Dr. Garry Ross, the dean of academic and student affairs at TAMUK-System Center-Palo Alto, said that the upcoming Fall 2002 semester will bring changes.
"One important fact students should note is that this Fall we will be offering seven new degree plans in addition to the ones already in place," Ross said.
"Hopefully, this will attract more students, not to mention giving them a wider range of choices. So far, everything is running smoothly, and we hope to continue the trend," Ross said.
The System Center, which opened in the Fall of 2000, currently boasts junior- and senior-level courses toward bachelor’s degrees in Criminology, Education, Business Management, Computer Information Systems and Psychology. Of the degree plans, Education is the most popular, with CIS and Business following. Until recently, Nursing was also offered, but funding for the program fell through and had to be dropped.
From its initial enrollment of 166 students, TAMUK-System Center-Palo Alto has shown steady growth, nearly doubling its student body to 290 in its brief life span. Following the "Pathway Model," the center stays a branch of the lead institution until its enrollment reaches 5,000 students or the equivalent of 3,500 full-time students. Once the target is reached, status as a freestanding institution will be possible.
Students are required to complete 45 hours of freshman-and sophomore-level courses and have a grade point average of 2.0 to enroll. All TASP requirements must also be met.
Students wishing to enroll may register in person at the office in the Palo Alto College Student Center, Room 101, or via the web. Computers are available in the System Center Office for web registration. Web registration is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until the first class day of the semester. The format is similar to the one currently used to enroll at other ACCD establishments.
Contrary to popular belief, the System Center is not for Palo Alto students alone. The university permits all students to transfer lower-level courses from a community college.
Students enrolled at ACCD colleges have the benefit of having all the hours they are currently enrolled in, both at an ACCD school and the System Center, count toward their total semester hours. For instance, if an individual were taking six hours at an ACCD community college and six hours at the university, it would count as 12 hours total, which qualifies them as full-time students and makes financial aid available. A 12-hour course load costs $1133.
Upon graduation, a student’s diploma will read "Texas A&M University-Kingsville" and students will be considered TAMUK graduates.
TAMUK-System Center honored its first graduates at a convocation on Dec. 15 in the Performing Arts Building, Room 100A, at Palo Alto. Approximately 75 people were in attendance to witness seven students honored for their bachelor’s degree; five in Business Administration and two in Applied Arts & Sciences. Dr. Kat Clayton, Interim President of TAMUK, was on hand to congratulate the students and meet with family and friends.
Arnold Magana Jr., a Business major who was one of the seven, is now enrolled at the University of Notre Dame.
"The System Center at Palo Alto provided a great environment. The small class sizes allowed a one-on-one atmosphere with professors," Magana said.
With the growing number of students, faculty size has increased, as well, to 10 full-time professors. Each of the full-time faculty is now required to be an adviser, helping to clarify any questions with course selection and direction. Some miscommunications between counselors and students had arisen; this new policy hopes to improve the situation.
With its foundation established, the System Center has now begun a more aggressive marketing campaign. Advertisements on billboards and on the back of VIA busses help let the community know they are here.
Dr. Tracey Hurley, Assistant Professor of Management, was assigned to head a Marketing Committee for 2001-2002. Frank Sanchez, Enrollment Manager for the System Center, is also part of the committee.
"I don’t feel we marketed enough at the outset, but now we have a direction," Sanchez said. "Along with the current advertising campaign we have other ideas to help promote TAMUK-System Center, such as a tentative book fair with Barnes and Noble."
Sanchez, a former Palo Alto student himself, is responsible for Student Affairs, helping with registration, course selection and financial aid.
For more information, call (toll free) (877) 593-2733 or (210) 921-5488 or e-mail tamuk_system_center@tamuk.edu