eta Beta Chapter class were Alisha Contreras and Mario Perez.

Pearsall students earning membership included Johanna Longoria and Robyn Moses.

Others area students inducted this fall include: Crystal Littleton, Knippa; Katrina Martinez, Dilley; Kirsten Murray, Castroville; and Connie Sambrano, La Pryor.

Current Eta Beta Chapter officers Anisha Hindocha, Cassandra Canales, George Melchor, Jr., and Sanette Bermudez conducted the ceremony. Texas regional Phi Theta Kappa president Joanna Anderson from Austin Community College was also on hand to welcome the new members.

Chapter advisors for the Eta Beta Chapter were also in attendance including Barbara Blair, Rick Jones and David Burchfield.

To earn membership in Phi Theta Kappa, students must have completed at least 12 semester hours with at least a 3.5 GPA. Students must also be currently enrolled in at least six hours and maintain a 3.0 GPA to remain members in good standing.

Andrew Humphrey was pianist for the ceremony and a reception for inductees and their families was held immediately following the ceremony.

Agreement expands educational opportunities for area nurses

Registered nurses across Southwest Texas who would like to expand their educational and career opportunities will soon have that option, with the signing of an agreement between Sul Ross State University – Rio Grande College and Southwest Texas Junior College.

Dr. Ricardo Maestas, president of Sul Ross State University and Dr. Hector Gonzales, president of SWTJC, (pictured on the left) signed an agreement on Oct. 31, that finalizes an RN to BSN completion program between the two institutions.

Beginning in the fall 2014 semester, registered nurses (RNs) licensed to practice in Texas may enroll in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) completion program through Sul Ross – Rio Grande College.

Classes will meet using online instruction, video conferencing and scheduled times with faculty. Courses are designed to accommodate schedules of busy adults and will be offered to both full and part-time students.

The RN to BSN completion program offers students the opportunity to gain a broader understanding of their profession and will prepare them to take on leadership roles on their respective healthcare teams. Finishing a BSN also provides a natural progression for nurses interested in advance practice or administration, as well as for those who want to attend graduate school.

Dr. Geraldine Goosen, director of the associate degree nursing program at SWTJC, will also serve as director of the new BSN program. "This program offers a wonderful opportunity for our nurses in the area by giving them the option of pursuing their professional goals close to home," Dr. Goosen said.

Dr. Paul Sorrels, associate provost/dean at Rio Grande College, said the new program shows how collaborations between RGC and SWTJC continue to have a positive effect on the region.
"Sul Ross – Rio Grande College is excited to be able to enter the health care educational arena. SWTJC has offered nursing programs for years and to now partner with them to help address the critical nursing shortage in our region is a very positive development," Dr. Sorrels said.